33rd Manila International Book Fair

Venue: SMX Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City, Philippines; 12-16 September 2012 As one of the longest-running book fairs in Asia, the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) is also considered one of the most accessible venues for showcasing published works. For book lovers, this event is something not to be missed!

The place where you could find all types of publications - from educational prints or just for personal reading interest. According to its official website, by joining or being present at the MIBF, it somehow paves way to  business opportunities for entrepreneurs to a wider audience of different generations, backgrounds and cultures. For more information, please contact PRIMEMEDIA ASIA, INC. (info@primediaasia.com) or CLICK HERE.

National Bookstore on sale now

STARTING TODAY 03 August, the biggest bookstore in the Philippines, National Book Store is offering a cut-price up to 70%  off on books until 19 August. Aside from this limited offer, the bookstore has been giving a huge discount on books as low as Php100.00 (US$2.4).  For additional information, please visit its Facebook account or just simply click the photo above.

Take advantage of their "Laking National" privilege cards to earn extra points from all purchases and eventually converted into cash. This is redeemable as the points reached the minimum cash equivalent of PhP10.00. For new applicant, you can pay the membership card in the store and immediately the card is issued bearing your name. I dont know if it applies to all branches, but last year when I renewed by card, it took more than a month for the issuance of the card. I got my first Laking National card in 2005. There is a membership discount for all students by showing a current school/university ID.

Featured Author: Vanessa Morgan – the female version of Stephen King

THIS IS A LONG OVERDUE post featuring another author. Personally she contacted me if I could introduce her latest novel thru my blogsite. Unfortunately, due to my illness (I am getting better now), I did not able to write something about the launching of her latest e-book. Well, it is not too late to grab any of her books: A Good Man, The Strangers Outside (story story), and Drowned Story. A Good Man was released on 15 April 2012 and currently in pre-production with Radowski Films. 

Vanessa Morgan is a screenwriter and novelist. She is known as the 'female version of Stephen King'. You can find out more about Vanessa Morgan and her work by going to her personal blog Vanessa Morgan. If you like cats, you might also like the web comic about her cat Avalon at Avalon-Lion. Vanessa is happy to answer some of my questions which may reveal her passion in writing.

1. How long does it take you to write a book? About a year. I can write a first draft in two or three months, but it's the rewriting process that takes a long time.

2. What is your work schedule like when you're writing? Writing is my day job, so I get up around 8a.m. and after having fed my cat I start to write, usually until about 6 p.m. or later depending on my evening activities. I mainly write from home, but I also like to work in coffee shops, airports and hotels.

3. What do you like to do when you're not writing? Eating out, cooking, going to film festivals, watching movies, drinking tea, cuddling my cat.

4. What does your family think of your writing? Most of them don't speak or understand English (I'm originally from Belgium and my native language is Dutch), so they can't read my books. But I get weird questions such as: "Why does a sweet girl like you write horror books? Why don't you write a romantic comedy?"

5. How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?I have written a novel, a short story and a  screenplay. I think that my first novel, Drowned Sorrow, is still my favorite. I wanted to write a story that was so eerie that my readers wouldn't be able to sleep for nights to come. One of the reviewers said about the book: "Drowned Sorrow is definitely creepy. Possibly even crawly. I wouldn't sleep in the same room with it." That's exactly what I wanted it to be and that's probably also why I like it the most.

6. Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say? Believe it or not, but most letters I get from my readers are from men telling me that I'm beautiful and hot.

7. What do you think makes a good story? It depends from person to person, but good characters and a exciting beginning and ending are a good starting point, because people will always remember the beginning and the ending.

8. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Happy.

9. Who is your favourite author (s)? Daph Nobody, Michel Houellebecq, Carol Drinkwater, John Saul, and Jack Ketchum.

10. If you are recommending one of your latest books to a friend - how would you describe it? A Good Man is a dark comedy with a few horror elements. I could best describe it as American Psycho with a vampire. Some people have also compared it to the TV-series Dexter. It's a fun and moving story and it turns the vampire myth completely on its head. It's not the kind of vampire story you've seen before and if you think you know how things will turn out, then think again.

