FILIPINO-CANADIAN BOOK FESTIVAL 2024

Join us in celebration of the inaugural Filipino-Canadian Book Festival July 12-14th 2024 in partnership with Massy Books, PilipinxPages and Sampaguita Press and guest Keynote Catherine Hernandez. All workshops, performances, outdoor programming, and the market are free of charge! Tickets available for Panels online or in person.

*This event was made possible with the support of Collingwood Neighborhood House and Collingwood Days Festival 2024

If payment to attend any one of the panels is a barrier, or if you'd like to purchase an all day pass, please email [email protected].

*Please note this Festival will be held at TWO Locations Collingwood Neigbourhood House (access via the courtyard at 5518 Ormidale St.) & Massy Arts Gallery, please see details below:

FRIDAY July 12th (4:00-8:00pm) @ Collingwood Neighborhood House Annex, Multipurpose Room 3690 Vanness Ave, Vancouver

SATURDAY July 13th ( 9:00am-7:30pm) held at Collingwood Neighborhood House Annex, Multipurpose Room 3690 Vanness Ave, Vancouver

SUNDAY July 14th (10:00am-3:30pm) held at Massy Arts Gallery, 23 East Pender Vancouver BC. In the MING WO building in Chinatown.

4:00 Welcome & Opening Ceremony: with Knowledge Keeper Audrey Siegl

4:00-8:00 Doors open to the public: Marketplace & Book Fair, cultural performances, and workshops

4:30 Youth-Led Event: Join us for an inspiring evening at the Filipino-Canadian Book Festival’s Youth-Led Event: Voices of the Future. This event is dedicated to showcasing the incredible work and creativity of Filipinx youth, providing them with a platform to share their wisdom, collective power, and their talents.

6:10-8:00 Magdaragat Open Mic: Author Meet & Greet / Book Signing Come join us for a reading night featuring authors from "Magdaragat: An Anthology of Filipino-Canadian Writing." and celebrate the authors that appear in this landmark anthology!

9:00-7:30 Doors open to the public: Marketplace & Book Fair, cultural performances, workshops, and storytime

10:15-11:25 World-building and Cultural Research for Storytelling: Join us for this insightful author panel on creating immersive worlds, grounding them in reality, and ensuring cultural sensitivity while introducing innovative elements. Key topics of discussion will include: the process of building intricate and believable worlds; balancing imaginative elements with real-world influences; approaching cultural research with sensitivity and respect; and introducing novel concepts and ideas in storytelling. Featuring Tessa Barbosa, Samantha Garner, Roselle Lim, K.S. Villoso. Moderator: Nathalie De Los Santos

11:30-12:40 Writing Between the Lines: Join us for an enlightening conversation exploring the intricacies of cross-genre writing, how cultural identity influences storytelling, and the challenges and rewards of blending different literary forms. Our esteemed panelists will discuss the creative process behind their multifaceted narratives; the ways in which cultural heritage shapes their stories; and balancing multiple genres to create unique and compelling works. Featuring Christine Añonuevo, Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio, C.E. Gatchalian, Vincent Ternida.

12:45-1:55 The Poetry Prism--Shaping Realities: Join our panel of poets as we try to hold poetry to the light and see what colors it makes. We'll discuss how language shapes and sustains our attention to outer and inner worlds; the necessary failure of translation; and the ways poetry allows us to reckon with the depths of humanity and give music to the mess of living. Featuring Hari Alluri, Sol Diana, Therese Estacion, Phebe M. Ferrer, Marc Perez. Moderator: Angela Peñaredondo

2:00-3:10 Makibaka! Maging alamat! On Writing Revolution: What, if anything, is a writer's obligation to the world? What does it take to stay brave and human in the face of the simultaneous wars currently waged on the Global South, the Third World, and Black and Brown peoples who share histories of colonization? What are the ways we can activate our art towards liberation? What uplifts a piece of writing to be revolutionary? Join our panel of writers across diverse genres and interests as we discuss these questions in relation to the struggles of our times—water is life, land back, ceasefire, and end to all genocide! Featuring: Jim Agapito, Hari Alluri, Rina Garcia Chua, Kawika Guillermo/Chris Patterson, Catherine Hernandez.

3:15-4:25 Playwriting and Publishing: Are you a writer interested in playwriting or writing for stage? Have a question how certain plays are published and some aren't? Join a panel of playwrights and theatre artists who are creating new BC Fil-Can works right now, and are willing to share with you the world of professional play and performance development. Featuring: Davey Calderon, Karla Comanda, Kamila Sediego. Moderator: Lissa Neptuno

+ Author Book Signings with all panelists

4:30-5:55 Keynote with Catherine Hernandez: Join us for a special evening at the Filipino-Canadian Book Festival as we welcome acclaimed author Catherine Hernandez for an inspiring keynote address. This event will be a highlight of the festival, celebrating the incredible contributions of Catherine Hernandez to literature and the arts. In recognition of her outstanding achievements and impact on the literary community, we are honored to present Catherine Hernandez with the prestigious CanDila Award. This award celebrates excellence in storytelling and acknowledges her dedication to amplifying diverse voices through her work. This event is an opportunity to celebrate a remarkable talent and to be inspired by Catherine Hernandez’s insights and experiences. Join us for an unforgettable evening of recognition and inspiration.

Venue & Accessibility:

The event will be hosted at the Massy Arts Gallery, at 23 East Pender Street in Chinatown, Vancouver. We are located in the former MING WO building.

The gallery is wheelchair accessible and a gender-neutral washroom is on-site.

Please refrain from wearing scents or heavy perfumes.

For more on accessibility including parking, seating, venue measurements and floor plan, and how to request ASL interpretation please visit: massyarts.com/accessibility

Covid Protocols: Masks keep our community safe and are mandatory (N95 masks are recommended as they offer the best protection). We ask if you are showing symptoms, that you stay home. Thank you kindly.

10:00-3:30 Doors open to the public: Book Fair

11:00-12:10 Festival Last Day Opening and Hybrid Panel: Salaysay and FCBF Cross-Coast Talk Join us for an exciting and unique collaboration between Salaysay, the esteemed East Coast literary festival, and the Filipino-Canadian Book Festival (FCBF). This special panel, Salaysay and FCBF Cross-Coast Talk, brings together talented authors from both coasts for an engaging discussion on their literary journeys, cultural experiences, and the art of storytelling.

12:15-1:10 Interactive Workshop: Map of Wholeness Join us for an enriching session that links discussions between the Canadian diaspora and the Philippines. This workshop is a unique opportunity to explore the concept of home across different parts of the world, featuring insightful contributions from featured guests.

1:15-3:00 Community Open Mic and Post Open-Mic Meet & Greet

3:00-3:30 Festival Closing Ceremony with Knowledge Keeper Audrey Siegl

Host or Publisher Massy Arts Society