Okay this may be useless since it was too late, today is the last day of 39th Manila International Book Fair and I was too lazy to write. But I will try my best to make this relevant for the next year's event. In my defense, I have a job and it was storming so yep, here it goes.
First, facts:
- Venue is in SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia; 1st and 2nd floor
- The dates were Sept. 12-16, 2018 (useless fact today!)
- Time of the event is 10:00 AM-8:00 PM (W-Th-Sn)/9:00PM (F-S)
- Ticket price is P35 (regular), and P20 for students
1. FREE TICKETS
You can get free ticket/pass via National Bookstore's FB page/website. Just download the photo and print. I was too lazy to do that. Also I've heard that Fully Books were giving free pass in their stores. Too lazy to do that too.
2. COME EARLY!!!
I always say this for any event. I know your favorite author is so special that they had to come in the afternoon for book signing but until then, you can only enjoy the book hunt when there are just about 10 people inside excluding the sellers who were taking their late breakfast.
I came there at around 11:30 AM (Saturday). You can literally do cartwheel twice inside the National Bookstore booth without hurting anyone. It was peaceful. I came back at around 3PM and it was a jungle.
3. MOST CROWDED PARTS
The most crowded parts, considering it was not rush hour, were
- Psicom -there had been a line there ever since I came and it tripled the length as time goes by, it was absurd. Next time I wish they got a slightly bigger space to accommodate all.
- Summit- Wattpad-turned-books are apparently still in.
- Precious Pages- this was the weirdest. I always thought they only have female writers but as it turned out they have a male one which has a huge fanbase of screeching teenage girls. Kinda annoying.
4. NATIONAL BOOKSTORE HAUL
I was disappointed that the prices of NBS books were still pricey and they were only on 20% discount. Well apparently they have a separate place for "Book Haul" at the 2nd floor, free entrance, with prices ranging from 75-275, just like the NBS Book Haul I visited before. I don't regret it since I already visited the last one (Just kidding, I was devastated I couldn't sleep!)
5. BOOK SIGNING
If you are a fan of a certain Filipino author, there's a huge chance to meet them here. Just need to do research or check the websites/pages of the publishers. I had a chance to take a photo with Mr. Chinkee Tan, author of religious and financial literacy books like Till Debt Do Us Part & For Richer & For Poorer. Manix Abrera was also there. I almost tripped when I saw him it was awkward. I'm not a huge fan but I was star-struck by the glow of artistry and awesome long hair. LOL. If you are a fan of Facebook-famous writers, Lloyd Cadena was also there.
6. MORE THAN JUST NOVELS
There were an abundant stores offering religious books and academic books. If you are a devoted Christian you can find books about faith in the first floor. Children books and toys are available in the 2nd floor. Academic books were everywhere.
7. MORE THAN JUST BOOKS
There were pens, books, planners, and other things beside books you can find in the event that are on sale.
Good luck peasants on the next MIBF. Hope you heed my advise of going early so you can maximize your time. I hope to (not) see you next Haul (coz I kinda hate humans).
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