10 Interesting Booths at the 36th Manila International Book Fair

SMX Convention Center , Pasay City – Philippines

Manila International Book Fair or more popularly known as MIBF is the Philippines  longest running international book fair and expo had open its doors to the general public .

Just like the previous events, there are a lot of books that are available to the general public from children’s book, literature, fiction, medical, religious , auto-biography , architecture, textbooks, to graphic novels, trivia and e-books.

The event started with a morning mass and ribbon cutting ceremony .

 Some of the Interesting Booths at the Book Fair

sales personnel

10.) Summit Media – The booth is very stylish and used old wooden cart panels to create a rustic look.

Website: http://www.summitmedia.com.ph/

doodle art with succulent plants

One Night Stan

Well-known Chinoy book author ,comic illustrator and comedian Mr. Stanley Chi will be having a book signing autograph session this coming sunday -September 20 at around 4:00PM

9.) Abiva – Colorful , Comical , Fun and Exciting- I saw several students posing and taking photos at their booth . The company is one of the largest textbook publisher . Some of the children’s book are priced at Php 30.00

Website: http://www.abiva.com.ph/home

8.) DATA Science and Technology Corporation– It is one of the company that specializes in robotics and focuses on science and technology . I was invited last year in a press presentation conducted by DATA Science and Technology which is  one of the sponsors of the robotic Olympiad held in China .

7.) Magnavision-The booth sells a lot of educational tapes and instructional videos

6. ) Adarna Publishing- The booth showcased a carnival-like theme with balloons . The booth appeals to kids, teenagers and great bargain sale.

There was an autograph signing session with Mr. Edson Cabalfin and Ms. Asa Montenejo

The book is very colorful and appeal to kids and teenagers- What Kids Should Know about Philippine Architecture– The handy book is being sold at Php90.00 at the booth.

Website: https://adarnahouse.wordpress.com/

5.) International book publishers– I saw several international book publisher from Taiwan, China, Malaysia at the trade show .

KotaBuku

I saw a book publisher from Malaysia and it is their first time to join the MIBF . Address: 24, Maju Tower,1001, Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250, Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia

Office: +603-2630-6882 (1025) Fax:+603-2630 6889 Mobile: +6013-294-0901

Contact Persons: Mr. Hasri Hasan -Senior Manager or Mr. Muhammad Fakhruddin Arrazi B. Misni ( DEAN) -Trade Executive

Website: http://kotabuku.my/

4.) Viva Psicom Publishing Company – This is one of the more popular booth among kids, teenagers and young adults . The sales staff had fancy hats which attracts passers-by . They also got big sale , autograph signing opportunities and photo opportunity for their customers.

Some of the bargain books are selling 3 for Php 100 , Php 50 , Php 75 and Php 100  ideal for early Christmas giveaways . I got several books at bargain prices – Chopstick -Hopia Like It part 3 by Mr. Stanley Chi is selling for only Php 50.00 per book ! The booth also gave away interested Freebies item such as key chains and note pads.

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/psicompublishing

Website: http://psicom.ocnk.biz/

Mr. Jose R. Cabaltera- Bookstore Manager

3.) Far Eastern University Bookstore and Publishing– This is the first time that Far Eastern University is participating at the MIBF.

Hard to find books and award winning books can be bought during the fair .

For orders and inquiries:

Landline: (+632) 735-5621 loc.388 or 368 Telefax: (+632) 735-0232 Mobile: +63-0917-881-1069

Email: jcabaltera@feu.edu.ph

Website: http://www.feu.edu.ph/

Ateneo de Manila University Press

UST Publishing, Ateneo de Manila University Press , University of the Philippines, Komisyong ng Wikang Filipino and National Historical Commission of the Philippines , NBDB are also represented in the fair.

Skoolbo booth

2.) Skoolbo – “Skoolbo is a great new site to help with reading, maths and learning languages.

Children are immersed in an incredible learning world and are highly motivated by the inbuilt rewards. Parents and schools are equipped with an array of tools to help achieve wonderful educational outcomes for their children. And best of all – it’s free!”

“Skoolbo Core Skills”, a literacy and numeracy program designed for children ages 4 to 10, takes them into a journey through 3-dimensional worlds to master their reading and math skills. The game also includes a dashboard interface for parents and teachers, allowing them to guide and interact with the kids as they progress through the game’s levels.

Skoolbo is produced by an international team of educators and developers committed to creating platforms that facilitate and dramatically improve children’s way of learning.

