Events

Writers’ Guild of Alberta
May 27, 2026, 12-1pm MT (2-3pm EST)
Controversy @ Noon Panel: Is an Online Presence Vital for Today’s Writers?
Virtual Event

Event Description: We live in a digital world, where so much of the information we garner comes from a website, an Instagram post, or a TikTok reel. As writers, we are consistently forced to ask ourselves how integral an online presence is and how it affects the relationship we have with our readers. Can we still be successful if we prefer to avoid engaging with an online audience? Is it instrumental to promote our work to readers virtually, from a marketing perspective? What are the alternatives? Join Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio and the panelists as they discuss the prevalence of social media when it comes to being a writer and what that relationship looks like going forward.

Diaspora Dialogues: Literary Carnival
May 22 and 23, 2026
5:00-9:30
The Kimpton Hotel, Toronto

Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio will be hosting the Diaspora Dialogues Literary Carnival at the Kimpton Hotel in downtown Toronto! There will be live music performed by local artists, a cash bar, and overall revelry in the name of literature. Be prepared for the open mic where attendees can present a spoken word piece and/or a song on the theme of the Venice Carnivale.

Bookings

As a professional public speaker, Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio is open to book clubs, lunch & learns, writing seminars, youth workshops, keynote speeches, and more. Whether the format is in-person, online, or hybrid, Jennilee is open to audiences including emerging writers, book lovers, students, academics, and settlement staff. Learn more about her public speaking portfolio here. To inquire about bookings, please contact her here.

Past Events

Kapisanan Centre for Philippine Arts and Culture/Migrante Ontario/Kamalayan Konsciousness
Toronto, ON
March 21, 2026


To mark International Women’s Day, Kapisanan, Migrante Ontario, and Kamalayan Konsciousness hosted a multi-generational talk titled “Rooted in Power: Filipina Feminism Across Generations” with moderator Waynes Manalang (radio host, activist) in conversation with Dr. Ethel Tungohan (researcher), Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio (writer), and Wilma Delo (community organizer, activist) about the status of migrant women in Canada and Filipino women in the Philippines to discuss the vulnerabilities of migrant women and the importance of collective action in upholding migrants’ rights.

Newcomer Women's Services Toronto
Toronto, ON
March 12, 2026

Roots of Connection, a forum by Newcomer Women's Services Toronto and funded by the City of Toronto, featured Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio, Sabrina Nuñez, and Sureya Ibrahim on the panel moderated by Manju Boopathiraj to encourage the strengthening of social networks for newcomer women in Toronto.

Kamalayan Konsciousness
Toronto, ON
November 29, 2025

Jennilee was a mentor at “Kultura Kabataan Kalayaan: Filipino Youth Conference on Arts and Culture by Kamalayan Konsciousness.” This was an event for young Filipino-Canadians to connect with role models in the arts.

Lena Shaw Staff Book Club
Surrey, BC
November 26, 2025

Staff of Lena Shaw Elementary in Surrey, BC gathered for a virtual book club about the link between Reuniting with Strangers and school settlement work.

How Toronto’s Little Manila Came to Be
Toronto Public Library - Barbara Frum
Toronto, ON
November 1, 2025

Tour guides Ysh Cabaña and Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio presented “How Toronto’s Little Manila Came to Be”— a free talk about Little Manila for the Barbara Frum branch of the Toronto Public Library!

York University
Toronto, ON
October 20, 2025

Jennilee was a guest lecturer for Dr. Ethel Tungohan’s “Diversity Politics in Canada” class at York University, where Reuniting with Strangers is part of their required readings.

Little Manila Walking Tour for KMC and UPAAT
Toronto, ON
October 18, 2025

Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio joined fellow tour guides Ysh Cabaña, Diana Roldan, and Lawrence Cabalquinto at a special tour for Kababayan Multicultural Centre and University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Toronto.

Threads: Cultural Conversations
Saskatoon Open Door Society
Virtual
October 7-8, 2025

Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio joined other speakers at this two-day free virtual conference featuring speakers and performers from across Canada and around the world. Learn more here!

Word on the Street - Salaysay + Diaspora Dialogues
Toronto, ON
September 27, 2025

At Word on the Street— Canada’s biggest book and magazine festival— Salaysay, a collective of Filipino-Canadian authors based in the GTHA, had their first table, and met so many wonderful book lovers interested in Filipino literature! Along with tabling alongside fellow Pinoy authors, Jennilee was also proud to be a “clue” on the Diaspora Dialogues Literary Scavenger Hunt.

