Book swaps, songs, and workshops kick off PHL World Book and Copyright Day 2014

The Philippine leg of the 17th World Book and Copyright Day unfolded under the merciless heat—perfect weather for reading, browsing, buying, and swapping books under the spacious tent for the event along Bonifacio High Street in Taguig.

Spearheaded by the National Book Development Board, World Book and Copyright Day “is a day that celebrates authors, literature, and a call to respect copyright,” according to the press release.

World Book and Copyright Day was created by UNESCO to celebrate books and their authors worldwide, as well as instill and encourage a love of reading, particularly children and the youth.

They chose April 23 because a number of prominent authors died (William Shakespeare, Miguel Cervantes) and were born (Vladimir Nabokov) on that day.

Highlights of the event included the industry fair and exhibit of local publishers, book swaps courtesy of Ex Libris Philippines—who allowed individuals to simply drop their calling cards in exchange for a book of their choice until 11 a.m.—and the State of the Book Industry Address delivered by NBDB Chairwoman Neni Sta. Romana-Cruz.

In her speech, Sta. Romana identified the big challenges the local book industry is facing, what with the advent of e-readers, the diversification and transformation of the local literature scene (graphic novels, movie adaptations, etc.) and the upcoming ASEAN economic integration in 2015.

“We must veer away from the traditional. We have to think of creative ways to sell and distribute books to local and international readers of Filipino content,” she said. “Developing the local book industry is a continuing challenge, but it is also an opportunity for collaboration.”

Also present were Philippine copyright champions Alvin Buenaventura, executive director of the Filipinas Copyright Licensing Society, Inc. (FILCOLS), and lawyer Louie Andrew Calvario of the Office of the Director General of the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) of the Philippines.


Calvario later gave a talk on “Creative Content and Copyright” at Top Shelf, Fully Booked. The talk was directed specifically toward writers and illustrators who had questions about copyright law and trouble with contracts with their publishers.

“Copyright is one of the more esoteric parts of the law, bordering on philosophy,” said Calvario in the opening to his talk. “Intellectual property is as much a property as a physical property and encompasses anything made with the human mind.”

“Copyright is the right to put your name on your work and to make a living from your work,” added Buenaventura.

Other highlights include workshops and seminars discussing a wide range of literary mediums. Carljoe Javier and Adam David, just two of the editors behind local komiks anthology “Abangan: The Best Philippine Comics 2014”, headed a discussion on comics.

Palanca awardee and college professor Dr. Isagani Cruz gave a talk on how to write a book.

There was also a Shakespeare lecture in honor of the Bard's 450th birthday, “Shakespeare at 450: Will with Bill,” courtesy of theater veterans Bill and Carolyn Atwood of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York, followed by a 30-minute staging of “Macbeth Over Easy,” directed by award-winning playwright Joachim Antonio.


The celebrations were peppered with creative performances as they wound on, with multi-awarded country and folk singer Bayang Barrios gracing the opening ceremony with three hair-raisingly good songs and passionate execution.

Troupes, musicians, and spoken word poets at the event included the Sipat Lawin Ensemble, Judd Labarda, Trevor William Viloria, Jam Pascual, The Balagstars, and the Diliman Guitar Trio. — JDS, GMA News