By Mariela Angella Oladive
Big Bad Wolf Books, the Malaysian-based global phenomenon, officially kicks off its ten-day book sale extravaganza in Iloilo City on October 12 during the VIP day at the lower ground floor of SM City Iloilo.
The opening was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Big Bad Wolf Books Co-founder Andrew Yap, Iloilo City Councilor Miguel S. Trenas, New Lucena Mayor Liecel Mondejar Seville, Big Bad Wolf Books Philippine Partner Carol Chuaying, Head of Usage and CRM, Consumer Business Sector at Metrobank Amabelle Nuco, SM City Iloilo Operations Manager Gilbert Domingo, and Gawad Kalinga Provincial Management Team Events Maria Shiela Barbasa.
Book enthusiasts from Iloilo and neighboring areas can bask in a vast and diverse collection of over 2 million books offering unbeatable deals with discounts of up to 95% off and more surprises from October 13 to 23.
The literary genres available for purchase include timeless classics, contemporary bestsellers, popular graphic novels, and more.
Meanwhile, the Big Bad Wolf team has gone above and beyond to ensure a browsing experience like no other. The collections are displayed across different sections on the Lower Ground Floor of SM Iloilo, creating an exciting book-hunting journey for all attendees.
Andrew Yap, co-founder of Big Bad Wolf Books, extended an invitation to the public, saying Ilonggos have to come and experience the grandest and most affordable book.
“I’d really like to see the city thrive with the knowledge that is available and make a difference for the nation,” Yap told Daily Guardian. He further emphasized Big Bad Wolf’s mission to ensure that everyone, especially the youth, has equal opportunities to embrace books in their lives.
Yap’s mission is rooted in the belief that cultivating a reading culture and habit is best instilled in children. Therefore, his lifelong mission is to make books more affordable and accessible.
But the event is more than just about books. It is also for a bigger cause, where collaborating with local organizations is at the forefront.
Big Bad Wolf’s official bank partner, Metrobank, extends the privilege of 0% installment for three months for every minimum purchase of PHP 3,000, adding an extra layer of convenience to the book-buying experience.
One of the most remarkable aspects of BBW’s presence in the metro is its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, the Red Readerhood (RRH). Partnering with Gawad Kalinga, a prominent Philippine non-governmental organization, the Red Readerhood initiative aims to give back to the community.
“We believe in the power of books to transform lives, and Red Readerhood is our way of sharing that belief with the community. Partnering with Gawad Kalinga has allowed us to channel our efforts towards making a positive impact beyond the joy of reading. Through this CSR initiative, we aim to not only provide access to books but also to contribute to the betterment of local communities,” said Carol Chuaying, BBW Philippine Partner.
Visitors can join the initiative by purchasing books at the dedicated RRH booth in the children’s section beside Our Homes on the lower ground floor. These books will be donated to Gawad Kalinga’s Traveling Maleta Library on top of the 1,000 books pledged by Big Bad Wolf, extending the love for literature to those underprivileged.
The fun never stops because, besides the book sale, readers can participate in various contests and activities throughout the sales period. One highlight is the BBW’s Book Haul contest, where participants can share photos or videos of their purchases on social media using the hashtag #BBWPHILIPPHINES2023 and #TROLLEYFULOFBOOKS. Exciting prizes await, with the Grand Prize being a magnificent “Trolleyful of Books.”
With so much in store for readers in Iloilo, this is an opportunity to dive headfirst into a literary feast brought by the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale. The event is a celebration of books, reading, and the power of storytelling. Whether a casual reader or a book enthusiast, this event promises something for everyone.
Founded in 2009 by Andrew Yap and Jacqueline Ng, Big Bad Wolf Books aims to cultivate reading habits, increase English literacy worldwide, and build a new generation of book lovers by making books more affordable and accessible to everyone.
With its popular Book Sales, the company encourages people of all ages to discover the joys of reading and empowers them with the knowledge to pursue their dreams.
Big Bad Wolf’s Book Sales have toured 15 countries and 37 cities, including various locations in Asia and beyond, spreading the love of books and reading to diverse communities worldwide.
