We’re big fans of National Book Store’s crazy sales. Cut-Price, check. Warehouse Sale, check. Book Binge Bazaar, check. The excitement of browsing the shelves, being surrounded by fellow book lovers (some of whom line up super early to get first dibs), the joy of uncovering new gems (for just P75, P125, P175, P275 and P375!), the triumph of finding titles we’ve always wanted—all these things never get old.

 

But last Friday, on the first day of the three-day Book Binge Bazaar at the SMX Convention Center, we got to experience that and more. We got the chance to see what goes on behind the scenes, the effort it takes to bring new reads into your eagerly waiting hands: the guards gathering early to ensure the crowd’s safety (of course there’s always a big crowd), so many people filling the shelves and stacking book towers, the cashiers saying a prayer just before the doors opened, asking for guidance so they can serve their customers better, the guys preparing the baskets and carts and trolleys that would be piled high with your shopping just moments later.

 

The same will happen as National Book Store takes the Book Binge Bazaar to Davao on Oct. 25-28 (Function Room 1, 3/L, SMX, SM Lanang Premier, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.) and to Cebu on Nov. 21-25 (Hall 1 and 2, Cebu Trade Hall, 3/L, SM City Cebu, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. on Nov. 21, 22 and 25, and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on Nov. 23-24).

 

We’re excited, a little jealous but also really thrilled for the bookworms in those cities. Expect a great selection (and yes, yes, plenty of YA). On this page are our favorite finds.