The Philippines took center stage as the Guest of Honour at the 77th Frankfurt Book Fair 2025, held from October 15 to 19 at Messe Frankfurt, Germany—the world’s largest and most prestigious book trade event.
Among the proud delegates was Precious Pages Corporation, one of the Philippines’ leading publishers of romance, contemporary, and genre fiction, representing Filipino creativity and storytelling on the world stage.
Throughout the week-long fair, the Precious Pages team, together with its sister company Lampara Publishing House, met with international publishers and partners to pitch Filipino titles, explore new collaborations, and strengthen existing publishing ties.
Highlighting Filipino “Kilig” and Taglish Literature
During the fair, Precious Pages and Lampara Publishing House President Segundo Matias Jr. joined a panel discussion where he shared the inspiring journey of Precious Hearts Romances—the country’s most beloved romance imprint—and how it pioneered the use of Taglish (Tagalog-English code-switching) in literature.
“Romance novels bring excitement—the kind we call kilig,” Matias said. “Readers don’t just want heavy drama; they want stories that make their hearts race. That’s what we give them—stories full of joy, longing, and the healing power of love.”
He also emphasized the company’s efforts to reach readers beyond the Philippines:
“From the very beginning, we recognized the importance of going global. Our books are now read in over 120 countries, bringing comfort to many Filipinos abroad who say our stories make them feel closer to home.”
Featured Titles Presented at the Fair
From Precious Pages
Anonymous by Gypsy Esguerra
Blue Nights by Nald Tabuzo, illustrated by Crisca Jallorina
Florante at Laura by Reira Francisco, illustrated by Jana Dhel
Ibong Adarna Reimagined by Reira Francisco, illustrated by Peachy Balais
Poster Boy by Herbs Navasca, illustrated by Rica Angela Padullo
Librong Itim Volume 6: An Anthology of Short Philippine Horror Stories featuring works by Jovielyn Rivera, Ericzon Santos, Filimon Buksingero, Richmond De Guzman, Win Martinez, Reine Mendoza, and Reza Dela Vega
From Lampara Publishing House, Inc.
Ako ay may Kiki (I Have a Vagina) by Glenda Oris, illustrated by Beth Parrocha
Ako ay may Titi (I Have a Penis) by Genaro R. Gojo Cruz, illustrated by Beth Parrocha
Ang Tatlong Bubwit at ang Bangkang Marikit (The Three Little Mice and the Beautiful Boat) by Will P. Ortiz, illustrated by Ghani Madueño
Disaster-Ready Kids series by Zarah C. Gagatiga, illustrated by Juno Abreu
Federico by Eugene Y. Evasco, illustrated by Lui Buan
Maria Sibol: Ang Natatanging Batang Diwata (Maria Sibol: A One-of-a-Kind Child Goddess) by Mark Norman Boquiren, illustrated by Kata Alamon
Mga Batang Poz (The Poz Kids) by Segundo Matias Jr.
Niña Inocente by Augie Rivera, illustrated by Juno Abreu
Og Uhog (The Snotty-nosed Og) by Christine S. Bellen-Ang, illustrated by John Ronnel Popa
Team Abangers at ang Estilong Trumpo (Team Abangers and the Trumpo Style) by Boon Lauw, illustrated by Tori Tadiar
How Rosang Taba Won a Race by Dean Francis Alfar, illustrated by Ghani Madueño
Salu-Salo (The Gathering) by Susie R. Baclagon-Borrero, illustrated by Ibarra Crisostomo
Si Andoy, Batang Tondo by Mark Anthony Angeles, illustrated by Ray Nazarene Sunga
Znork, ang Kabayong Mahilig Matulog (Znork, the Horse who Loved to Sleep) by Mark Anthony Angeles, illustrated by Pergylene Acuña
Hiyas na Bubog (Sea Glass Treasures) by Eugene Y. Evasco, illustrated by John Ronnel Popa
Isang Mabalahibong Bugtong (A Hairy Riddle) by Eugene Y. Evasco, illustrated by Aldy C. Aguirre
Ang Huling Puno (The Last Tree) by Richard G. Reynante, illustrated by Jericho Moral
Green (Luntian) by Becky Bravo, illustrated by Elizabeth Parrocha
Kaligtasan para sa mga Bata (Public Safety for Children) series by Mark Norman Boquiren, illustrated by Aldy C. Aguirre
Lilay by Becky Bravo, illustrated by Rommel Joson
Family Stories by Maita S. Salvador, illustrated by Aldy C. Aguirre
Mimi’s New Home by Liwliwa N. Malabed, illustrated by Iori Espiritu
Filipino Stories Take Root Worldwide
In photo: Precious Pages and Lampara Publishing House President Segundo Matias Jr.
The company’s participation at the Frankfurt Book Fair marks a major milestone for Philippine publishing, underscoring the growing global recognition of Filipino authors, illustrators, and the distinct voice of Philippine literature.
“Every Filipino story we bring abroad is a step toward putting our literature on the global map,” Matias said. “We want the world to see that our stories—whether romantic, fantastical, or deeply human—deserve a place alongside the best from anywhere.”
