Shopping 101: @ a Book Fair

Here's another Shopping Tips and Tricks Guide I've made based on some experiences I've had during the Book Fairs I went to. I've only been to two so far but I learned quite a lot from them.

1. Have patience.

2. One golden rule everytime you go on sales, ALWAYS list the items you'd like to get.  Saves time and effort.

3. Do some research. Before charging in better have an idea on the layout of the place. Check if there are maps available. Have a plan of attack. As much as possible be organized so you wouldn't have to waste time running around looking for booths.

4. Bring cash and leave the card. For Book junkies, book fairs are a place full of temptations. So if you don't want to end up on a swiping spree then better have cash instead. 

5. Get what you need first. If you have money left to spend then see if you have something else you'd like to buy just for the heck of it.

6. Be a trooper and learn how to dig through the mosh pit of discounted books. There might be some treasure just waiting to be unearthened in there.

7. Take advantage of the sales and discounts. Go with family and friends, pool the purchases so you can get those awesome freebies. Some stores offer free items for a certain worth of items.

8. Come early so you can sift through the available titles before all the good ones are already gone. As much as possible don't go on a weekend. If you hate crowds and long lines then go on the 'alanganin' days. 

9. Have an eco bag or whatever bag ready were you could put your purchases together so you don't have to lug around a ton plastics or bags. Or better yet if you don't want to carry them around then if there is an available package counter, just leave your purchases there for the meantime.

10. Go with a full stomach so you'd have the energy to roam around. All that walking, snooping around, squeezing through crowds and falling in loooooong lines are bound to make you hungry in one way or another.

11.  Know the events that are going to be happening during the fair.

12. ENJOY!

Spot on: 34th Manila International Book Fair (Day 4)

Went back again. Just couldn't help myself. Managed to take a few more photos. The fair was packed with people. Probably because its the weekend and there are other functions going around in the Convention Center as well. 

Anvil's Booth have awesome price slashes like 20% and the jawdropping 80% discount which sounds totally insane right? It's a real book sale, UK-UK style. You just have to dig through the pile load of stuff in there and you're sure to find something to take home with you. Carted home bags load of stuff *blushes*.

Dropped by Heartshapers again to buy some more DVD's. Yes people I'm a DVD and Book junkie. Hahaha. . . Still some VCD bargains at 100 php and 75 php and DVD's at 200 php. Also managed to find time to drop by ADARNA's booth. OMG! I seriously love how colorful their booth is. And the staff are really nice. I purchased 2 books, a shirt and an adorable Pilandok Plushie!

Spot on: 34th Manila International Book Fair (Day 1 & 3)

After 3 years of wanting to go to the MIBF I was finally able to go on its 34th year. I can't find the right words to explain how freakin' awesome and ecstatic I feel right now! 

Some say that there are fewer exhibitors this year but what the heck, I was still able to hoard a whole bunch of stuff so I'm quite satisfied already. I dropped by during the opening day which was on the 11th of September then I visited again on the 13th, and during those two days I can say that I got most of the stuff that I really really wanted. But I find myself wanting more books. OMG!  I'm thankful that I was able to save loads on my allowance because I really made some serious damage on my wallet. 

Only got a couple of photos since I was too busy snooping around the shelves. I was literally going nuts! 

Hoarded a bunch of stuff from Heartshapers booth (left side of the photo). They have DVD's for 200 each and VCD's which are mostly 75 php. I'm not sure if all the VCD's are worth 75 but majority of my purchases is worth that much for a piece. The videos are more on Religious/Educational stuff which is awesome for kids as well.

Tahanan (right side) is by far one of my most favorite booths. And they sell a ton of awesome stuff as well. Since I am a notepad/notebook addict I ended up digging through the bins they had for discounted pads. They sell the smaller ones for 20 each.

A booksigning booth for PSICOM. I passed by the booth on the first day while I was on my way to make my purchases on their newly launched books but I forgot to have my copy signed. BLEH! Typically, I don't read Tagalog novels/books but since it's quite popular nowadays I feel rather intrigued. So I ended up buying the books just to see if these books are my cup of tea.

I also purchased some Comics from the Philippine Bible Society. I had the comics they are selling when I was still a kid so I really wanted to buy them again because the old ones I've had got too old, wrinkly and unreadable. 

There weren't that much people yet considering that it's still work and office day. I'm expecting more attendees during the weekend. Happy that I already got most of the stuff I want before people start to flood in.