Reuniting with Strangers
2024 Toronto Book Awards Finalist
Longlisted for Canada Reads 2024
Silver Medal for Multicultural Fiction -Independent Publisher Book Awards
Best Books of 2023 - CBC Books
Now available worldwide. Order your copy today!
When five-year-old Monolith is taken from the Philippines to live with his mother in Canada, he immediately lashes out. Unable or unwilling to speak, he attacks her and destroys his new home.
Everyone wants to know why—and everyone has a theory. But unlike the solid certainty his name suggests, the answer isn’t so simple.
From a cliffside town in the Tagaytay highlands of the Philippines, to the Filipino communities in the desert of Osoyoos, the Arctic world of Iqaluit, the suburbs of southern Ontario, Sarnia's Chemical Valley, Montréal’s Côte-des-Neiges, and Toronto’s Little Manila, Austria-Bonifacio takes readers into the kaleidoscope of the Filipino diaspora, uncovering the displacement, estrangement, resilience and healing that happen behind closed doors.
As each chapter unfolds, truths are revealed in humorous, joyful, devastating and surprising ways: through an incisive caregiver's instruction manual, a custody battle over texts and e-mails, a disarmingly direct self-help guide, a series of desperate résumés, a kundiman songbook, and more.
Monolith appears again and again, as a misbehaving boy in a store, the subject of town gossip, a face in a fundraising campaign, a client in questionable care, a dying man’s beacon of hope—and an unlikely new friend.
Compellingly readable, incisive and resonant, Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio’s stunning debut opens a window into the homes and hearts of the Filipino-Canadian community.
“The author is a rare and powerful talent with a knack for channeling different voices.”
Episode of EPIC Generation at FTV
OMNI News Toronto book launch coverage
“A polyphonic chorus focusing on the lives of reunified Filipinx families—this collective of interlacing stories sings in a minor-major key of sorrow and joy, hurt and hope. Austria has invented a dazzling form of literary kundiman where all forms of love are present and invited. The result is a truly moving exploration of the psychic costs of separation, buoyed by a giant courageous heart.”
“In these astonishing stories from the perspectives of migrant Filipino caregivers and their families, Austria-Bonifacio forces us to witness the emotional truths of those in servitude, and desperate to get a foot in the door.
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With Pluma members featured at the Toronto launch of Reuniting with Strangers: Jaisa Sulit, Shirley Camia, Eric Tigley (missing: Motzie Dapul).
Vancouver book launch at Massy Arts Society with fellow Filipino-Canadian authors Vincent Ternida, Kawika Guillermo, Leah Ranada, and Christine Añonuevo.
“Reuniting with Strangers is expertly told, a collection of stories that explores the pain of migration and the bottomless hope of family. Sacrifice threads through the community—A good parent is a good provider, and a good provider is one who leaves. But when a child is abandoned over and over again, his screams are “…the only sound the heart wants to make.” This is the truth Austria-Bonifacio tells in language that is alive, contemporary, vivid. Read this book. You will see the world with fresh compassion.
”
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These are stories that love you, leave you, and come back to you. These stories return jagged, complicated by their departure, and grown in your absence. Austria-Bonifacio documents the Filipino Canadian diaspora with the eyes of a camcorder and the heart of a Filipino surviving outside of the Philippines—holding everything. Here, there is the heat of home and the wrath of winter sticking to your skin and sincerely asking, “How have you been made a stranger in your own life?””
At the Montréal book launch with Centre Kapwa director France Stohner, and the evening’s featured writers: Lorina Mapa, Allan Matudio, and Deann Louise C. Nardo.
At CBC Vancouver with Michelle Eliot. Photo by George Baker.
““Why do we call it “the motherland” when it isn’t where our mothers are?” With these words, Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio begins her extraordinary novel, inviting readers out onto the bridge that so many Filipino families navigate every day, for years, for decades, a crossing-over place of longing, confusion, anger, and complicated love.
