Community Literary Group Booklaunch promotes Migrants’ Tales

Community Literary Group Booklaunch promotes Migrants’ Tales

By Lui Queano

AKDAAN Kolektib is holding its booklaunch featuring literary writings by over 20 local writers. The event gives local writers a chance to interact, promote and encourage creative writing in the Filipino community.

The second Anthology booklaunch of Akdaan Kolektib titled Akdang Dayo which literally means Migrants’ Tales takes place at Bendale Library 1515 Danfort Road in Scarborough on May 30 between 2PM-4PM. The anthology features various literary genres such as poetry, play, short story, essay, visual arts as well as music compositions of local songwriters.

The event program includes poetry reading as well as stage performances excerpt from the short stories and play published in the book. This year’s contributors include short story writer Voltaire de Leon, Cesar Polvorosa, Jr. , Artist Jo Simalaya Alcampo of Kwentong Bayan, Paulina Corpuz of Philippine Advocacy for Arts and Culture, Ben Corpuz of Filipino Workers Network and aspiring writers Jennylee Austria, Esel Panlaqui, Keith Villena, Imelda Suzara, Elena Sebastian, Ysh Cabana, Kristine de Guzman, Daryl David, Marion Baustista, MaryCarl Guiao and a lot more. Internationally renowned cultural and literary critic, E. San Juan, Jr. also contributed in the anthology.

Visual sketches were provided by internationally known Vancouver based artist Bert Monterona, who also did the book cover. Budding artist/writer Francesca “Ching” Esguerra and Toronto Art Teacher Eric Tigley also provided visual sketches in the book.

PEN (Poet, Essayist, Novelist) International member Petronila Cleto and GAT (Galian sa Arte at Tula) trained poet/songwriter and musician Luisito Queano edited the community literary anthology.

AKDAAN Kolektib , a community literary group of Filipino-Canadian writers based in Toronto founded in 2013 had its first publication in 2014 that was held in OISE University of Toronto. The group was formed to help promote Philippine Literature among Filipinos and Filipino-Canadians. The first anthology composed of published Filipino writers from the Philippines and emerging Toronto writers produced 250 copies. The second anthology released 1,000 copies with its publisher Migrante Canada.