Toronto Exhibit: Legacies of Filipino activism

Toronto Exhibit: Legacies of Filipino activism

By Patricia Gabrielle Dolor

On April 28, 2023,  a rainy evening loomed over the city of Toronto, but inside the St. Matthew’s Clubhouse where the exhibit took place – the energy was vibrant. When I walked in, I was greeted with warm smiles and what amazed me the most – was the strength of the youth. Kamalayan Konsciousness empowers Filipino youth through programs that explore the identity, history and current issues – and are led by Filipino youth. There is so much power in making change when the youth take the lead. At the opening night, the initiative gave praise, appreciation and acknowledgements to the leaders, elders that paved the way – whether it be here in Canada, or in the Philippines.

Patuloy ang Laban is a three-day initiative in Toronto that aims to honor the long-lasting efforts of Filipino organizations based in Toronto, who have been fighting for the rights and well-being of the Filipino people, as well as for social transformation in both Canada and the Philippines. Myseum of Toronto is hosting Kamalayan Konsciousness in this year’s Intersections festival, a city-wide celebration of art, culture, and community. The event highlights the history of this activism and underscores its pertinence to the present-day Filipino diaspora in Toronto.

Fellow activists, grassroots organizers, fellow Filipino-Canadians and people from all over the world discovered the potential of grassroots mobilization to effect global change during the opening night. Patuloy Ang Laban (The Fight Continues): Legacies of Filipino Activism in Toronto sheds light on the strength of community organizing, using commemoration, historical reflection, and information exchange.

By tracing the multi-year trajectory of Filipino activism in Toronto, this event sequence and previously unseen exhibition impart insights into the art of achieving societal transformation via grassroots mobilization.

The program was jam-packed, exciting and community-based. During the opening night of the event, attendees had the opportunity to delve into the history of grassroots organizing, spanning from Toronto to the Philippines. The evening also features cultural performances and dinner, featuring cuisine from Manila Sentro.

The second day of the event occurred on Saturday, April 29th. Attendees had the chance to gain further insight into the history of grassroots organizing in Toronto and the Philippines, as well as celebrate International Workers’ Day (May 1). A workshop on Political Comics: Art for the People! Was held, featuring zine and placard making. Cultural performances and dinner from Manila Sentro was also included.

The closing night of the event took place on Sunday, April 30th. Attendees were given the chance to learn more about International Workers’ Day and join some of the event’s organizers in an International Workers’ Day rally in Toronto, creating history together. The evening concluded with cultural performances and dinner, and of course featuring cuisine from Manila Sentro.

What stood out to me was the attention to detail in the exhibit, it showcased the legacies and power of activism, it was inspiring to see so many come together to celebrate social change, and I was deeply moved, especially, by the timeline of colonialism and resistance in the Philippines and the events happening at the same time in Canada. Underneath the timeline were stories of migrants. As I wrote mine, I couldn’t help but think about my family’s migrant story – leaving everything we know to create a life in a new place, with no relatives. I felt emotional, but so extremely grateful to be in a place where I can fight for our people back home and empower those here, and lift up stories of Filipinos from across nations to encapsulate the beauty of our experiences.