Here’s the real deal, a novel that opens up the world in a new way. Be prepared for goosebumps, tears and laughter. People everywhere, and in Canada, too, have benefited from the love, labour and often blatant exploitation of Filipino women (and men) working abroad, separated from their own beloved families. This book is a double testament—to the heartbreaking human cost of such a system and to the tenacity, humour and strength of the people who survive it.”
Upcoming Events
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada
March 31, 2025
In-Person
Jennilee will be doing the keynote speech at the IRCC retreat.
The Writers’ Union of Canada
April 17, 2025
Online, 2-3pm EST
Jennilee will be moderating a presentation on finding symbolism in writing titled “From Dull to Dazzling: How to Use Symbolism to Make Your Story Shine” featuring Jessica Vitalis. It will explore different types of symbolism and practice techniques for generating and incorporating symbolism into your writing to make your stories shine.
St. Lawrence Catholic School
April 25, 2025
In-Person
Jennilee will be doing a presentation for Grades 4-8 students at Scarborough’s St. Lawrence Catholic School.
Saskatoon Open Door Society - THREADS: Cultural Conversations
April 30, 2025
Virtual
Join Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio at this online cross-cultural conference hosted by the Saskatoon Open Door Society!
DEI Book Club - Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation
May 28, 2025, 6-9
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Virtual
As part of their DEI Book Club, Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio will be presenting about the inspirations behind her debut novel, Reuniting with Strangers.
Features (English)
For full video, click here.
-CBC - The Next Chapter with Ali Hassan - “Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio’s fiction tells the stories of Filipino immigrants in Canada”
-CBC Vancouver - BC Today with Michelle Eliot - “Asian Heritage Month feature: Reuniting with Strangers”
-CBC Books - “How Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio translated decades of work with Filipino newcomers into powerful fiction” - Alice Wu
-CBC Books - “Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio, Maurice Vellekoop among 5 authors on 2024 Toronto Book Awards shortlist”
-CBC - Here and Now - “Tuesday Book Club: Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio” - Talia Schlanger
-CBC - All in a Weekend with Sonali Karnick - “Filipina-Canadian community worker writes novel that highlights issues for her community”
-CBC - Daybreak Alberta with Paul Karchut
-CBC - Fresh Air with Ismaila Alfa
-CBC - In Town and Out (Ottawa) with Giacomo Panico
-CBC - North by Northwest with Margaret Gallagher - “Jenilee Austra-Bonafacio [sic] on her book "Reuniting With Strangers”
-CBC - Saskatchewan Weekend with Peter Mills
-CBC - The Weekend Morning Show Manitoba with Nolan Kehler
-CBC - The Weekender (NWT/YT) with Jared Monkman
-CBC - Weekend AM Gander with Melissa Tobin
-CKNW - The Jas Johal Show - “Reuniting with Strangers: Documenting the Filipino-Canadian Experience”
-Desi News - “Bookworm - Near and Should Be Dearer”
-EPIC Generation Table Talk - “Turning Pages: A Bookish Conversation with Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio” - Christine Santos
-Filipino-Canadian Social & Community Workers Network - “Tayo Na! Social & Community Worker Perspective: Live Recording with Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio” - Monica Batac, Esther Dimalanta, and France Stohner
-Foreword Reviews - “Reviewer Interviews Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio, Filipino Author of Reuniting with Strangers” - Eileen Gonzalez
-Good News Pilipinas - “Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio Honors Fil-Can Diaspora With Debut Book Reuniting With Strangers” - Qjiel Mariano
-Halo Halo Review - “Post Book: Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio” - Eileen Tabios
-Oh Canada - “Arts and Entertainment: Reuniting with Strangers by Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio”
-Ottawa Citizen - “Finding Connections”
-Philippine Canadian News - “Jennilee Austria’s story on reunification is second runner-up” - Charmaine Rodriguez Kara
-Philippine Canadian News - Book About Filipino Diaspora in Canada Launched” - Charmaine Rodriguez Kara
-Philippine Consulate General: Vancouver, Canada - “Filipino-Canadian Author Launches a Novel on Reunification of Filipino Caregiver Families in Canada” - Ma. Lyra Ocampo
-Postmedia News - “Finding Connections” - Pat St. Germain
-Radyo Kapwa - “Jennilee Austria Bonifacio, Founder of Filipino Talks” - Centre Kapwa
-Ricepaper - “Interview with Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio” - Sophie Munk
-The Commentary - “The writer, community worker and mentor Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio discusses her debut novel Reuniting with Strangers” - Joseph Planta
-The North American Filipino Star - “Jennilee Austria Bonifacio’s story- Empowering Newcomers to Canada”
-The Post - “Meet this writer who’s shining the spotlight on the Filipino-Canadian experience” - Johanna L. Añes-De La Cruz
-The Source - “Novel notions for community building at the LiterASIAN Writers Festival” - Drew Stewart
-Toronto Metropolitan University - On the Record - “Author Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio uses her writing to reflect on her Filipino-Canadian Community” - Zoie Karagiannis
-Trent Alumni Magazine - “Bridging Two Worlds” - Elizabeth Bower-Gordon
Features (Pilipino)
-Mabuhay Canada - “Chikahan with Pinay author Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio: Why we need to preserve our culture” - Yona M. Harvey
-OMNI News - “Bagong libro ng Pilipinang may-akda na Reuniting With Strangers mababasa na” - Keisha Balatbat
-OMNI News - “Nobela ng isang FilCan author, kabilang sa longlist sa 2024 Toronto Book Awards | OMNI News Filipino” - Paula Saraza
-Philippine Times - “Ang fiction ni Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio ay nagsasalaysay ng mga kuwento ng mga Pilipinong imigrante sa Canada”
-RCI: Mga balita sa Canada sa 7 wika - “Isang nobela tungkol sa muling pagsasama ng pamilya ng mga Pilipinong caregiver” - Catherine Dona
-RCI: Mga balita sa Canada sa 7 wika - “Sa loob ng Little Manila, ang nagkokonekta sa Filipino Canadians sa Toronto”
-RCI: Mga balita sa Canada sa 7 wika - “Pinay author Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio nasa longlist ng Toronto Book Awards”
Lists
-CBC Books - Canada Reads 2024 Longlist
-CBC Books - Former Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi shares 6 books to build your empathy
-CBC Books - CBC Books’ writers to watch: 30 Canadian writers making their mark in 2024
-CBC Books - The Best Canadian Fiction of 2023
-CBC Books - 18 books by past CBC Short Story Prize winners and finalists from 2023
-CBC Books - 30 Canadian books to celebrate Asian Heritage Month
-CBC Books - 55 books by past CBC Literary Prizes winners and finalists that came out in 2023
-CBC Books - 74 works of Canadian fiction to read in fall 2023
-Douglas & McIntyre - Outstanding Literature by Women
-Mabuhay Canada - 7 Must Read Filipino Books
-Massy Books - Filipino Heritage Month Reading List: Filipinx/o/a Content- Pasalubong: Gifts from the Journey
-Read Local BC - Nine Reads for Canada History Week
-The 49th Shelf - 10 Editors’ Picks for September 2023
-Tina May Reads - 2023 CanLit Fiction Faves
-Toronto.com - Our books editor on the 30 (plus!) new reads we can’t wait to cosy up with this fall
-Toronto Metropolitan University - The 2023 TMU Alumni Book List
-Toronto Star - Our books editor on the 30 (plus!) new reads we can’t wait to cosy up with this fall
Reviews
-Broadview - Robert Liwanag
-Canadian Filipino Net - Maria Veronica Caparas
-Foreword Reviews - Eileen Gonzalez
-Inquirer Manila - Jelou Galang
-Mabuhay Canada - Yona M. Harvey
-Maganda Bookshelf - Dani Alcalde-Sidloski
-Pages on the Train - Dani Magsumbol
-Quill & Quire - Emily Mernin
-Ricepaper - Rachel Calabia Epp
-The Ampersand Review - Sahar Golshan
-The British Columbia Review - Valerie Green
-Tina May Reads - Tina May
-Whistler Writers Festival - Angela Bueno
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. To inquire about bookings in Canada and the United States, please contact her here.
Past Events
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!
