User:LeoMascarinas/sandbox

Leo Mascariñas could perhaps be best described as a Renaissance man, a universal person whose interests and talents span the sciences and the arts. This citizen of the world is a scholar, a software engineer, an educator, a world traveler, a polyglot, a photographer, a singer, an ambassador of goodwill, a benefactor, and a survivor.

While his Mensa-certified intellectual capability has led to a successful professional career in the field of information technology, this nomination focuses on his achievements in and contributions to the arts. Leo is indeed a true testament that one can be multi-dimensional and simultaneously pursue divergent endeavours.

Already recognized ten years after his high school graduation with an Agusan High School Outstanding Alumnus Award for Music in 1978, he went further in the following years as an ambassador of goodwill, being a member of the country’s most prestigious choir, the Philippines Madrigal Singers. The choir is not only one of the world’s most awarded and acclaimed choirs, but more significantly, it was designated Artists for Peace by UNESCO for its contribution to international understanding since its inception in 1963. He has concertized with the choir on 11 international tours to 26 countries on 4 continents. Leo is the first and only Butuanon member of the Philippine Madrigal Singers in its 50 years of existence.

Complementing his ear for music is a photographic eye which has made him a multi-awarded photographer. In 2012, he was designated as a master photographer by the Toronto Camera Camera. This distinguished achievement becomes more outstanding based on the fact that he is the first and only Filipino-Canadian to have attained the honour in the 126-year history of the Club which has an annual membership of 400. In his affiliations with several organizations, he engages not only in the artistic aspects but rather also in management functions. He was President and Business Manager of the U.P. Concert Chorus, the official choir of the University of the Philippines. He was also the first elected President of the U.P. Saringhimig upon the ratification of its constitution by the charter members. At the Toronto Camera Club, he became the first and only Filipino-Canadian to have served as a Director in the Board of Directors.

In 2009, he was diagnosed with multiple brain tumours. He underwent brain surgery within a matter of days and subsequently went on long-term disability leave from work. While most people may find such situation devastating, he instead deemed it as an opportunity to use the free time for productive activities. Thus came about the publication of his book “images I saw somewhere along the way”. Leo firmly believes in sharing one’s blessings and giving back to the community. His contributions are not necessarily financial; he also participates in causes through his talents and abilities. As an example, he has conducted free photography workshops, most notable of which were the ones held during his recent, (December 2013) brief visit to Butuan where about 300 students in total were in attendance. Guided by the principle of cultivating creativity, he leaves a legacy of knowledge in the field of photography and visual arts through the donation of his vast private collection of books - over a thousand titles henceforth known as the BCL Visual Arts Collection - to the Butuan City Library. Worth over $10,000.