DFA Celebrates National Book Month Through “Pahina at Bukana Book Fair”
DFA-OPCD Assistant Secretary Arvin R. De Leon delivers Opening Remarks during the Pahina at Bukana Book Fair Opening Program (Photo credit: DFA-OPCD Camille Barizo)
PASAY 30 November 2023 – The Department of Foreign Affairs - Office of Public and Cultural Diplomacy, in collaboration with Savage Mind Bookshop, and with the assistance of Ateneo de Naga University Press and National Book Development Board (NBDB), successfully organized the “Pahina and Bukana Book Fair” on 28-29 November 2023, with the theme, “Sapin-saping Pahina, Samu’t Saring Bukana.” The Book Fair was a hybrid event in celebration of the National Book Month. This year’s theme revolved around the elements of books as treasured and bounded pages containing manifold portals inviting readers to relish and enjoy the pleasure of the written words. The event provided diverse platforms and approaches, encompassing both digital and physical realms, to cultivate a profound understanding and admiration for contemporary Philippine writings.
The opening program was held at Bulwagang Elpidio Quirino on 28 November 2023, which was livestreamed on the official DFA Facebook page. In his opening remarks, DFA Assistant Secretary for Public and Cultural Diplomacy Arvin R. De Leon recognized the contributions of “the works of a vibrant roster of writers, diplomats and expats, whose literary voices have echoed the profound power of books as a source of wisdom from one generation to another.” Mr. Dante Francis Ang II, Chairman of National Book Development Board, and Mr. Kristian Sendon, Founder of Savage Mind Bookshop also delivered video messages during the event.
The program featured talks by renowned Filipino authors who shared their respective journeys, inspirations, and the creative processes behind their works: Mr. Ian Alfonso, senior researcher of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and author of “Dogs in Philippine History;” Dr. Genevieve Asenjo, poet, children story writer, and a novelist in three Philippine languages, as well as author of “Sa Gihapon, Palangga, ang Uran;” and Mr. Teddy Espela, poet, development worker and author of the poetry book “Broken Places.”
Messrs. Jason Tabinas, Chief of Readership Development Division and award-winning poet, and John Sherwin Acampado, visual artist and the Assistant Creative Director of Savage Mind, also formally turned over books by NBDB and Savage Mind Bookshop to DFA Assistant Secretary De Leon.
The event featured the literary works of diplomats and expats, whose literary voices have echoed the profound power of books as a source of wisdom from one generation to another.
Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo also graced the Book Fair that featured both nonfiction and fiction books from various regions, as well as publications of the Foreign Service Institute.
The Pahina at Bukana Opening Ceremony livestream is available for replay through the Facebook link: https://fb.watch/oEuXUvLjhO/ END
The Author of “Dogs in the Philippine History”, Mr. Ian Alfonso narrates his journey in writing “The Dogs of Philippine History.” (Photo credit: DFA-OPCD Camille Barizo)
Mr. Teddy Espela shares his passion for literature and how it helped him in writing “The Broken Places.” (Photo credit: DFA-OPCD Camille Barizo)
Dr. Genevieve Asenjo talks about writing in her mother tongue. (Photo credit: DFA-OPCD Camille Barizo)
(Left to right): Dr. Genevieve Asenjo, Mr. Teddy Espela and Mr. Ian Alfonso during the Q&A session of the Book Fair event. (Photo credit: DFA-OPCD Camille Barizo)
Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo attends the “Pahina at Bukana Book Fair.” (Photo credit: DFA-OPCD Camille Barizo)
Foreign Service Institute participates in the Book Fair showcasing their publications. (Photo credit: DFA-OPCD)
Some of the FSI publications in the event. (Photo credit: DFA-OPCD)
(Left to right): Jason Tabinas, Chief of Readership Development Division, DFA OPCD Assistant Secretary Arvin R. De Leon and OPCD Deputy Asst. Secretary Gonar Musor with the participants of the event. (Photo credit: DFA-OPCD)
(Left to right): John Sherwin Acampado, Jason Tabinas and OPCD Assistant Secretary Arvin de Leon during the turn-over of books ceremony. (Photo credit: DFA-OPCD)