Filipino literary creation head to London Book Fair
Are you familiar with ‘Doll Eyes,’ ‘Mga Batang Poz,’ and ‘Tales from the Southern Kingdom’ book, made initially by our Filipino literary creators?
I hope it’s yes because these books are one of the 52 legends stories that will go to the London Book Fair (LBF). It’s happening from April 5 to 7 in Olympia at Kensington London. This trade fair is the largest international rights trade fair globally.
In fact, LBF is a gathering of international publishers and producers. Television networks, theater arts, and music industries are searching for engaging works for global adaptation.
Filipino Literary Creations Titles
Following their appearance at the Frankfurt Book Fair 2021, Filipino authors and publishers will bring over 52 myths, tales, and legends. It could be any original form of our graphic novels, literature for young adults and children, and contemporary fiction. It is now our turn to share our stories.
The Philippines’ National Book Development Board (NBDB) chose to bring “Doll Eyes” by Eline Santos, illustrated by Joy Mallari, and published by CANVAS to the fair.
A doll-maker named Manang Bolabola is the focus of the story, living in Quiapo, Manila. She had a store that filled with dolls and pearly eyes that love by children. However, when these kids come to this store, they never leave.
The other book is “Mga Batang Poz” by Segundo Matias, Jr and published by Lampara Publishing House.
This book presents Gab, Enzo, and Luis, the three discreet gays. And Chuchay, a boldly effeminate character, during a two-day road trip. Each one of them has a different story to tell, but they have one similarity – all of them are People Living with HIV (PLHIV).
Virginia Villanueva’s book “Tales from the Southern Kingdom” is also one of the lists.
This book consists of legends, folklore, and children’s stories that illustrate the Sama and Tausug cultures and environments—published by Ateneo de Manila University Press.
Attendees at LBF
NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade, NBDB Project Lead of the National Book Database Kevin Ansel Dy, and Komiket founder Paolo Herras are the head attendees at the LBF event.
“Filipino Comics is one of the most underrepresented and exploited genres.”
“We’re not studied in colleges or universities; we’re not found in the K-12 curriculum, national writer’s workshops, or most national awards.”
“But we are already crossing territories, getting picked up by international publishers around the world, and venturing forth into live-action films, animation, content platforms, video games, toys, and other merchandise.”
“So we’re mighty proud to be representing the Philippines in the LBF. It’s about time,”
Herras said
Full Support in Filipino Literary Creations
Filipinos in the UK fully support this distinguished book event.
A number of renowned writers who are also based in UK, will visit Philippine stand. One of them is Candy Gourlay, the author of the award-winning “Tall Story,” which will visit the Philippine stand.
There will be a lecture on April 8 at the Sentro Rizal. This venue will share Philippine culture, history, and art, lecture by NBDB and hosted by the Philippine Embassy in London.
During the discussion, Aquino-Tugade will discuss decolonizing the reading landscape in the Philippines.
“We are thrilled to finally travel and meet with international publishers.”
“The world deserves our stories, and the LBF opens a great opportunity for works of our authors, illustrators, and publishers to gain a wider audience. This fair is the best place to start.”
Aquino-Tugade said
