Cabbagetown Parade

   In the midst of all the excitement surrounding the Toronto International Film Festival, another festivity was stirring up a colourful celebration in a small part of the city which is better known as Cabbagetown. It may not have the calibre of Toronto’s Entertainment District but it is a documented fact that mega star Denzel Washington worked-out in Cabbagetown Boxing Club while filming a movie in Toronto.

   True to the old saying: The show must go on! The early morning rain failed to dampen the spirit of the Annual Cabbagetown Festival Parade. The wet asphalt of Parliament Street produced a beautiful reflection of the Toronto Mounted Police marching the lead. The horses trotted gracefully with the piercing sound of the bagpipes in the background. From a short distance, an old classic car rolled slowly to show off one of the world-class athletes of Cabbagetown, Lisa “Bad News” Brown, the IFBA World Junior Featherweight Champion. This feisty lady can prove herself to be a beast in the boxing ring but Toronto’s Miss Manila, Erin Caluducan was no doubt the beauty of Cabbagetown that Saturday morning.

   The rhythmic beat of the Chinese drums reverberated on every lamp post on the street. They were loud. But not loud enough to silence the screaming colours of the Filipino Centre logo. The waves of banners from the Filipino community made a resounding statement that we as Filipinos can stand united and proudly declare our spot in Canada’s mosaic of multi-cultural society.

   In the sea of people flooding the street, stood out an American flag carried by a smiling USAFFE war veteran, Mr. Efigenio Doroteo of Cebu. His blue suit and matching cap were adorned with medals and buttons of recognition for his list of impressive achievements. While most men of his age were sitting idly, drinking coffee at Tim Horton’s, Gene (his Canadian nickname) was marching and defying the old age syndrome. Amazingly, his 86 year old legs could still keep-up with the pace of the parade.

   Towards the end of the parade, the old veteran was getting tired and held on to my left arm as we walked slowly together and engaged in a lively conversation. “During the Japanese invasion of the Philippines, I was a Technical Sergeant in the Signal Corps of the United States Armed Forces in the Far East. “, he said in reply to my query. I also learned that “Tatay” Gene is also immensely active in many prestigious organizations such as American Legion, Royal Canadian Legion, Knights of Rizal, Knights of Columbus, Maharlika 7488, San Lorenzo Ruiz 8809, Daughters of Isabella, Squirettes of Mary and Columbia Squires.

   The Saturday morning with our “kababayans” at Cabbagetown was more than worthy of my time. I walked along Parliament Street feeling proud as a Filipino.

Grandma Elvis

 

  I am not a great fan of Elvis Presley but I can name at least two of his oldies that I hummed when my three daughters were still infants. Love Me Tender and Blue Hawaii were lullabies to their ears. They would fall asleep before I could even complete the melody.

   The King of Rock and Roll has been dead for three decades but undoubtedly more alive today. His spirit lives on. His magical presence is continually magnified by impersonators who mimic his iconic looks, moves and voice. Some are incredibly like his ghost_ complete look-a likes, singing just like him while others are amusingly ridiculous. They are out there to pay tribute to the man as they keep us entertained. They come in many shapes and forms. Thin, fat, short, tall, black and white.

  
   I have seen a Child Elvis, an Old Elvis and a Lady Elvis. But a Grandma Elvis? Wow! This one really caught my full attention.

   On July 19,  at the stage of Mabuhay Festival, Metro Convention Centre, a youthful senior from Scarborough emerged before a cheering crowd. She was dwarfed by the gigantic Filipino flag behind her. Although she appeared tiny up there, this rock and roll grandma electrified the audience with her own rendition of Jail House Rock. She was not anywhere near the original. And rightfully so. She was not copying Elvis. She was simply having a great time sharing the excitement of being a Forever Elvis Fan. Or shall I say she was just performing what Elvis would have done to impersonate her? Either way, her grace and style would have impressed the legendary King of Rock and Roll, who had sent her his autographed photo from the US Army in the fifties. And like any other teenager in those days, she nearly passed out receiving it.

