Sandie Oreta Gillis grew up in the Philippines before migrating to Canada in 1983 at 23. She enjoys writing about her roots and draws inspiration from her country of birth's beautiful works of art and culture. Sandie holds a degree in Mass Communication, majored in broadcasting at the University of the Philippines, and co-hosted an early morning talk show at Radio Veritas in Manila.

 

Sandie co-authored her first published book on legendary artist Sofronio Y. Mendoza in SYM: The Power of Struggle with Alfredo Roces in 2010. This year, the author celebrates a vibrant Indigenous community in her latest book Weaving Our Dreams – The Tboli People of the Philippines. As an arts advocate, she actively promotes awareness of Philippine arts, heritage and culture while living in Canada. She co-founded the Narragila Culture and Arts Foundation and serves as Board Director of the Dimasalang III International Artists Group.