My Philippine Book Festival 2025 Experience

Internet connection sucked at the location, but we still managed to enjoy the two days Kim and I were at the Philippine Book Festival. This is my second year of attending the event, and just like before, the repeat buyer/reader and me couldn't get enough of author fangirling.  

Fangirls unite!

I met Rhois on Facebook, we've heard each other at the MIBF 2024, not only because we were both authors but we were both Kpop fangirls! Naturally, I was pretty excited about her latest release, which featured a boyband and their fangirls. Even more so when she mentioned that she was giving away photocards. Need I say more? I got there as early as I can to get my hands on the Mingyu photocard I was eyeing since the evening she posted it on Facebook.

Meeting Ron Canimo (again...)

It was during the last year's PBF when I first stood in line to get his books and have them signed. I didn't mind the long line, I didn't mind the wait. With him, it wasn't just about getting the books signed and taking pictures. It was about the small talk - his "Kamusta ang puso?" that made me weak in my knees as I confidently responded, "Okay naman, full of self-love," even though it was my third attempt to answer properly. It was also about the request for a small hug, almost to make sure we weren't just his avid readers, and he wasn't just another author we look up to. He's also a friend - that person who knew the song in your heart and write all the unspoken words you cannot seem to find an avenue to breathe out. 
I told him we met before, and he was the first I would always look for in these events, along with another Ron (more on this later). Looks like there's another story brewing in my parking lot. 😅

Heading on over to the Green Zone

I could no longer remember the first time I met Sir Chuckberry Pascual in person - all I know is that I bought Mars, May Zombie, procrastinated reading it because it was intimidatingly thick, tried reading a few pages until I didn't realize I was losing sleep that evening. LOL! This year he finally released the second installment of his zombie series. Mars, Maraming Zombie is gonna be another roller coaster ride. I will never forget Mars, Bey, Lola Vicky, Mang Nacho and of course, Toe-Knee!

Hanging out with Pinoy Reads Pinoy Books 

One of the good decisions I made this year was to join the Pinoy Reads Pinoy Books book club. They are a bunch of awesome people who reads books by Filipino authors and discuss the book of the month. Last month, they featured Ang Nawawalang Barangay by Chuckberry Pascual (yes, that cool guy I just talked about), my first time to attend their Book Talakayan. 

Checking my Vital Signs

After the heartwarming Some Days You Can't Save Them All, I wanted to read more books that would resonate with me, the way that book did. The heavens must have really been listening to all our pleas, because this year, Doc Ronnie Baticulon released a new book called Vital Signs. He was technically the editor, along with Marjorie Evasco. The book is a compilation of stories from doctors, patients, and caregivers. I just know it would be just as great - just the kind of book I know would speak volumes to me on a deeper, more personal level. 

Paola Aliedo - Winter Aragon book signing

Pau has been one of the constant people I bumped into in the self-publishing scene. We worked together during Pinoy Indie Authors Collabs 2 and 3, where we featured tamawos and kapres respectively. Supporting your favorite author is one thing, but supporting your author friends is on a different level of cool.

 Randomly meeting people that matter is fun!

Of course, I also met with some of the people that left a mark in me in my literary journey. There were editors, illustrators, printers, distributors, and even supporters. Without them, this whole journey would be pointless.

And that's a wrap!

One of the things I truly appreciated about this year’s Philippine Book Festival is how much it highlights Filipino books and authors. Every visit feels like a journey of discovery—I get to explore more stories, meet more authors and immerse myself in the county's rich literary culture. As an author, I see how events like this could be an incredible opportunity to showcase my books and connect with fellow writers and readers. And as a reader, it’s the perfect place to find new reads, revisit old favorites, and experience the magic of books in a shared space with fellow book lovers.
This experience also got me thinking—maybe next time, I won’t just be attending as a reader or a fangirl. Perhaps I could take the next step and sell my own books at the festival or even launch a new one! The possibilities are exciting, and I can’t wait to see what the next Philippine Book Festival has in store.
See you again next year!

debriefing over coffee and tomato soup with Kim Derla