BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT
After nearly two decades in the commercial wilderness, Pinoy sci-fi took center stage, proving its viability as a significant literary genre in the Philippines.
In a monumental moment for Filipino science fiction, author Renato Tranquilino and 8Letters Bookstore and Publishing showcased the genre's global appeal at the Frankfurt Book Festival in Germany on Oct. 16-20.
After nearly two decades in the commercial wilderness, Pinoy science-fiction took center stage, proving its viability as a significant literary genre in the Philippines. Tranquilino successfully closed three translation deals, bringing his works, "Fate of a Distant Future" and the latest sci-fi novel "The Culling in Proxim,", to readers in Arabic, Turkish, and German. Additionally, Tranquilino secured a German translation deal for the Filipino fantasy novel "The Merovingian" and its comic adaptation "The Rise of the Filipino Merovingian."
The festival saw Rex Publishing, the Department of Foreign Affairs (Philippine Embassy in Berlin and Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt), the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and the National Book Development Board (NBDB) deliver an impressive lineup of events, highlighted by panels and presentations on the Rex Publishing-sponsored Asia Stage. Esteemed Filipino authors, including Ambeth Ocampo, Sarge Lacuesta, and Eliza Victoria, moderated discussions that drew large audiences.
Among these, the "Science and Fantasy in Asian Content" panel, featuring Tranquilino as a guest speaker, stood out, ranking as one of the most viewed sessions in the lineup.
The Philippine delegation, consisting of grant awardees, the DFA, the NCCA, and NBDB leadership, presented a strong front. With key figures such as NBDB Chairman Dante Ang II, Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade, Director Anthony John Balisi, Frankfurt's Philippine Consul General Marie Yvette L. Banzon-Abalos, and Berlin Embassy's Minister and Consul Mary Luck S. Hicarte in attendance, they demonstrated the country's commitment to advancing its literary presence on the world stage. This effort aligns with Senator Loren Legarda's vision of making the Philippines the guest of honor at the 2025 Frankfurt Book Festival—a significant milestone for Philippine literature, especially science fiction.
With the enthusiastic reception at Frankfurt, the future is bright for Filipino science fiction, hinting at an exciting new era for both the genre and its writers in the global market. For further information, please get in touch with RB Borinaga @paperplayprodnyc@gmail.com
