The Philippines Kicks Off Frankfurt Book Fair 2025 As Guest Of Honour 

FRANKFURT, Germany—The Philippines officially begins its historic stint as the Guest of Honour at the 77th Frankfurt Book Fair, Wednesday, October 15, marking the start of a five-day showcase of Filipino literature and culture that runs until Sunday, October 19.

In photo: Veteran journalist Howie Severino

In photo: Historian, author & columnist Ambeth Ocampo

A large delegation, comprised of over a hundred Filipino writers, artists, publishers, translators, and cultural workers, has arrived in Germany, ready to take the global stage. The National Book Development Board (NBDB-PH) stated that the delegation brings the diverse stories of the Filipino people to the world's largest book fair. The Philippine program will feature an extensive line-up, including book launches, author talks, readings, panel discussions, film screenings, exhibits, and performances.

In photo: Philippine contingent at the 77th Frankfurt Book Fair

The country’s presence extends beyond the fairgrounds, as the vibrant Filipino spirit is already on display at the Roßmarkt square with the "Jeepney Journey" event, which kicked off earlier this week and will run until October 18.

Jeepney Journey Highlights Filipino Culture

The festive "Jeepney Journey" event is centered around an actual, iconic Filipino jeepney, turning the Roßmarkt into a unique cultural hub and mobile stage. The event was welcomed by Consul General Ivy Banzon and featured a message from National Book Development Board Executive Director, Charisse Aquino-Tugade.

In photos: Showcasing the iconic traditional Filipino mode of public transport, the Jeepney

Aquino-Tugade highlighted the jeepney as a symbol of the Philippines’ relational nature, openness, and vibrancy. She explained that its colorful exterior reflects the Filipino spirit, its open-air design signifies openness to others, and its face-to-face seating embodies a deeply relational culture. She also noted that the shared payment system, where passengers pass fares to the driver through one another, speaks to the strong Filipino value of community.

The cultural experience at the Roßmarkt also includes a live painting by Danielle Florendo, a Kappa Malong Malong performance, and the sale of Filipino goods, offering a taste of the archipelago’s culture in the heart of Frankfurt.

Photos: National Book Development Board -Philippines