Philippine Book Development Month - It’s Philippine Book Development Month. Celebrate literature, reading interests, and classic Filipino books in the Philippines this month!

Philippine Book Development Month 2024 – November 2024

Philippine Book Development Month is celebrated in November every year. It’s the month for every Filipino bookworm to ignite their passion for literature and creative writing by discovering Filipino authors, classic books, and possibly venturing out into a career in writing. What’s more, it also celebrates local writers, book authors, and publishers for continuously nurturing Philippine literature and championing it in the global arena. This month also highlights both the history, cultural milestones, and future of Filipino writers and Philippine literature. Find out more about how you can celebrate Philippine Book Development Month!

History of Philippine Book Development Month

The birth of Philippine literature occurred in the 19th century in the form of a newspaper. During the Spanish regime, on December 1, 1846, the first Philippine newspaper called “La Esperanza” was published. This marked the first piece of written media published in the Philippines. Years later, other publishing companies started releasing newspapers such as the “Estrella” in 1847, “Diario de Manila” in 1848, and “Boletin Oficial de Filipinas” in 1852.During Spain’s colony in the Philippines, poetry and other metric literature were also introduced. They were known as the ‘tanada,’ ‘ladino,’ ‘corridos,’ and ‘awit.’ The movement of Filipino poems influenced many up-and-coming writers at that time to write poems in their local dialects.The literary landscape in the Philippines during the Post-Colonial era was dominated by American and English literature. Not only did this have a significant impact on the future of books and novels, but also the country’s educational system. In the Philippines, English became one of the most widely spoken languages, and English-language publications and novels grew in popularity. Zoilo Galang’s work “The Child of Sorrow,” published in 1921, was the first Filipino novel written in English. Future Filipino writers such as Bienvenido Santos, Carlos Bulosan, Manuel Arguilla, and Jose Garcia Villa were significantly affected by this.However, it wasn’t until 2011 when former education secretary Armin Lustro declared that the 11th month of the year should be devoted to commemorating reading and writing in the Philippines. It was then that the Philippine Book Development Month was launched.

Philippine Book Development Month timeline

1846
The First Filipino Newspaper

The first Filipino newspaper called “La Esperanza” is published during the Spanish regime.

1921
The First Filipino Novel in English

Zoilo Galang publishes the first Filipino novel in English called “The Child of Sorrow.”

1976
The First ‘National Artist for Literature’

Nick Joaquin becomes the first recipient of the ‘National Artist Award for Literature’ in the Philippines.

2011
The Launch of Philippine Book Development Month

Armin Lustro officially declares November as the Philippine Book Development Month.

Philippine Book Development Month FAQs

Who are the best-selling Filipino authors of all time?

Some of the best-selling Filipino authors of all time include Bob Ong, Lualhati Bautista, Mars Ravelo, and Carlo J. Caparas.

What is the most famous poem in Philippine literature?

The most famous poem in Philippine literature is arguably ‘Florante at Laura’ by Francisco Balagtas.

What was the first novel authored by a Filipino?

The first novel authored by a Filipino is “Ninay,” written by Pedro Paterno, which is in Spanish.

Philippine Book Development Month Activities

  1. Grab your favorite Filipino book

    Take this time to reread your favorite Filipino book. It’s an exciting time to visit a childhood favorite or an interesting novel you once read in school. There’s not a better way to ignite your passion for reading than this!

  2. Attend Filipino book fares

    Attend Filipino book fares to discover hidden gems. It’s also a great way to know up-and-coming Filipino writers who are just starting in the industry.

  3. Shop for books

    The best way to support Filipino writers is to buy their books. Go out to your favorite bookstore and find the most interesting Filipino titles you’d love to read.

5 Interesting Facts About Filipino Literature

  1. The most famous pieces of Filipino literature

    Two of the most famous pieces of Filipino literature are “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo” written by Dr. Jose Rizal, the Philippines’ national hero.

  2. The most translated Filipino poem

    The most translated Filipino poem is ‘Mi Ultimo Dios’ written by Dr. Jose Rizal.

