Visitors flock to the Philippine stand at the 2018 Frankfurt Book Fair to see the latest offerings of 14 participating co-exhibitors. (Frankfurt PCG photo)
FRANKFURT 06 December 2018 – The Philippines sustained its presence in the largest and most established book fair in the world with its participation in the 2018 Frankfurt Book Fair (FBF).
The National Book Development Board (NBDB), led by its Chairperson Flor Marie Sta. Romana-Cruz, spearheaded the country’s participation. Accompanying her were NBDB officials, Member of the Governing Board Maria Karina Bolasco, Executive Director Jerry Tizon, and Education Undersecretary Annalyn Sevilla.
“The Philippine booth showcases the best of book publishing in our country and presents to the world our rich literary culture,” incoming Consul General to Frankfurt Evelyn Austria-Garcia said.
“With her efforts in allocating the necessary budget for the Philippines’ effective participation, Senator Loren Legarda has again proven why she is known to be the country’s patroness of arts and culture,” incoming Consul General Austria-Garcia added.
Fifteen publishing companies from the Philippines took part in the 2018 FBF as co-exhibitors, with each showcasing their best books and holding meetings with prospective partners. Among activities by the Philippines held on different stages at the Fair were an opening reception, business matchmaking sessions, speaking engagements at the ASEAN Forum, and culinary presentations.
Through the support of Senator Legarda, who is also Chair of the Senate Committees on Finance, Foreign Relations, and Climate Change, the Philippines has taken part in the annual event the past four years. Senator Legarda again manifested her support of the Philippines’ book publishing industry through her attendance at the 2018 FBF.
According to the 2018 FBF organizers, over 285,000 visitors attended this year’s Fair. International attendance, both in terms of exhibitors and trade visitors, experienced an uptick in 2018 with 7,503 exhibitors from 109 countries.
The soon-to-open Consulate General in Frankfurt provided logistical support to the NBDB, the Office of Senator Legarda, and co-exhibitors from the Philippines. END
Senator Loren Legarda (center), incoming Consul General Evelyn Austria-Garcia (sixth from right), and NBDB Board Chair Flor Sta. Romana-Cruz (sixth from left) pose with co-exhibitors at the 2018 FBF. (Frankfurt PCG photo)