With Rachel Evangeline Chiong and Maria Patricia Abuel at Pinoys on Parliament.
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.
Guest Lecture for the University of Toronto: Little Manila Tour
North York
February 3, 2025
The Asian-Canadian Space and Place class had their annual socio-cultural walking tour of Toronto’s Little Manila— with a few stops along the way to celebrate the settings of Reuniting with Strangers.
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!
With fellow writers in the Centre for Social Innovation network: L. Kris Gowen, Emily Sadowski, and Nadia Umadat.
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.
Keynote speech at P2P 2024. Photo by P2P.
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!
Guest Lectures by Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio
Ontario Institute for Studies in Education
Teacher Candidates
October 30, 2024
City College of San Francisco
Philippine Studies
November 12, 2024
University of Toronto
New Topics in Sociology: Immigrants in Toronto
November 18, 2024
With Toronto Book Awards finalists Connie Gault, Paul McLaughlin, Maurice Vellekoop, and Kristen den Hartog. Photo by City of Toronto.
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.
With Salaysay members Yanni Santos, Jasmine Arellano Montreuil, and Motzie Dapul.
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.
With E.P. Tuazon, C.E. Gatchalian, Nathalie De Los Santos, Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio, and Maria Bolaños at Bel Canto Books- KUBO LB.
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.
With the Galing Bata Filipino Education Centre, San Francisco
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.
To watch a video of the panel, click here.
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!
With Maurice Vellekoop, Kristen den Hartog, and Paul McLaughlin.
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.
With Sheila Murray and Janika Oza, fellow graduates of the Immigration and Settlement Studies MA program at Toronto Metropolitan University.
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”
With Mayor Olivia Chow
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.
With SKFOW co-presenters Cara-Lyn Morgan, David A. Robertson, and Jael Richardson.
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
With fellow panelists CE Gatchalian, Christine Añonuevo, and Vincent Ternida.
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.
With Angelo Santos, Grace Sanchez MacCall, Maribeth Manalaysay Tabanera, Jose Romelo Lagman, Carolyn Fe, Patria Rivera, CE Gatchalian, Rachel Evangeline Chiong, and Isabel Palanca Aureus at A Different Booklist.
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.
Some of the writers and readers at Canada’s first Filipino/a/x Literary Arts Festival
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.
Presenting with Lindsay Wong, Julia Lin, Keiko Honda, and Ujjal Dosanjh at the Chinatown Storytelling Centre
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
Reading alongside Joy Kogawa, Angie Wong, Keiko Honda, Ujjal Dosanjh, and Lindsay Wong at Dim Sum with Authors
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 at the North York Central Library, and joining the Salaysay literary collective in welcoming Gina Apostol to Toronto.
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.
With Ann Y.K. Choi and Shelly Kawaja at gritLIT. Photo by Tena Laing.
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.
gritLIT workshop: Social Media for Writers
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
Group photo at the Burlington Public Library
January 22, 2024
Talk at Burlington Public Library - Central Branch
Burlington, ON
With Ali Hassan and Ryan B. Patrick after recording The Next Chapter.
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.
With Cayley Brightside, Moez Surani, Sofia Mostaghimi, and Alison Gadsby.
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.
With Filipinas of HamOnt, the Filipino McMaster Student Association, and the Hamilton Public Library.
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.
With Centre Kapwa at the SHIFT Centre for Social Transformation.
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.
With Kevin Chong, Erum Shazia Hasan, William Ping, and Tom Stewart at Whistler Writers Festival.
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.
With Vincent Ternida, Kawika Guillermo, Leah Ranada, and Christine Añonuevo at Massy Arts Society.
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.
With members of the Asian-Canadian Writers Workshop in Vancouver.
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.
With Brooke Lockyer, Carey Sookocheff, and Craig Shreve at TIFA.
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.
At the Eden Mills signing table with Sahar Golshan (SO LOUD!) and Michelle Porter (A Grandmother Begins the Story).
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)
With Salaysay members featured at the Toronto launch of Reuniting with Strangers: Jaisa Sulit, Shirley Camia, Eric Tigley (missing: Motzie Dapul).
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.