Top local merchants sell 6x more items at Shopee's 9.9 Super Shopping Day

The leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan continues to create memorable shopping experiences at 9.9 Super Shopping Day. Boosted by increased shopper traffic and support from Shopee's platform tools, top local sellers sold 6 times more items on 9 September than on an average day. These seller offerings in turn created more value for customers, who snapped up the best promotions and mas mura prices on items ranging from their daily essentials to the latest gadgets.

Shopee’s 9.9 Super Shopping Day brings more benefits to Filipinos by providing buyers with convenient shopping experiences at the best deals while helping sellers grow their businesses. Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines shared, “We are committed to benefiting online shoppers, by bringing them more joy, value, and excitement every 9.9. This drives us to use our platform to deliver the best value for money with our Mas Mura sa Shopee* offers, and to explore other equally fulfilling possibilities that serve the evolving needs of customers and businesses alike, especially as we gear towards another meaningful year-end shopping season.”

Shoppers secured daily essentials at better deals

Shopee worked with sellers to curate a wide assortment of ₱1 and ₱49 deals, helping users get their money’s worth when they shopped their everyday essentials in Home & Living, Health & Personal Care, and Women's Apparel during 9.9. Filipinos were keen to maximize the available deals in acquiring their daily necessities, with one shopper saving as much as ₱200,000 for essential back-to-school items like a new laptop, laptop accessories, and desk accessories.

Businesses achieved more traffic and a big boost in their sales

Local sellers took advantage of 9.9 to grow their businesses, with one top local merchant from Valenzuela City selling over 400,000 packs of face masks on 9 September alone. Another fashion accessories seller used Shopee Live to engage with their followers, gaining 80,000 views during their 9.9 live stream. Meanwhile, leading brands Uni-Care, Unilever Beauty, and Maybelline also saw a boost in orders as shoppers looked to Shopee for their go-to branded parenting essentials, personal care products, and beauty must-haves.

Shopee’s in-app features brought more value and entertainment to all users

Shoppers were treated to plentiful days of fun from August 26, leading up to a star-studded TV special on September 9. Countless users tuned in to Shopee live streams 87 million times and engaged with in-app games for over 16 million total plays throughout the 9.9 periods.

ShopeePay brought users more convenience and rewards

Filipinos continued to enjoy seamless, value-for-money payments as they took advantage of ShopeePay's ₱1 Load & Data promos, with purchases tripling by 9.9 compared to a regular day. Local shoppers also used ShopeePay to pay off their wish list items on mobile phone accessories, skincare products, and kitchenware sets while payment transactions with various billers doubled during the super shopping day.

To stay updated on the latest mas mura deals and promos, download the Shopee app from leading app stores and follow Shopee Philippines on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

UNIQLO Highlights Today’s Classics with its Fall/Winter 2022 Collection

UNIQLO PH is launching its Fall/ Winter 2022 Collection today, Sept 1. 

Here's a sneak peek at what you can expect from the latest collection of our favorite life wear. 

Women’s Corduroy Cropped Jacket

The cropped length in a boxy fit gives this jacket a sleek look, but the relaxed fit and dropped shoulders make it cozy to wear. Its classic corduroy fabric is washed for a softer look.

Women’s Fluffy Yarn Fleece

This is the ultimate in coziness: the fuzzy fleece is made with long-pile yarn for a warm, light, and soft feel with a natural stretch. The length extends to the hips for added warmth and coverage.

Men’s MA-1 Blouson

This wardrobe essential comes in a modern silhouette with classic details. Its voluminous and relaxed fit is complemented by its lightweight yet durable nylon twill outer layer. The water-repellent coating protects the wearer from the rain.

Men’s Over Shirt Jacket (Jersey)

The workwear-style texture gives the jacket a rugged look, but the comfortable and lightweight jersey fabric features a loose-fitting cut for a relaxed fit.

