Professional Documents
Culture Documents
S the National Book Development Board. It is 48 Miranda Warnings and Creator Protection
Editor PAOLO CHIKIAMCO not for sale. All rights reserved. No article or INTERVIEWS: NEWS
STAFF BOX visual material may be reproduced or altered Nida Ramirez (Aklatan) 50 Kapihan sessions:
Art Director KATHERINE BERCASIO without permission from the authors and Honey de Peralta (Filipino ReaderCon) Dumaguete and Davao
artists. NBDB retains the sole printing rights Bikol Book Fair
Managing Editors CAMILLE MARTINEZ of the journal. However, the journal may be 9 Winners of the Filipino
freely copied digitally and shared. Copyright READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS 2014 52 Obituaries
DEBORAH NIETO of the commissioned and solicited articles
11 Selected Statistics
and visuals are owned by the NBDB until 53 Selected Recently Released
and BESTSELLERS LISTS and Upcoming Titles
publication, whereupon copyright reverts back
to the authors and artists. For inquiries please 12 KOMIKS Moving Forward 58 Announcements
call 570-6198 or 697-1804.
14 THE 1ST BULILIT FESTIVAL 59 Alab Panitikan Kalendaryo
2 BOOKWATCHt70-/0 70-/0tBOOKWATCH 3
A
M
MESSAGES
AWARDS
The 33rd installment of the annual National Book the members of the Prescreening Committee and the Board
Awards (NBA), co-administered by the Manila of Judges for National Book Awards. After two rounds of
Critics Circle and the National Book judging in August and October, twenty-one (21)
Print is alive A closer look Development Board, took place last year. 2014 awards and six (6) special prizes were given
brought a few changes to the rules of the at the awarding ceremonies, which took
at our vision
and kicking! NBA, most notably the inclusion of
e-books in the definition of “books”
place on November 22 at the Marble
Hall, Museum of the Filipino People,
We have said again and again that
I
that may be submitted in each National Museum, Ermita, Manila
n the Philippines, the book industry shows no signs of NBDB’s vision is to build “a culture of
slowing down. Last year, a total of 7,825 book titles
category, as well as the addition of to coincide with the celebration
reading and authorship” and to grow the
were released in the country, an increase from 2013. three new categories -- Translation, of Philippine Book Development
Philippine “book publishing industry towards
Alongside the paper & pulp renaissance, many Filipinos History & Journalism, and Food. Month. In addition to a monetary
a globally competitive position.”
have resorted to online channels to in order to publish A total of one hundred sixty- award, winners also received
While becoming globally competitive is
content. The strength of the Filipino writing community one (161) entries were submitted a new trophy for the NBAs
K
NATIONAL BOO
more or less a quantifiable goal, “building
on Wattpad is verified by the ten million Filipino users this year, sixty-one (61) of which designed by multi-awarded artist
who visit the website every month. This proves that the a culture of reading and authorship” may
were chosen as finalists. This year, and sculptor, Pete Jimenez.
Philippines is a slumbering leviathan of content that can perhaps be harder to grasp.
nineteen (19) experts in their fields
AWARDS
only be roused by a competitive book industry. Despite our vaunted literacy rate, many
were selected by the NBDB to be
This extensive issue of Bookwatch reports on the continue to argue that we are not yet a
most important happenings in the industry during the mature society when it comes to reading
past year. This volume includes updates on NBDB’s and publishing. The downward trend in
tenacious efforts towards stimulating industry growth,
announcements regarding the new rules on registration
the production and sales of locally produced books somewhat reaffirms this. But, Winners of the
as pointed out by an inspiring and highly informative article in this issue, “Surplus 33rd National Book Awards
and accreditation, and the rules for the 34th National of Stories,” reading and writing in the Philippines continue to thrive and exceed JUAN C. LAYA PRIZE FOR BEST NOVEL IN A
Book Awards. In addition, this issue also includes PHILIPPINE LANGUAGE Ang Banal na Aklat
expectations, especially when viewed in emerging platforms such as Wattpad and
interviews with content creators from the Philippine ng mga Kumag, by Allan N. Derain, Anvil Karagatan, by Borg Sinaban, Adarna House,
in particular genres such as Comics.
comics industry, commentaries on copyright and creator Publishing, Inc. Inc. BACKGROUND
S
protection, a showcase of the work of exceptional Filipino Filipinos love to read. We know this as a fact. Online and print book clubs JUAN C. LAYA PRIZE FOR BEST NOVEL IN A BEST BOOK OF GRAPHIC LITERATURE IN ENGLISH ince 1982, the Manila Critics Circle has
artists. continue to emerge and expand. The Filipino ReaderCon and its Readers’ Choice FOREIGN LANGUAGE Fish-Hair Woman, by The Dark Colony Book I: Mikey Recio & The held the National Book Awards to honor
We thank you for your continued support of NBDB Awards are testaments to this. Wattpad estimates the number of stories or content Merlinda Bobis, Anvil Publishing, Inc. Secret of the Demon Dungeon, by Budjette and acknowledge the best books written,
and our many initiatives. We hope that this issue of files uploaded by Filipinos has reached approximately ten million, with 305,000 BEST BOOK OF SHORT FICTION IN FILIPINO Tan, Bow Guerrero, and J. B. Tapia, Visprint Inc. designed, and published in the Philippines. Since
Sa Himaymay ng Puso at iba pang Kuwento, by BEST TRANSLATED BOOK 2008, the Manila Critics Circle has partnered with
Bookwatch will ease your mind about the state of users uploading content in January of this year alone, a stunning figure.
