The Story of My Life

The Story of My Life

ART T. VIOLA
(TPR file photo)

By Art T. Viola

Inspirational Talk by Arturo Tapiador Viola,
BS Medical technology, 1964
Former Lord Mayor
Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada
Before the Centro Escolar Alumni, Medical Technology Chapter
Feb. 29, 2016

a) Pride in Doing the Job Right
That you are the best and too good for the job.

b) Belief in the Golden Rule
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

c) Caring about People
Caring about people must be a basic requirement of what we do.

d) Respect for Others
Caring about people also applies to the people we work with and the people we work for.

e) Going the Extra Mile
When we care about people, and respect others, then we go the extra mile. Because by going the extra mile, we can Make a Difference.

Ito po lamang five (5) guidelines o alituntunin na aking nagiging gabay sa aking buhay sa America at Canada.

Master of Ceremony, Madam President, Distinguished educators, students, friends! Let me say at the outset that it is so great to be here today. CEU is my second home and it is good to be home again.

I am deeply touched by the warm welcome and kind invitation by Dr. Paz Lucido and Dr. Charito Bermido to address you this morning. Maraming, maraming salamat po!

Over the years I received many cordial welcomes and friendly receptions during my visits to my country of birth, but none has touched me as deeply as the heartwarming greetings from each one of you. Yes, there is no place like home.

As I relay to you the story of my life abroad (in U.S.A. and Canada), I will use a few notes during my speech, not for the expansion of my story, but as an anchor to keep me nailed to the short space of time.

As for my family background, I married Julie Aperocho from Roxas City, Capiz in 1970, in St. Catharines, Ontario. She was a registered nurse working at the Niagara-on-the-lake Hospital for 38 years. She is now retired. We have two children: Neil Anthony, a Barrister & Solicitor, married to Hazel Garcia from San Pedro, Laguna, with one child Malea; Belinda Jean, a Human Resources Administrator at Celestica in Toronto, Ontario, married to Dominic Cirianno, with two children, Chiara and Luca.

Who is Art Viola? In CEU my friends called me TOOTS. While in Canada, they simply call me ART. I am the oldest son of seven siblings of Antonio Viola of San Miguel, Bulacan and Damiana Tapiador of Cuyapo. Nueva Ecija; born in Santiago, Isabela on May 2, 1939. Like many of our countrymen, I grew up in a life of hardship and difficulty which required much dedication to survive. I survived and even thrived as I pursued a career in the profession of medical technology. During my undergraduate studies, I attended Far Eastern University and Centro Escolar University. I studied and trained in the United States for almost three years before arriving in Canada in that nation’s centennial year, 1967. I served in the St. Catharine’s General Hospital, the Virgil Medical Centre and the Niagara-on-the-Lake Hospital where I remained until retirement in 1995.

On a lighter note: During my college years, the “boys” were not allowed to roam around the school’s pergola, garden and quadrangle nor even allowed to talk to the “interns,” but I was the exception. Until now, I don’t know why. Perhaps they trusted me because I knew Maestra Osang, Miss Francia at iba pang nakakataas ng pwesto. Dahil active daw po ako sa SCA (Student Catholic Action) at saka magalang at mabait. Tungkol naman po sa mga “girls,” tatlo po ang “crush” ko na may initial EH, SL at JA. Ang nangyari po hanggang sa nagtapos kami sa aming mga kurso, hanggang sa tingin na lamang po ako. Wala po kasi akong perang pang date. My only consolation, ang akin pong naging maybahay ay may initial na JA din (Julie Aperocho). By the way, the boys were required to wear their shirts (white) untucked.

On a serious note, I recall my days here with much affection and fond memories. I truly enjoyed the time and experiences. I learned many valuable skills which remain with me even to this day, and also the school was instrumental in forming the career I was so blessed with. I feel they have enabled me to enrich the lives of many around me particularly during my political tenure as Lord Mayor, Deputy Lord Mayor and Councillor of the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake from 1994 to 2010.

My wife Julie and I still live in Niagara-on-the-Lake, the first capital of Upper Canada, established in 1792. My wife and I both worked here until our retirement. Our two children, Neil and Belinda, were born and raised here.

NOTL is one of the twelve municipalities of the Region of Niagara. NOTL is a warm, charming and altogether welcoming community. We are home to notable sites and monuments. Most newcomers are astounded by the harmonious marriage between the past and present. We abound in the historical treasures like Fort George, Fort Mississauga, MacKenzie Printery (oldest in Canada), Queenston Heights (known for the war of 1812), to mention but a few. We rightfully take the greatest pride in our past and present. In addition to the celebrated Shaw Festival Theatre, we also have our world renowned wineries among many others. We have served as an ambassador of Goodwill Community among many nations including our good neighbor, the U.S.A. In the late 1990’s NOTL was judged the Prettiest Town in Canada and the second Prettiest Town in the World the following year.

