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The Philippine Book Festival will be held from March 12 to 16, 2026, at the Megatrade Hall of SM Megamall. Here’s what eventgoers may expect during the four-day festival.
The Philippine Book Festival invites readers into a broad collection of Filipino stories, where books fill the venue’s shelves and displays.
Organized by the National Book Development Board, the Philippine Book Festival is among the largest literary events in the country and brings together readers, authors, publishers, and industry creatives for a major celebration of Philippine publishing. The festival promotes Filipino-authored books and highlights local literature across fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, and komiks.
For the first time in its fourth year, the opening day on March 12, 2026, will be open to the general public alongside representatives and evaluators from the Department of Education. The event runs for four days until March 15, 2026, at Megatrade, SM Megamall. With diverse regional and linguistic representations, the festival offers a closer look at Philippine literature and publishing.
Visitors can explore a selection of books written, published, and illustrated by Filipinos across every genre. It is designed as an exclusive marketplace for Filipino-authored books so that readers can easily discover local titles that aren’t always featured prominently in mainstream stores. This includes fiction, nonfiction, poetry, children’s books, komiks, and educational materials curated by over 100 exhibitors.
One of the festival’s highlights is the opportunity to connect directly with Filipino writers. Previous editions have featured author meet-and-greet sessions, book signings, and conversations, providing readers with a chance to interact with creators, ask questions about their work, and get signed copies. This year, confirmed participating authors include National Artists Ricky Lee and Virgilio Almario, and historian Ambeth Ocampo.
The festival also continues its signature design of literary “realms,” dividing the venue into different zones: Kid Lit, Komiks, Booktopia, and Aral Aklat. Kid Lit highlights engaging children’s and young adult literature; Komiks focuses on Filipino comic art and stories; Booktopia showcases fiction and nonfiction; and Aral Aklat spotlights textbooks and learning resources.
Over the four days, attendees may participate in panel discussions, workshops for aspiring writers and illustrators, storytelling sessions, and conversations about Philippine literature and publishing. Previous editions of the festival have offered sessions on memoir writing, climate-focused children’s books, and creative nonfiction, giving attendees opportunities to learn from industry professionals
Moreover, the Philippine Book Festival offers readers access to discounted books, limited editions, and newly released titles, with many publishers showcasing special collections. With more than 100 exhibitors participating, attendees often discover local titles and promotions that are not widely available in mainstream stores, making it an appealing experience for book lovers and eventgoers alike.
