ADVANCING PHILIPPINE LITERATURE: THE 2026 BOOK FESTIVAL'S DEDICATION TO LOCAL PUBLISHERS

PHILIPPINES - The Nationalonal Book Development Board (NBDB) is all set for the 4th Philippine Book Festival (PBF)— the country’s only marketplace dedicated exclusively to all-Filipino books and published works, and a shared third place for publishers, writers, illustrators, readers, educators, and industry stakeholders. The festival runs from March 12 to 15, 2026 at the Megatrade Hall, 5th Floor, SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.

“With the continued interest we saw in the last few years, we are encouraged by the growing appreciation for Filipino stories and content,” said NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade. “The strong public response affirms that there is a meaningful demand for books that reflect our own culture, languages, and lived experiences.”

Building on that momentum, the NBDB sees PBF 2026 as an opportunity not only to expand visitor turnout and exhibitor participation but also to strengthen access to locally produced books and learning materials. In a milestone for the festival, Day 1 (March 12) will be open to the general public for the first time, welcoming all readers alongside the Department of Education (DepEd) and its book evaluators from across the country.

Four Realms, One Rainforest

PBF 2026 reimagines its four signature realms within a rainforest-inspired setting. Aral Aklat highlights books as tools for learning and discovery, featuring textbooks and teaching guides. Booktopia invites visitors to explore the breadth of Filipino fiction and nonfiction. Kid Lit nurtures early readers through interactive, child-friendly experiences. Komiks celebrates the visual richness of Filipino comics and graphic storytelling.

This year’s lineup brings together the full spectrum of Philippine literary life. National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee, National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario, and prominent historian Ambeth Ocampo will be on hand for book signings alongside trade-book superstars Jonaxx and Ron Canimo, kidlit masters Eugene Evasco and Luis Gatmaitan, and komiks legends Manix Abrera and Pol Medina. GMA Network, together with PaperKat Books, will also launch “Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre” at PBF 2026.

Beyond the realms, the festival offers a range of spaces for connection: Lugar Lagdaan for book signings and reader-author meetups; Bahay Ilustrador for a look into the world of visual storytellers; Gubat ng Karunungan for workshops, talks, and masterclasses; the Fiesta Stage for major programming and performances; and Umpukan for informal community conversations.

The NBDB, in cooperation with the National Library of the Philippines, will also feature facsimiles of Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere, Doctrina Christiana, and Fr. Manuel Blanco’s Flora de Filipinas—rare works that anchor the festival in the Philippines’ deep literary heritage.

A highlight of the four-day run is the 43rd National Book Awards (NBA), to be held on March 14 at the Fiesta Stage. The NBA acknowledges the works of authors, illustrators, editors, translators, and publishers whose books have helped shape the country’s literary landscape.

Into the Gubat ng Karunungan

This year’s festival takes its theme from the richness underfoot and overhead: Gubat ng Karunungan, or Rainforest of Knowledge. The key visual, crafted by returning artist and designer Joffrey “Pepot” Atienza, follows two characters, Yaz and Ye-ey, as they journey through a teeming rainforest, taking in its flora, fauna, and falls.

Drawing on his daily life at the foot of Mount Banahaw in Lucban, Quezon, Atienza wove recycled paper into the artwork as a deliberate gesture: the same trees that give us paper carry the stories we tell. “Our stories, our books, and our karunungan all start here—in the biodiversity we need to protect,” he said.

A Festival Dedicated to Philippine Literature

“The Philippine Book Festival is positioned not only as a literary event but also as a third place that connects key players in the publishing and education sectors,” Aquino-Tugade said. “By convening publishers, institutional buyers, educators, and readers in a single venue, the festival supports broader efforts to improve access to quality Philippine books and sustain the local publishing industry.”

“Let’s make the Philippines not just a nation of readers, but a global powerhouse of authors and creators,” Aquino-Tugade concluded. #

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About the National Book Development Board

The National Book Development Board (NBDB) is the Philippines’ book authority mandated to develop and strengthen the local book publishing industry. It works to expand access to quality Philippine books, promote a culture of NATIONAL BOOK DEVELOPMENT BOARD

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PHILIPPINE BOOK FESTIVAL 2026 STRENGTHENS ITS COMMITMENT TO THE GROWTH OF LOCAL PUBLISHING

THE National Book Development Board (NBDB) is all set for the 4th Philippine Book Festival (PBF)— the country’s only marketplace dedicated exclusively to all-Filipino books and published works, and a shared third place for publishers, writers, illustrators, readers, educators, and industry stakeholders. The festival runs from March 12 to 15, 2026 at the Megatrade Hall, 5th Floor, SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.

