The Manila International Book Fair is back.

The most extensive showcase of printed literature in the country returns to the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City. MIBF, open until 17 September from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., will see esteemed Filipino artists headline four days of literary activities including book signings and meet-and-greets.

National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee held a book signing session on 14 September. Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, meanwhile, showcased her debut novel Queen of the Universe via a meet and greet hosted by MIBF, Fully Booked and Tuttle Publishing.

On 15 September, a panel discussion featured Filipina authors Mae Coyiuto (Chloe and the Kaishao Boys); Gail Villanueva (My Fate According to the Butterfly; Sugar and Spite; Lulu Sinagtala; Writing in Color); Caris Avendaño Cruz (Marikit and the Ocean of Stars); and Thea Guanzon (The Hurricane Wars; Star Wars Return of the Jedi: From a Certain Point of View). The talk centered on how Filipino authors got published by the largest US publishers.

Komiket Inc. drew the spotlight on comic creator Kevin Eric Raymundo, known as Tarantadong Kalbo, on 15 September. A book signing and TikTok post contest were also held, with Erwin Mallari by Aklat Mirasol; spoken word poetry of Ang Propeta, and a raffle of paintings by Janine Dimaranan and Bryan Barrios by Southern Voice Printing Press.

Today, MIBF will be the stomping ground for comics creators Bambi Amago, Roland Amago, Al Santos, Jap Mikel, Macoy & Cy Vendivil, J. Philip Ignacio; and author Kim Soo-hyun of the bestselling books I Decided to Live as Me and Being Comfortable Without Effort.

Also on 16 September are book signings at the Indie Publishers Collab PH booth; a dialogue between Nap Arcilla and RM Topacio Aplaon by Balangay Books; Talagbangan Paint by Numbers Mural by Southern Voice Printing Press; book launch by Aklat Alamid; poetry readings and book signings with Alfred Yuson, author of poetry book Kafka in the Tropics and Virgilio Almario, editor of Jose Corazon de Jesus: Mga Piling Tula by Aklat Alamid; Meet the Essayists talk and book signings, with John Nery, author of Radical: Readings in Rizal & History, Rene de Jesus, author of Conversations with Mommy, and Prof. Jerry Yapo, author of Artfully Speaking & Other Essays by San Anselmo Press; book signings featuring Mesándel Virtusio Arguelles, Abner Dormiendo, and Christian Rey Pilares by Librong Lira.

Indie publisher 8letters will showcase its roster of authors such as Daniel De Guzman and Shierney Reterta (Legends and Zodiacs); Kevin Llamas (Stressed Again???); Odyssa Abille (From Where I Stand); Josue Mapagdalita (Mula Sa Kilometer Zero); C.A. Marie (Tales from the Trail); Aldrin Pentero (Hindi Ito Laro); Sig C. Torr (Trigger Garett); Axel Laigo (My Songs at Sunset); Gerome Nicolas dela Peña (Suóng); Nicole Marie (Soli Deo Gloria); David Chan (The Kindred Chronicles); Shiela M. Cancino (Pawn to Queen: Life’s Chess and Quest); Mark Rana (Run Towards the Fire), Angelika Aquino (Para sa Pilipinas), Jahric Lago (Metamorphosis); and Zandro Bautista (Ang Mga Luto ni Misis Tancia).

On 17 September, Komiket, Inc. will host “Romance Novels that Make You Blush,” a book talk and signing session featuring Romance Class authors Jay Tria, Brigette Bautista, Danice Mae Sison and Dawn Lanuza.

Over at Indie Village, events include Balangay Books signing; Alagwa Zine launch with Lean Borlongan, Allan Andres and Teddy Espela; book signing with Joel Malabanan, Arlan Camba, Leo Domingo by 7 Eyes; Mga Buhay na Apoy book signing with Auraeus Solito by Pawikan Press; Alubat book signing; and book signings with authors Eljay Castro Deldoc, Ayer Arguelles, Amadeo Mangune Mendoza, Jayson Fajardo, Genevieve Asenjo by Balangay Books.

MIBF is organized by Primetrade Asia Inc. in partnership with Asian Catholic Communicators Inc., Book Development Association of the Philippines, Philippine Booksellers Association of the Philippines and Overseas Publishers Representatives Association of the Philippines.