For the Filipino bibliophile, the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) is one of the most-awaited literary events of the year. Founded in the early 1980s as a platform to support the local publishing industry, the MIBF has since grown to become the longest-running and largest book fair in the Philippines.
This year’s MIBF will run from September 10 to 14 at the SMX Convention Center Manila, bringing together some of the most prolific authors, presses, and organizations in the country. Tickets are currently still available here, with general admission tickets priced at P50 and discounted tickets for students, persons with disabilities, and senior citizens priced at P35.
Ahead of the fair’s grand opening, we’ve rounded up some of the most exciting new local releases just for you. Whether you’re looking for debut novels by rising authors or new editions of timeless literary works, these titles are well worth your attention.
‘A View from the Ground’ by Atom Araullo
Broadcast journalist and documentarian Atom Araullo is making a foray into authorship with the launch of his debut collection of narrative essays, A View from the Ground. Published by the University of the Philippines Press, the title draws from Araullo’s years of experience as a field reporter across the Philippines and Southeast Asia. Araullo’s essays will be paired with sharp documentary-style photographs shot by the journalist himself.
‘Agaw-Tingin’ and ‘Pinilakang Tabing’ by Ricky Lee
National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee is not publishing one, but two new books, launching both at the MIBF. While Agaw-Tingin is a collection of published and unpublished works by the author, Pinilakang Tabing is a work of fiction that explores how the last 40 years of Philippine cinema have affected its main characters. Lee’s MIBF launch will also feature special readings and performances from Luis Alandy, Dingdong Dantes, Chai Fonacier, Judy Ann Santos, Jericho Rosales, Michael V, and more.
‘Daddy’ by Chuckberry J. Pascual
Published by Avenida Books, Daddy explores the fictional life of Ryan, a queer man who, by chance, meets a stranger in the restroom of an MRT station. What starts as a chance encounter turns into a journey of discovery, exploration, and self-reflection.
‘In the Name of the Trees’ by Merlinda Bobis
Acclaimed writer Merlinda Bobis, who grew up at the foot of an active volcano in Albay, has always lived a life deeply intertwined with nature. Her latest novel, In the Name of the Trees, follows four generations of women named after trees — Banaba, Narra, Pili, and Dao — as they survive changing threats and times in order to protect their family.
‘The Arhat Son’ by Charlson Ong
Published by Milflores Publishing, The Arhat Son is a thriller that revolves around the identity of a young man who shows up on the door of business mogul and billionaire Ignatius Ong Sr.’s door, claiming to be his long-lost son. The latest from Charlson Ong, one of the most prolific writers of his generation, The Arhat Son promises to be a dark, gripping family drama.
‘Between Loss and Forever’ by Cathy Sanchez Babao
It took 13 years for journalist Cathy Sanchez Babao to write Between Loss and Forever, after her four-year-old son Migi passed away from surgery complications. Now reprinted and published by Anvil Publishing, the book features the personal stories of 18 different Filipino mothers who lost their children under different circumstances.
‘Factory of Alleged Virtues’ by Alfonso Manalastas (2025)
Charting a life shaped by colonialism, capitalism, and climate collapse, Factory of Alleged Virtues grapples with survival and its inherent contradictions. Manalastas’ debut poetry collection features works that move between documentary and dreamscape.
‘PAGPAG: Poems, Precautions, Meditations, and Other Protestations’ by Lourd de Veyra
Lourd de Veyra’s fifth poetry collection shifts between dream logic, memory, and loss. Published by Anvil Publishing, the collection sees séance as a punchline, sly and almost conspiratorial.
‘Son of a Dead ‘80s Bold Star’ by Chuck Smith
Award-winning essayist Chuck D. Smith will release his debut essay collection, Son of a Dead ‘80s Bold Star. The title will feature some of Smith’s most critical essays written over the years, which range from pop cultural fantasies to autobiographical ruminations.
‘Vilma Santos, Icon: Essays on Cinema, Culture & Society’ edited by Augusto Aguila and Joselito Zulueta
With a career spanning six decades across film, television, and other media, Vilma Santos has built an unparalleled legacy of award-winning performances. This collection of essays, published by the University of Santo Tomas Publishing House, pays tribute to her remarkable contributions to Philippine cinema and beyond.
‘No Two Ways’ by Chi Yu Rodriguez
No Two Ways, a new book published by Komiket, follows AJ Felipe, a bisexual head information security engineer for a local law firm, whose friend surprises her by nominating her for a makeover show. She must then navigate falling for two different people: Jackie Niño, her makeup artist on the show, and Axel, an ex-boyfriend who’s returned from her past. Old heartaches pop up, and we are taken through a tour of new loves and past selves.
