The Philippines is set to take center stage at the 2025 Frankfurter Buchmesse (Frankfurt Book Fair), the world’s largest and oldest international publishing event. This milestone event will shine a spotlight on Filipino literature, culture, and creativity, introducing the world to the richness of the country’s stories and artistic heritage.
Filipino Literature and Culture in the Global Spotlight
At a sendoff event held on Thursday at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, Charisse Aquino-Tugade, Executive Director of the National Book Development Board (NBDB), emphasized the significance of the Philippines’ role as Guest of Honour.
“We are joining the Frankfurt Book Fair. This year, we are Guest of Honour, meaning we are in the front and center of the world’s literary stage,” Aquino-Tugade said. The Philippine delegation will showcase 500 books for rights sales, host cultural programs, and include about 500 participants, such as creatives, authors, illustrators, 52 publishing houses, and literary organizations.
Showcasing the Philippines’ Diverse Heritage
Aquino-Tugade highlighted the importance of presenting the country’s rich cultural heritage to the world. “Filipinos are around the world—1/6 of our population live and work abroad—but many still don’t know our stories. They don’t know we have 135 languages or the depth of our history. It’s time for everyone to see who we are because usually the narrative is very Western. Now, our authors are out there representing the Philippines,” she said.
This participation marks an opportunity to correct misconceptions, promote national identity, and give Filipino authors a platform to tell their stories firsthand.
A Landmark Moment in Global Publishing
The Frankfurt Book Fair, tracing its roots back to the 15th century, gathers thousands of publishers, writers, literary agents, and readers from around the globe. The Philippines’ role as Guest of Honour is more than ceremonial—it is a historic milestone in promoting the country’s literature, languages, and creative industries on the world stage.
With this recognition, Filipino stories, voices, and culture are poised to captivate global audiences, marking a new chapter in the international appreciation of Philippine arts and letters.
