Last October 13, 2025, the Philippines took center stage as the Guest of Honor at the Frankfurt Book Fair—one of the world’s largest and most influential publishing events. For the country’s literary community, this was a monumental moment. And among those who proudly carried the torch of Filipino storytelling was Asa Montenejo, Adarna House President.
Fresh from this unforgettable experience, Asa shared her reflections on representing the Philippines, witnessing Filipino literature celebrated on an international stage, and the exciting new possibilities for Adarna House moving forward.
A Powerful Filipino Presence
Having attended the Frankfurt Book Fair before, Asa arrived with a sense of familiarity—prepared for the crowds and the energy of the event. But one sight still surprised her: the Philippine national stand.
“I have attended the Frankfurt Book Fair before, and so it was as huge and overwhelming as I expected. I was however impressed by the Philippine stand as it was the first time it had that big of a space.”
The expansive, beautifully curated exhibit of Philippine literature made an immediate impact—not just on her, but on visitors eager to discover stories from the Guest of Honor country.
One moment, in particular, outshone the rest: a poetry reading by Virgilio Almario, Adarna House’s founder and a National Artist for Literature.
“I think my proudest moment was at a poetry reading event of Adarna House founder, Virgilio Almario. I felt proud not only as a Filipino, but as his daughter.”
Hearing her father read “Estremelenggoles,” a poem she has long admired, was a moving experience for Asa, a reminder of the richness of Filipino stories and the legacy they continue to inspire.
Choosing Stories That Cross Borders
Curating which titles to bring to Frankfurt required careful thought. Asa explained that they focused on books that could resonate across different cultures—stories that speak to universal experiences.
“A big consideration when deciding which books to showcase is if the story would successfully cross over to different cultures. I think the Emotions picture books resonated with a lot of publishers because the feelings presented in the stories are universal.”
These titles became a bridge between Filipino creators and international publishers, showing how deeply rooted Filipino artistry can connect with readers worldwide. And as interest in these stories grew, so did the unexpected opportunities that affirmed the global appeal of Filipino storytelling.
One of the most exciting moments for Asa was visiting the booth of Dantes Verlag, a German publisher showcasing Filipino comic books they had licensed—including Anino Comics’ own Josefina. Their support didn’t end there.
“Right after the fair, he also contacted us to license Lunatics.”
For Adarna House, it was an exciting reminder that Filipino stories aren’t just being seen—they’re being celebrated internationally.
Being Guest of Honor and What Comes Next
The Frankfurt Book Fair featured dozens of Philippine events, exhibits, and performances, showcasing Filipino talent while also opening new possibilities for the future.
“Moving forward I think there is promise in marketing and licensing our catalog to other countries. Maybe not in the immediate future, but definitely worth considering in the long-term.”
As global interest in Filipino stories continues to grow, Adarna House stands ready to embrace this next chapter—expanding its reach while staying true to its mission of nurturing stories that empower young readers.