      Ladies and gentlemen, kababayans or not, allow me to introduce to you the one and only Lola Elvis. Married twice and outlived both husbands; a grandmother of thirty grandchildren and three great grandchildren, Heeeeerre is........Zennnna Zaaaaaagala!!!

  

  
























The sensational boxing ring style introduction is more than fitting. Zena Zagala can knock out the crowd with her well choreographed moves. The signature moves that she had put on hold for forty seven years. Back in 1958 at the Student Canteen, a TV show in the Philippines, she won the first round in the Lady Elvis Singing Contest. She could have moved on to the final round and probably could have won it, but her strict grandfather’s disapproval put a stop to her dream. Wounded but not dead, this one talented lady was born to perform. It is in her blood. She is the niece of the famous Filipino movie star, Carmen Rosales. The itch to perform has always hounded her. When her daughter, Pinky Faustino sponsored her to come to Canada, the old itch did not stay behind. And in 2005 after forty seven years of holding back, the Elvis in her could not be contained anymore. It broke lose and put Zena where she belongs_the centre stage. From then on, the “katuwaan lang” performance with family and friends in Toronto_ became a full blown fame.

   
   She is now affectionately known as The Lola Elvis in the Filipino Community and happily living her dream. She performed at The Collingwood Elvis Festival in front of the big audience filled with screaming fans of Elvis. “I am doing this to keep the spirit of Elvis alive. And seeing the happy reaction of the audience to my performance makes it all worthwhile.” said Zena. She will once again dazzle the audience at the Ontario Place _Filipino Making Waves on August 6 and 7 of this year.

   To Lola Elvis, I tip my hat in admiration to you. You make the Filipino Community mighty proud. May you have many more years of living your dream. 

Parade Of Colors

News coverage of The Annual Caribana Festival in Toronto has always made me want to see it live. Well, finally after all these years, it happened. I found myself in the midst of the excitement_behind the scene and at the scene in living color. It was a lot more than what I expected to see. Thanks to Steven Weir for granting me the photographers official media pass.

At the Lamport Stadium, I was amazed by the creativity and the hard work put together by the unsung heroes behind the scene. The joint effort of the Caribbean Islands in preparing this magnificent show is highly admirable. Their artistic work was elegantly showcased during the choreographed display of The King and Queen costumes before a panel of judges and the cheering audience at the stadium.

The ultimate thrill for me was at the Caribana Parade. I was in awe. Vibrant costumes adorned with glitter and colorful feathers flooded the CNE ground as the bands and marchers made their way westbound to Lakeshore Boulevard. I could aim my camera at any angle and would certainly get a good subject to shoot. A great event for photojournalism and and glamor photography.

Our Living Planet

Just the other day, I heard a very familiar song. " A Small World After All." The song made me think. Has our planet really gotten smaller?

After watching the BBC documentary Planet Earth, I felt as though I had explored the four corners of the earth within the film's viewing time. From that point of view, I would say yes. Our world seems to be smaller now. With the joint efforts of BBC photographers and film makers, I experienced what they saw. Through their lens, they made me see the many faces of our planet that I have not seen before. From underwater to the sky, I gained a more in-depth understanding of how truly amazing nature is.

Is it an overstatement to say that earth is the only planet in the galaxy that evokes emotions? Maybe so, but I personally feel it communicating to me during all four seasons: Spring, summer, autumn and winter. Every season has its own beauty and character and they all dictate how I live.

The tulips sprouting from the ground herald the news that spring has arrived. And the sight of the meadows turning green is a good sign that summer is not far behind. Mother Nature speaks to me and also shows her good sense of humor when autumn comes. She infuses my surroundings with vibrant colors then slowly transform the colorful canvass into lifeless looking brown and grey to make room for the cold months of winter. Almost like saying "Ha! I got you again!"

As a photographer, I envy those who can travel to just about any place on earth and come back with breathtaking shots of their trip. Our planet is so beautiful and alive. We should conserve it. It deserves our nurturing and respect .