Men’s Utility Parka

The parka has been updated for a more relaxed and casual fit. Its design is practical with five pockets at the waist, chest, and the interiors.

KNITWEAR

Continually evolving knitwear is a UNIQLO masterpiece. This season, the highest quality has been achieved by employing the latest in knitting technologies, further refining the silhouette and enhancing comfort.

Women’s 3D Knit Cotton Dolman Long Sleeve Sweater

The 100% cotton sweater is gentle on the skin. It features textured knitting and a stylish silhouette, with dolman sleeves for added volume.

Women’s 3D Knit Cotton Crew Neck Half Sleeve Sweater

This sweater is made with 100% cotton and is designed with a relaxed fit and voluminous sleeves. The stylish straight fit with slits at the sides promises a comfortable fit around the waist. This garment can go from dressy to casual depending on the styling.

Women’s Extra Fine Merino Ribbed Half Sleeve Short Sweater

This piece is made with extra fine Merino wool for a glossy sheen and smooth feel. The sleek wide-ribbed fabric skims the lines of the body, while the short length gives a balanced style.

Men’s Middle Gauge Knitted Crew Neck Vest

The vest features a thick yarn that produces a light and comfortable feel. This garment changes its style depending on the size. Wear the usual size for a neat look, or go for a bigger version for a casual style.

Men’s Extra Fine Merino Crew Neck Long Sleeve Sweater

This classic item uses extra fine Merino wool for a premium and smooth touch. The knit has been updated to make the sweater look more beautiful.

BOTTOMS

This season, UNIQLO focuses on trendy and fresh-style wide pants. The wide range of variations and styles includes everything from clean-looking pleated pants to casual baggy jeans.

Women’s Drape Flared Pants

These pants are made from crepe fabric with an elegant drape and the center pleats create a flattering effect. They are wrinkle-resistant for easy care.

Women’s Corduroy Wide Pants

The supple, fine-wale corduroy has a high-waisted and wide-leg cut for a flattering effect. Its silky sheen also adds an elegant touch.

Women’s Baggy Jeans

The jeans showcase the authentic look of rigid denim even if it’s made with 100% cotton. Its full-length inseam and double-needle stitching create a leg-flattering effect.

Men’s Pleated Tapered Pants

UNIQLO updated its Pleated Tapered Pants with a new wide cut. The pants also come in a warm fabric while its pleats create a relaxed feel and an elegant drape.

Men’s Wide Fit Work Pants

Its design is based on classic painter pants, in a wide fit for casual styling. The moleskin fabric creates a warm and casual feel.

SPORT UTILITY WEAR

Sport Utility Wear is designed for today’s varied and ever-changing active lifestyles. The pieces are designed with functionality and style in mind, so they can be worn during sports, outdoors, and even as everyday wear.

Women’s Dry Sweat Cropped Full Zip Hoodie

UNIQLO combined polyester and rayon to create a sweatshirt with a comfortable fit and a high-quality, durable texture. The loose-fitting silhouette and cropped length give it a versatile and casual feel. DRY technology wicks moisture away from the skin and dries it quickly.

Women’s Ultra Stretch Active Jogger Pants

These high-performance pants are quick-drying and allow easy movement. The crisp fabric flatters the body’s contours and the sleek cut is flattering.

Men’s Sweat Full Zip Long Sleeve Hoodie

The hoodie is updated with a trim design and a fabric that is less prone to shedding. Its relaxed fit is roomy around the shoulders and chest to make it a great outer layer.

Men’s DRY-EX Crew Neck Short Sleeve T-Shirt

The performance shirt has ergonomic mesh holes for greater breathability. It is a great choice for sportswear: the raglan sleeves make it easier to move during sports, while the underarm paneling was removed to minimize seam contact with the skin.

HEATTECH

HEATTECH is made with bio-warming material, providing warmth without the bulk. It also uses technology to convert body moisture into heat, keeping the wearer comfortable during the cold season.

