11 April 2025, Singapore –  To commemorate National Literature Month this April, the Philippine Embassy in Singapore, in collaboration with Penguin Random House Southeast Asia (PRH SEA), and supported by the National Library Board of Singapore, organized an event entitled “Voices from the Philippines: A Celebration of the National Literature Month” held on 10 April 2025 at the Central Public Library in Singapore.

Held annually every April under Proclamation No. 968, National Literature Month (NLM) is spearheaded by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF), and the National Book Development Board (NBDB). It honors literature in all forms of Philippine languages as a vital part of the nation’s cultural heritage and identity.

This year’s event highlighted the themes of women’s voices in contemporary writing and cross-border Filipino narratives, showcasing the influence of literature in reflecting experiences, amplifying underrepresented voices, and fostering meaningful cultural exchange. Featured writers from the Philippines and Singapore included Claire Betita de Guzman, Jet Tagasa, Joyce Chua, Tracy Anne Ong, Victor Ocampo, Douglas Candano, Migs Bravo Dutt, Felix Cheong, and Eric Valles, representing Eileen Tabios.

In line with this year’s NLM theme, “Sikad Panitikan: Kultura at Panitikan ng Kaunlaran”, which highlights the role of literature in shaping culture and driving development, the program also reflected how stories can inspire progress.  In his remarks, Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Medardo G. Macaraig cited the Embassy’s latest publication,  “Making a Mark in the Little Red Dot: Trailblazing Filipino Entrepreneurs in Singapore”, as a testament to the resilience and creativity of the Filipino community in Singapore, adding  how the book contributes to cultural development by capturing real-life narratives of Filipino ingenuity and enterprise abroad.

Book Bar, an independent bookstore and cafe in Singapore, displayed the variety of books written by the featured authors. The evening concluded with guests enjoying well-loved Filipino dishes, in celebration of Filipino Food Month, which is also observed every April. 

The event marked the second collaboration between the Embassy and PRH SEA, following a successful Rizal Day celebration in 2022. Since its establishment in 2018, PRH SEA has championed regional storytelling and worked closely with Filipino authors to bring powerful narratives  to wider audiences. END