The annual Big Bad Wolf Book Sale (BBWBS) returned to Manila with a Big Bad mission—one million new readers! Kicking off at Parqal Mall, Aseana City, Parañaque, the Big Bad Tour started on May 24 and ended on June 2. The event offered an exciting range of selections, deals, and anticipation for what more the tour has in store for goers.
The Big Bad Tour at Parqal Mall opened its doors from 10 a.m. to midnight with free admission. Attendees were greeted with the breathtaking facade of Parqal, its park traversing three buildings. The venue was divided into two wings—a children’s section complete with playgrounds and bouncy castles, and a section where the rest of the genres could be found—connected by an external footbridge open to the canopies above and the streetscape below.
Hotspot for bookworms
The myriad of stations were jam packed with countless books categorized by genre and color around the venue’s perimeter. From imaginative pop-up books to bone-chilling thrillers, the book fair had just about anything a reader could wish to read. Various authors graced the tables, such as Nora Roberts and Nicholas Sparks, to Filipino writers, such as Chuckberry J. Pascual and Joji Reynes-Santos. Most books were labeled with a letter on the front cover, which corresponded to its respective price—the whole list of which were scattered around the venue, or accessible via a QR code leading to Big Bad Wolf’s website.
Moreover, people from all walks of life could be found looking for their favorite titles, serenely alone or accompanied by loved ones—whether it be their partners, friends, or family members. A harmony of children’s laughter, careful browsing footsteps, and pleasant conversation permeated throughout the location’s gridded layout.
On the ground perspectives
In an interview with The Benildean, regular Big Bad Wolf (BBW) attendee, Ana, highlighted that BBW is always worth coming back to because of the affordable prices and extensive choice of titles.
For high school student Ice, this year’s BBW was spacious and conducive for her to get a hold of her favorite genres—crime, thriller, and non-fiction. “I noticed that every year, the selections are always changing—I always come across books that are new finds to me, and this wide selection is what makes Big Bad Wolf really exciting,” Ice shared.
Meanwhile, Jayron, a BBW staff, also shared his experiences with the book fair thus far, from jaw-droppingly massive hauls by collectors to the pleasing deed of organizing the books where he is stationed. He said he looks forward to what BBW has to offer to attendees in future events, hoping they all get their hands on what they are looking for.
More in store!
BBWBS took pride in its limited-time-only selections, fresh off the press and directly to purchasers. Shelves labeled “lucky finds”—filled with archival books, comics, and magazines already picked for the buyer’s perusal—were spread throughout different points in the two wings of the venue. Additionally, the fair featured a merchandise station stocked with vibrant posters and pins, as well as a Print & Press station where visitors could acquire custom merchandise on tote bags and prints to go.
The book fair also provided spots to take a break, and food places to grab a snack from. Food stalls—such as The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Polland Hopia, and Gloria’s Goto—could be seen near the checkout counters. Swedish furnishing company, IKEA, had also provided furniture for sitting in areas of the venue, allowing attendees to settle in and relax.
Stay posted on their Facebook page for updates on their future events!