Women’s HEATTECH Ultra Stretch High Rise Leggings Pants

These leggings feature a warm brushed lining with HEATTECH technology for comfort and a high-rise design that works well with a cropped top or with a top tucked-in. It also has a pocket, a stitch work, and buttons expertly designed for a pants-like look.

Women’s HEATTECH Ultra Stretch Slim Jeans

UNIQLO’s HEATTECH Ultra Stretch Slim Jeans has an updated fabric for a more authentic denim look while keeping the roomy fit around the waist with its warm brushed HEATTECH lining.

Men’s HEATTECH Warm Lined Pants

These pants are lined with HEATTECH fleece for softness and warmth and have practical zippered seam pockets for convenience. It is also updated with a sleeker cut, an easy waist buckle, and a water repellent coating.

SPECIAL COLLECTIONS AND COLLABORATIONS

UNIQLO’s special collections and collaborations showcase how the innovative, forward-thinking principles of LifeWear meet the signature styles and perspectives of the world's best designers and fashion brands.

UNIQLO U

Artistic Director Christophe Lemaire and his team in Paris reimagine everyday clothing using innovative materials and contemporary silhouettes. These LifeWear essentials are designed with the highest precision in the pursuit of a simplified and modern wardrobe. This will be available starting September 23.

Don't worry! We'll post more details soon. 

Hana Tajima

UK-born fashion designer Hana Tajima is changing the way women dress all over the world with her designs that channel refined elegance and effortless comfort. This season features elegant forms and soft silhouettes in dresses with simple yet iconic stylings.

Ines de la Fressange

Ines de la Fressange embodies modern Parisian chic in her collections. This season brings effortless French style to the world through the idea of the uniform, an eternal standard in fashion and one of de la Fressange’s essential styles.

JW Anderson

JW Anderson is regarded as one of London’s most innovative and forward-thinking brands. For Fall/Winter 2022, the two brands were inspired by the season in the British countryside. Think comfortable, worn, and cozy.

UT Archive

From the original art of the Pop Art movement to legendary manga and streetwear gods, the UT Archive lineup offers revived t-shirts that reflects the origins of a diverse array of cultures and artists.

For more updates, please visit UNIQLO Philippines’ website at uniqlo.com/ph and download the UNIQLO APP via Google Play Store or Apple Store.

Follow UNIQLO Philippines’ social media accounts, Facebook (facebook.com/uniqlo.ph), Twitter (twitter.com/uniqloph), and Instagram (instagram.com/uniqlophofficial).

3 reasons why you should check out Shopee’s 9.9 Super Shopping Day

Look forward to a more rewarding and exciting shopping experience this 9.9 with ₱1 deals, free shipping with no minimum spend, and an all-new game, 9.9 ShopeePay Shop & Win up to ₱1 million!

Shopee has officially launched the start of its year-end shopping season, and this year, the e-commerce platform is giving Filipinos even more reasons to check out. Aside from the Mas Mura Sa Shopee* offers, an exciting new game that will surely thrill shoppers and not-to-miss entertainment, here's what users can expect this 9.9 Super Shopping Day:

1. Discover Mas Mura Sa Shopee deals from August 26 to September 11

Grab a wide range of ₱1 deals on your daily essentials and trending products by visiting the “₱1 Deals” page. Enjoy even bigger discounts when you claim free shipping with no minimum spend that you can use on your 9.9 Super Shopping Day buys.

Shopee is also the perfect place to score your favorite brand products at irresistible deals, with thousands of brands offering exclusive discounts of up to 90%. Shoppers can look forward to special offers and storewide discounts from leading brands such as P&G, Olay, OPPO, Johnson & Johnson, Unilever, Pedigree, Garnier, Huawei, Adidas, Xiaomi, POCO, Ace Hardware, Uni-Care, Abbott, GameXtreme, Belo, INSPI, and more.

