| The Philippine Book Festival is slowly becoming a staple event for those who have an affinity to still have the time to pick up a physical book instead of a Kindle or digital copy that doesn’t have the tactile feel of flipping through pages. This year’s event has immensely grown to expand some of the exhibitors divided into four genres, and it’s interesting to see new things from the local komiks community.
Filipino Komiks were under-represented in the past years before the first book festival last year, it was given quite a spotlight to see independent comics and other related things that would get some eyeballs looking forward to some titles and graphic novels that some haven’t heard of. It’s something worth exploring through some of these new publishers that bring new talent and stories to the wider audience. |
The last day was quite a rush to go through some of the exhibitors, where some have already left. It’s worth noting how this year has added more exhibitors at the same time, adding a variety of non-comics-related tables that sell stickers and artwork.
These past few days of the event have been an interesting exploration beyond the local comic scene, checking out some of the mini-programs like poetry reading and book launchings from this event. There is a cavalcade of book exhibitors, and it is a sight to see that bookstores nowadays are nothing more than shelves.
Besides the usual exhibitors from different publishing houses and small businesses breaking into the publication, some activities like wall art let you express your potential as an artist as well as your thoughts on the event with the exclusion of some interesting political protest hidden in those innocent scriptures.
The youth of this generation is not unlike the one from the past, but it’s worth taking a look and encouraging some to be informed about freedom of expression doesn’t necessarily mean you can say it out loud. But it is for what society is when it comes to expressing one’s thoughts. But maybe the next event will have someone keep an eye on the doodle board.
Pol Medina’s Cook Book
Pol Median Jr’s latest cookbook featuring his Pugad Baboy characters is something for longtime fans to get their hands on as this was just revealed towards the tail end of the event, which is some of the new things you might have missed during the last day of the Book Festival.
There are some interesting recipes that you may find have connections to the past comic strips that PM JR has included in this book, which is an Easter egg of sorts for those who followed Pugad Baboy. Unfortunately, the comic strip has long left the newspaper publication and continues to be relevant on social media platforms.
The cookbook is something to add to most of the fans' collections, and you can only find it through this event and upcoming local comics-related events that PM JR has been widely present since leaving the print publication.
Trese Explodes from the Pages
There’s a booth in the Indie Comics section that features 3D-style art of Kajo Baldisimo (Co-Creator of Trese) exploding on the pages of the Trese comics page that can be seen on display. It stands out, and you won’t miss it when you see it, as the book is there for you to check it out yourself in person.
The creators of Trese are grateful for those who promote the comics because they connect with everyone and not just one part of society. But the stories Budjette Tan and Kajo create relate to all manner of society, making Trese stand out, and it is now the benchmark and standard for aspiring storytellers to not just write or illustrate their creations to their home country of origin but also to the rest of the world.
Some other Last Minute Scenes
As the Book Festival wraps up, here are some of the images you’ll find in this place as the organizers and those who participated since the beginning of this event are looking forward to the future and what to expect for 2025…
Lastly, the Book Festival is not without the support of the organizers, namely, the National Book Development Board (NBDB), and its other participating exhibitors, including Komiket, continue to be this small publishing company that supports local comics, big or small. They continue to look forward to the future, and not being stuck in the past is something to be part of.
I can’t wait to be part of the next one next year, for sure.
The Philippine Book Festival is happening from 25 until 28 April 2024 at the World Trade Center in Manila, and entrance is free. All you need is to register online to secure a QR code to gain entrance to this event. You may follow the National Book Development Board (NBDB) on their social media via Facebook and Instagram!
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