Manila International Book Fair showcases ‘Indie Village’

The Manila International Book Fair is about to happen from September 15 to 18, 2022 at the SMX Convention Center Manila. 

Discerning Pinoy bookworms will ultimately find their way to the offerings of independent book publishers at this year’s fair. The MIBF gathers the country’s independent publishers in one pavilion as the country’s premier book event returns to an onsite format (with hybrid components).

Independent publishers

This year’s book fair isn’t the first time to house independent, though, it’s the first to have them in a dedicated showcase. This is a timely offering as exciting titles in the past two years have been released from independent publishers. Included in the lineup are Charlson Ong’s White Lady, Black Christ (Milflores), Trese comics series. There are also Eliza Victoria’s 17 Prayers to the Many-eyed Mother (Avenida), Nick Joaquin’s Rizal in Saga, Emmanuel Barrameda’s Balaguer and Maqueda by Nap I. Arcilla III (Balangay).  

On the other hand, the publishers showcased at the Indie Village are Avenida, Everything’s Fine, and Milflores. Also included are ABC Educational, Komikon, and The Independent Publishers-Collab (TIP-C).

Indie publishers are qualified as MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises). This is defined in the Magna Carta for MSMEs as small businesses with total assets between P3M-P15M. Though small, indies showcase an exciting selection of published titles as they can move quicker in deciding which titles to come out with and have the freedom to experiment and redefine rules or accepted norms. Given their diverse interests and network, they can pick up many titles that would not necessarily be on the radar of mainstream and traditional publishers. And because they are not always in the usual bookstores, they are more visible in non-traditional sales avenues, such as the once-a-year Manila International Book Fair.

The Indie Village

The Indie Village showcasing the best of Philippine Independent Publishing is a good way to attract those pandemic-deprived bookworms raring to go book shopping. Many are also likely to visit the book fair because they are excited to meet authors and like-minded readers at the fair and get their books signed.

The MIBF remains the country’s most extensive and longest-running book fair, with over a hundred exhibitors. Primetrade Asia, Inc. organizes the event with the support of the Asian Catholic Communicators Inc. Also supporting the event are Book Development Association of the Philippines, the Philippine Booksellers Association, Inc., and the Overseas Publishers Association of the Philippines. 

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