Category: News

The University of the Philippines Press is set to host a mass book launch titled  ℙ𝔸𝔾𝕄𝔸𝕐𝔸𝕎: 𝓟𝓪𝓰𝓵𝓾𝓵𝓾𝓷𝓼𝓪𝓭 𝓷𝓰 𝓶𝓰𝓪 𝓪𝓴𝓵𝓪𝓽 𝓷𝓰 𝓤𝓟 𝓟𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓼 𝓼𝓪 𝓽𝓪𝓸𝓷𝓰 2024.  The event aims to highlight the titles published by the UP Press in 2024. This book launch also serves as a kick-off event for our 60th-anniversary celebration, thus the promotional messaging, 60 years, 60+ new titles.

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This year’s UP Press book launch, through the theme of Pagmayaw, signals a time for beginnings and endings, as well as an opportunity for healing and thanksgiving.

From the root word mayaw or mayaw-mayaw, the word indicates a ritual performed by a maaram or shaman prior to planting or building, a form of ceremony which offers thanks to a God or gods of nature for their generosity and care. This event is similarly motivated by our gratitude for the authors, editors, translators, artists, and various contributors who have generously shared their craft, expertise, and knowledge to our publications in the past year.

At the same time, we also mark 2025 as the 60th anniversary of the UP Press, further highlighting the significance of this celebration of thanks for all who continue to be of service to our institution, both within and beyond the university.

The theme of Pagmayaw serves to convey a life of bounty partnered with an enduring sense of community—a reminder for us to recognize what we have achieved in the past year at the same time as we prepare for what lies ahead.

According to the National Book Development Board, “We honor the University of the Philippines Press as one of the Publishers of the Year at the 42nd National Book Awards (NBA), where its take on independent cinema, children’s literature, the politicization of the personal, and the power of deep introspection rendered in poignant poetry have been deemed not only excellent but necessary additions to the country’s growing publishing landscape.”

The University of the Philippines Press (UP Press) participated as one of the major exhibitors at the 2024 Manila International Book Fair (MIBF), held from September 11 to 15 at the SMX Convention Center Manila. As the Philippines’ longest-running and largest book fair, the MIBF has been a celebrated hub for book enthusiasts for over 40 years. It offers an unmatched reading experience by gathering the most extensive collection of books, magazines, comics, educational materials, and more under one roof.

For this year’s offering, the UP Press provided an exciting platform for readers to enjoy exclusive discounts, discover bargain finds, and connect with their favorite UP Press authors through book signings events.  Some of the authors who participated in the book signing events were National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario, renowned author and columnist Butch Dalisay, pediatric neurosurgeon Ronnie Baticulon, and more.

Beyond showcasing local and foreign publishers, the MIBF featured a diverse range of exhibitors, including book printers, artist collectives, technology providers, art and craft suppliers, and other industry stakeholders.

The fair also offered a variety of engaging events, from author meet-and-greets to product demonstrations and discussions on the intricacies of publishing and bookmaking.

The UP Press remains committed to promoting Filipino scholarship, literature, and creative work, and its presence at the MIBF reaffirms its dedication to nurturing the country’s vibrant literary and publishing scene.

UPper Shelf Bookstore is moving to a new space in U.P. Town Center. Stay tuned for updates. See you again soon, bookworms!