I can’t believe it’s only one more day til the 33rd Manila International Book Fair!
The MIBF has been a permanent fixture in my calendar for the past seven years, but my first MIBF was actually way back in 1993. I was in third grade on a field trip with the Reading Club (and I just realized, that was the first book club I ever joined!), and I was in awe — I had never seen so many books all in one place! With fellow bookworms from the Reading Club, I went from booth to booth, figuring out what to buy with a couple of weeks’ worth of allowance. And when our money run out, we made the rounds once more, this time to chase down the mascots, listen to a story or two, watch cartoons, and of course, to take note of books we wanted our parents to buy for us, when we begged them to go back to the book fair as soon as we got home.
I lugged home a bag of books (see, book hoarder at age 8), which included — wait for it –Sweet Valley Kids #6: Lila’s Secret and The Babysitters’ Little Sister #23: Karen’s Doll!
Years (let’s not count) later, I still enjoy the MIBF every bit as much as my eight year old self. The smell of new books, the events happening all around, meeting up with fellow book lovers and comparing our purchases, rubbing elbows with famous authors and illustrators, and the crunch and crackle of bags containing a fresh new stack of books for my ever-growing library — all these are probably the same reason thousands of bibliophiles flock to the book fair each year!
This video sums up the feeling, hahaha:
Lots to look forward to in the five days of the MIBF this year:
National Book Store‘s got a powerhouse of authors — the MIBF is the best place to meet authors and get books signed!
Tahanan Books is celebrating its 20th anniversary!
OMF Literature is celebrating its 55th anniversary!
Publishers launch new books at the MIBF. Check out the new titles from Adarna House!
Discounts galore — Lampara books are 30% off!
and great deals from A-Z Direct Marketing!
All these and more at the 33rd Manila International Book Fair, Sept. 12-16 at the SMX Convention Center, Seashell Drive, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.
See you at the Book Fair!