This year’s Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) at the SMX Convention Center continued its tradition of bringing books to the masses, along with many more goods! With more stalls available on both levels of the venue, book lovers and attendees alike were treated to the ultimate book fair experience.
The Philippines’ largest book fair, which ran from Sept. 10 to 14, gave attendees a chance to browse through local and international selections, meet their favorite authors, and attend multiple seminars and read-aloud sessions. The two vast floors were filled with exhibitors offering not only different titles but also various merchandise, such as stationery items and accessories.
Even with the event, with the theme of “Get Lit–Stories in every form,” occupying the majority of the convention center and being on its last day, it remained jam-packed with visitors all wanting to experience the joys of sharing and taking home a piece of literature with them.
Championing the homegrown
A multitude of Filipino writers and komikeros took center stage, proudly displaying their works and titles for visitors to purchase. A variety of genres from these authors decorate the second floor, with colorful artworks catching the eye of many.
In an interview with The Benildean, writer Ayér Arguelles expressed his thoughts on the resurgence of the Filipino book scene, especially on the uptick of homegrown indie writers.
“Maganda ‘yon. Kung mayr’on kaming ina-advocate, isa ‘yong pagpapalawak ng panitikan, pagkaroon ng mas maraming reach ng audience ... napaka-importante n’on lalo na sa panahon ngayon na nagpo-proliferate pa rin ang disinformation, fake news ... kailangan talaga nating may kamalayan eh, more awareness, and these might lead to action.”
Sharing a similar sentiment, Lyndon Gregorio, creator of Beerkada Comics and co-founder of Komikon, sat in a colorful corner that could easily speak for himself–a rack of iconic comic books, postcards, and prints of train lines, and his new work, Mapakulay. As a frequent exhibitor at MIBF, Gregorio says the fair spurs the connection between local comics and people, especially the youth.
Putting Fil Lit on the map
In this vein, researcher and project coordinator Rolien Balisi of Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) highlighted the importance of spotlighting the Filipino language and native tongues.
Balisi invites people to read classic global literature in their Filipino translations and welcome new perspectives that come with that. As the music of FightSaber Philippines grew louder and paraded Star Wars characters just across KWF’s booth, Balisi bade with the reminder to seek out local literature by visiting libraries and supporting local authors.
Amongst the rows of mega publishers and shelves overflowing with books, sat a quaint stall that housed a collection of maps, ranging from political charts of the world to city-specific layouts. Cunanan Map House holds history not quite like written texts. In an interview with The Benildean, the business has been around since 1978 under the mantle of Gloria Cunanan and has now passed on to Helen Grace Cunanan. Their stocks boast a variety of editions—not just the latest version of the country’s geographical facsimile but a historical one as well—showing off a copy of the old Philippine map, specifically the 1760 version of it.
Since then, they have supplied topographical maps to various universities, such as for De La Salle schools, as well as the University of the Philippines (UP).
On the same page
Among the first-time attendees this year was cosplayer Haven, who saw the event as an opportunity to get exclusive titles, discover interesting graphic novels, and study art books for artistic inspiration. “Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone,” they encouraged, reflecting on how the exciting event embraced their uniqueness and passion for creative self-expression—inviting others to come as they are, even if that meant being in full costume.
Events such as these present a chance to realize that Filipino literature, whether written in English or Tagalog, is alive and well—buhay ang sining natin—and that must be nourished through spaces like the Manila International Book Fair and through smaller outlets as well. It is only a matter of looking, seeking out homegrown tales, that one would truly see the vision of a Filipino writer, whether it be the truth of the political reality or an escape from such.
Missed this year’s MIBF? The organizers have already posted dates for next year on their social media pages. For 2026, the fair will run from Sept. 9 to 13 at the same venue.
For more updates, stay tuned to their Facebook page.
