• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The ongoing advocacy campaign of Big Bad Wolf Books to onboard one million new readers in the Philippines is expected to be boosted with the 10-day book sale at the ground floor of SM City Bacolod north wing, starting on Sept. 20.
Big Bad Wolf Books Philippines managing partner Carolyn Chuaying said Sept. 12 that this advocacy of having one million new readers is because “we really want to put value and importance to reading” and also in line with the mission of the company to change one’s life one book at a time.
She said that before, the company was focused on book donations without really identifying who needs it the most. “This time, we have a clearer goal and we want everyone to be involved and know the importance of reading and how it can really impact and change people.”
Chuaying said the company has partnered with the Department of Social Welfare and Development on this endeavor, and also donated books to the agency, the Department of Education, and to the libraries of local government units they visited, among others.
“We’re more committed to this so we can connect to more communities,” she added.
The company that started in Malaysia in 2009, and in the Philippines in 2018, also wants to bridge the gap with regards access to affordable and the widest selection of books.
“Especially in smaller cities; we put in time and money to come to small cities, like Bacolod, to bridge the gap…because we’re really passionate to change one’s life one book at a time,” Big Bad Wolf Books regional head Bernard Lee stressed.
This month’s book sale is the second for the company; the first one was in November last year.
“Our second book sale in Bacolod invites readers to reconnect with old favorites, uncover new treasures, and cultivate a passion for books,” Lee said in a statement. “Since our visit last year, we have refined our strategy to better meet the preferences of our readers.”
The goal is to make reading accessible for all. “We remain committed to promoting literacy and nurturing a love for reading in communities throughout the country,” said Lee, who is also a first-time visitor to the City of Smiles.
Chuaying said they were amazed by the warm welcome and response of Bacolodnons and Negrenses during the first book sale. “The people of Bacolod really love to read. This is something that made a mark for Big Bad Wolf, that’s why we’re back as we know how important it is” for Bacolodnons to be able to have access to affordable and a wide array of books.
Ley Almeda, Big Bad Wolf regional director, said that for the first time, local and independent publishers will join the book sale in Bacolod as the company also supports homegrown talents and artists.
They said book enthusiasts and casual readers alike can browse through a selection of over two million titles, all available at highly-discounted prices. “The Big Bad Wolf Bacolod Book Sale offers the perfect opportunity for readers of all ages to find something that piques their interest as it features a wide range of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, children’s literature, and educational titles.”
“And when you share or gift a book, you are also contributing to that one-million new readers advocacy and mission,” Chuaying stressed. | CGC
