| 09.12.2019 – The fortieth Manila International Book Fair has finally opened.
It is the biggest annual ‘book’ event that brings educators, publishers, writers, creators, illustrators, fans, and everyone who still appreciate reading a good book or a graphic novel that sparks imaginations and inspirations. To sum up the late afternoon trek to the SMX Convention Centre is a prelude to the wild that is about to happen this weekend. For someone who has been visiting this event since those school days this event never loses its lustre. Every year there’s something to look forward to and for this year it’s some books that where hyped. |
The original plan is go to the morning but everything got side tracked. There were other errands to deal with and other stuff to catch up to. But it didn’t stop me from going on the first day due to the launch books I look forward to picking up.
It was not a good weather yesterday and it isn’t faring well today either. But it did not deter many people to troop as early as 8 AM as what some claims to be waiting for the doors to open and get their hands on some interesting launch titles.
There was so much enthusiasm in air and the crowd is not the huge, but it felt like it was Saturday where everyone was jumping in and out of National Bookstore and Fully Booked. Most of the major book stores are on a 20% percent of and it is really that crazy to lose control and splurge on some of the interesting graphic novels out there that will make you go broke.
Books That’ll Make You Broke
Speaking of getting broke it was almost personally, but it was focused determination not to melt on the first day. Originally, the target books I had planned to pick-up where Trese 7: Shadow Witness, Manix Abrera’s Bertong Bad Trip, and the third and final volume of the Filipino Heroes League.
Prior to that I tried not to look at the graphic novel shelves at Fully Booked like trying to go blind without even bothering to pick one of those books that were on a 20% off. Surely, these exhibtors are going gang busters right now with all those titles. Not to forget there are Jamie Oliver’s cooks books that I’ve been eyeing out, but decided to veer away from it due to trying to survive for the next two weeks.
Going through the exhibitor booths is like in a dark forest of temptation that is really insane. If you’ve been to the MIBF previously you’ll probably not notice every year is like Christmas in September for people who still have the affinity to read physical books than digital formats. It is an astonishment that Filipinos still can’t get enough with books, but there’s no Public Library that encourages those who can’t even afford of buying their own books how is that?
Though I can’t answer that, it is the writings on the wall to leave it there for those most opinionated about not having a public library in each city. But these questions are left in the parking lot as exploring this event is not like a walk in the park.
Around the Second Level
Most of the time spending at MIBF I was at the second level, which you’ll find Comic Odyssey, Summit Media, and Visprint where I decided to pick up all the books I planned to get instead ending up getting Shadow Witness and holding off on the others for now because sometimes it is best to have a companion as your second opinion on making these types of decisions.
For once I’ve never had copies of FLP and Bertong Bad Trip can wait, but as for Ian Sta. Maria’s Salamangka I have early suggestions and constructive opinions of the book while I browsed the pages. I LIKE SALAMANGKA, however they should have used glossy paper instead of matte and second opinion is they should have blocked the text. But I WOULD STILL GET IT at Komikon, because Ian Sta. Maria will be flying off from Denmark and back to Manila and you read it here FIRST.
Early Reviews on Salamangka
Salamangka can wait and I’m willing to fork up PHP 495.00 Pesos (* $13.86 AUD) at Komikon in November. For now I went around Summit Media discovering that they were on clearance for some books and magazines. Some of them are from Jinri Park and there were books from the Chico, Delemar, and Gino of the Morning Rush second and third volume books. There were K-Zone books too for PHP 20.00 pesos (* $0.56 Cents) and you’ll be broke if you’re still wanting to get those too.
Comic Odyssey has some of the back issue bins if you’re into reading those floppies and you’ll definitely get a good deal. Some are nostalgic and there is some new stuff too like Wave’s appearance on Agents of Atlas series. There were some interesting non-book related sightings like Felt a booth that produce educational text books for robotics studies that partnered with LEGO Education.
Before Heading Out, a Final Note
It was a busy first day and I stayed long enough as rain poured in last night making traffic the usual culprit for most people getting stuck at Mall of Asia. But for those planning to go in the next few days the early first few days are the best time to avoid huge crowd and it also helps not getting stressed about running around for those books that you think they would sold out.
The first day was a good start but wait until Saturday arrives. It is going to be one heck of a crazy weekend up to the last day so make sure you plan ahead and be early. I’m sure by now some of the books or magazine that I saw yesterday is already gone.
But you can only pick and prioritize the ones that you really need and will keep for repeat reading. I’m probably good getting Shadow Witness, the first issue of Aero, a coloring book, cook book, and the Essential Calvin and Hobbes that I’ve been wanting to get since I was back in Adelaide although this one is on 20% off at Fully Booked the rest are from Visprint, Summit Media, and Comic Odyssey.
It is insane if you’re not prepared to go there with limited funds. But what’s important is get the books and graphic novels that you really want and enjoy the less crowdy moment. But for the rest who may stumble upon reading this and planning for the weekend well you better put your helmet on it is going to be crazy there and good luck surviving it.
Manila International Book Fairv is from 11-14 September 2019, which is held at SMX Convention Centre. For more follow them on their social media via https://www.facebook.com/manilaintbookfair/Facebook or visit: ManilaBookFair.com
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