The National Book Development Board is excitedly preparing for the next leg of the Philippine Book Festival, scheduled to take place from August 18 to 20, 2023, at SMX Davao. The event will run from 10AM to 9PM, offering book enthusiasts and literature lovers a wonderful opportunity to indulge in the world of books, discover new reads, and engage in various literary activities. Mark your calendars and join the literary celebration in Davao!
After its triumphant event in Manila, which saw an impressive turnout of over 40,000 attendees in just three days from June 2 to 4, the Davao book festival is all set to deliver an even more exhilarating experience for its visitors. This upcoming festival promises a plethora of exciting activities, making it the perfect platform to explore new book titles, engage in captivating literary discussions and debates, relish live performances and storytelling sessions, and indulge in some book shopping.
One of the highlights of the festival is the chance for attendees to meet and interact with esteemed local authors and artists who have made a mark in the literary world. This unique opportunity provides book lovers with the chance to connect with the creators behind their favorite works and gain insights into the creative process.
Kajo Baldisimo, renowned for his exceptional artistry in the highly acclaimed komiks series “Trese” published by 19th Avenida, and Candy Gourlay, a talented UK-based Filipina writer with an impressive repertoire of children’s books and young adult novels, will be among the exceptional Filipino talents gracing the Philippine Book Festival in Davao (PBF DVO).
As the creative mind behind “Trese,” Kajo Baldisimo has earned widespread recognition and admiration for his captivating artwork that brings the intriguing world of the series to life. Candy Gourlay, on the other hand, has established herself as an esteemed author, being shortlisted for the prestigious Carnegie Medal and winning the Crystal Kit Prize for her literary contributions.
Esteemed award-winning author and historian Ambeth Ocampo, along with co-authors Rica Peralejo-Bonifacio and Joseph Bonifacio will also be gracing the Davao leg of the Philippine Book Festival, where they will be hosting meet-and-greet sessions and book signings for all the attendees.
Ambeth Ocampo’s contributions to historical literature have earned him numerous accolades, and his insights have shed light on various aspects of Philippine history. Rica Peralejo-Bonifacio and Joseph Bonifacio, as co-authors, have also made significant contributions to the literary world with their works.
Mary Ann Ordinario, a children’s book author, and the proud recipient of the prestigious 2016 Grand Prize in the Samsung KidsTime Award in Singapore for her work “The Crying Trees” (Ang Mga Punong Umiiyak), will be gracing the event. Her remarkable achievement in winning the Grand Prize in an international competition is a testament to her exceptional storytelling skills and creativity in captivating young readers. Her presence at the book festival is a wonderful opportunity for children and their parents to meet the talented author behind the beloved book “The Crying Trees” and potentially explore more of her captivating works.
Activities at the Philippine Book Festival Davao
The Philippine Book Festival in Davao (PBF DVO) promises a delightful experience for kids and families alike, with four enchanting realms that will captivate visitors of all ages. Just like the Manila stop, the PBF DVO will feature:
- Kid Lit: A magical land specially designed for kids, filled with a treasure trove of children’s books that will spark their imagination and ignite their love for reading. This realm is a haven for young readers to explore stories that transport them to exciting worlds and inspire their young minds.
- Komiks: Embark on an adventure through the fascinating realm of Pinoy komiks, where the rich and diverse world of Filipino graphic storytelling comes to life. Here, visitors can delve into the captivating narratives and stunning illustrations of local komiks artists, showcasing the unique artistry of the Filipino komiks industry.
- Booktopia: Journey into the realm of fiction and non-fiction titles, where bibliophiles can immerse themselves in a myriad of literary wonders. From thrilling novels to enlightening non-fiction works, Booktopia offers a treasure trove of reading materials for all interests and tastes.
- Aral Aklat: Step into the realm of educational textbooks and materials, carefully curated to support the pursuit of knowledge and learning. This realm is dedicated to educational resources that empower students and educators alike to expand their horizons and deepen their understanding of various subjects.
These captivating realms have been thoughtfully curated by esteemed organizations in the book publishing industry, including the Book Development Association of the Philippines (BDAP), Komiket, the Philippine Educational Publishers Association (PEPA), and the Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY). The collaboration with these leading organizations ensures that the PBF DVO is a celebration of literature, creativity, and education, offering a diverse and enriching experience for all attendees.
Whether you’re a young reader exploring the magical world of Kid Lit, a fan of local graphic storytelling in Komiks, a literature enthusiast in Booktopia, or an eager learner in Aral Aklat, the Philippine Book Festival in Davao promises an unforgettable literary adventure that will leave you inspired and immersed in the wonder of books and storytelling.
The Book Nook at the PBF: A quiet, comfortable place to immerse yourself in a story
The PBF is an eagerly anticipated event during the 38th Kadayawan Festival, and it warmly welcomes everyone to join in the festivities! Across all three days, there will be a plethora of exciting activities for both the young and the young-at-heart, especially for the avid book lovers.
One of the highlights to look forward to is the specially curated Book Nook, featuring cozy lounge areas where attendees can unwind and indulge in their favorite books. This time, the Book Nook will host the PANAGTAPOK: The Book Nook Conference 2023 at the PBF Davao. During this conference, NBDB will unveil 25 new sites where Book Nook community centers will be established before the year concludes. It’s a fantastic opportunity to immerse oneself in the world of literature while enjoying the vibrant ambiance of the festival.
Entrance is FREE for all. Visit www.philippinebookfest.com to register and stay updated on the schedule
of events and programs. Follow the National Book Development Board on Facebook and
@bookfestph on Instagram and TikTok for updates.
The Pop Blog general news and updates, mostly from press releases and conferences.