Get to know April Aliermo and her experience on  how she made business out of play through co-directing Bellwoods Playschool.

WRITTEN BY RINA ESPIRITU

April Aliermo at the first Daps Revue Show in Toronto. Photo by Jennai Bundock

As the bass player for Toronto indie music darlings Hooded Fang, April is also a member of punk outfit tonkapuma and the electro-pop trio Phèdre (who are all under Daps Records, the music label she co-founded with Daniel Lee). When she’s not being a rock star, she co-directs a creative-based playschool and an all-ages series. Get to know April Aliermo and you’ll come to see that play is the highest form of research.

Please describe the service you provide.

Leah Gold is my business partner. We are entering our third year! We incorporated as a non-profit in the Fall of 2010 and have an amazing board of directors. The staff is made up of working artists and musicians. They all work part-time with the kids and still have time for their artistic endeavours. This amazing team of people really makes the program by immersing the kids in arts and culture all around the city. The kids are pretty rad too.

What inspired you to pursue a career in child care?

I was always into seeing the world how kids do. They’re so honest and enthusiastic, fun and real.

I have a Masters of Teaching from U of T but just couldn’t bring myself to work full time in a school. An inspiring woman who I used to babysit for asked me to run a small day care from her home. The playschool just exponentially exploded from there. I realized that regardless of the state of the economy, there will always be a demand for child care. Plus, my “bosses” and I don’t really mix so I had to set things up so that I’d be my own boss. That can be tricky too because then I’M the one who has to tell me to get to work!

Who else is involved? How did you build your team?

Leah Gold! She’s fun, exciting, loving, creative artist and child care extraordinaire! She started teaching from year one, and by the end of year two, I asked her to be my business partner. It’s much better to run a business when you are able to collaborate with a person who sees the world like you and who you can have open communication with.

Our all-star team of teachers include: singer/songwriter Maylee Todd; singer/Songwriter Hooded Fang, tonkapuma, Hut + Phèdre Daniel Lee; Illustrator, community project animator Angel Chen; Maria Bui, Owner of Fuzzy Logic Recordings; and Adrian DiLena, Co-Director/Curator of Whipper Snapper Gallery.

Our team is built based on personality, artistic practice, as well as experience with kids and involvement in community. Basically, they have to be inspiring folk.

Note: All videos require Adobe Flash to play. Click here to download.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJya71PGMoo

Aphrodite by Phèdre

Does music fit into your program criteria? How?

We immerse the kids in music all the time. Some of our teachers record with them. I think that being a Filipina who is also a female bass player in a touring band is inspiring for the kids too.

How have the kids and parents responded to your program?

The kids LOVE it but don’t even realize how boring their lives would be because they have only been living for 5 years and think that this is usual business. The parents all have secret crushes on us. They’ve also been spreading the word like mad.

Has Kapisanan been an available or active resource for you and your organization?

Kapisanan has inspired me to engage artists and the community with each other. I have also been able to take my experiences from Kapisanan and put them into my own practice! Seeing how a non-profit arts-based organization runs has definitely helped the playschool. When we’re in the hood, we take the kids over for a visit. They’ve done some art there, had snack and used the toilets!

Be prepared to be transformed!

Have you been thinking about going to the homeland to do things other than loiter on the beach? You can start your journey of discovery at the Gawad Kalinga Global Summit in Toronto this coming June 8-9 at the Allstream Centre on the CNE grounds.

The goals of the Gawad Kalinga Global Summit are:

• To share with other communities the Gawad Kalinga template of caring and sharing to restore human dignity as a solution to end poverty
• To inspire and engage young people (ages 18-34) to volunteer and make a difference in their communities
• To showcase how Gawad Kalinga Center for Social Innovation and the Enchanted Farm have become the platform for social enterprises to create sustainability for our GK communities

You can develop a new perspective on the Philippines as you hear the stories of modern-day heroes who have joined this year’s Bayani Challenge in disaster areas of Iligan, Cagayan and Negros Oriental; of students who have done service learning in the GK Villages as part of their academic programs; of social entrepreneurs who have built businesses that are pro-Philippines, pro-poor and pro-environment.

Gawad Kalinga is extending a special invitation for the KAPISANAN network. We have five (5) complimentary registrations to the Plenary on June 9.  If you or someone you know would like to take advantage of this complimentary registration, please email us at info@kapisanancentre.com, subject line: Gawad Kalinga. Deadline to register is May 24.

