“‘Commercial Idolatry’ presents a world that always appeared rather dystopian to me whilst growing up. Despite being half-Kuwaiti, I did not experience many of the societal norms that permeated the ultra-rich lifestyle of many I knew. From an early age, I knew that my middle-class roots left me at a disadvantage in terms of social and cultural capital that transcended any intellect or meritocratic ability.”

Colourism is alive and well in the Filipino beauty pageant culture as witnessed in the recent Miss Universe 2020 controversies. Journalist Nicole Marie Valdez discusses personal experiences, the colonial history of the Philippines, and the need for human compassion in times like these.

As the world stays up to date with the ongoing Israel-Palestine crisis, journalist Trisha Sales highlights the importance of welcoming all voices and viewpoints to the conversation and questions whether or not objective reporting can exist in the Canadian newsrooms.

“The biggest shift for me since the pandemic began was not being able to see anyone in person outside my immediate family. As we’ve moved into the first full year of this pandemic, I wanted to reflect on how I’ve changed from needing to see others, to finding peace in solitude. Here are some ways I’ve been making use of my alone time…”

“Although my dream picnic will have to wait due to COVID-19, I have showcased it here in a still life photography project. By playing around with fake food which I created with some colourful dough, and to show that all this was an unfulfilled dream, I used a lens filter for the foggy effect. I hope this project reminds everyone to always protect each other - to social distance and wear our masks - and the sooner we act, the closer we’ll get back to normalcy.”

“…I’ve always related my emotions to different colours, and these poems were meant to showcase that without our emotions (including both good and bad) we would be living in such a dull, black and white world as well as robbed of the duality each colour holds.”

23 year-old Toronto singer-songwriter Alex Porat is a magnetic force. With some of the freshest sounds of the moment, Alex is a brand new alt-pop artist with infectious and playful melodies, combined with unique, dreamy vocals.

“Working with Dez has been a complete breeze— it’s as if shooting with her gives a pause in time. Her energy and attitude towards her work and mission is very inspiring. Running your own business can be so tough especially when doing it all on your own, but Dez does so with so much confidence. This shoot encompasses her queen energy - consider her royalty.”

“Growing up in a conservative country that is Philippines, there are certain challenges that come with being a Catholic Filipina. No matter how much I yearn to read poems and articles that cover sensitive or “taboo” topics, I can never seem to find any that leave an impact.”

Anne Geline Tan is a 19-year-old Multimedia Arts student at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, a freelance artist, and designer. She creates artwork and designs that speak for a brand’s identity, self-love, and reality’s underlying beauty. Anne Geline’s goal is to create works that are not only aesthetically pleasing but holds a vital purpose rooted in truth and thoughtfulness.

“Something Timeless” is a 70s-inspired shoot but if you dig deeper, it is an act of self-awareness as Duyen looks back in the mirror. 

Avleen Kaur is an Indian painter based in Toronto, Ontario. Her visual poetry is inspired by the trials and tribulations of the human race, some of which she has experienced herself. Kaur’s art makes many references to her homeland to acknowledge the absurd and detrimental exploitation of power in society, both on a personal and structural level. In a similar way, she is just as passionate in translating love, comfort, faith and relationships into her pieces.

This is a touching poem about a grieving mother on the loss of their child. The term ‘Mother’ is used to transcend across both biological and non-biological parental attachments. ‘Mother’ uses the pronouns they/their/them.

“This prose is called ‘Interlude’, and it is a self-loving piece. I wrote this with the purpose to connect with myself on a deeper level, in order for me to release unwanted energy given by others for the sake of my own sanity.”

“Imposter’s syndrome is something I’ve battled a lot through my life. There’s this existential fear that weighs on you every day, that everyone will experience this a-ha moment and realize that you’re not as great as they think you are. You watch other people at your job doing the work and you think to yourself that it’s only a matter of time before they discover your secret and kick you out to the street.”

“Never the Only One” highlights two people who are struggling with their mental health and feel alone, but through connection and friendship, they build trust and courage to seek professional resources. This piece of prose goes to show we are never alone.

“White takeout styrofoam containers were the bowls of my childhood. They came when the sky smeared with charcoal and the playground rumble of daycare softened to faint whispers. On those weekday evenings, I would tilt my 10-year old head to listen: for the trill of keys and clink of pen in pockets, the thump of pointed work shoes and the ratting, dry coughs of my father; sounds and sights that told me - that even in this strange, lonely place full of faceless kids - I was home.”

“I recognize the weight my words carry, especially the ones I’ve carelessly said towards my loved ones. It shocks me when they mention something I’ve said years ago and express how much it still hurts them to this day. As selfish as it sounds, I don’t even remember saying it or the damage I caused. I know in my heart of hearts that I never intended for it that way. But you can still hurt someone without intentionally realizing it. I carried on with my life not taking in the cause and effect of my words.”

“A massive part of misogyny has always relied on identifying women only through reference to another person, most likely a man. It really can come to a point that this practice makes it highly probable for the individual name to be forgotten. The poem makes mention of male characters in Jose Rizal’s Noli me Tangere: all who play significant roles in the story, or rather, lack of story, to the female lead, Maria Clara.”

“As I write this, there are numerous acts of teaching, healing, resistance, and mutual aid, happening in the name of Indigenous people and their lives. As a writer and feminist, I am grateful and inspired. As a non-Indigenous Black Canadian, however, I find myself trying to better understand the place I hold in the Canadian "mosaic", and any harm I may unwittingly be supporting.”