Mabuhay Frankfurt!

The Philippines: Guest of Honour at the 2025 Frankfurt Book Fair

"The imagination peoples the air." - José Rizal

An Archipelago of Stories

As the Guest of Honour, the Philippines brings to the world stage a universe of narratives born from its unique history and vibrant culture. This presentation is a deep dive into a literary landscape shaped by millennia of tradition and a dynamic, forward-looking creative industry.

7,641

Islands of Imagination

Each island contributes a unique voice to a rich and diverse national story.

135+

Languages & Dialects

A testament to the country's profound cultural and linguistic diversity.

100+

Authors & Artists

A powerful delegation representing the past, present, and future of Philippine literature.

Philippine Publishing by the Numbers

A Youthful, Dynamic Readership

The Philippines boasts a significant youth population, representing a massive and engaged audience for genres like young adult fiction, graphic novels, and digital content. This demographic is a key driver of growth and innovation in the publishing sector.

Record-Breaking Growth in Titles

The industry is experiencing a creative boom, with a record number of ISBNs issued in 2023. This surge reflects the country's expanding ability to bring its rich culture and diverse narratives to both local and global stages, solidifying its position as a content capital.

Meet the Voices of the Archipelago

The delegation includes a wide spectrum of talent, from National Artists who have shaped the nation's literary canon to emerging voices in climate fiction, indie comics, and queer literature. This diversity ensures a rich and multifaceted conversation on the world stage.

Featured Literary Genres

The showcase highlights the incredible breadth of Filipino storytelling. From the mainstream appeal of romance and comics to the vital narratives in climate and historical fiction, there's a universe of stories to discover.

Author & Creator Delegation

A breakdown of the creators attending reveals a vibrant ecosystem. Award-winning novelists and revered poets are joined by a powerful contingent of graphic novelists and children's book authors, reflecting the dynamic nature of the Philippine literary scene.

The Pavilion Experience: An Immersive Journey

The Philippine Pavilion is designed as an archipelago of ideas, inviting visitors to navigate a landscape of books, art, and performance. The journey is curated to be a dynamic exploration of Filipino culture, moving from intellectual discussions to the vibrant energy of live performance.

Panel Discussions
Author Readings
Poetry Performances
Fliptop Battles

Beyond Frankfurt: Taking Filipino Stories Global

The Guest of Honour presentation is a catalyst for a larger mission. Through strategic initiatives like the National Book Development Board's Translation Subsidy Program, the Philippines aims to build lasting bridges between its authors and a global readership.

Translation Program Goals

  • Introduce a significant number of Philippine books to international markets.
  • Foster cultural exchange between diaspora communities and their host countries.
  • Make Philippine books globally competitive and accessible.
  • Support foreign publishers in bringing Filipino voices to new audiences.