The first 100 who register will also get free after-dinner tickets to the Ryan Cayabyab concert on June 8. Mr. Cayabyab is an accomplished and multi-awarded musician, accompanist, choir and orchestra director and teacher who now gives back to the community by developing the musical talents of the youth in poor communities in the Philippines. His first scholars were from Smokey Mountain, a slum area in Quezon City.

Promo materials for events, programs & fundraisers at Kapisanan

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS INTERNSHIP @ KAPISANAN

REPORTS TO: Kapisanan Staff: Executive Director, and Operations & Marketing Co-ordinator

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

Kapisanan is seeking interns for its Marketing and Communications team. Interns will play a key role in the overall public relations efforts of Kapisanan. The Marketing and Communications Internship provides a learning experience during which interns participate in all aspects of planning and coordinating marketing, promotions, and outreach for all Kapisanan programming, events, and projects. During this program you will have an opportunity to gain experience in the field and enhance your skills while working under the direction of professional mentors.

This is a great opportunity for you to gain invaluable experience in marketing with a vibrant and growing organization!

RESPONSIBLITIES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
• Assist in coordinating Kapisanan Marketing and Communications Plan draft for the upcoming year
• Assist in writing and distribution of press releases, media advisories, and other internal and external communication material
• Assist Outreach Committee to draft, edit, and distribute marketing collateral materials. This includes copy for newsletters, website, flyers, brochures, as well as spotlight videos, and other media presentations
• Assist in overseeing branding to refine and strengthen Kapisanan identity and image.
• Assist in identifying corporate partners through sponsorships, special events and other cause-related marketing and development opportunities.
• Communicate regularly with Executive Director and Operations & Marketing Coordinator on the status of the tasks assigned.
• Complete all tasks in a timely fashion with high quality of work.
• Ability to work at least two full days in the Kapisanan office per week for a six-month period, plus attend various Kapisanan events.
• Carry out all responsibilities in a professional, timely and effective manner.
• Be organized and responsible professional with the ability to function as a team member.
• Good organizational and time-management skills; able to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Perform any other duties, carry out any other requests as directed by the Executive Director

Street promo for Kapisanan around Kensington Market

QUALIFICATIONS / INTERESTS

We are seeking a dynamic, committed young person who is:
• Creative
• Keen interest or some background in the arts and culture production.
• In-depth understanding of Filipino & Filipino-Canadian culture, experience, and struggles
• Actively pursuing or completed Bachelor of Arts/ MBA degree in Business, Marketing, or a keen interest in pursuing a career in Marketing and Communications, Public Relations, or related fields.
• Well-organized and self-motivated
• Strong communications skills, oral and written
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point)
• Some knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), though we are willing to train.

Start date: IMMEDIATELY

Work schedule: 2 days/week for 6 months; possibility of extension

We are willing to work with a university or college to arrange academic credit or high school co-op placement.

THIS POSITION IS UNPAID – your payment is real world experience under the mentorship of professionals, and/or co-op placement credit.

Please send your resume and cover letter indicating “Marketing & Communications Intern” in the subject (and any relevant work if applicable) by e-mail or in person to:

Caroline Mangosing – Executive Director
info@kapisanancentre.com

167 Augusta Ave.
Toronto, ON
M5T2L4
(2 blocks West of Spadina, North off Dundas)

Please call ahead if you are dropping off your application: 416.979.0600

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS is Friday, May 11, 2012 at 5 p.m. EXTENDED TO Friday May 18th at 5 p.m.

KAPISANAN is an equal opportunity employer.
Only those applicants chosen for an interview will be contacted.

About KAPISANAN

Kapisanan Philippine Centre for Arts & Culture (or KAPISANAN or The K) is Canada’s premiere Filipino-Canadian arts & cultural facility located in Toronto

Housed inside Toronto’s Kensington Market district is Kapisanan Philippine Centre for Arts & Culture’s 3500 sq ft headquarters. We are youth-led incorporated non-profit organization with an inter-generational sphere. Our mission is to promote the social and  professional development of Filipino youth, artists, and entrepreneurs, using Filipino culture and knowledge-of-self as a foundation for empowerment — for the whole community!

Filipinos are the 4th largest visible minority group in the GTA. That’s 3% of Toronto’s population! Since 2005, the K has established itself as a multi-disciplinary hub where mentors exhilarate inspiration and strive to provide an amazing stage for Filipino-Canadian talent(in any sector) to shine! We explore performance, visual and literary arts, music, film/video, entrepreneurship, and so much more, by means of career mentorship, arts and Filipino cultural workshops and programs, and events.

Armed with an appetite for creative endeavours and community advancement, here at the K, we eat art and inspiration.

Come, you eat now.

