Interviews Across Time and Space: Vancouver Book Launch
By Erie Maestro
Vancouver-Canada
September 9, 2019
Vancouver, B.C. -- Florchita “Chit” Bautista launched her second book called Interviews Across Time and Space at St. Mary’s Parish Church last August 31, 2019. Florchita writes about each individual’s search for the meaning and purpose in life in an engaging style and format that takes readers back in time, where the author engages in conversations with characters from Joseph of the coat of many colours to Mother Teresa.
Group Photo of Florchita with friends and supporters
At least 50 people came to celebrate the launch. Assistant Parish Priest Fr. Gabriel de Chadarévian, O.P. opened the program with a Welcome and Prayer, followed by an overview of the book. Florchita followed with how her trip to Greece, illustrated by slide images of the ruins of Ephesus, inspired the writing of the book, which took Florchita a couple of years to finish and publish.
Top photo: Chris Sorio with Florchita and Florchita signing books at the book sale table; Bottom left: Erie Maestro, Prof Leonora Angeles and MLA Mable Elmore; Bottom right: Allan Diaz
Community reviewers shared their reflections with the audience. Prof. Leonora Angeles from the UBC School of Community and Regional Planning and the Institute of Social Justice talked about the chapters on Joseph and Judith. Dr. Chandu Claver, the International spokesperson of the Cordillera People’s Alliance, shared through a video message the timeliness and relevance of the chapters on the prophets Amos and Micah. Brother Allan Diaz from the Light of Christ Movement encouraged the audience to read the story of Paul and talked of the importance of necessity in our lives. Migrante ‘s Vice Chair Chris Sorio told his story of meeting Florchita as a migrant organizer in Toronto and how Florchita is a role model who inspires the seniors in our community.
Top: Fr. Gabriel with Florchita; Florchita with family and friends; Centre and Bottom: Sojourners for Life with Florchita
What several readers said about the book-- Retired senior Yayi Roces: [thebookwaslike] “a spiritual time travel that will transport you back to Biblical times. An amazing literary concept magnificently written. Food for thought!” Church person Justin Trinidad: “I read the stories of Amos and Micah and found your style so unique. You were able to point out their messages so alive for our time.” M. Sarmiento found “the book incredible especially the stories of Judith and Mother Teresa. Those women are really exceptional. I learned so much by reading their stories.”
The launch of Interviews Across Time and Space was organized by the Sojourners for Life, Migrante BC and the C.A.R.E.S. project, St. Mary’s Migrant Ministry and the MLA Mable Elmore’s Constituency Office.
For copies, including the first book Leaping into the Unknown, email the author at
Read the Author's interview with the Philippine Asian News Today.-30-