The 1st Manila Fountain Pen show is coming up, and if you are new to the hobby or still need some convincing, the event on October 27 is the perfect place for you.

Related: Fountain Pen Network Philippines Hosts First Manila Fountain Pen Show (by Clement Dionglay)

1) Fountain pen sellers within reach

Around a dozen fountain pen suppliers will be present at the fountain pen show, and the most ideal way to get your first (or next) pen is to see it up close. You get to test your target for as much as you want, and you can also learn more about it from the seller.

Online seller Everything Calligraphy will have a big booth together with Scribe and Noteworthy. The three of them are premium plus sponsors for the event, and will be joined by premium sponsors Cross, Lamy, Montblanc, PenGrafik, and Straits Pen from Singapore.

Faber-Castell, Parker, and Troublemaker Inks from Cebu will be present as well.

Also at the show are small independent shops and services: Gav ’n Sav (pen wraps), Guia’s Vintage Pen Corner, JP’s Pen Spa, John Lim’s nib work services, Kasama (the first Filipino fountain pen), and Shibui PH.

2) Activities for all enthusiasts

Various workshops will be held throughout the day: from handwriting to taking care of your pens. You can also start your kids, if you have any, in the hobby with a session just for them.

Also, stick around for the expert panel at the end of the show, as five fountain pen enthusiasts share their tales.

3) Special deals

An event-exclusive ink will be available on that day, with part of the proceeds going to charity: Manila Copper, specially mixed by Straits Pen. Also expect good prices from sellers as the community ushers in Fountain Pen Day, a worldwide celebration usually commemorated on the first weekend of November.

 

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The early birds get the worm! So make sure to be one of the first fifty people to drop by our booth so you can snag yourself a free sample vial. #WriteEC #EverythingCalligraphy #MNLFountainPenShow2018

A post shared by EverythingCalligraphy (@everythingcalligraphy) on Oct 22, 2018 at 9:01pm PDT

4) Meet the community in the flesh

The local fountain pen community continues to grow, yet the relationships made around casual talks about nibs are surprisingly strong. It may be intimidating, but the folks at Fountain Pen Network – Philippines are very welcoming, especially those who are new to the hobby. You can find some members manning the registration table or grouping together on some tables. Don’t be shy, and remember to always ask if a cap is screw or pull if you’re trying someone else’s pen.

5) Pens everywhere

Of course, you’ll be there for the pens! But more than the temptation of splurging of pens (or you might actually will), there is much you can learn about the hobby during the first Manila Fountain Pen Day. There are many tales surrounding the fine writing instrument, and you are guaranteed to find at least a good one.

The first Manila Fountain Pen Day is happening on October 27, Saturday, at SMX Aura Meeting Room 1 from 9am to 6pm. Follow @manilafountainpenshow on Instagram for the latest info.

Ronin Bautista is one of the two noobs behind pennoob.com. Follow him @ronin.bautista on Instagram.