What to expect at the 2026 Philippine Book Festival at SM Megamall • PhilSTAR Life

The Philippine Book Festival will return this March for its third edition, running from March 12 to 15 at the Megatrade Hall at SM Megamall.

A Celebration of Filipino Literature

The festival will highlight Filipino authors and their works, offering a space for readers, writers, illustrators, publishers, students, and literary enthusiasts to explore and purchase Filipino books and educational materials.

Four Realms of Literature

This year’s festival is themed “Gubat ng Karunungan – The Rainforest of Knowledge” and will feature four distinct “realms.” These include “Kid Lit” for young readers, “Komiks” showcasing visual storytelling, “Booktopia” encompassing fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and essays, and “Aral Aklat” dedicated to textbooks and educational resources.

Did You Realize? The first Philippine Book Festival was held in 2023.

Beyond Books: Art and Interaction

Attendees can also experience art installations and exhibits, including “Lugar Lagdaan” for author meet-and-greets, “Bahay Ilustrador” to connect with illustrators and comic artists, “Gubat ng Karunungan” for workshops, “Fiesta Stage” for performances and panels, and “Umpukan” for intimate conversations.

A Stellar Lineup of Authors

The festival will feature a notable lineup of writers and artists, including National Artist for Film and Broadcast Ricky Lee, National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario, historian Ambeth Ocampo, and authors Jonaxx, Rob Canimo, Eugene Evasco, Luis Gatmaitan, Manix Abrera, and Pol Medina.

Expert Insight: A festival of this scale, drawing over 120,000 visitors from 2023 to 2025, demonstrates a clear appetite for Filipino literature and provides a vital platform for authors and publishers to connect with a broad audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where will the Philippine Book Festival be held?

The festival will be held from March 12 to 15 at the Megatrade Hall at SM Megamall.

What are the four realms featured at the festival?

The four realms are “Kid Lit,” “Komiks,” “Booktopia,” and “Aral Aklat.”

Who are some of the authors attending the festival?

Some of the authors attending include National Artist for Film and Broadcast Ricky Lee, National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario, historian Ambeth Ocampo, Jonaxx, Rob Canimo, Eugene Evasco, Luis Gatmaitan, Manix Abrera, and Pol Medina.

As the Philippine Book Festival continues to grow, what role do you witness it playing in shaping the future of Filipino literature?

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