Alexandra Schulze

Author Renato Tranquilino leads the discussion on Pinoy sci-fi in the Philippine Stand of this year's Frankfurt Book Fair

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Author Renato Tranquilino leads the discussion on Pinoy sci-fi in the Philippine Stand of this year's Frankfurt Book Fair 

<p>Last Saturday night, I dreamt that the National Book Development Board of the Philippines was once again at the Frankfurt Buchmesse. Its sleek new logo, written in Baybayin, bore the words 137th Anniversary. At the heart of the hall stood a vibrant Pinoy Sci-Fi booth, filled with books by Filipino authors I no longer recognized. Their laughter mixed with the excitement of readers—adults and children of every race and nation—until the growing crowd slowly pushed me back. I stumbled, catching sight of my hands. They were old and trembling. For a moment, I stood at the edge of a future I had once only dreamed of. Then I woke up.</p><p>As I endeavored to complete the Mero-Distant Future universe I created, I continuously reminded myself of the essence of Pinoy science fiction: the eventual convergence of advanced technology with the myths and legends of the Philippine belief system and folklore. I believe that the fantastic tales of heroism and adventure within these works can inspire Filipinos to envision a more progressive, imaginative, and technologically advanced Philippines.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:894px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1761301277318mero-distant future universe.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">My Mero-Distant Future universe. <em>Image courtesy of Renato Tranquilino</em></span></span></span></div><p>Science fiction stands as the fourth most profitable literary genre worldwide—and Philippine sci-fi proudly contributes to that legacy. Writers in this field are part of a vibrant and ever-expanding creative movement. It&#x27;s a genre that not only holds its own but continues to grow in cultural impact and commercial strength year after year.</p><p>Pinoy science fiction was conceived to be accessible to readers for whom English is a second language, serving as an entry point into the more complex and masterful works of renowned science fiction authors such as Ray Bradbury and Isaac Asimov. Each story also integrates historical references intended to inspire Filipino readers to further explore and appreciate significant moments in Philippine history.</p><div> <span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1761301324954ren.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left"> Sci-fi international fashion designer, John Guarnes, lent me this outfit to wear at the FBM 2025. <em>Image courtesy of Renato Tranquilino</em></span></span></span></div><p>Furthermore, I recognize the genre’s potential for cross-industry collaboration, particularly in sectors such as fashion and wine. For instance, the attire I wore during various science fiction events was provided by the John Guarnes Collection, an international fashion house, while my books are currently endorsed by the wine company OTAW Farm. The possibilities are endless.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:894px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17613013998124horsemen - horizontal.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Showtime at FBM 2025! &quot;The Four Horsemen of Philippine Science Fiction&quot; presenting doom with a little hope of salvation.<em> Image courtesy of Renato Tranquilino  </em></span></span></span></div><p>Finally, Pinoy science fiction would not have reached its current stature without the invaluable support of the Philippine media and its dedicated journalists—from RB Borinaga to Alma Anonas-Carpio, and up to Pulitzer Prize winner Manny Mogato. Thanks to the gamut of both local and foreign magazines, as well as some local channels and their dedication to the genre—these platforms and professionals have elevated public awareness of Pinoy sci-fi from obscurity to its recognition at FBM 2025. I wholeheartedly dedicate the rise of this genre to their contributions, acknowledging that its continued growth and visibility will likewise depend on the unwavering commitment of the remarkable individuals within my chosen community.</p><div><br/></div><p>ABOUT THE AUTHOR</p><div><em>Renato Clarete Tranquilino is a Filipino-Australian IT professional based in Manila, where he lives with his wife and child. Passionate about technology and storytelling, he draws inspiration from sci-fi and fantasy films that spark his creativity beyond the digital world. When not working or playing League of Legends, he dreams of traveling to places that capture the wonder of science fiction and urban fantasy.  </em></div>

<p>Filipino-Australian science fiction writer Renato Tranquilino looks back on his experience at the 77th Frankfurt Book Fair, proud to represent his genre for the country during its first-ever Guest of Honour stint at the prestigious annual global event.</p>

Filipino-Australian science fiction writer Renato Tranquilino looks back on his experience at the 77th Frankfurt Book Fair, proud to represent his genre for the country during its first-ever Guest of Honour stint at the prestigious annual global event.

The dream at Frankfurt: a reintroduction of Philippine science fiction to the world

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The dream at Frankfurt: a reintroduction of Philippine science fiction to the world

Renato Tranquilino

Published Oct 25, 2025 10:38 PM PHT

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