The countdown is on! With the 2025 Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) just a few days away, the excitement is at an all-time high. This survival guide will help you master the maze and make the most of this much-awaited event. Mark your calendars for September 10-14, 2025, at the SMX Convention Center Manila, Pasay City.

Here’s a game plan for getting the most out of MIBF 2025:

Plan, plan, plan. Make a priority list of the books you’re planning to buy within your budget. This helps you stay on track while still allowing for a few wonderful, unexpected discoveries.

Know the MIBF map. MIBF spans two massive floors of the SMX! While both levels will feature a mix of booksellers, head to the second floor if you’re looking for more than just books. It’s a creative hub for stationery lovers, artists, and students, featuring booths filled with unique pens, crafting supplies, and essential school materials.

Wear comfy shoes and clothes. You’ll be covering a lot of ground, so wear clothes you can easily move in and your most comfortable pair of shoes. With so many sales and discounts, you’re bound to go home with a heavy load. Bring sturdy tote bags or even a trolley to help you carry your precious book haul.

Be an early bird. Arrive early and beat the biggest crowds, navigate the aisles more freely, and get first dibs on the best deals and limited-stock items.

Catch the special events. The MIBF is more than just a giant marketplace—it’s a community of ideas! Check the schedule for events like author signings, panel discussions with industry experts, and art workshops. Always check publishers’ social media pages for the final schedules!

There are two major launches from Anvil Publishing celebrating influential figures in Philippine history. Be there on September 10 for the launch of Edjop: The Movie, a film based on the life of student activist Edgar Jopson. Then cap off your MIBF experience on September 14 with the special launch of Quezon, the movie chronicling the life of President Manuel L. Quezon.

Go beyond the books and level up your skills! On September 10, join the Tourism and Hospitality Education Summit. Supported by the Department of Tourism (DOT), this landmark event is your chance to hear industry leaders discuss the future of tourism and hospitality.

Then, on September 11, the National Book Development Board presents Ink and Impact. As part of "PBF Goes to MIBF," this event is a must for teachers, DepEd scopers, and procurement officials, offering training and a look at the latest reading remediation tools.

Champion local creators. Discover the richness of Philippine literature and art! Swing by the booths of local powerhouses like Komiket Studios and 19th Avenida Publishing for the hottest releases. The fair is the perfect place to support and interact with our amazing community of local authors and artists.

The Manila International Book Fair is organized by Primetrade Asia, Inc., with support of the National Book Development Board (NBDB), the Book Development Association of the Philippines (BDAP), the Philippine Booksellers Association, Inc. (PBAI), the Asian Catholic Communicators, Inc. (ACCI), the Overseas Publishers Representatives’ Association of the Philippines (OPRAP), the Philippine Educational Publishers Association (PEPA), and its media partners: GMA 7, Inquirer.net, Philippine Daily Inquirer, The Manila Times, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, CETV, and Arkadymac.com.

For more information and updates, visit the Manila International Book Fair website www.manilabookfair.com/ and follow its official Facebook page www.facebook.com/ManilaBookFair.