An Archipelago of Stories: Books Philippines at the Frankfurt Book Fair Media Event

Philippine literature is as rich as its history. Our epics, myths, and stories have survived  three and a half centuries of colonization. They have been passed from generation to generation, orally and in print. Reflected in our culture and the stories we tell is a uniquely Filipino flavor of cultures melding together: our indigenous and Southeast Asian roots, influences of the West, and the clear, undeniable voice of the young and the contemporary.

The country shared our wealth of stories, and the diverse Filipino experience, at the Frankfurt Book Fair 2021. The Philippines joined the Frankfurter Buchmesse 2021 (Frankfurt Book Fair 2021), the largest and oldest trade fair for books and content, from October 20 to 24, 2021.

For this sixth consecutive appearance at the fair, the organization brought to Frankfurt the country’s top publishers, among them 19th Avenida, Adarna House, Anvil Publishing, Ateneo de Manila University Press, Milfores Publishing, University of the Philippines Press, University of Santo Tomas Publishing House, Komiket, and many others.

Through an exciting digital program, the spotlight was shone on some of the best Filipino creatives whose works were showcased at this year's edition of FBM.

The offerings ranged from virtual exhibitions, special presentations, to strong voices on climate stories, epic sagas, to colorful messages of inclusivity and modern twists on Philippine folklore. National Book Development Board (NBDB) likewise announced a world’s first in digital content which the Philippines launched at Frankfurt Book Fair (FBM) this year. 

The proceeds of sales will be used to donate print copies of “The Last Moon” to the NBDB’s "The Book Nook" project, storytelling and reading sites in indigenous and remote communities in the Philippines.

The theme of this year's booth, Myth, Magic, and the City: Reclaiming our Narrative, was envisioned by Charisse Aquino-Tugade, NBDB Executive Director, and designed by award-winning designer, Jowee Alviar of Team Manila.

The design weaves together images from Philippine mythology and textures from ethnolinguistic designs and patterns. The effect is a series of panels, each one serving as a piece in the narrative creating a rich tapestry of Philippine culture and identity.

This years’ participation in the Book Fair is a step in the long journey ahead for the Philippines, with its intent to bid for Guest of Honor in 2025.