ABS-CBN Publishing makes reading fun

First-time writer Jenny Ruth Almocera or Queen Elly didn’t expect that a love story she wrote about teenagers Vince and Kath presented in the form of text message screenshots would turn into a viral hit when she uploaded it on Facebook.

The young author rose to fame quickly after teenagers in the country were enthralled with the romance between Vince and Kath as they read the story unfold in SMS screenshots exchanged by the main characters.  

Queen Elly’s work then transitioned into printed form when ABS-CBN Publishing launched Vince & Kath as a book series, which became a bestseller with 75,000 copies sold. The achievement also earned her the title of being the biggest-selling Filipino author of 2016. 

A Star Cinema movie adaptation titled Vince & Kath & James topbilled by Julia Barretto, Joshua Garcia and Ronnie Alonte also captured the hearts of moviegoers, making it the top-grossing Metro Manila Film Festival 2016 film. 

The Vince & Kath phenomenon ushered in the social serye genre in the country’s publishing landscape pioneered by Queen Elly, a millennial in her early 20s. But more importantly, the case of Vince & Kath revealed an insight that propelled ABS-CBN Publishing to great heights in the digital age — Filipino millennials are reading more physical books than any other generation. 

“To be successful, content should always be audience first. If you’re audience first, you should be able to serve the needs of your readers better,” ABS-CBN Publishing managing director Mark Yambot told student delegates at the 11th Pinoy Media Congress.  

With this knowledge about millennials’ content consumption, ABS-CBN Publishing has produced diverse books that suit the taste and needs of millennials.

ABS-CBN Publishing books have made Filipinos, especially the millennial generation, appreciate the art of reading by making it an enjoyable experience — true to its calling to give public service in the form of making reading a habit.

Kapamilya authors led by Queen Elly and their respective books triumphed in bestselling book charts because they wrote stories that resonate well with their Filipino readers, especially millennials.

Among ABS-CBN Publishing’s bestselling books is the comic page-turner, President Vice: Ang Bagong Panggulo ng Pilipinas, written by Vice Ganda that is about how he would lead the country if he were president, featuring unorthodox traffic rules and an amusing SONA, among others.

Vice’s book sold over 100,000 copies and has consistently topped National Book Store’s  bestselling non-fiction local publication list from September 2016 to January 2017.

Another ABS-CBN Publishing book loved by millennials is Alex Gonzaga’s Dear Alex, We’re Dating. Tama, Mali?! Love, Catherine, which puts the spotlight on the complicated world of modern dating to help Pinays avoid heartbreaking dating challenges. Alex’s book has sold 30,000 copies, making it a best-selling celebrity self-help book like its predecessor, Dear Alex, Break Na Kami. Paano?! Love, Catherine that has sold over 100,000 copies. 

The late Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago’s books Stupid is Forever and Stupid is Forevermore published by ABS-CBN also prove that her prominence in Philippine society stands the test of time as both books continue to be a favorite among readers. In fact, she is still the biggest-selling Filipino author of all-time, selling close to 800,000 copies.

Kapamilya author and spoken word artist Juan Miguel Severo also made waves last year with Habang Wala Pa Sila, a collection of his heart-piercing poetry that sold more than 20,000 copies. ABS-CBN Publishing book signing events with Juan Miguel also drew in large crowds of millennials eagerly waiting for their copies to be signed and of course, to snap selfies with the acclaimed spoken word artist.

For 2017, ABS-CBN continues to roll out more good reads including Charo Santos-Concio’s My Journey: The Story of an Unexpected Leader, a part biography and part self-help book with a unique take on leadership.

Readers can pick up valuable lessons from Charo’s own experiences like how mastery begins with the self and how difficulties are good for the soul. Because of its powerful and honest take on leadership, Charo’s book is now on its second printing.

ABS-CBN Publishing has also tapped comedians K Brosas and Pokwang to pen their own books.

K Brosas’ witty remarks and funny anecdotes on love and life that she shares during the Tawag ng Tanghalan portion of It’s Showtime! is now compiled in a book titled, K-Sabihan, Ang Alamat ng Teh at Iba Pang Kasagutan.

Meanwhile, Pokwang’s Patikim, Pokie shows her as a passionate cook and features her favorite recipes. Pokwang’s first cookbook is also filled with hugot remarks.

As ABS-CBN Publishing navigates the digital world, it is also leading the game with its multimedia reading app, NoInk, that gives readers an upgraded reading experience. With its interactive feature, NoInk lets readers in on a multimedia reading experience complete with moving images and videos.

For ABS-CBN, the written word is not dead. It is evolving. The reason why ABS-CBN Publishing has thrived in the digital age is its dedication to value the interest and aspirations of the Filipino millennial reader to produce excellent reads — an important practice that echoes the mission of the Kapamilya network to be in the service of the Filipino.