Atin Ito First Filipino Community Newspaper in Ontario
Filipino words: invisible no more
Filipino-Canadian writers and storytellers from across Canada are making their words heard through the release of a new book, Magdaragat: An Anthology of Filipino-Canadian Writing, published by Cormorant Books.
Forty-nine writers both new and established collaborated to put together the book that showcases through short stories, personal essays, poems and other genres the collective experience of the Filipino community in Canada. The contributors are based in Canadian cities including Toronto, Ottawa, Scarborough, Oakville, Montreal, Hudson, Que., Halifax, Brandon, Winnipeg, Regina, Calgary, Edmonton, Burnaby, New Westminster, Richmond BC, Vancouver, and Whitehorse.
Magdaragat, a Filipino word that means voyagers of the seas or seafarers, is symbolic of the immigrant community who first arrived on Canada’s shores over 150 years ago. Filipinos have contributed invaluably — though too often invisibly — to the fabric of Canadian society. This anthology of writing by members of the Filipino-Canadian community explores Filipino-Canadian identities, experiences, histories, presents, and futures, and serves to reinforce their cultural contributions.
Ted Alcuitas, a veteran Filipino newspaper journalist and publisher, C.E. Gatchalian, an award-winning author and a three-time Lambda Literary Award finalist, and Patria Rivera whose first poetry collection, Puti/White, was shortlisted for the 2006 Trillium Book Award for Poetry, co-edited the book.
Gatchalian says it is one of the most important projects he’s ever been part of.
“We’re approaching a million in this nation state, and most people have no idea who we really are. We’re quite a bit more than the smiling, family-oriented immigrants next door who like singing karaoke. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. One of the pieces in the book is precisely about that.”
Alcuitas, publisher and editor of the Philippine Canadian News, an online portal linking the Filipino diaspora, says the book is long overdue.
“I believe this book is a breakthrough for our community that will hopefully spur other writers to share their stories. I am convinced that it is our own responsibility to write and document our struggles, histories, and not rely on others.”
Co-editor Rivera says this collection of work mirrors the diversity of voices in Canada. “An anthology of writing from Filipinos born outside of and in Canada—be they first, second or third generation—includes the plurality and diversity that comprise Canadian society today. Their voices need space to take root, thrive and flourish, as much as the other voices in this vast Canadian landscape need room to grow.
“We gain wisdom through writing or reading other people’s works. With pen and with words, we gather and harvest life’s teachings and observations to share our common humanity with others, to show that otherness shares space as beingness.”
The book will be released by Cormorant Books on Nov. 4, but is now available for pre-order online with the option to shop local through this link https://www.cormorantbooks.com/magdaragat.
Follow Magdaragat on Instagram @magdaragat_anthology, for excerpts from contributors.
