Manila International Book Fair: Book Launching of Vins Santiago

by Maaya Legaspi - September 25, 2016

If you're a total bookworm you would have probably heard about Manila International Book Fair. And if you're a super duper mega bookworm, you have probably went to this event to score lots of discounted books. This year, Manila International Book Fair happened at SMX Convention for a week full of events and discounted books that surely all book worms, kids and adults, boys and girls will like. Whether you're into young adult books, studying law, or probably into DC and Marvel comics, Manila International Book Fair has got you covered with lots of exhibitors and books to choose from.
To be honest, I haven't been a to book fair as big as this before. So this is actually my first. Luckily, I was invited to Vins Santiago's book launch so I was able to see what's the fuss about this grandest book fair in the country. For starters, it was crowded but not like the travel expo type of crowd. And book worms are everywhere. Famous book store such as National Book Store and Fully Booked are giving huge discounts for regular priced books. You just have to brave the long lines in the cashier though! But that's just about it. I saw one book I want to buy but when I decided to buy it, I couldn't find the book so yeah. I guess book fairs like this requires you to be fast enough in the decision making department to avoid book mishaps.

Transformed: Mula sa Pagiging Transwoman

So yes.. that was quite an introduction. I am writing this down because I was in awe when I saw Vins Santiago in personal. If you don't know him.. he's the man that's known for changing his gender twice. His life story is very inspirational. Can you imagine undergoing the process of being a transwoman, and afterwards be transformed again through the works of God? Yep, that's what he did. He was once a transwoman. And according to him, when he found his way to God, he was transformed and knew that being a transwoman wasn't really for him. His life story was actually featured in MMK in 2003 that starred by Fanny Serrano. When I got inside, the talk already started. There are a lot of people listening attentively that I couldn't find my way in the middle to take a decent photo. I haven't read the book yet but I'm already intrigued with the book because when we had a chance to have an interview with him, he said the said the book isn't just about his transgender life and that a lot of people will be able to relate even if they're not part of the LGBT community.

Vins answering questions from the crowd

The book is entitled "Transformed: Mula sa Pagiging Transwoman". The book is targeted to the LGBT community but like what I've said, you don't have to be part of the LGBT group in order to relate to the book. I'm sure all can relate with different life tragedies. The book is written in Taglish and part of the sales of the book will be donated to the HIV victims that have been abandoned by their families. The book is about a boy who grew up to be a beautiful transsexual woman that tries to fill an emptiness inside him. The book is about his journey to God and how it has transformed him again. And while I don't condemn the LGBT community, I think this move of Vins is a personal project of him to spread the word of God through his book.

Happy faces in the crowd

Some of the people that asked Vins questions

Vins signing my copy :)

Me, together with 4 other bloggers, had an opportunity to interview him. And from what I observed, he is very friendly and interacts with us as if we're just friends. When asked what triggered him to write the book, his response was "God". He said it's already the right time for him to write the book and that everything that's happening to him right now is the work of God. And if you're wondering what's his stand now about the LGBTQ community, he said that he's glad people now knows and can differentiate different sex orientation. And though he condemn the sin, he doesn't condemn the person itself. There are actually a lot of transgender people listening to him while he talks, most of them are his friends and they're okay. It's not like just because he went back to being a man again doesn't mean he no longer interacts with transgender people. Which I think is very human of him. Why? Because personally, I think it's very rude to judge and to select people whom you're gonna interact with just because of sex orientation. We may differ in opinions or thoughts at some topics but that doesn't mean we can't get along, right?

With my fellow bloggers and Vins himself

At the end of his talk, he sang The Prayer for the crowd and continue with the book signing. I got my copy of the book signed too!
Of course this wouldn't be possible without OMF Literature Inc. and Light Network Channel 33, Magaan Dito Kaibigan.
My first time in the Manila International Book Fair is definitely motivational and inspirational. I might not bought the book I've been eyeing but at least I got loads of inspirational books. :) Thanks to Ms. Jenny of OMF Literature for entertaining and accompanying us.

SPONSORED POST

Tags : 37th Manila International Book Fair, book launching, events, lifestyle, Light Network, Manila International Book Fair, OMF Literature, smx convention, Transformed: Mula sa Pagiging Transwoman, Vins Santiago

15 comments

Unknown9/27/2016
How incredible that you had the opportunity to interview him!! He sounds like such an inspirational person! I might have to check out his book! Thanks for introducing him to me! xox
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Unknown9/27/2016
Great job there!
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4449/27/2016
sad i did'nt got the chance to dropby at MIBF thank you for sharing your experience got a week peak
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Mommy QueenElizabeth9/27/2016
Wow! This must be an interesting book. Im into so much curiosity about the LGBT. And why a lot are going into transgen these days. Glad that he was transformed and now sharing the good news and spreading the word of the Lord. Would love to read this!
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Unknown9/27/2016
I missed the MIBF this year. If I went, I would probably stay and listen to his talk too. Interesting book. Thanks for sharing!
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Travel Eat Pinas9/27/2016
Hi Maaya! It was nice meeting you on this event. I did enjoy Vins and the book as well.
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Janine Ella9/27/2016
I haven't been to any book fair before! Hopefully I can join one someday cause it looks a nice event to attend! :)

xx, wanderingella.com
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theresa9/27/2016
I badly wanted to try visiting the fair but it was so far from here and I am currently pregnant then. If only they have a province version, I'm one of the first in line for sure.
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Joanna9/27/2016
I love book fairs, I used to go every year to the Bucharest International Book Fair and I remember meeting a lot of authors there, including my favorite one. I would have loved to have the chance to interview him, like you did with Vins Santiago.
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A9/27/2016
So jealous! I wish we had more book fairs like this one here in Baguio too!
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Sam (@followyouroad)9/28/2016
Truly admire people who share their stories. It's amazing that Vins was able to share her story at such a huge event. I hope to read about her.
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bluedreamer279/28/2016
I'm not a bookworm but i felt sad because I missed this event..Some of my friends went there and they told me that there are bunch of comics there that are all in great discounts :( hopefully I could make it next year
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Veeyah10/01/2016
I am sulking so hard right now 'cause I wasn't able to go to this year's MIBF. :( I'm not in Manila and I would've loved to have gone and scored bargains. You seem to have had the time of your life though, and I'm happy your first MIBF experience went great. :)
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Justine Galang10/05/2016
Just by the title itself, I bet the book will move its readers to become the better person they can be. Really inspirational!
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Amanda10/06/2016
Wow this looks like such an awesome event! I'm a huge bookworm myself and would be in heaven at an event like this! The author seems like a great guy!
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