Philippines Unveils Frankfurt Book Fair 2025 Lineup

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BERLIN — The Philippines officially launched its major cultural and literary programming for its historic role as Guest of Honour at the Frankfurter Buchmesse 2025, revealing new German editions of Philippine books, a first wave of participating authors, and its debut at Leipziger Buchmesse.

Announced at a press talk in Berlin, the Philippines detailed a robust slate of initiatives led by the National Book Development Board (NBDB), in coordination with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and the Office of Senator Loren Legarda.

Senator Legarda, the principal advocate behind the project, emphasized its deeper intent, stating, “The Philippines’ presence in Germany is more than a literary offering—it is a call to journey through stories that sail across oceans, voices that weave connections between cultures, and ideas that know no boundaries.”

PHLGoH2025’s theme, The Imagination peoples the air, is inspired by a line from José Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere and serves as a guiding ethos for the country’s literary, historical, and artistic narratives.

At the Berlin press event, literary curator Karina Bolasco introduced authors Daryll Delgado and J. Philip Ignacio, who showcased German editions of their respective works Remains and Alandal, in a discussion moderated by Frankfurter Buchmesse Director Juergen Boos.

Juergen Boos highlighted the program’s global relevance, stating, “At a time of global division, literature remains a powerful tool for connection… Guest of Honour programs enhance the visibility of national literatures and expand networks that are vital to democratic civil societies.”

As part of its translation subsidy program, the NBDB has supported the translation of over 120 Filipino titles into foreign languages, including 27 German-language editions, with more to be launched through 2025.

Among these are Aswanglaut by Allan Derain, The Collaborators by Katrina Tuvera, Tiempo Muerto by Caroline Hau, and graphic novels like Death Be Damned, Depikto, and Josefina.

Kristian Sendon Cordero, co-head of the translation committee, explained the broader vision: “Translation allows our literature to break beyond local languages and enter a global dialogue. Philippine writers contribute to the world, and in turn, our literature is enriched by engaging with other cultures.”

For the Frankfurt program, the Philippines has unveiled a diverse first wave of authors spanning genres from climate fiction to poetry, graphic novels, and children’s literature.

This includes five National Artists: Virgilio Almario, Resil Mojares, Gemino Abad, Kidlat Tahimik, and Ricky Lee, as well as celebrated figures such as Jose Dalisay, Maria Ressa, Patricia Evangelista, and Budjette Tan.

In a first for the country, the Philippines will also mount a national stand at the Leipziger Buchmesse from March 27 to 30, 2025, featuring 150 Filipino titles and 11 literary events in Leipzig, including panel discussions with authors, translators, and graphic novelists.

Award-winning authors such as Jessica Zafra, Daryll Delgado, Stephanie Coo, and graphic artists J. Philip Ignacio and Paolo Herras will address themes including climate change, colonialism, and social justice.

Complementing the literary program is Oculus, a curated art exhibition at the Heidelberger Kunstverein that examines how we perceive and interpret the world, drawing on Rizal’s ophthalmological studies in Heidelberg and his literary vision.

Curated by Patrick Flores, the exhibition features works by artists Stephanie Misa and Joscha Steffens and runs through May 18, 2025.

The Philippines’ Guest of Honour presence marks a milestone in its cultural diplomacy, aiming not only to showcase Philippine literature and art but also to strengthen global publishing partnerships.

More events, authors, and participating publishers will be revealed at the Frankfurt press conference on June 26, 2025.