A PARENT'S GUIDE TO THE MANILA INTERNATIONAL BOOK FAIR
The Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) is the Philippines' longest-running and largest book fair. This event brings together book lovers, writers, artists, teachers, and publishers to celebrate their shared passion for literature. MIBF exhibitors include local publishers, foreign publishers, arts and crafts suppliers, and other related businesses. The MIBF is the perfect time to stock up on books, as many are available at discounted prices. This year’s event is even more exciting, with two floors of the SMX Convention Center being utilized–providing even more publishing houses and bookstore options.
I first attended the MIBF in 2014 as a creative writing student, and it was an incredible experience to connect with fellow book lovers. Now, as a parent, I look forward to attending with my family, hoping it will immerse my children in the world of books and the rich tradition of Philippine literature.
If you’re a parent planning to visit MIBF this weekend, here are some tips to help you make the most of your experience:
Tips for MIBF:
Plan ahead
Check the official website to explore the schedule of events, list of exhibitors, and maps.
Make a list of must-visit booths and authors. Plan your budget and bring cash or credit cards, as each booth has its own payment counter. Don’t feel guilty about spending on books–reading is always a worthwhile investment (I tell myself this every time I splurge on books!).
Go early
Expect heavy foot traffic, so it’s best to arrive early. Dedicate the day to the fair to maximize your experience. If you’re bringing your kids, consider bringing a trolley or stroller for convenience.
Take Advantage of Workshops, Author Signing, and Storytelling Sessions
The MIBF offers a variety of events for different niches and interests. If you have young kids, we are rooting for the Batang Lampara, Batang Kwentista 2024 event on Saturday, September 13. There are also a series of other workshops for writers, filmmakers, teachers, and students. Visit here for the full event schedule.
Make It a Family Bonding Experience
Dress comfortably and wear rubber shoes, as you’ll be walking around for hours. Let your kids explore booths featuring children’s books. We recommend visiting Adarna House, Anvil Publishing, Lampara Publishing House, Hiyas Literature, and Ilaw ng Tahanan Publishing for great selections of Filipino literature. If you need a break, there are food areas where you can rest and refuel.
Make it lit
Make the experience both literally exciting and literary. Read to your children so they'll be interested in literature at a young age, especially Philippine literature. As I learned in my Cultural Studies class, the Philippines struggles with cultural identity because we often prioritize foreign literature over our own. Introducing your children to Philippine literature will help them understand their heritage and themselves better.
How to Get Tickets to the Manila International Book Fair:
You can get FREE tickets by printing those shared online by different exhibitors. If you don’t have a free ticket, you can purchase one on-site. Ticket prices are Php 50 for adults and Php 35 for students, senior citizens, and PWDs.
Here are some links to free tickets:
Our family attended the book fair on its first day and got good deals. My 3-year-old daughter happily chose books for herself. It truly is an event for everyone. We started at 12 noon and ended at around 3:30 PM. We also enjoyed the different games and prizes of some booths like the National Bookstore and Fully Booked.
It's a great way to introduce your love for literature to your family or to start loving literature yourself.
The Manila International Book Fair is happening from September 11 to 15 at the SMX Convention Center.
Read here for reasons why you should read to big kids, too.
2024-09-12T06:18:55Z dg43tfdfdgfd