the National Book Development Board as co-
Macario Pineda, Ateneo de Manila University Doros asín mga Anghél: Translations in Bikol
reading and authorship in the country. Here’s to a more Somehow there’s a divide, or a wrench stuck somewhere, in the way we Press. administrators for the Awards, which encompass
of John Donne’s Holy Sonnets and Selected
prosperous 2015! perceive our capacity to read and produce literature. We need to define this gap CIRILO F. BAUTISTA PRIZE FOR BEST BOOK OF Works, translated by Victor Dennis T. Nierva, over twenty categories, as well as citations
(or identify the “chokepoint” in how we perceive ourselves as readers) to embody SHORT FICTION IN ENGLISH Now, Then, and Ateneo de Naga University Press. (outstanding achievement in special categories)
Flor Marie Sta. Romana-Cruz and special awards (outstanding publishers or
a context which allows us to correctly quantify our success as a reading and Elsewhen, by Nikki Alfar, University of Santo ALFONSO T. ONGPIN PRIZE FOR BEST BOOK
Chair Tomas Publishing House. publishing projects).
publishing society. I think this is what NBDB’s job is all about this year. ON ART
BEST ANTHOLOGY IN ENGLISH Manila Noir, edited There are two (2) divisions in the National
Balay Ukit: Tropical Architecture in Pre-WWII
But first, we need information, hard numbers and facts, beyond macroeconomic Book Awards: Literary and Non-Literary. The
by Jessica Hagedorn, Anvil Publishing, Inc. Filipino Houses, by Maria Virginia Yap Morales,
indicators. We must also develop a healthier regard for our own capacities to read categories in the Literary Division are fiction
BEST ANTHOLOGY IN BIKOL Hagong: Mga Anvil Publishing, Inc. (novels and short stories), nonfiction prose,
and create literature. Our regions outside Manila continue to surprise with new Osipon, edited by Paz Verdades M. Santos and ELFREN S. CRUZ PRIZE FOR BEST BOOK IN THE anthology, literary criticism/literary history, poetry,
stories, as we discovered during our Kapihan and Booklatan sessions in Laoag, H. Francisco V. Peñones Jr., Ateneo de Naga SOCIAL SCIENCES and graphic literature in three (3) languages,
University Press. Tapping Ink, Tattooing Identities: Tradition namely: English, Filipino and one regional
Dumaguete, and Davao.
BEST BOOK OF NON-FICTION IN FILIPINO and Modernity in Contemporary Kalinga language, which for 2014 was Bikol. Translation
There is a need to strengthen our content hubs and find a way to make the LANGUAGE Anim na Sabado ng Beyblade at Society, North Luzon, Philippines, by Analyn is also included in the Literary division and covers
publishing value chain work for everyone, no matter where these hubs, or writers iba pang Sanaysay, by Ferdinand Pisigan Jarin, V. Salvador-Amores, The University of the books that are translated to a Philippine language,
and publishers, are located in the country. Visprint Inc. Philippines Press. English, or Spanish. The categories in the Non-
I can imagine a future when Cebuano books are read by Bikolanos. Bikolano BEST BOOK OF NON-FICTION IN ENGLISH BEST BOOK IN HISTORY AND JOURNALISM Literary Division are art, professions, science,
Mona Lisa: A Portrait from the Memoirs of a Story Book: Essays on the History of the Book in social sciences, history and journalism, leisure,
literature read by Ilocanos. Filipino stories read by Germans, Malaysians, Americans,
Grandmother, by Celine Beatrice Fabie, Mona the Philippines, by Patricia May B. Jurilla, Anvil and food. Each title submitted for the NBA is
and so on and so forth. Can we make this happen in the next five years? Lisa Publication. Publishing, Inc. nominated by its publisher for a specific category.
Why not? We’re already taking bolder steps. This year, for instance, will mark BEST BOOK OF POETRY IN FILIPINO BEST BOOK ON FOOD Milk Pigs & Violet Gold: In addition to the particular categories under which
the debut of the Philippines in international book fairs and copyright conferences Labi, by Kristian Sendon Cordero, Ateneo de Philippine Cookery, by Bryan Koh, Holy Angel they are nominated, all entries are eligible for the
Manila University Press. University Press. Design category. Calls for submissions were sent
as a unified collective. The Kuala Lumpur Trade and Copyright Center will host at
PHILIPPINE LITERARY ARTS COUNCIL PRIZE FOR BEST BOOK IN SCIENCE to all relevant registered entities with the NBDB, as
least eight Philippine publishers and content creators this April. Our next stop is the well as posted publicly on social media.
BEST BOOK OF POETRY IN ENGLISH m’mry Science Philippines: Essays on Science by
Frankfurt Book Fair in October this year. wire, by Ricardo M. de Ungria, University of The National Book Awards aims to (a)
Filipinos, Volume II, edited by Gisela P. Padilla-
We thus invite you to read through all the pages of this new issue of Bookwatch Encourage the authorship, production and
Santo Tomas Publishing House. Concepcion, The University of the Philippines
distribution of quality books; (b) Promote public
and to join us at the NBDB in our upcoming programs. BEST BOOK OF POETRY IN BIKOL Canticos: Apat Press. awareness of the best books the country has to
na Boses, by K.S. Cordero, University of Santo BEST DESIGN Made of Gold, by Cid Reyes, offer; (c) Recognize the creative works and talents
Tomas Publishing House. designed by Aman Santos, Metrobank of Filipino authors and publishers; and (d) Raise
Graciela Mendoza-Cayton
BEST BOOK OF GRAPHIC LITERATURE IN FILIPINO Foundation. the standards of the book publishing industry.
Executive Director PilandoKomiks Isyu 2: Mga Pagsubok ng PUBLISHER OF THE YEAR Anvil Publishing, Inc.