The countdown to one of Shopee’s biggest sale events starts as early as August 30, where users can look forward to daily deals on featured categories. Mark your calendars to score irresistible discounts during these sale days:

● August 30 Payday Sale for your end of-the-month shopping with free shipping with no minimum spend, 10% off vouchers, and earn 120 coins cashback per bill payment when you use ShopeePay

● Discover trending gadgets at Shopee-exclusive prices from well-loved brands such as Philips, 70mai & Han River at the Gadget Zone Day & Home Tech Day

● Spruce up your personal space at the Home & Living Day

● Enjoy huge savings on your parenting needs at the Babies & Kids Day

● Stock up on your home essentials at the Grocery Bestsellers Day

● Update your wardrobe like a true fashionista at the Bags & Accessories Day and Apparel & Shoes Day

Beyond unbeatable deals on essential items and trending products, the 9.9 Super Shopping Day offers Filipinos greater value for money when they use ShopeePay. This September 9, enjoy even more rewards and mas mura perks when you pay bills, buy load, and buy from offline merchants using Shopee’s integrated mobile wallet:

● Activate and verify your ShopeePay for a chance to get free ₱70

● Settle your bills from Meralco, Maynilad, Converge, and more to earn up to 120 coins cashback per bill category

● For only ₱1, get 1GB all-access data to your favorite sites and apps, available on all networks

● For as low as ₱1, get up to 20% discount vouchers that you can use to pay at ShopeePay’s partner merchants such as Potato Corner, Gong Cha and Wendy’s on September 9

2. Win up to ₱1 million with 9.9 ShopeePay Shop & Win and more

Until September 9, get a chance to win ₱1 million with the all-new 9.9 ShopeePay Shop & Win. To join, you need to purchase on the Shopee app and claim the code from September 1 to 9 to be eligible for the draw. Viewers of the draws leading up to September 9 also stand a chance to win exciting prizes with Guess to Win, a daily in-app game that rewards one lucky viewer with ₱10,000 cash via ShopeePay.

Start testing your luck when you tune in to the 9.9 Shopee Budol Live, happening until September 4, for a chance to win up to ₱50,000 when you play the Shopee Live version of the 9.9 ShopeePay Shop & Win game.

3. Watch the 9.9 Super Shopping Day TV Special and bring home exciting prizes

Be treated to an evening of entertaining performances from local stars such as Shopee’s own Primetime Queen Marian Rivera, Primetime King Ding Dong Dantes, Michael V, Carla Abellana, Bianca Umali, Victor Anastacio, Luane Dy, Ken Chan, Tuesday Vargas, Sanya Lopez, Rodjun Cruz, Sef Cadayona, Zack Tabudlo, Zephanie, Jessica Villarubin, and more during the 9.9 Super Shopping Day TV Special this September 9, 9:35 PM on GMA 7 and Shopee Live.

Exciting prizes are up for grabs, as lucky viewers who play Shopee Shake during the TV Special stand a chance to win up to ₱50,000 and a House & Lot from Lumina Homes. A total of ₱1 million cash from Shopee and Uratex, ₱500,000 worth of Uratex products, and a brand new MG ZS Crossover SUV also await the winners of 9.9 ShopeePay Shop & Win during the show.

Visit the 9.9 Super Shopping Day for more information.

Shopee’s new initiative “Barangay Shopee” aims to better the lives of underserved communities

With its mission of bettering the lives of Filipinos across the country through technology, Shopee has helped millions of local buyers and sellers adopt e-commerce seamlessly through its meaningful campaigns and initiatives. In time for its much-awaited double-day sale, the 9.9 Super Shopping Day, Shopee launches Barangay Shopee, the newest initiative under its Shopee Bayanihan CSR program, designed to help communities in need by enabling Filipinos to win a sponsored community project for their barangay.

Through this contest, Shopee users from all over the Philippines have the chance to win a community project that will help address the needs of their barangay. Winners of the contest can choose their on community project that all members of their barangay can benefit from, such as a new basketball court, multi-purpose hall renovation, public school supplies, and other community-building projects.