During my professional life in Canada, starting in 1967, I was able to help many newcomers who were looking for jobs. I gave them the experience they were looking for and a temporary place to stay in. I was fortunate to have a good career until my retirement in 1994.

That same year, the good people of our town asked me to run for Town Council. I accepted the invitation with guarded optimism and to the surprise of many, the people afforded me the honor and privilege of being the Deputy Lord Mayor as I topped the polls during my first attempt to run for public office. I am indeed grateful for their high measure of support and understanding I received during this office. As always, I cherish the opportunity to serve our community. The next term, I was elected as the Lord Mayor. I was the first Filipino born elected Mayor in all of Canada.

My service to our town over the years was a truly enjoyable experience, both rewarding and challenging and one which I shall remember always. I have endeavored to keep my campaign promises to be open to dialogue, and faithful to the principles of dedication, honesty and integrity, following the core principles of our Alma Mater: Accountability, Integrity and trustworthiness.

One of the greatest honors in my life has been to serve NOTL as an elected official from 1994 to 2010. Well, of course, it has been a tremendous honor and privilege. And to sum ip up in two word: First, SATISFACTION; second EXHILIRATION. Satisfaction – knowing that you serve your community well. Exhiliration – to be entrusted with such great responsibility is a thrill like no other.

In terms of friendship in NOTL, I am the riches man in town.

Retirement is the beginning of a special time of life. It is the achievement of one goal and the opportunity to set new ones.

So, as I reflect back on my retirement from politics on October 2010 to the present, I cannot help but be filled with a sense of wonder.

Mind you, the change from part-time municipal politician to a full-time baby sitter to my grandchildren caught me off guard.

I have modestly prided myself for at least trying to have been a good father and husband and presumed these worth endeavors would provide me with all the experience needed – to say nothing close to 15 years of dealing with overgrown children, — my worthy political opponents. It did NOT! NO1 BY NO MEANS! But isn’t life itself a most worthy opponent?

Helping raise your children’s children is an entirely new ball game. Of course, the memories are priceless – demanding, uncompromising, but truly priceless all the same.

I was able to find the time to use my political savvy to help elect and re-elect some good friends at the municipal and provincial level. This was very rewarding especially when we won.

On a serious note, I am grateful for the fact that my retirement affords me the opportunity to continue my long time association with familiar organizations i.e., 20 years with the International Child Care (helping children of Haiti and Dominican Republic), 40 years with the Niagara Lions Club; 48 years with the Filipino-Canadian Association of Niagara; Cancer Society; Diabetes Society; Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario; March of Dimes, and also showcasing Niagara to our international visitors, to mention but a few. These not only let me keep in touch with old and dear friends but gave me the satisfaction of knowing I can still contributed to the welfare of others. True, many think I’ve allowed myself to be put out to pasture, but you’d be amazed at all the riders still very, very desirous to throw a saddle over my poor drooping back. It is fun! It is satisfying and equally rewarding for me and all those I hold dear.

The close of the year 2011 held two very different emotional peaks for me. On the positive side, I was one of the 32 recipients of distinguished awards from the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada, hosted by Ontario Lieutenant Governor David C. Onley at the Queen’s Park Lt. Governor’s Reception Hall on October 28, 2011. This was quite the unexpected thrill!

But Life is a balance. My beloved sister-in-law was taken from us at the age of 56 after a truly, heroic battle with cancer: That is far too young for a lady far too dear to us. But my last remaining brother and I have bonded even closer than before – if that were possible. Next to my faith, y family is my treasure.

I came across a quote about commitment and dedication sometime ago and I would like to share it with you: “I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the community, as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live. Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch I got hold of for a moment, and I want to make it burn brightly as possible before handing it on to future generation.”

O ended my political journey in 2010, leaving the position on a high note. In the end, I felt privileged, honored, and humbled.

My friends, words alone literally fail to express the joy that has been given me. Without doubt, my experience in life abroad has been an unforgettable one.

Thank you Centro Escolar University, my beloved Alma Mater, for having been part of my journey all along.

MABUHAY ANG CENTO ESCOLAR UNIVERSITY!
MABUHAY ANG COLLEGE OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY
MABUHAY TAYONG LAHAT1
SALAMAT PO!