As it bids to become a UNESCO Creative City of Literature, Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental gathers luminaries in the field of literature, writers, poets, and creatives, among others, for the second Dumaguete Literary Festival happening from April 3 to 6, 2025.

Taking place primarily at the Arts and Design Collective Dumaguete along 58 EJ Blanco, the 2025 Duma LitFest is centered on theme “Towards a City of Literature.”

The festival was opened by co-directors Ian Rosales Casocot and Gayle Acar and includes a panel discussion with key institutional partners from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Negros Oriental and the Dumaguete City Tourism Office.

“The panel discussion also intends to kick off the festival by focusing on the topic ‘On the Road to the City of Literature,’ which will reflect on Dumaguete’s growing commitment to nurturing literary excellence and access,” the organizers say.

National Artist for Literature Resil Mojares delivers a keynote talk on “What Makes a Creative City of Literature,” which will take on the crucial steps and factors that play into such a title.

Several writers, both from and outside Dumaguete, lead their own panel discussions with topics varying in storytelling beyond books, food writing, the use of artificial intelligence, LGBTQ literature, and more.

Romance Class and its founder, Mina Esguerra, convene in Dumaguete for a series of workshops and an “April Feels” reading.

One panel discussion, “Literature Outside of the Institutions,” tackles storytelling that extends beyond the academe, such as communities, the streets, and everyday life. This is led by panelists Enriquita Alcaide, Anthony Maginsay, and Richel Dorotan.

A zine fest and literary bazaar, spoken word and open mic night, erotic reading, and various book launches are held during the festival.

Simultaneous to some events are parallel programs taking place at 58 EJ Blanco, CHADA-A, UNWND Boutique Hotel, and Buglas Isla Cafe.

One of the festival’s parallel programs includes a day for children with activities such as a writing workshop, storytelling sessions, and a special talk with songs.

The Duma LitFest is a collaboration between the Buglas Writers Club, LibrAria Books, and the Edilberto and Edith Tiempo Creative Writing Center.