4 BOOKWATCHt70-/0 70-/0tBOOKWATCH 5
R
Report
5th creators require involves help navigating specializing in children’s entertainment authors, literary agents, publishers,
PILF-BIS the plethora of choices they are now and brand development; Linda Tan media, and booksellers.
faced with, in the form of institutions Lingard, managing parter of Yusof Gajah The third day was devoted to the
and programs that nurture talent and Lingard Literary Agency in Malaysia; Filipino ReaderCon, centered around the
protect creators from those who might Robin Hemley, director of the Writing theme of “Readers Turned Writers,” an
A COMMUNITY
exploit them. Read Philippines’ Aimee Program at Yale-NUS College in acknowledgment of the engagement of
Lorraine Keh-Lee asked an important Singapore; and Noelle de Jesus, a Filipino readers with the written word through
question: why are readers and their writer and editor based in Singapore. the means of their own writing, whether
BOUND BY
contributions not mentioned as often as The second day of PILF-BIS focused via fan work or original creations,
that of publishers or creators? on the craft of content creation. Subjects whether published traditionally or
The rest of the first day was spent ranged from a talk about writing as through one of many self-publishing
BOOKS
discussing the business of book a career, the author in the publishing options. The sessions discussed crossing
publishing, with topics such as licensing, value chain, marketing and branding for over from consumer to content creator,
multimedia platforms, classrooms of authors, title acquisition, rights selling, reading programs, the need for diverse
the future, traditional and alternative translation, genre writing, the editing books, contemporary Filipino literature
publishing models, book distribution process, graphic literature, awards and in curricula, literature as advocacy, fan
models, error-free publishing, marketing grants, development contracts, and book fiction, and book clubs, with book
for books, academic presses, and design. There was also a free copyright discussions -- hosted by the major
e-publishing trends. Among the speakers consultation forum for authors who had Filipino book clubs -- occurring the next
were industry practitioners from abroad: concerns regarding contracts and other day. The third day of the PILF-BIS was
everyone in the industry—authors, Eric Huang, Development Director at rights issues. The second day ended with capped by the award ceremony for the
Industry stakeholders and events join forces in the
editors, translators, comics creators, Made in Me, a digital agency in London a business matching session between 3rd Filipino Readers’ Choice Awards.
Philippine International Literary illustrators, book designers, printers,
5th Festival and Book Industry Summit publishers, teachers, librarians, book
Q
the Aklatan Book Fair, with both serving the Komikon, right before the comics of books published. The Philippine books they haven’t read yet. Because most of You’ve held Aklatan once as a stand-
as the NBDB’s partners for PILF-BIS, convention itself, was also an intentional Librarians Association’s Elizabeth Peralejo our readers already actively look for Filipino- alone, single day event, and then last year
saw the need to make books more written/Philippine-published books, we also as an ongoing market during the Philippine
alongside Yabang Pinoy. alignment, with book discussions for the
accessible, especially to public school wanted to appeal to non-readers (or at least International Literary Festival and Book
Aklatan, a project of Visprint Inc., Filipino ReaderCon spilling over to the readers who do not yet look for local books). Industry Summit. What lessons have you
is the only book fair in the country that day of the Komikon. students. Author Paolo Chikiamco
One way to do that is to make a lot of noise. learned from the past two years of running
is exclusive to Philippine publishers and The three-day festival and summit, emphasized that there had to be an We’d like to establish as many strong, open the event?
acknowledgment of the shift away from
books created by Filipinos. Aklatan in
2014 involved publisher booths at the
with the theme “The Pressing Issue”
emphasizing the imminent ASEAN the traditional gatekeepers of publishing,
and said that the support that new
channels of communication as possible. Aside
from producers and consumers, book fairs also
bring publishers and distributors together.
A s )TS BEST TO HOLD THE EVENT ON A WEEKEND
s 2EADERS ARE CONSTANTLY ON THE LOOKOUT FOR
local book events, and as long as the venue and
PILF-BIS venue for the entire three days, Integration, gathered almost
6 BOOKWATCHt70-/0 70-/0tBOOKWATCH 7
A
READERCON W
WINNERS
their works to other readers. All of this When we launched the Filipino WINNERS OF THE
and more—I just think it’s fantastic that
the local industry is finally acknowledging
Readers’ Choice Awards in our second
year, we added the following objective: Filipino
Readers’ Choice
the power of readers. “acknowledge beloved Filipino books
through the Readers’ Choice Book
Awards 2014
What kind of feedback have you received Awards.” I think it’s these two objectives
about the ReadeCon from readers? From of the ReaderCon that speak about our
publishers? From authors? intended role in the book industry, and
We’ve always been fortunate to get a that is basically to invigorate it and keep Here are the winners of the FRCAs for 2014, alongside descriptions
lot of enthusiasm from readers, publishers, on invigorating it: help the industry of each winner from the respective panels of judges.
and authors for the ReaderCon. Speaking see who the readers are and see what
as an organizer, I know it’s not all that easy they want. Encourage engagement
to put together an event like this on one’s across these different stakeholders, given
free time (which is often non-existent), that the publishers and writers are the
so there are a lot of kinks every year. But creators, but the ones who’ll consume
most of the feedback we get every year the books, who will complete the entire
Now entering its fifth year, changed is what Filipinos read or only
is, “When’s the next one?” or “This is so cycle, are the readers. Award our favorite
the Filipino ReaderCon is the that I’ve discovered many different types
cool!” I have been fortunate to get the books and encourage other readers or
country’s premier general reader- of reading communities since we started
support of publishers, who really want even non-readers to pick them up.
focused event. ReaderCon Head Honey the Filipino ReaderCon. What I’d like
to connect with their readers. We have
de Peralta looks back at four conventions to emphasize, though, is how I think the
authors who come back year after year, If people or organizations want to get
worth of reader-fuelled celebration. role of readers has changed in the last five
as speakers, facilitators, or just plain invovled with the ReaderCon, what
years.
attendees. And we have the book bloggers can they do and whom should they
What have you learned about The year before we launched the
and book clubs who are already a staple contact?
