Visprint Inc. to finish its last chapter by 2021

The publishing house also assured that they will actively participate in book events such as Komikon, Komiket, and Manila International Book Fair (MIBF), among others, before it finally waves its last goodbye. (Photo: Visprint Inc/Facebook)

Another publisher of some popular Filipino books will soon be out of bookstores’ bookshelves as Visprint Inc., a local publishing house, will be ending its last chapter by 2021.

This was announced by the company itself on Sunday, January 14, confirming speculations that it will close its doors two years from now.

“May katotohanan ang balitang napipintong pamamahinga ng Visprint sa darating na 2021. Kasabay ito ng pagreretiro ng mga haligi ng kompanya matapos ang marami at mabungang mga taon ng buong-puso nilang pagsisilbi rito (There is a truth to the reports that Visprint will be closing down this coming 2021. This is in line with the retirement of the company’s pillars after whole-heartedly serving the company in many fruitful years),” it said.

Wanting to maximize the remaining years they will have with their readers, Visprint clarified that it will continue to sell the favorite Filipino books and comics of Pinoy readers as long as they still have stock.

“Ikinalulungkot naming hindi na kami makapaglalabas ng mga bagong akda, pero tiwala kaming madaling mapupunan ng mga kapwa namin publisher ang puwang, kasama na ang puwersa ng independent publishers (kung saan kami kabilang noon) na unti-unti na ring nakikilala at nagbibigay daan para sa mga bagong manunulat (We are sad to say that we won’t be able to release new titles, but we trust that our fellow publishers will fill in the gap, including the independent publishers, to which we used to belong, who are slowly making a name and paving the way for new writers),” it said.

“Umaasa at naniniwala kami na mababasa at mababasa pa rin ninyo sila (We hope and we believe that you can still read those books),” it added.

The publishing house also assured that they will actively participate in book events such as Komikon, Komiket, and Manila International Book Fair (MIBF), among others before it finally waves goodbye.

Visprint expressed its heartfelt gratitude to those who called on to save the company; however, the company said that instead of campaigning “#SaveVisprint,” the latter encourage their supporters to urge everyone to better call on “#SaveFilipinoAuthorsKomikeros.”

It also urged the public to give their support to independent publishers and self-published authors/comic artists.

“Nasa kamay ninyo, mga mambabasa, ang kinabukasan at pagpapatuloy ng mga akdang Filipino (The future and preservation of the Filipino works are in your hands, readers),” Visprint said.

Visprint Inc. started its printing business way back in 1984, offering mimeographing, typing, and photocopying services during those times. Seeing a new era for Visual Print Enterprises (VPE), Visprint decided to venture into publishing 17 years later.

Today, the publishing house has already stacked bookstores with its more than 20 titles, most of which have gained popularity locally and internationally.

Among the books that Visprint published are the works of Bob Ong, Carlo Vergara, Eros Atalia, Manix Abrera, Budgette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo, and many more.

Their works cannot be only seen in bookshelves as some of those were turned into motion picture like Ong’s ABNKKBSNPLAko?! and Atalia’s Ligo na Ü, Lapit na Me in 2014 and 2011, respectively.

Recently, Netflix announced that Tan and Baldisimo’s Trese is part of the new anime titles that they will be rolling out soon, making its fans shake the internet with their excitement.

[READ: From bookshelf to TV: 13 reasons why you should see #TreseOnNetflix]