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

 

Big Bad Wolf Books Philippine Managing Partner Carol Chuaying; Ambassador of Malaysia to the Philippines Dato Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino; DSWD Undersecretary of Legislative Affairs Fatima Aliah Dimaporo; and Big Bad Wolf Books co-founder Jacqueline Ng.

Press release:

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. 

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.

Monica (center) with her parents

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 P3,000 to Metrobank cardholders. That’s not all! Swedish home furnishings brand, IKEA, will also grace the Parqal leg of the book tour with a special treat for visitors.

Mark your calendars for the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale, running from May 24 to June 2, 2024 at Parqal, Aseana City. Doors open from 10 a.m. to 12 m.n., and admission is free! Catch the “Big Bad Tour: 1 New Million Readers” in Manila. An amazing reading adventure awaits! 

For more information regarding Big Bad Wolf’s current and upcoming Book Sales, you can visit their website or check out their social media accounts (Facebook | Instagram)  

Cultivate a Love for Reading this Christmas

Stuck for present ideas this Christmas season? I have discovered stacks of enthralling stories for the festive season as well as books featuring the works of renowned National Artist for Painting, Benedicto Cabrera--better known as BenCab through awesome concept coloring books, writing, and spot the difference activities, finger puppet and paper doll dress up. These are sold by CANVAS (Center for Art, New Ventures and Sustainable Development. They have an array of selections by age or by child's interest.

I read once that a child who reads is a child that leads. Encourage a love for reading in every child. Help your child to know sounds, words and language, and develop early literacy skills. Learn to value books and stories. Spark a child's imagination and stimulate curiosity. By gifting a child with books, you help a child's brain, develop his or her social and communication skills. 

CANVAS also has specific story books geared towards those 9-12 years olds. They even have something for the adults too. Art aficionados will be happy to note they also have titles which they can add to their personal collections. Multi-awarded writer and Philstar Columnist, Butch Dalisay has his book called "Why Words Matter," his reflection is complemented by lyrical artist Marcel Antonio. "Nadia and the Blue Stars" is about a tale of hope and has been used for psychosocial therapy to help children who were forced to flee their homes, either by man-made conflict or by natural calamities and how they dealt with the trauma. There's also "Ang Aklatang Pusa" written by Palanca Hall of Famer Eugene Evasco with artworks by award-winning painter and sculptor, Jared Yokte.

Aside from books, you can also find cards, journals, fans, notepads, art magnets and limited edition art prints, and stickers to collect at CANVAS' online store where you will surely find something that will catch your fancy because they truly have something for everybody. You can avoid the hassle of Christmas shopping at the comfort of your homes with just a few clicks on your mouse. All you need to do is to log in to www.lookingforjuan.com to get these exciting products. 

You may even request for personalized and customized items for corporate gifts, all you need to do is order ahead of time and order by bulk so that they can accommodate your requests. 

The best part about buying books here? For every purchase of an activity book, two copies will be donated and given to underprivileged children. I mean, how good is that? You have given more opportunity for children to learn through reading as well as help others through sustainable living. The more you buy, the bigger contribution you would have in inspiring children to learn to love reading. 

Other interesting books worth mentioning are "RizalPabeto," a published book in celebration of Rizal's 150th birth anniversary. It is a collection of award-winning poet, fictionist, playwright, and essayist Vim Nadera's poems about our National Hero, Rizal. Using the letters of the Alphabet, he wrote a poem on each letter while the graphics are interpreted by prominent contemporary painter, Elmer Borlongan in the tradition of letras y figuras.

CANVAS makes beautiful artwork from waste materials by upcycling them. Discarded old tarpaulins are given a new lease on life and re ncarnated them into wonderful new products such as this tarpaulin bags. 

Upcycling, in case you don't know is the creative process in which one transforms by-products m waste materials, useless, or unwanted products into new materials or products of better quality and environmental value. Meanwhile, recycled art is a creative work that's made from discarded materials that once had another purpose. Artists who make recycled art take those materials and make em into something new. 

And here's the good news for online shoppers of the said site: Because  it's Christmas, the website is running a seasonal promo of Buy-One-Take-One on books if you use the discount code: L4JPASKO2019 before you check out. Isn't that a good deal? Since it's the season of gving, what better way to buy more so that you'd be able to give more without spending as much. The more you buy, the more you are also helping CANVAS with their advocacy, thereby making a huge contribution to the "One Million Books for One Million Filipino Children" campaign of the organization which aims to inspire children to develop a love for reading. 

The brainchild of this project is the non-profit organization CANVAS which has produced 30 titles since year 2005. "When companies and individuals buy from us, they are also helping us with our advocacy," says Gigo Alampay, CANVAS Founder and Executive Director. To date, they have given away more than 250,000 books to communities from Ifugao to Basilan. 

So far, they have partnered with both individuals and organizations who work directly in the field and with communities all over the country. They make it possible to reach as many kids and give books in all corners of the Philippines. Communities visited by horrific disasters, both natural (such as Typhoon Yolanda) and caused by man (like the conflict in Zamboanga) are some of the beneficiaries of this initiatives," shares Alampay.

So what are you waiting for? Start shopping and help spread the love for reading while saving both time and money as you make your shopping online with these awesome and one-of-a-kind products. Take advantage of the discount code we've given you above, 😉😍