BACOLOD CITY – Bookworms in this city are joining the quest for 1 million new readers in the Philippines as they flock to the “world’s biggest book sale” at a major shopping mall here.
After its successful initial run at SM City Bacolod in November last year, the Big Bad Wolf returns for a 10-day book sale, featuring over 2 million books for all ages until Sept. 29.
In a statement on Monday, Big Bad Wolf head Terrence Leong said they are excited about fostering a reading culture in Bacolod.
“It’s our second time here, and I’m glad to see that the book sale is serving as an avenue for this. Our goal of reaching one million new readers by the end of the year now seems closer,” he added.
Friends and business process outsourcing employees Justine Ayuco, 25, and Alexa Villanueva, 26, are among those who made purchases of various titles during the first day of the book sale.
They said the Big Bad Wolf offers a wide selection of books at more affordable prices compared to those in regular bookstores.
Public school teacher Anjel Dane Go, 28, who is into the young adult genre, said she also had a haul from last year’s book sale, and this time, she is interested in discovering new titles.
Big Bad Wolf Books Philippines managing partner Carolyn Chuaying said the 1 million new readers will be measured based on the database of people who visit book sale events.
“Each of those who buy five to 10 books would probably give out half of them. The 50 percent of the books they buy contributes to the number of books spread to new readers,” she added. (PNA)