MANILA — The Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) returns this week, and with hundreds of booths, book launches, signings and other activities packed into five days, having a plan can save visitors time—and possibly their book budget.

MIBF 2026 will run from September 9 to 13, from 10AM to 8PM at the SMX Convention Center Manila in Pasay City. This year’s fair carries the theme “Get Lit: Reading in a New Light.”

If you are planning to go, here are some things worth knowing before entering the fair.

1. Know where your favorite publishers are

MIBF’s official directory lists 165 exhibitors this year, including publishers, bookstores, universities, cultural organizations and educational groups.

Instead of going from booth to booth without a plan, visitors can check the official floor plan ahead of time and note the booth numbers of their priority stops.

Exhibitors are spread across Exhibit Halls 1 to 4 on the ground floor, while several talks and other activities will be held in function and meeting rooms on the second floor.

2. Check the schedule before choosing what day to visit

MIBF is not only about buying books.

The five-day program includes book launches, author signings, forums, workshops, panel discussions and other activities. Some events are held simultaneously and in different parts of the venue, so checking the schedule beforehand can help visitors avoid missing an event they came specifically to see.

Among this year’s scheduled activities are the Gintong Aklat Awards, book launches and signings, literary panels, education-related forums and discussions on topics including artificial intelligence and Filipiniana collections.

3. Prepare P50 for admission—and bring your ID if you qualify for a discount

General admission is P50.

Students, senior citizens and persons with disabilities may purchase discounted tickets for P35, provided they present a valid ID. Tickets are also available through SM Tickets.

4. Bring cash even if you normally pay digitally

Do not assume every booth accepts the same payment method.

According to MIBF, some exhibitors accept cards and electronic payments, but most accept cash. Visitors are advised to confirm available payment methods with individual exhibitors before purchasing.

Bringing both cash and a cashless payment option can help, especially when buying from several different booths.

5. Make a book list—but leave room for unexpected finds

With 165 exhibitors in one venue, it is easy to go beyond your original shopping list.

Set a budget before entering and separate your must-buy titles from books you simply want to check out. Comparing prices and promotions across booths before making larger purchases may also help stretch your budget.

A sturdy tote or reusable bag can also come in handy if you are planning to bring home several books.

6. Plan your breaks

Food and drinks are not allowed inside the exhibit halls and function rooms, although food concessionaires will be available within the exhibit area.

With the fair open for 10 hours each day and activities happening across two floors, visitors may want to plan meal and rest breaks around the events they want to attend.

7. Check the latest information before leaving home

Event schedules and participating activities can still be updated. Visitors heading to MIBF for a particular author signing, launch or program should check the fair’s official schedule and the participating publisher’s announcements before traveling.

The fair traditionally attracts a large audience, with MIBF reporting more than 120,000 visitors annually.

So if you are heading there for a specific book, meeting an author or simply browsing, knowing your priority booths, schedule and budget beforehand can make navigating one of the country’s biggest book events much easier.

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