Writing and Publishing from the City of Gold

• XU Press gave talks around the theme of “Writing and Publishing from the City of Gold” in celebration of the National Literature Month on 26 April 2025 at the City Museum. The first talk given by Dr Arlene Yandug revolved around the Kinaadman Journal and the history of XU Press and its role in nourishing the publication industry in Cagayan de Oro; while the second talk by Ms Dawny Balangiao, XU Press Manager, dealt with publication processes, opportunities for writers and researchers and publication funding.  Nadine Legaspi, the founder of Papel-Papel Publishing conducted a Zine Making Workshop in the afternoon. The event was hosted by NAGMAC’s (Nagkahiusang Magsusulat sa Cagayan de Oro) through the auspices of the local government and the City Museum.

Ms Dawny Balangiao talking about funding and publication opportunities for writers

• In celebration of the World Book Day on April 23, the city’s publishing and reading culture comes to life as local publishers, book shops, readers, and writers met up in an event marked by silent reading, public poetry reading, interviews, and friendly conversations on topics related to writing, the creative process, and publishing. The event organized by Book Chickas PH was participated by Basa Bookshop, Paperworks, NAGMAC, Papel-Papel, XU Press, University students and Grade School readers. Held at the Ayala Centrio Mall, the event signifies a holistic collaboration of entities and stakeholders, a collaboration so crucial in the maintenance of a productive publishing ecosystem in the region.

CDO writers fielding questions from the host and the audience

National and Regional Bookfairs

• XU Press has been joining bookfairs of diverse size and orientation in the past few years.
  
  Bookfairs provide a platform in showcasing new titles, networking, and securing foreign rights deals, ultimately encouraging sales and recognition for the press and its authors. They offer a unique opportunity to engage with industry professionals, retailers, and readers, creating a valuable environment for building relationships and expanding reach.  XU Press previously presented its books in the Bologna Book Fair and the Frankfurt Book Fair in 2024, and attended the Philippine Book Festival, the country’s largest  book festival hosted by NBDB in March 2025, and participated in the Iloilo Mega Book Fair, in April 2025.

A friendly encounter of XU Press and the Tridax Zine team during the PBF 2025 in Mandaluyong City

 

Participating publishers and organizers posing for a souvenir photo during the Iloilo Mega Bookfair
Photo credit: Shops at Atria, Iloilo

Academic and Literary Forums

• XU Press’s flagship publication, the Kinaadman Journal, participated in the Asian Journal Network (AJN) Conference in 2024 held at the University of Santo Tomas. The participation in conferences such as this is important to stimulate networking, research exposure, and collaboration opportunities. It allows researchers and professionals to connect with experts from diverse fields and Asian universities.

Journal editors of the Asian Journal Network (AJN) during the 2024 Conference

• On the local front, XU Press has collaborated with MUSU-IIT by displaying books and giving a talk on XU Press’s role in the development of local literature during the First ASEAN Literary Forum and Festival at MSU-IIT in October 2024.

Ms April Bandiala, XU Press Admin Asst, manning the XU Press booth
during the ASEAN Literary Forum and Festival at MSU-IIT

Community Service and Social Engagement

• In October 2024, XU Press and the XU Communications and Promotions Office hosted a benchmarking visit from Mindanao State University-Marawi led by Sorhaila Latip-Yusoph, who is the Head of their Office of Information, Press and Publication. During the meeting, both Ms Acenas and Dr Yandug shared the processes and best practices in their respective offices to the visiting team.

Ms Dawny Balangiao from XU Press answers questions from the audience.
Photo Credit: XU Comms Office.

• In January 2024, Dr Yandug conducted a small workshop on creative writing and teaching among grade school teachers at St. Joseph School in Bugo, CDO. The purpose of the workshop is to cultivate reading and writing habits and help young teachers understand the reading-writing connection.

 

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