August 20, 2023 --- In an exciting literary development, the Philippines is set to grace the spotlight as the Guest of Honor at the esteemed 77th Frankfurter Buchmesse, scheduled to take place from October 15th to 19th in 2025. On August 18, 2023, a ceremony was held in Davao, Philippines, signing the official contract sealing this partnership by the Director of the book fair, Juergen Boos, and representatives of the National Book Development Board.

This announcement marks a significant cultural event, as it is only the second time that a Southeast Asian country will be celebrated as the Guest of Honor at the Frankfurt Book Fair, following Indonesia's appearance in 2015.

An Unveiling of Literature and Culture: The Director of Frankfurter Buchmesse, Juergen Boos, expressed his anticipation for the Philippines' role as the Guest of Honor. He emphasized that the Guest of Honor program not only highlights a region's literature and culture but also fosters international connections and dialogue within the publishing realm. Boos noted that while the Philippines boasts over 110 million citizens and is the thirteenth-largest nation globally, its literature remains largely unexplored in Europe. This upcoming opportunity is poised to shed light on the intricacies of Philippine storytelling and its cultural significance.

A Grand Occasion Years in the Making: Senator Loren Legarda of the Philippines emphasized that this opportunity had been years in the making. Drawing inspiration from Indonesia's success as the Guest of Honor in 2015, Senator Legarda spoke of the international community's readiness to appreciate Filipino stories and the unique narrative they bring. She underscored the complexity of these stories, shaped by both colonial and post-colonial imaginings.

Diverse Stories Unveiled: Dante Francis Ang II, Chair of the Philippines' National Book Development Board, expressed pride in his team's preparations for this historic event. With a nod to the Philippines' over 7,000 islands, Ang II believes it is time for these diverse stories to take the international stage.

A Glimpse into Filipino Culture: Charisse Aquino-Tugade, Executive Director of the National Book Development Board, highlighted the steady growth in the Philippines' book publishing industry over the past five years. As the Guest of Honor, she envisions sharing the depth and breadth of Filipino culture through stories that range from mythological history to contemporary fiction and the influences of a growing diasporic population.

Mark Your Calendar: At the upcoming Frankfurter Buchmesse this year, the Philippines will be prominently represented with a dedicated stand in hall 5.1 (B66), offering a tantalizing glimpse of the literary and cultural treasures that await in 2025.

About Frankfurter Buchmesse’s Guest of Honour Programme: Since 1976, the Frankfurter Buchmesse has played host to Guest of Honour presentations, spotlighting a different country or region each year. The program seeks to showcase not only the literature and culture of the guest but also facilitate international connections, encouraging translations and the exchange of literary licenses.

As the Philippines gears up to step into the role of Guest of Honor, the literary world eagerly awaits the unveiling of the archipelago's literary jewels and the vibrant stories that will surely captivate a global audience.

Sources: https://www.buchmesse.de/en/press/press-releases/2023-08-18-philippines-guest-honour-2025-book-fair