The Philippine Book Festival was everything I hoped for, and more. It was a resounding success, a nod to the country’s ever-growing literary scene. For many writers, publishers, and readers, the event was a place where ideas, new discoveries, and deep conversations came together. It was a place where words found new homes and stories took off.

The fair was a turning point and an important event for me. This is my first PBF as an author. My batch print of 25 copies of Marinduque is in the Heart completely sold out, marking a small but significant victory for me. I never anticipated the thrill of seeing readers (some of whom I know and some of whom I don’t), hold my work in their hands and turn the pages. 😭

I met long-time correspondent Cindy Wong, founder of 8Letters, who is an inspiring figure in the independent publishing scene. Our conversation sparked new possibilities, and I’m excited to announce that a second book is in the works! It’s still in progress but this is so exciting!!!

Of course, no book festival is complete without indulging in the pleasure of new reads. I spent most of my book allowance at BooX That Leave a Mark, a small press that champions bold, independent literature. In celebration of Women’s Month, I couldn’t resist picking up the Bente Bente Zines, which feature the works of incredible women poets Ria Rebolledo, Elyrah Salanga Torralba, Trixia Mae Policarpio, and Risha Mae Ordas. I also added to my collection with Alagwa books and Signap chapbooks, featuring poets like Allan John Andres, Miguel Paolo Celestial, Mikael Rabarra Gallego, Jaime Jesus Uy Borlagdan, and Jio John Navarro, a powerhouse of voices redefining poetry from across different Philippine languages.

I also expanded my historical and mythology collection with a few gems from Ateneo de Manila University Press: Aswanglaut by Allan Derain, 1762 by Vin de La Cerna Ang Bisa ng Pag-uulit sa Katutubong Panitikan by Alvin Yapan. (Watch out for the book reviews!) Building a deeper archive of Filipino literature, especially books that weave myth, history, and storytelling, has always been an ongoing pursuit, and these additions feel like a much-needed expansion.

Another highlight was attending the Poetry Writing for Beginners session with the poets Luna Sicat-Cleto, Bebang Sy, and Roy Rene Cagalingan. There was a brief but exhilarating breakout session. Something is thrilling about writing within constraints, about letting words form against the clock, and I walked away from the session both challenged and energized. (with one small poem that made me happy hehe)

Hindi lang ikaw ang audience ng tula mo. Isipin mo rin ang kalagayan ng ibang tao. At maaari mong gawin yan sa paglikha ng persona na ibang iba siya o may difference siya sa iyo. So some people, halimbawa kapag tumutula na sila, ilinalagay nila ang kanilang sitwasyon. sa kalagayan ng mga mahirap na babae, isang ina…diba…. Pero, kaya niyang pasukin yun kasi ang tula ay isang exercise in empathy. It is also an exercise in observation.

-Luna Sicat-Cleto

That said, the festival brimmed with so many events that I missed a few on my list, including my good friend Harold John L. Fiesta’s launch of Panunumbalik sa Gomorrah and Melany Heger’s new book Stories of Pinoy Atheists. Time, it seems, is never enough when surrounded by books and creative minds.

The festival was also a moment for camaraderie and learning. Though I was with my family and unable to meet many writer friends, I had the chance to have a lengthy discussion with my old friend Allan Andres about poetry, the technicalities of printing, and the practicalities of sharing work with a wider audience. Being relatively new to the publishing scene, I appreciated the introductions to industry insiders, names I recognize as friends online but had yet to meet in person.

I felt energized as I stepped away from the festival’s energy. It’s gonna take a week to recover, but it was awesome fostering connections and embracing small victories.

Until the next festival, may the words keep flowing.