Books in the BookFair

July 13, 2011- Riding the LRT, then MRT and a long walk, we're finally at the SM Megamall. We took our lunch first then went to the BookFair. There was no entrance fee at all; we just registered at the entrance. When I got inside, honestly, I asked myself, "Anong gagawin ko dito?" (What Am I going to do here?), for the reason that I am not that interested in books unless the title is catchy then I'll grab the book and take time to read it.

There are different exhibitors - Incorporation, Publications, Bookstores, Universities, etc. As i walked and observed the people, I can see in their eyes that they are happy to see us (book buyers or visitors like us). I guess they want us to buy some of their books. The people at the BookFair were warm, approachable and accommodating. They didn't forbid us to scan their books and they assist us when we're asking for something.

I didn't notice that I'm already enjoying being there. I saw different types of books inside, academics, scholarly, fiction and non-fiction and many more! But there this one book that really captured my attention, it was entitled "Girl Trouble". I forgot who the author is. I think I grabbed it because of the shape (square, not rectangle) and its title. I'm sure that I can relate to that book and it looks very interesting for a teenager like me. I opened the book thinking that everything that was written there are all about girls' trouble. But I think I was wrong, actually, if there's an Independent Film, that book is an Independent Book. No kidding. I scanned the book, I saw creative shot of pictures (places here at Manila) and the author writes about different specific people, places and thoughts. Dirty words are also written there. I don't know why, but I guess the author's style of writing is like expressing his negative feelings toward those subjects. I wanted to buy the book but I don't have enough money to avail "Girl Trouble" book, so I returned it on the shelf then left it.

I took a tour again inside the BookFair, looked at the books from left to right, up and down, and observed the books as well as the people there. But as I walked, I realized that there are so many books written and published. I said to myself, "Ang daming libro, 'di naman nababasa". I felt sad, for the authors who shared their knowledge and thoughts. Who have given much time to finish their pieces and encountered rejections and problems in editing and publishing processes. I wish those books would be bought and read by other people. 

By: Knadine Brecio