Bookworms, are you ready? The annual Manila International Book Fair is back, and readers are sure to descend upon the SMX Convention Center in Manila over the next five days to step into a book lover’s paradise.

The Book Fair, with its twisting aisles full of books, shelves, publishers, and people, can get very overwhelming, especially for first-timers. If you’re going for the first time, here’s a tip: keep an eye out for free tickets being given away by exhibitors at their retail stores or online so you can skip the entrance fee!

So whether you’re a newbie or a veteran, we have five more tips to make your MIBF 2026 visit a little easier:

1. Have a Game Plan

The Manila International Book Fair is a massive gathering for readers, authors, publishers, educators, and more. There are booths from some of the biggest retailers in the country, like Fully Booked and National Book Store, as well as booths featuring small, independent publishers and local authors. It’s easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle, so it’s best to have a game plan before you enter.

Whether you want to hit the big retailers first, which are usually found in the center of the convention floor, or wind your way from right to left, there’s no right or wrong approach. Just make sure you know where you want to start and end so you don’t miss any cool booths or good deals.

Also, plan ahead for food, battery life, and bathroom breaks so you don’t have to disrupt your flow later on.

2. Wear Something Comfortable

There is very limited seating within the convention space, so for most of the time, you’ll be standing, walking, and browsing rows and rows of shelves while maneuvering through other fair attendees. It’s best to choose comfort over style. If you’re wearing uncomfortable shoes, your feet will suffer, and if you’re in an unwieldy outfit, you’re bound to bump into something, or someone, within the tight spaces of the venue.

Now, it is a convention, and people love to dress up for these things. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with dressing up as your favorite book characters, but know that you’ll be squeezing through crowds and booths. Just be aware of your surroundings and avoid being a nuisance to others, or to yourself.

3. Tote Bags are a Must

As a reader, we know you have your collection of tote bags. Bring a couple of your favorites, as there’s a 99% chance you’ll be walking away from the convention with books in tow.

Most stores will have plastic or paper bags, but it’s just much easier to have a tote ready for all your purchases. This also cuts down on extra waste, and you won’t have to struggle with carrying five or six different paper and plastic bags at the end of your visit.

4. Let’s Talk Money

Most booths will allow you to pay digitally or with cash, so don’t worry too much about whether you have enough cash on hand or whether GCash is working. You’ll likely be able to find a way to pay. The important thing when it comes to money, though, is to keep an eye out for discounts.

Take a quick look at who the sellers are beforehand, figure out what books you want, and check if they have a special sale just for MIBF. Many exhibitors are expected to have exclusive deals and discounted book offerings during the fair, so it pays to do a little research before you go. Others may even have special gifts that come with a purchase.

A big tip: If you go late on Sunday, there’s a good chance you’ll find special discounts and clearance deals as the fair comes to a close and sellers look to offload their merchandise.

5. Keep Calm and Carry On

The Book Fair, as mentioned, can get overwhelming quickly. Don’t worry. Everyone is there to have fun, buy books, and read. Keep calm, follow the sway of the crowd, and just make your way to the things you want to do. You’ll get to that booth eventually, and you’ll be able to buy that book you’ve been dreaming about. There’s no need to rush or panic if all you’re doing is looking through the selection.

Things are a little different when it comes to book signings and panel discussions that happen throughout the event, as these are often first come, first served and can become a bit of a time crunch. But even then, it’s best to stay calm and not cause a ruckus.

So whether you’re chasing the latest BookTok sensation, hunting for your next graphic novel, discovering an underrated Filipino author, or sticking to the classics, the Manila International Book Fair has something for readers of all ages, tastes, and genres. The most important thing is to be patient, be courteous, and enjoy your Book Fair experience!

The Manila International Book Fair 2026 is at the SMX Convention Center Manila from September 9 to 13, 2026.

Photo courtesy of Manila International Book Fair.