By Mark Vincent A. Durano

Far Eastern University (FEU) Publications and TAMS Bookstore (TBS) showcased books written by homegrown authors during the 2024 Manila International Book Festival (MIBF) at the SMX Convention Center last September 11 to 15.

FEU Publications and TBS along with other major university presses were located along MIBF’s university row.

In an online interview with FEU Advocate, TBS Manager Gwenn Galvez shared their goals to feature the University’s best titles including works from corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs.

“As [the] representative of FEU in the event, we want to showcase the best of FEU’s titles and the products of the University’s CSR programs such as the ‘Maisog’ beaded accessories and the products of the ‘Gantsilyo ng Pangarap’ Project with the persons deprived of liberty in the Manila Female City Jail,” she said.

Their booth displayed the 42nd National Book Awards Best Design finalist ‘Piña Futures: Weaving Memories and Innovations’ by Dr. Randy Madrid and ‘Complete Poems and Plays of Rizal’ translated by Nick Joaquin.

FEU Publications also showcased their award-winning titles such as ‘Walk Manila’ by Dr. Lorelei de Viana and ‘Mindanao Harvest 4’ edited by former Institute of Arts and Sciences Dean Dr. Jaime An Lim. Both were awarded during the 39th National Book Awards for Best Book on Humor, Sports, and Lifestyle and Best Anthology in English, respectively.

They also arrayed the poetry book ‘Ambahan: A Love Story’ by Quintin Pastrana which was translated into Filipino by Danton Remoto that includes the Mangyan script. 

Moreover, the University also featured other works from presses such as ARC LICO, PaperKat Books, and International Public Relations Association.

In a separate interview, FEU Publications Manager Lance Caperal shared their aspiration to have their own publishing identity alongside collaborations with other institutions.

“We look forward to more meaningful collaborations from external institutions and individuals pushing for a stronger presence in the publishing community. We want to shape the content that we want to publish—veering away from FEU-centric books to have our own publishing identity,” she stated.

On the second day of MIBF 2024, Department of Communication Chair Christina Ustaris participated as a guest panelist in the talk ‘How to Pitch Works to Filmmakers’ along with Gushcloud International’s Global Content Head Darlene Malimas and HS Grafik Print and PaperKat Books’ Publishing Head Kath Eustaquio-Derla.

Throughout the event, several authors held book-signing events for the pieces including de Viana for ‘Walk Manila’ and ‘Dilao’ with co-author Arch. Gerald Lico.

Fairgoers who bought items from FEU’s booths were offered a 20-percent discount for FEU Publication books while other displayed titles for a 10-percent discount.

TBS is also currently giving a 20-percent discount to teachers and education students who will purchase FEU merchandise from TBS stores until October 5 in celebration of Teacher’s Month.

(Photo courtesy of TAMS Bookstore)