THE UST Publishing House (USTPH) is set to feature debut titles and authors at the 2025 Manila International Book Fair (MIBF), the longest-running book event in the Philippines.
“We’re excited for some of the authors who are first-time authors at the publishing house,” USTPH Deputy Director Paul Castillo told the Varsitarian.
Among the new additions to the USTPH catalogue is Palanca-winning essayist and journalism alumnus Chuck Smith, with his debut collection titled “Son of A Dead ‘80s Bold Star.” He will have a book signing at the fair on Sept. 13.
The title was drawn from Smith’s 2017 essay, “I am the son of a dead ‘80s bold star,” where he recounts growing up believing he was the child of 1980s actress Pepsi Paloma.
Maynard Manansala, another USTPH first-time author, will join the festival with his debut novel, “Tao Po: Samot-Saring Tao sa Dula.” His book signing is on Sept. 14.
“Tao Po: Samot-Saring Tao sa Dula” explores the complex stories of characters depicted in stage plays.
Rina Corpus, a University of the Philippines professor, is coming out with a poetry collection titled “She Who Grows Wings.” She will have her book signing on Sept. 13.
The book tackles the intersections of dance and the “girlhood journey.”
Castillo said the fair also highlights the works of returning Thomasian alum writers.
Lourd de Veyra, a journalism alumnus and former Varsitarian Literary editor, will have a meet-and-greet for the second printing of his first novel, “Super Panalo Sounds!” on Sept. 13.
The actress-turned-politician Vilma Santos will appear on the main stage on Sept. 12 for the relaunch of “Vilma Santos, Icon: Essays on Cinema, Culture & Society,” a book of critical essays co-edited by Augusto Antonio Aguila and Varsitarian adviser Joselito Zulueta.
Castillo said the publishing house had distributed free tickets to students to encourage them to attend the event.
“They would be able to find something that will pique their interest, because MIBF is not just books. Marami pang bagay na binebenta do’n,” Castillo said.
The MIBF 2025 will run from Sept. 10 to 14 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. With reports from Frenchshield Shayne G. Delovieres and Djenhard Yreneo Raphael Y. Sapanhila
