With the theme "Celebrating the Region," the 6th Iloilo Mega Book Fair, which ran from April 27 to 30, featured a variety of books on various genres for bibliophiles and Ilonggos alike. The event, which hopes to preserve regional languages and support regional literature, was held at the Festive Walk Mall, Megaworld Complex, Iloilo City.
Writers from UP Visayas who discussed their novels were highlighted in the fair.
“Piña Futures: Weaving Memories and Innovation” is a definitive sourcebook, which offers new perspectives of looking at the sartorial development of an island textile as an artisanal fabric, trade commodity, garment of honor and identity, and treasure of the world, was also launched on April 28 and followed by a book-signing. The book is authored by Dr. Randy Madrid, a faculty member of the Division of Professional Education, College of Arts and Sciences.
Ferdinand Jarin and his books published by the UST Publishing House, "Anim na Sabado ng Beyblade at iba pang Sanaysay“ (USTPH, 2013), “Tangke: Mga Gunita ng Pagkabata“(USTPH, 2020), including the two anthologies he co-edited, "Aruga: Mga Sanaysay ng Pagtanggap at Paglingap“(USTPH, 2022), and "The Lives of a Filipino/a High School Student: Anthology of Personal Essays on High School in the Philippines“ (USTPH, 2022), were also sold during the event. Jarin also had a meet-and-greet and book signing on April 28th. Jarin is teaching at the Division of Humanities, CAS, UPV Miagao campus.
“The Sage of Katagman,” a collection of folk tales by Prof. Jonny Pornel, was also launched at the book fair. Prof. Pornel is from the Division of Professional Education, CAS, UPV and is teaching at the UP High School in Iloilo.
The life and works of Felino Salem Garcia, Jr. were given a tribute during the opening of the IMBF. This is in remembrance of the author, historian, and poet, and was celebrated through his masterpieces. Prof. Garcia is a Palanca Awardee that penned notable poetry and short fiction in Hiligaynon. He passed away in August of 2022 and was teaching at the UP Tacloban College at the time of his death. He was an awardee of the 2014 Special Peter’s Prize for Excellence in Literary Criticism for his work in literary history and criticism and the 2017 Translator’s Prize (Gawad Rolando Tinio) by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).
Melecio F. Turao, Garcia’s close friend, shared some memorable anecdotes with PSN. The event, which was hosted by celebrated writer Peter Solis Nery, was a testament to the power of local authors and literature to move hearts and ignite creativity in each person. Solis Nery himself, an award-winning writer and Palanca Hall of Fame awardee, sold many of his books and publications during the event.
The organizers of the IMBF are also UPV faculty members headed by Noel Galon, Project Director, and Early Sol Gadong, Deputy Project Director.
This year’s event was co-organized by Kasingkasing Press, Office for Initiatives in Culture and the Arts UP Visayas, Hubon Manunulat, Book Latte, National Book Development Board, JCI, DOT Region VI, ILOMOCA, and Iloilo Festive Mall.
