To those who know me for my like and interest in Cantopop music. I’ve been wanting to write about getting a vinyl purchase back in late August. It wasn’t until I got it in October due to shipment availability.

It’s rare for myself to buy music and vinyl in particular. The album I purchased is Beyond’s 1988 album, 祕密警察 (translated in English as Secret Police). I was eyeing this album for a long time because of two songs, 大地 (Earth) and 喜歡妳 (translated as either Like You or Loving You). The latter being my favourite song.

As we end 2018, it was fitting to get the album to celebrate 30 years since the release. The vinyl purchased was remastered by the famous Abbey Road Studios. I was hoping to get it around September but got it a month late but I wasn’t to complain. Purchasing Cantopop or international vinyl albums can be expensive because of import costs and other factors. It’s not accessible to the North American market.

I’m satisfied with this album because it’s one of those classics from Hong Kong.

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At The Record Centre on Saturday afternoon, there was a live performance from Area Resident and Jonathan Pearce.

This live show was a special one because it was one of the live gig member’s final time with Area Resident. It was John Higney’s final time with Area Resident. Also joining Area Resident was Catriona Sturton as she provided the harmonica and vocals.

Echolette, the 3rd full length album was released in late October and you can check it out on Bandcamp.

Jonathan Pearce was the opener and he will be releasing a solo record in Spring 2019.

You view photos and Polaroid Originals photos below.

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I had the opportunity to join with Apt613 and other photographers on Saturday to Parliament Hill’s Centre Block. Apt613 planned a reserved tour to Centre Block as it is going to be closed for renovations. The closure will last about 10 years.

The last time I toured inside Centre Block was in 2002 for a Political Science 2nd year class. For this tour, House of Commons wasn’t opened to the public as it’s closed. What was opened was the Library of Parliament. When I went in 2002, it was closed for renovations .

Throughout the tour, we saw several sculptures and paintings throughout the building.

For this tour, I got to use the popular Sony a7 III camera as it was recently purchased. I only shot on a 35mm lens but was impressed with shooting the camera. You can view the photos from below.

Overall, I had a good time touring Centre Block before the closure for 10 years. January 25, 2019 will be when Parliament Hill closes for renovations.

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Friday night at Arts Court, apt613 hosted a TV screening party. They were showcasing some new and innovative videos from their YouTube channel.

Apt613 recently added the video content to their website. Run by volunteers, the 613TV portion shows the dynamic and hidden fun parts of Ottawa. From food to breakdance, music and other activities, 613TV shows Ottawa’s uniqueness.

At the screening party, Scary Bear Soundtrack performed as they participated in the soon to be released Pod Jamz sessions. There were servings of meaty bites by MeatPress and free popcorn.

You can view the photos below.

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I had the opportunity to collaborate with Instagrammers to try out the Polaroid Originals OneStep+. It’s rare that I get to meet up and try to create a fun project.

The original plan was to shoot some Polaroids with the OneStep 2 camera and unbeknownst, Polaroid Originals released the OneStep+ in late August. It was good timing that we got to meet up and try out the new camera. I did use the camera while at the Polaris Music Prize Gala but didn’t use the Polaroid Originals smartphone app to use the creative tools.

I got to use the smartphone app this time around. The only tools I used were Manual Mode and Double Exposure. It was quite difficult focusing from the viewfinder and using the smartphone at the end. The end results were amazing. It will take time to slightly multitask holding the smartphone and camera.

With the OneStep+, I also brought along the OneStep 2 (version 1) and the SX-70 camera to finish up the remaining film as they were already and close to expiring. I also had the i-Type Color film on the OneStep+ as I wanted to finish the pack and use the Rose Gold Frame Edition Color i-Type Film. The Gold Frame photos from the SX-70 didn’t turn out because it was very bright outside.

We decided to shoot photos at Ottawa Art Gallery because of its unique space.

You can check out the Instagram users at Nhuelle and @axgela. It was great to meet up and bring some enthusiasm to shooting instant photos.

The Polaroid photos are posted below and posted on my Instagram.

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On a very sunny Saturday in August, The Chinese Canadian Collective celebrated its 1 year anniversary with a potluck picnic at McNabb Park in Ottawa. 

For those who don’t know about the CCC, it’s an organization based in Ottawa and it examines Chinese Canadians through culture from representation and issues. There were several meet ups and various events throughout the year to meet its goals and awareness. 

It was great seeing the people there and funny having connections to high school in different years apart.

Aside from the food, there was a 9 person game volleyball by the Ottawa Ngo Fu Volleyball and outdoor mahjong.

You can view the photos below. Some Polaroid Originals photos.

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The final weekend of July had a couple of events happening in Ottawa. There was the Ottawa Asian Festival’s Asian Night Market. It ran throughout the weekend in Ottawa Chinatown. It was great seeing people around and going through the long lines and crowds.

On Sunday afternoon, I had the opportunity to check out The Art of The Brick exhibit at the Canada Science and Technology Museum. The exhibit by Nathan Sawaya showcases the collection of unique and extraordinary LEGO artwork. There were art recreated and reimagined from the likes of DaVinci’s Mona Lisa and Van Gogh’s Starry Night.

It was quite fun looking at the LEGO artwork and how astounded the artist took the extreme detail to every piece of artwork in LEGO form. The exhibit runs until September 3rd.

You can check the photos below.

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