Philippine Embassy in Ottawa Launches the Harvest Picnic: A Story of Family, Food, and Friendship

Cover page of the children storybook “The Harvest Picnic” (left) and Guests during the launch (right)

OTTAWA 03 November 2025 — The Embassy of the Philippines in Canada, together with Ms. authors Denise Orosa, Ms. Laura Fauchon-Dieter, and illustrator Tin Javier, launched The Harvest Picnic: A Story of Family, Food, and Friendship from the Philippines and Canada on 30 October 2025 at the Ottawa Public Library’s Auditorium.

In his opening remarks, Philippine Ambassador to Canada Jose Victor V. Chan-Gonzaga highlighted the power of stories to bridge cultures and generations: “The Harvest Picnic reminds us that whether in the rice terraces of Palawan or the plains of Saskatchewan, the act of sharing a meal is more than nourishment, it is an expression of gratitude, kinship, and love,” the Ambassador said.

Co-written by Filipino-Canadian Ms. Orosa, author of Once Upon the Sun and Sea, and Ms. Fauchon-Dieter; and illustrated by Ms. Javier, The Harvest Picnic tells the story of Ben and Aiyana, two children of Filipino and Cree heritage whose families gather each autumn for a harvest picnic. Guided by their Elders, Lolo and Lola from the Philippines, and Nookum and Noosimis from the Peepeekisis Cree Nation, the children learn about their families’ respective traditions, stories, and ways of honoring the land.

The story weaves together the Tagbanwa story of palay (rice) from Palawan and the Cree teachings about sage, cedar, and the sacredness of water, showing how both cultures value gratitude, balance, and respect for nature. The book also celebrates shared values such as reverence for elders, the joy of communal meals, and the belief that wisdom is passed down through storytelling.

Featuring beloved cultural elements, from Filipino suman and pinipig to Cree chokecherry jam and smoked fish, the story paints a rich picture of the Filipino and Cree connection to the land and their food traditions. The children’s final act of offering food to their grandparents before eating themselves becomes a touching symbol of respect, patience, and intergenerational gratitude.

Presented in English, French, and Filipino, the trilingual book promotes inclusivity and cultural understanding among young readers. Filipino and Cree words, such as Lolo, Lola, Nookum, and suman, appear alongside illustrations, helping children appreciate the richness of both languages and cultures.

The event also featured a project overview by Ms. Orosa, a panel discussion on cultural authenticity with Ms. Orosa, Ms. Fauchon-Dieter, and Ms. Tin Javier, and a live reading from the book. A symbolic presentation of The Harvest Picnic to the Ottawa Public Library by Ambassador Chan-Gonzaga capped the program, underscoring the Embassy’s commitment to cultural diplomacy and shared storytelling.

Published with the support of the Office of Cultural Diplomacy of the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, The Harvest Picnic exemplifies how art and storytelling can bring peoples and traditions together, honoring Indigenous wisdom and celebrating the enduring friendship between the Philippines and Canada.

Copies of the Harvest Picnic will be available for reading at the Sentro Rizal Library at the Embassy of the Philippines, 30 Murray St., Ottawa, ON K1N 5M4. Organizations, schools, and libraries interested in obtaining a copy are requested to email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. END

Ms. Denise Orosa shares her creative journey in developing the book (right)

For more information, visit https://www.ottawape.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.philembassy.ca, https://www.facebook.com/PHinCanada/, https://twitter.com/PHinCanada.