“PINOYS in Hong Kong are fascinating. The reception of our books is incredible, I couldn’t believe it,” Renato Tranquilino, author of the speculative science fiction work “Fate of a Distant Future” said in a Facebook post. His book is one of three titles written by Filipinos and showcased at the recently concluded Hong Kong Book Festival 2023.
The fantasy-erotica thriller by literary maven Alma Anonas-Carpio, “How to Tame your Tikbalang Without Even Trying” is the second book featured. It revolves around a captivating parallel world with creatures that co-exists with humans, written in an enthralling and unique way. In a social media post she thanked ‘Bathala’ for the success of her work.
A third book, by Cindy Wong called “Meatball Club” is a captivating detective series mesmerize readers with its thrilling mysteries and intriguing characters. Wong is a Filipino by heart and ancestry but is based in Hong Kong and owns and runs a business there.
That business is 8Letters Publishing and Bookstore, a highly esteemed literary publishing house that represents English literature from Southeast Asia.
The company announced its remarkable achievements at the recently concluded Hong Kong Book Festival 2023, held from July 18 to July 25. The festival marked a momentous occasion for the publishing house, as it experienced an overwhelming response, with the three titles mentioned above selling out, and its efforts to promote regional English literature being met with tremendous success.
“We are elated to see our books resonate so strongly with the readers in Hong Kong. It’s a testament to our authors’ incredible talent and our team’s dedication,” author Wong said as she also expressed her delight at the incredible reception their titles received at the Hong Kong Book Festival.
Tranquilino flew in from Manila to promote his pioneering Philippine Sci-Fi novel, “Fate of a Distant Future.” His presence at the festival allowed attendees to gain valuable insights into the inspiration behind his work and the unique flavor of Pinoy Sci-Fi.
During the Hong Kong Book Festival, both Wong and Tranquilino had the privilege of being interviewed by the renowned local English radio station, RTHK. The interviews shed light on the growth of English literature from Southeast Asia and showcased the depth of talent within the region.
As a result of the festival’s success, a new and enthusiastic fan base for Philippine Sci-Fi emerged, establishing Hong Kong as the New York City of Asia for this captivating genre. 8Letters Publishing and Bookstore’s commitment to representing diverse voices from Southeast Asia has proven to be a game-changer in the region’s literary landscape.
“The 8Letters Publishing and Bookstore team extends their heartfelt thanks to the Hong Kong Book Festival organizers and attendees for their overwhelming support. The success at the event has further motivated the publishing house to continue its mission of promoting talented authors and captivating stories that transcend borders,” Wong concluded.
