After living in Canada for quite a number of years now, it was refreshing and welcome to be reminded of our rich and diverse roots when I finally came to experience over a week ago, the art works of the prolific Filipino artist — the late great Pacita Abad at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) on Dundas… Read More »

It seems to have been a dream. Summer in Canada this year feels like a microcosm of the volatile weather (literally and figuratively, I must say) around the globe.  A friend of mine who is quite adept at astrology, says that these turbulent times are a sort of “spring cleaning” as we usher in the Age of Aquarius.… Read More »

I bring news of good tidings in the aftermath of the wrath of Typhoon Gaemi (known as Typhoon Carina in the Philippines).  After visiting the National Museum of Fine Arts in Manila last year, and after such a devastating natural disaster in Manila, I was elated to hear that a good friend of ours (and our balae), Rosalie… Read More »

In short…we are still in the midst of celebrating Filipino Heritage Month. With this in mind, I cannot think of a better way to revel in our own Filipino culture and history than to view the very engaging and nostalgic vlog of a fellow Filipino on YT – Scenario by Ka You Tubero.  Scenario features ancestral houses and… Read More »

Today, and all the days of June, we celebrate Filipino Heritage Month. Expect a whole slew of interesting events and activities from the numerous leading Filipino-Canadian communities around Canada, precisely to recognize, celebrate and raise awareness about the Filipino community in Canada and their valuable contributions throughout Canadian history. And rightly so. As stated in the Philippine Embassy… Read More »

In my last column, I had mentioned the admirable and effective work being done by Tahanan Sta. Luisa (TSL), a crisis intervention center for street girls in Manila. I learned about their outstanding work from a longtime friend and a director of TSL, Victoria “Bubut” Rialp, married to TV and stage director and talented artist, Leo Rialp.  Out… Read More »

By the time this issue is released the solar eclipse frenzy will be over. And the state of emergency in the Niagara region would have been lifted by now. (Imagine that?! Niagara had to declare a state of emergency because of the solar eclipse? Insane but understandable! Niagara was one of the places expected to experience maximum coverage… Read More »

Whoah!  There is such a thing as conscience after all. Or is there? The website of the United Nations, under the U.N. event “International Day of Conscience April 5” contains these timely thought-provoking words… “The task of the United Nations to save future generations from the scourge of war requires transformation towards a culture of peace, which consists… Read More »

I cannot but think of the gloriously outspoken and eminently articulate Clare Daly on the occasion of International Women’s Day (IWD) last March 8. (It is actually not just a day but a worldwide movement highlighted with events and activities during the month of March.).  In the United Nation’s website, it says — “Officially recognized by the United… Read More »

It may still be cold but spring is just around the corner.  This year, 2024, spring will officially start on March 19. I always thought it was always the 21st of March.  Apparently, it shifts or is movable. Not a moment too soon, I say. Although, we have had a relatively mild (but erratic) winter, having more of… Read More »