NBDB kicks off PH book festival in Pasay

SEVERAL well-known authors and books are set to feature in this year’s Philippine Book FestiM val (PBF), organized by the NaM tional Book Development Board (NBDB), beginning April 25.

In a press statement on WednesM day, NBDB said among those who will be featured in the PBF are historian and bestselling author Ambeth Ocampo’s book signing session titled “Ambeth without the Overcoat” (named after his book, “Rizal without the Overcoat”) and National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee, who is set to present his “Trip to Quiapo.”

Meanwhile, YouTuber and auM thor Gwy Saludes will hold an exM clusive book signing, a meet-andgreet session, and a tribute to the late National Artist Nick Joaquin.

The National Library of the PhilipM pines will have its Rare Book CollecM tion return in this year’s PBF, which will now feature a new selection of rare manuscripts and facsimiles.

Meanwhile, the NBDB will also hold its Book Bar, described as “a library of sorts filled with awardwinning books,” a Philippine literM ature-themed cosplay competition called Cosway Filipiniana, a spoken word contest called “Poetry Slam,” and “Guhit Pambata,” an exhibit on the creations of the country’s children’s book illustrators.

Four popular realms will also be featured in this year’s festival: The Kid Lit for children, Komiks for comic book lovers, Booktopia for the “abundance of fiction and non-fiction titles,” and Aral Aklat for educational materials.

NBDB Executive Director ChaM risse Aquino-Tugade said the PhilM ippines needs more reading spaces, which will help bring the best of the country’s content.

“This year, we have more authors, and we bring together the best PhilM ippine content for the entire family. The country needs more reading spaces that encourage conversation, creation and collaboration,” she said in a statement.

The PBF is the NBDB’s advocacy for other organizations to join in the programs that urge Filipinos to read because the book is for everyone, she added in Filipino.

The PBF will run from April 25 to 28 and is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. without any entrance fee. Those who are willing to register can visit their website at www.philippinebookfest.com.