“With the continued interest we saw in the last few years, we are encouraged by the growing appreciation for Filipino stories and content,” said NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade. “The strong public response affirms that there is a meaningful demand for books that reflect our own culture, languages, and lived experiences.” Building on that momentum, the NBDB sees PBF 2026 as an opportunity not only to expand visitor turnout and exhibitor participation but also to strengthen access to locally produced books and learning materials. In a milestone for the festival, Day 1 (March 12) will be open to the general public for the first time, welcoming all readers alongside the Department of Education (DepEd) and its book evaluators from across the country. Four Realms, One Rainforest PBF 2026 reimagines its four signature realms within a rainforest-inspired setting. Aral Aklat highlights books as tools for learning and discovery, featuring textbooks and teaching guides. Booktopia invites visitors to explore the breadth of Filipino fiction and nonfiction. Kid Lit nurtures early readers through interactive, child-friendly experiences. Komiks celebrates the visual richness of Filipino comics and graphic storytelling. This year’s lineup brings together the full spectrum of Philippine literary life. National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee, National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario, and prominent historian Ambeth Ocampo will be on hand for book signings alongside trade-book superstars Jonaxx and Ron Canimo, kidlit masters Eugene Evasco and Luis Gatmaitan, and komiks legends Manix Abrera and Pol Medina. GMA Network, together with PaperKat Books, will also launch “Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre” at PBF 2026. Beyond the realms, the festival offers a range of spaces for connection: Lugar Lagdaan for book signings and reader-author meetups; Bahay Ilustrador for a look into the world of visual storytellers; Gubat ng Karunungan for workshops, talks, and masterclasses; the Fiesta Stage for major programming and performances; and Umpukan for informal community conversations. The NBDB, in cooperation with the National Library of the Philippines, will also feature facsimiles of Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere, Doctrina Christiana, and Fr. Manuel Blanco’s Flora de Filipinas—rare works that anchor the festival in the Philippines’ deep literary heritage. A highlight of the four-day run is the 43rd National Book Awards (NBA), to be held on March 14 at the Fiesta Stage. The NBA acknowledges the works of authors, illustrators, editors, translators, and publishers whose books have helped shape the country’s literary landscape. Into the Gubat ng Karunungan This year’s festival takes its theme from the richness underfoot and overhead: Gubat ng Karunungan, or Rainforest of Knowledge. The key visual, crafted by returning artist and designer Joffrey “Pepot” Atienza, follows two characters, Yaz and Ye-ey, as they journey through a teeming rainforest, taking in its flora, fauna, and falls. Drawing on his daily life at the foot of Mount Banahaw in Lucban, Quezon, Atienza wove recycled paper into the artwork as a deliberate gesture: the same trees that give us paper carry the stories we tell. “Our stories, our books, and our karunungan all start here—in the biodiversity we need to protect,” he said. A Festival Dedicated to Philippine Literature “The Philippine Book Festival is positioned not only as a literary event but also as a third place that connects key players in the publishing and education sectors,” Aquino-Tugade said. “By convening publishers, institutional buyers, educators, and readers in a single venue, the festival supports broader efforts to improve access to quality Philippine books and sustain the local publishing industry.” “Let’s make the Philippines not just a nation of readers, but a global powerhouse of authors and creators,” Aquino-Tugade concluded. # ----------------------------------------------------- About the National Book Development Board The National Book Development Board (NBDB) is the Philippines’ book authority mandated to develop and strengthen the local book publishing industry. It works to expand access to quality Philippine books, promote a culture of reading, and support the growth of local publishing, while ensuring that Filipino authorship and literary production remain visible, competitive, and sustainable in both national and international contexts. Follow @nbdbphilippines (Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok) or visit books.gov.ph to learn more.

, and support the growth of local publishing, while ensuring that Filipino authorship and literary production remain visible, competitive, and sustainable in both national and international contexts.

Follow @nbdbphilippines (Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok) or visit books.gov.ph to learn more.

REVIVED BY TRUE LOVE’S KISS: BALLET MANILA OPENS PRIMA PERFORMANCE SEASON WITH BELOVED FAIRY TALE CLASSIC SLEEPING BEAUTY

 PHILIPPINES – A kingdom waits, a princess sleeps, and a curse lingers until love breaks through. This March, Ballet Manila opens its PRIMA Performance Season with Sleeping Beauty, the final offering of the Princess Trilogy Series. Audiences can experience Aurora’s journey from enchantment to awakening on March 13 at 8:00 p.m., and on March 14 and 15 at 5:00 p.m. at the Aliw Theater in Pasay City.  All performances will feature the Manila Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Alexander Vikulov,

The stories of fairy-tale princesses have been told across generations, and with Ballet Manila’s adaptation, they are brought to life through dance. With every leap and turn, the company has embodied the grace, innocence and gentleness of the beloved princesses. Making this season’s Sleeping Beauty special is the fact that it will be directed and choreographed by no less than Ballet Manila’s Artistic Director and CEO, Lisa Macuja Elizalde. 

