Marcelina’s: The Heart of Filipino Home Cooking in Toronto
When you step inside Marcelina’s on Wilson Avenue, it feels less like a restaurant and more like home. The tables are simple, the space cozy, and the welcome always warm. But behind every plate of pancit and every smile that greets you is a story of family, faith, and Filipino pride. The restaurant began as Aristocrat in the mid-1990s, […]
Late-Night Eats in Toronto: From Nachos to Pork Bone Soup
Summer nights in Toronto are made for exploring—and eating. The city doesn’t sleep, and neither do its food spots. From concerts to late-night walks, there’s always something cooking somewhere. First stop, Sneaky Dee’s. A Toronto classic where the vibe is pure rock and roll and the nachos are legendary—loaded, cheesy, and big enough for three people. […]
Old Toronto City Hall: The Building That Refused to Be Forgotten
A hundred meters from Queen Station, you can already see it—the old Toronto City Hall. Grand, weathered, and standing proud amid the rush of glass towers, it remains one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Built in 1899, it was once the largest civic building in North America, a Victorian-era masterpiece that cost over $2.5 […]
Jollibee Takes Its Place at the Philippine Consulate in Toronto
A familiar red mascot made an unexpected visit to the Philippine Consulate in Toronto. Jollibee, the country’s most iconic fast-food brand, was the guest of honor as the consulate launched a new permanent corner celebrating Filipino excellence abroad. The exhibit, created with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), marks the first feature in what […]
Kitchie Nadal, 20 Years Later — The Concert That Changed Everything for Us
by Anjo Pallasigui Twenty years ago, we took a leap of faith by producing Kitchie Nadal’s first Canadian concert. Looking back now, it feels like the spark that lit everything we do today. The year was 2005. We were just rookies coming from the local OPM scene, armed with nothing but guts, a love for […]
Bella’s Inasal: Where Family, Flavor, and Filipino Roots Meet
In the heart of Mississauga, there’s a restaurant that isn’t just serving food—it’s serving family history, tradition, and heart. Bella’s Inasal, featured in the show Katas ng Kusina, is more than a neighborhood eatery. It’s the story of Joyce Inero, an Ilonggo father, husband, and chef, who built something out of necessity—and turned it into a community […]
The Story Behind Hermie’s Filipino & Canadian Diner
In the heart of Ontario, where winter winds meet warm cravings, you’ll find a place where tapa meets grilled cheese, and pancit shares a table with poutine. It’s called Hermie’s Filipino & Canadian Diner, and it’s more than just a restaurant—it’s a dream cooked slowly over time. In this episode of Katas ng Kusina, we meet Hermie, a Filipina who started her […]
Tropang Ilonggo: April Cabrias and the Taste of Grit, Garlic, and Gratitude
In a quiet commercial strip in the Greater Toronto Area, a humble kitchen simmers with stories of resilience, family, and Ilonggo flavor. This is Tropang Ilonggo—a restaurant built not just from scratch, but from pure heart and late-night teamwork. And at the center of it all is April Cabrias, whose journey from food festivals to full-fledged […]
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 […]
Reflecting on 2024: FTV IRL’s Year-End Review
As the curtain closes on 2024, the FTV team, led by Cherie, takes a moment to reflect on their collective journey over the past year. Joined by Filbert, Jeff, Kyle, Anjo, and Drei, the discussion shines a light on the team’s growth, challenges, and successes, setting the stage for an exciting 2025. A Year of […]
