The international literary world turned its spotlight on Filipino talent as Cebuana writer Cecilia Manguerra Brainard received recognition at the prestigious Frankfurt Book Fair 2025 for achieving an impressive milestone - her novels have been translated into 14 foreign languages.
Literary Achievement on Global Stage
During the Frankfurt Book Fair 2025 in Germany, Cecilia Manguerra Brainard, affectionately known as "Baby" among her peers, celebrated the remarkable international reach of her three acclaimed novels: "Magdalena," "When The Rainbow Goddess Wept," and "The Newspaper Widow." The Cebu-born author stood proudly with her publishers during the event, marking a significant moment for Philippine literature on the world stage.
Brainard was joined by several key figures from her publishing team, including Dimitri Tsoukatos, Filip Batkoski, Nenad Saponja, Senja Pozar, Mohamed Radi, and Gelo Lopez, who have played crucial roles in bringing her work to international audiences. The celebration highlighted the growing global appreciation for Filipino literary talent.
Cebu's Creative Tourism Initiatives
Back in the Philippines, Cebu prepares to host the 2nd Philippine Creative Tourism Congress at the Oakridge complex along A.S. Fortuna from November 13-14, 2025. This significant event will run concurrently with several other cultural showcases extending until November 16, including the Visayan Art Fair, the Bodega Design Caravan, and the Blue Mango Awards.
The fashion scene also sees innovative creations with designer Dexter Alazas presenting his Maria Cacao Collection. This unique line features hand-painted Neo-Jusi kaftans inspired by Cebuano folklore about the legendary mountain goddess Maria Cacao. Each piece showcases the goddess's image against backgrounds depicting native scenes, blending traditional storytelling with contemporary fashion.
Festive Celebrations and Sports Tourism
As the holiday season approaches, Plantation Bay Resort in Mactan brings Christmas cheer with their traditional Filipino Holiday Trio. Resort representatives Colleen Barcelona (officer-in-charge) and Charene Borres (public relations officer) announced that guests can enjoy Puto Bumbong, Bibingka, and Torta from November 21, 2025, until January 19, 2026.
In sports tourism developments, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently approved Administrative Order 38, establishing the National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee (NST-IAC). The committee will be headed by Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick Gregorio and includes input from Charles Lim, president and CEO of Sports Tourism Alliance Inc., who has been instrumental in promoting sports tourism through educational forums and awards programs.
These simultaneous events across different sectors demonstrate the vibrant cultural, creative, and tourism landscape currently flourishing in the Philippines, particularly in Cebu, where local talent continues to gain international recognition while celebrating rich cultural traditions.