Filipino readers in your five years of ReaderCon—2010--I remember going
presence at the ReaderCon. If you want to volunteer for the next
spearheading the ReaderCon? to a literary event and wondering where
All of this is not to say that we don’t Filipino ReaderCon in Nov. 2015, or if
Well, I’ve learned that if you give the sessions for readers were. The only
have a lot of things to work on. We you have a suggested activity or panel
readers a chance to get together to find representation you had from readers were
actually crave more feedback because, as a for it, or if you want to sponsor it (we’re
fellow readers and talk about their love the writers themselves, or teachers, or
volunteer-run event, we think we can give cheap. We’re happy with books), please FICTION IN ENGLISH adorable, kilig-inducing romance. Told
for reading, you’re going to get a lot of publishers. There was really no cohort
the greatest value if we know what readers contact us through the following: True to its purpose, a book should reflect in a simple manner, the love story could
takers. I’ve learned that there are tons of readers in these events. Although the
want to see or want to happen during the Email: filreadercon@gmail.com the world we live in. With its lyrical charm a Filipino reader through its sweet
of Filipino readers. They read different readers were the target market, they didn’t
ReaderCon. Website: https://filipinoreadercon. narrative, this book engages its reader by little moments. The ingenious idea of
kinds of things, and they all want to be really have a voice to influence what
wordpress.com/ reflecting on the people, their culture, incorporating blogging goes to show how
acknowledged. And they bristle at the idea publishers or authors did.
What do you think is the ReaderCon’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ and principles. It effortlessly weaved both powerful social media is in sending a
that other people don’t think Filipinos But now, look at what readers can
role in the book industry/community? &IL2EADER#ON love and agony. A story in tune with the message of love, and the essence of travel
read. do! (Of course, due in no small part to
From the beginning, one of the Twitter: @pinoyreadercon Filipino heart and spirit. makes the reading experience all the more
I also learned that Filipino readers the Internet and social media.) There
ReaderCon’s objectives has been “to WINNER: Gitarista by Reev Robledo enjoyable.
are very generous people. The Fiipino are now many book bloggers and online
promote a closer connection between What’s next for the ReaderCon in (self-published)
ReaderCon and Readers’ Choice Awards book clubs that engage with local authors:
readers and writers and/or publishers.” 2015? [Plugging time] Fiction in Filipino WINNER: All’s Fair in Blog and War by
are organized and run by volunteers who they invite authorsto their discussions,
This year is going to be the Filipino Chrissie Peria (Self-Published)
do it for the love of reading. No one hold online discussions with them, tag
ReaderCon’s 5th year, and we’re very This book’s marvelous use of the Filipino
gets anything out of it, except maybe a them when they review an author’s book,
excited! We want to make this a language, its grasp for combining different ROMANCE IN FILIPINO
book, which everyone who attends the etc. You have fan communities centered
grand celebration of Filipino readers stories and spinning it as the author’s own Mas masaya at masarap basahin ang
ReaderCon gets anyway. But we do it around a book or author. You have
of different stripes, so we’re inviting makes this work stand out. A classic. kwento ng isang female lead character
because maybe we need it and we love it. bookstores bringing in more authors for
different reading communities, book WINNER: Ang Banal na Aklat ng mga Kum- ng isang romance novel kung siya ay
book signings and inviting power readers
fandoms, book clubs, and teachers who ag by Allan Derain (Cacho Pub) nagiisip at may sariling paninindigan.
In terms of what readers want and/or (e.g., book bloggers) first. You have readers
love reading to get involved so we can Hindi kinakailangang damsel in distress
how they read, what has changed over who will contact publishers to look for
hold an event where every reader is ROMANCE IN ENGLISH ang drama palagi ng isang female lead
the past five years? a book or its sequel, and publishers will
welcome. Let’s show everyone the power This book has good chemistry between character sa romance novels. Dapat pang
Well, aside from the obvious, which respond to that. You have publishers and
of readers! its characters and a nice dramatic patatagin ang imahe ng kababaihan sa
is Wattpad, I’m not sure whether what’s authors who rely on readers to champion
build-up that ultimately makes for an Pinoy Romance Novels at sinumulan ito
8 BOOKWATCHt70-/0 70-/0tBOOKWATCH 9
W
WINNERS
S
SELECTED
LIST
10 BOOKWATCHt70-/0 70-/0tBOOKWATCH 11
K
KOMIKS marketability of Philippine graphic novels
are the Komikon conventions themselves WINNERS: Komikon Readers’
K
KOMIKS
and the crowds they draw. There were less Choice Awards 2014
Best Comic Character: Bruho Barbero
than a thousand participants in the first (created by Rommel “Omeng” Estanislao).
convention in 2004. Today, the Komikon’s Best Cover: Kubori Kikiam 8 by Michael
three separate conventions each draw David and Robi Villagracia.
approximately two and a half thousand Best Webcomic: Liga ni Likeman by Rasel
Reyes.
participants.
Best Comic Strip Compilation: Kikomachine
But as much as the komiks landscape by Manix Abrera.
has changed in the past ten years, it is clear Best International Artist: Stephen Segovia.
that the industry is still evolving, and will Best Cartoonist: Rommel “Omeng”
continue to do so. Some of these changes Estanislao.
Comic Aid Award: Joanah Tinio (100 Araw
will be accidental -- due to a reservation
ng Komiks Facebook Page; Buhay Indie
issue, for the first time since 2009 there Komiks blog).
will be no Summer Komikon this year. Best Serialized Comic Book (Grassroots
Instead, the Indieket on August 15 will be Category): Alphario: The World Connection
a larger event, and the main Komikon in by Solomon Lim & Stryler Hoong.
