Kumusta, Kaibigan? goes to Nambook Festival
The Bookshelf of Nangman at UNICEF Lounge
Nami Island, South Korea—The 2026 Nami Island Children’s Book Festival opened to the public last May 1, 2026. Among its various activities is a booth representing Philippine children’s books. Kumusta, Kaibigan?, CANVAS’ latest book release, is part of this collection.
This year’s festival, themed “Nangman",” celebrates the romance flowing between books, illustration, and people. The program includes exhibitions, book fairs, cultural experiences, and more.
The Philippine Literature collection at The Bookshelf of Nangman
The World Literature Exhibition entitled “The Bookshelf of Nangman” features books from all over the world made possible through international embassies, cultural centers, and the ASEAN Collaboration Network.
“Story Connections Corner: Love the Philippines” is the Filipino booth showcasing language, traditional games, handcraft experiences, and Philippine Literature. The Philippine Embassy and Book Nook Korea brought together a collection of children’s books created by Filipino publishers.
Kumusta, Kaibigan? among the books in the Philippine collections
Included in the Philippine collection is Kumusta, Kaibigan?, a children’s book featuring the poetry of Russell L. Molina and the paintings of Roel Obemio. The book brings us into a conversation about care, loss, and repair between two friends—a tree and an environmental caretaker.
Kumusta, Kaibigan? and more Filipino books in the Story Connections Corner can be found in the UNICEF Lounge in Nami Island from May 1 to 31.
We thank Ang Ilustrador ng Kabataan, the Philippine Embassy, and Book Nook Korea for the opportunity to be represented on an international stage.
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Launched in 2005 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of the world-renowned fairy tale author Hans Christian Andersen, the Nami Island International Children’s Book Festival is the largest international festival in Korea focused on children’s books. It is hosted by the NAMBOOK International Committee, organized by the Nami Island Arts & Education, and sponsored by Nami Island. During the festival, visitors can enjoy a wide variety of exhibitions, performances, and hands-on programs throughout the island.
For the past 20 years, the festival has selected a Guest of Honor every two years to showcase the literature and culture of different nations. Starting in 2025, the festival has been restructured to take place annually. In odd-numbered years, the festival highlights a Guest of Honor, while in even-numbered years, it centers on the NAMI CONCOURS, an international picture book illustration competition, offering even richer programs and experiences.
A non-profit that works with the creative community to promote literacy and explore national identity, CANVAS publishes award-winning children's stories and donates the books to benefit children in public schools and poor communities throughout the Philippines. Its One Million Books Campaign promotes independent reading and creative thinking in Filipino children, while also exposing them to the best of contemporary Filipino art and literature. Twenty Years of Art and Stories details the organization’s work, from art exhibitions, book publishing and distribution, to partnerships CANVAS has had in the past two decades.
