Folks who love to dress up as their favorite fictional characters have cosplay conventions, guys who adore muscular men in capes get Comic-Con.

We book worshippers have our gathering too, and it’s ongoing until Sunday. In case you need more convincing to go to the 33rd Manila International Book Fair, here’s why you should brave bad traffic and fight for parking to visit the fair.

1. Books. With over a hundred exhibitors and publishers, it’s a veritable feast for even the most voracious reader out there.

2. “The Best of Anime 2012” on display. This pocket exhibit caters to manga and anime enthusiasts, gamers and cosplayers. Connect with your fellow anime lovers and check out the comics, books, magazines and toys for sale.

3.  Meet your favorite authors. National Book Store’s full schedule of events includes book signings by authors across different genres. Lourd de Veyra, Ambeth Ocampo, Jenni Epperson are only some of the authors expected to sign books on Saturday. Other authors scheduled to appear on the last day include Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo of Trese fame, Mervin Ignacio and Ian Sta. Maria (Skyworld), Gerry Alanguilan (Elmer), Pol Medina (Pugad Baboy), Jinri Park (The Jinri Experience) and Claude and Mary Ann Tayag (Linamnam).

US-based authors Alex Gilvarry (From The Memoirs Of A Non-Enemy Combatant) and Jennifer Hillier (Creep) were also flown in for a special book signing tomorrow.

4. Get deals on books. Looking to complete your Wimpy Kid or Hunger Games trilogy? Some exhibitors offer discounts and deals for books, so keep an eye out for your favorite titles.

5. Comic book lovers should drop by on the last day to partake of National Book Store’s Free Comic Book Day. Pick up a copy of Mark Millar and Leinil Yu’s Super Crooks, it’s super awesome.

6. As if being surrounded by books aren’t enough, prizes await lucky bookworms who attend the fair.

7. Discover local authors. Make sure to drop by and check out homegrown publications from Anvil and pick up titles from Pinoy authors.

8. Given the theme of the fair (books), the odds are ever in your favor of finding and possibly dating a girl/boy who reads.

9. Supplies! Books may take center stage at the MIBF, but there’s also room for fun stationery and school supplies to shine.

10. Workshops and talks. Make sure to check the schedule of events to see which speaker you can derive inspiration from.

The 33rd Manila International Book Fair is located at the SMX Convention Center. Visit www.manilabookfair.com for more information. Check out https://www.nationalbookstore.com for their own schedule of events.