A presscon for The 33rd Manila International Book Fair 2012 was held at Romulo Cafe in Makati the other day. Present that day was two of MIBF's 'bookworms' comedian Tado Jimenez and book author/cartoonist Stanley Chi. The other two bookworms: renowned tour guide Carlos Celdran and Youtube celebrity Ramon Bautista, wasn't able to attend but they were able to say hi to us via Skype.

The Manila International Book Fair (MIBF), the country’s biggest and longest-running book fair, heads back to the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City on Sept. 12-16! For 33 years now, the MIBF has certainly stood the test of time. Weathering economic fluctuations, political scenarios, the changing Filipino lifestyle, and the advent of new technologies, the MIBF has successfully evolved from an event for the industry and the academe into an attraction that draws readers of all ages, from all walks of life. And after three decades, its objective has remained the same: to bring books closer to the Filipino people by promoting good reading habits and providing a venue for the exchange of ideas among the players in the industry.

One of the most anticipated events for students, librarians, the academe, professionals, and bookworms of all persuasions, the MIBF showcases the largest and most varied collection of literature for both leisure and academic reading -- from textbooks, education supplements, general reference, religious and inspirational titles, self-help books, management books, Filipiniana, coffee table books, popular novels, children’s books, art books, graphic novels, rare and hard-to-find titles, magazines, audio and e-books, multimedia, teaching supplies and services, publishers’ technology, and travel materials.

Teachers and school administrators flock to the book fair to scope out new acquisitions for school libraries, as the event is a good venue to compare offerings from various exhibitors and get the best prices for bulk purchases. Book buyers smile from ear to ear as they peruse endless shelves of reading materials, loading up on books to last them well into the coming months. Avid readers make their way through the booths, checking out publishers’ new offerings, and queueing up to get books signed by authors and illustrators.

Peals of laughter and delight ring through the halls as youngsters watch stories come to life in simultaneous storytelling sessions. Eyes light up at the sight of the year’s crop of new books to read, little hands get busy exploring demonstrations of the latest learning technology, and little feet dash to meet their favorite book characters.

Several co-located events are also slated at the Manila International Book Fair 2012, ensuring added attractions for a wide variety of interests: The Best of Anime 2012 (Sept. 15 & 16, Function Room 4 & 5), a festival featuring anime exhibits, gaming, cosplay, concert and special activities that will thrill anime and manga enthusiasts; Super Kids 2012 (Sept. 14-15 , Function Room 3), an early childhood education conference; and Facets of Wellness (Sept. 14-15, Function Rooms 1&2), a two-day health and wellness fair.

STANLEY CHI gets friendly, not suplado, for MIBF!


Stanley Chi is an observational comedian, artist and graphics master. He is co-host of TV5’s Front Act, creator of Manila Bulletin-based comic strip “Chopsticks,” the author of best-selling book “Suplado Tips 1 & 2.”

A graduate of Fine Arts major in Advertising, Stanley was an art director for the country’s biggest names in advertising but in 2003, decided to pursue his passion for illustrating comic strips.

Many of Stanley’s followers however came from his conception of Suplado Tips. What was considered as a random and impromptu post on Facebook turned out to be so successful that it was considered as his first ever suplado tip. He offered more suplado tips and it wasn’t long before people caught on and his FB posts became viral. When Suplado Tips was released, his book gained a cult following.

Suplado Tips spawned the creation of the Suplado Society of the Philippines (SSP) complete with its own suplado oath. “Suplado is the new sexy” is the tagline seen on all SSP logos.

Brewing Craziness: TADO at #MIBF!


Arvin “Tado” Jimenez graduated from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines with a degree in Psychology. Whilst in the university, he was inspired by his artist-friends to study film at the Mowelfund Institute.

Tado is one of the hosts of reality situational comedy show “Strangebrew” with Angel Rivero which saw the tandem play offbeat characters as they interviewed well-known personalities and ordinary people on the job. The show aired in UNTV Channel 37 and Studio 23. His notable catchphrase on the show was “Rakenrol!”

After Strangebrew wrapped up, he reunited with Rivero and contributor Ramon Bautista for his late night talk show on Hit FM 99.5, “BrewRATS”. The program has since moved to internet radio station DigRadio every Thursday from 9 p.m. to midnight. Tado also owns a t-shirt line called Limitado which feature striking messages and spoofs printed on the items. He runs this business with his wife.

He is also a published author. His first book “Mga Kasinungalingang Pwedeng Sabihin sa Mga Mangmang” features Tado’s thoughts and anecdotes about life and other hilarious stories. He has followed this up with “Nag-iisa Lang Ako”.

MIBF runs from Sept. 14-18 at the SMX Convention Center, Seashell Drive, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. MIBF is organized by Primetrade Asia, Inc. in partnership with Asian Catholic Communicators, Inc., Book Development Association of the Philippines, Philippine Booksellers Association, Inc., and Publishers Representatives Organization of the Philippines. For details, call 896-0661 or 896-0682, or e-mail bookfair@primetradeasia.com.