July 16, 2024 — This summer, the Philippine Consulate in Vancouver is featuring an art exhibition showcasing the works of Leo Cunanan, Jr. The exhibition opened on July 5th with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and will remain open for three months until September 2024.
Leo Jr., also known as Jun, is the president and publisher of Dahong Pilipino, Western Canada’s only print and online business directory that highlights Canadian Filipino professionals. The directory was founded in 1991 by his late father, Leo Cunanan Sr., with the intention of promoting positivity within the diaspora community in the country. Leo Sr. was a well-respected community leader and the founder of British Columbia's first Philippine newspaper, The Philippine Chronicle. The Cunanan family were among the first wave of immigrants to the province when they arrived in the early 1970s, along with approximately 3,500 other Canadian Filipinos living in Vancouver.
The exhibition features Leo Jr.’s artworks, including those he designed for DahongPilipino's covers when he took over as publisher in 2012. He designs the covers based on a theme or drafts the design first and then finds a suitable theme. Of the more than 25 covers he designed, his favourite is one featuring "Sarimanok" because it allowed for spontaneity and creativity without any references.
Dahong Pilipino covers designed by Leo Jr
Philippine Consul General Arlene Magno praised Leo Jr.'s work, saying it “not only captivates the eye but also speaks to the heart reflecting both his deep connection to his craft and his Filipino heritage.” She acknowledged his significant contributions to the community through Dahong Pilipino's publication. “His dedication to supporting Filipino businesses through commerce and artists in raising the profile of Filipino Canadians is truly commendable,” she said in the opening remarks on July 5th.
The exhibit's sub-title, Nurtured by the Wisdom of a Father and a Mentor, pays tribute to two influential figures in Leo Jr.'s life: his late father, Leo Sr. and his late mentor, SYM Mendoza. Leo Jr. credits the values his father instilled in him for his ability to reach out and inspire the Canadian Filipino community to work hard and achieve their full potential. Despite being orphaned during World War II at the young age of four, Leo Sr. persevered and eventually worked his way up from a janitor to becoming a national director at the YMCA in the Philippines. He was sent to Canada by the organization and eventually immigrated to British Columbia, where he worked at ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia) and served as a judge at the Refugee Board of Canada later in his life.
Steveston Fishermen’s Wharf.
At the exhibition, one of the most notable pieces on display is a life-sized portrait in charcoal of SYM Mendoza, painted by Leo Jr. The artist credits his knowledge and abilities to his mentor, SYM, who guided him to become the artist he is today. Leo Jr. fondly remembers drawing since age four, often mimicking his father's caricature portraits. His first recognition in art came in Grade One when he won a school competition. However, it wasn't until 2000 that he resumed his artistic pursuits after receiving lessons from his uncle, SYM. As a drummer, Leo Jr. also recognizes many similarities between music and visual art, such as composition, colour, contrast, dominance, structure, and subtleties that can only be learned through experience and practice.
To Leo Jr., SYM was more than just a teacher or mentor; he was also his best friend who saw something special in him and shared valuable life lessons and wisdom. Now, as the president of Dimasalang III International Artists Group, Leo Jr. carries on SYM's legacy by actively promoting Canadian Filipino artists in British Columbia and leading the new generation of artists. He is also a Federation of Canadian Artists member and has received numerous awards for his exhibited works.
For his contributions to the arts community and his dedication to community service, Leo Jr. was recognized as one of ten "Outstanding Filipinos" by Canadian Filipino Net in 2024 and named one of "75 Faces of Migration" by the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa in partnership with the Canadian Embassy in Manila. Leo Jr. showcases his passion for art and his commitment to promoting Canadian Filipino culture within the diaspora community through his artwork.
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