The National Book Development Board (NBDB) held its fourth edition of the Philippine Book Festival (PBF) from March 12 to 15 at the Mega Trade Hall of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City. This year’s theme is Gubat ng Karunugan, Rainforest of Knowledge. A hundred and seven exhibitors — comprised of publishers, university presses, and government and cultural institutions — joined forces to offer a diverse selection of Filipino literature for all ages and genres.

The book fest is categorized into four realms. The Kid Lit featured publications that specialize in illustrated books and children’s literature. Aral Aklat is a section for educational publications that offers textbooks and instructional materials designed for learners and teachers. Komiks, on the other hand, highlighted the “visual richness” of Philippine comics, celebrating local illustrators and their graphic storytelling. Lastly, Booktopia, this realm featured the broadest range of fiction and nonfiction books, telling the stories of every Filipino.

Renowned authors and illustrators attended the event, including National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario (Rio Alma) and National Artists for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee and Kidlat Tahimik.

The crowd at the Booktopia section on March 14, (b) Early queue for Sir Ricky Lee’s book signing

Photo of the author with the National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts, Ricky Lee, and a signed copy of the author’s book.

Sir Ricky Lee’s book signing is packed on March 14. The sheer number of readers filled his space at Lugar Lagdaan, forcing organizers to extend the queue outside the Mega Trade Hall. I was among the first in line and had the opportunity to get my book signed. He’s been at the book fest since day one, and yet he still wears his bright and kind smile, which he’s known for, other than his books and screenplays.

Winner and finalists of the 43rd National Book Awards’ Best Book in Spirituality and Theology. Image courtesy of NBDB.

On the third day of the book fest, NBDB also conducted its 43rd National Book Awards ceremony. Dr. Rico Villanueva and Dr. Jayeel Cornelio’s Discipleship For Today’s Filipino: Ang Calling Ng Christian Para Sa Bayan, published by OMF Literature, won the Best Book in Spirituality and Theology. I first met our OMF Literature brothers and sisters in Christ at an event of the Asian Center for Missions. The authors and OMF Literature recognized that the ultimate honor of this victory belongs to the glory of Christ.

I was also delightfully surprised to find a familiar name among the finalists for the Best Book in Spirituality and Theology. Among the titles was Religions, Religious Experiences, and Spirituality (C&E Publishing, Inc.), co-authored by Dr. Genevieve Balance-Kupang and Dr. Victoria D. Corral. Dr. Genevieve was once my mentor and professor at the university.

The last day of the book fest, March 15, was the busiest. This is also the day I met Patricia Evangelista. I shared my brief interaction with her and a few excerpts from her book in this feature: It takes longer to pay the jeepney fare than to kill a man.

“The Filipino creative work deserves a space [that feels alive and made with care and imagination]. Not a corner. Not a footnote. A room of its own, for a few days at a time, for as long as it takes for that to stop being something we have to fight for,” NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade said. The Filipino creatives are more than talented; they are forces of nature that echo the stories of the people. Their diverse literary voices deserve to be heard. Let’s support and celebrate our own Filipino literature.