The network had grown to more than 10 countries and at the bookfair , The company partnered with Vibal Publishing company . There is a free collectible card game in which visitors must find 8 cards which revolve around a story . After finishing the task , One can sign-up for a raffle draw of limited edition Manny Pacquiao hand gloves.

Website: http://www.skoolbo.ph/

The Philippine counterpart will soon open a 1,700 square meter facility this coming November at Santa Rosa , Laguna.

Please visit these links for more information :
www.Instagram.com/SkoolboPH
www.Twitter.com/SkoolboPH
www.fb.com/SkoolboPH

1.) Rex Publishing House– The company top the list of MUST visited booth at the 36th MIBF . Their exhibit / selling area is well-lighted and exhibits items have proper caption.

Malangan Mask from New Ireland ,Papua New Guinea

The company exhibited different face masked from Papua New Guinea, Tanimbar Island, Indonesia , Marquesas Island,  Solomon islands , Australia and the Philippines.

Rex Publishing House exhibit

Rex Publishing House : http://www.rexpublishing.com.ph/

Manila International Book Fair : http://www.manilabookfair.com/

Note: For those planning to visit the 36th Manila International Bookfair , Try to visit as early as possible to avoid the crowd queuing for lines and payment at the cashier . There is also a minimal entrance fees of Php 20 general public and Php 15 for librarians, student and senior citizens with valid ID’s . There are some exhibitors, publishers , bookstores which allotted complimentary tickets – Bookfair is until this sunday September 20, 2015

Venue place is at SMX Convention Center which is beside SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City .

Men are from Q.C. Women Are from Alabang book launching with Mr. Stanley Chi

National Bookstore, EDSA Shangri-La branch , Madaluyong City -Philippines

Mr. Ross Del Rosario together with Mr. Stanley Chi

Book Launching Program

We took a short jeepney ride from Ortigas Library to EDSA Shangrila and arrived shortly after 2:00PM.

We were given an opportunity to witness the book launching and autograph signing of the well known –Filipino -Chinese stand-up comedian, TV/ Event host, commercial endorser ,  illustrator and book author. He is the co-host of TV5’s Front Act. Best known for his Manila Bulletin-based comic-strip, “Chopsticks.” Chi has gained an underground cult following because of his unique comedic chops. He was a semi-finalist on the radio reality show, LOL (Laugh Out Loud) sponsored by AM station DZMM

Mr. Stanley Chi is also known for his humor and as Mr. Suplado. He personally greeted all the people , customers, staffs and passers-by at his book launching. I have met him on several occasions from Comic Convention , Toy Convention, Book Fairs .

 His newest book : Men are from QC, Women are from Alabang, your guide to understanding THE OPPOSITE SEX

Mr. Chis’  no nonsense guide and collection of hilarious wisdom about our culture, society, humor , pick-up lines and quotable- quotes are the latest of his over a half a dozen known book titles tucked  to his wealth of knowledge in our Filipino Pop Culture.

The book is available in all National Bookstore branches nationwide for only P175 just like the price of your  favorite snacks !!!!!! During the grand book launch, All customers at NBS EDSA- Shangrila that have bought Mr. Stanley Chi were given a raffle stub .

Mr. Chris Lina

Mr. Chris Lina started the program by performing a few tricks

Ms. China Roces and Mr. Justin Pinon demonstrated some Mind Reading Tricks 

Mr. Justin Pinon is known as Magic Bagsik, Mentalist, Mental Assassin for a number of reasons, His ability to read someone’s mind is amazing. He had some regular television shows at  Kapatid TV channel 5.

Street Beauties- Ms. Julia Varga, Ms. Eva Ayala and Ms.  China Roces  add some spice to the event by participating in some games and banana eating contest together with some male participants randomly picked from the audience .

Street Beauties : https://www.facebook.com/StreetBeauties

Unisilver watch

Mr. Giancarlo DG Guevarra ( R& D and Marketing ) together with Mr. Stanley Chi

UniSilver raffled -off some unique items during the short program, limited edition mugs, gift certificate and planner.

Unisilver: http://www.unisilver.net/jewelry/home.php

L-R Papa Dan of Barangay 97.1 LS  FM , host and book author , Ms. Joyce Ching ( actress and commercial endorser -GMA Kapuso channel 7) unidentified  male  winner of the raffle and Mr. Stanley Chi

RoyQueen  also raffled-off  an Android 4.2 Jelly Bean which is worth Php 9,990.00

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/RoyqueenAndroidTablets

Papa Dan of Barangay  91. 1 LS FM

Papa Dan also had his book entitled ” Single but never Alone” also available in all National Bookstore .

long line of eager  book lovers and fans

Note: I also purchase a book during the launching with the intention of giving them away this Christmas .  I earn a raffle stub and won 3 more Mr. Stanley Chi’s books – Suplado , Suplado 2 and Pogi Points. Yippe !!

