PH to showcase 700 books in Frankfurt Book Fair
IN the run-up to its role as Guest of Honor at the 2025 Frankfurter Buchmesse (FBM, Frankfurt Book Fair) in Germany, the Philippines will present a large array of books from several publishers and authors in this year's edition of the annual book fair. Organizers for the Philippine delegation in this year's FBM, to be held in October, said 700 books from 70 publishers, authors and creatives, which include genres such as graphic novel, children, new adult and education, will showcase the country's vibrant history, culture and heritage — the basis of its literary depth and richness. "The country will shine a light on the developments made more than a century after national hero and prolific writer, Dr. José P. Rizal, accomplished and published his magnum opus in Germany, 'Noli Me Tangere,'" the organizers said. The fair's theme, "The imagination peoples the air," was inspired by Rizal's "seminal work." The country's delegation said the Philippines being named Guest of Honor in next year's edition was "an achievement" made through the efforts of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the National Book Development Board (NBDB), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and the Office of Senator Loren Legarda. The Manila Times chairman and NBDB chairman Dante Ang II said the role is a "crucial step that will reinforce our efforts to promote the growth of the Philippine book industry, and to gain local and international support and recognition." The Manila Times chairman and NBDB chairman Dante Ang II. PHOTO: MIKE ALQUINTO NCCA chairman Victorino Manalo said the country gets to share its culture through art and literature "from the indigenous to the contemporary." Legarda, who was supportive of the Philippines' participation in the FBM over the past nine years, said the country's Guest of Honor role in next year's edition was a "long undertaking." "The Philippines' presence as Guest of Honor at the world's most prestigious book fair is a testament to what we can achieve if we nurture our people's talent. We can make a difference and rally stronger support for the continuous advancement of our book industry and the creative industry through consistent and sustainable government initiatives," she said. A launch will be held at the FBM on the second day of this year's Book Fair, which will unveil the visual identity, theme and plans for next year. National Gallery Singapore chief curator Patrick Flores, who serves as the curator for the 2025 Philippine Pavilion as Guest of Honor, will present the theme for 2025, while Katrina Bolasco, who is a figure in contemporary publishing in the country, serves as the head of the Literary Program and Curator for Books for the Philippines' Guest of Honor program. Bolasco will discuss the literary and publishing landscape in the country, as well as next year's literary program at the Book Fair. Filipino author Budgette Tan, known for the graphic novel series "Trese," will also be present, as well as transfeminine thinker and artist Jaya Jacobo. They will also be involved in this year's FBM literary program, along with multi-awarded creative writer Jose Dalisay, investigative journalist Patricia Evangelista, historian Ambeth Ocampo, illustrators Isabel Roxas and Frances Alvarez, and author-publisher Mina Esguerra. Thirty sessions will also be held at the Asia Stage, which is sponsored by Rex Education, covering such topics as literature, education and the arts. On the event's final day, a handover for the Guest of Honor role will take place at the Italian pavilion, Italy being this year's Guest of Honor. Roxas and Italian illustrator Alessandro Sanna will conduct a cross-cultural creative talk during the program. The handover will also consist of music from indigenous musician Waway Saway and the Philippine Madrigal Singers. This year's Frankfurt Book Fair will take place from October 16 to 20 at the Messe Frankfurt. A post-book fair event take place in the German cities of Heidelberg and Wilhelmsfeld from October 24 to 27, which will explore the legacy of Dr. Jose Rizal.
Tomas Kauer - Moderator 
IN the run-up to its role as Guest of Honor at the 2025 Frankfurter Buchmesse (FBM, Frankfurt Book Fair) in Germany, the Philippines will present a large array of books from several publishers and authors in this year's edition of the annual book fair.
Organizers for the Philippine delegation in this year's FBM, to be held in October, said 700 books from 70 publishers, authors and creatives, which include genres such as graphic novel, children, new adult and education, will showcase the country's vibrant history, culture and heritage — the basis of its literary depth and richness.
"The country will shine a light on the developments made more than a century after national hero and prolific writer, Dr. José P. Rizal, accomplished and published his magnum opus in Germany, 'Noli Me Tangere,'" the organizers said.
The fair's theme, "The imagination peoples the air," was inspired by Rizal's "seminal work."
The country's delegation said the Philippines being named Guest of Honor in next year's edition was "an achievement" made through the efforts of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the National Book Development Board (NBDB), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and the Office of Senator Loren Legarda.
The Manila Times chairman and NBDB chairman Dante Ang II said the role is a "crucial step that will reinforce our efforts to promote the growth of the Philippine book industry, and to gain local and international support and recognition." The Manila Times chairman and NBDB chairman Dante Ang II. PHOTO: MIKE ALQUINTO
NCCA chairman Victorino Manalo said the country gets to share its culture through art and literature "from the indigenous to the contemporary."
Legarda, who was supportive of the Philippines' participation in the FBM over the past nine years, said the country's Guest of Honor role in next year's edition was a "long undertaking."
"The Philippines' presence as Guest of Honor at the world's most prestigious book fair is a testament to what we can achieve if we nurture our people's talent. We can make a difference and rally stronger support for the continuous advancement of our book industry and the creative industry through consistent and sustainable government initiatives," she said.
A launch will be held at the FBM on the second day of this year's Book Fair, which will unveil the visual identity, theme and plans for next year.
National Gallery Singapore chief curator Patrick Flores, who serves as the curator for the 2025 Philippine Pavilion as Guest of Honor, will present the theme for 2025, while Katrina Bolasco, who is a figure in contemporary publishing in the country, serves as the head of the Literary Program and Curator for Books for the Philippines' Guest of Honor program.
Bolasco will discuss the literary and publishing landscape in the country, as well as next year's literary program at the Book Fair.
Filipino author Budgette Tan, known for the graphic novel series "Trese," will also be present, as well as transfeminine thinker and artist Jaya Jacobo.
They will also be involved in this year's FBM literary program, along with multi-awarded creative writer Jose Dalisay, investigative journalist Patricia Evangelista, historian Ambeth Ocampo, illustrators Isabel Roxas and Frances Alvarez, and author-publisher Mina Esguerra.
Thirty sessions will also be held at the Asia Stage, which is sponsored by Rex Education, covering such topics as literature, education and the arts.
On the event's final day, a handover for the Guest of Honor role will take place at the Italian pavilion, Italy being this year's Guest of Honor.
Roxas and Italian illustrator Alessandro Sanna will conduct a cross-cultural creative talk during the program.
The handover will also consist of music from indigenous musician Waway Saway and the Philippine Madrigal Singers.
This year's Frankfurt Book Fair will take place from October 16 to 20 at the Messe Frankfurt. A post-book fair event take place in the German cities of Heidelberg and Wilhelmsfeld from October 24 to 27, which will explore the legacy of Dr. Jose Rizal.
