Rain or shine, book lovers from all around the Metro are flocking to this year’s Manila International Book Fair, happening now until September 16, 2018 at the SMX Convention Center. This is the book fair’s 39th staging and bookworms are just eager to see what the event has in store for them this time around. From comic books, young adult novels, educational resources, to spiritual and values-based reads, there’s surely something for everyone at this year’s MIBF.
Aside from books, more books, and a lot more books, here’s a list of this year’s MIBF standouts that you shouldn’t miss:
Heartshaper
Just because it’s called a “book fair” doesn’t mean it’s all just books. Heartshaper Video is here to break that monotony. Still giving meaningful stories and tidbits of wisdom, the Heartshaper booth offers a selection of DVDs and VCDs that will surely nudge your heart.
Heartshaper has a wide variety of beautiful, meaningful, values-based video materials that will help you learn a thing or two while keeping you entertained at the same time. Check out their discounted offers on select DVDs starting from P100.00!
They also have Bible card games. These are sure way to encourage your kids to learn values in a fun and exciting way.
Lighthouse Inspirational Books
Help yourself gain direction and meaning in life through Lighthouse’s featured book:Project Purpose: Find Your Why to Find Your Way. Written by Boris Joaquin and Renz Mansujeto, this is a workbook that will help young professionals and students discover their life purpose and design their lives around it.
Lyric
Bring out your inner music lover with Lyric with their wide scale selection of music sheets from pop music to stage plays to classical conciertos. Old music sheets are also on sale for P199.00 only. Teach your kids music, too! Lyric has melodicas and flute recorders on display with prices starting from P150.00.
OMF Literature
On top of their discounts (30% off all new titles and 20% off all other books) and Sale pile with books P100 and below, OMF Literature features new books, including More than Most by Feliz and Jay Jay Lucas, Gone? By Grace Chong, and Ang Allowance n a Hindi Bitin by Ardy Roberto and Philip Roa. Catch this crowd drawer on Aisle 1.
Rex Bookstore
Feel transported to the halls of a museum when you visit the Rex Bookstore booth! From authentic samurai armor dating back to Japan’s feudal Edo era to traditional metal garb from Davao’s Bagobo tribe, they have several historical artifacts on display that are sure to inspire awe when you stop by to visit.
National Bookstore’s Watercolor Botanicals
Let your kids immerse themselves into art through National Bookstore’s Watercolor Botanicals. Basic watercolor techniques like brushstrokes and water to paint ratio are taught by guest artists like Anina Rubio.
Bargain Finds
Get a head-start on your Christmas shopping when you visit MIBF’s bargain section.
Fully Booked and NBS sales up to 20% off
Tahanan Books’ cute and funny stationery, memo pads, and notebooks starting at P35.00.
CSM Publishing’s all books at P100
Anvil Publishing’s MIBF exclusives: they have books first time to be seen by the public and discounted at that.
All these and more bargain books, both by local and foreign authors, all around the two floors of exhibition halls! It’s every bibliophile’s dream come true.
Don’t forget to check out the list of participating companies, floor plan, and schedule of special events on SMX’s lobby so you can plan your route well before starting your book hunt. Be mindful of your time too so you won’t miss the exciting special activities lined up until this Sunday.
Lastly, get your photo taken in the creative photo walls around the exhibit area 
So get those recyclable bags and comfortable walking shoes ready and head over to the SMX Convention Center to satisfy your book-loving desires! The Manila International Book Fair is open from September 12 – 16, 2018 from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday; and from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm on Friday and Saturday.
The Familywise Asia editorial team is composed of Alpha Allanigui, Almira Manduriao, Patricia Li, and Andreiana Yuvallos. Visit About Us for more information on the team.
