The Wolf Returns to Manila: The Big Bad Wolf Conquers Parqal!

May 20, 2024

Manila, Philippines — Attention, book lovers! The Big Bad Wolf Book Sale, the world's biggest book sale, continues “changing the world one book at a time” as it sets off on a nationwide tour. The “Big Bad Tour: Mission 1 New Million Readers” will kick off at Parqal, Aseana City from May 24 to June 2, 2024.

(From left to right): Big Bad Wolf Books Philippine Managing Partner Carol Chuaying; Big Bad Wolf Books co-founder Jacqueline Ng.; Ambassador of Malaysia to the Philippines Dato Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino; and Vice President of 2GO Group, Inc. Faye Babar opens a fresh delivery of books, signaling the return of Big Bad Wolf Book Sale in Manila.

This historical endeavor is dedicated to nurturing literacy, enhancing reading comprehension, and instilling a love of reading among Filipinos of all ages. The book sale is set to tour across the country, visiting bustling urban hubs and secluded rural communities. Featuring a diverse array of books at budget-friendly prices, the tour spotlights educational titles, children’s stories, and Filipino literature, championing inclusivity in reading accessibility.

Big Bad Wolf Books Philippine Managing Partner Carol Chuaying and Big Bad Wolf Books co-founder Jacqueline Ng

"Reading opens doors to new worlds and opportunities," said Big Bad Wolf Co-founder Jacqueline Ng. "With 'Mission 1 New Million Readers,' we are taking concrete steps towards changing lives through books. Our goal is not just to promote literacy but also to ignite a lifelong passion for reading across the Philippines."

The Ambassador of Malaysia to the Philippines Datu Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino spoke at the event emphasizing the importance of empowering younger generations to help bring the country to greater heights. “What we are doing today is to inspire the younger generation to build a better Philippines,” said the Malaysian ambassador.

Department of Social Welfare and Development Undersecretary of Legislative Affairs Fatima Aliah Dimaporo

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Undersecretary of Legislative Affairs Fatima Aliah Dimaporo presented the DSWD’s data on poverty and literacy in the Philippines. She reported on the correlation of poverty and literacy in the Philippines, thus the government agency has implemented programs to aid the members of underprivileged communities through education. Dimaporo also highlighted the efforts being done by the DSWD, in collaboration with Big Bad Wolf Books and the Malaysian embassy, to help address the need for improved literacy in these communities.

Also present at the event were Carol Chuaying, Big Bad Wolf Philippines Managing Partner; Emily Koa, Metrobank Credit Card General Usage Head; Patrick Marcelo, IKEA Marketing and PR Manager; Jasmin Cruz, Country Inspiration & Communication Manager, IKEA Philippines; Francis Anne Alonzo Babar, 2GO Business Unit Head for 2GO Forwarding; and Michael Sy, General Manager, Parqal.

7-year-old Monica Bautista, an early reader who was also at the event, talked about her love for reading. Bautista started reading signs and symbols at the age of 2. A year later, she was reading on her own. “I think children should read more books because it can help boost our imagination, and books help us learn new stuff,” she expressed.

The tour promises an unparalleled experience, featuring meet-and-greets with beloved authors, storytelling sessions, and interactive events crafted to make reading a joyous and enlightening pursuit. These festivities are open to schools, families, and readers of all ages, contributing to the movement to reshape the country’s reading landscape.