Perfect Books - “From the Margins to the Centre: Asians Writers Reclaim the Page”
Ottawa, ON
September 15, 2025

Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio joined Rachel Phan (Restaurant Kid), Jinwoo Park (Oxford Soju Club), and Wayne Ng (Johnny Delivers) for a celebration of Asian-Canadian literature at Perfect Books! Much appreciation to The Writers Union of Canada, Canada Council for the Arts, and LiterASIAN for the generous support.

Fil-Can Creatives Night
Toronto, ON
August 15, 2025

At this Filipino-Canadian panel and mixer for local creatives at Islas Filipino Cafe & Bar, Jennilee joined fellow panelists Eric Tigley, Jim Libiran, Chloe Rondeau, and Candace Kumar for a night of storytelling, film, and dance sponsored by FilCan Creative.

Diaspora Dialogues - Lunch and Learn
Virtual
June 24, 2025

How to Write a Compelling First Chapter

Join Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio as she hosts a warm and humorous lunch and learn with Diaspora Dialogues! It will cover tips learned from the late Wayson Choy about self-censorship, the power of becoming a consultant in the topic you want to write about, and practical tips for keeping your words flowing. And just for fun, dog lovers will be especially excited to see this presentation!

Neptune Book Club
Toronto, ON
June 19, 2025

Jennilee presented to the thoughtful and kind residents of two condo buildings in Toronto’s Liberty Village.

DEI Book Club - Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation
Winnipeg, Manitoba
May 28, 2025

As part of their DEI Book Club, Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio presented about the inspirations behind her debut novel, Reuniting with Strangers, and connected with some friendly Winnipeggers!

The Writers’ Union of Canada
Virtual
April 17, 2025

Jennilee moderated a presentation on finding symbolism in writing titled “From Dull to Dazzling: How to Use Symbolism to Make Your Story Shine” featuring middle-grade author Jessica Vitalis. The webinar explored different types of symbolism and practice techniques for generating and incorporating symbolism into your writing to make your stories shine.

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada
Ottawa, ON
March 31, 2025

At the IRCC SIP All-Staff Retreat in Ottawa, Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio delivered the keynote speech and hosted a panel featuring two IRCC staff who shared their unique immigration stories.

The Women’s Canadian Club of Toronto
Toronto, ON
March 13, 2025

Jennilee delivered a hybrid presentation about the Filipino community in Canada, the challenges faced by newcomers, and Reuniting with Strangers.

The Harvard Book Club
Toronto, ON
February 28, 2025

The ladies of The Harvard Book Club hosted Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio for a mini TED-Talk and book club discussion in Toronto’s Parkdale neighbourhood.

Asian Book Club
Ottawa, ON
February 23, 2025

This Asian-centric book club hosted Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio for their first in-person author visit!

Pinoys on Parliament
Ottawa, ON
February 23, 2025

This year, the theme is Panahon! Salaysay members Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio, Rachel Evangeline Chiong, and Maria Patricia Abuel tabled at the Community Symposium and promoted Filipino-Canadian literature for all ages.

Found Book Shop - Book Club
Cochrane, Alberta
Jan 14, 2025

The book club enjoyed a catered Filipino dinner and a virtual presentation by Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio!

Centre for Social Innovation - Annex
Toronto, ON
December 11, 2024

Writers Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio, Kris Gowen, and Emily Sadowski facilitated Get the Scoop to teach CSI members about the publishing industry and the journey to becoming a published writer.

Pathways to Prosperity Conference
Keynote Speech by Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio
Vancouver, British Columbia
November 26, 2024

At the Pathways to Prosperity conference, settlement service providers and academics gather in Vancouver for the annual Pathways to Prosperity conference keynote by Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio. By intertwining the topics of settlement services, storytelling, and self-care, this was a keynote speech geared towards frontline workers and those who are aching to shine a light on newcomer issues in Canada. Signed copies of Reuniting with Strangers were sold on-site by Massy Books.

Filipino-Canadian Book Festival - November Book Club
Vancouver, British Columbia
November 24, 2024

Join Jennilee and organizers of the Filipino-Canadian Book Festival for a book club in downtown Vancouver at 312 Main - Centre for Social and Economic Innovation!

Toronto Book Awards Ceremony: 50th Anniversary Edition
Toronto, ON
Nov 7, 2024

At the Toronto Reference Library, Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio presented a short reading from her book, Reuniting with Strangers, alongside Toronto Book Awards finalists Connie Gault, Paul McLaughlin, Kristen den Hartog, and Toronto Book Awards winner Maurice Vellekoop.