CLUTCH Vol.4 Opening Reception of B R U H A, just one of the events at the K

EVENT PLANNING INTERNSHIP @ KAPISANAN

REPORTS TO: Kapisanan Staff: Executive Director, and Operations & Marketing Co-ordinator

EVENT PLANNING INTERN(s) will be working along side the Marketing and Communications Intern, the KAPISANAN Outreach Committee, and the KAPISANAN Video Production Team

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

KAPISANAN is seeking intern(s) for its Event Planning Team. The Event Planning Internship provides a learning experience during which interns participate in all aspects of planning, coordinating, and mounting all KAPISANAN public events. Interns will play a key role in the planning of KAPISANAN’s signature and community-partnered events.

We have several HUGE events planned in the next few months, which are attended by an average of 200-250 people each. During this program you will have an opportunity to gain experience in the field and enhance your skills while working under the direction of professional mentors. This is a great opportunity for you to gain invaluable experience in Event Planning with a vibrant and growing professional organization!

The K basement, packed. A sign that the Event Planning process went well.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO
• Assist with all aspects of planning, coordinating, and mounting KAPISANAN events.
• Assist in identifying corporate and community partners for sponsorships appropriate for specific events
• Assist in coordinating volunteers for specific events
• Communicating with Marketing & Communications Intern and Outreach Committee (to relay information for the writing and distribution of press releases, media advisories, and other internal and external communication material for specific events, marketing collateral materials for specific events, this includes copy for newsletters, website, flyers, brochures)
• Communicating with Video Production Team to create spotlight videos, and other media presentations for the promotions of specific events; and to properly document events on video
• Ensuring KAPISANAN events refine and strengthen the KAPISANAN brand, identity, image, and mission and vision
• Communicate regularly with KAPISANAN Staff on the status of the tasks assigned.
• Complete all tasks in a timely fashion with high quality of work.
• Ability to work at least two (2) full days in the KAPISANAN office per week for a 6-month period, plus attend all planned KAPISANAN events.
• Carry out all responsibilities in a professional, timely and effective manner.
• Be organized, responsible, and professional, with the ability to function as a team member.
• Good organizational and time-management skills; able to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Perform any other duties, carry out any other requests as directed by the Executive Director

QUALIFICATIONS / INTERESTS:
We are seeking a dynamic, committed young person who is:
• Well-organized and self-motivated
• Creative and a good problem solver
• Keen interest or some background in the arts and culture production.
• In-depth understanding of Filipino & Filipino-Canadian culture, experience, and struggles
• Keen interest or some background in Event Planning, Public Relations, or related fields
• Strong oral and written communications skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point)
• Some knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), though we are willing to train.

Start date: IMMEDIATELY

Work schedule: 2 days/week (which days are flexible) for a 6 months commitment
We are willing to work with a university or college to arrange academic credit or high school co-op placement.

THIS POSITION IS UNPAID – your payment is real world experience, and seeing events you help plan actually happen, with the mentorship of professionals, and/or co-op placement credit.

Please send your resume and cover letter indicating “Event Planning Intern” in the subject by e-mail or in person to:

Contact:
Caroline Mangosing – Executive Director
info@kapisanancentre.com

167 Augusta Ave.
Toronto, ON
(2 blocks West of Spadina, North off Dundas)

Please call ahead if you are dropping off your application
416.979.0600

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS is Friday, May 11, 2012 at 5 p.m. EXTENDED TO Friday May 18th at 5 p.m.

KAPISANAN is an equal opportunity employer.
Only those applicants chosen for an interview will be contacted.

About KAPISANAN

Kapisanan Philippine Centre for Arts & Culture (or KAPISANAN or The K) is Canada’s premiere Filipino-Canadian arts & cultural facility located in Toronto

Housed inside Toronto’s Kensington Market district is Kapisanan Philippine Centre for Arts & Culture’s 3500 sq ft headquarters. We are youth-led incorporated non-profit organization with an inter-generational sphere. Our mission is to promote the social and  professional development of Filipino youth, artists, and entrepreneurs, using Filipino culture and knowledge-of-self as a foundation for empowerment — for the whole community!

Filipinos are the 4th largest visible minority group in the GTA. That’s 3% of Toronto’s population! Since 2005, the K has established itself as a multi-disciplinary hub where mentors exhilarate inspiration and strive to provide an amazing stage for Filipino-Canadian talent(in any sector) to shine! We explore performance, visual and literary arts, music, film/video, entrepreneurship, and so much more, by means of career mentorship, arts and Filipino cultural workshops and programs, and events.

Armed with an appetite for creative endeavours and community advancement, here at the K, we eat art and inspiration.

