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Get ready to dive into the wonderful world of literature as we celebrate Philippine Book Development Month on November 1! This month-long event celebrates the rich and diverse literary culture of the Philippines, from its traditional folktales to contemporary novels. The celebration was first established in 1998 by Presidential Proclamation No. 968 to promote reading and literacy among Filipinos. It's a great opportunity to discover new books, support local authors, and share your love for reading with others. So grab a book and let your imagination take flight during this exciting month!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1998</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of the Holiday</div><div class='timeline-text'>Presidential Proclamation No. 968 initiates November as Philippine Book Development Month, aiming to enhance reading and literacy among Filipinos.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2001</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Nationwide Book Fair</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Philippines hold its first nationwide book fair, promoting local authors and their works during the Philippine Book Development Month.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2005</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Encouragement of Local Languages</div><div class='timeline-text'>Efforts during Book Development Month encourages publications in indigenous languages, preserving cultural heritage and diversity.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Decline in Reading Revival Efforts</div><div class='timeline-text'>Concerns raised over the decline in reading among the younger generation lead to revitalized efforts during Philippine Book Development Month.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Digital Pivot in Pandemic</div><div class='timeline-text'>Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, celebrations pivot to digital platforms, expanding the reach of Book Development Month activities.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a book club</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather your friends, family, or colleagues and start a book club dedicated to reading and discussing books by Filipino authors. This is a great way to support local literature and have meaningful discussions about the books.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend book fairs and festivals</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Check out book fairs and festivals happening in your area during Philippine Book Development Month. These events often feature book signings, readings, and discussions with authors, as well as opportunities to purchase books by Filipino writers.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Read books by Filipino authors</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Challenge yourself to read books exclusively by Filipino authors during Philippine Book Development Month. This is a great way to broaden your literary horizons and discover new favorite writers.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a book swap</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get your friends and family together and organize a book swap! This is a fun way to exchange books and discover new titles by Filipino authors.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Support local bookstores</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Visit your local bookstore and purchase books by Filipino authors. This is a great way to support local businesses and promote Philippine literature.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Promotes a love for books and reading</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The celebration of Philippine Book Development Month encourages individuals of all ages to dive into the world of literature and cultivate a passion for reading. This is especially important in today's digital age where technology can sometimes impede on our time for traditional forms of entertainment like reading.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Supports local authors and publishers</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>During Philippine Book Development Month, there is a push to spotlight and promote works from Filipino authors and publishers. This not only supports the talent within the country, but also gives readers the opportunity to discover new voices and perspectives within their own community.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Brings people together through storytelling</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The act of sharing stories has long been a way for people to connect and understand one another. During Philippine Book Development Month, communities can come together through book fairs, literary events, and book clubs - sharing their love for books and creating a space for open dialogue and cultural exchange.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Philippines Holds the Longest Reading Marathon for a Narrative</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Philippines holds the Guinness World Record for the longest reading marathon of a narrative. This 365-hour long reading marathon was accomplished in celebration of the Philippine Book Development Month.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Proclamation No. 968 was Also Known as "Araw ng Pagbasa"</h3><p class='facts-content'>"Araw ng Pagbasa" or "Day of Reading", falling on November 27, was also established under the same Proclamation No. 968 that declared November as the Book Development Month to celebrate the birth anniversary of Andrés Bonifacio, a Filipino revolutionary leader.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Rizal's Novels are Essential Parts of Philippine Literary History</h3><p class='facts-content'>Novels such as “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo” by Dr. José Rizal, national hero, form an essential part in Philippine literature's evolution and are often marquee pieces during Book Development Month.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Some Books are Published in "Baybayin"</h3><p class='facts-content'>"Baybayin", an ancient indigenous script of the Philippines, is still occasionally used for publishing certain books, adding a unique cultural touch to the celebration of Book Development Month in preserving cultural heritage.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Philippines has a Vibrant Community of Independent Publishers</h3><p class='facts-content'>Independent publishers form an integral part of the Philippine book industry. The country has a thriving scene of small publishers who produce quality literature across various genres, often focusing on niche audiences and innovative content.</p></div></div>
Philippine Book Development Month is celebrated on November 1 every year. In 2024 Philippine Book Development Month will occur on a Friday.
2023
Nov 1
Wednesday
2024
Nov 1
Friday
2025
Nov 1
Saturday
2026
Nov 1
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2027
Nov 1
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