Ready your wallets, wish lists, and especially your bookish side quests, because the 2026 Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) is here to make them all happen this week.
From September 9 to 13, 2026, the MIBF is mounting its decades-long tradition of empowering Filipino voices through literature, pop culture trends, and other creative disciplines. With enriching events at every corner, this year’s celebration at the SMX Convention Center is already gearing up to be one for the books—literally and figuratively—and our favorite change-makers in the literary scene can certainly attest to that.
Photo: Mika Salamanca, Wilbert Ross/Instagram
Since the ‘80s, Filipino authors, artists, and advocates have made the MIBF extra special through special workshops, panels, book-signing events, and even exclusive deals that further champion the country’s dynamic platforms for readers and writers. But did you know that the annual event has also been a creative avenue for notable names in entertainment?
As our media landscape expands and reaches more heedful crowds by the minute, this year’s MIBF is opening its doors to various intersections of the artistic fields we know and love. Celebrities with published page-turners to their names, lead stars of upcoming book-to-screen adaptations, and even public figures who’ve dabbled in live-reading are all welcome, giving us more reasons to attend than we already have.
If you’re spending the next few days at the MIBF but haven’t mapped out an itinerary yet, these remarkable guests can fix that. Here’s why you should drop by and support their creative undertakings:
Mika Salamanca
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In case you didn’t know, this Big Winner has a book to her name, and it’s a warm hug for every dreamer who refuses to let negativity get in life’s way. On September 12, from 5:30 to 8:00 PM, Mika Salamanca will grace the MIBF for a meet-and-greet and book-signing session of Lipad, her sentimental children’s story with a purpose.
Ben&Ben
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Ben&Ben are welcoming us into their magical world with the launch of their first-ever storybook, The Traveller Across Dimensions. Frontmen Miguel and Paolo Benjamin will gather fans and new readers for a heartfelt chat about the fantastical book, its deep connections to the band’s whimsical discography, and its crossroads of innocence, struggle, and maturity. You can get your copy signed and even score a selfie with them at the MIBF on September 12, 10:00 AM.
Wilbert Ross
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For multi-passionate artist Wilbert Ross, the MIBF has constantly taken his dedication to acting, performing, and especially writing to new heights. That’s why he’s coming back this year to unveil his much-awaited fictional saga, the AdLikhain Hero Verse, with not one but two extra-special events on September 12.
Up first is a book talk and exclusive look into his larger-than-life universe at 4:30 PM, followed by a book-signing session at 6:00 PM, which will also feature Wilbert’s action-packed debut novel, Pagbilang Kong Tatlo.
Gwy Saludes
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We’re amping up the kilig vibes all week long at the MIBF with Gwy Saludes, the mind behind the iconic University Series. Drop by the book fair’s Wattpad booth this September 12 for a chance to meet her and secure a signed copy of the saga’s last installment, Our Yesterday’s Escape, right as its love story comes to life on our screens.
Ricky Lee
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National Artist Ricky Lee is bringing the city’s wonders (and whatever we make of them) closer to our hearts than ever before with another launch of his latest creative venture, Quiapo Ilalim. If you need an extra push to sharpen your storytelling prowess and rekindle your writerly fire, then the legendary author’s booth is the place to be at this year’s MIBF.
You can drop by his book-signing sessions on September 11 at 8:00 PM and on September 12 at 2:00 PM onwards.
ALSO READ: These Are the Books You Should Be Adding to Your 2026 “To Be Read” List
Which books are on your wish lists at this year’s Manila International Book Fair? Sound off and share your picks with us in the comments below!
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