MANILA, Philippines – The literary scene is set to buzz as the 30th Manila International Book Fair, the country’s paramount event for the book industry, celebrates the written word from Sept. 16 to 20 at SMX Convention Center, SM Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.
Andrew Matthews, inspirational speaker, cartoonist and author of publishing phenomenon Being Happy is slated to give a talk on Sept. 18 at the stage area, courtesy of National Book Store. Matthews’ books Being Happy, Follow Your Heart and Happiness Now are published in 35 languages in 60 countries, and have sold over 6 million copies worldwide. His new book Happiness in Hard Times is set to launch in October.
Philippine literary greats are also set to appear at the MIBF. The Philippine PEN (Poets, Playwrights, Essayists, Novelists) holds a series entitled “Dialogue with the Writers” at the business lounge, from 5 to 7 p.m.
The series features Charlson Ong and Ronald Baytan (Sept. 16); Butch Dalisay and Victor Torres (Sept. 17); Bienvenido Lumbera and Elmer Ordoñez (Sept. 18); and Marjorie Evasco and Nicolas Pichay (Sept. 19).
The Philippine PEN is a member of the International PEN, which has branches in 150 countries in the world. National Artist for Literature F. Sionil Jose founded the organization in 1958.
On Sept. 17, 6:30 to 7:30 pm, at the stage area, the Book Development Association of the Philippines (BDAP) also presents “Isang Pagtatanghal ng Balagtasan” featuring Teo T. Antonio, Michael M. Coroza, and Vim Nadera.
MIBF is organized by Primetrade Asia, Inc. in partnership with Asian Catholic Communicators, Inc., Book Development Association of the Philippines, Philippine Booksellers Association, Inc., and Publishers Representatives Organization of the Philippines.