This year's Manila International Book Fair opens Wednesday. Handout

MANILA -- The country’s biggest and longest-running book fair is back.

Now on its 40th year, the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) opens Wednesday, September 11, and runs until September 15 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.

Book lovers can expect to find over 100 exhibitors ranging from leading bookstore chains to local independent publishers spread across two floors of exhibit space.

With Christmas just around the corner, it's the perfect time to take out your shopping list for bookworm friends and loved ones as the MIBF offers exclusive deals and special features like new releases, bestsellers, and even collector’s items.

The entire second floor is dedicated to special exhibitions featuring children’s and young adult book publishers, as well as crafts and stationery.

The MIBF features a wide range of book-related activities from book signing events to lectures and storytelling sessions. There are also special contests, workshops, and other activities to cater to attendees.

Acclaimed authors Cristina Pantoja-Hidalgo, Angelo R. Lacuesta, and Mookie Katigbak-Lacuesta are some of the writers who are scheduled to hold book-signing events, while popular actresses Heart Evangelista and Dimples Romana are among the celebrities who are expected to attend book-related events.

The MIBF also gathers educators, reading advocates, researchers and more for talks on reading, publishing, teaching, and even on cooking, financial literacy, and meditation.

Some of the country’s biggest publishers like Abiva Publishing House, UST Publishing House, ABS-CBN Books, Vibal Group, Precious Pages Corp., FEU Publications, PSICOM Publishing Inc, Summit Publishing Co. Inc., and Adarna House Inc. are not only setting up shop but are also launching books during the MIBF.

Also returning at this year’s MIBF is POP HUB: Comic Splash x Fandom Fest Vol. 2. Geek out with the country’s largest fandoms, including Fight Saber, a Lucas Film-recognized worldwide costuming organization, and join renowned comic book creators, artists, writers, and collectors for a fun weekend among fandoms.

Tickets to the MIBF are sold at the venue at P35 and at a discounted rate of P20 for students, librarians, senior citizens, and PWDs.