The MIBF 2011 Loot

Yesterday was the first day of the 32nd Manila International Book Fair at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia, Pasay City. Coinciding with this annual event was the very first Filipino Reader Conference, the brainchild of several Filipino Book Bloggers which included Honey (of Coffeespoons), which event I also attended (albeit an hour late). To be honest, I was there not only to give my support to this event that would promote reading and help foster more friendships among readers and book bloggers alike, but also to cheer on my fellow Goodreads members Aldrin and Chachic, who are on the book bloggers panel, and Jzhun, who replaced Kuya Doni at the last minute, to talk about The Filipino Group at Goodreads.

Even though I arrived late, I truly enjoyed the ReaderCon. Thank God familiar faces were there: Aaron, Celina, Aldrin, Ariel, Mina, Tricia, Kwesi, and even Louize, who arrived with her pretty daughter. All of the speakers were eloquent, articulate and funny, and I had a good chuckle listening to each of their stories. The book bloggers amazed me, especially Sasha (it's the first time I've heard of her, but wow), who was simply too cool to be true. :D Hizon's provided the refreshments, and they delivered, as usual. :)

Thanks for these wonderful bookmarks and stuff from the ReaderCon!

Unfortunately, I didn't have enough time on my hands to finish the ReaderCon; my husband was set to pick me up around 6-ish, and I still needed to scour the stalls and bargain bins (the best part of the MIBF!) so I had to slink away before anyone noticed go.

Despite the many exhibitors and the big discounts offered for their books, I didn't buy anything for myself - a first! I reckoned that I still have soooo many titles on my TBR that to buy more books to add to it is simply impractical. Plus, I'd have to find shelf space for them, too, which I couldn't for the life of me figure out how to do considering the cramped space that is our unit, and my cubicle is just about spilling over with books, as well.

What I did buy, though, are these books from Adarna, which I intend to include in the little girl's loot bags for her birthday this December. These were discounted, from P73 to P55 each, but I got them for only P50 each because I bought 35 pieces:

Please pardon the lighting, won't you? :)

I love these books because the narrative has translations, so it's really an educational and fun book to read. I hope the kids will love it! I'm choosing five of the best stories for my little girl, of course. ;)

And here are some cute freebies, too.

I loved their econo-friendly bag, and the bookmarks, too!

I am hoping to come back before the last day on Sunday, but that will require some serious wheedling cajoling bribing convincing, so that the husband will agree to drive me. Hehe.

Have you visited the MIBF? If you haven't, what are you still waiting for???