Come, you eat now.

Jeepney - an interactive piece by Eric Quebral KULTURA 2011, "Ka"

This is a call out for proposal submissions for individual artists or collectives to submit NEW work to be part of the KAPISANAN’s 7th KULTURA Filipino Arts Festival slated to open Friday August 17, 2012.

Proposals must include work that will be part of the KAPISANAN gallery in Kensington Market AND/OR  part of KAPISANAN’s website virtual gallery.

The curatorial theme for KULTURA 2012 exhibit will be Pamahiin/Ritual. This exhibit will explore the imprint of Filipino superstition and rituals around them. These ‘superstitions’ or beliefs [often familial or regional in origin] still live in our everyday experiences as Filipino-Canadians.  Beyond literal images of the duende (dwarf or mischievous elf), or a pamahiin* when travelling at night, the new works selected in this exhibit will look to decipher these cultural signifiers, and the adaptations of meaning that re-surface generation after generation.

This theme is completely open to interpretation.

We are open to all mediums including but not limited to paintings, photography, sculpture, mixed media, print work, short film/video, performance (on video), though we would like to encourage interactivity that would engage viewers in innovative and unique ways.

Proposal Submission Deadline: Friday June 15, 2012

Selected Artists will by notified no later than: June 22, 2012

Once approved, all work to be exhibited must be dropped off and ready to install or upload on-line no later than August 11, 2012 (NO EXCEPTIONS)

Please Send Us:
Name, contact information (phone number & e-mail)
Proposal (down load here)
3 images of previous work with description: medium (can be any including video, etc), size, brief artist statement for each piece.
Incomplete submissions will NOT be considered.

E-mail submission to: caroline@kapisanancentre.com

KAPISANAN is the curator of the website and the gallery and will select work that best delivers on the theme of the project. KAPISANAN reserves the right to refuse any artwork which does not represent or participate in the culture of KAPISANAN and any artwork that may be deemed offensive or inappropriate. Selection will be based quality and concept of work, as well as cohesion of the different works and space available.

Fees:
Selected Artists will be paid an exhibition fee pending a grant award. Fees will be determined by how many Artists are selected.

KAPISANAN Commission:
If the Artist permits sale of the art work, any sale will be handled by KAPISANAN and a 30% commission will be retained by KAPISANAN on all sales during the exhibition period, and thereafter, if made through KAPISANAN.

Show dates:
August 17-31 2012

Location: www.kapisanancentre.com – and – 167 Augusta Ave. Toronto, ON M5T2L4

About KULTURA
KULTURA Festival is KAPISANAN’s signature annual summer Filipino arts festival since 2005. The festival features a live music showcase,  a visual arts exhibit in the KAPISANAN gallery, film screenings, now co-presented by Toronto Reel Asian Film Festival, and a theatre showcase presented in partnership with Carlos Bulosan Theatre.

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The basement at Kapisanan is truly more than just a hole in the ground; it’s a thriving community. One of the people who makes our space come alive is Carolenys Tovar of Lazooleeta. She makes custom hand-made jewelry inspired by different personal stories.

Carolenys’ background is Venezuelan-Canadian, and conversations with her are always interesting. Everyday, we discover so many similarities between Filipino and Venezuelan cultures! Check out what Carolenys has to say about being nestled in the Kapisanan community!

Thank you, Carolenys for all your support! Please check out Carolenys & Lazooleeta at http://www.lazooleeta.com.

Carolenys Tovar of Lazooleeta

“A couple of months ago when looking to rent a space to set up my art studio in, I came across Kapisanan and was amazed by the fact that I could create and potentially exhibit my work all in one place. The truth is that today, being a part of this beautiful community means to me a lot more than that… I am very fortunate to see my art come to life while witnessing the creative journey of many others in a place that lives up to their name by embracing uniqueness and fostering a very strong sense of belonging.

No matter where you come from, or whether you are an artist, a student or an event planner, there are endless opportunities to get involved at Kapisanan. Join the community!”

- from Carolenys Tovar  a.k.a. Lazooleeta
Mixed Media Artist

http://www.lazooleeta.com/

647 868 3309

It’s already been almost two weeks, but it feels like B R U H A just happened yesterday. April 14th was a memorable night for family and friends, as well as the broader arts and Filipino community who came out and celebrated the work of CLUTCH Vol. 4 participants. It was a great opportunity to showcase the great talent and work that was produced over the last six months by these amazing young Filipinas!

KAPISANAN, on behalf of Charise Aragoza, Renelyn Quinicot, Victoria Marie, Victoria Bacnis, Diane Guison, and Maureen Mendoza, would like to thank everyone who took part in this unbelievable experience.

