The country's biggest and longest-running book fair, The Manila International Book Fair, is back in physical mode from 15 to 18 September at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay. Despite being held face-to-face this year, the fair will still have some hybrid components.

Over the years, the MIBF has become the event of choice for the print and digital content industry, as well as allied industries such as arts and crafts suppliers and other multimedia publishing.

Now in its 36th year, it has evolved from an event solely for the publishing industry and the academe to one of the most anticipated exhibitions for readers, with an expected 200 exhibitors and about 50 events.

Each year, the MIBF has seen bookworms come together to celebrate their shared love of reading with the added perks of discounted books and book
-related events. It has also been a venue for the exchange of ideas and collaborations among movers and shakers in publishing and the academe.

The fair has always been a showcase for independent publishers and this year's iteration is no different. This time, however, there will be an Indie Village that highlights much-awaited releases from acclaimed writers like Nick Joaquin, Charlson Ong, and Eliza Victoria.

Among the indie publishers included in the village are Avenida, Milflores, Komikon, Everything's Fine, The Independent Publishers-Collab (TIP-C), and ABC Educational, as well as The Indiepubcollab PH, which carries titles from 8 Letters, Aklat Alamid, Aklat Mirasol, Aklat Ulagad, Alubat Publishing, Atma Prema Wellbeing Group, Kasingkasing Press, Isang Balangay Media Productions, Gantala Press, Librong Lira, Pawikan Press, San Anselmo Press, Southern Voices Printing Press, and TBC Publications.

More than the exhibits, the MIBF is a platform for events from author spotlights and panel discussions to book launchings and poetry reading. Among the talks lined up are those on mental health, intellectual property rights, and publishing opportunities.

Several books will be launched including Blood of Shinobi 4 by Pol Medina, Jr., Zsazsa Zaturnnah sa Kalakhang Maynila by Carlo Vergara, Fundamentals of Human Rights Law Book by lawyer Francis Tom Temprosa, The Filipino Vegan by Anvil Publishing, and those published by PSICOM Publishing, Inc., Summit Publishing Company, and Bliss Books.

Two multi-awarded Norwegian authors are set to visit from 16 to 18 September for a series of read-outs. Fans can meet, greet, and have their books signed by Håkon Øvreås, author of Brown, and Kristin Roskifte, author of Everybody Counts.

Limited edition copies of the 32nd anniversary commemorative edition of the classic Rizal Without the Overcoat by Dr. Ambeth R. Ocampo will be exclusively available at the Anvil Publishing booth. The book signing sessions will be on 15 September (1 p.m.) and 17 (2 p.m.).

The Ateneo Book Press will have book bundles on special topics such as Martial Law, Philippine Regional Literature, and a National Artists Collection for up to 35 percent off. Their booth will also host book signings by award-winning writers like Virgilio Almario, Rody Vera, Katrina Tuvera, Gary Devilles, Allan Derain, and poet Ralph Fonte.

There will be storytelling sessions with award-winning author Gino Cruz and National Library of the Philippines librarian awardee Melai Ramirez. On 16 September, a special event dedicated to teachers will be held in celebration of National Teachers Month.

The MIBF is organized by Primetrade Asia, Inc. in partnership with Asian Catholic Communicators, Inc., Book Development Association of the Philippines, Philippine Booksellers Association, Inc. (PBAI), and Overseas Publishers Representatives' Association of the Philippines.

MIBF tickets are available via SM Tickets. You may register via the EVENTPLUS app to get your free ticket at https://app.eventplus.io/manilainternational-bookfair For more details, call +63 917 899 3463 or email info@manilabookfair.com or follow @ManilaBookFair on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.