Best Graphic Novel / Anthology (Grassroots and more avenues of exposure become
November will be Komikon’s first two day
Komiks
Category): Fhate Comics.
event, from the 14th to the 15th. Other Best Serialized Comic Book: Dragondbreed
available,” state the Komikon organizers.
changes are coming about as a result of the by Mara Cornelia Damaso and Elmer “Komikon will continue to be a venue for
Ten years since its inception, desires of creators, such as a push toward Damaso. creators, as long as we are able. If the time
Moving
enabling komiks creation to serve as a Best Graphic Novel: Trese: Book of Murders arrives when we are no longer around, we
is a pillar by Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo.
viable means of livelihood (see the “New hope that the Komikon was able to spark
Best Comic Creator/s: Mara Cornelia
of the new Philippine comics Ket on the Block” sidebar). the reinvigoration of our local comics
Forward
Damaso and Elmer Damaso.
“The industry will continue to expand industry, and we hope that others can push
industry. Komiks Legend Award: (Special award, not
things forward even further.”
and evolve as long as new creators appear, subject to voting.) Francisco V. Coching.
12 BOOKWATCHt70-/0 70-/0tBOOKWATCH 13
B
BULILIT
FEST
14 BOOKWATCHt70-/0
Surplus
of Stories
Content is King. We’ve heard it registered with entities other than the with national and regional organizations, As the statistics show, the Filipino
all before. The phrase comes from NBDB, such as the Book Development including the children’s book illustrators Wattpad community is enormous
the title given by Bill Gates to Association of the Philippines. The largest and artists who are active members of the and still growing, and there is an
one of his essays, where Gates predicted are general publishers that release books in Ilustrador ng Kabataan (INK - the largest active NaNoWriMo (National Novel
that those who used the Internet to deliver any genre that seems to have a market, at and oldest organization of children’s book Writing Month) community in the
information and entertainment would times through different imprints. There are illustrators), number just over a hundred. country as well. The number of NaNo
be the ones to profit the most from the sixty printers registered with the NBDB and However, this figure represents but a small participants officially “homed” in the
(then) new medium. Gates wrote this in eight hundred with the Printing Industries part of the growing community of creators Philippines has risen by more than
1996, and since then the phrase “Content Association of the Philippines, but with in the country, many of whom are active two hundred percent since 2008, Samuel Taylor Coleridge once called Bonifacio more relatable to children. The
is King” has been repurposed so often into the advent of digital publishing, there are in areas outside the gaze of traditional with more than one hundred forty- children ideal readers, possessing Secret is in the Soil (2012 winner) written
a buzzword that its context is often lost, also approximately twenty-three publishers institutions, self-publishing at conventions five crossing the fifty-thousand word “that willing suspension of disbelief for the by Gidget Roceles Jimenez and Flor Gozon
but it’s ubiquitous precisely because it has developing digital content, and several that or doing so digitally, through blogs or mark on their novel in 2014, to “win” moment, which constitutes poetic faith.” Tarriela and illustrated by Liza Flores, is an
a central truth that translates well beyond only publish in the digital format. portals such as Wattpad. NaNo. Catering to that faith in the Philippines example of books that mix interesting facts,
its original context. It certainly holds true A recent report on the economic Statistics from Wattpad are particularly Another positive indicator can be are nine companies and organizations practical tips, and fun activities.
in the publishing industry -- while much impact of Copyright Based Industries indicative of the true and vigorous state of found in the state of comics creation that actively publish children’s books: Many Philippine picture books pass on
attention has been given to the tensions (CBI) in the country, an update to authorship in the country. The Philippines in the Philippines, particularly Adarna House; Anvil Publishing, Inc.; the values or explore issues through very touching
in publishing brought about by changes the World Intellectual Property Office is Wattpad’s second largest market, after the in Metro Manila, where the local Bookmark, Inc.; the Center for Art, New or very funny stories, such as Just Add Dirt
in technology, methodology, and reader study in 2006, states that the publishing United States, although even that doesn’t comics industry has grown enough Ventures and Sustainable Development (2010 winner), written by Becky Bravo and
expectation, it’s what is found between the industry, when taken together with the tell the whole story. The Philippines is to sustain multiple conventions (CANVAS); Dream Big Books (Summit illustrated by Jason Moss. This story is about
covers (or after the cover page, digitally press, accounted for 88.32 billion pesos actually number one in the world when it focused on Philippine-made comics, Books); Hiyas (OMF Literature); Lampara a boy who grows a vegetable garden on his
speaking) that can inspire, educate, and in income in 2010. The amount shows comes to the number of registrations per both traditionally published and Books; LG&M Chikiting Books (Vibal body and is a hilarious take on good hygiene.
turn a group of words into a beloved an increase in absolute terms, even as capita, according to email correspondence independently released. (See the Publishing House, Inc.); and Tahanan A great number of these books are bilingual
best-seller. While many factors go into the percentage that press and literature with Maria Hall, Wattpad’s International article, “Komiks Moving Forward.”) Books. Together they publish an average – with the Filipino and English versions of
the success of a book, the most important contributed to the national Gross Domestic Manger in charge of Filipino content. In While no central comics association of fifty to eighty books a year, from board the text on the same spread or double-page
remains to be the content, the text, the Product went down from 2.13 percent the Philippines, 47 people out of 1,000 exists, the Indie Komiks Manila group books to picture books, middle grade books spread – and help develop the literacy skills of
story. in 1999 to 0.98 in 2010. However, the per capita have registered on Wattpad, on Facebook, which counts many to young adult titles. The majority of the children in both languages. A great number
And the Philippines, perhaps now more figures in the report did not take into which far outstrips any other country, prominent Filipino creators of original books published are standard picture books also include notes to parents and teachers,
than ever before, is a land of stories. account electronic media in measuring the including the United States. According content as its members, numbers close for children aged six to nine, and the main glossaries, and/or activity pages. However,
contribution of CBIs to the GDP, a sizeable to Wattpad’s data, there were around five to seven hundred individuals. market is the school market and parents the very best of Filipino children’s books do
An Industry with History omission given the scope of Philippine million Filipinos who used Wattpad in
looking to supplement their children’s not sound academic or preachy. They win the
The Philippines has a long history of engagement with the Internet. January of this year. Half of Wattpad’s total Stories Will Find a Way formal education. hearts of children through their stories and
stories and literature. The performance The report revealed a high demand for users appear to be under thirty years old The way that the Philippine comics Filipino children’s books are designed to illustrations.