Art Gallery of Ontario - Borloloy: A Filipinx Market
Toronto, ON
November 2, 2024

Salaysay, a collective of Filipino-Canadian writers based in Toronto whose work spans genres and generations, took part in a Filipinx market coinciding with Pacita Abad’s exhibition at the AGO.

Bel Canto Books - Meet Filipino-Canadian Writers!
Long Beach, California
Oct 19, 2024

A Fil-Can and Fil-Am cultural exchange with Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio, Nathalie De Los Santos, CE Gatchalian, and honorary Fil-Cans Maria Bolaños and E.P. Tuazon spoke about the Filipino-Canadian literary movement, FilCan Bookfest, Salaysay Festival, and the Salaysay Filipinx writers’ collective and present their work at this free event at the KUBO LB.

Galing Bata Filipino Education Centre & Bessie Carmichael School
San Francisco, California
October 16, 2024

Two members of Salaysay, Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio and CE Gatchalian, presented their work to elementary and middle-school students.

Filipino American International Book Festival
Panel: ‘Building Momentum: Filipino-Canadian Literary Communities’
San Francisco, California
October 13, 2024

At the San Francisco Public Library, Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio, Mila Bongco-Philipzig, Eric Tigley, Teodoro Alcuitas, Nathalie De Los Santos, and C.E. Gatchalian spoke at a panel about the growing Filipino-Canadian literary movement.

Jamii Hub - TEKA LANG Book Club
Toronto, ON
Oct 8, 2024

Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio and Patrick de Belen took over the Jamii Hub for the Book Club segment of TEKA LANG! Jennilee spoke about the inspirations behind her book, Reuniting with Strangers, and brought her signature community worker vibes, too. Part TED Talk, part storytelling icebreaker, and part talent show— truly a book club to remember!

Toronto Book Awards Finalists at the Arts & Letters Club
Toronto, ON
Oct 7, 2024

An evening with the Toronto Book Awards shortlisted authors: Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio, Kristen den Hartog, Paul McLaughlin, and Maurice Vellekoop at the historic Arts & Letters Club.

Toronto Metropolitan University - Literary Lunch & Learn
Toronto, ON
October 2, 2024

Join alumni and authors Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio, Sheila Murray, and Janika Oka for a Literary Lunch & Learn event on the 20th Anniversary of the Immigration & Settlement Studies MA Program: “Celebrating ISS Alumni Stories & Achievements”

Toronto Book Awards Finalists at The Word On The Street
Sept 28, 2024

On the Vibrant Voices of Ontario stage, join Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio and the other Toronto Book Awards finalists as they present their shortlisted books to celebrate our city’s place in Canadian literature.

Toronto Lit Up - Public Speaking Workshop
Online
September 9, 2024

An hour-long workshop for emerging authors in the Toronto Lit Up community seeking advice on public speaking, presentations, de-stressing, and more.

Saskatchewan Festival of Words
Moose Jaw, SK

1. Session with Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio and Jael Richardson

2. Session with Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio and Alexander

3. Session with Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio and Cara-Lyn Morgan

Filipino Canadian Book Festival
Vancouver, BC
July 13, 2024

At Western Canada’s first Filipino literary festival, Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio joined the panel, “Writing Between the Lines” with British Columbia-based authors Christine Añonuevo, C.E. Gatchalian, Leah Ranada, and Vincent Ternida.

Perpetual Wanderers:
Magdaragat Anthology Showcase
A Different Booklist
Toronto, ON
June 12, 2024

An evening of readings with contributors from Magdaragat: An Anthology of Filipino-Canadian Writing. Part of LiterASIAN 2024.

Salaysay - Canada’s first Filipino/a/x Literary Arts Festival
May 25, 2024
Toronto, ON

Spotlight Speaker: “What Salaysay Means to Me”

Filipino/a/x Publishing Panel - Featuring authors Eric Tigley, Vincent Galvez, Jasmine Montreuil, and Therese Estacion, with special guest Bridget Raymundo.

LiterASIAN Festival
Vancouver, British Columbia

Between Bowls of Borrowed Rice: Harvesting Hope Through Storytelling
Chinatown Storytelling Centre
May 4, 2024
Featuring Ujjal Dosanjh, Lindsay Wong, Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio, Keiko Honda
Moderated by Julia Lin

Wine and Dine: Dim Sum with Authors (Collaboration between LiterASIAN and Word Vancouver)
Floata
May 5, 2024
Featuring Joy Kogawa, Angie Wong, Keiko Honda, Ujjal Dosanjh, and Lindsay Wong.

