Hello!

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It was two decades ago, in 2002, when I first organized an art exhibition for my cousin who flew to Vancouver from Toronto. In attendance was a group of Filipino Canadian artists led by their “maestro” SYM (Sofronio Y. Mendoza). They called themselves the Dimasalang artists. Although I was the least artistic person in the group, they welcomed me into their circle. We exhibited together–well, they showed their works–and, I was happy to assist with organizing exhibitions, workshops and lectures to raise awareness of Filipino artistry here in Canada.

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The coffee table book SYM The Power of Struggle, which I co-wrote with well-known artist and author Alfredo Roces, brings SYM’s life story to light. It features the evolution of his best works, from the earliest until 2010, when it was published.

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In the book Weaving Our Dreams, The Tboli People of the Philippines, the project was initiated by Francis Herradura. She is a Dimasalang III International Artists Group member, our emerging Mindanaon artist. This book celebrates the Tboli culture and traditions passed down through generations.

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I find joy in writing about topics related to the Philippines. The province of Pangasinan is where I was born. I studied in Manila at St. Scholastica’s College in elementary and Maryknoll High School. My last year of high school was spent in Slayton, Minnesota, as a Youth For Understanding exchange student in the USA. I studied at the University of the Philippines and received my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Broadcast Communication in 1981. Two years later, I moved to Canada.

 

The stories I like writing about touch on the Filipino way of life, culture, and heritage. It is the human-interest piece that truly inspires me. The Narragila Culture and Arts Foundation, which I co-founded, aims to celebrate diversity and encourage artists and cultural bearers to continue their mission. This not-for-profit society inspires women and youth to pursue their dreams.

 

I am fortunate to be living in this beautiful city of Vancouver, Canada, with my husband and minutes away from my family.