Lit Up Iloilo: 8th Iloilo Mega Book Fair Kicks Off with Ilonggo Pride and Book Love

By BJ Kim Andrea A. Bolocon

Iloilo is a city that speaks in many languages, through the gentle cadence of Hiligaynon, the sizzle of KBL in the pan, the swirl of handwoven hablon, and the quiet strength of its old churches and plazas. It is a place where tradition and creativity walk hand in hand, where food, history, and stories form the soul of everyday life.

But beyond its famed culinary scene and heritage structures, Iloilo stands as a beacon for the arts and literature, a city that listens to its storytellers and honors its readers. Here, words are not just written or spoken, they are celebrated, shared, and lived.

This April, in the blazing heart of summer and in celebration of the 2025 Philippine National Literature Month, Iloilo proudly welcomes back one of its most anticipated cultural gatherings: the 8th Iloilo Mega Book Fair (IMBF). Happening from April 11 to 13 at Atria District Park in Mandurriao, this three-day literary fiesta is more than just a marketplace for books, it’s a tribute to the Ilonggo spirit, to imagination, and to the unbreakable bond between a people and their stories.

Despite the searing heat and rising temperatures, nothing can wither the Ilonggos’ enthusiasm. The warmth of the sun is matched only by the collective fire that burns for books, art, and the kind of knowledge that liberates and transforms. Every booth that opens, every book that changes hands, and every conversation shared among fellow lovers of literature adds fuel to that fire.

This year’s IMBF brings together an impressive constellation of literary stars. Esteemed poet Merlie Alunan, whose works have long resonated across generations, will grace the fair alongside celebrated authors such as Alice Sun-Cua, Genevieve Asenjo, John Iremil Teodoro, Isidoro Cruz, Dulce Maria Deriada, Anna Razel Ramirez, John Barrios, and Allain Russ Dimzon. These award-winning writers represent a spectrum of voices—regional, national, and diasporic—that echo the diverse and dynamic literary heritage of the Philippines.

But the Iloilo Mega Book Fair is not just about the big names, it’s also a platform for young and emerging voices, indie publishers, artists, educators, students, and everyday readers. It is a space that democratizes literature, where children can meet their first favorite author, where a teenager might discover a book that changes their life, and where seasoned readers can find rare gems to inspire them anew.

From printed pages to spoken word, from thought-provoking lectures to spontaneous conversations over coffee and poetry, the fair is designed to engage all senses. And it’s made possible through the dedication and support of an incredible community. Our deepest gratitude goes to Shops at Atria, Thrive Art Gallery, Hubon Manunulat, JCI Metro Iloilo Dinagyang, Olivia’s Kitchen and Island Brew, Room to Read, Sirena Books, Balay Suguidanun, and all the volunteers, artists, writers, and readers who have nurtured this event into the cultural cornerstone it is today.

The buzz is already palpable as vendors set up their colorful stalls, artists prepare their exhibits, and the scent of coffee and freshly printed books begins to drift through the air. Later today at 5:00 PM, the fair officially opens with a powerful and heartfelt performance of “Magbasa Kita, Iloilo” by the ever-talented Francis Cabinos. This will be followed by welcoming remarks, a public lecture by Kristoffer Bracileño, and a poetry reading that promises to leave everyone inspired, if not a little teary-eyed.

So whether you’re a lifelong bibliophile, a curious passerby, a student on the hunt for a literary spark, or an artist searching for a kindred spirit—you are welcome here. Come for the books, stay for the conversations, and leave with a heart full of stories.

The 8th Iloilo Mega Book Fair is more than just an event, it is a movement. It is the celebration of a city that reads, writes, creates, and continues to believe in the power of words to shape minds, strengthen communities, and build a better world.