And remember, if you haven’t checked out the visual art exhibit yet, you have until this week until it wraps up!

See below photos from the Opening Reception of B R U H A : A CLUTCH Vol. 4 Exhibit All photos by Dwayne Fundano.

Be inspired!

The Filipino community in Toronto is getting a lot of buzz lately. And I don’t think the buzz is simmering down anytime soon! A quick shout-out goes out to the good folks at Miracle Thieves, who are hosting a Filipino Cultural showcase this weekend.

The week-long celebration starts tomorrow, Thursday April 26, and goes on until May 2, 2012.

Representing The Philippines through visuals, sounds, tastes and knowledge are the following exhibiting artists: Jo SiMalaya Alcampo, Michaela Cruz, Jodinand Aguillon, Alex Felipe, Eric Quebral, CMango Design, Pacific Blues, Sammy Jade, The Original Fiddy, Jen Maramba, Pinoy Culture Bookstore, Lamesa Filipino Kitchen, Centre for Babaylan Studies, Kapwa 3 Conference (Baguio, Philippines) and more.

OPENING: Thursday, April 26th, 2012 (6-9pm)

MUSIC & SOCIAL: Saturday, April 28th, 2012 (7-12am)

KAPWA 3 PRESENTATION / FUNDRAISER:
Friday April 27 and Saturday, April 28, 2012

PLUSH TOY PLAYSHOP w/Its Your Life:
Sunday April 29th, 2012 (1-4)
Please Register! info@miraclethieves.com

SHOP & EXPERIENCE:
April 26 – May 2, 2012 (12-7pm)

For more details about The Pearl, visit Miracle Thieves’ website and Facebook event!

Be Inspired!

In celebration of Asian Heritage Month, Toronto Public Library in community partnership with KAPISANAN and Mavshack presents

FILIPINO FILM SERIES

Lolo’s Child | Tuesday May 8 – 6pm

Directed by local Filipino-Canadian, Romeo Candido. Romeo will be in attendance for Q & A. Check out the trailer here >>

Emir | Tuesday May 22 – 2pm

Directed by Chito Rono, starring Francheska Farr – a musical production about a Filipina who becomes a nanny to an Arab prince. Check out the trailer here>>

Guest speaker Brian Bantugan will be in attendance.

Baler | Tuesday May 29 – 6pm

Directed by Mark Meily, starring Jericho Rosales and Anne Curtis – a star-crossed love story set during the revolution against Spain. Check out the trailer here >>

Guest speaker Brian Bantugan will be in attendance.

All films screenings will be at:

Toronto Public Library, Barbara Frum Branch

20 Covington Rd. Toronto.

Covington is just West off Bathurst St., just North of Lawrence Ave.

This edition featuring Oliver Dimapilis of Cold Tea.

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WRITTEN BY RINA ESPIRITU

Oliver Dimapilis from Cold Tea

Oliver Dimapilis was born and raised in North Vancouver, moved to Toronto in 2000 to chase a girl and Second City. More recently, he also opened one of Toronto’s newest hot spots, Cold Tea Bar. A bar blogger’s weapon of choice, Cold Tea has quickly become a go-to for this city’s hipster version of Cheers.

Who and what is Cold Tea?

I opened this bar with my friends, Stacey Welton and Matthew LaRochelle. We originally tried to open up a bar hidden in Chinatown but when that fell through we found the present space down a very dark corridor in Kensington Mall.

This space was completely different from any other space we had looked at so it demanded a specific design. Since we couldn’t erect a bar in Chinatown we would bring Chinatown to our bar.

Cold Tea’s Dimsum sign

You’re also an artist. Please describe?

I would never consider myself an artist but I do like to indulge in some of my ideas – I like seeing them come to life-who wouldn’t? Cold Tea is a perfect example. This design was a brain-child of my partners and I. It was quite a daunting task after demo-ing 4 garage bays to believe in our design but we knew if we stayed as close to the original prototype we’d end up with a pretty dope space. I hope we did that.

You worked at Embassy for quite some time and decided to open your own bar also in Kensington Market. How has the market shaped your Toronto experience?

Yes I worked at The Embassy for a very long time. Since some of my closest friends owned it I got to experience first hand what it took to open a bar. Why I still pursued it? I don’t know. The Market is a big part of my Toronto experience. Sometimes I think it’s all I know of Toronto but in actuality it might be all I want to know about Toronto. It reminds me of a high school but only the detention hall part of it – and I spent lots of time in the detention hall.

C is for Cold Tea