The Mindanao Book Fair (MBF) 2026 may have come to a close, but the stories and inspirations it created continue to resonate among readers and writers across the region. On its third and final day, MBF celebrated the enduring power of books through meaningful encounters between authors, publishers, and communities, culminating in a special learning session with acclaimed writer, poet, essayist, and educator Danton Remoto.
As part of the fair’s closing activities, Remoto led the session titled How to Read and Write Better, where he shared insights drawn from decades of experience in literature, creative writing, and communication. The talk invited participants to reflect on the importance of becoming more intentional readers and writers, emphasizing how literature can deepen understanding, sharpen expression, and create spaces for stories that deserve to be heard.
The session also highlighted Remoto’s latest book, How to Read and Write Better, a guide that explores the relationship between reading critically and writing effectively. Through practical lessons and reflections from his own literary journey, the book encourages readers to approach texts with curiosity, develop stronger writing practices, and discover the confidence to communicate ideas with clarity and purpose.
Beyond the craft of writing, Remoto’s presence at MBF carried a deeper significance as the country celebrates Pride Month. For decades, his works have centered queer Filipino experiences, capturing stories of love, identity, resilience, and belonging. As a writer who has consistently placed queer lives at the forefront of Philippine literature, Remoto has shown how storytelling can challenge silence and preserve experiences that are often overlooked.
His literary contributions remind readers that Pride exists not only in public celebrations but also in the pages of books, in personal narratives, and in the continued effort to make marginalized voices visible. Through poetry, essays, and fiction, Remoto has documented the complexities of queer Filipino life with honesty and compassion, creating works that reflect both personal journeys and collective histories.
Through sessions like Danton Remoto’s How to Read and Write Better, MBF continues to affirm that literature is not only something we read. It is something we carry, create, and share with others.
Congratulations to Associate Professor Danton Remoto for the launch of his latest book, which can be purchased online through Shopee, Lazada and at Central Books.
Photo by the National Book Development Board – Philippines