of verbal art and oral tradition has been books in the Philippines. Among the stated and skew female at a ratio of 3:1. Of these industry has grown, in spite of a lack be both entertaining and educational. The Filipino publishers know that teachers,
central to our indigenous communities copyright-based products in the report, users, in the first month of 2015 alone, of institutional support, is an example National Children’s Book Awards (NCBA) school administrators, librarians, parents (and
from time immemorial, and continues book consumption had the largest average three hundred and five thousand uploaded of how creators of certain types of evaluate Filipino children’s books as both others looking to buy gifts), and charitable
to hold sway in areas today. The Ifugao total nominal expenditure of PHP 338.40, content to Wattpad, with the most popular content have found a way to reach cultural and physical objects, and its catalog organizations have very tight budgets and
perform ritual myth in two parts, one the larger than 2003’s average total nominal genres being Romance and Fanfiction. their audience regardless of the inability of winners is an easy introduction to the best want more value for their money, and
narrative proper or bukad, and the second, expenditure of PHP 213.00. However, Wattpad estimates that the number of or insufficiency of the traditional of the industry, beautifully illustrated books efforts are made to keep prices affordable.
the tulad, where the journey of the gods this local demand was sated primarily with stories/content uploaded to Wattpad by publishing infrastructure. Some say that present educational content in creative Wider distribution is both the dream and
is “traced” by naming the regions in the foreign books, not local books: the press Filipinos is in the realm of ten million, that the strength of the Philippine book ways. challenge of the Philippine children’s book
human world where the narrative in the and literature entities, as a category, were second only to the United States. As of the industry lies in its pool of creators, and Even the most basic titles -- counting industry. Children in the Philippines need
bukad is re-actualized -- where the narrative net importers in 2010, importing 82.41 end of January, there have already been its weaknesses lie in, well, everything books, alphabet books, and “first words” much better access to books through better
of the myth was mirrored in events in million US dollars worth of items while six hundred thousand uploads from the else -- the segments that take place books -- must attempt refreshing twists and more public libraries, school libraries,
history -- creating a parallel between the only exporting 6.70 million US dollars Philippines for this year. after creation. While that statement in order to be serious contenders for the and bookstores - especially underprivileged
story and real life. The affinity of Filipinos worth. The fact that traditional publishers have is true in many instances, there are awards. An example is one of the 2010 children and children in the provinces. All
for reading and writing was already a While this state of affairs can be a result been snatching up popular stories from categories of books that have thrived by NCBA winners, Tagu-Taguan by Jomike the publishers generously donate books to
matter of note by the year 1604, and long of any number of causes, a lack of content Wattpad -- unofficial estimates put the cultivating a community, playing to the Tejido, which teaches the necessary skill of underprivileged children. CANVAS, for
before that the Hanunoo were inscribing is decidedly not one of them. How can it number of web-to-traditionally-published strengths of their genre/specializations rote counting backwards through a game of example, has a campaign to give away one
their poetry on bamboo tubes. be, when the authors of the Philippines are books to be in excess of three hundred (or a massive captive audience in hide and seek with insects. million of their gorgeous picture books to
Today, the publishing institutions legion? -- or signing the authors of these stories the case of Educational books), and Also treasured are books that help one million children in hospitals, public
and traditional mechanisms of the to exclusive deals, speaks to the greater finding a way around the chokepoints communicate Filipino culture and history schools, and underprivileged communities
book industry face challenges both old Authors Without Borders power that readers have begun to wield of the industry. Among these are the To reach children outside the Philippines,
to the young, books that tell the inspiring
and new. There are approximately two The number of Filipino authors in the Philippine book industry. In some Education, Romance, and Children’s stories of historical figures, heroes, and some of the publishers provide international
hundred publishers registered with the continues to grow with each passing year, instances, the effect is even more direct, Literature categories, each of which celebrities. One of the 2014 NCBA winners, shipping, but most are introducing Filipino
National Book Development Board of the at a rate and in a manner that makes it as fan communities nowadays encourage illustrate in their own way the strengths Ngumiti si Andoy written by Xi Zuq and children’s literature to the world through
Philippines (NBDB), or approximately difficult to document accurately. As of this readers to create content of their own, of Philippine books and creators. illustrated by Dominic Agsaway, is a picture ebooks and apps. Adarna, Anvil, Dream Big
four hundred if you include publishers writing, writers that are officially registered whether it be fan fiction or original stories.
book that makes revolutionary leader Andres Books, Hiyas, and LG&M Chikiting Books
16 BOOKWATCHt70-/0 70-/0tBOOKWATCH 17
Surplus
of Stories
offer e-book versions of some of their digital-only publishing and share children’s digital avenues is a testament to the alacrity
titles. Adarna has also developed exciting stories for free online. The fact that the of children’s book publishers, and their
app versions for a few of their titles. New children’s book industry has been quicker dedication to the most important, most motorcycle club-themed romances from
groups like Halo Halo World provide than their contemporaries in exploring ideal of readers. various cafes in Metro Manila. She has
since made the New York Times and USA
Today bestseller lists, and helps Filipinos
write and publish romance books that can
be just as enthusiastically received in other
Questions” or “Essential Understandings” countries.
