Because We Read

SEPTEMBER 17, 2011, my friend and I went to the 32nd Manila International Book Fair. I was awed by the gazillion number of books I've seen. Some books were priced really low, but some, like that of Nicholas Sparks,Paulo Coelho and Mitch Albom have little or no discount. Children's books were as low as 20 pesos. I've bought a lot for my brothers even if they were not that young for those books, hehe, still, I knew those could help them practice what they learned in school. Entrance fee was 20 pesos, but if hunger strikes and you wanted to eat first, just make sure you have a stamp while you exit.

Rewinding some moments in my life, I never really loved books at first. The only ones I read were the books I use at school. I was more of a magazine and 'komiks' reader because they have illustrations. While my classmates and friends already read novels and inspirational books from known authors, I settled on writing my own stories and still reading magazines. I was on my second or third year in college when I started Philippine Literature books. Since then, I would borrow books from the Filipiniana Section. I started enjoying reading. After graduation, one person made me realize that I should broaden my preference on books. That happened when he gave me an inspirational/self help book. The rest was history. Right now, I rarely find time to read because of work.

Going back to the Book Fair, I was really hyped the morning before I headed to SMX. I was certain I would find pretty interesting titles on really low prices. I was right. Summing up the total price of books I bought, including those I gave to my mom and sibs, I shed p 295.00. The lowest price was at P 5.00 and the most pricey was P 100.00 (John Maxwell's The Difference Maker was priced at 100 bucks! really cheap? :D )

The first book I read and finished was Lovestruck (by OMF Lit), originally priced at P 75.00 (but I bought it at P 60.00) . It so happened that the author, Ronald Molmisa was at the OMF Lit's booth so I got the chance to meet him and let him signed my newly bought book. You'd also get a few stuff when you buy at OMF Lit, just like these goodies: