26 June 2025 – To foster deeper literary and cultural exchange, ‘Engkwento’ program was held today in Frankfurt, bringing together Philippine authors and publishers with key players in the German book industry. The evening blended performance, ritual, and literature—featuring the Philippine Madrigal Singers’ “Danas-Diwa” dream sequence and the “Ipon-Tipon” rice ritual followed by a Filipino dinner that encouraged informal conversations and connections.
Central to the program were literary excerpts from Philippine works already translated into German, such as Wild Song by Candy Gourlay and Kites in the Night by Blaise Campo Gacoscos, which sparked keen interest among German booksellers and publishers eager to bring these titles to a wider German-speaking audience. Many expressed enthusiasm for narratives that highlight decolonial perspectives, indigenous identities, and underrepresented voices, areas where Philippine literature offers rich contributions.
The event also sparked dialogue about genres with growing appeal among German readers, including graphic novels, young adult fiction, science fiction, political and historical narratives, and climate fiction. With Germany’s increasing appetite for diverse and non-Western stories, and as the Philippines prepares to be Guest of Honour at FBM 2025, “Engkwento” laid important groundwork for lasting cultural and commercial partnerships in the publishing world. END
