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Tag: SMX Convention Center

  • Wattpad Celebrates 20th Anniversary at the Manila International Book Fair 2026

    Wattpad Celebrates 20th Anniversary at the Manila International Book Fair 2026

    Wattpad, the global webnovel platform and storytelling community, today announced its official return to the Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) at the SMX Convention Center from September 9–13, 2026, to celebrate the platform’s 20th anniversary.

    Wattpad

    As one of Wattpad’s largest global markets, the Philippines remains central to the platform’s ecosystem. To commemorate two decades of digital storytelling, Wattpad is bringing together a powerhouse lineup of Filipino writers whose stories have built multi-million-reader fandoms, topped best-seller lists, and been adapted into hit television and film projects.

    Throughout the five-day event, fans can visit the interactive Wattpad Booth to complete a “Reader Passport” challenge and collect exclusive anniversary merchandise. In-booth signings and meet-and-greets will take place throughout the book fair with popular Wattpad authors including Knightinblack (Hell University, 183M+ reads), beeyotch (Seducing Drake Palma, 85M+ reads), and CeCeLib (Possessive series, 80M+ reads). 

    Wattpad and The Hershey Company have partnered over the years to champion authentic Filipino storytelling among readers and top writers. At MIBF 2026, the two brands will host an exclusive in-booth activation featuring top creators eatmore2behappy (Ang Mutya Ng Section E, 171M+ reads) and 4reuminct (The Rain in España, 161M+ reads). Fans attending their meet-and-greet on September 12 can sample Hershey’s chocolates, play an interactive game, and get signed copies of special branded story editions.

    Additionally, Wattpad will host a panel discussion on September 11 titled “Just One More Chapter,” featuring superstar writers exploring their stories, inspirations, and creative journeys on the main stage.

    Wattpad at MIBF 2026 Schedule

    Wattpad Booth & Reader Activations

    Where: SMX Convention Center, Booths 2-156 & 2-157 (Second Floor)
    When: Wednesday, September 9 – Sunday, September 13 from 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM PHST daily

    MIBF 2026 Panel Event

    When: Friday, September 11 from 1:30 – 2:30 PM PHST
    Where: SMX Convention Center, ground floor stage area
    Details: A deep-dive conversation with some of Wattpad’s biggest Filipino writers exploring their stories, inspirations, and creative journeys.

    Author Signings +  Meet-And-Greets

    Where: SMX Convention Center, Booths 2-156 & 2-157 (Second Floor)
    When:

    Friday, September 11

    Saturday, September 12

    Sunday, September 13

    For real-time updates and behind-the-scenes coverage throughout MIBF 2026, follow along @WattpadFilipino. 

    About Wattpad

    Wattpad’s vision is to entertain and connect the world through stories. A leading global webnovel platform, Wattpad has democratized storytelling for a new generation of diverse Gen Z writers and their fans. 

    Wattpad is part of WEBTOON Entertainment’s IP & Creator Ecosystem, where approximately 155 million monthly active users discover incredible stories in multiple formats.

  • The ALT Collective Marks Its Largest Edition Yet at SMX MOA in 2026

    The ALT Collective Marks Its Largest Edition Yet at SMX MOA in 2026

    ALT ART marks its most anticipated return with a bigger venue, expanded exhibitions, and dynamic public programs at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay from February 12 to 15, 2026, with public days scheduled from February 13 to 15, open from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

    ALT ART 2026

    Organized by the ALT Collective and joined by nine of the country’s premier galleries—Artinformal, Blanc, The Drawing Room, Galleria Duemila, Finale Art File, MO_Space, Underground, Vinyl on Vinyl, and West Gallery—the fourth edition of the showcase is set to be the largest yet, featuring twice the floor area of its 2024 iteration, and walls rising up to 5 meters high. This expansion provides more room to exhibit the best works in contemporary art and to develop curated projects that further reframe artistic discourse and critical engagement with art in the Philippines.

    Artinformal’s Tina Fernandez says that “Each of the 9 galleries that form part of the collective represent different artists who are experts in their field and have different points of view. ALT ART presents these different voices in a cohesive manner. Being in a venue that is more accessible to a broader audience fulfills our goal to enable more people from different walks of life to experience these shows.”

    The ALT Collective Photo by MM Yu

    The staple SPECIAL PROJECTS, presented individually by each gallery, will continue to push conceptual possibilities and expand the showcase’s curatorial scope. Featured exhibitions will include works by Christina Quisumbing Ramilo, Buen Calubayan, Julie Lluch/Kiri Dalena/Ben Brixx, Raffy Napay, MM Yu, Kolown/Christina Lopez, Mauro “Malang” Santos, Lesley-Ann Cao, and Iwan Effendi.

    Aiming to offer fresh perspectives in art, which marks another exciting milestone for ALT ART, this edition will unveil the inaugural group of artists featured in the DISCOVERIES SECTION.

    “The Discoveries Program is a platform for artists who we think deserve to garner more attention. Some of these artists are not new, but we feel we have a long journey ahead. The program is also a reminder that with the fast paced turnover of attention, it is a good way for us to step back and slow things down a bit,” explains Jay Amante of Blanc.

    Showcasing exciting and critically engaged practices, the program spotlights artists whose work merits greater visibility and recognition, including JC Mariategue, Jomari T’leon, Joar Songcuya, Allyza Tresvalles, Eric Bico, Gelo Cinco, Joanolasco, Rhaz Oriente, and Marco Ortiga.

    “New highlights lead to new interests which lead to new conversations. We aim to bridge the gap between what is established, and what is to be discovered,” adds Mawen Ong of MO_Space.

    ALT ART 2026 promises yet another edition full of discoveries, continuing its mission to promote Philippine art and amplify artistic voices for local and international audiences, collectors, and art enthusiasts.

    The art showcase is presented by BDO Private Bank, and with special support from Nagaraya. Tickets for public days from February 13 to 15, 2026, are available onsite, priced at PHP 500 for the general public and PHP 250 for students. For more information, visit www.altphilippines.com and follow @altphilippines on Instagram and Facebook.