THE ESTIMATED 100,000 visitors of the 32nd Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) proved that the heady smell of freshly printed pages is still the best cure for poverty of thought.
Primetrade Asia, Inc., the organizer of the event once again held the MIBF at SMX Convention Center last September 14 to 18 to showcased the largest and most varied collections of books from international and local publishers.
Blooey Singson, publicist of the event, said that inspirational, cooking, and children’s story were the best-selling books.
“[The visitors] increase every year and I think we’re doing pretty well,” she said. “I really do not think that Filipinos don’t read.”
Singson added that Filipino books have overcome weak book sales, despite having 60 percent of the exhibitors as international publishers.
Meanwhile, the UST Publishing House featured books released during its Quadricentennial project, 400 books at 400, together with its best sellers, Insectissimo and Super Panalo Sounds by former Varsitarian Literary writer Lourd Ernest de Veyra.
Some Thomasian writers who were featured in the fair were Michael Coroza, Rebecca Añonuevo, and Teo Antonio.
John Jack Wigley, deputy director of UST Publishing house said that Filipinos are still fond of reading, even with the advent of technology.
“The digital publishing is getting bigger and bigger but books will not be phased out,” he said.
According to Wigley, there are just as many writers as there are many readers in the country, although aspiring writers would have hard time landing themselves a job.
A first-time writer must keep in mind that it is only possible to earn a decent amount of money from writing, once you gain popularity and reputation.
Lending their support to the opening ceremony of MIBF last September 14 were Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) chairperson Patricia Licunan and Vice President Jejomar Binay who each gave the keynote messages.
The Manila International Book Fair also bankrolled some activities within its exhibition like the 3rd Philippine English Language Conference and Music Festival Manila.
