Manila International Book Fair 2010: A Fair of Fun and Learning!

Imagine a place where books and fun activities co-exist to provide quality education and entertainment. Imagine academicians and young professionals smiling from ear to ear like children as they find the best bargains for their needs in various booths. Imagine a place where laughter and learning are limitless. There is such a place and it never fails to draw people in; the Manila International Book fair (MIBF)!

The MIBF, the longest-running and biggest book fair in the Philippines, is one of the year’s most awaited events for students, teachers, school administrators and even those who have graduated already. Known for continuously contributing to the reading awareness of the Filipino by being the venue for book launches, dialogues with readers, and other book-related activities, it is sure to keep students and academicians up on their toes.

As the MIBF celebrates three decades of promoting books and reading to the Filipino public, book lovers mark their calendars for the 31st Manila International Book fair set on Sept. 15-19 at the SMX Convention Center, Seashell Drive, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.

The Must See

The MIBF showcases the largest and most varied collection of literature. Whether for academic study or leisurely reading, book lovers can explore the biggest collection of books all in one venue – from textbooks, education supplements, general reference, religious and inspirational titles, self-help books, management books, Filipiniana, coffee table books, popular novels, children’s books, art books, graphic novels, rare and hard-to-find titles, magazines, audio and e-books, multimedia, teaching supplies and services, publishers’ technology, and travel materials.

Teachers and school administrators also flock to the book fair to scope out new acquisitions for school libraries, as the event is a good venue to compare offerings from various exhibitors and get the best prices for bulk purchases.

Youngsters can look forward to story-telling sessions, puppet shows, reading-related contests, robotic demonstrations, a parade of exhibitors’ mascots and cosplayers of their favorite book characters.

Classes can also enlist in special forums and workshops round the MIBF, and those who are up for music or meeting the authors behind the books can enjoy mini-concerts or meet-and-greet sessions with well-known and up-and-coming authors and illustrators.

Students, teachers, graduates and parents look forward to this jam-packed celebration of learning at MIBF year after year making it a trip worth taking.

This year, MIBF showcases Edu.Shop, a trade for school materials, supplies, equipment, and facilities. Students can get good deals on stationery, sporting goods, laboratory equipment and computer hardware and software.

Other co-located events include SuperKids 2010 (Sept. 17-18, Function Room 3), an early childhood educational fair that will showcase focused discussions, learning sessions and workshops that will equip parents, guardians, educators and adults with the latest in child care and development, parenting and education, and cool activities for children; JobFest 2010 (Sept. 16-17, Function Room 4), a career fair that gathers the country’s leading employers in search for the best additions to their rapidly growing teams; ACCESS: The 2nd Philippine English Language Conference (Sept. 16-17, Function Rooms 1 and 2); and The Best of Anime (Sept. 19, Function Room 5), a festival featuring anime exhibits, gaming, cosplay,concert and special activities that will thrill anime and manga enthusiasts.

MIBF runs from Sept. 15-19 at the SMX Convention Center, Seashell Drive, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.