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| (Image Source: GMA Network/Big Bad Wolf Books) |
The Big Bad Wolf Book Sale, the world’s biggest book sale, continues to “change the world one book at a time” as it sets off on a nationwide tour this year kicking off with “Big Bad Tour: Mission 1 Million New Readers” on May 24-June 2, 2024 at Parqal, Aseana City in Parañaque City. 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.
“Reading opens doors to new worlds and opportunities. With ‘Mission 1 Million New 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," said Big Bad Wolf co-founder Jacqueline Ng. 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. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Undersecretary of Legislative Affairs Hon. Fatima Aliah Dimaporo presented the agency’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 Big Bad Wolf Philippines Managing Partner Carol Chuaying, Metrobank Credit Card General Usage Head Emily Koa, IKEA Philippines Marketing and PR Manager Patrick Marcelo, IKEA Philippines Country Inspiration & Communication Manager Jasmin Cruz, 2GO Business Unit Head for 2GO Forwarding Francis Anne Alonzo Babar, and Parqal General Manager Michael Sy. 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.
The book sale also marks the enduring collaboration between Big Bad Wolf and Metrobank, extending a 0% 3-month installment promo for purchases worth at least Php3,000 to Metrobank cardholders. And that’s not all as Swedish home furnishings brand IKEA will also grace the Parqal leg of the book tour with a special treat for visitors. Admission to "Big Bad Tour: Mission 1 Million New Readers" is free with doors opening daily from 10:00 am to 12:00 midnight.
