Bocce Ball Kings

Everyday, as I walk home from the bus stop, I walk past a group of men on a lot playing bocce ball. No matter what time after 4:00 pm, I always see someone up under some light posts playing and until late in the evening. I introduced myself to them tonight, for the first time, as a new neighbor in the area and spent the evening learning about the history of Snow Street and surrounding streets. Here are some photos from tonight (with a video to come).

YMCA Oak Scare 5K

Today, Brighton Center/Oak Square's YMCA hosted their annual Oak Scare 5k Walk/Run/Wheel. Despite the rainy, cool weather, many came out (some in costume) to run a 5k loop around Brighton.

For more information about the Oak Square YMCA, visit: YMCA

Kevin Nadal Speaks at Boston College

Dr. Kevin Nadal, professor and comedian, spoke at Boston College tonight regarding his new book Filipino-American Psychology. He is currently touring the country promoting his research and encouraging awareness about the Filipino-American culture to students, professionals, and others interested in his work. He became aware at an early age that despite the relationship the Philippines had (and currently has) with the United States, and that the Filipino population has grown to be the largest Asian group in the country, there is a large discrepancy with how much the United States (and citizens) are educated about the Filipino people. So he is now currently working with professionals and educators to help support their own profession, as they work with Filipino-Americans, as well as encouraging youth to become interested and aware about their own history.

This event was hosted by PSBC, the Philippine Society of Boston College.  This was the fourth event they hosted this month in celebration to Filipino-American Heritage Month.  Past events included a Barrio Fiesta Extravaganza celebration; Professor Mary Talusan lecturing about the music of Mindanao (the large, southern island in the Philippines); and Dr. Almario Bucal speaking about the late, former Philippine president, Corazon Aquino.

For more information about Dr. Nadal and his book, please visit: Kevin Nadal

Dr. Nadal will also be doing a book reading on Friday, December 11th at 8:00 pm at East Meets West Bookstore for their monthly East Meets Words Open Mic Night (934 Mass Ave, Cambridge).

Here are a few images from that event:

Dr. Nadal lectures to Boston College students on Thursday, October 22, 2009.

Dr. Nadal speaks with students after his lecture.

Dr. Nadal poses with PSBC (Philippine Society of Boston College) members.

All images photographed by Leona L. Merk. All rights reserved.

TRAILER: Two Worlds, One Heart

This video, Two Worlds, One Heart (tentative title) is the beginning stages of a longer project, where I am following around Pedro Magni with my camera and documenting his daily life.

Pedro was adopted from the Philippines at the age of 3, and at the age of 18 he went back to visit the shelter that he stayed at before he came to the states. He again returned two years later to reunite with his birth mother and siblings for the first time. Since meeting, he is now left with trying to figure out a balance between those two worlds, and even more, how to allow those worlds to intertwine.

Two Worlds One Heart from Leona Merk on Vimeo.

Please visit http://angbiyahe.blogspot.com to read about Pedro's 3 week trip to the Philippines last year.

Tufts 10K Women's Run

33rd Tufts Health Plan 10K Women's Run from Leona Merk on Vimeo.

Spectators look on at the corner of Beacon Street and Charles Street as runners race by at the beginning of the 33rd Annual Tufts Health Plan 10k for Women, on Monday, October 12, 2009.

For more information about the race, check out: Tufts Health Plan 10k for Women

To see the results of the race, visit: Cool Running

Samples of My Work

Here are some photographs that I have taken over the past year to describe the kind of work that I do. I have tended to gravitate towards event photography, capturing musical performances, demonstrations, organized events and festivals (as well as documenting my daily life); however, I have challenged myself to try shooting editorial and studio work - but I did not include that below.

Please feel free to comment.