TORONTO – Signs of a return to some semblance of normalcy are popping up around the city. For the first time the Metro Toronto Convention Centre held a three-day Art Show at full capacity. These days, exhibits like this are done differently, by lines. First line checks your electronic tickets. Second line, your proof of vaccination and identifications. Last line, security check. Then, you’re on your own but with self-discipline, maintaining physical distance while strolling in a fashionable manner, looking at one art work after another, perhaps lingering at some, trying to decipher what the artist was trying to convey.

Invitations have started arriving at my inbox Cautiously, I oblige if the venue is right and the event, interesting. It’s hard to believe that the organizers would hold functions in person and partly visual by zoom but some do. Press kit or press release are not printed but accessible on line.

The second function that I went to was the halloween celebration at Church and Wellesley St. Earlier notice said it was cancelled but I decided to do my daily walk in the village, as is referred to these days. Before the pandemic, I always went to the gay district during Halloween just to look at what people wore. This year, I noticed right away the difference. Since the event was not sanctioned by the municipal government, Church Street was not closed. Gone were the barricades and city law enforcers usually accompanying Church Street closures. The side walks were full of people wearing flashy custumes. Everyone was in a celebratory mood. Barbara Hall Park was full of revellers, dancing to blasting music. The restaurants, pubs, any joints were full-packed, with long waiting lines. Normally this event gets held on Saturdays, but this year, it was on a Sunday. My camera kept on flashing. And I had a good time. For a brief moment, I didn’t think of the deadly virus which caused this pandemic.

The third function I was at was held at the Acadian court on Bay Street. It was  a sit-down wine tasting event. As always these days with the pandemic, the formality of health protocol is enforced, with only fully-vaccinated people allowed. Name tags were provided and the rules are fully posted and enforced ie no roaming around with mask at all times. It was an odd wine tasting event, with just one person to each table for social distancing and with a private server. Eight wine glasses in front of the attendee, ready to be filled up. The person is shown the wine list,  informed of the back ground of each wine and then asked for the individual’s preferences. Several finger foods along with cheese were served to go with the wine. My server was surprised when I asked which is the most expensive and the least, as well the going market prices. I ordered both and started tasting them with delight.

From art show, to street revellers, to wine tasting and lastly, to the international economic forum at Royal York. This one was held in a formal setting. Topic was the latest modern technologies and economic trends. The last in-person economic forum event was held in 2019 with Madame Leni Robredo, Vice President of the Philippines, as the guest speaker. I was given a special role by the person in charge of the media to assist in receiving this special guest since I originally came from the same country where is from. I found it easy connecting with her, having shared and still do the same cultural background. She was approachable and very down-to-earth especially when I identified myself as a member of the media. A charming and humble lady, she talked about the role of women in the society now and in the years to come.

While Toronto is trying hard to boost its economy viciously affected by Covid 19 by reopening its schools, malls, stadiums, movie theatres and restaurants, it also enforces strict Covid safety protocols. Events have been held with an abundance of caution and yes, attendees have been compliant. So far, so good. Life seems to flow and go back to normal in Toronto.

In the pic: Deputy mayor, Michael Thomson councillor, Lady one of the organizer of Toronto International Economic Forum, with Ricky Vice President of the Philippines, Madam Leni Robredo one of guest speaks on role of women in business