Draft Message for the Souvenir Program of the 29th Manila International Book Fair on September 12 16, 2008

8 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.

MESSAGE
For all that has been extolled on the benefits of reading, it remains a practice on the brink of extinction. Fewer people are getting into the reading habit. Thus for the present generation, the power of the book has been largely untapped as it struggles to compete against myriad alternative sources of information and entertainment available today. Alas, even among the small reading populace, the book is not without threats. It also faces tough competition against electronic books, reading machines, and a host of other reading materials available with a click of a mouse. Fortuitously, what is being painted is a future of computer screens in substitute for paper, of electronic ink replacing print. The price for these developments is a deep void, for the book promises rewards not only of power, but magic. Along with the power of knowledge, there is the magic of imagination. Along with the power of comprehension, there is the magic of empathy. Along with the power of learning, there is the magic of empowerment. Indeed, there is as much power in the reading experience as there are touches of magic from the values of patience and perseverance as well as the sense of ownership cultivated in the reader. The value of books will likely remain understated in our fast-paced, modernized world. But their beauty, and indeed magic, is not only that their stories and knowledge allow us to transcend boundariesphysical, cultural, spiritual, mental, and psychologicalthey also permit us to defy time by paving for the discovery and rediscovery of ideas that fill the library of life. I extend my congratulations and gratitude to the Manila International Book Fair for keeping alive the message that then, now, and in the years to come, the book will remain the finest print. Mabuhay kayong lahat!