stories from the filipino readercon 2014 / day 3 of the 5th PILFBIS

This year, the 4th Filipino Reader Conference coincided with the last day of the 5th Philippine International Literary Festival and Book Industry Summit (PILFBIS). I was fortunate enough to get a leave from the day job to attend several panels. (And even facilitate one!)

I had to leave early though to avoid the afternoon payday rush hour, and unfortunately missed the Filipino Readers Choice Awards. But let me share with you some photos.

The concurrent events were held at Hall B of the Bayanihan Center, venue of the Komikon.

I arrived bright and early, even before the plenary speech by Camille dela Rosa of the National Book Development Board (NBDB).

Visprint booth.

I headed straight to Visprint to grab all the new books that I could and have them signed. Caught Tepai Pascual sitting at the Meganon booth.

Paolo Chikiamco of Mythspace and Rocket Kapre opening the event.

Camille giving the plenary speech.

I stayed put in Hall B to attend the panel “From Reader to Writer”, facilitated by Mina Esguerra. (List of panels here, for reference.) Delighted that the writers wanted to explore mystery/crime and sci-fi in their next writing projects.

Program break, so I sat down for anyone interested to have their books signed.

Next up: a panel on diverse reading facilitated by Dean Alfar.

Still in Hall B, the Visprint book launches. You should have heard Manix Abrera’s hilarious introductions. (On Mervin: “Nung nakita ko yung art niya parang ayoko na mag-drowing.” On Tepai: “Ang yabang e, parang gusto lang sabihin sa akin, ‘Mas magaling ako sa’yo.'”)

After lunch and more book signing duties, I headed to Conference Room F for the Authors as Readers panel, featuring Edgar Calabia Samar and Rin Chupeco, where they shared their favorite books and authors.

Loved the small room and the cozy atmosphere. I hoped I did an adequate job as facilitator! I thought the panel was fun, and I would have loved another hour with these writers and the audience.

I also attended the panel, “Non-required Reading: The Rise of the Book Clubs”, facilitated by Gabi Francisco, whom I have mistaken for her twin sister, Tata. (Tata was a classmate of mine in a Creative Writing class back in UP. Both of them are now teachers at Regina Maria Montessori.) I’m so sorry, Gabi!

My loot.

Not from the event, but gifts from Charles Tan. Thank you!

My thanks as always to Ms. Nida and Visprint, Honey and the Readercon team, and Camille and Ciela of the NBDB. My deepest gratitude to the readers who bought our books and dropped by to say hi.

That was a Friday well spent.