March 23, 2018 , 02:37pm

Writers and journalists to launch network

PUBLISHED WORKS of FC-WJNet members: Books of poems by Patty Rivera (Puti/White) and daughter Rani Rivera (All Violet); anthology of Filipino women’s writings (Filipina 1, Fiipina 2) co-edited by Mila Astorga-Garcia; biography of Armando Malay co-authored by Marites Sison; two Anthologies of Filipino writings, edited by Pet Cleto (Akdaan 1, Akdaan 2); Anthology (Diasporic Intimacies) co-edited by Robert Diaz; From Prison to Diaspora, Selected Writings by Hermie Garcia; Engkwentro, book of poems by Lui Queaño; contributed writings to anthologies, journals and newspapers by Ysh Cabana and Rick Esguerra; contributions to The Philippine Reporter by Jennilee Austria, Rachel Evangeline Chiong, Irish Mae Silvestre and Michelle Chermaine Ramos, among others.

The Filipino Canadian Writers and Journalists Network (FC-WJNet), an organization of writers – literary and non-literary – and journalists, is holding its formal launch on Friday, April 20, 2018, at Wilson Hall, University of Toronto.

FC-WJNet was formed in September last year when a group of like-minded writers and journalists committed to support one another in further developing and promoting their works to advance Filipino-Canadian literature and journalism, started meeting monthly to pursue their goals.

The members comprise of published writers – poets, short story writers, novelists, theatre and film scriptwriters, academic writers, journalists, reporters, book , anthology and newspaper editors, podcast and blog writers – dedicated to their professions and craft.

In the six months that they have worked together, they were already able to organize three public forums, with authoritative speakers on the topic journalism in China (Eric Baculinao); journalism in Canada (Tom Henheffer); and journalism in the Philippines (Manny Mogato).

Right now, they are planning on holding workshops in the field of journalistic narrative and poetry.

Among their recent activities were a visit to The Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library to submit some of their works for archiving, which the Library accepted.

Individual members have served as resource speakers to support the work of other members, as when Carlos Bulosan Theatre invited three journalists and editors to speak at their workshop of a play in its development stage.
FCWJNet also supported the launch of books by its members.

The organization’s launch will feature a program and an exhibition of the members’ published works.

For information, call Mila Astorga-Garcia (416-803-8576) and Patty Rivera (416-465-0990).