It’s a book-filled weekend. The Philippine Readers & Writers Festival (PRWF) is back and bigger than ever, now with Komikon. Here’s all you need to know and what you can expect at the much-awaited book fest:

What is PRWF?

First launched in 2013, the Philippine Readers & Writers Festival is National Book Store’s flagship event, hosting dozens of world-renowned authors, artists, and creatives, including international bestselling guests such as Amy Tan, Anna Todd, Mark Z. Danielewski, Pierce Brown, and Viet Thanh Nguyen, alongside Philippine literary giants like acclaimed historian Ambeth Ocampo, National Artist Ricky Lee, and many more.

When and where is PRWF 2026 happening?

PRWF 2026 is happening from August 14 to 16, Friday to Saturday, at the 2nd and 3rd floors of the NBS Building in Araneta City Cubao.

When and where is PRWF 2026 happening?

Book lovers can enjoy PRWF for FREE!

What can guests expect at PRWF?

Book launches, workshops, masterclasses, and more await. Below is a complete list of activities at PRWF 2026, with recommendations depending on what you enjoy.

Aspiring authors and illustrators may want to join:

• From Reality to Fiction: Finding Stories Around Us, a panel discussion with Ronaldo Vivo Jr., Alvin Yapan, & Douglas Candano (Penguin SEA)
• Author Branding 101: Why Authors Should Treat Themselves as a Brand, an insightful talk by Kath C. Eustaquio-Derla (Paperkat Books)
• Manuscript Clinic: Meet the Editors, a special editorial consultation with R. Jordan P. Santos & Kath C. Eustaquio-Derla (Anvil Publishing & Paperkat Books)

BookTok enthusiasts and romance and young adult readers will enjoy:

• From the Philippines to the Bestseller List, a conversation between New York Times Bestselling Authors Thea Guanzon & Samantha Sotto-Yambao (Penguin Random House)
• BookTok, Trends, and Tropes: An Unfiltered Discussion with Filipino Book Content Creators, a panel discussion with Andrea Panaligan, Cedrix Eligio, Jucelle Garcia, Koji Arsua, & MJ Ampolitod-Busa
• Why Readers Keep Falling in Love with Romance, a panel discussion with Mica de Leon, Kyra Ysabel, Ines Bautista-Yao, & Bea Bustamante (Penguin Random House SEA)
• Flutter Fic Book Launch: Wake Up, Dreamers and You Again by AnakNiRizal & La Tigresa (Anvil Publishing)

Komiks and graphic novel enthusiasts wouldn’t want to miss:

• 20 Years of KOMIKON and Pinoy Komiks, a retrospective talk with Jon Zamar (Komikon)
• Kenkoy and Velasquez, Continuing the Legacy, a talk on pop culture heritage with Ian Velasquez (Komikon)

Speculative fiction, fantasy, & sci-fi fans should join:

• What Makes Filipino Sci-Fi Feel Filipino, a panel discussion with Lucia Asul, John Ray, & Borg Sinaban (Makiling Made / Raygun Press)
• Building Worlds, Creating Monsters, a world-building panel with Karl de Mesa, Bea Bustamante, & Anthony Shieh — Penguin Random House SEA
• Where Horror Comes Home, a talk by the Queen of Philippine Horror Stories, Yvette Tan (Anvil Publishing)

Growth seekers will enjoy:

• My Name is Morena, an inspiring conversation and book signing with Ayn Bernos & Myrza Sison (Summit Books)
• Rising Tigers Magazine Signing with former Cong. Mikee Romero, Atty. George Erwin M. Garcia, & Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas (TAG Media and Public Relations)

History buffs shouldn’t miss the book signing with acclaimed historian and bestselling author Ambeth Ocampo (Anvil Publishing), while foodies would enjoy Simpol Kitchen Stories, a talk and book signing with Chef Tatung (Vertikal-Kreatives).

Attendees will also get to enjoy a special live cast appearance and performance of The Notebook: The Musical (Theatre Group Asia).

What discounts and freebies can guests get?

On top of the various activities, attendees will also get to enjoy:

• up to 20% OFF on new releases and bestselling local and imported books
• sulit reads for as low as ₱99 and Buy More, Get More offers on participating titles
• free, limited-edition stamps to decorate your books, journals, and planners
• freebies & prizes from publishers and partners
• free skeks cards drawn by a komiks exhibitor (first 100 attendees only)
• free entrance passes to the Manila International Book Fair 2026
• a chance to present your manuscript to publishing experts
• opportunities to network with fellow authors, artists, readers, and publishers

For more information, visit National Book Store’s website or their social media pages.

Follow 8List.ph on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tiktok, and Youtube for the l8est entertaining, useful, and informative lists!

Header photo from National Book Store/Facebook