Authors and new releases featured this Manila International Book Fair 2025

Gianela Zapata

From the well-known names of Atom Araullo and Ricky Lee to indie writers like Siege Malvar and Merlinda Bobis, the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) is packed with stories to tell in every nook.

With only a few hours left to rummage through the crowds and shelves of the MIBF 2025, here are some last-minute reads you may want to pick up or shop online if you’re looking for more finds.

Household names

Atom Araullo’s “A View From The Ground”
Genre: Narrative journalism/essays
Publisher: University of the Philippines Press
Read if: You’re interested in nonfiction, viscerally human-centered stories, and journalism that goes beyond the headlines

In these tumultuous times, award-winning journalist Atom Araullo presents a snapshot of what the country really looks like at present.

“A View From The Ground,” is a collection of Araullo’s narrative journalism pieces. Published by the University of the Philippines Press, the book is Araullo’s first and focuses on the stories of people living on the margins of society. It contains photographs taken by Araullo himself, complementing the written reports.

It is also a compilation of Araullo’s work with GMA Public Affairs and the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism. In an interview with Rolling Stone Philippines, Araullo said his work explores themes of displacement, disenfranchisement, literacy, and “wage slavery,” among others.

“It’s up to the readers what they make out of these stories, but I hope that it moves them to do something. If only to be more connected with the things that are going on around us. I think that’s already a win in my book,” the veteran journalist shared.

Ricky Lee’s “Pinilakang Tabing” and “Agaw-Tingin”
Genre: Historical fiction and Nonfiction
Publisher: Anvil Publishing Inc.
Pages: 240 and 300
Read if: You’re a fan of Philippine cinema, an aspiring writer or filmmaker, or simply curious about the creative process.

Get ready to get lost in the world of a National Artist and his characters.

Pinilakang Tabing is a work of fiction that delves into the profound impact of the last 40 years of Philippine cinema on its characters. The book explores how the local film industry has shaped the lives and narratives of its protagonists, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of art and reality.

Meanwhile, Agaw-Tingin is a collection of Ricky Lee’s previously published and unpublished works. The book is described as a compilation of Lee’s diverse writings, showcasing his versatility and extensive body of work beyond screenwriting.

Since 1973, Lee has been a powerful force of the arts in the country. He has written more than 180 produced film scripts and has written screenplays for many of the Philippines’ most notable films and directors, including Ishmael Bernal’s “Himala” starring Nora Aunor and Marilou Diaz-Abaya’s feminist drama “Moral.”

Grit and graphics

Budjette Tan’s “KWENTOYS”
Genre: Anthology, Short stories, Sci-fi
Publisher: 19th Avenida Publishing House
Read if: You want a Toy Story-like read with a Filipino twist (and lots of nostalgia)

Here’s a little something for both the young adults and the young at heart.

From the creative mind behind the Pinoy crime mythology comic turned Netflix series “Trese,” now comes a nostalgic tribute to youth. In an Instagram post, Tan shares that “KWENTOYS” compiles eight of his short stories, each one inspired by a toy from my childhood. Each story reveals the magical or fantastical power of the toy and features artwork from Brandie Tan.

To make things even more special, the intro of the book is written by their mother Adjette Tan, while the afterword features artwork by Budjette’s son, Seraph.

Andoyman’s “Ang Pista”
Genre: Psychological and body horror, Silent comic/graphic novel
Publisher: 19th Avenida Publishing House
Pages: 176
Read if: You enjoy a disturbing, atmospheric horror story (with underlying explorations of social and political issues) told purely through visuals.

What happens when a feast suddenly becomes a carnage?

In “Ang Pista,” a burnt-out female journalist receives a spam email inviting her to a free vacation at a luxurious beach resort. Will she be the next victim of the resort’s ominous secrets?

“Forget stress and apend your weekend with us here at Hiwaga Beach Resort! Free foods and accommodations! This is a time-limited offer for a few selected people. To accept our invite, please click this link and be out feast!,” the Goodreads summary reads.

A silent graphic novel he co-created with Kube, “Ang Pista” tells a horror story without any dialogue, relying on only visual storytelling.

Andoyman is a Filipino comic book artist, illustrator, and graphic artist. His previous works include “Ang Sumpa,” a detective-mystery comic book series and “Palimos ng Kulangot,” a collaboration with writer Ronnie Baticulon.

Siege Malvar’s “Team Building”
Genre: Psychological and corporate horror, Suspense thriller
Publisher: 19th Avenida Publishing House
Pages: 152
Read if: You’re a fan of psychological thrillers and horror that lean into dystopian corporate scenarios or “locked-room” mysteries.

As seen in the bold and witty “written mockumentary” style of his previous work “Oral Hystery,” Malvar is known to explore contemporary issues like social media culture, misinformation, and the human desire for clout. In his new work, he poses the question: How far are you willing to go for success?

The novella centers on an advertising agency’s team-building retreat that takes a horrific turn. What begins as a mandatory corporate event in a remote resort devolves into a struggle for survival as the employees are tasked to kill each other for a promotion.

The story discusses themes of corporate culture, individual ambition, and the breakdown of social order under extreme pressure.