THANK YOU very much for sharing your passion in story-telling. I am sure this post will give you more men fans out there! Indeed, I am looking forward to get a free copy of your latest e-book and have it reviewed here in my blogsite. What do you think Vanessa? By the way, I love Belgian chocolates!

Book Fair 2012 at Market Market (Philippines)

MAD ABOUT BOOKS - This is the current book fair event at Market-Market in Global City, Taguig, Philippines. The fair started last 18 June and will end on the 24th June.

Amazingly, books prices range from PhP10pesos (24 UScents) to Php500pesos (12 USdollars).

I cant imagine that I bought 26 books from the fair and tagged as low as PhP100 (2.5 USdollars), almost 91 percent discount from the original selling price.

Aside from selling books, the fair also came-out with daily program for children.

Kobo - another ebook provider in Asia

ANOTHER USEFUL SITE! I dont know on how I got this online provider but lucky enough, the site provides free ebooks and discounted bestsellers.

As of today, the site offers a surprise savings up to 75%. Details as follows to avail this limited offering: Use the promo code: AHEaULZ at checkout to reveal your savings! This expires: July 24th, 2012. 11:59 PM EST. One coupon per customer.

For example, for the past few days the site has already marked-down the popular trilogy of EL James - Fifty Shades of Grey, Darker and Freed. The bundle is now HK$144.49 (38% less from the original price). With the promo code, additional 23% savings with the final price of HK$108.37 (9.37 Sterlingpound or PhP610).

Oops! I remember now... I found this Kobo thru my latest gadget - Blackberry Playbook. My sister bought it from Dubai few months ago and Im now using it. Since Kobo is the ebook reader applicatin in this tablet, I tried to explore its functionality as compare it to my first love mobile toy - Amazon Kindle! Honestly, I like the graphics of Kobo in the BB Playbook and this is the reason why Im also building my library. I also bought the first book of Hunger Games for HK$12 (1.1 Sterling Pound) at 85% discounted rate, including Emma Donoghue's Three and a Half Deaths (Short Reads) at HK$12.28 (1.1 Sterling pound or PhP73).

Pages to Films...

      

Three books that turned into movies...

All of these copies were bought from a discounted bookshop in Manila for PhP99 (US$2.36) each.

I have not watched Revolutionary Road but it got good reviews and nominated in various international awards giving bodies. The Beach showcased the beautiful islands in Thailand, while The Lovely Bones was a tearjerker. Click each bookface to find more!

Study Grants for Filipinos in Australia

DO YOU HAVE ANY PLAN TO PURSUE HIGHER EDUCATION OVERSEAS? Well, if you have, then this is the opportunity that you are waiting for! AusAID is offering qualified Filipinos a scholarship grant to pursue posgraduate programs in Australia.

If you are interested or maybe you know someone who wants to grab this rare offer, CLICK HERE or click the image below. And if you need tips to make your application successful, just leave a message in the comment box and I respond accordinngly.

A close encounter with Logos Hope...floating book fair

Logos Hope... the floating book fair visits Manila

THE BIGGEST FLOATING LIBRARY is in town carrying thousands of books for sale. Logos Hope arrived Manila on the 16th Feb and it will be staying at Pier 15 until 13 March, and will proceed to Subic Bay (north of Manila).

Manila is a regular destination of GBA Ships since the first ship, M/V Doulos was commissioned to sail in bringing knowledge, help and hope to the people around the world. I was able to take on board in the 90s and bought books for my teaching class in the undergrad course.

Logos Hope has 408 personnel on board coming from 56 different countries, and eight (8) of them are from the Philippines.

The floating library opens from Tuesdays to Saturdays, 10AM to 9:30PM, and on Sundays 1-9:30PM and closes on Mondays.

For details, CLICK HERE.

Motivational stories of Ping - the Frog

If you want to discover Ping's motivation to live intentionally, then these books written by Stuart Avery Gold will provide you the answers.