DISCOVER PONTELLO BY CROWN ASIA: ELEGANT HOMES BRIDGING PAST AND FUTURE IN CAVITE

 PHILIPPINES – Crown Asia, the foremost builder of themed developments in strategic locations across the archipelago, unveils a vision where the soul thrives: Pontello. This Italian-inspired haven is located in the progressive heart of Dasmariñas City, Cavite, a testament to Crown Asia's enduring artistry. Its philosophy is etched in stone and sky: to sculpt living canvases where tradition, talent, and the promise of tomorrow forever lie.

The Italian-inspired Pontello is rooted in the progressive heart of Dasmariñas City, Cavite,
a living testament to Crown Asia's enduring artistry and vision.

Pontello Site Appreciation Reveals Next Crown Asia Italian-Inspired Residence

Crown Asia honored vision, land, and intention at the Pontello Site Appreciation Event, setting the tone for what will become one of the most refined residences by the Philippines’ foremost builder of themed developments.

Central to the invitation-only gathering was the unveiling of the Pontello signage, board-up, and symbolic entryway, marking the formal introduction of the themed residential development to its environs. This was followed by the Oliveto Dedication, where executives, business partners, and investors participated in the pouring of olive oil, a time-honored Italian tradition of blessing the land.

The Pontello Site Appreciation Event affirmed Crown Asia’s commitment to building with depth and discernment, where even the earliest milestones are enriched by meaning. Through symbolic storytelling, it continues to shape refined residences that stand as enduring expressions of success.

COOL AND CLEAN WITH A CHANCE TO WIN: C2 SUMMER PROMO MAKES EVERY BOTTLE COUNT

  PHILIPPINES – Summer is about to get even more refreshing as C2 Cool and Clean launches its “C2 Win It: Summer Promo 2026.” From February 1 to April 30, 2026, every bottle of C2 with a green cap could let you unlock lifestyle rewards worth over 3 million pesos.

Joining is as easy as 1, 2, 3! Simply BUY any participating C2 variant with a green cap in 335ml, 455ml, or 1L sizes. Choose from well-loved flavors such as Classic Green Tea, Lemon, Apple, or try refreshing summer picks such as Freeze Melon, Dalandan, and Peach Black Tea. 

Next, PEEL the bottle label to reveal your unique code and ENTER it via the official C2 Cool and Clean Facebook Messenger chat. Keep your bottle for verification, and you’re in.

February 1 to April 30, 2026, every bottle of C2 with a green cap could let you unlock exciting prizes, such as gadgets, e-credits, lifestyle items, and travel tickets, with its C2 Win It: Summer Promo 2026

NO BALANCE? NO PROBLEM! SMART ALTERNATIVES WHEN YOUR TRAIN CARD RUNS OUT

  In a rush and dealing with top-up issues or checking your balance? Commuters now have a reliable way to pay for trains with GCash.

PHILIPPINES – Days move fast. For daily commuters, they are a constant juggle—beating the rush, staying on schedule, and making sure you get from home to work as quickly as possible.

Which is why nothing spikes commuter stress like realizing you’re low on balance—right when you’re already in line, already late, and already surrounded by equally rushed strangers. 

Suddenly, it’s a scramble: searching for a top-up station, queuing behind others, or dealing with reloading machines that seem to break only during peak hours or even the ticket booths where card top-up lines merge with single-journey ticket purchases. In the middle of rush hour, these small hiccups turn into full-blown setbacks, proving that top-up problems don’t just delay your commute—they derail your entire day.

PURSUIT OF A MORE BIKER-INCLUSIVE SM YIELDS RECORD-BREAKING 36 WINS FROM DOTR MOBILITY AWARDS

  PHILIPPINES – When the pandemic put the country in a standstill, many of the everyday yet vital services Filipinos had access to were revoked—one of which was transportation.

 

The absence of public transportation due to social distancing effectively limited every household's capability to commute for essentials, and many relied on biking as their lifeline. 