Charlson Ong’s “The Arhat Son”
Genre: Thriller, Family drama
Publisher: Milflores Publishing
Pages: 276
Read If: You enjoy fast-paced stories with intricate plots, family mysteries, and complex characters. It’s also a great choice for readers who are interested in Filipino-Chinese culture

From Palanca award-winning fictionist Charlson Ong is a story of scandal, sacrilege, and succession.

Ignatius Ong Sr., the head of the powerful Aloysius Ong Group of Companies (AOGC), is in a state of disarray after losing his two favorite sons.

When a man named Simon suddenly appears, claiming to be his son from a past affair in China, Ignatius sees him as the arhat— the perfect son sent by God, and believes he’s the one who should inherit everything. This is met with suspicion from his remaining legitimate son, Iggy, whose passions are in literature and film, not business.

With the help of his former writing student Vanessa and the family’s security aide, Iggy attempts to uncover the truth about Simon’s identity, which leads them to unravel dark family secrets and the repercussions of infidelity in a novel that will leave you hooked.

Culture and modern makatas

Merlinda Bobis’ “In The Name of The Trees”
Genre: Historical fiction, Saga
Publisher: Spinifex Press/Anvil Publishing Inc.
Pages: 160
Read if: You’re interested in stories that tackle intergenerational trauma and healing, as well as narratives rich in folklore, poetic language, and the resilience of women.

The novel follows Lola Narra, a matriarch living in Australia, as she attempts to heal her granddaughter, Dao, who was paralyzed in an accident that killed her father.

While the story may begin in the village of Iláwod, the narrative spans across continents. The novel traces the “colonial inheritance” of four women—Banaba, Narra, Pili, and Dao—all named after trees. Their lives are marked by deep rifts and heartbreaks, but their connection to their heritage and to the earth provides a path toward healing. Moreover, the book explores how stories are used to both hide and reveal the truth, and how the trees remember the histories that people try to forget.

Merlinda Bobis grew up in Albay, Philippines and now lives in Australia on a study grant. Drawing from her experience as a Filipino Australian, she weaves compelling stories that connect with both cultures. Her work explores the resilient spirit of migrants, creating narratives that resonate with readers who share similar journeys.

“Among the many things that inspired me to write was hearing my grandparents and parents tell stories. I know it’s a very Pinoy thing that when you meet someone on the street, you either invite them to eat with you or share stories. The orality of storytelling informed and influenced my writing,” she once explained in an interview with SBS Philippines.

Alfonso Manalastas’ “Factory of Alleged Virtues”
Genre: Poetry
Publisher: Ateneo University Press
Read if: You appreciate poetic writing that is both personal and politically charged.

“Factory of Alleged Virtues” is a collection of poems that delves into the themes of anger, survival, and the inherent contradictions of life. The work, often moving between a documentary style and a dreamlike state, explores how individuals grapple with colonialism, capitalism, and environmental collapse.

The poems examine the “factory” as a metaphor for a process that sanitizes or redefines raw human emotions, particularly anger. The collection tackles complex subjects with a raw and mature voice, reflecting on personal and societal struggles.
Alfonso Manalastas is writer, a poet, and a spoken word artist originally from Butuan City, now based in Manila. He has spoken in two TEDx events in Cebu and Davao. He also won the grand prize for the 2021 Maningning Miclat Poetry Awards (English language category).

Mikka Cabangon’s “Duongan”
Genre: Poetry
Publisher: Balangay Books
Read if: You like reading lyrical, contemplative poetry

Mikka Cabangon’s “Duongan” is a poetry collection that acts as a profound reflection on memory, nature, and the human spirit. It was also included in Esquire Philippines’ Favorite Filipino Books of 2024.

The title, which means “to dock” in Tagalog, serves as a metaphor for the poems’ exploration of mooring in life, finding sanctuary, and confronting both personal and collective grief.

The collection takes readers on a journey through vivid, almost dreamlike landscapes, from sleeping rivers and firefly-filled bamboo groves to the harsh realities of violence, loss, and the pain of leaving. Cabangon’s writing delves into themes of vulnerability and healing, offering a contemplative look at how one can find peace and resilience in the face of life’s fleeting moments.

Cabangon is a University of the Philippines graduate of BA Art Studies (Philippine Art).

Rina Angela Corpus’ “She Who Grows Wings”
Genre: Poetry
Publisher: UST Publishing House
Read if: You’re looking for a debut collection from a new and promising Filipino writer.

“She Who Grows Wings” is the debut poetry collection by Rina Corpus. The book explores themes of art and dance, with the author being known for her work in these fields. Based on promotional material, the collection promises a unique and personal voice, tackling the intersection of dance in the journey of girlhood.

Corpus is an assistant professor at the Department of Art Studies, University of the Philippines where she finished her BA Art Studies (minor in Comparative Literature) and MA Art History.

Not only are books a good pastime, they also reflect the conditions of society today as a whole. While we may get tempted to reach for the most trending read on Tiktok or BookTube, it’s important to see the value of our very own local authors and publishers telling the world just exactly who we are as Filipinos. With each page turned and chapter read, every single one of us has the power to preserve our very humanity by engaging in these stories, both for ourselves and for generations to come.