Today was fun as I spent my morning and afternoon at the Manila International Book Fair. It is my annual event, no matter what my economic status is. Now that I am unemployed, I only bought Shepherd's Voice books and 2018 Didaches for me and A. I still enjoyed my day because I LOVE being surrounded by fellow bibliophiles. The energy was just positive and it gives me a renewed belief in the power of the written word to unite people from all walks of life. If you are in a budget like me, read my survival tips below:
1. Ask for a map (from the secretariat booth) of the exhibitors and bookstores you plan to visit in the book fair. That way, you get to economize time and you will know where to go!
2. Make a shopping list of books and stick to it.
3. Bring your own eco bag. If you have a limited budget, just bring one small eco bag like I did. I already pre-filled half of that eco bag with a shawl and a bottle of water, which will help you survive the air conditioned SMX Convention Center. You will need the water. Trust me.
4. Albergus has catered meals within the venue. Prices for the set meals are P150 and P200. I got the P200 meal, which has two viands. It was really good and I always eat at Albergus because it is one of the reasons that make the book fair worth attending even if I live in QC.
5. If you want to go for the book signings, consult the schedule which can be found at the Secretariat booth.
6. CoCo Milk Tea now has a branch at SMX. It is still my favorite milk tea brand and they are still the most reasonably-priced Taiwanese franchise for me. Do check them out. My favorite is the large CoCo milk tea without pearls.
7. Lastly, if you intend to go back to the book fair within the day, do have your wrist stamped by the guard so you will be granted re-entry.
MIBF continues to be an amazing event for book lovers and I cannot wait to attend next year's edition! I am sure you will not regret attending it too. Hopefully, I will have more budget next year so I can buy more books!