and “Performance Tasks,” or a variation Kate Evangelista writes Young Adult
thereof, such as the KPUP (Knowledge, and New Adult romance and is working
Process, Understanding, Performance/ non-exclusively with at least three US
Product) assessment framework being publishers. She’s spoken about her
used by Department of Education today. publishing path and encourages authors to
The belief is that true understanding explore their dream publishing scenario,
comes not just from regurgitating because being located in the Philippines is
knowledge taught, but actual application not the challenge it used to be. “With the
While content for education reprints from international publishers, of that knowledge to a relevant real-world Romance rules, in much the same way it changed New publishing world continuing to evolve, the
is not primarily about stories, such as McGraw-Hill, Pearson, and task. This makes for more interesting in the Philippines. York publishing’s bigger players. Digital enthusiasm of Filipino writers is definitely
the educational book industry is not Cengage. It’s a different story, though, for textbook content that seeks to frame For readers and publishers of romance had to become part of the strategy, and a plus,” she says. Her upcoming novel
only essential to the book industry as tertiary education, as most schools and knowledge and skills taught within an in the Filipino language, they’ve always also the source of new content. “Wattpad “No Love Allowed” will be published by
a whole, but also has its own story to students get their content from foreign authentic task that learners are facing or known this. “Tagalog romance” is a staple sensations” became publishing darlings, Swoon Reads (an imprint of Macmillan).
tell. Educational publishing is the most published titles. will face in the world. in bookstores, convenience stores, every and traditional Philippine publishers Romance books in English featuring
profitable publishing segment in the In 2011, the Department of The education industry is also a place where books are sold. Priced under quickly opened up new imprints to Filipino characters and settings are
Philippines, and it is the largest publishing Education released the new K-12 major factor for Filipinos’ exposure to an American dollar per paperback and acquire these stories. a challenge to pitch to international
segment in the country. In the private Education Curriculum, which mandated e-books. In 2011, several Filipino basic with up to fifty new titles being released With titles like “Operation: Break publishers, and for those who wrote them,
basic education (K-12) sector alone, the shifting of Philippine education from education schools started implementing in a month, this was enough to supply the Casanova’s Heart” (“alyloony”), self-publishing via Amazon was a quick
roughly 18.7M textbooks were sold. a 10-year basic education curriculum one-to-one computing solutions, so they what fans of the genre demanded. On the “Heartless” (“jonaxx”), and “My Facebook way to test the market and find readers.
And although there is currently no hard to a Kindergarten plus 12 year basic demanded e-book versions of textbooks other hand, for years, readers of romance Boyfriend...For Real?” (A.B. Castueras), The #RomanceClass online classes have
data that can validate the following, we ed. curriculum. With the addition of from publishers. At that time, there were in English have had to rely on foreign it’s clear that romance dominated the resulted in more than 50 romance in
can safely assume that the public school Grades 11 & 12, students will be able to very few or virtually no ebook editions of books to get their romance fix. It was not virtual shelves as well. Many of these English titles being digitally published
market size is much bigger, given that of choose tracks that match their aptitude Philippine textbooks. With the demand in long ago that only a handful of Philippine stories were written in Filipino or to date, most are listed in the online
the 25.8M students enrolled from pre- and interest. These tracks cover academic the market, educational publishers started authors produced English romance books, “Taglish” (a conversational combination catalogue romanceclass.co.vu.
school to secondary education, 22.8M (or (e.g., Humanities, Business, and STEM having their print books converted in contributing to an annual industry-wide of both Tagalog and English, in varying It is important to note that deciding
88%) belong to the public school system. strands), sports, arts & design, and the different ebook formats, particularly output of less than ten new titles. proportions). to self-publish first has not kept authors
(Data from Philippine Statistics Authority technical-vocational. Given the different PDF or EPUB. These e-textbooks were This is no longer the case. We’re seeing from working with print publishers.
– National Statistical Coordination Board.) tracks and strands, therefore, an estimated then distributed via different means to the more of everything in the romance genre, More opportunities “Indie” titles like “Save the Cake” (Stella
Of the four hundred publishers sixty-five (65) subjects will be added to schools who wanted ebook versions. from both Tagalog and English books, to for authors Torres) and “Vintage Love” (Agay Llanera)
registered with the NBDB and other the curriculum, and these 65 new subjects Four years down the line, the the benefit of readers and authors. For writers of romance in English, will be released by traditional publisher
organizations, around one hundred nine for senior high school will be needing new publishers have converted many of their who were not as actively sought by Visprint in 2015. Anvil Publishing’s new
of them are educational publishers who material. Publishers are working to meet titles into ebook versions, given that More of the stories we love traditional publishers in the Philippines imprint Spark Books has started out as a
serve the school system. Traditionally, the demand for new material for school there is a year-on-year growth of ebook In 2014, a romantic movie called as their Taglish/Filipino counterparts, partnership with indie romance authors,
there are four large publishers who get year 2016-2017, when these new grade adoption among Philippine schools. “She’s Dating the Gangster” became a exciting options emerged. releasing print editions of their digital
the lion’s share of the private school levels will finally be implemented. Almost all of these e-textbooks, though, box-office hit. It had been adapted from The Internet was where Filipino best-sellers.
