About Bookware Publishing Corporation
Overview
Bookware Publishing Corporation is a Philippine publishing company best known for producing Tagalog romance novels, particularly through its flagship imprint My Special Valentine (MSV). Founded in February 1992, the company became one of the pioneers of the modern Tagalog pocketbook industry by introducing affordable, easy-to-read romance novels aimed at Filipino women. Over the years, Bookware Publishing Corporation has expanded its catalog to include children’s books, educational titles, activity books, and digital publications while maintaining a strong presence in Filipino popular literature.
History
Bookware Publishing Corporation was established in February 1992 by three friends who recognized the growing demand for accessible Tagalog romance novels. At the time, the Philippine romance publishing market was dominated by thicker, more traditional novels written in formal prose. Pocket-sized romance books were relatively uncommon and were primarily distributed through National Book Store and provincial distributors.1
To address this market gap, Bookware Publishing Corporation launched My Special Valentine (MSV), a line of Tagalog romance pocketbooks written by a new generation of Filipino writers. The series emphasized contemporary love stories, relatable characters, and conversational Filipino language, making it particularly appealing to young adult and working women.
The success of My Special Valentine established Bookware Publishing Corporation as one of the country’s leading publishers in the Tagalog romance genre, with the company describing the imprint as its flagship brand since its introduction in 1992.
Products and Publications
Although the company is most recognized for romance fiction, Bookware Publishing Corporation publishes a diverse range of materials, including:
- Tagalog romance novels
- Pocketbooks
- Children’s books
- Educational books
- Activity and puzzle books
- Self-help and writing guides
- Digital eBooks
Its publications are available in both print and digital formats through its publishing platforms.
My Special Valentine (MSV)
My Special Valentine is the flagship romance imprint of Bookware Publishing Corporation and one of the longest-running Tagalog romance series in the Philippines. Characteristics of the imprint include:
- Pocket-sized paperback format
- Affordable pricing
- Stories centered on romance, family, and contemporary Filipino life
- Works by both established and emerging Filipino romance authors
- Content targeted primarily toward young Filipino women
According to the company, the imprint was created for a “new breed” of Filipino women who are independent, informed, and career-oriented while remaining interested in romantic fiction.
Publishing Philosophy
Bookware Publishing Corporation has consistently emphasized:
- Affordable books for mass-market readers
- Filipino-language storytelling
- Development of new local writers
- Accessible reading materials for the broader Philippine market
The company has also stated that it has sought to maintain affordable pricing despite economic challenges in order to remain accessible to readers from middle- and lower-income households.
Editorial Team
Bookware Publishing Corporation has worked with editors, writers, and designers specializing in Tagalog romance publishing. Individuals featured by the company have included:
- Ellen S. Lambinicio – Senior Editor
- Malou Medina – Editor and romance writer
- Jamie-Lani Solidum – Creative Designer
- Apple Masallo – Assistant Editor and author
- Elvie Camo – Freelance Editor
These staff members have contributed to editing, writing, and designing many of the company’s publications.
Headquarters
Bookware Publishing Corporation is based in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines.
Office Address
Unit D, Rizalina 2 Building
1675 Quezon Avenue
Quezon City, Philippines
The company accepts manuscript submissions and maintains contact channels through its official website.2
Industry Position
Bookware Publishing Corporation is regarded as one of the notable publishers in the Philippine mass-market romance segment. Through My Special Valentine and its broader catalog, the company has contributed to the popularity of Tagalog romance pocketbooks and helped introduce many Filipino writers to a wide readership.
In addition to romance fiction, Bookware Publishing Corporation has expanded into educational publishing and digital books, allowing it to reach readers across both traditional and electronic publishing platforms.
Legacy
More than three decades after its founding, Bookware Publishing Corporation remains associated with the growth of Filipino popular fiction. Its My Special Valentine imprint continues to be one of the best-known names in Tagalog romance publishing, reflecting the enduring popularity of locally written romance stories among Filipino readers.
