The National Book Development Board (NBDB) is gearing up for the 4th Philippine Book Festival (PBF), the country’s only marketplace devoted entirely to Filipino books and locally published works. It also serves as a vibrant shared space where publishers, writers, illustrators, readers, educators, and industry stakeholders come together. The festival will take place from March 12 to 15, 2026, at Megatrade Hall on the 5th Floor of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.

“With the continued interest we saw in the last few years, we are encouraged by the growing appreciation for Filipino stories and content,” said NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade. “The strong public response affirms that there is a meaningful demand for books that reflect our own culture, languages, and lived experiences.”

Building on this momentum, the NBDB views PBF 2026 as an opportunity not only to increase visitor turnout and exhibitor participation, but also to further strengthen access to locally produced books and educational materials. Marking a significant milestone for the festival, Day 1 (March 12) will be open to the general public for the first time, welcoming readers alongside the Department of Education (DepEd) and its book evaluators from across the country.

The digital world can be overpowering at times, and as humans, we’re really not programmed to handle all of this content, especially the volume that we’re exposed to daily.

As such, it’s important that you take time to step back where you can to reset and give your mind a break from it all. Digital detoxes can be great to try out, and by strategizing them, you can hopefully help them to stick and make a significant impression. 

*Image Source

What really happens when you take a tech break

When you take a break from using technology, you give yourself the opportunity to reset. It becomes more than just a break from the tech but a chance to do something more with your time, whether that’s to read a book you’ve not picked up in months to seeing friends and making it a no-phone social experience.

Taking tech breaks are important and something you want to do more of where possible. It can make a big difference to how you feel in yourself and how you enjoy more of the world around you when you’re not hooked to your phone.