Three distinguished Filipino-Chinese authors featured their books at the 2025 Philippine Book Festival at SM Megatrade Hall from March 13 to 16, 2025.
The event, organized by the National Book Development Board (NBDB), aims to bolster and promote the local book industry.
As the country’s largest book exhibition, the festival highlights the work of local authors, offering them a platform to reach broader audiences.
Dr. Joyce Piap Go, the author of the popular Dee the Bee Book Series, showcased her growing collection of books that teach young readers valuable moral lessons.
Published by OMF Literature, the series follows Dee, a lovable bee, on her adventures, imparting important life lessons through interactive storytelling and colorful illustrations.
With 14 titles already released, the series has been highly acclaimed and recognized by various institutions, including the Department of Education (DepEd), which has acknowledged eight of the books for their contribution to the values formation curriculum. Its 15th title will be launched September this year.
The series also received the prestigious Kids’ Choice Award from the National Book Development Board.
Go holds a Doctorate in Clinical Christian Counseling from the Asia Graduate School of Theology and a Master’s degree from Singapore Bible College.
She hosts the radio program “Heartline” on 702 DZAS and is a popular speaker on family, mental health and related topics, invited by churches, government institutions, multinational corporations, and NGOs. She is also a board member of RUN Reaching Unreached Nations, Inc., and other organizations.
Architect Judy Uy, author of How to Be Happier in Less Than 20 Minutes… 22 Quick Points to Happiness, offers a fresh perspective on finding happiness.
The book helps readers rethink what causes unhappiness and how to become happier. Each of the 22 points is brief and easy to read, designed for busy people. Each point is paired with a beautiful illustration and inspiring quote.
Uy, an alumna of the University of the Philippines, also completed certificate courses at Yale and Stanford Universities in psychology, well-being, food and health.
As the founder of Project Life JCGU Inc., a non-profit organization focused on youth empowerment and mental health, she continues to inspire and encourage positive change in the lives of others.
Robyn Chua Rodriguez, a speech language pathologist, mother and children’s author, presented her Gail and Pablo series.
The series teaches children empathy and social-emotional learning, with reflection questions for parents to discuss with their children after reading.
Currently, the series has six books, with four titles available in both English and Filipino formats.
As an advocate for intentional parent-child interaction, Chua includes reflection questions to help parents discuss the story with their child after reading.
The books of Dr. Joyce Piap Go, Architect Judy Go Uy and Robyn Chua Rodriguez not only represent the Filipino Chinese heritage but also underscore the talent of women authors in the Philippine literary scene. Julie Ann Lope