Jared Shares: PBF 2025, A Huge Success, With Over 40,000 Visitors, Local Publishers, + Authors

Jared Shares, books, events, press release

The National Book Development Board {NBDB} said the Philippine Book Festival {PBF} 2025, the country’s Largest all-Filipino book festival, concluded on a high note amid a highly festive atmosphere after four exciting days.

The free four-day event attracted more than 40,000 visitors, further reaffirming its status as the country’s premier celebration focused solely on Filipino books, authors, and publishers.

The NBDB, which founded the PBF in 2023, decided to hold the event at the Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City. It was the perfect venue since PBF 2025 was not just a gathering of the who’s who in publishing but also a transformative moment for the local book publishing industry. There, the authors, publishers, educators, and readers gathered in an unprecedented show of support for Philippine literature.

Festival goers enjoyed browsing the thousands of books for sale, participated in the various exhibits, storytelling sessions, and even workshops for aspiring authors and illustrators. Visitors were in awe of the marvelous Pakyawan Plaza, which features an intricately designed Pahiyas-inspired bahay kubo.

Other realms highlighted popular festivals like the Dinagyang Festival of Iloilo City, the famous Tuna Festival in General Santos City, and Panagbenga Festival of Baguio City. These four realms were all designed by renowned children’s book artists Pepot Atienza, Juno Abreu, Paul Eric Roca, and Danielle Florendo, respectively.

Jared Shares, books, events, press release
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Jared Shares: Rex Education Celebrates 75 Years of Commitment to Education at AECON 2025

Rex Education marked its 75th anniversary at AECON 2025, held on January 16-17 at the Gallio Events Hall in Parañaque. The theme, celebrating 75 Years of Commitment to Quality Education: Seamless and Meaningful Learning Experiences Through Assessment, Intervention, and Enrichment, highlighted the company’s dedication to education. Nearly 1,000 educators, school leaders, and stakeholders attended the two-day event, which focused on addressing key educational challenges through insightful discussions and knowledge-sharing.

Each year, AECON addresses pressing issues in education, equipping teachers and leaders with valuable insights and solutions. This year, as part of its 75th anniversary, the focus is on creating seamless and meaningful learning experiences for every learner and educator.

In his opening remarks, REX COO Roger John Y. Fontelera highlighted that education is not a one-size-fits-all approach. He stated, “This year’s AECON isn’t about giving ready-made solutions. Instead, it’s about creating a space for reflection, learning, and collaboration. We want to provide you with stepping stones—resources, strategies, and ideas—that you can adapt to meet the specific needs of your schools, communities, and learners.”

Department of Education {DepEd} Undersecretary Peter Irving Corvera delivered a keynote address emphasizing the urgency of preparing Filipino learners for an increasingly digital world. He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to developing future-ready learners by integrating technology, enhancing critical thinking, and strengthening public-private collaborations.

One key session featured a panel discussion with respected education experts and policymakers:

  • Dr. Karol Mark Yee, Executive Director o of the Second Congressional Commission on Education {EDCOM 2}
  • Dr. Dina Joana Ocampo, Professor at the University of the Philippines and former DepEd Undersecretary for Curriculum and Teaching
  • Ms. Rhodora Ferrer, Executive Director of the Private Education Assistance Committee {PEAC}
  • Atty. Joseph Noel Estrada, Legal Counsel of the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations {COCOPEA}
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Jared Shares: Philippine Ballet Theatre Ablaze With Passion

The Philippine Ballet Theatre’s triumph over daunting obstacles and hardships is a celebration of the company; resolute spirit that continues the revolutionary fighting spirit of its founders. Bold, Brave, and Beautiful, the company, and all the people behind it, continue to dream and fight, striving to see their dreams come to reality.

In 2023, the Company celebrated its dramatic emergence from the pandemic. With the revolutionary fighting spirit of the Company and the solid vision of Artistic Director Ronilo Jaynario, the company proved that they have stayed at the forefront of the industry. They closed the season with a warmly embraced full Filipino ballet “Ibalon”, an electric tour in the United States of America and their crowd favorite, “The Nutcracker”. This 2024, their journey continues as they prepare to take flight.

The Philippine Ballet Theatre proudly announces its vibrant 38th season. This season, PBT embraces the theme “Ablaze”. They begin the season with another brand new Filipino ballet “Sarimanok”. This ballet is ready to soar unveiling the beautiful tapestry of our culture.

“Sarimanok” is a dance of culture and myth. “Sarimanok” is a bird in Filipino Mindanao mythology. The magical bird with its majestic colors is the center of a love story between a mortal and a moon goddess.

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