Plus I think i left 2 more Suplado books at the Psicom office  which i bought  a day before the book launching  ( for autograph)  at the Manila International Book Fair some 2 years ago….  So to my book lover friends , Don’t you worry !!!!  I will just pick them at the Psicom office.

Thanks to Mr. Stanley Chi, Wazzup Pilipinas ,  Psicom Publishing and National Bookstore !!!!

Psicom Publishing: http://www.psicompublishing.com/zen/

Stanley Chi : http://www.stanleychi.net/

5th Komikon Tales

The staging of the Komikon festival in SM Megamall, Mandaluyong on October 18 was successful. More than 10,000 people trooped to the convention area just to mingle with over 100 comic artists, publishers, writers, enthusiasts, collectors and sponsors.

charity auction for victims of Typhoon Ketsana and Typhoon Parma

There was a comic auction where proceeds of the said event was donated to the victims of Typhoon Ketsana ( Ondoy) and Typhoon Parma ( Pepeng) The combined proceeds amounted to over Php10,000 .

on the spot  caricature contest winners

Contests like the Independent Comic Book Creation Contest, On the Spot Comic Strip Making and the Original Character Making Contest hopes to bring out the next generation of Comic Book creators to the forefront. Various comic works by the legend Mr. Alfredo Alcala, Mr. Larry Alcala (cartoonist), Tony Velasquez, Mars Ravelo, Pablo Gomez, among others were displayed on a gallery type setting. Friendly marshals, staffs and the secretariat offered help and assistance to the people visiting the convention site. Unlike other event, this convention caters to the teenagers, generations x, y,z , the yuppies  and young professionals who were avid fans of the comic industry.

This convention aims to promote the camaraderie and to foster the artistic nature of the Filipino comic industry. While the comic industry of the Philippines may date as far as the early 20^th century with popular Filipino comic heroes such as Kenkoy , Kalabog en Bosyo , Larry Alcala works , Darna, Panday , Gagambino were turned into movies and depicted on stamps , let us not forget that hundreds or even thousands of Filipino cartoonists from all over the world working for the top anime or comic companies such as Marvel, Disney- Pixar Thus Filipinos are ranked as one of the “World’s Top Cartoonist”. FilCartoon , Philippine Animation Studio Inc. were some of the foreign based companies which set up their outsourcing jobs in the country. FilCartoons, for example, does work on Flintstones, Mad Jack the Pirate and Toonsylvania, cartoon shows for the American firms Saban and Dreamworks SKG.  Their artists have done much of the acclaimed work in Fox Studios’ Anastasia and Disney’s Mulan, Finding Nemo among others. Cartoonists find affinity with their fellow nationals doing multinational and overseas contract work.

They are hired because of their pleasing personalities, command of the English language, high skills, western disposition, and their acceptance of lower salaries than their counterparts. However, Just like in any industry, there are pitfalls in the Philippine comic industry examples are  lack of government support, high production cost among others.

Love in the Bag comics

ASEAN countries like Thailand and Malaysia minimum volume of comic print over 5,000 per issue , while one artist publisher Mr. Ace Vitangcol revealed to me that his orginal work ” Love is in the Bag ” series have about 1,000 copies!!!!! In the comic and book publishing industry 1,000 copies is indeed a very limited series…. a collectible item !

Mr. Mike Unson

I personally met the dynamic duo host Mr. Mike Unson and Mr. Stanley Chi in Philippine prime time comedy skit ” Front Act ”  which is beingaired every sunday on TV channel 5 .  The show is one of the  event media partners together with Jack television .  Mr. Mike Unson is a stand up comedian, actor, comic collector among others while Mr. Stanley Chi is the producer, host, comic artist, graphic master etc…

Mr. Stanley Chi

Mr. Chi is well-known in the Tsinoy community as a comic illustrator and was once featured in Tulay Forthnightly Digest a bi-monthly digest and Manila Bulletin among others . The friendly hosts gladly took some time in chatting  with me despite of their hectic schedule. Kudos for the organizers , sympathizers and to all the people who went and support the Komikon 2009 !!!! With this , everyone is hoping for the best in the Philippine comic industry !!!