The story of Ping motivates us to face the changes in our lives and take a leap of faith to make our dreams come true... but sometimes we do not have the courage to do it because of fear to change, fear of taking risks, or someone will scrutinize our plans.

Ping also able to understand what "intentional life" means - an intentional living of what you do is one with what you are. It is about living with "clarity of purpose, an open heart, and a lively mind gives us the power to direct our destinies". Finally, it is "to live by choice not by chance..."
Ping's life is an adventure and it is an inspiration for us to do what we believe in. It is a journey that reminds us that to be successful in life is by lifting others and sometimes we need the belief (wisdom) of others too. And "never lose sight of what you desire or where you wish to be..."

BookFace: Guide Book in passing Philippine bar exam

ARE YOU ONE OF THOSE who will be taking the Philippine law exam (or bar exam) this year? Either first time or repeaters, this book might be able to provide you a practical guide and realistic tips in passing the exam especially for those who are working fulltime or who could not attend regular review classes.

I met the author late last year when he was the primary lecturer of our corporate seminar on proper or valid employee dismissal. Being one of the project managers, the seminar provided us invaluable information on how to tackle termination of employees which will not also benefit the employers but also the employees.

Atty. Elvin Villanueva has written several books related to Philippine labor, compensation and benefits. But he also written a book that somehow explains his personal story on how he passed the licensure bar exam and to be a full-pledged lawyer. Atty Villanueva shared his story, anectodes and events that took place prior and after his bar exam in 2009 thru his latest book entitled, How to Pass the Bar Exams. Atty. Elvin also shares his views on the new bar exam system that covers 60% multiple choice questions and 40% memorandum-type essay.

I bought the book as a Xmas presence to my cousin who is now in the final year of her law course in San Beda. I asked Atty. Elvin to write a dedication in the hard cover of the book as an inspiration for my cousin to pass the exam this year. Good luck my dear cousin (Atty. S.T.) and Im sure you will be successful to pass with high marks in 8 subjects!

What is the secret of topping the bar exam...? The answer is - good grasp of the subjects, good English, good penmanship, and prayer... Noel Malimban"

If you want to find out more about the book and other Atty Villanueva's publications, please CLICK HERE.

Quote me if you like...

Featured Author: Samantha Sotto sharing her first debut novel

I am pleased to introduce another Filipino achiever, no other than SAMANTHA SOTTO. She is the author of Before Ever After who happened to be the first Pinoy writer to publish a book by Crown Publishers/Random House (New York, USA).

I had the chance to chat with the author during her online radio station interview with PinoyRadioUK. Samantha's debut story was inspired by her travel experiences in Europe. Of course, I asked her to be featured in my blogsite and she answered some of the questions. She also maintains a blog for her fans to get more updates of her writings and travels, including promotional tours and signing engagements for her book.

Last month, I finally met her during the International Book Fair in Manila which I will also write a journal about the event very soon.

Samantha perfectly answered my top 10 questions!

1. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? When I typed "The End" after I wrote Before Ever After. I had written the book for fun, but the dream of publishing the book began only when I had finished it.

2. How long does it take you to write a book? About a year for writing and three months for editing. Time went by fast since I enjoyed the process.

3. What is your work schedule like when you're writing? I try to write for two to three hours every morning on weekdays.I'm on mommy duty the rest of the day.

4. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk? I cannot read other books while I'm writing. I don't want to inadvertently copy someone else's style.

5. What does your family think of your writing? They're very supportive, but they also give it to me straight. I really appreciate their honest feedback.

6. How many books have you written? Which is your favourite? Before Ever After is my first book. I'm working on my next book now.

7. Do you hear from your readers much? Wha kind of things do they say? Yes! They send me notes of appreciation about the book and share how they were able to relate to the story.

8. What do you think makes a good story? As a reader, I appreciate stories with intriguing mystery boxes, fascinating characters, and good pacing.

9. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up? I wanted to be Tina Monzon Palma. (note: Tina is one of the respected and excellent tv broadcasters in the Philippines).

