By Butch Galicia
A great moment is a gem and so is a great memory; yet, both are as fleeting as time.
Do remember that memories are of the past; and dreams, of a future.
Relive memories and outlive dreams, if you must.
But live the moment NOW.
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On June 5 as the Markham Federation of Filipino Canadians (MFFC) spearheaded the celebration of the 118th Philippine Independence Day, Markham mayor Frank Scarpitti announced a monumental moment in the history of the Filipino Canadian community in the city.
Before he sprung up the surprise, Scarpitti said that raising the Philippine flag “is as much as remembering” Philippine Freedom Day, “as it is for the ongoing evolution of the Filipino community in Canada.”
Social, economic and political contributions of some 700,000 Canadians of Filipino origins have been well marked and acknowledged from Canada’s coast to coast to coast.
Mayor Scarpitti said Markham has always treasured its growing Filipino community.
“The city is the first and still the only municipality in all of Canada” that has honored the Philippine community by having Rizal Avenue, in honor of your national hero, Jose Rizal, he said.
Aware that on June 19, Filipinos would commemorate the 155th birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal, Scarpitti said Markham would honor the national hero in another way.
He said a monument of Rizal would soon rise and occupy a prominent part of Boxgrove Park, to be known as Luneta Square. The life size statue would also face Rizal Avenue.
Scarpitti took time to rally the community behind the work of “their two representatives in the city of Markham,” Councillor Alex Chiu and Catholic District School Board Trustee Marlene Mogado.
He also lauded the MFFC for “raising money for charities” for the likes of the Markham-Stouffville Hospital and for the victims of mudslides and typhoons in the homeland, the Philippines.
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My friend and peer Mogi Mogado is out to raise his sculptural talents to a higher level, after having been commissioned to do the Rizal Monument in Markham.
Of late, Mogi has worked on busts of Dr. Rizal. One of them is displayed at the Filipino Centre Toronto. Another is destined for the Kalayaan Cultural Community Centre in Mississauga.
Mogi has proven himself to be a community gem. Hurrah!
I swear over my big belly, Mogi is indeed artistic! Not arthritic, bah!
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Admittedly, I envy Mogi or any other sculptor. From busts, working on a bigger, stiffer and taller statue that invokes life, feeling and inspiration is truly interesting as it is challenging.
I know I can’t help, but I can write about the experience. I wish him all the best. As I said, Mogi has proven himself to be an accomplished visual artist. Topo-topo, walang kokontra!
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Is it true that there are only three other busts of Dr. Rizal installed in Canada, two of them in parks and one inside a city hall?
A look at various references showed that a creation of Abdulmari De Leon Imao Jr., a bronze bust of Rizal, stands at the Parc MacKenzie-King in Montreal, Quebec.
North York, Toronto, Ontario also boasts of another bronze bust of the hero at the Earl Bales Park, a popular place for community picnics, gatherings and recreational activities during summer.
The third bronze bust is at the Hall des Nations, at the foyer of the Gatineau City Hall in Ottawa, Ontario.
I know for sure that Filipinos in Manitoba, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and other parts of Canada also celebrated Philippine Freedom Day and will remember Dr. Rizal on June 19, or may have had a double celebration fit into their busy calendars.
Whatever, what is a week between the two Philippine events? Here is to a Memorable Independence Day and an Inspirational Rizal Day
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That was her moment, nearly a minute and a half as Lyan Gatcho’s fingers pressed gracefully and playfully on ebony and ivory.
For 12-year old Lyan, years of hard work and pure fun paid off, that day on April 16.
A student at the Royal Conservatory of Music Level 7, Lyan topped the 2016 North York Music Festival.
Her winning piano piece, Ludvig Schytte’s Etude in D Minor, Op. 68, No. 9, earned a grade of 92 percent and was adjudged the best among at least ten competitors coming from all over the Greater Toronto Area.
“Those who took part in the competitions were very good. I was surprised, but very happy I won,” Lyan told this columnist in a phone interview.
She said her inclination for music began when she was four years old. Perhaps, her strongest link to music was her father, Anthony, “who knows how to play the guitar.”
Lyan thanked her dad, her mom, Fely, and brother, Mark, who all supported her in her musical endeavor. She also gave gratitude to her teachers in the conservatory.
Mark, in an e-mail, “hopes we can all help celebrate her accomplishment.”
Indeed another community gem, 12-year old LYAN GATCHO shows her winning form and her medal after placing first in the recent 2016 North York Music Festival.
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As they say, be careful of what you wish for. It just might come true on June 19.
And if you receive plenty of cash, be sure to hand it over to Mama. Isn’t that what good Papas do?
Happy Father’s Day, bro! butchgalicia@ yahoo.com