The Cycle Of Life

Everyone of us had a moment in time. That unforgettable time, when what you wanted the most in life finally happened. Mine was in September 21, 1978 at Women's College Hospital in Toronto. The day when my first child was born. A baby girl!! I was on top of the world. I wanted the whole universe to know that I was the happiest man.

Inside the delivery room, I was emotionally charged. Concerned for my wife and child, I watched the doctor's every move. Just like a surveillance camera, I witnessed the progression of my baby's birth. And that was a heart-pounding experience.

Well, about 30 years later, my daughter is having her first child. Last week was her Baby Shower Party and by next month she would complete the cycle of life and become a mother just like her Mom. The whole family is looking forward to the little new member and the latest addition to our family. For the first time I would be a grandfather. A very excited one too. That excitement is written on the wall_literally. I painted a mural on the wall of the Baby's Room. A painting of a tree and stork flying by. Aside from my camera which is all set to document the arrival, it is my way of welcoming my dear and most awaited grandchild.

For now, I pray for the safety of my daughter's pregnancy and delivery. I wait anxiously and ponder on the priceless memories I had in raising her. She grew up to be a wonderful daughter and I can easily imagine how great a mother she would be to her child. When the hour has come, it is also the hour when the cycle of life.... is complete. The baby becomes a mother.

Come grow old with me.

Come grow old with me.
Originally uploaded by Artisticam photography

As a wedding photographer, it is a norm for me to see newlyweds in their sweetest moment. But that is not surprising. Couples who have just got married can only see roses and butterflies. The question is how long
would it last.

I was in the middle of shooting another newlyweds at the park when a very sweet elderly couple passed by. At their age it was quite evident how much they cared for each other. They were both slow and walking arm in arm_aided with canes. The sight instantly overpowered me with admiration for them. I could not resist taking this quick candid shot. This photo is a testimony that marriage do work for couples who believe in it.

Over 31 Years After

The first day that I set foot on the streets of Toronto was on March 10, 1975. That day was also the first time I saw this strange looking red monster travelling on King Street West. It was heavy. It shook up the sidewalk when it passed by. There was a pole projecting from its roof and in contact with an overhead electric cable. They called it TTC Streetcar and was also affectionately known to Toronto passengers as The Red Rocket. I was amazed. There was not anything like it where I came from.

Just like most of the new immigrants, I rode The Red Rocket to move around the city. And for someone like myself who came from a tropical country, I depended on it during the freezing months of winter in Toronto. I used the transit system in hunting for a job. Little did I know that one day, I would be working for the Toronto Transit Commission.

It was in the late autumn, on October 25, 1976 when it happened. I was young when I entered the building of Harvey Shops. It was called Hillcrest Shops then. It was there within the walls of Harvey where I spent most of the next 25 years of my life. It was also there where I matured and interacted with some of the very gifted and talented workers from different corners of the world. We were all foreign to the city but we also shared a common ground. We all worked for TTC, which was the main source of our livelihood.

On May 13, 2002 the wind direction had shifted towards east. I left my union brothers and sisters in Harvey Shops and continued my services to TTC at McCowan Carhouse, where I completed the remaining years culminating to my retirement.

Over 31 years had been a very long and tiring journey. Every stop was a prelude to the next. It seemed to be a never-ending road. But today March 8, 2008 is a day of giving thanks to our Lord. I eventually reached the final stop_my hard earned destination. It is here where I get off. To all my friends who remained, hang on tight for the ride. You too will get there. And when you do, I will be at the other end to welcome you.

Looking back, did I make a difference in TTC? Probably not. But no matter how I look at it, TTC had been a part of my life. My three daughters grew up knowing that their father worked for TTC. My first grandchild will also hear about it. And someday many years from now, around the coffee table, my future grandchildren would look at the old photographs of the three TTC streetcars which were specially painted to represent Toronto's Sesquicentennial and Ontario's Bicentennial joint celebration. In disbelief they would ask: “Our grandfather painted these streetcars?” And yes, even in the slightest thought of it, no matter how insignificant it maybe to others, it brings me a sense of pride that at one time my work was attached to the three streetcars that were seen by the city of Toronto.