Thank you, MIBF 2019!
Being at the largest book fair in the country is always a reminder that reading is definitely not just a thing that I and my close friends do. So many Filipinos read! And they are best served by not asking anymore if readers exist, but in making sure they’re getting the books they deserve, that authors are treated fairly, that creations are valued, and that exploitative practices in the industry not be allowed to continue. It’s 2019! Let’s do what we can, and if you already are, thank you.
MIBF is an intense experience, whether you’re a reader or an author. This time I got to be an exhibitor too, and sell books through Visprint. Thanking Visprint for this chance and the support throughout. It was a LOT of work for us who volunteered our time to stock and sell books, but we’ve learned more about one side of this book-making thing and I’m glad for it.
But why? Was it worth the muscle pain and the exposure to a gazillion people? Yes, the books deserve it. The authors deserve it. Yes, these books and authors.
We’ll find a way to do this. And more of it. Thank you, everyone!
