My First MIBF Experience + Haul

The Manila International Book Fair is big event held annually, especially for bibliophiles and the like. And last September 20, 2014, I was able to go.

It was held at the SMX Convention Center and given that it was my first time to be there as well, I wouldn't deny that I was surprised at how huge and jampacked the place is with all the booths and yes, I got a bit overwhelmed too.

My sister and I roamed the academic, religious, etc. booths first, saving the bests for last, of course: Fullybooked and National Book Store.

We spent who knows how long looking at bookshelves and pretty covers. And me gasping and eyes widening at all the titles that I just can't find at my usual bookstores.

When my sister said that she's paying for me, my arms went to work at once. Sometimes I forgot the budget limit (not a rich kid here) and I had to struggle juggling books while calculating prices.

I ended up with 5 paperbacks in total.

(stuck with home pictures. regretfully, did not have the proper equipment for post-worthy photos.)

My sister and I separated at some point. She's not as avid with reading as I was. We have to admit that the way bibliophiles go book shopping differs greatly with the not-so-bookish people.

We met up again with me, carrying 2 books to buy and a paperbag with 3 already bought, and her, still looking. (See?) We paid for mine only within a few minutes, which is unusually fast given the situation. So, I really commend Fullybooked and NBS for that.

Afterwards, we went hunting for Eleanor and Park, the one book my sister has for her "wishlist" that was recommended by a friend. We had to cross pretty much the entire span of the floor because Fullybooked decided to be directly across NBS (where we are), hugging books and saying "excuse me's" more times than I could count. (If I would earn P10 with every "excuse me", I'd buy myself some DQ Blizzard.)

By that time, my arms, legs, and even neck (I was small, I had to look up - and tip toe - a lot to peer through people and read banners) were burning and I was starving that I pretty much suggested to buy every book that my sister did a double take on. When we finally found the table stacked - and when I say stacked, I meant stacked - with Eleanor & Park, a bit of convincing had to happen between E&P and Fangirl.

We left MIBF soon after that and yes, I was a bit sad, but still, I was partially satisfied (you can never have enough books) and incredibly grateful. And tired.

The rest of September 20 was spent commuting lots, carrying books even more, and eating even more, even more sugar (which I am regretting right now *cough cough*).

It was one of the best birthday gifts I've ever been given. A huge thanks to my big sister for that! And next year, I'm hoping to go once again - with my SLR this time - and hopefully, meet some book bloggers.