basic education market: Diwa Learning Most Filipino textbooks today are are not available in the usual ebook retail a bestselling book, by author Bianca romance authors found an eager
Systems, Phoenix Publishing, Rex standards-based and reflect a backward stores -- local or foreign -- as the business- Bernardino. The story began as a serial international audience for their work, More readers in more
Publishing, and Vibal Publishing. design methodology, owing to the to-business model of textbook selling posted on a forum called Creative Corner, particularly when traditional Philippine locations
They, and many of the other private required alignment to the current K-12 and distribution is still maintained for and eventually Wattpad, where users could publishers were skeptical that there The size of the audience for romance
school textbook publishers, also provide curriculum. Much of the content design is e-textbooks. post and read free stories. In the same would be a local market. Louisse Carreon stories in the Philippines, and written by
textbooks for the public schools. still influenced by tenets of Understanding The next stage for textbook publishers, year, the traditionally-published version and Kim Villanueva (“fallenbabybubu” Filipinos, can no longer be questioned,
A majority of Philippine textbook by Design, a framework put forth by however, is looking at how to adapt their of Wattpad hit “Diary ng Panget”, by and “Ilurvbooks” on Wattpad) wrote not when a single Wattpad romance story
content is original and written by local Grant Wiggins and Jay MacTighe, which materials to meet the needs of Filipino author “HaveYouSeenThisGirl” (Wattpad their US-setting teen romances for a can get four million views, and a single
authors -- the industry is one of the chief espouses the identification of the end goals learners today. Whether that’s with the username), sold reportedly over 100,000 global audience, who didn’t know until print book can sell over 50,000 copies in
exceptions to the characterization of the first and end tasks prior to identifying the print textbooks or ebooks or content in copies, after getting millions of views years later that the authors were college a few months, and thousands show up
book industry as net importers. Only a knowledge, skills, and activities to be used another form, what is beyond doubt is when it was online and free. students in the Philippines. Prolific author for romance author signings. The term
fraction of textbooks sold in the basic in a lesson or unit. Therefore, textbooks that Filipinos will continue spending the The Internet and social media changed Marian Tee writes her extremely popular “Filipino romance novel” is evolving, and
education market are licensed content or might carry terms such as “Essential most for educational content. romance publishing in the Philippines, Greek billionaire-, “shifter” wolves-, and the next logical step is to reach readers
18 BOOKWATCHt70-/0 70-/0tBOOKWATCH 19
G
Surplus
of Stories
beyond the archipelago. Where else can shares Segundo Matias, publisher of Libraries using digital book systems like GOING
GLOBAL
these books go? Tagalog romance titles through his Overdrive can and already have ordered
They’re already going to Filipino company Precious Hearts Romances. copies of Filipino romance books.
communities overseas, through print and It’s a significant source of entertainment Acquiring the books and sending them
digital channels. Book blogger Dianne for Filipinos who are unable to watch to romance readers all over the world is
(oopsireadabookagain.blogspot.com) television or have access to stories in their becoming easier.
organizes “blog tours” for Filipino books. own language. What’s left is for the Filipino author
It’s a common promotional method used Filipino romance authors who own to write more. And they are. “Love and
by US publishers, but in the Philippines, rights to their books are beginning to romance are universal,” book blogger
she’s one of only a few. Despite this, she discover the interest in translating and Dianne says. “Filipino writers can
sees a lot of online support for Filipino- reprinting their books in other countries. definitely compete.”
authored books. “I think Filipino writers
can definitely tap the worldwide reading o,
market especially with self-publishing By Pao ChikiamC liT )
Tar lo n’S iT )
paving the way for anyone to put up their honey ie SaBido (Childre ional l T )
T i
work.” an d m de PeralTa (eduCa anCe l
ina m
There is also a demand for the books
arT V. eSguerra (ro rT or
/leT lBe
in the diaspora. “The books are very Tering By e
popular in Hong Kong and Singapore,”
20 BOOKWATCHt70-/0 70-/0tBOOKWATCH 21
Kota Buku delegates meet Philippine
publishers for international KL book fair
A R T I S T S
the NBDB has also explored various
opportunities for local publishers in the
SHOWCASE
ASEAN market.
“We also met with Indonesian and
Malaysian delegates to discuss our mutual Delegates from Kota Buku—one of Malaysia’s
participation in our respective book fairs leading agencies for book development—
in 2016,” said Mendoza-Cayton. “We recently visited Manila to invite Philippine
are participating in the upcoming Kuala publishers to participate in the Kuala Lumpur Trade
Lumpur Trade and Copyright Centre
& Copyright Centre (KLTCC) 2015, which will be
2015 scheduled this April, and they
are participating in our annual Manila
held on April 18-20 at the Seri Pacific Hotel.
International Book Fair in September,
as well as our Philippine Book Industry
4HE .ATIONAL "OOK $EVELOPMENT "OARD WITH EXPERTS IN THE TRADE OF CONVENTIONAL AND
Summit.”
."$" ORGANIZED THE MEETING TO LINK 0HILIPPINE DIGITAL COPYRIGHT AS WELL AS LICENSES AND CONTENT
Moreover, Kota Buku and the PUBLISHERS AND AUTHORS TO THEIR !3%!. ON A WIDER SCALE 0ARTICIPANTS FROM VARIOUS
Malaysian Book Council are keen to COUNTERPARTS AND TO OPEN NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR !3%!. COUNTRIES AS WELL AS #HINA )NDIA +OREA
enter into a formal tie-up with the LOCAL PUBLISHING OUTlTS TO CONNECT WITH GLOBAL AND *APAN HAVE ALREADY SIGNIlED THEIR INTENT TO
NBDB with the following points of PLAYERS ATTEND THE EVENT
!CCORDING TO (ASRI (ASAN +OTA "UKU SENIOR
agreement: exchange program for authors
MANAGER THE +,4## IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST EVENTS 0(),)00).% 0!24)#)0!4)/.
and publishers; publishing academy IN !SIA 0ACIlC FOR COPYRIGHT AND CONTENT TRADE !CCORDING TO 'RACIELA -ENDOZA
#AYTON ."$"