Now in its 36th year, the Manila International Book Fair is back as an on-site event from 15 to 18 September at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

With the theme "Reconnect through words," the fair highlights how love for books and reading can bring people together. This year, about 200 exhibitors, 50 events, and a dizzying number of discounted books and art and school/office supplies are expected.

Here are some of the highlights bookworms should look forward to this MIBF weekend:

Book signing events for Janus Silang and other Adarna House books

On the second day, 16 September, from 3 to 5 p.m., there will be a book signing session of the Janus Silang books with author Edgar Calabia Samar. Published by Adarna House, the award-winning and bestselling series follows the adventures of Janus Silang, who is the only survivor after others die in a role-playing game. His journey takes him to places beyond the borders of a video game into the realms of strange creatures and characters.

There will also be book signing events for other Adarna House titles such as Denise Nicole Tolentino's The Quick and Careful Adventures of Muni (16 September, 1 to 3 p.m.); Iza Maria Reyes and Tin Javier's Ang Tahanang Hindi Tumatahan (17 September, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.); Virgilio Almario's Himagsikang 1896 (17 September, 2 to 3 p.m.); Russel Molina and Ace Enriquez's Josefina (18 September, 1 to 3 p.m.); and Chuckberry Pascual and Iñigo Fadul's Mars, May Zombie! (18 September, 4 to 6 p.m.), among others.

Spotlight on National Book Award winner Rody Vera

The National Book Development Board and the Manila Critics Circle are training the spotlight on multi-awarded author and playwright Rody Vera on 16 September, 3:30 p.m. He will also have his book signing session at the Ateneo Press booth from 1 to 2 p.m.

The Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards Hall of Famer has written nearly 70 plays, original and adaptations. He is also an UMPIL Gawad Balagtas awardee for his literary contributions to Philippine drama and a Ateneo de Manila University's Gawad Tanglaw ng Lahi awardee in 2015. He currently heads Writer's Bloc Inc., a group of Filipino playwrights.

Creator spotlight on Lyndon Gregorio

Also on 16 September, the NBDB is featuring Lyndon Gregorio in a 15-minute interview at 2 p.m. The pseudonymous author is behind Beerkada, a comic strip published by The Philippine Star for the past 24 years. He is set to release Osakada, the 20th Beerkada book collection, during the fair.

He will also be at the Indie Village under the Komikon booth 247, Aisle A, for the entire weekend.

Stories from the North: Norwegian Children's Literature

Two multi-awarded Norwegian authors will be swinging by the fair 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.

Roskifte's meet-and-greet will be on 17 September, from 2 to 3 p.m., at the SMX Meeting Room 7, while Øvreås' will be on 18 September, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the MIBF Main Stage.

The Author Speaks: Dr. Ronnie Baticulon on his book 'Some Days You Can't Save Them All'

Pediatric neurosurgeon, teacher, and writer Dr. Ronnie Baticulon will be giving what could be his final book talk for his bestselling title Some Days You Can't Save Them All on 17 September, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., at the stage area of the SMX Convention Center.

The book is a collection of the Palanca Award-winning author's essays from medical school at the University of the Philippines College of Medicine and neurosurgery training at the Philippine General Hospital.

'Ugnayan ng Salita: Danas at Akda sa Panahon ng Pandemya'

Authors from the University of the Philippines Press, Chuckberry Pascual, U Eliserio, Vijae Alquisola, Zero A.D., and Eugene Evasco, serve as panelists in a forum, "Ugnayan ng Salita: Danas at Akda sa Panahon ng Pandemya" on 17 September, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the stage area of the SMX Convention Center.

Their works are featured in the Philippine Writers Series 2022, a joint publication of Likhaan: UP Institute of Creative Writing and the UP Press.

Book launch and signing of the 32nd anniversary edition of Ambeth Ocampo's 'Rizal Without the Overcoat'

Limited edition copies of the 32nd anniversary commemorative edition of Rizal Without the Overcoat by Dr. Ambeth R. Ocampo will be exclusively available at the Anvil Publishing booth. Though published over three decades ago, the book remains fascinating and relevant to this day as it is founded on the ordinary yet lesser known truths of an enduring and much loved Filipino icon.
The second book signing session will be on 17 September, 2 p.m., at Booth 218, Aisle C.

A meet-and-greet with authors from indie publishers

On 18 September, authors from The Indie Publishers Collab PH will be having a meet-and-greet from 1 to 3 p.m. at Booth 248 of the Indie Village. Among the writers in the event are Genevieve L. Asenjo, Emmanuel Barrameda, Rita dela Cruz, Eljay Castro Deldoc, Princess Erika Solitario, RM Topacio-Aplaon, and Rosmon Tuazon.

Meet the authors of San Anselmo Publications, Inc.

San Anselmo Publications Inc. will also hold a "Meet the Authors" with some of their writers. Headlining the event are National Artist for literature Virgilio Almario, Noel del Prado, Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature Hall of Famer Alfred "Krip" Yuson, and journalist Joel Pablo Salud.

Storytelling with Rex Education

Parents and kids will surely have a fun time at the Rex Education Booth as they will hold a storytelling session and puppet show with award-winning author Gino Cruz and National Library of the Philippines librarian awardee Melai Ramirez.

The sessions will be on 17 to 18 September, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and will feature stories from their books Hello Animals and the Kalasag series.

MIBF tickets are available via SM Tickets. Register via the Eventplus app to get your free ticket at app.eventplus.io/manilainternational-bookfair. For more details, call +63917-8993463 or email info@manilabookfair.com.