On Saturday, October 10, the Prince of Wales Armouries filled with stories, music, colour, and the smell of pancit and lumpia as the Philippine Arts Council hosted a double book launch celebrating two new children’s books, along with a major community history project.
The Books
The Wonderful Worlds in Edmonton, written by Mila Bongco-Philipzig and illustrated by Abi Goy, follows Little Ditas as she explores Edmonton’s hidden gems, rich history, and vibrant communities. Through her curious eyes, young readers discover what makes our city unique, from its landmarks to the Filipino immigrant and community experience.
The Longest Banig is a children’s book. On the day of the Banig Festival, a young girl named Karina must overcome her fear of heights to help her community enter a contest for the longest banig, the colourful handwoven mat found in Filipino homes.
Echoes of Identity
The launch also showcased Echoes of Identity: Tracking Filipino Cultural Landscapes in Edmonton. This community cultural mapping project is led by Ida Beltran Lucila, Edmonton’s Historian Laureate. It archives the places and stories that mark the Filipino presence in our city, and it ensures those stories are preserved for generations to come.
Readings and Performances
One of the afternoon’s highlights was the reading of The Wonderful Worlds in Edmonton by readers from 12 of Edmonton’s largest immigrant communities, many of whom Mila consulted while writing the book. Their voices brought the story’s message to life: Edmonton is many worlds sharing one home.
Mila’s friends from across those communities also shared special performances, including Japanese drumming, an acoustic music set, and dance performances.
Food, Textiles, and Community
True to The Wonderful Worlds in Edmonton, pancit and lumpia, both featured in its pages, were served to guests.
Hibla PH Canada also joined the celebration. The official international affiliate of Hibla Philippines, it is a women-led social enterprise dedicated to preserving traditional Filipino textiles. Headquartered in Edmonton, Hibla PH Canada promotes Indigenous handmade textiles, slow fashion, and cultural education across North America. Their presence was a fitting match for a day that celebrated the banig.
The event was very well attended by families, kababayans, educators, and friends. UPAAE members came out in full force to support Mila, a proud member of our association.
Congratulations to Mila, to Ida, to the Philippine Arts Council, and to everyone who made this afternoon possible, where Filipino stories took their place in Edmonton’s story. 💛
Photos from Carl Hernandez
