The Manila International Book Fair is officially open!

Let’s get lit!

The Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) officially opened its doors at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on September 14, Thursday.

Among those who graced the ribbon-cutting ceremony were National Artists for Literature and authors Ricky Lee, Virgilio S. Almario, and Gemino Abad, and Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach.

Two meet-and-greets are set to happen Thursday at the venue’s stage area: Ricky Lee at 1:30pm and Pia Wurztbach at 6pm to launch her debut book "Queen of the Universe."

Among the much-awaited activities is the panel discussion on Friday, September 15,  “Getting the Dream: How These Homegrown Filipino Authors Got Published by the Largest US Publishers."  

It features Filipina authors Mae Coyiuto (“Chloe and the Kaishao Boys”); Gail Villanueva (“My Fate According to the Butterfly;” “Sugar and Spite;” “Lulu Sinagtala;” “Writing in Color”); Caris Avendaño Cruz (“Marikit and the Ocean of Stars”); and Thea Guanzon (“The Hurricane Wars;” “Star Wars Return of the Jedi: From a Certain Point of View”) to talk about their experience being published by top US publishers.

Tarantadong Kalbo, or comic creator Kevin Eric Raymundo will present “Happy Birthday Baby TK” or the Baby TK comics, which feature humorous vignettes of growing up in the ‘90s on September 15 at 6 p.m.

On Saturday, September 16, meanwhile, Kim Soo Hyun, author of bestselling titles “I Decided to Live as Me” and “Being Comfortable Without Effort,” will have a talk and book signing event.

More book signings, poetry readings, and talks are scheduled until September 17. The full schedule is up on the MIBF social media pages and on manilabookfair.com.

The MIBF is the Philippines’ longest-running and largest book fair. For over 40 years, MIBF showcases the largest and most comprehensive collection of books, magazines, comics, educational aids, and allied materials.

It is also a venue for the public to see authors, illustrators, and comics artists, and get books signed and dedicated.

The MIBF runs until September 17. — LA, GMA Integrated News