The Frankfurter Buchmesse (FBM) is the largest and most prestigious book trade fair in the world. Held annually in Frankfurt, Germany, it draws more than 7,300 exhibitors from over 100 countries, making it a key marketplace for the global publishing industry.
Unlike typical book fairs, the FBM is primarily a venue for selling rights — translation, publishing and subsidiary rights. While books are sold and the public is welcome, the real business happens behind the scenes. Literary agents, publishers, scouts and editors converge to negotiate deals, sign contracts, and network. It’s here that authors hope to see their works reach new international audiences.
The Philippines has not always been a regular participant in the FBM. It was through the persistence of Karina Bolasco, head of the Literary Program, that the country was able to establish a consistent presence. Over time, the Philippine delegation has grown. At the 2024 fair, some 70 publishers showcased more than 700 titles. Writer Neni Sta. Romana Cruz has also played a vital role in promoting the country’s continued participation.
Today, the Philippine delegation is supported by several government offices, including those of Sen. Loren Legarda, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the National Book Development Board (NBDB), and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). The good news? Despite the immense preparations it requires, the Philippines will be the Guest of Honor (GOH) at the Frankfurt Book Fair 2025 — a major milestone that will place Filipino literature firmly on the world stage.
A meaningful link to Germany is none other than José Rizal, who lived there and found a German publisher for Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, two novels that fueled the Philippine revolution against Spanish colonial rule. This historical connection strengthens the cultural significance of the Philippines’ participation in next year’s FBM.
Among the Philippine delegates this year were two Cebuanas: Cecilia Manguerra Brainard and Hope Sabanpan-Yu. Cecilia is an award-winning author of more than 20 books, including three novels and a collection of short stories that won the 40th National Book Award. Hope, also an accomplished writer and academic, heads the Cebuano Studies Center.
As official grantees, Cecilia and Hope underwent almost six months of training in preparation for the fair. They learned the intricacies of rights selling, how to create promotional materials, and how to pitch their works to agents and publishers.
Their hard work paid off. With the help of a German resource person, Cecilia found a literary agent who successfully sold the translation rights to four of her novels. Her book “Magdalena” will soon be translated into Greek and French Canadian, while “The Newspaper Widow” will be published in Serbian and North Macedonian. More translation deals are in the pipeline.
Hope, meanwhile, focused on academic networking. Inspired by their experience at the FBM, both Cebuanas are now exploring the idea of establishing a Cebu indie press dedicated to publishing Visayan literature — similar to existing small presses in Iloilo and Mindanao. Cecilia emphasized the need for a local press where Cebuano writers, especially the younger generation, can submit and publish their work.
Although National Artist Resil Mojares was not present at the fair, his legacy certainly was — his works were among those featured and cited during the Philippine press conference, alongside two other National Artists.
With the Philippines taking center stage as Guest of Honor in 2025, the country’s literary presence on the global scene is poised for a breakthrough. For Cecilia and Hope, this journey to Frankfurt is only the beginning of even greater things to come.