ALL bookworms, rejoice! The Big Bad Wolf Book Sale returns to Cebu. Here are some things to look forward to on its second year.
Lots and lots of books
We’re talking more than one million brand new English books in various genres from fiction and non-fiction bestsellers to children’s books and rare titles. Big Bad Wolf supports local publishers and authors, so apart from perusing the selections, expect local authors who will do a book signing at the sale. In addition is the much-awaited “Magical Book” that combines literature and augmented reality technology that makes learning and reading fun for the kids. It will be rolling out 12 titles ranging from fairy tale stories like “Cinderella” to educational choices like “Let’s Learn ABC.”
Great discounts
There’s a slim chance of going home buying just one book, as the sale offers discounts up to 50 to 90 percent. The Big Bad Wolf Book Sale, founded in 2009 by Andrew Yap and Jacqueline Ng of BookXcess in Malaysia, has traveled to different parts of the world, visiting 16 cities in seven countries in 2018, debuting in the Philippines in February 2018 in Manila. It has since visited other parts of the country like Cebu, Davao and Pampanga, providing irresistible discounts to its shoppers, which is why it is known as the World’s Biggest Book Sale.
Its offering of affordable books stems from its intention to encourage people of all ages to discover the wonders of reading a book; the same feeling Ng experienced when she was introduced to the first book she devoured: “If Tomorrow Comes,” a novel by American author Sidney Sheldon.
“It made me love books, it brought me to a different world,” she shared during the Big Bad Wolf press conference at Mezzo Hotel, Cebu City last Aug. 2.
Beyond books
More than a sale, it’s an organization that advocates reading and English literacy with the mission to change the world, one book at a time. It continues its Red Readerhood Programme in Cebu City by giving back to the community through its partnership with Gawad Kalinga (GK)—a partnership that has long been happening for the past two years—that aims to equip GK’s community libraries and schools with more books.
“GK believes that everybody, regardless of status and age, has the right to learn. Even though our modalities are different, our goal is the same, which is to unleash the potential of every individual. We believe that books are one of the strongest tools for this to happen. It’s really wonderful that Big Bad Wolf has chosen us,” shared Gawad Kalinga Cebu’s provincial head, Toby Florendo, during the press conference.
“This is so close to our hearts because while they’re building homes for the homeless and feeding the hungry, they invited us to bring the books so that we feed the mind and soul,” Ng mentioned.
Apart from the donation of books, it has also helped them in terms of livelihood as some of the Big Bad Wolf’s staff are from GK’s core volunteer as well. Shoppers can also take part in the advocacy by donating a book (or more) to the program during the sale while shopping for one’s personal collection.
Look forward to the sale happening from Aug. 16 to 26 at the IEC Convention Center (IC3), Pope John Paul II Ave., Cebu City. Entrance is free, so bring an eco bag, list the books you want to buy, and for all intents and purposes, wear comfortable footwear.