The Manila International Book Fair’s (MIBF) return for its 45th edition this year came with an unlikely plot twist.

Aside from advertising works and merchandise, exhibitors also prepared collaborative and engaging activities such as book signings and awards, storytelling, writing and art workshops, and seminars with authors.

It was the book signings that went through a story arc. Two months ago, Primetrade Asia, MIBF’s organizer, imposed a new guideline for book signings, which prohibited exhibitors from conducting a book signing session if they reserved less than 15 booths for the event.

The policy was heavily criticized by exhibitors. The Indie Publishers Collab PH, for example, said that an exhibition stand measuring three by three meters costs 74,000 pesos, excluding value added tax. They called the requirement unfair, especially for smaller outfits who cannot afford bigger booths.

Due to the furor stirred by the policy, Primetrade Asia eventually backtracked.

Despite this, the MIBF is still expected to be a hit this year. But why are book fairs still relevant in this digital age?

A trade show

The MIBF is, simply put, a trade show or an exhibition, which specifically caters to the publishing, education, and creative industries. It is a marketplace where business happens, and an outlet for both establishedh and rising writers and publishers to be recognized.

UST Department of Creative Writing Chair and writer Assoc. Prof. Joselito D. Delos Reyes said that the book fair offers independent writers and publishers opportunities to show and sell their works but it comes at a cost.

“Hindi ka naman pupunta doon para ‘oh magbebenta ako.’ You need to pay for the space at mahal kaya nagtutulong-tulong ang mga independent writers,” he explained.

He added that the fair allows readers to meet authors, witness like-minded people buying books, and socialize.

“Madami kang makakahalubilo, marami kang makikilala, mga kasama mo pwedeng mamasyal, walang pinipiling kung saang university ka galing, o kung hindi ka nag-aaral. Kaya meron pa ring puwang ito sa ating capitalist society,” Delos Reyes said.

The creative writing professor also said that there is satisfaction in collecting books as bookworms get to feel the romance of reading and owning an author’s work.

“Magandang mangolekta ng libro kasi, for one, dinadala mo tapos mababasa mo, nararamdaman mo yung actual reading, so baka yun ang halina, na hindi siya gadget,” he pointed out.

The 2023 National Readership Survey (NRS) reported that 74% of the respondents still preferred paperback books as reading materials.

However, the percentage of people reading for leisure fell to 42 percent from 54 percent. Asked why, the respondents said they find it challenging to make time for reading and some perceive other recreational activities as more amusing.

Delos Reyes suggested creating more engaging content on the internet and social media to reignite people’s interest in reading.

“Engage the readers real time. Halimbawa kapag may nagsabi sayo na ‘hindi ko gusto,’ engage him, kapag nagsabi na nagustuhan, magpasalamat,” he recommended.

Literature awakens everything

In the midst of uncertainty, some people find enlightenment and solace in literature. Reading has been a gateway not just for leisure and revitalizing sensations but also for an individual to experience a cycle of continual learning.

Mary Joy Arriola, a third-year accountancy student, said that the book fair rekindles her passion for books as she gets to recognize several authors and explore various genres of books.

“Na-eenjoy kong ikutin lahat ng booths and tignan kung ano man yung ni-release nila. Kahit wala akong idea sa laman nung mga pinublish nila, parang natutuwa ako kapag nae-explore ko yung iba’t-ibang libro na nakikita ko, fiction man or biography or kahit anong klaseng libro," she explained.

Arriola said that Jonaxx, a Summit Media author and the head of her own Majesty Press imprint, was the initial reason why she always wanted to attend the event, which led her to discover other writers and get closer to literature and book trades.

“Madami ka ring makikilang tao at manunulat habang nandoon ka. Like, hanggang ngayon, kilala mo siya kasi nakita mo siya noong book fair,” she said.

In the fete, some authors and publishing houses organized book signings, giving patrons a chance to meet and connect with writers.

Arriola said she looks forward to buying physical books as they offer her rare intimacy, which is different from her encounter with online reading.

“Kahit parang nabasa mo na siya before, tapos babasahin mo siya ulit [as a] physical book, parang first time mo siyang nabasa ulit,” she said.