10. Who is your favourite author(s)? Neil Gaiman. I love his humor and the way he weaves magic into his stories.

THANK YOU SAM and I am glad that I met you in person! Im bit busy at the moment, but I will write my review of the book soon! To find more about her debut novel and updates, visit her blogsite: SamanthaSotto.

Manila International Book Fair 2011

VENUE : Exhibit Halls 1 – 4, SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City, Metro Manila

EVENT DATES: September 14 - 18, 2011

EVENT HOURS: 10:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M.

ORGANIZERS: Primetrade Asia, Incorporated
5th Floor Accelerando Building,395 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Bry. Bel-Air, 1209 Makati City, Metro Manila
Telephone Nos. (632) 896-0661, 896-0682 • Fax No.: (632) 896-0695; Website: www.primetradeasia.com

PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS: Book Development Association of the Philippines (BDAP); Asian Catholic Communicators, Inc. (ACCI); Philippine Booksellers Association, Inc. (PBAI); Overseas Publishers’ Representatives Association of the Philippines (OPRAP)

SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS: Association of Special Libraries of the Philippines (ASLP); Medical & Health Librarians Association of the Philippines (MAHLAP); Ortigas Center Library Consortium (OCLC) Inc.; Philippine Association of Academic and Research Librarians (PAARL); Philippine Association of Teachers of Library Science (PATLS); Philippine Librarians Association, Inc. (PLAI); University of the Philippines Library Science Alumni Assn. (UPLSA).

Bjorn Lomborg: the skeptical environmentalist

I MET HIM IN PERSON WHEN I WAS A POSTGRAD STUDENT at the University of Queensland (UQ), Brisbane (Australia). He gave a free public lecture on 01 October 2003 at the UQ Centre, and who wrote a book-selling book, The Skeptical Environmentalist - Measuring the Real State of the World. The book became controversial among the communities of scientists and environmentalists arguing that the "book's litany of errors and misinterpretations can be explained by the fact that the author has no qualifications in any area related to it." Some groups also cricitised Cambridge University Press for publishing and promoting the book which is an "error-filled, poorly referenced and non-reviewed work."

I purchased the book at A$50.95 and Bjorn got it signed after his lecture at UQ. Surprisingly, almost one-third of the book content is pages of Notes and Bibliography, and still it is referred as "poorly-referenced" work.

I do share with Bjorn's ideas on the real state of our environment. He states that: "the key idea is what we ought not to let the environmental organizations, business lobbyists or the media be alone in presenting truths and priorities. Rather, we should strive for a careful democratic check on the environmental debate, by knowing the real state of the world - having knowledge of the most important facts and connections in the essential areas of our world."

Global warming is one of the hottest issues of the present time and Bjorn clearly explained three important lessons that everyone should know about it: (a) First, we have to realize what we are arguing about - do we want to handle global warming in the most efficient way or do we want to use global warming as a stepping stone to other political projects; (b) Second, we should not spend vast amounts of money to cut a tiny slice of the global temperature increase when this constitutes a poor use of resources and when we could probably use these funds far more effectively in the developing world; and (c) Third, we should realize that the cost of global warming will be substantial...since cutting back CO2 emissions quickly becomes very constly, and easily counterproductive, we should focus more of our effort at finding ways of easing the emission of greenhouse gases over the long run. AMEN TO THAT!!!

Only at the middle of this year that I bought another book authored by him entitled, COOL IT at discounted price of 200 pesos (hardbound, less than 5 US dollars) only. Again, one-third of the book contains notes and reference list! Bjorn supported my understanding about Global Warming, or now it is popularly coined as "Climate Change" because the earth is totally cooling at the moment! The book argues that: "(a) global warming is real and man-made; (b) statements about the strong, ominous and immediate consequences of global warming are often wildly exaggerated; and (c) many other issues are much more important than global warming."

FINALLY, I do share Bjorn's sentiments that his books can help us to better understand the various environmental issues that our Mother Earth is facing... be smarter about solutions to solve them, and also to regain our perspective on the most effective and efficient ways to make Mother Earth a better place that all of us desire to achieve!

Note: Cool It is now a motion picture...watch the trailer below!