Precious Pages and Lampara Publishing House President Segundo Matias Jr.
The 77th Frankfurt Book Fair 2025, the biggest and most important book trade show in the world, took place from October 15–19 in Messe Frankfurt, Germany, and featured the Philippines as the Guest of Honor.
Precious Pages Corporation, one of the top publishers of romance, current, and genre fiction in the Philippines and a global representative of Filipino creativity and storytelling, was one of the honored delegates.
Throughout the week-long fair, the Precious Pages team, together with its sister firm Lampara Publishing House, met with foreign publishers and partners to pitch Filipino titles, explore new collaborations, and enhance current publishing links.
Highlighting Filipino “Kilig” and Taglish Literature
During the fair, Precious Pages and Lampara Publishing House President Segundo Matias Jr. joined a panel discussion where he shared the inspiring journey of Precious Hearts Romances—the country’s most beloved romance imprint—and how it pioneered the use of Taglish (Tagalog-English code-switching) in literature.
“Romance novels bring excitement—the kind we call kilig,” Matias said. “Readers don’t just want heavy drama; they want stories that make their hearts race. That’s what we give them—stories full of joy, longing, and the healing power of love.”
He also emphasized the company’s efforts to reach readers beyond the Philippines:
“From the very beginning, we recognized the importance of going global. Our books are now read in over 120 countries, bringing comfort to many Filipinos abroad who say our stories make them feel closer to home.”
Featured Titles Presented at the Fair
From Precious Pages
- Anonymousby Gypsy Esguerra
- Blue Nightsby Nald Tabuzo, illustrated by Crisca Jallorina
- Florante at Lauraby Reira Francisco, illustrated by Jana Dhel
- Ibong Adarna Reimaginedby Reira Francisco, illustrated by Peachy Balais
- Poster Boyby Herbs Navasca, illustrated by Rica Angela Padullo
- Librong Itim Volume 6: An Anthology of Short Philippine Horror Storiesfeaturing works by Jovielyn Rivera, Ericzon Santos, Filimon Buksingero, Richmond De Guzman, Win Martinez, Reine Mendoza, and Reza Dela Vega
From Lampara Publishing House, Inc.
- Ako ay may Kiki (I Have a Vagina)by Glenda Oris, illustrated by Beth Parrocha
- Ako ay may Titi (I Have a Penis)by Genaro R. Gojo Cruz, illustrated by Beth Parrocha
- Ang Tatlong Bubwit at ang Bangkang Marikit (The Three Little Mice and the Beautiful Boat)by Will P. Ortiz, illustrated by Ghani Madueño
- Disaster-Ready Kidsseries by Zarah C. Gagatiga, illustrated by Juno Abreu
- Federicoby Eugene Y. Evasco, illustrated by Lui Buan
- Maria Sibol: Ang Natatanging Batang Diwata (Maria Sibol: A One-of-a-Kind Child Goddess)by Mark Norman Boquiren, illustrated by Kata Alamon
- Mga Batang Poz (The Poz Kids)by Segundo Matias Jr.
- Niña Inocenteby Augie Rivera, illustrated by Juno Abreu
- Og Uhog (The Snotty-nosed Og)by Christine S. Bellen-Ang, illustrated by John Ronnel Popa
- Team Abangers at ang Estilong Trumpo (Team Abangers and the Trumpo Style)by Boon Lauw, illustrated by Tori Tadiar
- How Rosang Taba Won a Raceby Dean Francis Alfar, illustrated by Ghani Madueño
- Salu-Salo (The Gathering)by Susie R. Baclagon-Borrero, illustrated by Ibarra Crisostomo
- Si Andoy, Batang Tondoby Mark Anthony Angeles, illustrated by Ray Nazarene Sunga
- Znork, ang Kabayong Mahilig Matulog (Znork, the Horse who Loved to Sleep)by Mark Anthony Angeles, illustrated by Pergylene Acuña
- Hiyas na Bubog (Sea Glass Treasures)by Eugene Y. Evasco, illustrated by John Ronnel Popa
- Isang Mabalahibong Bugtong (A Hairy Riddle)by Eugene Y. Evasco, illustrated by Aldy C. Aguirre
- Ang Huling Puno (The Last Tree)by Richard G. Reynante, illustrated by Jericho Moral
- Green (Luntian)by Becky Bravo, illustrated by Elizabeth Parrocha
- Kaligtasan para sa mga Bata (Public Safety for Children)series by Mark Norman Boquiren, illustrated by Aldy C. Aguirre
- Lilayby Becky Bravo, illustrated by Rommel Joson
- Family Storiesby Maita S. Salvador, illustrated by Aldy C. Aguirre
- Mimi’s New Homeby Liwliwa N. Malabed, illustrated by Iori Espiritu
Filipino Stories Take Root Worldwide
Representing Precious Pages and Lampara at the 2025 Frankfurt Book Fair were:
Segundo Matias Jr. (President), Richard Reynante (Vice President – Finance), Jenette Robles (Administrative/Finance Officer), Portia Ann Legaspi (Accounting Head), Ferdinand Sevilleja and Carlo Bunayos (Marketing Directors), John Charles Almoninia (Sales Supervisor), Marky Rainer Cabalteja (Online Manager), Marie Anthoneth Velasco (Brand Manager), Alen Paola Mangabat (Graphic Artist), and Gloria Cipriano (Editor).
The company’s presence in the Frankfurt Book Fair marks a key milestone for Philippine publishing, underscoring the growing global awareness of Filipino authors, illustrators, and the particular voice of Philippine literature.
“Every Filipino story we bring abroad is a step toward putting our literature on the global map,” Matias said. “We want the world to see that our stories—whether romantic, fantastical, or deeply human—deserve a place alongside the best from anywhere.”
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