 

Recognizing the urgency in supporting its customers and surrounding communities during the challenges of the pandemic, SM Supermalls strengthened the drive for Active Mobility across all of its malls nationwide. Since then, the mall leader has become a home and advocate for Active Mobility, remaining consistent in forging spaces that not only accommodate, but protect bikers. 

 

Because of this effort, SM has won the trust and confidence of its stakeholders in advocating for sustainable travel, culminating in a record-breaking 34-win citation at the 2025 Mobility awards.

 

 "What began as a heartfelt initiative to support bikers during COVID, has now become an integrated bike program spanning every single SM mall in the country," said SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing, Joaquin San Agustin. "Active Mobility plays a crucial role not just in preserving the environment but in the enrichment of every Filipino. Thus, SM aims to continually foster the culture of biking across its properties by creating beloved places where movement is safe, easy, and inclusive for everyone."

 

Active Mobility Advances Through Coaction

Through a collaboration between its Corporate Social Responsibility arm, SM Cares, its mall operations, and biking communities, SM continues to refine itself as a bike-friendly space championing maxed-out Active Mobility, cycling, and inclusive transport.

 

"It started with us setting up parking spots exclusive to bikes to ease access for cyclists picking up essentials in our malls. Then when the volume of cyclists picked up even as the lockdown eased, we knew we had to do more for them," said Mina Kahn, SM Division Head and Assistant Vice President for Transportation Management. 

 

For the mall leader, this meant improving transport access through sustainable means it could easily replicate across its properties nationwide. This involved carving out dedicated spaces equipped with essential tools to safeguard and repair bikes, protecting bikes from scratches with upcycled tires cushioning racks, the introduction of intuitive bike lanes for biker safety, and the promotion of the culture of cycling.

From there, bike-friendly features have become staples even in recent developments and renovations with plans to implement more secure bike parking, install more racks, and clearer cycling lanes around the malls. Cycling groups also found a conducive haven for activities at SM properties. Biking events were regularly encouraged and hosted, with surrounding tenants adjusting operating hours to accommodate cyclists, further promoting biking not just as a mode of transportation but as a lifestyle and sport one could enjoy. 

 

This in turn earned SM a total of 34 accolades at the recent Mobility Awards: One Gold, 11 Silver and 22 bronze for nationwide mall efforts in promoting and protecting cycling as a culture across its properties.

 

Additionally, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) cited SM's sustainable approach as a demonstration of its leadership, innovation and long-term commitment to making active transport safer and more accessible to Filipinos. Its Pedal Power 2025 program was highlighted for this year's Notable Advocacy Program and the SM Supermalls Sustainable Mobility and Bike-Friendly program received a citation for Notable Development by the Private Sector. 

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About SM Supermalls

Celebrating 40 Super Years: A New Era of SM Supermalls, Evolving With You. SM Supermalls, one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers with 89 malls in the Philippines, marks four decades of growing with Filipinos and serving as a trusted space where diverse lifestyles and generations connect. As it enters a new era, SM Supermalls continues evolving with you, redefining the malling experience through sustainability, innovation, and a deep commitment to shaping the future of retail and urban life with inclusive, meaningful experiences for all.

About SM Cares 

As the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, SM Cares is focused on enriching the lives of Filipinos through socially-conscious and environmentally-responsible programs meant to Empower Communities into long-lasting, impactful improvement. 

SM AMPLIFIES GRASSROOTS ICE SPORTS DEVELOPMENT THROUGH THIRD HOSTING OF SEA TROPHY: LARGEST TURN OUT AND PH WINS IN THREE YEARS SIGNALS GROWING POOL OF FUTURE SKATING CHAMPIONS

  

PHILIPPINES – With the Southeast Asian (SEA) Open Short Track Speed Skating trophy's Philippine return, SM hopes the country's success at the international derby captures a crucial window of opportunity to further enrich local skating talent. 

 

Designed as an entry-level international competition, the SEA Trophy gives young and emerging skaters the opportunity to compete, learn, and gain exposure on a friendly yet structured stage.

“We are thrilled with the results of the latest season of this international competition,” said Joseph Silva, Senior Assistant Vice President for SM Skating. “Since its inaugural run, we’ve seen steady growth in participation, and this year marks our highest turnout yet, along with the country’s strongest medal haul to date. Coupled with the surge of interest in ice sports following the Philippines’ recent SEA Games successes, we see this as a pivotal moment to spotlight the potential of our young, emerging athletes and further strengthen support for the development of their talent.”

 

On its third local mounting, the SEA Trophy has registered its largest volume of participants at 90 athletes ages six to 24 years old representing the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, India, and Indonesia. The Philippines emerged with a total medal win of 12 gold, 11 silver, and 6 bronze medals.