The renowned book sale, Big Bad Wolf began with a childhood encounter that grew into a million book mission. Sometimes, the most meaningful journeys begin with the simplest encounters. For Ms. Jacqueline Ng, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Big Bad Wolf Books, it all started with a fellow student, a book, and a childhood moment that would eventually inspire a mission to make reading more accessible to people around the world.
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| Jacquelyn Ng, Co-founder of Big Bad Wolf |
During a recent conversation, Ms. Ng shared the story behind the beginnings of Big Bad Wolf, recalling how, as a young student, her access to books was largely limited to the usual textbooks required in school. Like many children, she had little opportunity to explore books simply for the pleasure of reading. That changed one day during a school lunch break when she noticed a fellow student who seemed more interested in reading a book than eating her lunch.
Curious, Ng approached the girl and asked why she was not eating during their break. Instead of giving her the answer she expected, the student encouraged her to try reading, too, and handed her the book she had been enjoying. That seemingly ordinary gesture opened an entirely new world for Ng. For the first time, she discovered the joy of leisurely reading and the wonderful experience of getting lost in a story beyond the pages of her school textbooks.
The encounter left a lasting impression on her. From that moment, she made a promise to herself: when she grew up, she would find a way to help young people gain better access to books, giving them the opportunity to discover the same joy and possibilities that reading had introduced into her life. What began as a personal childhood experience eventually grew into a much bigger vision, one that would bring millions of books closer to readers through Big Bad Wolf.
Listening to Ms. Ng recount her story made me appreciate how a simple act of sharing a book can make such a difference. It also reminded me why reading remains one of the most valuable habits we can develop, especially among children and the younger generation. Books have a unique way of taking us to places we have never visited, introducing us to people and cultures we might otherwise never encounter, and allowing us to experience different perspectives without ever leaving our seats. Through reading, we learn more about the world around us, gain knowledge, stimulate our imagination, develop critical thinking, and continuously expand our vocabulary. More importantly, books encourage curiosity and remind us that there is always something new to discover, no matter how much we already know.
That very same mission of making books accessible continues to come alive through Big Bad Wolf, which recently brought its much-awaited book sale back to the Philippines. I was delighted to be invited to its 2026 opening at the fifth level of Park Triangle Mall, where book lovers, families, students, and curious readers can explore an impressive collection of one million books from 40 different publishers around the globe.
"It reminds me that sometimes, all it takes is one book to spark a lifelong love of reading. That is what Big Bad Wolf Books has always been about: making books more affordable and accessible, regardless of age, background, or budget,” said Jacqueline Ng, Co-Founder of Big Bad Wolf Books.
Running from November 5 to 18, 2026, the book sale welcomes visitors daily from 10:00 AM until 12 midnight. Walking into the venue, one is immediately greeted by an extensive selection of titles across different genres and interests. Whether you enjoy fiction, romance, mystery, fantasy, biographies, cookbooks, children's stories, educational materials, or books that inspire personal growth, there is plenty to browse and discover. It is an opportunity to find something that suits every reader, from the little ones just beginning their reading journey to adults who have always loved collecting books.
What makes the experience even more exciting are the incredible bargains. The lowest book price I came across was only Php 60, while some titles offered discounts of up to 95 percent. With prices this affordable, there is little reason to walk away empty-handed. You can finally purchase the titles on your reading wish list, discover authors you have never read before, pick up books for your children, or even stock up on gifts for family and friends. With one million books available, the possibilities are almost endless.
Returning to Metro Manila with its campaign message, "There’s a Book For Every Kind of You," Big Bad Wolf Books brings together contemporary fiction, children's literature, educational titles, and collectible editions in one location, making it easier for Filipino readers to discover books for their personal libraries or their Christmas gift lists.
According to organizers, approximately 75% of the selection consists of new titles.
His Excellency Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino
“Having welcomed Big Bad Wolf Books to the Philippines on previous occasions, I am pleased to see this Malaysian initiative return with its commitment to making reading more accessible. The friendship between Malaysia and the Philippines grows through meaningful connections between our people, including the stories and ideas we share. I hope this sale encourages more people to discover a book that sparks their curiosity, supports their learning, or inspires them to see new possibilities,” said His Excellency Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino.
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A signed copy of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is among the collectible releases from Goldsboro Books available at the sale. |
Beyond the discounts and the sheer number of titles, what makes Big Bad Wolf special is the purpose behind it. It is not simply about selling books at affordable prices; it is about encouraging a reading culture and giving more people the opportunity to experience the transformative power of reading. Every book purchased could be the beginning of someone's next great adventure, a child's newfound love for stories, a student's discovery of a fascinating subject, or an adult's renewed appreciation for learning. Ms. Jacqueline Ng's childhood story is a beautiful reminder that we never really know how far a simple act of kindness can go. One student sharing one book during a lunch break helped plant the seed for a mission that would eventually reach readers across the globe. Perhaps, somewhere inside the Big Bad Wolf sale, another child will pick up a book that will change the way they see the world, just as that one book changed Ms. Ng's.
So, whether you are a lifelong bookworm, an occasional reader, a parent looking for wonderful stories for your children, or someone hoping to develop a reading habit, make time to visit Big Bad Wolf at the fifth level of Park Triangle Mall from November 5 to 18, 2026, between 10:00 AM and 12 midnight. Take advantage of the fantastic discounts, explore the million books from 40 international publishers, and bring home a few titles—or perhaps a whole stack!
After all, the best thing about buying a book is that you are not merely taking home a collection of printed pages. You are bringing home new ideas, knowledge, adventures, and possibilities. And who knows? The next book you pick up might just take you somewhere you have never imagined.
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