Filipino-Canadian Author Launches a Novel on Reunification of Filipino Caregiver Families in Canada

(Left photo) Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio’s book entitled, “Reuniting with Strangers”. (Right photo) Author Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio (left) poses with Philippine Consulate’s Cultural Officer, Ma. Lyra Ocampo (center), and Mrs. Austria (right) at the book launch held in Vancouver. (Photo courtesy of PCG Vancouver)

12 October 2023, Vancouver.  The Philippine Consulate General, represented by Cultural Officer Ma. Lyra Ocampo, attended the launch of Ms. Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio’s debut novel entitled, “Reuniting with Strangers”, held at the Massy Art Society in East Vancouver on 12 October 2023.

“Reuniting With Strangers”, a novel-in-stories published by Douglas & McIntyre, follows the reunification of Filipino caregiver families in Canada. The book further recounts scenes from various locations such as a cliffside town in Tagaytay highlands, Filipino communities in the desert of Osoyoos, and Toronto’s Little Manila.  The author takes her readers into the lives of the Filipino diaspora, revealing their experiences of displacement, estrangement, resilience and healing.

Filipino-Canadian author Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio was born and raised in Ontario. She draws her inspirations from poet Souvankham Thammavongsa, writer Catherine Hernandez, and novelist Wayson Choy. END

(Left photo) Author Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio reads the opening chapter of her novel “Reuniting with Strangers” at her book launch on 12 October 2023 at the Massy Art Society. (Right photo) Author Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio (center) with four (4) other Filipino writers/contributors to the book entitled, “Mandaragat”, which she introduced during her book launch. (Photos by PCG Vancouver)