Southern Voices Printing Press Explores Politics and History Through Art, Children’s Literature, and Food Culture at MIBF 2026

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Southern Voices Printing Press (SVPP), a member of The Indie Publishers Collab PH, together with its children’s publishing initiative, Tambayang Pambata Books, joins the country’s longest-running book fair as an exhibitor at the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF), happening September 9 to 13, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

Committed to publishing works that strengthen communities and engage with cultural, socio-political and environmental concerns, SVPP will present a selection of books that explore the intersections of history, art, food, and society.

Among the highlights of SVPP’s MIBF participation is the launch of Art History as the Evolution of the Sacred by artist Emmanuel Garibay, edited by Janine Dimaranan. An iconic figure in Philippine social realism whose work challenged the violence and repression of the Ferdinand Marcos dictatorship, Garibay examines the origins of art history as an expression of belief and considers belief as a conduit to the sacred, reflecting on the ways artistic practices have been intertwined with humanity’s enduring search for meaning.

Published by Artletics Inc., in partnership with SVPP for printing and distribution, the book launch will take place on Friday, September 11, from 5:00 to 6:00 PM at the 2/F Stage. The author  will hold a talk and book-signing activity as part of the launch.

SVPP will also launch La Cocina Filipina, translated from Spanish by historian Emanuel Gabriel B. La Viña and edited by Sophia Perez. Originally published in 1913, La Cocina Filipina is considered the earliest known published cookbook documenting Filipino cuisine and its early colonial adaptations. The new edition opens a window into the history of Filipino food and the cultural encounters that shaped the country’s culinary traditions.

The book launch will be held on Sunday, September 13, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at the G/F Stage of MIBF, together with a book-signing activity for Tony La Viña’s last remaining copies of Ransomed by Love, an autobiographical account of his life as a human rights lawyer, environmental advocate, and cancer survivor. Edited by Sharon Cabusao-Silva, the book weaves personal history with the broader social and political histories that have shaped La Viña’s life and work.

Lastly, SVPP will present Sa Bayang Laging Nakatawa, its newest children’s book offering for MIBF 2026. Authored by Palanca awardee Chris S. Rosales and illustrated by multi-awarded artist Ara Villena, the book tells the story of Mabalasik, a strange, bristling creature who possesses the power to remove pain, doubt, and anger from the hearts of an oppressed people. In a town ruled by the cruel Datu Ulkan, Mabalasik ensures that everyone remains happy and laughing, no matter how much suffering they endure, until the people begin to awaken to the realities that have long been hidden from them.

The book will be launched on Sunday, September 13, from 4:00 to 5:30 PM at the Tambayang Pambata Books and TIPC-PH booths, 2-149 and 2-154.

Through these launches, Southern Voices Printing Press continues its commitment to supporting works that preserve diverse histories, foreground underrepresented perspectives, and deepen our understanding of Philippine society.

Southern Voices Printing Press at MIBF 2026

SMX Convention Center, Pasay City

September 9–13, 2026

*Book Launch: Art History as the Evolution of the Sacred

September 11, Friday

5:00–6:00 PM

2/F Stage

*Book Launch: La Cocina Filipina

September 13, Sunday

10:00–11:00 AM

G/F Stage

*Book Launch: Sa Bayang Laging Nakatawa

September 13, Sunday

4:00–5:30 PM

Tambayang Pambata Books and TIPC-PH Booths 2-149 and 2-154