You can’t really tell if a person is a bookworm at first glance, unless she/he is holding a book or makes an impromptu discussion of Moby Dick, even then you can’t really be certain. But a sure-fire way to detect bookworms is by placing them in an area that could make and break their composure — the bookstore. No matter how unfamiliar the bookstore is, bookworms have a built-in GPS system that allows them to navigate through the maze of shelves. Actually, bookworms are very much like moths drawn to open flame. Scientists say moths use the moon or sun’s light to get their bearings, but introducing another source of light disorients them, resulting to a kamikaze dive into the flame. Bookworms are very much like that, except the suicidal plunge. Bookworms, and that includes me, behave normally, but when books are in sight a tingle runs through our spine and that undeniable twinkle in our eyes shine like brightly polished pennies. So imagine placing thousands of books, along with nearly all publishing houses from across the Philippines, in a single spot for all bookworms to see. What would happen? Chaos…beautiful chaos.
The 34th Manila International Book Fair drew the attention of all book lovers in the country. Thousands of visitors flocked the event with different agendas in mind, some were merely curious of what the hubbub was about, while others were scavenging for discounted items for their collection or for their early Christmas gifts. Whatever the reasons are, I bet they all had quite an experience, be it good or bad. The event started September 11 and ended on September 15 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay. Despite the moderate to heavy rains, I was able to explore the fair for two days. So yeah, I trudged the fair twice with aching feet and clothes that were seemingly glued to my skin because of the pouring rain. Good thing I didn’t get sick, so thank you Mr. Flu Vaccine.
The book fair offered a wide variety of literature, but I was a bit disappointed because a booth I saw last year that sold Reader’s Digest collections of facts, momentous events in history, mysterious tragedies and crimes, you know the geeky historical must-have that I MUST HAVE, was not in sight. However, I did make numerous purchases, including discounted sticker boxes, children’s books for my niece, and cooking magazines for my Mom.
On its last day, the book fair was on heightened alert with the arrival of three best-selling international authors – Melissa Dela Cruz of the Blue Blood series, Alyson Noel of The Immortals series, and Margaret Stohl of the Beautiful Creatures series. As promised, I accompanied my cousin for the book signing event. I admit I haven’t read any of their books, I was simply there to support and take pictures of my cousin. But with a funny twist of fate, I ended up actually meeting the authors. Although all the authors were nice and friendly, I was especially fond of Margaret Stohl and I find her warmth infectious, so much so that I was ready to purchase her first book just to get me started, unfortunately it was sold out.
The days I spent at the fair were both exhausting and surprising. In fact. there were many chance meetings that were hilariously surreal. Only bookworms can cap the day off with a smile, despite the hours of aimlessly walking and searching. The books, the company of my friends and family really made the visit worth it.
“Books are the perfect entertainment: no commercials, no batteries, hours of enjoyment for each dollar spent. What I wonder is why everybody doesn’t carry a book around for those inevitable dead spots in life.”
– Stephen King
tip of my tongue moments 