In a corner of a classroom, a young student finds himself looking through a bookshelf. He has already read most of what it has to offer. Bored of going over the recommended readings for his age again, the student starts to look into titles meant for older pupils. Classics like War and Peace, Moby Dick, and a collection of poetry by Edgar Allan Poe. Slowly, he loses himself in the worlds left behind by various authors from a different time. As he reads each afternoon, he is unaware his English teacher has been keeping a watchful eye on him. Once the student has cleared the shelf, the teacher feels it is time to approach.

“Dear child, I have seen how fast you have gone through these books. You’re quite the reader, aren’t you?” Surprised by the sudden approach, he simply nods, unsure how to respond. “I take it you’ve finally cleared out the shelf? Impressive for someone your age. Tell me, I’ve been presented an opportunity I wish to share with you. Have you ever heard of the Manila International Book Fair? I’m on my way there.”

The student seems perplexed, cautious with his reaction.

Hoping to gain his trust, the teacher simply smiles and continues on. “Well, it’s a wonderland of books, all sorts of stories you could possibly imagine. It’s taking place at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, beginning Sept. 11 to Sept. 15.”

“Why are you telling me this, ma’am?” the student hesitates.

The teacher’s eyes brighten. “I’ve seen your interest in reading. I’d like to give show you a thousand more new books to read, plus if you like any enough to buy it, I have a discount as a teacher that I can share with you.”

Excited, the student jumps for joy. “But what is there to read?” he asks.

“Countless things come to mind, perhaps you’ll like award-winning titles from Filipino authors. I see you’ve been reading Western classics, but our Filipino authors have a great deal to offer to a reader like you. At the book fair, they call it MIBF for short, there will be award ceremonies to champion these Filipino authors... I myself am excited for a few talks lined up for us teachers, such as one on building support systems for you kids from mental health advocate Amelia De-Chavez. A comic workshop, Kawangis Komiks, is also giving a visual workshop so we can use illustrations to help teach better. And there’s that forum by the Council for People’s Development and Governance, which should interest teachers who work with Indigenous folk... But I can see I’ve nerded out enough.” Although the teacher has been citing programs meant for teachers, the child displays a sense of excitement. “May I come with you ma’am?” he asks.

“Why, of course, let’s embark on this literary adventure together!”

The two exit the classroom, planning their trip to the MIBF in a few days.

Manila International Book Fair runs from Sept. 11 to 15 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.