Bookworms, ready your push carts!
The country’s biggest and longest running book fair turns 40 and treats visitors to thousands of titles from local and foreign publishers. The Manila International Book Fair, happening on Sept. 11-15 at the SMX Convention Center in Mall of Asia, provides an avenue for publishers, distributors, booksellers, agents, authors, and bookworms to converge and collaborate.
This year’s edition, more than 200 publishers will offer books at discounted prices.
Here are some of the titles you can get your hands on.
Graphic novels featuring Philippine folklore
Graphic novels are stories written in prose but presented alongside illustrations. They’re different from comic books and Japanese manga in that the former ones are shorter per issue and the main story spread out over many issues. Graphic novels, on the other hand, are lengthy. They encapsulate a full story, much like an actual book.
Trese Series
by Budjette Ran and KaJo Baldisimo
Trese, which Netflix announced last year would be adapted into an animated series, revolves around titular character Alexandra Trese and her encounters with the supernatural as a hybrid crime and spirit detective. Set in Manila where creatures out of Philippine classic folklore hide among humans, it combines elements of crime noir and gangster fiction with real life myths surrounding the streets of Manila.
The Mythology Class Series
by Arnold Arre
As a graduating student struggling to finally escape school, Nicole Lacson and a group of friends are introduced to Mrs. Enkanta, who opens their eyes to a world of myth and mystery. A truly Filipino comic book with heart and creativity, it is another novel set to be adapted into film.
Tabi Po Series
by Mervin Malonzo
With no recollection of how he came to be in a tree in Balete Drive, newly-born aswang named Elias feels his bloodlust rise as he roams the forest area. That is when he runs into Tasyo and Sabel, two more creatures straight out of myth who guide him as they seek answers about their existence. This graphic novel has been adapted into a TV series of the same name.
Janus Silang Series
by Edgar Calabia Samar
Titular character Janus, a gamer in virtual MMORPG TALA (Terra Anima Legion of Anitos) finds himself in a deep mythical mystery following the deaths of other TALA online players all over the Philippines. His adventure starts when a man who claims to have also survived the event contacts him, spurring on a plot that throws in monsters and miscreants from local folklore into a world where the line between reality and virtual reality is blurred.
Ella Arcangel
by Julius Villanueva
It’s not the supernatural beasts and entities that Villanueva pits Ella against, but rather the modern societal circumstances that surround her. Growing up under the poverty line does not stop Ella from doing what is right and living by an unshakable principle of kindness. The story skillfully blends the mythical with actual problems Filipinos today face, which makes for a read that resonates through a wide audience.
Fiction and non-fiction titles
ABS-CBN Books joins MIBF 2019 where it will host meet-and-greet sessions with Kapamilya authors and launch 10 new reads, including two books from international fiction authors, who will be bringing their well-loved stories to the Philippines.
True Beauty
by Priscilla Wu
It is a dystopian romance fiction that brings two extremely different lives together in a tale of love, friendship, and salvation. Inspired by the K-pop group EXO, the story from the Asianfanfics author already has one million authentic reads.
Prince with Benefits
by Gaby Gabezut
A contemporary fairy tale filled with the delights and dramas of falling in love with a real life Prince Charming. Gabezut’s story already has over 100 million reads, making her a Wattpad Star with the highest-ranking royalty story in said online community.
Winning For Life
by Denis Waitley
A motivational book.
Pera Ni Mister, Pera ni Misis
by Chinkee and Nove-Ann Tan
A financial guide for couples
Never Be Number 2
by Jelai Andres
A self-help book that offers tips on surviving broken marriage and dealing with cheaters.
La Na Bye
by Kakai Bautista
A “hugot” poetry book.
PBB Otso Collector’s Edition
A print collectible on the recent hit reality show PBB Otso and its housemates.
Bargain with the Rebel Heartbreaker
by Vixenne Anne
Stop In The Name of Love. Amen
by AB Castueras
Panagutan Mo ‘Ko
by JC Quin
Aside from these new titles, booklovers will get to see their favorite authors at the ABS-CBN booth, including inspirational poet Jerico Silvers, YouTubers Lloyd Cadena, Bakla Ng Taon (BNT), and Jelai Andres.
Kapamilya authors Dimples Romana, Joena San Diego, Soyen, and Chef Tatung Sarthou, as well as the most followed Wattpad authors—Binibining Mia, Alesana Marie, JC Quin, Charmaine Lasar, Ethyl Dela Pena, Patyeah, Arlo Icabandi, Ma. Theresa Anna Cruzate, Vixenne Anne, and AB Castueras—will also be present for various meet-and-greet sessions.
Digital learning solutions
Learning solutions provider REX will showcase new offerings in the field of digital learning solutions and holistic education practices at the 40th MIBF.
REX’s symphony of learning solutions is designed with an integrative approach that creates easy-to-understand learner experiences through cohesive and intuitive interfaces that enable young learners to easily comprehend and manage information.
REX’s space at the book fair is themed “Silk Road,” an allusion to the ancient land routes connecting East and West.
This theme reflects the company’s campaigns and initiatives to sustain learning experiences and environments for the Whole Child, an educational philosophy that merges best practices in the industry to address the demands of 21st century learning.
REX will also offer free seminars, workshops, a book sale, and book launches during the event.
