Updated: October 9, 2024, 9:07 A.M.
Vancouver, B.C.
FilBookFest is the largest festival of its kind
Teodoro Alcuitas
For the first time in its seven year history, Filipino Canadian writers will be participating in the Filipino American International Book Festival (FilBookFest 2024) in San Francisco on October 12-13. Organized by the Philippine American Writers and Artists (PAWA), it is said to be the largest of its kind.
Six Filipino Canadian writers including five contributors to the landmark ‘Magdaragat: An Anthology of Filipino Canadian Writing will be participating in the festival held at the San Francisco Main Library.
Magdaragat contributors C.E. Gatchalian, Teodoro Alcuitas, Nathalie Delos Santos, Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio and Mila Bongco Philipzig will be joined by Eric Tigley in a panel Building Momentum: Filipino Canadian Literary Communities. Mila will also be Diversity in Children’s Literature: Teaching Our Many Cultures and Children’s Story Time.
This year’s theme – Kaisa’t Kasama – Celebrating our Diverse Voices and Solidarity is “one with our collective struggle & solidarity–towards our collective upliftment,” says Karen Llagas, Festival Director.
“This year’s logo is inspired by a representation of bayanihan. At the heart of this word is bayan–country, town, people–all at once. Rooted in our shared yet diverse Filipnx experience, we invite you to enjoy the spirit of bayan in this year’s festivities. I hope you also take it back with you as you now join our ever-growing Filbookfest community”, she adds.
Held during Filipino American History Month, FilBookFest brings together an exciting array of over 60 writers, scholars, and creatives from across the globe, including the U.S, Canada and the Philippines, to the iconic San Francisco Public Library.
Festival attendees will enjoy panel discussions, book signings, and readings featuring a vibrant mix of established and emerging voices. This two-day event is a celebration of storytelling, culture, and the diverse experiences of the Filipino diaspora.
Keynote Speakers and Highlights:
Ninotchka Rosca, renowned novelist and feminist activist, will deliver the festival’s opening keynote on Saturday. A leading voice in Filipino literature, Rosca’s works have garnered international acclaim for her powerful narratives on politics, identity, and resistance.
Elaine Castillo, author of America Is Not the Heart and How to Read Now: Essays, will deliver Sunday’s keynote on the transformative power of reading. Known for her exploration of immigrant and diasporic experiences, Castillo emphasizes how literature can challenge dominant narratives and reclaim silenced voices.
The festival features a rich lineup of panels, with topics ranging from historical & speculative fiction, poetry, publishing & bookselling, to comics, graphic novels and children’s literature.
For the full schedule and lineup of authors, visit filbookfestival.org
Bel Canto Books is delighted to celebrate Filipino Canadian stories with authors from Salaysay: Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio (REUNITING WITH STRANGERS), Maria Bolaños (SANA), C.E. Gatchalian (DOUBLE MELANCHOLY: ART, BEAUTY AND THE MAKING OF A BROWN QUEER MAN), and Nathalie De Los Santos (HASTA MAÑANA).