Starting August 25 up to September 9, users can join Barangay Shopee by posting video entries on Facebook and submitting the link via the Barangay Shopee page in the app. Joining the online contest can be done in three simple steps:

Create a 1-2 minute video with at least 3 barangay members and answer the questions:

• Bakit kayo ang dapat tawagin na “Barangay Shopee”?
• Paano pwedeng tulungan ng Shopee ang inyong Barangay?
• Post the video on Facebook, following these requirements:
• Follow and tag @ShopeePH on Facebook
• Post is public
• Use the hashtag #BarangayShopee in the caption

Submit the link to your video via the Barangay Shopee page in the Shopee app.

Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, shared “We are thrilled to be launching our newest initiative, Barangay Shopee. In everything that we do, we work towards our main mission of bettering the lives of our users, sellers, and communities through technology. Through Barangay Shopee, our goal is to foster the community spirit of barangays from all over the Philippines, and uplift them by providing them with a community project that their whole barangay can benefit from. We look forward to crafting even more initiatives that will help make e-commerce more accessible for all.”

Barangay Shopee is the newest initiative under Shopee Bayanihan, the company's umbrella CSR program that seeks to harness the power of technology to help communities benefit from digital transformation, wherever they are in the Philippines.

To learn more about how you can join and win a Shopee-sponsored community project of your choice for your barangay, visit the Barangay Shopee page in the app. 

Rotary Club of Greenfield District brings top education leaders in a virtual discussion on school reopening in the new normal

The country’s schools have been closed since the start of the pandemic. As schools prepare to reopen soon, the country’s education system is facing a major challenge on how to manage the transition and reopen safely amid risk brought about by the continuing pandemic.

The Rotary Club of Greenfield District on its kick-off activity brings top education leaders into a virtual discussion to share their experiences and learnings of managing their schools at the height of the pandemic and their plans on how to navigate from online education back to a “new normal” now that the schools are reopening this August.

The Rotary Club of Greenfield District adapted AHEAD Education’s Leadership Strategies for School Managers (LESSM) as one of its core services and hosted the virtual discussion entitled “Educators in Action: Adapting to the new culture of education.”

The virtual discussion was led by Br. Bernard S. Oca, FSC, President of De La Salle University, Dr. Elena E. Pernia, PhD, Vice-President of Public Affairs of the University of the Philippines, Prof. Cheryl R. Peralta, DRPH, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs of the University of Santo Tomas, Dr. Winston Conrad Padojinog, President of University of Asia and the Pacific, and Raphael A. Guerrero, Ph.D., Dean of the School of Science and Engineering of Ateneo de Manila University. The discussion was moderated by Ms. Rossana Llenado, President and Founder of AHEAD Education, and the Rotary Club of Greenfield District’s President.

“The entire education sector faced an unprecedented major crisis. With COVID-19 making it downright dangerous for students to go to school at the height of the pandemic now transitioning from online education back to face-to-face classes is both imminent and imperative,” said Rossana Llenado.

For more information about The Rotary Club of Greenfield District and other upcoming initiatives, visit www.facebook.com/RotaryGreenfieldDistrict.

Shopee continues its pursuit of upskilling young tech talent through the Ultimate Case Challenge

Innovative Filipino students can win up to ₱50,000 by joining the Shopee Ultimate Case Challenge

This August, Shopee Philippines will be launching its first-ever Ultimate Case Challenge, a business case competition open to Filipino undergraduate students from across the globe. Finalists of the competition will get the chance to win up to ₱50,000. Throughout the duration of the case challenge, each team consisting of 3-4 members will be asked to pitch their own unique ideas and solutions to a real-world challenge included in a business case brief.

Karen Perez, Head of People at Shopee Philippines, said, “We’re thrilled to support Filipino tech talents from all over the world by providing them with opportunities to develop their skill set. Through the business case competition, we aim to hone their analytical and process improvement skills, preparing them to be proactive problem solvers in the fast-paced tech industry. We hope to inspire a new generation of talents who will continue to drive the tech industry forward.”

