2025 wrapped: the hottest Philippine literary tsismis

The community is no stranger to both acclaim and controversy.

The Philippine literary community is no stranger to both acclaim and controversy. This 2025, it had its share of drama on par with the average celebrity tsismis.

“Tea” spilled locally and internationally, sparking debates over ethics, access, credibility, and influence.

Still, there were wins worth celebrating. To borrow from Fernando Maramag and Gemino Abad, our literary scene is so fair.

Below are some of the literary gossip that kept the inner Marites of every Filipino author and reader busy this year.

1. 2025 Frankfurt Book Fair sparks boycott debate

Filipiniana titles were on display during the Frankfurter Buchmesse from Oct. 15 to 19. (Frankfurt Book Fair 2025 website)

The 2025 Frankfurt Book Fair (Frankfurter Buchmesse), held in October, divided—and even fractured—the Filipino literary community as the Philippines served as Guest of Honor. It was only the second Southeast Asian country to receive the distinction since Indonesia in 2015.

The days-long fair, the largest of its kind in the world, is widely regarded as one of the most consequential events for Filipino writers. It offers rare opportunities for authors and publishers to connect with international counterparts, expand distribution networks, boost sales, and gain global visibility.

But the fair has also been criticized for alleged complicity in Israel’s genocide of Palestinians, owing to its explicit pro-Israel stance. In 2023, German literary association Litprom canceled an award ceremony meant to honor Palestinian novelist Adania Shibli during that year’s fair “due to the war in Israel”—a move widely condemned as censorship.

Several Filipino authors called for a boycott of the fair, and some withdrew their participation. Others chose to attend, arguing that their presence could serve as a form of resistance itself.

2. Solidaridad Bookshop gets owner

Solidaridad Bookshop—the iconic literary institution founded in 1965 by National Artist for Literature F. Sionil Jose—became the center of public anxiety and debate after reports surfaced that it had been sold.

On July 1, Jose’s son, Tonet, announced that the bookstore had been sold following a June 28 transaction, prompting sadness and alarm among generations of Filipino readers and writers. A day later, however, Tonet retracted the announcement, placing Solidaridad’s future in limbo and keeping patrons on edge for weeks.

Nearly four months later, on Nov. 23, Solidaridad finally announced that Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste would be its new owner. In a Facebook post, the bookstore said it had entered into an agreement with Leviste, whose family has long-standing ties with the Jose family.

Leviste pledged to ensure Solidaridad’s continued operations and to help preserve Jose’s legacy. Tonet, for his part, assured the public that the bookstore would operate as before: its Filipiniana section would remain intact, regular literary events would continue, and F. Sionil Jose’s personal memorabilia would stay on display.

3. 2025 Palanca winners mostly first-timers and have fascinating backgrounds

The 2025 Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature—widely considered the country’s most prestigious literary prize—recognized 54 winners, 36 of whom were first-time awardees. The results reinforced beliefs that new voices continue to emerge, countering long-standing accusations of monopoly within the awards.

Notable first-prize winners included Joan Saga-Oc (essay), a self-published author whose win marked the second consecutive year a Cordilleran woman writer topped the category; Brixter Tino (sanaysay), whose piece drew from his experience living with Marfan syndrome and undergoing a vasectomy at 22; and Jan Dennis Destajo (poetry), an architect by profession.

The 2025 Gawad Dangal ng Lahi went to Ruth Elynia Mabanglo—poet, playwright, translator, and educator—who made history in 1995 as the first woman inducted into the Palanca Hall of Fame. The special citation, given to those “who have contributed immensely to the development of Philippine literature and have aptly become role models for Filipinos,” noted that Mabanglo championed women’s voices and social justice, inspiring generations through her award-winning works and decades of mentorship.

The awarding ceremonies were held on Nov. 26.

4. Ricky Lee’s free screenwriting workshop faces backlash

Ricky Lee has been conducting free screenwriting workshops since 1982—long before he was named National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts. This December, however, the release of application results for his workshops’ Batch 30 and 31 sparked controversy after big names in the industry appeared on the list.

Critics questioned whether the selection process was fair and inclusive. Batch 30 included actors Cristine Reyes, JC Santos, and Kylie Padilla; broadcast journalist Kara David; acclaimed author Mookie Katigbak-Lacuesta; Filipino Screenwriters Guild founding member Noreen Capili; and composer Vincent de Jesus. Batch 31 included actors Chai Fonacier, Rica Peralejo, Romnick Sarmienta, and Karylle.

On Dec. 9, Lee addressed the backlash, stressing that all applicants—regardless of background or status—went through the same screening process. He explained that he has long mixed rookies and veterans, arguing it benefits everyone involved. He also noted that many of his industry colleagues and close friends failed to make the cut.

Lee said there will be a Batch 32, which would comprise Batch 30 and 31 shortlisted applicants. He also announced plans for a day-long, theater-based session and a separate online workshop for those outside Metro Manila.

5. Facebook page claims ‘literary mafia’ is hitting a doctor’s National Artist bid

The latter part of 2025 had a supposed issue when a Facebook page has amplified unsubstantiated claims about one Dr. Epitacio Tongohan—who goes by Doc Penpen—being the “target” of a so-called “literary mafia” amid his National Artist for Literature dreams.

On Nov. 29, “Spotlight PHL,” which has over one million followers, began circulating narratives portraying Tongohan as a helpless victim. It also shared screenshots of public posts and comments of Filipino authors supposedly conspiring to “undermine” him. Commenters were hyperactively lamenting the purported injustice.

An analysis from radar, however, suggested otherwise. The posts’ engagement largely came from accounts that are locked or have between five and 100 friends. Comments appeared repetitive in content and typing style. Spotlight PHL has also changed its name 18 times since 2020, including “Jen Alegre,” “IdolJen,” and “JEA.” Its other posts, mostly on Philippine politics, see nearly zero engagement.

Meanwhile, Tongohan’s own frequent posts chronicling his titles, awards, and international festival appearances—as well as his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi—draw minimal attention.

The victim narrative also sharply contrasted with earlier promotional messaging. A paid advertorial published by The Philippine STAR on Aug. 12, 2024, claimed Tongohan’s work had “surpassed” that of Jose Garcia Villa; Philstar.com hosted the piece, but with an explicit disclaimer that it was not covered by editorial guidelines. Another analysis, which Tongohan has reshared multiple times, dubbed him the “Father and King of Visual Poetry,” one who has “surpassed” figures like Simmias of Rhodes, George Herbert, Guillaume Apollinaire, Garcia Villa, and E.E. Cummings.

 

 

Literary tsismis has kept the inner Marites of every Filipino author and reader busy.

 

 

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