There are no animals to peer at behind iron bars, nor factory assembly line to watch through glass panels. There are no trails to hike, and no roller coasters to calculate the velocity of. But there is one event that never fails to draw busloads of students on a field trip, and it’s all about books, books, and more books: the Manila International Book Fair.

For various schools, colleges, and universities in Metro Manila and even the provinces, the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) is a once-a-year event that is often calendared in the school year’s activities, as teachers and students alike look forward to a book fair that is bigger and better every year.

As the MIBF celebrates its pearl anniversary in promoting books and reading to the Filipino public, students have more to look forward to in the 30th Manila International Book Fair set on Sept.16-20 at the SMX Convention Center, Seashell Drive, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.

STUDENT ATTRACTIONS

The MIBF showcases the largest and most varied collection of literature. Whether for academic study or leisurely reading, students can explore the biggest collection of books all in one venue - from textbooks, educational supplements, general references, religious and inspirational titles, self-help books, management books, Filipiniana, coffee table books, popular novels, children’s books, art books, graphic novels, rare and hard-to-find titles, magazines, audio and e-books, multimedia, teaching supplies and services, publishers’ technology, and travel materials.

Teachers and school administrators also flock to the book fair to scope out new acquisitions for school libraries, as the event is a good venue to compare offerings from various exhibitors and get the best prices for bulk purchases.

This year, students will be awed by an educational exhibit featuring Tomas Pinpin, courtesy of the diocese of Balanga, Bataan.

The Bataeño Tomas Pinpin, dubbed as “the Prince of Filipino printers” is the first Filipino author in Tagalog and Spanish, the first native Filipino printer by typography, the first Filipino poet in Tagalog and Spanish, and the first Filipino to write a grammar for Tagalogs to learn Spanish.

Showcased in the exhibit are replicas of Pinpin’s book “Librong Pag-aaralan Nang Manga Tagalog Nang Uicang Castilla” (the first book authored and printed by a Filipino) and the first printing press.

The exhibit is mounted in preparation for the book’s 400th anniversary in 2010.

In addition to the exhibit, youngsters can look forward to story-telling sessions, puppet shows, reading-related contests, robotic demonstrations, and picture-taking sessions with exhibitors’ mascots or cosplayers of their favorite book characters.

Classes can also enlist in special seminars and workshops available at the Manila International Book Fair, such as symposia on writing or photojournalism, while the young and old alike can enjoy mini-concerts or meet-and-greet sessions with well-known and up-and-coming authors and illustrators.

The 30th Manila International Book Fair is organized by Primetrade Asia, Inc. For details, call 890-0661 or 896-0682, or e-mail bookfair@primetradeasia.com.