In Solidarity

From where I stand, looking across from the other side of Yonge Street, unionized library workers appear dwarfed by the massive building of Toronto Reference Library. With picket signs hanging on their necks, they march tirelessly, undeterred by the freezing weather. They are there in solidarity to protect their jobs just like  what other Torontonians would do when their livelihood is at stake.

Today is Day 8 of their struggle, trying to win a decent contract that will guarantee the security of their jobs. Today is also the 8th day that they have zero wages, not to mention the lost time that should have been added to their length of service.

They look determined to press on. The union spirit is high, and the encouraging honks from motorists showing their public support are like music to the members of Local 4948. The picket line is peaceful, orderly and civilized; the kind of atmosphere one would expect in Toronto.

I see friends and families of members showing their support. I recognize one from the TTC , Local 113 of Amalgamated Transit Union. It is nice to see the unity, but when will this strike end?

 Although the importance of public libraries has been downplayed by the city mayor, it is without a doubt that we need libraries and the workers that make them work.

The mural on Grand and Toy building across the street from the front entrance of Toronto Reference Library seem to be screaming his support and cheering the two picketers as they walk by.

Water Dragon

   In the old  Chinese zodiac calendar, there are five known  dragon signs. Among them is the fire-spitting monster that is capable of bringing havoc to a village with its fiery breath. This evil creature is the Fire Dragon; most feared by the other dragons except for the one cool-headed but unyielding beast, the Water Dragon.

   According to the legend, the Water Dragon is totally a different breed. In contrast to its nemesis, it can spit strong tidal waves of water that can quickly drown an erupting volcano. It is the only dragon that can stand its ground to challenge the Fire Dragon. With its waterpower, it can extinguish any fire that dares to cross its path.

Women in Uniform

   The majority of men will easily notice a shapely, trendy and glamorous woman, but as soon as she changes her outfit into something less feminine like a police uniform, that man’s attention will more than likely drop dramatically. Any explanation why?
  
   My masculine guess to this predictable behaviour is the animal instinct in men that rings a bell whenever a female’s body is more visually defined.

   Call me an odd ball, but women in uniform have always turned my head to take a second look. Not for sexual reasons but simply out of admiration and respect for what they do and the authority they represent. From transit operators, emergency and security staff, firefighters, police officers and military personnel, these remarkable women in uniform never cease to amaze me.

My Dear Toronto

It was in the last snowy days of winter in 1975; the CN Tower was still under construction, nearing its completion when I arrived in Toronto. I was young, fully unaware that in the next few weeks, another chapter would unfold in the history of the city that I had chosen to be my new home.

New Year 2010

The much celebrated Christmas has just passed. All the presents have been unwrapped except for one more _ the gift of the New Year. . . . It is yet to unfold.

As the remaining days of December keep shrinking closer to the end of 2009, the anticipation of what 2010 has in store for us brings a tingling excitement, mixed with anxiety. We are about to face a new chapter, and like all chapters in a novel, 2010 is interwoven with the previous years in our lives.


What we started or what we learned in the past continues on to next year. Would it be the end of our misfortunes and bad habits?

Weddings

   Of all the festivities known to man, it is indisputable that weddings are the most celebrated occasions in the universe, and embraced by people from all walks of life regardless of cultures, race, religions and beliefs.

   In a diverse society such as Toronto, weddings come in many forms and colours. To anybody who is photographically-inclined and is genuinely interested in learning about other cultures, shooting weddings could prove to be a rewarding experience.

   What I find most interesting about being a wedding photographer is the great opportunity to witness a variety of ethnic groups practice some of their fascinating traditions and wedding rituals that are distinctive from the rest of the world. Although most young “Canadianized” brides and bridegrooms shy away from their roots, their parents often encourage them to be proud of their heritage and to keep it alive, at least on the wedding day.

Scarborough

“Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.” An old friend from Blackpool, England recited this one-liner with such eloquence in his amusing English accent. That was many years ago. Today, the words still hold true to the message that people see only what they want to see.


When I tell people that I am from Scarborough, most of the time I get unflattering remarks from those who don’t live in this east end of Toronto. They somehow equate Scarborough to  all of the undesirable elements of crime that are unfairly sensationalized by the media.The opposite of the matter is also disappointingly true. The beautiful places of Scarborough that I have captured in photographs are often unrecognizable. And surprisingly enough, there are some people who have lived in Scarborough since their childhood who would still find it difficult to believe that those photographs were indeed shot in their neighbourhood.