Mandaluyong City, Philippines – The highly anticipated Philippine Book Festival (PBF) 2025 officially opened its doors today, March 13, at the Megatrade Hall in SM Megamall. The country’s premier all-Filipino book fair is bringing together authors, artists, and publishers for a four-day celebration of literature, culture, and creativity.
The festival was launched with a special ceremony titled Fiesta Simula, featuring dramatic readings, musical performances, and inspiring messages from leaders in publishing, education, and the arts. Among the notable attendees were National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario and National Artist for Film & Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee. Officials from the Department of Education (DepEd) and the National Book Development Board (NBDB), led by Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade, also graced the event.
A Fiesta of Stories and Culture
This year, the PBF is embracing a vibrant fiesta theme, incorporating elements from beloved Filipino festivals. The event showcases thousands of books, literary exhibits, and interactive spaces such as the Pakyawaan Plaza, which features a Pahiyas Festival-inspired bahay kubo and a live mural. Children’s book artists Juno Abreu, Pepot Atienza, Danielle Florendo, and Paul Eric Roca contributed to the festival’s unique visual experience.
Beyond the festivities, the PBF continues its mission to promote Filipino-authored books by offering exclusive discounts and expanding access to literature across the country. The event also serves as a major platform for book distribution, particularly to schools and libraries.
A Major Boost for Philippine Education
In a significant development, Aquino-Tugade and the PBF team welcomed over 650 DepEd teachers to facilitate the purchase of ₱2.4 billion worth of books for public schools and libraries nationwide. Since its inception in 2023, the PBF has been instrumental in addressing the lack of access to locally authored books, helping distribute millions of Philippine-published titles from Batanes to Jolo.
“We’re not just focusing on numbers. We’re ensuring that the books reaching students truly match their needs and reflect their realities,” Aquino-Tugade emphasized. She highlighted ongoing training for DepEd teachers, shifting book selection from a technical process to one rooted in imagination and empathy.
“The PBF reminds everyone in the book industry and education sector that it’s never too late to change the statistics and misconceptions about Filipino readership,” she added.
The Philippine Book Festival 2025 runs from March 13 to March 16, with free entrance for all attendees.