The Big Bad Wolf is here! This is not a drill! I repeat, THIS IS NOT A DRILL!!
I went there three times already and spent a total of Php 18,840.00, almost four thousand pesos more than last year’s haul. Of this amount, Php 2,170 was for me, Php 6,610 was for Divibaby, and Php 10,060.00 was for gifts (birthdays and Christmas). I will be back for the last time within the week to buy more gifts.
First visit: February 21, 5:00 pm – My officemate, Honorable Direk, gave me and our other officemate, Heidiiiii, a VIP ticket. As expected, there were fewer people and there were no lines at the cashier. I noticed that of the three book areas (Non-fiction, Fiction, and Children), the Non-fiction had more tables. Last year, the Children’s books occupied the most tables. Also, there were no sound books and very few pop-up books in the children’s area. I managed to get 4 books on my list (7 habits of highly effective people, Awaken the giant within, You are a badass at making money, and Rich dad poor dad), some biographies and memoirs, and some children’s books. In my opinion, last year’s book selection was better. It was Heidiiii’s first time and she bought Php 6,000.00 worth of books.
Second visit: February 22, 3:30 am – This time, I went with DiviBesh and her husband. I bought mostly children’s books. We spent almost three hours queuing for payment. I wish I was kidding. It was DiviBesh and her husband’s first time and they spent around Php 6,000.00 This is her review:
Didn’t go last year so I can’t compare the selections but I have to say the selection this year = ?????? . Check social media posts already of books posted by your friends or those with the hashtag.
Most books are sealed in plastic cover. Some books will have sample versions so you can see what’s inside and read the blurb. If there’s no blurb outside and no sample, I used Goodreads or Amazon to know more about the books.
Bring lots of patience. The staff tries, but I guess as seasonal employees they wouldn’t be familiar with book titles or where things generally are. Even if you’ve seen a book you want in other people’s carts, the staff would not know where the book is stocked, worse, not even in their database system. Some books in the database naman may be very difficult to find on the floor. Just prepare for this type of disappointment.
Comfy clothes are a must. Shoes also. I think I got through half of my mandatory step count a day.
If the queue is already spiraling on the floor (as it did this break of dawn), ask your companion (thanks, CE CA ? ) to queue up while you browse (you can take turns). This will also give you time to do a slight KonMari check on your initial selections. You can find a corner on the floor to do this.
Average price per book for me was PhP 285. Mean was Php 230. So much cheaper than getting stuff on Kindle, and sobrang mas sulit than the other book trend I succumbed to (Fully Book’s Fukubukuro).
Clear your bags of food and drinks, but if you can try to pocket some candy. Food kiosks are available in the payment area.
Watch the staff when they pack your books, the cashiers have shared baggers and something you paid for might accidentally be included in another person’s stash.
Happy reading!
Third visit: February 22, 3:00 pm – This time, I was with Divibaby, Divimom, and our family. Bought children’s books again. Manageable queue at the cashier.
Some of the books I found:
Will I return here again? Yes! But I do hope they have better book selections next year.