The Calamansi Story: Filipino Migrants in Australia
The Entree.Pinays
2023
Melbourne and Sydney, Australia
Project Partner, Editorial Designer, Visual Designer, Illustrator
The Calamansi Story is a three-part, community-first legacy project by The Entree.Pinays. Led by its co-founders, Grace and Fides, The Calamansi Story aims to raise awareness of the valuable contributions of Filipino migrants, especially in the domain of food and beverage, and educate Australians on the possibilities of Filipino produce through storytelling.
The anthology The Calamansi Story: Filipino Migrants in Australia features thirty-six stories that weave the humble calamansi fruit into tales of intergenerational knowledge, migration, family, ritual, trade, and culture. Published and distributed by The Entree.Pinays, the book was edited by Kristine Aquino, Grace Guinto, Fides Mae Santos and Mariam Ella Arcilla. The publication was designed by Maysie Lecciones and Mariam Ella Arcilla.
A percentage of each book sold will be donated to accredited social enterprise AGREA Philippines led by United Nations Food Systems Champion, Cherrie Atilano.
Filipino migrants are the fifth largest migrant group in Australia. Despite this significant presence, their experiences have rarely received the ‘mainstream’ spotlight, and their stories seldom told through their own voices.
This community-led publication brings together life histories and personal migration experiences of everyday first and second generation Filipino migrants. It highlights their spirit, strength, resilience, and important social and economic contributions to Australia.
Uniquely, these stories are told through encounters with calamansi – a small, sour and sweet lime, indigenous to the Philippines.
“A creative collaboration that feeds the heart, mind and soul. Maysie truly brings considered designs with a sense of creative and cultural sensitivity, thoughtfulness and conviction that respects and celebrates both the project and the people behind it at the highest level.”
Co-founder, Strategy, Operations & Business Development, The Entree.Pinays
Focusing creative stories, poetry, essays, songs, recipes, and artwork on the humble calamansi, the writers and artists featured in this book use food, explicitly and inexplicitly, as a vehicle to navigate settlement, forge senses of belonging, and interrogate the role food plays in the politics of race and multiculturalism in Australia.
Maasim (sour) or matamis (sweet), these stories offer a taste of hope, possibility, and action.
“From the intricate and strategic placement of the foiling on the front cover, careful selection of typography, the poetic balance of words, artwork and visuals of each story on every page including her own illustrations, to the colour gradient along the internal spine – every detail had a rhyme or reason for being.”
Co-founder, Strategy, Operations & Business Development, The Entree.Pinays
Publication team:
Fides Mae Santos – Project Director
Grace Guinto – Project Director
Kristine Aquino – Project Partner, Publication, Editorial
Mariam Ella Arcilla – Project Partner, Publication, Editorial, Design
Maysie Lecciones – Project Partner, Publication, Design, Illustration
A grant from the Australian-ASEAN Council of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade funded this project.
Published in Melbourne, Victoria by The Entree.Pinays
Printed by Peachy Print
Learn more about The Calamansi Story project here.
“Maysie played an integral role in shaping the look and feel of The Calamansi Story, infusing the book design with her Filipino ingenuity, creativity, and lived experience. Her layered approach and deep understanding brought this legacy project to life, creating something the entire community can take pride in.
As a master of her craft and a true professional, Maysie brings empathy and heart to every design, telling stories that warm hearts, open minds, and awaken the soul. Her multidisciplinary talent and genuine care ensure your project is in the best hands.”
Co-founders, The Entree.Pinays