It's Reading Month celebration once again and it feels like it was just yesterday that I wrote this blog.
However, as the National Book Week celebration comes, I can't help but go back to the amazing time I had attending the first Philippine Book Festival in Davao City. I felt compelled to share this wonderful event with you today.
Being one of the librarians taking charge of the Library Hub in the 4th district of Cebu, I had the honor of visiting Davao City, a stunning city, and immersing myself in the vivid imaginations of Filipino writers, many of whom are only known to book enthusiasts.
The First Philippine Book Festival in Davao City, not only aims to entertain bookworms but support Filipino literature, culture and history.
As instructed by our Learning Resources Supervisor, we had to search for books and study materials that the department would opt to purchase.
We were asked to wear Filipiniana on the first day.
Scooping books in a booth with other Librarians, School Heads, and Learning Resources Supervisor in Filipino. This photo was grabbed from our Group Chatroom.
In the next three days of attending this First Philippine Book Festival in Davao City, I felt like I was in a wonderland!
This colorfully decorated booth was the initiative of the Department of Education (DepEd) promoting the Matatag curriculum.
I delved into the world of the creative minds of Filipino authors as I entered this spot not only showing their beautiful and original works in printed copies but also those saved in tablets.
Some other booths were also brightly and colorfully decorated at many different spots inside the Convention Hall to attract potential customers.
In addition to showcasing Filipino writers' works, the book festival featured age-appropriate interactive educational materials, too.
The kids looked so relaxed picking a book to read in this spot where the National Library of the Philippines booth stood.
A Display of Significant Books in History
Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo
Through the displayed information in the exhibit, the two books above were the facsimile of the original manuscript of the two great novels of the country's national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. They were commissioned by the national government through Jose Rizal's National Centennial Commission in 1961.
Islas Filipinas, Doctrina Christiana, and a Journal of Magellan's Voyage
Florante at Laura, Dekada '70, and Banaag at Sikat
The Comics: Darna, Kenkoy, Bulaklak, and Pitong Gatang
The World of Comics
We had three days in the city, so it was the ideal opportunity for us to discover and experience the universe of information inside this convention center. And as I came back the next day, I was welcomed and succumbed to the comic book world.
History of Comics in the Philippines
The following images depict the beginning of comics, and the well-known writer who produced the first comics, "Ang Pagong at Ang Matsing", was Dr. Jose Rizal, the brilliant man who was regarded as the nation's National Hero. Although Rizal's work may have been the first comic book manuscript ever written by a Filipino, it was never published in the country.
The next photos show the historical background of Comics in the Philippines.
More Comics of Filipino Authors
These comics, on display in a corner of the hall, silently astounded and awed visitors as they were drawn to the spot to take in the marvels of the imaginative creativity and skilled hands of our Filipino artists.
Showcasing the Local Culture
Highlighting the Mindanao Weaving Community
As I wandered around the hall, my attention was drawn, to the exquisite arts and crafts made by the indigenous people of Mindanao.
This section showcased a variety of woven items, including scarves, purses, mats, and apparel made by the indigenous people of Mindanao, all of which attempted to highlight their artistic and skilled craftsmanship.
Observing a native lady weave these items herself with indigenous tools adds even more intrigue and wonder to the experience.
And look at the output!
Local Instruments and Crafts
Meet and Greet with Filipino Authors and Artists
This first Philippine book festival held in Davao City not only brought us into the world of books but emphasized the importance of supporting local authors. That's why all books sold here were written by Filipino authors.
It was also a perfect opportunity for bookworms to meet and greet with their favorite Filipino authors.
The historian and columnist, Ambeth Ocampo in flesh.
The children's author, Luis P. Gatmaitán.
Rica Peralejo, a Filipino actress, promotes her debut book on marriage, Eleven Eleven: Painting the Challenge and Beauty of Marriage, that she co-wrote with her husband Joseph Bonifacio.
And, many other famous Filipino authors and illustrators graced the event to introduce their exceptional work to the public.
How about you? Do you know any of them?
I was not able to capture all of them in my camera but it was truly a wonderful experience to see the brilliant minds behind their exceptional work.
Attending the First Philippine Book Festival was a genuinely remarkable and unique event that taught me to value not just the incredible works of our own Filipino authors but also the beauty of local literature, history, and culture.
And this is all for today's blog dear Hivers. Thank you for reaching this far. See you again in my upcoming blogs. Until then...
All photos are mine unless stated otherwise. Lead image edited thru Canva.