MANILA INTERNATIONAL BOOK FAIR: Words Without Borders

More than 50 titles will be launched by Vibal Group to celebrate Filipinos' love for reading and literacy at this year's edition of the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) on Sept. 17 to 21 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

Starting the lineup is the Unang Diksiyonariyo Caton series, translated in various Philippine dialects and designed to complement the Mother Tongue Program espoused by the Department of Education.

New children's books for young readers will be launched under Vibal's Chikiting Books imprint, such as Jomike Tejido's Why Do Squids Squirt Ink?, Nati Santos' Nobody's Hat, and Russell Molina's Salamat Po! translated in Binisaya and Ilokano.

Aside from new Chikiting Books, Vibal will also launch new books under Vibal Foundation: More American Than We Admit features scholarly essays edited by Julian Go, reflecting the cultural interactions between Filipinos and the American colonial masters. Dear Lady S features advice by Lady S—resident love columnist of the Philippine Online Chronicles.

Pagmumuni-muni at Pagtatalak ng Sirenang Nagpapanggap na Prinsesa is a compilation of essays by John Iremil Teodoro, one of the pioneers in gay literature in the country. Bekibolaryo, on the other hand, is a comprehensive lexicon explaining terms, words, and expressions used by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual (LGBT) community.

K to 12: RA 10533 and Relevant Education Policies by Atty. Joseph Estrada and Atty. Kristjan Gargantiel meanwhile elaborates on how the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 can affect existing policies and laws in education.

These books can actually be previewed for free by mobile device owners by scanning designated QR codes posted along the booth's illustrated panels. Vibal's booth will also feature tablets, all-in-one PCs, and other mobile devices to feature e-book editions of their printed books, along with interactive games, video documentaries, and other rich media content for MIBF visitors.

Now on its 35th year, the MIBF gathers Philippine publishers to showcase their latest books and offer big discounts for their popular bestsellers. Vibal is a regular participant of this annual event that attracts bibliophiles and other book readers alike, along with book sellers and authors to celebrate the power of books, reading, and knowledge.

During the five-day event, Vibal will also be organizing various activities at their booth: an interactive storytelling-cum-zumba session featuring Eugene Evasco's May Lakad Kami ni Tatay will be held on Sept.19. Meet-and-greet sessions with various authors and illustrators will also take place.

For September 17, Atty. Joseph Noel Estrada will headline the meet-and-greet sessions in the morning followed by Bebang Siy and Ronier Verzo in the afternoon. Genaro Gojo Cruz is set to attend the morning session on September 18, while illustrator Jonathan Ranola will grace the afternoon session on the same date. The morning session for September 19 will mark the presence of author Eugene Evasco and three illustrators—namely Brent Sabas, Ariel Santillan, and Leo Ang—while Lady S of the Philippine Online Chronicles, alongside illustrators Jamie Bauza and Valerie Jan Villaflor will be there in the afternoon.

Authors Rhandee Garlitos and John Teodoro, together with illustrator Tokwa Penaflorida are set to appear in the morning of September 20 at the Vibal booth. For the afternoon session on the same date, another group will be present to interact with their fans—authors Heidi Abad and Lem Garcellano, alongside illustrators Wiji Lacsamana, Christian Oliver Cruz, and Doms Agsaway. To cap off the fair, the husband-and-wife tandem of Jomike Tejido and Haraya Ocampo-Tejido will be at the Vibal booth on the afternoon of September 21.

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


Via Press Release