The largest book festival is back—this time in Davao! Here’s how you can make the most of it.
Coming off its well-attended run in Manila from June 2 to 4, the National Book Development Board’s (NBDB) Philippine Book Festival (PBF) is back—this time in Davao, where it’s part of the 38th Kadayawan Festival. The latest edition of the all Filipino book experience will be held at the SMX Convention Center in SM Lanang from Aug. 18 to 20, 2023. As with its last run, the PBF promises a slew of festivities, including author meet-and-greets, book launches, and musical performances. We’ve prepared another cheat sheet to help you make the most of your PBF Davao experience.
1. Learn the craft of writing historical fiction with award-winning author Candy Gourlay
The Davao-born, London-based author Candy Gourlay is known for her young adult novels about the pains and joys of coming of age. Her novel, "Bone Talk," follows the life of a young boy at the onset of the Philippine-American war. Learn how to effectively craft compelling narratives set in the past with Candy herself, who will be holding short one-on-one consultations with those who are already working on a project. If you’re already a fan of Candy’s work, you can also join her book launch for a one-of-a-kind meet-and-greet session on the festival’s main stage.
2. Get to know the Davao literary scene by listening to young Davao writers in conversation
Davao has its diverse population and indigenous communities to thank for its vibrant literary scene. In an attempt to better understand the role of literature in the region, writers Elizabeth Serrano-Quijano, John Bengan, and Jade Capiñanes, in a panel moderated by Jhoanna Cruz, talk about what it means to be working as writers living in Davao. They ask, how do writers contribute to building a creative ecosystem that celebrates the many facets of a city? Join these writers for an afternoon of reflections on creative life and its role in building a city.
3. Have your copy of Trese signed by its co-creator, Kajo Baldisimo
Part of the festival’s lineup of authors is Kajo Baldisimo, the acclaimed artist and co-creator of the widely popular komiks series, Trese. He will be signing copies of "Trese" from 1:00 p.m onwards at his booth. The talented artist is one of the many creatives who will be signing their books at the PBF, so make sure to bring copies of your favorite books by your favorite authors.
4. Jam with the Kaliwat Performing Arts Collective as they pay tribute to one of Davao’s foremost writers
The PBF wouldn’t be the book experience it promises to be without immersive musical numbers that celebrate the love for words and sounds with dance! Celebrate community and culture with the Kaliwat Performing Arts Collective as they pay tribute to Aida Rivera Ford, one of the country’s leading fictionists, and Don Pagusara, the founder of the Davao Writers Guild. This event at the festival’s main stage will also include the launch of poet and scholar Ricky De Ungria’s Kalandrakas, a monumental two-volume anthology on Mindanao.
5. Perform your poems on stage
The Book Development Association of the Philippines, one of the NBDB’s partners who made the PBF possible, is hosting a poetry slam on the festival’s main stage. If you want to share your passion for poetry onstage, don’t miss this opportunity. Cash prizes will be given to performers who can impress the panel of judges.
Register for free now at official website. Walk-ins are also welcome. For more updates, follow the National Book Development Board on Facebook and @bookfestph on Instagram and TikTok.