Apart from the opportunity to put their skills to the test, teams will also receive mentorship from leaders at Shopee and the chance to fast-track their careers in tech through Shopee’s career development programs: the Global Leaders Program, Shopee’s 2-year flagship graduate program for young professionals, and the Apprentice Program, Shopee’s specialized internship program.

The regional business case competition has already garnered over 4,000 participants across four other markets including Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Taiwan. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the Shopee Ultimate Case Challenge’s pioneer run in the Philippines. Ready your teams and sign up at careers.shopee.ph/succ from August 22 to September 30. 

Shopee Promotes Safe Online Shopping Experience with Shopee Cares PH

With more Filipinos relying on e-commerce to get their essentials, this has also increased the need to protect them due to the growing number of fraudulent activities happening in the digital space. 

In a Consumer Pulse Survey conducted by TransUnion in February 20221, of the over 1,000 Filipino adults polled, 53% said they were targeted by fraudsters in the previous 3 months. From the same survey, 42% said they were scammed by Phishing, 38% were victimized by money and gift card scams, and 30% were scammed by third-party sellers via online retail shops. While businesses in different industries are continuously upgrading their platforms, fraudsters also search for ways how they can adapt to the ever-changing landscape and discover new vulnerabilities.

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, recognizes the need to enhance user protection and security by educating customers on vulnerabilities, and how they can avoid being a victim of fraud. With the recently launched Shopee Cares PH – an online community platform where Shopee provides customer education and support – the goal is to empower consumers with proper know-how and tips on how they can protect themselves from phishing scams, money, and gift card scams, and third party seller scams.

Martin Yu, Shopee Philippines Director, said, “Shopee has always been committed to ensuring that every Filipino’s online shopping experience is safe and reliable, and Shopee Cares is a testament to that. Through this platform, we aim to equip them with knowledge on how to shop safely and combat these online scams together so that they can continuously enjoy shopping online.”

With Shopee Cares PH, users are also encouraged to seek help for any product inquiry or concern, and inspire other users through their memorable Shopee finds and experiences. Sale tips and tricks are also provided to ensure online shopping is made enjoyable with exclusive deals and promos.

“As more Filipinos rely on e-commerce, we continuously ensure that measures are in place to make their experience with Shopee more secure. What we want is for our shoppers to continue enjoying the benefits of online shopping, as this has become an essential part of their daily lives,” Yu added.

Be part of the community and visit https://www.facebook.com/ShopeeCaresPH or https://twitter.com/ShopeeCaresPH.

Shopee, Shopee Xpress partner with Whisper and World Vision to empower young women to #Share The Confidence

Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, recently launched the #ShareTheConfidence campaign in partnership with Whisper and World Vision, to educate Filipinos on the importance of menstrual hygiene management. This initiative is part of Shopee Bayanihan, the company's umbrella CSR arm that seeks to provide support for communities in need through partnerships with various humanitarian organizations.

As part of the campaign, Whisper pledged to match and donate sanitary products for every Whisper product sold on Shopee from May 28 to June 30. Almost 130,000 young women from World Vision’s partner communities all over the Philippines benefitted from the initiative and received sanitary products through the delivery efforts of Shopee Xpress, Shopee’s logistics arm. Apart from raising awareness on proper menstrual hygiene management, the #ShareTheConfidence campaign also aimed to break the stigma around menstrual health and address the issue of period poverty in the Philippines.

Last July 22, Shopee and its partners culminated the #ShareTheConfidence campaign with an on-site event in Laurel, Batangas to turn over Whisper sanitary pads to over 85,000 beneficiaries within the area.

Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, shared “Everything we do at Shopee goes back to our main mission of serving the underserved through our technology. We are humbled to partner with Whisper and World Vision to empower Filipinas in need. We look forward to maximizing our platform to deliver even more meaningful initiatives that will benefit communities all over the Philippines.”

