With much anticipation, the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) opened its doors again on Wednesday, September 13, for bibliophiles at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
Now on its 38th year and organized by Primetrade Asia Inc., MIBF is the longest running book event in the country and runs till Sunday, September 17.
This year, the fair has an expanded exhibit area—dedicating a whole floor to children’s and young adult books on the second floor.
Irene Lloren, Primetrade Asia Inc.’s president, said, “Bookfair goers are in for treat on MIBF’s 38th year. We’ve seen a tremendous rise in attendance in recent book fairs, and have now expanded the exhibition space to make room for more books and book-related events, to pack this year’s MIBF with even more experiences.
“On the second floor are mostly children’s books, young adults (YA), and digital publications. Lloren added, “This special section features both local and foreign children publishers. We want to emphasize on children because there is a big market for it and, we feel that the youth and children are the future of our country.”
Exciting deals are in store for the expected 150,000 attendees including the awaited book sales from over 100 exhibitors offering 10% to 20% discount on bestsellers, baby books, young adult fiction, academic books, including bestsellers, textbooks and reference materials, comics and graphic novels, religious and inspirational reads, multimedia and teaching aids, and more.
Along with these great deals are simultaneous activities like book signings from authors luke British leadership and coaching expert Nigel Cumberland, and columnist, professor, and historian Ambeth Ocampo; more book launches; author meet-and-greets; special contests; and other activities designed for book lovers.
Book drive for Marawi
Besides hoarding your favorite titles and having fun at different activities MIBF has to offer, one can also be of help in rebuilding Marawi by donating books.
Lloren encouraged MIBF-goers to donate books or any educational materials that teachers can use.
“We felt that even with the devastation, they really need this learning tools because classrooms were devastated along with the learning materials. They need our help, the industry’s help to rise up.
We chose this period because we’re also celebrating National Teacher’s Month, and this is for the teachers in Marawi.”
Fandom Fest
To attract more people, MIBF is also presenting Fandom Fest during the weekend for the Potterheads, Hamiltrash, Tolkienist, or Otaku.
There will be Quidditch try-outs; Defense Against the Dark Arts class; workshops on weapons and How To Write Your Name in Elvish by the Philippine Tolkien Society; Pinoy Cosplay Contest, photo opportunity with the 501st Legion Troopers at the 501st Legion and Fight Saber March, and many more.
For more information, call (+632) 896-0661, (+632) 896-0682, or follow @ManilaBookFair on Twitter.
