The Philippine Readers and Writers Festival (PRWF), held at the National Book Store Building in Araneta City, Cubao, marked its long-awaited return to face-to-face festivities after six years. Last held in person in 2019, the festival once again gathered bookworms, writers, and comic enthusiasts to celebrate Philippine literature and comics.
Organized by National Book Store, in partnership with Komikon, the festival ran from Aug. 14 to 16, opening its doors with an array of activities for attendees. Spanning two floors, the event was featured with art stalls, comic booths, and shelves teeming with stacks of books offered at 20% off.
The free-entry festival also offered a lineup of author talks, book signings, panel discussions, and even practical skill workshops, adding to the lively atmosphere of the fair. Some of the main highlights of the three-day festival were the appearance by the cast of The Notebook: The Musical, an afternoon with the National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts, Ricky Lee, a discussion on bullying with Nelson Canlas and Chef Miggy Moreno, and a book signing with Filipino author and historian Ambeth Ocampo.
Celebrating the heart of local literature and art
From the moment visitors stepped through the venue’s threshold, it was clear that local talent was at the heart of the festival. Attendees were met with booths featuring exhibitors' personal merchandise and works. Among these stalls at the forefront of the venue was Stories and Stuff, a creative group composed of families seeking to create a safe environment for their children to express their creativity primarily through virtue-centered narratives in comics.
In an interview with The Benildean, online freelancer and parent Ms. Grace Javier expressed her views on the importance of literacy and traditional reading in the new digital age. As a frequent exhibitor and a mother to a daughter who has published and sold her own comics, Ms. Javier emphasized that reading is crucial. She highlighted that the practice of reading fosters literacy and creativity among the youth, whether in Tagalog or English. Their stall featured children's comics, all of which are byproducts of their own imaginations.
Mitzee, a learning experience designer and comic creator, highlighted the significance of festivals like PRWF. The artist’s booth featured her own works in the dark fantasy genre, including “The Nowhere Tree,” “Karnaval,” “Glass Heart,” and more.
“Touch point siya for the wider range of people to know more about local comics… Meron tayong magagaling na mga talento din dito locally. Sobrang grateful ako with Komikon and National Book Store for allowing us to be here and having the space.”
Mitzee also expressed that the festival had given her the opportunity to reconnect and catch up with old friends, allowing them to support each other’s works in enthusiasm.
Nurturing the next generation
Ms. Lea, a first-time attendee and avid bookworm, saw the event as more than just a festival. For her, it was also as a testament for future generations of local artists, writers, and readers. She reflected on the interactions she had witnessed throughout her visits and how it sparked a sense of hope.
These dialogues show that events such as the PRWF unite people who share the same passion and interest in reading, storytelling, and creativity. Through these shared spaces, communities are invited to step into different worlds and immerse themselves in the talent and creativity of the people behind them. These spaces lead to a deeper appreciation for the voices that continue to shape the rich cultural landscape of Philippine literature and art transforming even the simple and quiet act of support into a celebration of shared identity.
Missed this year’s PRWF? Don’t fret! The National Book Store and Komikon teams wrapped up the 2026 festival with an official announcement confirming the festival’s return next year! To keep an eye out for official dates and announcements, visit National Book Store and Komikon’s official Facebook pages.