  3. The most read book by Filipinos

    According to the N.B.D.B. Readership survey, the most read book by Filipinos is the “Bible.”

  4. Parents are the main encouragers

    In the same survey, it notes that parents are the main catalyst for igniting every Filipino’s interest in reading.

  5. Printed books over e-books

    The majority of Filipinos prefer printed books over e-books.

Why We Love Philippine Book Development Month

  1. We love books

    Reading is a great way to escape. And in a time when technology is so prevalent, burying your nose into your favorite book is both a pleasurable and a healing experience.

  2. Filipino writers are underrated

    Several gifted Filipino writers are just waiting to be seen. Philippine Book Development Month allows these local authors to be recognized by people.

  3. It has a rich history

    Philippine literature has a fascinating, multicultural history. It’s always good to look back at classic novels and poems and appreciate the golden standard they have set for modern literature.

Philippine Book Development Month dates

Year Date Day
2022 November 1 Tuesday
2023 November 1 Wednesday
2024 November 1 Friday
2025 November 1 Saturday
2026 November 1 Sunday
All Saints' Day
​National Calzone Day
National Vinegar Day
National Men Make Dinner Day
National Brush Day
Karnataka Rajyotsava Day
National Cook For Your Pets Day
National Jersey Friday
National Deep Fried Clams Day
National Cinnamon Day
Extra Mile Day
National Family Literacy Day
Fountain Pen Day
Love Your Lawyer Day
National Author's Day
Prime Meridian Day
World Vegan Day
Haryana Day
International Pet Groomer Appreciation Day
Lakshmi Puja
Puducherry Liberation Day
Antigua Independence Day
Kut
Kannada Rajyothsava
D. Hamilton Jackson Day
Anniversary of the Revolution
Coronation Day of His Majesty the King
Pâté Day
Laxmi Puja
Scented Candle Day
National Biologic Coordinators Day
National Jayden Day
National Mia Day
Calan Gaeaf
All Saints Day (Spain)
GeorgeNotFound's Birthday
Lil Peep's Birthday
Jayden Bartels's Birthday
Natalia Tena's Birthday
Penn Badgley's Birthday
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's Birthday
Paige Hyland's Birthday
Anthony Ramos's Birthday
David Foster's Birthday
Earth Katsamonnat's Birthday
JoJo Fletcher's Birthday
Anthony Kiedis's Birthday
Sada Bettencourt's Birthday
Jenny McCarthy's Birthday
Marc D'Amelio's Birthday
Coco Crisp's Birthday
Gabrielle Bernstein's Birthday
Sunset Safari's Birthday
World Communication Week
National Fig Week
National Medical Cannabis Week
​Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Awareness Month
​Diabetic Eye Disease Month
​National Diabetes Month
​National Epilepsy Awareness Month
​National Family Caregivers Month
National Fun with Fondue Month
​National Impotency Month
National Peanut Butter Lovers Month
National Pepper Month
No Shave November
​PTA Healthy Lifestyles Month
​National Healthy Skin Month
​National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month
​National Novel Writing Month
Banana Pudding Lovers Month
National Prevent a Litter Month
Family Stories Month
Lung Cancer Awareness Month
Gluten Free Diet Awareness Month
Manatee Awareness Month
National Adopt A Senior Pet Month
Military Family Month
National Adoption Month
National Roasting Month
National Family Literacy Month
National Gratitude Month
National Native American Heritage Month
National Entrepreneurship Month
Aviation History Month
Filipino Values Month
National Raisin Bread Month
Adopt a Turkey Month
Stomach Cancer Awareness Month
Bladder Health Month
Library and Information Services Month
National Long-term Care Awareness Month
Traditional and Alternative Health Month
National Consciousness Month for Punctuality and Civility
Philippine Book Development Month
National Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation Month
Worldwide Bereaved Siblings Month
National Children’s Month
National Repair Done Right Month
National Pomegranate Month
Pet Diabetes Month
National Life Writing Month
National Rice Awareness Month
National Marrow Awareness Month
National Inspirational Role Models Month
National Pet Cancer Awareness Month
National Home Care and Hospice Month
National Scholarship Month