Manila International Book Fair Sept. 9

The Manila International Book Fair is scheduled to open on September 9 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City and run through September 13, according to the event’s official website. Organizers describe it as a five-day gathering for readers, educators, publishers, authors and industry professionals, built around the 2026 theme “Get Lit: Reading in a New Light.” The official event site says this year’s fair will span two stages, feature more than 100 exhibitors and draw more than 120,000 visitors. The Manila Times reported on September 3 that the fair is regarded as the Philippines’ longest-running and largest event of its kind. ### When exactly is it happening, and where do people go? September 9 to 13, 2026 are the listed event dates on the Manila International Book Fair website, which names SMX Convention Center Manila in Pasay City as the venue. (manilabookfair.com) ABS-CBN reported the fair will welcome visitors from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day. SMX Convention Center Manila, in the Mall of Asia complex, is also listed on the event’s contact page as the site for this year’s edition. (manilabookfair.com) The Manila Times separately described the fair as occupying two floors, with exhibitor halls and special events spread across the venue. ### What will visitors actually find inside the fair? The 2026 fair will include books, learning materials, creative products and event programming, according to the official website. (manilabookfair.com) Organizers say the event is positioned as a gathering for books, education, publishing and culture rather than only a retail sale. Tinette Capistrano, vice president of organizer Prime Trade Asia, told The Manila Times that readers now attend for “community, culture and connection” and to meet authors, get signatures, take photos, join quiz bees and attend workshops. (manilabookfair.com) The same report said discounts typically range from 10% to 30% and can go as high as 70%. (manilabookfair.com) The Manila Times also cited a schedule that includes book signings by Ricky Lee and Howie Severino, comics-art sessions by Manix Abrera and talks on emotional wellness for teachers and parents. Those details were presented by the paper as examples from the five-day special-events lineup. ### Which publishers and exhibitors are already named? (manilatimes.net) ABS-CBN reported that exhibitors include Fully Booked, National Book Store, Adarna House, Anvil Publishing, Ateneo de Manila University Press, Rex Education, Scholastic Philippines, Vibal Group, Komiket Studios, Psicom Publishing and Summit Publishing. The report also named Alkem & Penguin Random House SEA, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. (manilatimes.net) The official event site says the fair will feature 100-plus exhibitors across 60-plus categories. Organizers also list a School World segment for educators, academic leaders and students. ### How much does it cost to get in? ABS-CBN reported that onsite admission is priced at 50 pesos for regular attendees and 35 pesos for students and senior citizens with valid identification. (abs-cbn.com) The same report said teachers will receive free admission during National Teachers Month upon presentation of a valid school ID. (manilabookfair.com) SM Tickets is the online ticketing channel named by ABS-CBN, while the official site directs visitors to registration and schedule pages. The Manila Times also advised readers to use the event website for the exhibitor directory, venue maps and planning tools before arrival. ### Where should readers check before the doors open? (abs-cbn.com) The Manila International Book Fair website says the full schedule, visitor guide, exhibitor listings and floor plans are available ahead of the September 9 opening. Organizers say the event will continue through September 13 at SMX Convention Center Manila in Pasay City. (manilabookfair.com) (abs-cbn.com)