Moderating for Gina Apostol: La Tercera at the Toronto Public Library
April 23, 2024
Toronto, ON
6:00 Doors Open
Tickets: Free
In conversation with award-winning author Gina Apostol about her latest novel, La Tercera, at the North York Central Library Concourse.

gritLIT Festival
Hamilton, Ontario
April 20, 2024
And So, It Starts
12:30 p.m. | Mainstage Event
In the first scenes of Reuniting with Strangers, five-year-old Monolith destroys his mother’s home. The Raw Light of Morning begins when fourteen-year-old Laurel commits an act of violence that alters the course of her life. Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio and Shelly Kawaja share two stunning debut novels about the long-reaching and sometimes surprising consequences of childhood traumas, both on the victims and on everyone around them. Moderated by Ann Y.K. Choi.

April 21, 2024
Social Media for Writers
Writing is a competitive field, and now more than ever, writers need to know how to build a presence online. Author Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio looks at social media as a tool for writers and discusses creating an authentic voice online, how to use design programs, tips and tricks for different platforms, and strategies for using social media in an intentional way to learn about a subject and connect with new readers. Participants will have the opportunity to create their own sample posts.

FCSWN - Filipino-Canadian Social and Community Workers Network
April 11, 2024
Online

A presentation and podcast recording The Filipino Canadian Social and Community Workers Network presents Tayo Na!: A Live Podcast Recording. Using a balance of humour and heart, this event will shine a light on the real-life inspirations that drove the stories behind Reuniting with Strangers and on Jennilee's journey in the Canadian publishing industry. For aspiring writers and frontline workers alike.

March 4, 2024
Moderating for KALÍNGÀ & TESFAYE - Reflecting on youth identity and mental health through experiences of migration
Toronto, Ontario

January 22, 2024
Talk at Burlington Public Library - Central Branch
Burlington, ON

January 2024
CBC The Next Chapter with Ali Hassan
Toronto, ON
An interview with Ali Hassan about Reuniting with Strangers and representing the Filipino-Canadian diaspora in fiction. Listen here.

November 26, 2023
Junction Reads - TYPE Books Junction
Toronto, ON
Celebrating the return of in-person Junction Reads events at TYPE Books with Sofia Mostaghimi and Moez Surani.

November 25, 2023
Hamilton Public Library - Robin Lacambra in Conversation with Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio
Hamilton, ON
A lively, uplifting event presented at the Hamilton Public Library in partnership with Filipinas of HamONT and Filipino Students of McMaster University.

November 18, 2023
Reuniting with Strangers Book Launch with Centre Kapwa
Montreal, QC

A community-filled launch event at Concordia University’s SHIFT Centre for Social Transformation featuring Allan Matudio, Lorina Mapa, and Deann Louise C. Nardo.

October 14, 2023
Whistler Writers Festival
Whistler, BC

“Writers of Fiction” - Reading with Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio, Erum Shazia Hasan, William Ping, and Tom Stewart. Moderated by Kevin Chong.

October 12, 2023
Reuniting with Strangers Vancouver Book Launch + Magdaragat Readings
Massy Arts Society
Vancouver, BC

Vancouver launch of Reuniting with Strangers, with readings by Filipino-Canadian writers published in Magdaragat: An Anthology of Filipino-Canadian Writing: Christine Añonuevo, Kawika Guillermo, Leah Ranada, and Vincent Ternida.

October 8, 2023
Reuniting with Strangers at the Asian-Canadian Writers Workshop
Floata Restaurant
Vancouver, BC

An ACWW dimsum feast and a meet-and-greet with author Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio. An opportunity for storytellers, designers, and historians to connect across generations.

September 24, 2023
Toronto International Festival of Authors

“Write the Neighbourhood” - Readings with Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio, Brooke Lockyer, Craig Shreve, and Carey Sookocheff. This event will spotlight a selection of authors taking you on a tour around the city via the most reliable form of transportation Toronto has to offer — the written word! Whether it’s a short story or essay, poem or illustration, each author is sure to show you what they love about the city they call home.

September 10, 2023
Eden Mills Writers’ Festival

“My Side of the Story” - A panel with Sabyasachi Nag (Hands Like Trees), and Michelle Porter (A Grandmother Begins the Story), moderated by Ann Y.K. Choi (Once Upon An Hour)

September 9, 2023
Reuniting with Strangers - Toronto Book Launch
Centre for Social Innovation

Featuring a presentation by cover designer Christine Mangosing and readings by Salaysay members Jaisa Sulit, Shirley Camia, Motzie Dapul, and Eric Tigley.