With Shopee Bayanihan, Shopee furthers its objective to make e-commerce for everyone by helping communities benefit from the power of digital transformation wherever they are in the Philippines.

THE WORLD DESERVES OUR STORIES | Filipino Books take center stage at the London Book Fair 2022

The Philippines has great stories to tell and the world is just waiting for them. The country’s wealth of legends and folklore in the form of graphic novels, young adult and children’s literature, and contemporary fiction will be featured in this year’s London Book Fair (LBF), which will be held from April 5 to 7, 2022 in Olympia at Kensington, London. 

Through the National Book Development Board (NBDB), the Philippines will participate in this event for the very first time.

The London Book Fair is one of the largest international rights trade fairs in the world. International publications and producers in the film, television, theater arts and music industries seeking compelling works for global adaptation will get to catch the best works of Filipino authors and publishers.

AN ARCHIPELAGO OF STORIES 

As the lead agency in the research and development of books, the NBDB will highlight the broad spectrum of Philippine works, including these titles:

Doll Eyes, written by Eline Santos and illustrated by Joy Mallari (published by CANVAS)

This beautifully illustrated children’s book is set in Quiapo—a place where myth, marketplace, and church mingle. In this busy district, the old doll-maker Manang Bolabola runs her shop. Inside is a room filled with the most exquisite dolls, their eyes made of precious gemstones. Curious children enter her store but never come out.

Mga Batang Poz by Segundo Matias, Jr. (published by Lampara Publishing House, Inc.)

“Mga Batang Poz” centers around four online friends who embark on a two-day road trip. Three of them–Gab, Enzo, and Luis–are discreet gays, while Chuchay is the proudly effeminate character. Despite coming from different walks of life, they learn that they share a common truth: they are People Living with HIV (PLHIV).

Tales from the Southern Kingdom by Virginia Villanueva (published by Ateneo de Manila University Press)

This collection of legends, folklore, and children’s stories reflect the culture and the environment of the Sama and Tausug people. Hence, it abounds with tales of seas and oceans, mermaids, boat-people, warriors, and religious characters from the distant past imbued with magical overtones through decades of telling and retelling.

HIGH HOPES AND POSSIBILITIES 

Attending the London Book Fair will be NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade, NBDB Project Lead of the National Book Database Kevin Ansel Dy, and Komiket founder Paolo Herras. They will be engaging with publishers and literary agents.

“We are thrilled to finally travel and meet with international publishers. The world deserves our stories and the London Book Fair opens a great opportunity for works of our authors, illustrators, and publishers to gain a wider audience. This fair is the best place to start,” shared Tugade.

Komiks publisher Paolo Herras revealed, “Filipino Comics is one of the most underrepresented and exploited genres. We're not studied in colleges or universities, we're not found in the K-12 curriculum, national writer's workshops, or most national awards. But we are already crossing territories, getting picked up by international publishers around the world, and venturing forth into live-action films, animation, content platforms, video games, toys, and other merchandise. So we're mighty proud to be representing the Philippines in the London Book Fair. It's about time.”

RECONNECT IN THE DIASPORA

The Filipino community in the United Kingdom is in full support of this distinguished book event. Acclaimed writers like Candy Gourlay (author of the award-winning Tall Story) who are also based in the UK will be visiting the Philippine stand.

The Philippine Embassy in London will host a lecture by the NBDB on April 8, 2022 at the Sentro Rizal, a platform sharing Philippine culture, history, and art. Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade will lead the conversation on decolonizing the reading landscape in the Philippines.

THE WORLD DESERVES OUR STORIES 

As travel restrictions relax, the publishing world finally reconnects to produce more works to be enjoyed by readers worldwide. The Philippines is on track to be one of the content powerhouses that will enrich not only the literary scene but other forms of media as well. The NBDB is at the forefront of paving the way for Filipino works to reach a global audience because the world deserves our stories.