The Philippines returned strongly to the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) 2025, showcasing Filipino literature and making significant strides in the Arab publishing world.
Held from April 26 to May 5 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, the Philippine delegation brought together top Filipino publishers through the collaboration of the National Book Development Board (NBDB) and the Book Development Association of the Philippines (BDAP).
The delegation was led by NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade and BDAP President Atty. Andrea Pasion-Flores, who also represented Milflores Publishing. Joining them were Ken Ortiz (Anvil Publishing), Jhorie Arciga (University of the Philippines Press), Gwenn Galvez (REX Education), Mary Ann Ordinario (ABC Educational Development Center), Cindy Wong (8Letters Bookstore and Publishing), Ruth Ann Octaviano (Central Books), and Jerico Silvers (J. Silvers Publishing).
Their works covered a wide range of genres, including children’s books, graphic novels, poetry, scholarly texts, and more, each chosen to highlight the diversity and richness of Filipino stories.
“For the Philippines, the Arab book market is still largely untapped,” said Aquino-Tugade. “And it’s time that we change that because, as our participation at Abu Dhabi has confirmed, our stories are very much in demand in this part of the world.”
She emphasized the importance of this market, saying, “To call it a significant market would be an understatement as it’s also notably a point of convergence for many of the most interesting players in the book world, including Egypt, Azerbaijan, and Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan.”
Aquino-Tugade added, “These are countries that actually picked up our rights at the fair. We’re setting our sights to new markets and readerships, and I think we were able to do just that at Abu Dhabi.”
MEET the Philippines’ delegates to the Abu Dhabi Book Fair:
Genres that attracted the most attention included Children and Young Adult, Literature, and General Interest, showing growing interest in Filipino literature from international readers.
On April 27, the Philippine delegation hosted a reception that drew Arab publishing leaders eager to explore Filipino stories.
CATCH some snaps from the Abu Dhabi Book Fair:
BDAP President Atty. Pasion-Flores shared, “One of the biggest accomplishments of this delegation was having myself, the NBDB, and the Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, Alfonso Ver, meet with the Arab Language Center.”
She continued, “I think we will be coming into the Arabic market stronger in the next couple of years, particularly in 2027, where we are aiming to be the ADIBF’s Guest of Honor.”
“There was a wide variety of books that people were looking for in retail. In terms of rights selling, the quickest results can be seen from the sales of children’s picture books. Apparently, 10% of the UAE’s population is Filipino. We found a hunger for Filipino books, both for children and adults, that distributors there want to address,” she said.
The ADIBF participation is part of the Philippines’ larger strategy to boost its role as a creative content hub in Southeast Asia. This effort includes the country’s role as Guest of Honour at the Frankfurt Book Fair 2025 and the NBDB’s translation subsidy program, which supports foreign publishers in translating Filipino works for global audiences.
With strong partnerships and global interest growing, the Philippines is poised to expand its literary reach and bring more Filipino stories to the world.
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