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SMX Convention Center Manila will once again open its doors to Filipino book lovers this coming September 11 to 15 with the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) going full throttle.

We know that finalizing that reading list is only bound to get harder. It’s easy to get overwhelmed at MIBF when they have everything from resonant poetry to crisp-lined comics and ever-so-rousing classics.

An unrefined book roster can go on forever! Fret not, however. We have listed down some of our favorite new titles that you can grab at MIBF!

Published by Ateneo University Press

The story woven by Ateneo professor Ines Bautista-Yao follows the journey of helpless college student Natividad “Nat” Torres as she navigates through the complicated webs of love, self-doubt, and personal growth.

This spellbound young adult story of love and hope is written to transfix readers of all ages. Yao skillfully entwines Nat’s experiences with that of her grandmother’s sister, as she discovers them through a series of love letters written during the war.

There are endless ways to explore love and hope.

Following his success with the renowned ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ series, Kevin Kwan once again dabbles in the luxurious lives of Asia Elites with his new story “Lies and Weddings,” a romantic comedy-drama that’s sure to energize any reading list that it is on! The story circles the financial, romantic, and familial woes of the young Rufus Leung Gresha, heir to the earldom of Gresham. Rufus’ attempts to save the royal bloodline led him to a comedic path of trying to find his bride amongst the daughters of sultans, barons, politicians, and oligarchs.

Another world-recognized writer gracing the shelves of MIBF is Heather Fawcett with the much-awaited sequel to her fantasy novel series, Emily Wilde. “Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands” continues on the adventures of the eponymous main character Emily and the faerie king Wendell Bambleby.

Fun and riveting, Fawcett enchants her audience anew with her clever writing and world-building skills.

The most recognizable body of work written by Palanca-winning poet Edgar Calabia Samar turned 10 years old this year!

Originally published in 2014, “Janus Silang at ang Tiyanak ng Tabon” went on to birth two sequels within three years before it was adapted into the theatrical format by Tanghalang Ateneo in February of 2017.
The engaging plot begins with the bizarre deaths of Janus’ friend and their four other opponents in the online RPG game called the Terra Anima Legion of Anitos (TALA). Succeeding chapters then follow Janus in his reluctant quest to uncover what has happened to the victims.

Unknowingly setting the standard for local YA literature, Samar integrated fantasy, mythology, gaming, and online culture into one promising premise without sacrificing appeal.

This anniversary reprint is a testament to the decade-long triumph and legacy of Samar’s novel.

Published by Adarna House Inc.

While YA remains a sparse genre in the Philippines, children’s literature is an ever-growing industry characterized by increasingly progressive topics.
Alanna Michelle Escudero’s new picture book with Adarna House is a continuation of this upward trend.
Inspired by the memories of her late grandmother Conchita Cua Bernardo, the book dives immersively into Chinese culture, as the main character watches her amah (“grandma”) cook for their ancestors.

The story is brought to life with illustrations from artist Bru Sim and made accessible by English, Filipino, and Chinese translations.

Also based on a real story is the memoir of pop culture icon RuPaul, commonly known as the Queen of Drag.
Publisher Harper Collins describes the book as “a deeply intimate memoir of discovery, found family, and self-acceptance […] a self-portrait of the legendary icon on the road to global fame and changing the way the world thinks about drag.”

Queer stories continue to send ripples across the world, inspiring people of different nationalities, sexualities, and social class unified only by the similar struggles.

Published by the University of the Philippines Press

Miriam Coronel-Ferrer’s new book narrates her first-hand account of the events leading up to the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. As the lead negotiator of the deal, Ferrer delves deep into her relationship with politics, peace, bureaucracy and identity.
On the heels of recent developments in the outskirts of our country, Ferrer’s gripping real-life story can be an insightful addition to the reading lists of those interested in discussion of peace, inclusion, and political integrity.

Learn more about the longest-running book fair in the Philippines here.