For readers who have ever struggled to find Filipino-authored books in mainstream bookstores, the Philippine Book Festival (PBF) 2025 offers an entire space dedicated to celebrating homegrown literature.
Happening from March 13-16 at Mega Trade Hall, SM Megamall, this year’s festival promises a dynamic mix of book shopping, author meet-and-greets, interactive discussions, and immersive experiences—all designed to put the spotlight on Filipino stories and the people who create them.
A celebration of Philippine storytelling
This marks PBF’s third consecutive year, continuing its mission of championing Filipino books. From bestselling novels to academic publications, graphic novels, children’s books, and rare indie releases, the festival provides a rare opportunity to explore the depth of Philippine literature in one place.
“We envisioned creating a space for our books—a place where people can easily find and access titles that reflect our culture and knowledge,” said Charisse Aquino-Tugade, Executive Director of the National Book Development Board (NBDB).
But PBF is more than just a marketplace. For many book lovers, it is a “third place.” Outside of home and work, it’s a space where people can gather, discover new books, meet their favorite authors, and engage in meaningful conversations about storytelling. “If you’re a mother who goes to the mall every weekend, we’re bringing you something different,” Tugade said. “You can bring your kids to the Philippine Book Festival, and they’ll experience the same joy of browsing and discovering books as you did.”
The festival is a gathering place for everyone in the book industry. Reader, writers, illustrators, publishers, and educators come together to celebrate their craft, exchange ideas, and connect with audiences. Whether you’re an aspiring author looking for inspiration, a teacher searching for books to use in the classroom, or a publisher scouting for fresh talent, PBF provides that rare opportunity to engage with the entire literary ecosystem in one place.
A packed lineup of events
This year’s PBF features a diverse lineup of activities for all ages. Expect cosplay contests, spoken word poetry performances, art workshops, and discussions on queer literature, Philippine mythology, and the future of local publishing.
There will also be thought-provoking panel discussions, as well as a special session with National Artist Ricky Lee on March 15, where festival-goers can meet the popular writer and learn about his creative journey.
The festival also plays a critical role in ensuring that Filipino stories reach more readers. Thanks to a strengthened partnership between the NBDB and the Department of Education, the government has allocated P2.4 billion to purchase Filipino-authored books for public schools—a significant increase from last year’s P925 million. This investment means more young readers will have access to Philippine literature in classrooms nationwide.
Tips for festival-goers
For those planning to attend, NBDB offers some useful advice:
- Bring a tote bag or even a maleta—there will be plenty of book sales and discounts.
- Bring a pen—you might bump into your favorite author at any moment.
- Have cash on hand—while many booths accept digital payments, cash is still convenient.
- Stay hydrated—bring bottled water to keep yourself energized as you explore.
At its core, PBF is about promoting a love for reading and celebrating the people who make books possible—the writers who craft stories, the illustrators who bring them to life, the publishers who share them with the world, and the readers who keep Philippine literature thriving.
“Now you see more families going, experiencing the festival together,” Tugade said. And with the growing enthusiasm for local books, PBF 2025 is shaping up to be the biggest and most exciting edition yet.
