Fully Booked is inviting curious readers, literature enthusiasts, and history buffs to rediscover the beauty of José Rizal’s El Filibusterismo in a readathon on June 13 and 27.
Many Filipinos first encountered El Filibusterismo as required reading in high school. This June 2026, however, Fully Booked is inviting readers to return to José Rizal’s classic not as students, but as book lovers. In celebration of the Philippines’ 128th Independence Day, Fully Booked, with support from Penguin Random House, will hold an El Filibusterismo Readathon on June 13 and 27, bringing together literature enthusiasts, history buffs, and curious readers for a communal reading experience centered on one of the country’s most influential novels.
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About El Filibusterismo
First published in 1891, El Filibusterismo is José Rizal’s second and final completed novel, serving as the sequel to Noli Me Tangere. The story follows Crisostomo Ibarra, who returns to the Philippines 13 years later disguised as the wealthy and enigmatic jeweler Simoun, determined to seek revenge and overthrow the oppressive Spanish government. Together, the two novels played a significant role in shifting perspectives within Philippine society, inspiring Filipinos to pursue reform, revolution, and independence.
When And Where Will The El Filibusterismo Readathon Take Place?
The Readathon begins on June 13 from 1 PM to 4 PM at the Book Nook Podium, where participants will read Chapters 1 to 7 together. Readers will then continue with Chapters 8 to 20 on their own before reconvening on June 27 at Fully Booked Bonifacio High Street The Studio from 1030 AM to 530 PM to read Chapters 21 to 39 as a group.
Throughout the Readathon, performers and guest readers will take the stage to read assigned chapters, allowing participants to follow along in their own copies of the novel. Guests are also encouraged to come dressed in Filipiniana attire for a chance to win a ₱3,000 Fully Booked Gift Card.
Participation is free, though interested readers are encouraged to register in advance through the Fully Booked Events Registration Form, which you can access here.
Whether you’re revisiting El Filibusterismo after years away or opening its pages for the first time, the Readathon offers a chance to experience Rizal’s timeless and impactful work in the company of fellow readers.
Photo courtesy of Fully Booked
Frequently Asked Questions
The El Filibusterismo Readathon 2026 is a communal reading event organized by Fully Booked with support from Penguin Random House in celebration of the Philippines’ 128th Independence Day. The event invites readers to rediscover José Rizal’s classic novel through group reading sessions on June 13 and 27, 2026.
The Readathon will happen in two parts: June 13, 2026 | 1 PM – 4 PM at Book Nook Podium, where participants will read Chapters 1–7 together; and June 27, 2026 | 1030 AM – 530 PM at Fully Booked Bonifacio High Street The Studio, where participants will read Chapters 21–39 as a group after completing Chapters 8–20 independently.
Yes, participation in the El Filibusterismo Readathon 2026 is free. Interested readers are encouraged to register in advance through the Fully Booked Events Registration Form.
During the Readathon, performers and guest readers will read assigned chapters on stage while participants follow along using their own copies of El Filibusterismo. The event is designed as a shared reading experience for literature enthusiasts, history buffs, and curious readers.
There’s no required dress code, but guests are encouraged to wear Filipiniana attire for a chance to win a ₱3,000 Fully Booked Gift Card.
