A group of independent publishers have banded together to present their most enthralling publications at the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) 2024 to be held from September 11 to 15, 2024 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. 

Describing their works as “booX That Leave a Mark,” their booth is located on the second floor, at Booth No. 2-71. Gay Ace Domingo of San Anselmo Publications, one of the participating publishers of booX That Leave a Mark, elaborated on their initiative, “We are a group of indie publishers who want to amplify the voices of local writers by giving them a platform that is the Manila International Book Fair.”

Asked about the use of the letter “X” that is prominent in their name and logo, she explained, “Since publications go against the grain, the X mark is a symbol of being outside the mainstream. The X mark is also apt as we aspire to make a mark on readers and literary enthusiasts alike.” 

The indie publishers of booX That Leave a Mark include the following:

Bente-Bente Zine (BBZ),  a small press that aims to address the non-availability and non-affordability of readership by offering, serving, and maximizing through zine. It also encourages readers to crave more and to buy whoever they aim to read fully. BBZ published Saanman, Sigurado: Samot-Saring Pagkaadik Sa’yo by Carlo Hornilla, and Logos by Renz Rosario.

Emerged at the peak of the raging pandemic in 2021, Aklat Ulagad is a small printing press based in Virac, Catanduanes that focuses on producing handmade books. It has published 50 titles of poetry, fiction, flash fiction, and essay books in Filipino, English, Bisaya, Bikol, and Waray written by new and established authors. The publisher advocates literacy and aims to contribute to notable local literature that stems from the communities where they belong. In 2024, Aklat Ulagad launched Balhag sa Pagsurat buda Pagbasa, a series of interviews essential for teachers, readers, and writers.

Bookshelf PH is an online marketplace, publisher, and printer that intends to promote and print fiction and non-fiction books written by Filipino authors—embodying Filipino values and ideals. Readers can find The Adventures of Damgo: Betta and the Dry Lands by a 16-year-old writer Jacqueline Dominique “Nikki” Go and the first edition of Sari-Sari Stories: Romance Edition by Chenee Astilla, Hezekiah Louie R. Zaraspe, Jaymar Chavez, and Hadlee Zircon in Bookshelf PH.

Isang Balangay Media Productions (Balangay Books) is an independent publishing company that produces literary pieces to help the community of Filipino writers. It conducts workshops to strengthen writers’ drive to write and publish books. Publisher Ronald Verzo says, “like the mighty boat from which it is named, we hope to make avenues of the seas which are thought to separate local literary landscapes.” Balangay Books have February Rain by Amadeo Mangune Mendoza, It’s A Mens World by Bebang Siy, Pilipinas Kong Mahal With all the Overcoat At Iba Pang Mga Dula by Ejay Castro Deldoc, among other books. 

Good Intentions Books is an independent literary publishing house that offers fresh and unique ways to support Filipino artists in all aspects of publishing. Its collection includes A Death Foretold: The Ninoy Aquino Assassination Remembered, LUNA: A Journal of New Filipino Writing Vol. 1, and Happy Endings by Luis Joaquin M. Katigbak.

A small yet impactful press, Grana Books produces works that dare to test the limits of creativity. The works include With Decade and Ambot sa Essay Kwoah: What Queering Swardspeak Language and Form Means to Me by Austere Rex Gamao, and Kristo: Mga Tula by Mesándel Virtusio Arguelles.

Kinaiya is a Cebuana term that means “kaloobang tao,” or inner being in English. The collective’s purpose is to celebrate, show support, give unity, invite LGBTQIA+ writers, and express the community’s belief in unity using art as an instrument. Kinaiya published its zines Saring Daloy: Mga anti-imperyalistang tula at saling-tula ng mga bakla para sa Palestina and its first-ever zine Kinaiya: Mga Sulat at Sining mula sa LGBTQIA+.

Established in 2018, San Anselmo Publications, Inc. believes that “for great ideas to exist, these must be in print.” Among San Anselmo’s latest notable publications are the creative non-fiction books Radical, Readings In Rizal and History by John Nery and Six Filipino Women for Justice edited by Asuncion David Maramba, the sci-fi novel Specimen Zero by Joel Pablo Salud, and the quarterly literary magazine Santelmo

Alagwa, headed by award-winning poet Lean Borlongan, seeks to give a voice to literary writers through the publication of zines and books. 

Dual Story is the company behind the multimedia novel Girl With a Broken String by poet, lyricist, screenwriter, and educator Therese Villarante. Her groundbreaking book merges poetry, song, illustration, and animation.