powerful inspiration : people power

Perhaps the most inspiring experience that came out of my Montreal trip was finally getting to see People Power – a very powerful and moving play about the non-violent revolution in the Philippines back in 1986 that lead to the toppling of former president Marcos' nearly 20 year corrupt dictatorship. It was written from diverse points of view, all seamlessly represented by the cast. All of it honouring the unsung heroes of the revolution: such as the people of the working class and the activists. Not only was my sister, Christine part of the brilliant cast, she is also part of the CBT Collective that wrote this smart, rich, multi-dimensional, modern, sensitive (and sometimes humourous!) piece of theatre. Not only is my sister active in her theatre work, she's also a talented freelance art director and designer like me! I loved seeing this play and was incredibly inspired by the role my sister played in it's creation. 

Toronto-based, Carlos Bulosan Theatre is also lead by another good friend of mine, Nadine Villasin, who is the theatre's artistic director. My other, multi-talented sister Caroline also designed the costumes and my brother-in-law was responsible for the sound design. I am pretty amazed and humbled to be surrounded with such talent and creativity here in Canada.

People Power has received numerous accolades. Not the least of which are the several Dora nominations for many cast and crew members as well as a Dora Award* winning actor, Nico Lorenzo Garcia for his very moving portrayal of an average Filipino taxi driver in People Power. 

*The Dora is the Canadian equivalent of the Tony Award)

If you happen to be in the Montreal area between now and October 2nd, go see People Power. There are five shows left before it closes. You will be as inspired and moved as I was. 

Photos by Reese Baguio

montreal gastronomie

Here are just SOME of what we ate in Montreal. I consumed my share of cream, butter, sugar and bread for the
remainder of the year. How indulgent! How fun. So much more left to try... next time. 

Bacon, egg and swiss cheese crepe topped with maple syrup (very French-Canadian, I thought) at Quoi de Neuf? on Rue Notre-Dame 

These frites had to have been deep fried and lightly dusted with brown sugar. Perfectly savoury and sweet. Amazing. Quoi de Neuf?

Egg whites with spinach, chevre, salmon, mushroom and capers. Divine. Also at Quoi de Neuf?

Cupcakes we purchased a sleek gift box for the cast of People Power from Itsi Bitsi (they loved them!)

I didn't try these, but they definitely looked interesting.

This salad from Creperie Chez Suzette looked more like dessert but it was delicious (the yoghurt/strawberry dressing was
actually more savoury than sweet – contrary to how it looks)

Escargot with plenty butter and cheese, Creperie Chez Suzette

Creme de la Creme cafe where we spent at least four hours straight

Enjoyed glasses of this wonderful wine in Old Montreal following a leisurely afternoon exploring 

We had an amazing deal on Moules et Frites three different ways at L'Academie. My personal favourite sauce/broth
was: cognac, cream and green peppercorn. It was to-die-for!  

old montreal

The best part of Montreal was Old Montreal. I hadn't visited since probably 2000. We ended up spending the most time there which resulted in a majority of my photos being taken there. Walking around there really felt like a different country altogether, it felt very, very European/French. It was so lovely. Indulging in four hour meals didn't seem strange. I could have sat in cafés, chatted and laughed all day long. The food we ate was amazing (separate post for that!). The weather was quintessential fall – bright, breezy, crisp and clear (mostly). We saw more amazing art in one small gallery in the neighbourhood than anywhere else. Just being there was inspiration. J'adore! 

If it we'rent for the unbearably cold winters and having the obstacle of not knowing how to read/write/speak French well, I would live there. At least now I am only a 5-6 hour drive away. I CANNOT wait to visit again. 

inspired weightlessness : lysanne pepin

A walk through Old Montreal this past weekend brought so much inspiration (several posts worth!) that I had to share. One of my favourites were these paintings by artist and fashion boutique owner Lysanne Pepin. Her work caught my eye through the window of her clothing boutique called Espace Pepin. I was instantly captivated. I adore her large print/painting series on wood entitled Weightlessness. Elements of water, femininity, sensuality, movement, dance – including birth and death are called to mind when I look at these paintings. The artist utilizes the grain of the wood surface to evoke the look of water ripples – which I adore. I can't stop looking at them. 

If you're ever around Old Montreal, stop by the gallery/store. Watch the beautiful films that are part of the same collection of work here.

More photos from my Montreal trip to come... 

Here's the top painting above entitled Shadow shown installed at the gallery/store