bethgstories

Internet connection sucked at the location, but we still managed to enjoy the two days Kim and I were at the Philippine Book Festival. This is my second year of attending the event, and just like before , the repeat buyer/reader and me couldn't get enough of author fangirling.   Fangirls unite! I met Rhois on Facebook, we've heard each other at the MIBF 2024, not only because we were both authors but we were both Kpop fangirls! Naturally, I was pretty excited about her latest release, which featured a boyband and their fangirls. Even more so when she mentioned that she was giving away photocards. Need I say more? I got there as early as I can to get my hands on the Mingyu photocard I was eyeing since the evening she posted it on Facebook. Meeting Ron Canimo (again...) It was during the last year's PBF when I first stood in line to get his books and have them signed. I didn't mind the long line, I didn't mind the wait. With him, it wasn't just about getting ...

It has been six days and the feeling of being in the whirlwind of excitement hasn’t left me. The Manila International Book Fair has been a part of my yearly tradition ever since I joined the literary scene as an author. I just can’t imagine missing the chance to fangirl with the artists I look up to, as their works continue to inspire and fuel my passion for writing. Last year’s fair was lit—it could have been easily my favorite MIBF year—but who would have thought that MIBF 2024 would surpass the excitement and exhilarating experience that 2023 fair brought me? Like, I was there for two days! Obviously, not even me! 🤩 Day 1 (Fair’s Day 3): Reconnecting and discovering Overspending has always been an issue in these events (god, I even posted reminders on my social media page to don’t overspend!) but who overspends when it came to books? But I tried not to—I really did. Believe me when I say I even had a List of Books to Buy from MIBF 2024. I also took note of the booths to visi...

The Pinoy Indie Authors (PIA) reimagined once again. After the successful Manananggal In the City , they were at it again, this time featuring the Tamawo, and this time, I was there not as a spectator but rather, one of the authors. Tamawo or Tamao is a mythological creature of Philippine mythology. They are believed to be malevolent but extremely handsome with very pale skin to white skin that sparkles under direct sunlight, they also have light colored hair, and fangs. They reside primarily near the sea or any body of water. Their Western counterpart would be the Germanic Elves. They are said to abduct any human female that catch their eye. They do this for one purpose: to breed with them. It is also believed that their saliva is some kind of aphrodisiac or has that similar property/ healing property. Tamawos are more commonly known as engkanto, and I've heard a lot of stories about them. I remember one of my older cousins used to say that if the hairs on your arms and legs are g...

Despite my yearly attendance at the MIBF , the Philippine Book Festival 2024 is the first PBF I ever attended. I didn’t really plan on coming since I am on a no-buying-of-books season until I finished reading everything in my unread pile. Plus, that was my birthday week. I was true to my words for the most part this time. I mean, yes, I went, and yes, I bought a couple of books. And for a reason. Meeting Ron Canimo I first met Ron Canimo at the MIBF 2023. I had no idea who he was back then—but Kim is one of his avid followers. He was extremely nice to us, entertained all our questions, and even signed the little quote card freebie I had in my hand. I appreciate nice people, so I followed him on social media and found overwhelming emotions in his words. Damn, I was sold! So when I saw that he was gonna be at the PBF, I just knew that I should go. I bought his books and got them signed, we hugged, and I was just standing there while answering his questions with a single or maybe a couple...

No, I am not a vegan. One of my close friends is, and this is literally the only time of the year that we’re guaranteed to meet. It was in 2018 when I first attended the VegFest Pilipinas and it was a blast. So I figured, why not attend every year and discover what are the tasty treats in store for me? This year’s fair was held at the Blue Bay Walk , and I got there after lunchtime. Cecille was already waiting for me and I was super hungry coming from the dentist appointment so we grabbed lunch first. I let her pick since this is her “territory” and we ended up at WildThyme , a kitchen offering plant-based meals for your meat-craving palate. I got their tinumok which , instead of shrimp, they used a flavorful version of crushed tofu wrapped in taro leaves. It was a combo meal so it came with a cup of rice, crispy octo eggplant, and some sort of lemonade with butterfly pea, hence the purple hue. Once we were full, we decided to check out each booth. Unlike the previous years, there was...

I’ve never been to Boracay. In fact, I am not gonna go to the beach of my own volition. There has to be someone else who would plan the entire trip. Luckily, I have friends who are 1) extremely capable, 2) eligible, and 3) all too willing to plan a trip, book flights, secure hotels, and think of the things we can do for 3 days. I thank God and the entire universe for Kim ‘s friendship. DAY 1 🏠 Kim’s Cribb 🛫 Airport Breakfast 🏨 La Carmela 🍽 Spice Bird 🌅 Sunset By The Beach 🍷 Epic Boracay It was roughly a month before the trip when Kim sent me and Lalaine the flight details, booking done on a whim and all because of one cruel joke. Anyway, we had to pay her roughly Php5000 for flight and accommodation expenses. It’s November, the cold breeze of the amihan is here and not many people are keen to chillax by the waters so that’s probably why the fare was cheap. Anyway, all three of us live in the same neighborhood (the foundation of this friendship is the Catholic church), and Kim’...