Everything You Need to Know About Manila International Book Fair 2026
Courtesy of Manila International Book Fair
More than a book sale, the annual fair brings together publishers, educators, authors, and readers under one roof.
Books bring you to places, literally and figuratively. With holiday festivities just around the corner, there’s no better time to replenish your reading list. This September, the Manila International Book Fair returns for a five-day celebration of books, authors, and the world of reading.
Organized by Primetrade Asia, MIBF‘s theme is “Get Lit: Reading in a New Light” and opens to the public from September 9 to 13, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center Manila in Pasay City. On opening day, the Book Development Association of the Philippines (BDAP) will host the Gintong Aklat Awards from 4:30 P.M. to 8 P.M., recognizing excellence in local book design, production, and literary quality. Also returning is the School World segment, where educators, academic leaders, and students can access the latest educational technologies and learning materials.
Among the standout names headlining this year’s MIBF are chart-topping Ben&Ben frontmen Miguel and Paolo Guico, food historian Felice Prudente Sta. Maria, veteran broadcast journalists Howie Severino and Lourd de Veyra, media personality and talent manager Noel Ferrer, and travel content creator Kach Medina Umandap.
Book interest can go beyond just the pages. Aside from the book discounts at a fair of this scale, there will also be author signings, interactive showcases from top local and international publishers, and talks. This year, familiar giant retail spaces and flagship booths include Fully Booked and National Book Store, as well as 19th Avenida Publishing House, Abiva Publishing House, Adarna House, Anvil Publishing, and Ateneo de Manila University Press.
If you’re someone who leans into pop culture and contemporary fiction, collections from Comic Odyssey, Komiket Studios, Precious Pages, Psicom Publishing, and Summit Publishing are also included.
Meanwhile, for academics interested in the international literary scene and specialty publications, major players and organizations like Alkem & Penguin Random House SEA, Cengage Learning Asia Pte Ltd., the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino, and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines will bring a selection of global bestsellers and heritage materials.
To make the event more celebratory, and in time for National Teachers Month, MIBF will also support the celebration with the theme “My Teacher, My Hero” by offering free admission to all teachers who present a valid school ID at the counter. Metrobank Foundation, the lead proponent of the celebration, will also host special activities dedicated to educators at its booth throughout the five-day fair.
The 2026 Manila International Book Fair, themed “Get Lit: Reading in a New Light,” will run from September 9 to 13, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center Manila in Pasay City.
Frequently Asked Questions
While the Manila International Book Fair features novels, comics, and textbooks, it also offers all kinds of creative, educational, and lifestyle products. These include educational technology, interactive learning materials, an array of stationery items, journals, art supplies, and personalized stationery.
The Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) spans two levels of the SMX Convention Center, both packed with major publishers and interactive booths. The second floor has dedicated exhibit halls, multiple stage and meeting-room event zones, and vendor setups.
The new MIBF website is now live at www.manilabookfair.com. Visitors can easily browse full exhibitor lists, event timings, and venue details.
Tickets for MIBF 2026 can be secured online via the SM Tickets website, with entrance passes also available directly at the venue throughout the event. Onsite admission is priced at Php 50 for regular attendees, while students and senior citizens can enjoy a discounted rate of Php 35 upon presenting a valid ID at the counter.
Payment options vary depending on the exhibitor you visit. While major publishing houses accept credit cards, debit cards, and e-wallets like GCash or Maya, smaller indie presses, zine creators, and specialty craft stalls often operate on a cash-only basis.