IT’S Buwan ng Wika!

The Philippines celebrates the national language month every August with the intent to promote traditional Filipino language and culture.

During this annual occasion, the Filipino people are encouraged to be aware of the value of the national language as an instrument to foster national identity and to preserve other indigenous languages and dialects in the country.

Schools, public offices, and private institutions are also enjoined to celebrate Buwan ng Wika by holding various events, such as traditional dance competitions, balagtasan or the Filipino form of debate, exhibits, and parades, among other programs.

As an individual, the easiest way to commemorate the national language month would be to grab a book from any local author and spend their time navigating the majestic realms of the rich and awe-inspiring Filipino literature.

If you’re wondering where to purchase these books, fret not because republicasia prepared a list of bookstores you can visit online and offline to copy the hottest local titles.

University of the Philippines Press

Situated at the heart of the University of the Philippines – Diliman campus, UP Press boasts a wide selection of books from various local authors and writers.

On its shelf, one can find abundant titles under poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and even academic books.

Customers can purchase local titles through UP Press’ e-commerce channels on Lazada and Shopee.

Its physical shop, called UPper Shelf, is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the UP Town Center in Diliman, Quezon City.

Courtesy: UP Press on Shopee

Ateneo de Manila University Press

Aside from giving newcomers to Philippine literature a chance to be heard, the Ateneo de Manila University Press also offers various titles from classic and traditional Filipino authors.

Similar to UP Press, it also operates using their Shopee and Lazada accounts. Customers can also visit the shop on the ground floor of Bellarmine Hall inside the Ateneo de Manila University premises.

Courtesy: Ateneo de Manila University Press on Lazada

Adarna House

Another favorite local bookstore, Adarna House, mostly caters to young Filipino audiences. It is the biggest publisher of storybooks for children in the Philippines.

Aside from this, Adarna House also offers some young adult titles, including Mars, May Zombie! by Chuckberry Pascual and Edgar Calabia Samar’s hit series Janus Silang.

Its physical store can be found at Barangay Sacred Heart in Quezon City. The shop also sells its titles on Lazada and Shopee.

Courtesy: Adarna House on Lazada

Gantala Press

Gantala Press is a pioneering Filipina feminist press that centers women’s stories and issues.

This bookstore also provides support to “the dispossessed and other victims of state violence” by donating part of its earnings to projects and movements for the disadvantaged.

To purchase titles, customers can visit its website or Shopee page.

Courtesy: Gantala Press on Instagram (@gantalapress)

Avenida Books

Most known for publishing the quintessential works of notable Filipino authors Lualhati Bautista, Bob Ong, Ronaldo Vivo, and Ricky Lee, to name a few, Avenida Books delivers a diverse collection of books, including novels, poetry, short stories, indies, and comic books, among others, to the dedicated community of readers in the country.

If you’re looking for titles from Avenida Books to stock up your shelf, its books can be purchased through its website and Shopee page.

Courtesy: Avenida Books website