Words by Micah Avry Guiao
Even if you’re not a bookworm, you’d have to be living under a rock to not know or at least hear about the annual Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) held in September at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. Widely regarded as the biggest and longest running book fair extravaganza in the Philippines, MIBF caters to all people of all walks of life.
Now on its 39th year, the MIBF is no less than alluring than it was the previous years. Bookstores come together under one roof to present discounted novels, short stories, and the like. To add to that, the event also offers numerous seminars, workshops, and book signings throughout the five-day run. Truly, the success of MIBF every year is one massive evidence that Filipinos still read.
However, the MIBF is not just limited to its event title. Aside from books, there are a number of other things that can be purchased to add variety to one’s haul.
If you’re into journaling or artistic note-taking, you’d be elated to know they offer a wide array of pens, highlighters, brushes, and markers of different brands to choose from. All of them are specially suited to match your needs.
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Bought this all at #MIBF ❤️ Lovin’ and livin’ for the pastel theme @janinavela ?✨
The perfect accessory to a full day spent in the MIBF would have to be a reusable, light-weight tote bag. If you plan to hoard books, take the convenience of a tote bag into consideration as plastic bags may not be the best option. Not only would it be noisy, but it might be vulnerable to completely splitting open. In the MIBF, several selections of minimalistic designed tote bags are being sold from store to store.
As a fellow bookworm myself, I cannot state a more frustrating time than realizing you’ve lost your bookmark just as you’re in dire need of one. As I am not a monster who folds the tips of the pages to mark a page, bookmarks are an absolute must. Find a perfect accompanying bookmark for your latest read in the MIBF.
Of course, it would be a sin to forget about the stickers.
On your notebook, on your laptop, or left inside your cabinet never to be used because of your indecisiveness, stickers are one of the best things to embellish everyday objects.
If you missed this year’s MIBF, worry not! There’s always next year’s MIBF to look forward to.
What are your purchases from this year’s MIBF? Share it with us in the comments!
