In true Filipino fashion, author Catherine Hernandez—of Filipino, Spanish, Chinese and Indian descent—said “I feel like a lola telling you to grab some food. Eat! Eat! Take some for baon,” at the book launch of her fourth novel, ‘Behind You’ on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.
Held at the spacious and trendy It’s Ok* Studios in Toronto, Ont., the event, organized by Another Story Bookshop, aimed to create a safe and engaging space for the book launch.
Hernandez, an acclaimed author and screenwriter, is a proud queer Filipina known for her impactful works like Scarborough and The Story of Us, which often showcase glimpses of her Filipino heritage.
Attendees were treated to delicious food and refreshments, captivating performances and readings of ‘Behind You’ by Hernandez herself.
As guests settled in their seats, holding copies of the newly published book, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement.
The night kicked off with an incredible performance by the talented Scarborough artist pHoenix Pagliacci .
Born and raised in Toronto, Pagliacci learned to play the piano at the age of six and quickly developed her singing and songwriting skills.
Her original performance not only set the tone for the event but left guests energized for what was to come.
As Hernandez took the spotlight, she read passages from her newest novel.
Hernandez mesmerized the audience with her animated voice and captivating storytelling, offering a tantalizing glimpse of the book’s essence.
The novel draws inspiration from a haunting chapter in Canadian history, discussing the fear evoked by the Scarborough rapist during the 80’s and 90’s.
While fictional, the narrative follows a Filipina woman’s journey to resilience and womanhood.
During the launch, Hernandez explained, “I wanted to write a book that didn’t focus on the perpetrator. In fact, I don’t name him at all.”
She followed this with a powerful passage from the book, “Haven’t I healed? Sure, I get triggered every now and then, but am I broken?
“Hell, no. That’s what being a survivor means. I’ve survived.”
Described as insightful and powerful, ‘Behind You’ appeals to ‘whodunit’ and thriller enthusiasts, as well as readers of women’s fiction.
“I was never told I was pretty growing up, so I thought I was safe. But a girl I knew who was half-Filipino and lived around the corner from me was attacked,” Hernandez recalled.
“That made me realize it could happen to anyone.”
The highlight of the evening was the dialogue between Hernandez, Pagliacci and Lynda Kosowan, the executive director of the Scarborough Women’s Centre, regarding the impact of Scarborough’s serial killer during that time.
Kosowan said, “I remember the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) implementing the Request Stop Program in the 90’s due to the escalating fear among women.”
The TTC Request Stop Program, still operational today, allows any woman to request a stop off-route during the hours of 9 pm to 5 am.
Although the novel was just recently published, it has already garnered significant attention. The book’s film rights has also been acquired by Conquering Lion Pictures.
The event proved to be an immersive experience for fans of Hernandez, evident by the line of fans awaiting an autograph for her latest book.
It was a fantastic event that showcased support for Filipino authors, celebrated great storytelling and the strength of womanhood.
Watch the trailer for ‘Behind You’ by Catherine Hernandez here.
The novel is available for order here.
Velika is a writer, creator, digital strategist and full time explorer. She has travelled to over 38 countries and works with local businesses to help create the content of their dreams. To get to know Velika, follow her adventures on Instagram: @Veleeks.
