Manila International Book Fair Is Happening Online This Week

Here’s everything you need to know about the virtual book fair

In light of the pandemic, the country’s beloved Manila International Book Fair has turned the page. Starting Tuesday, November 24, the Philippines’ longest-running book fair will kick off once again—this time, online.

“MIBF Online seeks to redefine the reading experience and to showcase the largest and most comprehensive collection of books, magazines, comics, educational aids, and allied materials,” the organizers said on the official MIBF website. This week, over 60 retailers, publishers, and organizations are expected to participate. As reported on CNN, exhibitors are also set to host “virtual panel sessions, forums, seminars, and book launches, which will be streamed live on YouTube, Facebook, and Zoom.”

Manila International Book Fair Online will run until November 30 (next Monday) alongside the Philippines’ celebration of National Book Week. Registration is free.

It’s shaping up to be a bustling, event-packed week at MIBF Online. For a quick guide covering the basic info on the book fair, scroll through.

When is the Manila International Online Book Fair?

This event is slated for November 24 through 30, in conjunction with National Book Week.

Where will MIBF Online 2020 take place?

The entire book fair will happen virtually on the official website: manilabookfair.com. Meanwhile, live events like forums, panel sessions, and webinars will stream on the MIBF Online official Facebook Page and YouTube Channel.

Is there a registration fee?

No, this event is free!

To join, create your account here. Provide your first name, last name, mobile number, date of birth, and email address. Then, type your desired password. Confirm your account, and you’re set. 

This grants you full access to all the book fair features: the marketplace, special events page, and more.

How do I place an order?

Browse the book catalogue. Tap “add to cart” on the items you wish to purchase. You can select from multiple publishers and/or stores and keep adding to cart as you go. Once you are ready to checkout, tap the cart icon and review your order.

Checkout will be done separately per vendor. So once your order has been finalized, tap the “Buy from this Seller” button affixed to each item in your cart.

Can shoppers outside Metro Manila/the Philippines participate?
Yes! For customers living outside the Philippines, you may directly coordinate with your desired exhibitor or with the Manila International Book Fair team. For more information, review their Store Policy.

What are the accepted modes of payment?

A wide variety of payment options will be made available. For credit cards, these are VISA and Mastercard. MIBF Online has also partnered with DragonPay and is supported by the following payment channels:

Online Banking

Asia United Bank, Banco de Oro, Bank of the Philippine Islands, Chinabank, EastWest Bank, Landbank, Maybank, Metrobank, Philippine National Bank, PSBank, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp, Robinsons Bank, Unionbank, and United Coconut Planters Bank.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Banking

Asia United Bank (AUB), Banco de Oro (BDO), BDO Network Bank (formerly ONB), Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), Chinabank, EastWest Bank, Landbank, Metrobank, Philippine National Bank (PNB), Rizal Commercial Banking Corp (RCBC), Robinsons Bank, Security Bank, Unionbank, and United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB).

Currently Supported ATM-based Bank payments:

Banco de Oro (BDO), Chinabank, Philippine National Bank (PNB), Rizal Commercial Banking Corp (RCBC), Security Bank, Unionbank, and United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB)

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Non-Banks

Bayad Center, Cebuana Lhuillier, 7-Eleven, ECPay, Ever Superstores, Gaisano, NCCC, Via Express, ExpressPay, select Petron Gas Stations, select Tambunting Pawnshop, select Western Union Remittance Centers, LBC, M Lhuillier, Palawan Pawnshop, Robinsons Department Stores, RD Pawnshop, SM Payment Counters, SM Department Stores, SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarket, Savemore, and Philippine National Bank (PNB) Remit.

Where can I find discounts and promos?

Visit the Manila International Book Club Special Offers Page here. You can also check out the Exhibitors’ Homepage for surprise promos and exclusive deals.

How do I gain access to the special events?

All special events can be streamed on MIBF Online’s Facebook and YouTube Channel. You can also see a complete event lineup here.

Are the live events free to stream?

Most of the MIBF Online live events are free. However, there may be select events that require a registration fee since participation is limited. You can visit the special events page for the complete list of free and paid events.

When can I expect my orders?

For orders within Metro Manila, delivery can take anywhere between seven to 10 days. For shipping outside Metro Manila but within the Philippines, this may take 10 to 14 days. 

Stay up to date by following Manila International Book Fair on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.