Books were deeply embedded in the Filipino consciousness in 2018. Books continued to cast its powerful shadow over Philippine cinema, whether through direct adaptation or influence (director Jerrold Tarog championed Nick Joaquin’s “A Question of Heroes” as a big influence on “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral”). Joaquin was among writers whose books were getting re-releases for a new generation of readers. The University of the Philippines became the first university press to have their own retail outlet in a mall—the UP Town Center. We welcomed Naga’s Savage Mind into the ranks of cool independent bookstores. The Philippines warmly welcomed writers and publishers from abroad, including Elaine Castillo, Erin Entrada Kelly, Nancy Silberkleit, Nico Tortorella, Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera.