Magic is everywhere in the Philippines. Here are some of the places—both real and imagined—that have endured in our most colorful stories over time.
This collection is a storytelling initiative made in collaboration with the National Book Development Board.
Magic is everywhere in the Philippines. Here are some of the places—both real and imagined—that have endured in our most colorful stories over time.
This collection is a storytelling initiative made in collaboration with the National Book Development Board.
We are a nation of diverse storytellers. Our epics, myths, legends, rituals, poems, and written works reflect an experience that is conflicted, glorious, sometimes painful, and victorious. We have stories to tell the world—about life in our islands, cities, and barangays.
Our stories have yet to reach more people in different languages, modes, and mediums. The big-ticket is the Frankfurt Book Fair, the world’s largest rights trading fair, which opens an opportunity for Philippine works to be read and appreciated by a greater audience. It is also a space for cross-pollination, book rights are not only published and translated into print, but it is capable of being transformed into other media such as movies, music, and merchandise. The wealth of our stories can cover the globe.
We in the National Book Development Board (NBDB) would like to highlight the importance of our creative genius. This year, we bring together the best of the Philippines—writers, poets, illustrators, artists, and publishers as part of the many steps in making the Philippines the Guest of Honor in 2025.
Our collaboration with GRID Magazine for the Frankfurt Book Fair 2021 will bring our wealth of stories that would inform, entertain, and give you an idea of things to come.
Making it in Frankfurt is not an easy task. We are in the process of standardizing and professionalizing the industry. We have yet to close more deals with international publishers and literary agents, but each attempt is a move forward. We see it as a challenge, but we also know that our diverse stories, and the storytellers behind them, are worth the wait.
Charisse Aquino-Tugade
Executive Director of the National Book Development Board
For Frankfurt Book Fair 2021, we've got stories on crime, climate, indigenous textiles, and Philippine cuisine.
Read More >>These lucky winners snagged bundles of books and grid issues. Missed out on the contest? Follow @nbdb_phil for upcoming book deals
