My 2025 MIBF Experience | Indie Authors, Readers, and Finding Our Voices

The 2025 Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) was more than just a gathering of books and authors—it was a celebration of connections, creativity, and community. For an indie author like me, the experience was both precious and unforgettable, filled with familiar faces, new friends, and readers who genuinely love stories from the heart. 💖

Meeting Old and New Friends at the 2025 MIBF

One of the most beautiful things about attending the MIBF 2025 was reconnecting with old acquaintances while making new ones who share the same passion for literature.

Notably, I had the joy of meeting:

Ms. Tinette of MIBF
Ms. Virgie, Ms. Antonette, and Mr. Rory of NBDB (National Book Development Board)
Ms. Kate of La Salle Magbasa Tayo Movement
Ms. Marilyn of Letran de Davao
Mr. & Mrs. Johnny Alegre & Company
The parents of the owner of Philippine Books (we didn’t get their names 😞)
Mayor Joy Belmonte of Quezon City
Liana Bautista
Patrick from the U.S. Embassy
Ms. Elvira Balinang
Patrick Evangelista & Fe Sicat
Carina Gaskell
Anj Miranda
…and many, many more wonderful people! 🥰

Each conversation, each handshake, and each smile made the entire event more meaningful and deeply rewarding.

Gratitude to the Readers and Supporters ❤️

To everyone who stopped by and bought my books at the 2025 MIBF—thank you so much! 🙏

I honestly came with no expectations. I simply wanted to show up, represent our group, and let our stories be discovered. What I didn’t expect was the overwhelming support from readers who champion Pinoy Indie Authors and are genuinely excited to explore our unique voices.

A heartfelt thank-you to MIBF** and NBDB for giving independent authors like me a platform to share our stories and connect with readers. 💕

The Most Unforgettable Moment: Meeting CJ

Among all the incredible moments at the fair, one stands out vividly—meeting CJ, a reader who truly touched my heart.

She came to the PIA booth with a bright smile and a copy of In Full Color: A BRU Multiverse Anthology, published by BRUPrint in 2024. She asked me to sign her copy because she loved my short story in it—My Purple Girl, a tale about second chances, a swimmer, and a broken-hearted girl with purple hair.

Her kind words left me speechless. I had no idea that my little story about love, pain, and healing could resonate with someone that deeply.

As an author who tends to write complex characters and layered plots, I know my stories might not always be mainstream. But that’s okay, because meeting readers like CJ reminds me that my stories are finding their people. And that’s the most beautiful part of being an indie author.

CJ also picked up another one of my books, Escape to Love, a romcom action-adventure, and I couldn’t be happier! CJ, if you’re reading this—thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your support means the world to me. 💖

When Readers Find Us 💕

Another one of the most meaningful moments during the fair was a heartfelt conversation with Sir Rory Visco (shown at extreme left in the photo) of the National Book Development Board – Philippines.

He asked me, What do Pinoy Indie Authors expect out of the Manila International Book Fair?

My answer came instantly and straight from the heart:

“For readers to find us.”

Too often, indie authors are overshadowed and overlooked—what Sir Rory aptly described as being in the “fringes” (nasa laylayan) of the literary world.

But as writers, we have voices too. We have stories to tell. And we have published our own books as proof of that.

So now, we enjoin readers: find us.

Discover our voices, read our stories, and give us the chance to move you. Allow our books to enthrall you, encourage you, resonate with you, and remind you that even those on the “fringes” have something powerful to say—through worlds and words born from our creative hearts.

A Celebration of Passion and Purpose

The 2025 Manila International Book Fair wasn’t just an event. It was a reminder of why we write, why we create, and why we continue to tell our stories. For every indie author out there, moments like these fuel our passion and remind us that our words do matter.

To everyone who shared their time, stories, and smiles—thank you for making the 2025 MIBF an extraordinary experience. Until the next fair, may we continue to read, write, and celebrate the beauty of storytelling together.

Want More Stories?

If you love Filipino-crafted stories across genres — from heartfelt romance and emotional drama to action-packed adventures, slice-of-life fiction, and even speculative tales that spark imagination — I’d love for you to join my reader community! 💫

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