Daily Tribune
The comics and graphic novels at the Philippine Stand at the Leipziger Buchmesse 2025.
Photographs courtesy of National Book Development Board
'Trese 3' in German, published by Dantes Verlag.
Curated selection of Philippine titles at the Press Talk in Berlin.
As Guest of Honour at Frankfurter Buchmesse 2025, the Philippines announced its key initiatives, major programs and activities during a press talk in Berlin recently. These developments include new German editions of Philippine books and the initial lineup of authors set to participate in literary and cultural events at both the National Stand and the Philippine Pavilion, and around Frankfurt during FBM 2025. The country also announced its first-ever national stand and official presence at the Leipziger Buchmesse. Additionally, it launched its inaugural cultural program, Oculus.
At the press talk, the Philippine Guest of Honour delegation was represented by Karina Bolasco, curator of books and head of the literary program, alongside acclaimed Filipino authors Daryll Delgado, who introduced the new German edition of her climate fiction novel Remains, and J. Philip Ignacio, presenting his compelling historical graphic novel Alandal. The discussion with the authors was moderated by Frankfurter Buchmesse’s director Juergen Boos.
Senator Loren Legarda, the driving force behind this initiative, reflected on its deeper meaning, 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.”
Boos added, “At a time of global division, literature remains a powerful tool for connection. Our Guest of Honour program enhances the visibility of the guest country’s literature and the expansion of the international network of publishers, authors and cultural institutions, which are important players for the democratic civil society.”
The Philippines Guest of Honour presentation (PHLGoH2025) at Frankfurter Buchmesse 2025 is a collaborative undertaking of the National Book Development Board, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Department of Foreign Affairs and the Office of Senator Loren Legarda. Inspired by a line from Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere, the country’s theme, “The Imagination peoples the air,” encapsulates the profound intersection of Philippine literature, vibrant culture, and rich history. It invites the global audience to experience the nation’s literary heart.
The PHLGoH2025 Translation Subsidy Program for Foreign Publishers, led by the NBDB, has facilitated the translation of more than 120 Filipino books into foreign languages. By supporting Filipino writers working in both Philippine languages and English, the program amplifies their voices and connects them with readers worldwide.
Twenty-seven titles have been translated into German. More titles are set for release in 2025.
Kristian Sendon Cordero, co-head of the translation committee with Flor Marie Sta. Romana-Cruz, highlights its significance: “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.”
The Philippines has unveiled its initial lineup of authors for the program at the Pavilion and National Stand at the Frankfurter Buchmesse 2025, presenting the nation’s rich literary diversity. This selection features both established and emerging voices, including award-winning novelists, poets, indie authors, and publishers who are shaping the future of Philippine literature.
Five National Artists lead the roster of creatives, namely, Virgilio S. Almario, Resil B. Mojares, Kidlat Tahimik, Gemino H. Abad, and Ricky Lee.
Notable multi-awarded authors include Jose Dalisay — acclaimed for Last Call Manila and the recent German translation of his Killing Time in a Warm Place, a novel set during Martial Law — and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa, trauma journalist Patricia Evangelista, alongside poets and novelists Luna Sicat Cleto, Luisa Igloria, Marjorie Evasco, and Merlie Alunan.
The lineup also includes award-winning authors such as children’s book writer Luis Gatmaitan, novelists Sarge Lacuesta and Ronaldo S. Vivo Jr., and leading graphic novelists Budjette Tan (Trese), Manix Abrera (Kikomachine), and Mervin Malonzo (Tabi Po). More authors will be revealed at the Frankfurt press conference on 26 June.
The country’s publishing industry strongly supports its literary talents, with contributions from leading academic institutions such as Ateneo de Manila University Press, The University of the Philippines Press, and University of Santo Tomas Press. Major commercial publishers like Anvil Publishing, Vibal Publishing House, and Adarna House, along with independent publishers — 19th Avenida Publishing House, Milflores Publishing, Komiket, Balangay Books, and Exploding Galaxies — bring fresh perspectives to the literary scene. Additional publishing houses will be announced in June.
“This selection underscores the Philippines’ commitment to engaging the world in meaningful conversations on identity, history, imagination, and today’s pressing issues,” said Karina Bolasco.
Building momentum for its Guest of Honour role at Frankfurt 2025, the Philippines made its debut at the Leipziger Buchmesse (27 to 30 March), presenting German-translated Filipino works at Hall 4, C402 and eleven events on different stages at the fairgrounds and in the city of Leipzig.
The Philippine stand featured 150 titles, including 14 German editions, six of which are new releases. The delegation included both award-winning and emerging authors.
The Philippines’ Guest of Honour participation extends beyond literature with Oculus, an exhibition exploring how we “see things.” Hosted at the Heidelberger Kunstverein, Oculus reflects on the intersections of science, art, and imagination–where the line between real and spectral blurs.
Curated by Patrick Flores (also the curator of the Philippine Pavilion, FBM 2025), the exhibition references José Rizal’s ophthalmological studies in Heidelberg and his novel Noli Me Tangere, which he partly wrote in the city. Artists Stephanie Misa and Joscha Steffens work out how seeing, shaped by both ecology and imagination, can give rise to visions.
Oculus opened on 15 March and runs until 18 May. More cultural and literary activities will be announced. For full event details, visit philippinesfrankfurt2025.com.
