musings_and_writings

This is the first time I attended the Manila International Book Fair (MBIF) at the SMX Convention Center in Mall of Asia (MOA). I had so casually asked my sister over the phone if she would like to accompany me to this event, telling her about the good-priced books that she can give to her friends and inaanaks for christmas, all the while keeping my fingers crossed. Good thing she immediately agreed because I do not know how else I will be able to bring home the books I was planning to hoard.

So come Saturday, September 19, 2009, we drive our way to MOA and made a beeline to the SMX bookfair hall (we made a detour pala to pay for an entrance ticket worth Php20.00 each ). Once inside, I did not know what to do. I was rooted on the spot, taking in all the stalls overflowing with books. It was book haven for me! We just milled around for awhile not really taking in any of the book titles, just feeling the surrounding and getting buzzed up with other book shoppers. My sister suggested we eat first so we'll have the energy to last our hoarding. After a bowl of hot congee and yummy spaghetti, we were ready to roll.

 Our first stop was the stall of OMF Literature. All of the books there only cost Php99.00 each! And here is my loot:

                                        (The Experience, 365 Daily Devotions)

                                     (Voices of The Faithful by  Beth Moore)  

                                           (Basta Love Life by Kuya Kevin)

                 (and lastly, a mysterious item you don't have a business with :cool:)

Entirely happy with my purchases, i dragged my ate away from her hoarding and reminded her that we still have a lot of ground to cover.  We milled at various stores for a while but not really buying anything. Then we stumbled upon the Bookmark stall. It was such a rich source of Filipinia materials from Philippine cookbooks to photobooks showcasing Philippines exquisite places and traditions, to storybooks of Philippine folklores.  Plus, they have bargain bins! After rummaging through them, i found these lovelies:

        (From L to R: The Marcos File @ Php10; Seven Rules for Writers @ Php20;   

                                         Hongkong PostScript @ Php10)

Then we're off to National Bookstore. I think it has the biggest stall there. It came as no surprise considering it is the leading bookstore in the country.

(A quick shot @ National Bookstore amidst people's backs :lol:)

I saw fellow shelfarian Blooey there, taking pictures of Suzanne Collins' books, The Hunger Games and Catching Fire. If you buy these books there, you have  the chance to throw a dart and if it landed on bull's eye, you'll get a prize. Too bad, i already have my copy of these books. (nice meeting you there, Blooey :))

I picked these books instead:

                (The Complete Illustrated Works of The Brothers Grimm @ Php429)

                             (The Third Witch by Rebecca Reisert @ Php75)

By this time my ate and I are having difficulty carrying the books we have bought and we decided to have a go at one more stall, the Learning is Fun stall. Alas, this is where i have spent my moolah the most and here are my book brags:

                 (Michael Jackson, The Man in The Mirror 1958-2009 @ Php495)

      (inside Michael Jackson, The Man in The Mirror)

   (1000 Stories and Rhymes, A wonderful collection of stories, rhymes and songs to share @ Php995)  

                            (The Secret Garden and A Little Princess @ Php100)

                (The Scarlet Letter and The House of The Seven Gables @Php100)

  and:

                              (Barney Let's Go To The Library for FREE!! :lol:)

With our book loads a lot heavier and our pockets considerably lighter, we decided to call it a day. There are a couple of books I regret not buying but my budget was already stretched to the limit. Sigh.  Two things I'm sure: One, I will be saving the entire year for the next MBIF in 2010 and two, with a bagful of books, I definitely went home a happy kid!