34th Manila International Book Fair

The 34th Manila International Book Fair (MIBF 2013) was a 5-day event held from September 11-15, 2013 (for future announcements you may visit their Facebook Page: Manila International Book Fair). Great book discounts are to be found and have a chance to have your books signed by the authors themselves.

Here are the books I bought, everything for P1,332.60 only:

Aside from discounted books and stuff, there are also mascots and anime convention. Just like last Friday where I had a chance to see Doraemon and Nobita.

But for me, the best part of this years MIBF was the launching of Harry Potter's 15th Anniversary Book Cover, of course. The book launch was may possible by Scholastic, National Book Store, and the #1 Harry Potter fans community in the Philippines, the Hogwarts Philippines (Pinoy Harry Potter). The event was filled with exhibits of several editions and versions of Harry Potter Books translated in some Asian and European languages (most books in the exhibit is owned by Blooey Singsong), lots and lots of raffles, several games, and of course, the House Cheering Competition of sorted Hogwarts Philippines members where Slytherin won the cup. And by the way, volunteers and guests shared a big book designed cake where the new cover of the Sorcerer's Stone was printed in an edible paper and was laid on top of the cake (pardon me for not having a photo of this cake).

Because of this event, aside from meeting some of my favorite potterheads, I was able to have a promotional shirt for being an ingress, and a poster and a wand pen for being part of the Slytherin House who won the contest.

And now, I'll be sharing you the winning cheer of the BEST HOUSE EVER as recognized by Scholastic.:P

(in the tune of Bring It On's cheer)

We're rich, we're pure

We only look demure

We're perfect, slick hair

The Gryffs can only stare

We're sly, we're cunning

We're absolutely stunning

You Huffs are not

We know you think we're hot

Ravenclaws... Okay

We'll get you another day

And now, we're done

We don't care if you had fun

We don't cheer, we judge

'cause Slytherins are number one!

Harry Potter's 15th Anniversary Cover Launch

15 days to before September 15 where Harry Potter's 15th Anniversary Book Cover will be launched by National Bookstore.

Is this cover launch not yet that appealing? How 'bout those games in NBS Booth related to this launch where prizes are beyond awesomeness? How 'bout raffle prizes worth taking chances? How 'bout exhibits of different versions of Harry Potter books? Not yet that appealing yet? How 'bout this... You will be able to take your Hogwarts' or Durmstrang's or Beauxbaton's uniforms and be one of the coolest kinds this event could ever have.

Here's the HP new cover price list:
HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER’S STONE (P449)
HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS (P449)
HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZAKABAN (P449)
HARRY POTTER AND T HE GOBLET OF FIRE (P499)
HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX (P499)
HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE (P499)
HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS (P575)
HARRY POTTER SPECIAL EDITION BOXED SET- P3,395

See you all there!

Accio Potterheads!

Did you miss Harry Potter related event? Wait no more for here comes one.:)

Teaser Poster courtesy of Pinoy Harry Potter Sytherin Prefect Abby Sanchez

Beatus: Embracing the holiness of Blessed John Paul II

I came from Makati and rode an MRT going home. While walking in Farmers Market, I remember the news the previous night about the exhibit for Blessed John Paul II. Since I have a great feeling that this exhibit is in Gateway Mall, I didn't take the escalator going up, which I usually do if I'll pass through the mall to go to the LRT station. Fortunately, the exhibit was indeed there.

There are roughly around 20-25 panels where quotations from the homily made by the Blessed John Paul II on his masses around the world as well as his time line which indicates his most memorable experience from the day he was born up to the day he died on April 2, 2005.

Among those quotations being posted, my most favorite quotation was the one he made during the 17th World Youth Day in Toronto. To quote, "Do not let that hope die! Stake your lives on it! We are not the sum of our weaknesses and failures; we are the sum of the Father's love for us and our real capacity to become the image of his Son." (You may click the photo to view its full-size.)

It was not just quotations, there are also pictures. Lots of pictures! And this one really caught my attention and considered as my favorite among those pictures in the exhibit.

And the most beautiful thing in this exhibit is the side where items being used by the Blessed John Paul II are displayed. And this is the most beautiful set and I think the most religious collection is the exhibit. It includes the first class relic of Blessed John Paul II ex-sanguine blood.

Here are the other photos I was able to get. There are lot more of this when you visit the exhibit in Gateway (sorry I was not able to ask the duration of the exhibit.)

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And by the way, there are several kneeling benches infront of the altar or the display where all religious items of Blessed John Paul II are used.