FRANKFURT, GERMANY – As the Philippines takes center stage as Guest of Honour at the Frankfurt Book Fair 2025, author and advertising executive Russell Molina represents the country’s dual strength in storytelling and creativity. Known both for his work as Chief Digital Officer and founding partner of independent agency Seven A.D. and as an award-winning author and graphic fictionist, Rusell bridges two worlds that rely on the same foundation — powerful, human stories.
Russell, who has written over thirty books for children and young adults, was recently honored with the Gawad Pambansang Alagad ni Balagtas for his body of work in children’s literature. At Frankfurt, he showcases “Josefina,” his acclaimed graphic novel now translated into German by Dante’s Verlag, among several Filipino titles gaining international attention.
“We wanted to bring a Filipino brand of storytelling — one that offers new insights into our society, politics, and humanity,” Russell said. “For people to really get to know us beyond what they see in the news. To understand how we tell our stories and the kind of stories we want to put out there.”
A story of humanity amid war
“Josefina,” illustrated by Ace C. Enriquez and published by Anino Comics, is set during the Japanese occupation of World War II. It follows a creature learning mercy and restraint as the world around her descends into cruelty — a meditation, Russell says, “on what it means to be human in inhuman times.”
The graphic novel was named Best Graphic Novel and Comics in Filipino at the 41st National Book Awards, and its translation marks another milestone for Filipino literature in international markets.
“We’re bringing a lot of children’s books from different publishers,” Russel added. “These titles were handpicked because they bring new perspectives on how we look at the child as an audience. They show that Filipino children’s stories can be complex, relevant, and deeply human.”
From advertising to authorship
Before establishing himself as one of the country’s leading authors, Russell began his career in advertising. As Chief Digital Officer of Seven A.D., a seven-time 4As Independent Agency of the Year. He has built campaigns for major global brands while nurturing his passion for storytelling.
“I really started as a creative in advertising, so moving into publishing wasn’t a big leap,” he explained. “We’re trained in collaboration, and that’s essential, especially in graphic novels and children’s books. Deadlines, research, understanding your audience, all those skills transfer seamlessly.”
For Russell, the disciplines of advertising and authorship are not separate but complementary, both rooted in empathy and the desire to connect with people.
Filipino stories crossing borders
The Frankfurt Book Fair, the world’s largest trade fair for books and ideas, provides what Russell calls “a crucial platform” for Filipino authors, publishers, and creatives to expand their reach.
“Number one, they get to know us, our books and the stories we tell,” he said. “Number two, it opens opportunities for collaboration and cross-cultural projects. Translation is huge. It gives us more avenues for distribution. Our books can now travel beyond our borders and reach
The power and relevance of filipino myth
Asked what makes Filipino creativity distinctive, Russell points to the country’s deep mythological roots and its ability to reinterpret tradition in contemporary contexts.
“Our mythical characters – our manananggal, our aswang – are quite unique,” he said. “But the way we tell these stories now is also evolving. Even if they come from folklore, they’re still relevant to today’s world. The foundation is local, but the power is universal.”
A defining cultural moment
The Philippines’ presence in Frankfurt marks a milestone for the local publishing industry, long celebrated for its creativity but now gaining global visibility. Russell’s participation – both as storyteller and creative leader – reflects the intersection of culture and communication that defines the modern Filipino artist.
“For them to really get to know us,” Russell said, “is not just about the stories we tell – it’s about who we are as a people.”
adobo magazine is with the National Book Development Board of the Philippines at the 2025 Frankfurt Book Fair.
