Renowned publishing and learning tools giant Vibal Group bares uncharted paths and unexpected reasons to re-discover the Philippines in this year's Manila International Book Fair at the SMX Convention Center Pasay, which runs from 14 to 17 September.

If getting lost in a book to discover a different time, place, or world is your idea of a magical experience, Vibal's titles will help transport you there.

Vibal Group will offer many delightful finds to fascinate bibliophiles, fans of print, xenophiles, history buffs, and adventurers and nomads in MIBF's second-largest booth space. The group has prepared to treat MIBF attendees with published works detailing rich Philippine history, culture, land and heritage, plus a multi-sensory feast to experience just what these books are all about.

Expect Vibal Foundation's in-demand reprinted books, including Lolo José, An Intimate and Illustrated Portrait of José Rizal; bilingual and critical edition of Noli me tangere and El filibusterismo; Boxer Codex; Púgot: Head Taking, Ritual Cannibalism, and Human Sacrifice in the Philippines; Imprenta Ramirez y Giraudier; Heritage Churches of Cagayan River Basin; Nineteenth-Century Masters of Angono Art; Bullfighting in the Philippines; Philippine Cinema 1897-2020; and the popular More Cebuano Than We Admit.

Get ready to be awed by the new books launching during the fair, starting with the visually fascinating Philippine Colonial Photography in the Cordilleras (1860 -1930), which chronicles our vibrant culture as seen from the eyes of early American and European renowned photographers. Over 100 photographs not only recorded a vanished way of life but also served as an important milestone of the inception of photography as a visual art in the twentieth century.

Then fall in love with Manila all over again with Paseos de Intramuros and Intramuros: The Story of Old Manila.

Consider exploring Guillermo Goméz Windham's The Adventures of Cayo Malínao and Other Philippine Novelettes (bilingual edition), and Guillermo Goméz Rivera's La última corrida (Ang Huling Korida), which, although set and written in another century, have basic story themes that are relatable in these times.

The coming holidays are reason enough to stock up on presents like children's books. The curated anthologies of "Collected Philippine Stories for Young Readers" (28 collections) and new Chikiting Books titles would serve as ideal core memory tools and even heirloom collections. Award-winning children's books author Dr. Eugene Evasco is set to release two collections of his best stories: Hiwaga: Narrating Philippine Folktales and Gunita: Celebrating Filipino Greats.

Also launching are books worth reading even if only to fill the gap of what every Filipino should know but may not, including Philippine Slang and Gay Dictionary, Heritage Dishes of the Philippines, Visual Guide to Philippine Games, Visual Guide to Philippine Food, Visual Guide to Philippine Flora, and Visual Guide to Philippine Geography.

To highlight the book launches, the group will host a special celebration of music, dance, film, and talks by notable authors and esteemed guests, aptly named Vibal Tertulia – a social gathering focusing on art and literature on Saturday, 16 September at the MIBF Stage at 2:30 p.m.

"There is so much more to learn about the Philippines, and we are excited to present this in a range that has something for everyone. We have always made it our goal to impart new information, make learning a fulfilling experience, and constantly evolve with each new generation of readers in mind. We are proud of the titles we are presenting here and worked to creatively present them in a more engaging way," Vibal CEO Kristine Mandigma said.

"That is why alongside our book launch, we also launched the Love for Reading Campaign that aims to strengthen our reader's bond with stories and reading itself," she added.

Visit Vibal Group and Vibal Foundation booths on rows E & F, and row C for the Chikiting Books. Entrance is free, but registration is a must.

The event is an exciting chance for lovers of Filipino history, art, culture, and the islands touted worldwide to immerse themselves in a spellbinding trip to learn more and appreciate what the Pinoy was and is now all about.