Where Music Begins: Anjo’s Story at Long & McQuade

Every Filipino musician in Canada has a Long & McQuade story. Mine began 20 years ago. We had no budget, just a head full of melodies and dreams that needed mics, an audio interface, and a stand. We found everything—plus a little encouragement—at Long & McQuade. It’s more than a music store. It’s a launchpad. […]

Where the City Pauses: A Poetic Walk Through The Beaches

In the heart of Toronto’s relentless rhythm lies a rare kind of silence—gentle, salty, and lined with sand. Welcome to The Beaches, where time slows down, and the waves whisper stories older than the skyline. Once called the Ashbridge Estate in the 1800s, this lakeside neighborhood began as farmland and fishing grounds. By 1868, with the […]

Craving Comfort, Finding Compassion: Filbert & Rosary at Buddha’s Vegan

What do you get when you combine vegan nostalgia, Chinese comfort food, and good company? A warm, flavorful episode of Crave and Company—this time featuring Filbert and Rosary as they dine at Buddha’s Vegan Restaurant, a modest but mighty gem tucked in downtown Toronto. For Filbert, who has been vegan for over a decade, Buddha’s is more […]

The Sound We Inherited: Anjo’s Journey Back to the Beat that Started It All

Imagine this: 1970s Manila. The country was under martial law, the streets were tense, and yet—out of that pressure cooker of politics and passion—something bright, cheeky, and unbelievably catchy came alive. They called it Manila Sound. Growing up in Canada, I didn’t quite know what to call the songs I’d hear in my parents’ cassette tapes […]

Lake Escape: Anne’s Adventure at the Toronto International Boat Show

Each year, Anne looks forward to the Toronto International Boat Show—a gateway to Canada’s unparalleled lake life. With over 2 million lakes across the country, the allure of boating and water adventures has become an intrinsic part of Canadian culture. This year, Anne’s visit was more than just an exploration of boats; it was a […]

Starting Over: Building a New Life in Canada

Moving to Canada is not just about relocating to a new country—it’s about starting over from scratch. For many Filipino immigrants, it means leaving behind familiar routines, family, and a way of life to face new challenges and uncertainties. Here are key insights and reflections for those embarking on this journey. Back to Zero In […]

Behind the Curtain: Creating Magic with JDL’s Frozen Junior

Theater has a way of weaving dreams and dedication into unforgettable experiences. This was exactly what I witnessed when I joined the JDL Performing Arts School as they prepared for their latest production, Frozen Junior. From the first note sung in rehearsals to the last prop placed on stage, every moment revealed the immense passion, effort, […]

Winter Driving Adventures: Lessons from Shannie

As a long-time driver in Toronto, I’ve braved many snowy roads and icy conditions, but winter driving always brings a unique set of challenges. I still vividly remember my first snow squall. I was driving home from Barrie, and suddenly, visibility dropped to zero. The snow whipped around me, the wind howled, and I felt […]

Screen and Spoiler: “Downsizing” – A Closer Look

This time, we’re shrinking things down—literally and figuratively—with the 2017 film Downsizing. Directed by Alexander Payne and starring Matt Damon as Paul Safranek and Hong Chau as Ngoc Lan Tran, the movie explores a world where humanity has developed the technology to reduce people’s size as a solution to overpopulation and environmental crises. Let’s dive into […]

Tanong Lang Po: “Pinakamahalagang Tao sa Buhay Mo” with Drei

In this heartfelt episode of Tanong Lang Po, host Drei asks a deeply personal question: “Sino ang pinakamahalagang tao sa buhay mo?” The answers are as varied as they are inspiring, drawing on themes of family, resilience, education, kindness, and faith. This episode becomes a tapestry of reflections on the lessons we carry from those we hold dear […]