Guess what? It took me over 24 hours to sit down and really think of what Canada Day meant to me, a Filipino-Canadian born and raised in the Philippines. And I have been residing here since 2017—almost 10 years ago. Goes to show how slow my assimilation is into the Canadian experience, or, more aptly said, within the Canadian fabric of everyday life. Or is it?
After all, Canada is, very palpably, literally and figuratively, multi-cultural and multi-racial. That was what hit me the first time I took the subway – there were different languages spoken in one car (quietly- most of the time, at least). I found it fascinating and refreshing. It somehow gave me a broader perspective of life. It was a melting pot. A microcosm of what Canada is, in a sense, which I appreciate.
At the same time, I feel at home because of the many fellow Filipinos and kindred Asians who live here in this melting pot of many races and cultures. I have to add that I have also met and reveled in the interaction and friendship of other non-Asians who have helped in making my 10 year (and counting) stay here fulfilling
Canada has taken care of my needs very well. This goes for my family as well. For that I am grateful. I think of the more than 41 million Canadians who can and do avail of the benefits offered by the state. I cannot imagine how much is spent to make these benefits available to the millions of Canadians – from health, to schooling, and many others. It must be a staggering amount.
This is mundane — I love the fact that I don’t need to apply for visas to around 183 or more countries. Applying for visas was a time-consuming, costly endeavor, which I had to go through often since I was not going to make that requirement stop me from travelling then — whether it be Schengen (European Union), Japan, South Korea, UK, Russia, China, U.S., Canada, etc. Now, my passport allows me to just go off anytime to most destinations minus that annoying process. Mababaw ba ang kaligayahan ko? I suppose it is. Nonetheless, I greatly appreciate and savor this often-taken-for-granted benefit.
I like the fact that I am both Filipino and Canadian at the same time. Akin to experiencing the best of 2 worlds. And also the less- than- best. Part of the package, I guess. Like yin and yang.
GRATITUDE is what I have in my heart on Canada Day!
FRIDA KAHLO at THE TATE MODERN
If not for the extreme heat now in London and Europe, I would seriously think of flying to London to view the just recently opened temporary exhibit of the works of the iconic and global brand Mexican artist Frida Kahlo.
Quoting from the Tate website….
“Frida: The Making of an Icon will showcase over 30 of Kahlo’s most iconic works that introduce her ‘many selves’- the dedicated wife, the intellectual, the modern artist, and the political activist. Alongside treasured garments, jewellery, photographs and memorabilia, there are over 200 works by her contemporaries and the artists she inspired from later generations, celebrating her lasting impact on those who continue to reimagine and reclaim her remarkable story.
The show will culminate by exploring ‘Fridamania”. Kahlo’s transformation into a global brand will feature more than 200 commercial objects that encompass her art, image, style and persona….”
You can check out the Tate website for the rest of the write up. You can also book tickets ahead, which I am very tempted to. Salamat naman that the extraordinary exhibit will run at the Tate Modern till January 3, 2027. Gives me time to think about it and in the meantime, let the heat dome pass.
When I saw the artworks (yes, Patis paints. Beautifully.) of our very own Patis Tesoro last Feb this year in her workshop in San Pablo City, Laguna, I was reminded of Frida Kahlo’s paintings. Perhaps she was also inspired by the unique vision and aesthetic consciousness of Frida. Or maybe they are kindred souls. Or Frida lives on in Patis’ life. Who knows?
JONATHAN W. ANDERSON-HEAD DESIGNER OF THE HOUSE OF DIOR
Before I leave, I cannot but mention how I absolutely adore Jonathan W. Anderson. He is a genius to me. In the same level as Vikingur Olafsson, Fujii Kaze, Bruno Mars and Asmik Grigorian. If you don’t know Asmik, google her name. If you like opera, you will know her.
The best part about JWA is that he has a collaboration with Uniqlo! Yehey! Check them out. Watch out for the initials JWA embroidered discreetly somewhere on the side. Sorry but I love Uniqlo, which I consider a genius as well.
BOOHOO! DI AKO NAKAPANOOD NG BRUNO MARS ROMANTIC TOUR. AKO PA!
Anyway, he deserves all the success and fame he has. I am a live-well (as opposed to a die-hard) fan. Not because he is part-Filipino. He is so subconscious. With a well balanced conscious mind. He is a marvel. Best of all, I love his taste in music. A mixture of R &B, soul, funk (very 70s). Plus his new Latin inspired songs like Cha Cha Cha, Risk it all in Spanish (loving it), God Was Showing off.
With these, I take my leave and wish all a happy Canada Day!
Tessie Ochangco Taylor