Imagination peoples the air

The Philippine Guest of Honor Pavilion at the Frankfurt Book Fair presents unique narratives

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A DECADE AGO, Anvil Publishing Manager Karina Bolasco sought the support of arts patron Senator Loren Legarda, so that the Philippines could have a bigger presence at Frankfurter Buchmesse, the world’s largest trade fair for books.

From her support came a vision of the Philippines as the Guest of Honor at the fair — an initiative which finally bears fruit this year with a 2,000-square-meter pavilion.

Established in the 17th century and revived for the modern era in 1949, the Frankfurt Book Fair is held annually every October in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

While the Philippines has been involved in the book fair since 1998, this will be its first time participating as Guest of Honor. It also marks the second time a Southeast Asian nation has taken on the role, following Indonesia 10 years ago.

The pavilion, which has the theme “The imagination peoples the air,” will have over 400 Philippine delegates — authors, illustrators, artists, creatives, and publishers. It is curated by Patrick Flores and designed by Stanley Ruiz.

The physical space itself will be a communal setting, with modular rattan and bamboo seats amid the 500 Philippine book titles on display. The translucent walls also double as a canvas for works by artists Gary-Ross Pastrana, Mervin Malonzo, and David Medalla.