Week 26: Attending Book Events is #BetterByBicycle

Oh look at that, I've been slouching for a long time. The truth is, something made me really upset (acad. related) last semester, and ever since,  I haven't really been motivated to write here. Now it's been quite crazy in the world lately, and while they add up to the personal dilemma I'm dealing, I wanted to remind myself that I have personal spaces in the worldwide web where I can express myself and share my life without the worry of getting judged or bashed (perks of being unpopular LOL). Hence a new blog entry.

I haven't been going to events or trainings lately, but it's National Literature Month, and I thought what an apt time to talk about book events. As a teacher, books have been a staple part of my life. They are  essential work tools. But even before I became a teacher, I've been consuming books simply for the joy of reading. I wouldn’t call myself a bookworm, just an average reader who enjoys the comfort of a good story or deep insights from essays. I don't favor specific genres, I read both fiction and non-fiction. I like books that resonate with my struggles and advocacies. I fondly remember certain books that helped me get through some rough patches in life, like how Haruki Murakami's Kafka on the Shore and Wind-up Bird Chronicle got me through unemployment, or how George Orwell's 1984 opened my eyes to the complexity of social reality and how people in power can easily manipulate the truth. J.D. Salinger's Catcher in the Rye made me question the world's (and even my own) hypocrisies, Ambeth Ocampo's Rizal Without the Overcoat made me appreciate Rizal beyond his patriotic contributions. While I don't favor a specific genre, my absolute favorite book format would have to be comics! 

Now I did mention in the past that I find the reading culture of Filipinos to be on the weak side. I say this because, public libraries are lacking - we don't have one in my hometown, nor in the town where I work. If I want to shop for books, I would've to go to the city, or shop online (which I try to avoid, because, plastic waste). And then, there's the lack of book events. Again, I have to travel to the city to attend one, and there's not much that I can think of. The two biggest book events that happen annually are Manila International Book Fair and Philippine Book Festival. Locally (Tanay or Rizal area) it's practically non-existent. In as much as I'd like to organize local book events, I'm afraid I'm not bookish-enough to pull off one.

I like attending book events because 1) I get to listen to book talks featuring authors of the books I like; 2) having my books signed by their authors; and, 3) getting book discounts. Now I want to mention about the book events that I've been to last year, because I did go there by bicycle! Because they're in the city, I had to take a bus/ jeep first. When I get to the metro, I unfold my bike and start pedaling to the event venue.

The first one that I went to was the Manila International Book Fair, known as the largest and longest-running book fair in the Philippines, it remains the ultimate destination for bibliophiles, students, and educators. I was looking to attend the book launch and talk of Atom Araullo, but the space for his event was really jampacked, and unfortunately at my age, I  didn't have the energy to stand and squeeze in with the crowd (I also came from another exhausting event that day). 

Bike parking in SMX Convention Center

I had two of my comic books signed by Manix Abrera 

This excellent piece of investigative journalism by 

Marites Vitug is a must-read for every Filipino

I just went on to have the books I brought signed. I didn't stay for long, but I was happy to see it was well attended, and when I see a lot of people in events like this one, I am refilled with hope that one day, majority of Filipinos would embrace the habit of reading, not out of obligation but out of love for learning, the traditional way. 

The second book event I attended last year was a book talk organized by the Korean Cultural Center of the Philippines featuring the author Hwang Bo-reum, I happen to have a copy of her novel Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop, which I loved and it was nice to hear her talk about her inspirations, the character she relates to the most, and which books she would have in case she had her own bookstore. I always enjoy hearing the creative process that goes through in creating an art from the artist herself/himself. I favor smaller and low-key events like this one because I get to relax more while listening (I cycled from Pasig to Taguig on a hot afternoon! I long for some comfort after the ride you know). Also, I want to mention that even though I do not understand Korean, I got excited when I heard her mention Haruki Murakami while explaining her inspiration in writing a book (she said she was not like Haruki Murakami who had an aha moment while watching a baseball match).

The last book related event I wanted to share was the Q-Lit Festival in Melbourne. I was there the whole Pride month and I wanted to try attending a Pride event, and there were a lot, and this one fit my schedule and interest. It featured a panel (author Patrick Lenton, and Drag Race Down Under 4th season winner Lazy Susan), they talk about "Drag Race vs. the Stories We Need". They discussed how shows like Drag Race don’t just entertain, they shape also narratives about identity, resilience, and belonging. While I'm not a fan of Drag Race (I'm not into fashion) the talk made me think about whose stories are still missing, and what it means to demand more complex, grounded, and diverse representations. I did get a copy of their books, so I can get more acquainted with their work. This event also had a comedy session after featuring Aussie stand up comedians. I don't remember all their names but I had a good laugh. I was surprised because I thought I wouldn't get the jokes, but I did. I just love how stand-up comedy bridges cultures. 

with Patrick Lenton

with Lazy Susan (OMG She's tall!)

Coming home by bike (and train)

Looking back at the three book events I made my way to, what stands out isn’t just the talks or the authors but also how I got there. Cycling (pairing it with public transport) made each one feel more intentional. I arrived with a clear head, left with ideas still settling in, and felt more connected to the cities in between. Different venues, different conversations, but the same takeaway: the journey shapes the experience. And for me, getting there by bike just made it all land better.