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 […]
FTV Brings the Holiday Cheer with “Pasko sa FTV” Station ID
The holiday season is here, and Filipino TV (FTV) is lighting up screens with their newest station ID, Pasko sa FTV! With a playful nod to the grand holiday productions of other Filipino networks, the FTV crew has created something uniquely theirs—a festive and heartwarming celebration that captures the essence of the holidays while bringing fun […]
Rachelle Cruz: Writing Through the Journey of Life
For Rachelle Cruz, writing isn’t just a craft—it’s a deeply personal journey. From growing up in the Philippines to navigating a new life in Canada, her experiences have shaped her storytelling, infusing it with themes of separation, resilience, and discovery. Through her writing, Rachelle creates worlds that resonate with readers, offering them an escape while […]
The Beat of Tradition: Allan De Lara and the Philippine Heritage Band at Toronto’s Santa Claus Parade
In the crisp air of downtown Toronto, as the city buzzed with the magic of the annual Santa Claus Parade, a familiar rhythm echoed. It wasn’t just the jingling of sleigh bells or the excited chatter of onlookers—it was the unmistakable harmony of the Philippine Heritage Band (PHB). At the helm of this extraordinary group […]
The Power of Meditation in Film Production: Finding Clarity Amidst the Chaos
In the fast-paced world of film production, stress is an inevitable part of daily life. From tight schedules to high-stakes creativity, the pressure can be overwhelming. But amidst the chaos, there’s a powerful tool that can help us stay grounded, focused, and mentally sharp—meditation. Why Meditation Matters in the Creative Industry As creatives, our minds […]
Graveyard Shift | Short Film by Filipino TV
Ingat sa lagari kung pera’y ’di sapat. Bagsak ng katawa’y sa huli nang marapat. Bibo ng utak anong katapat? Tiis at hinayang sa anyong may lamat. GRAVEYARD SHIFT Cast: Tophy Inciong Francis Lamsen John Abejo Director: Handrea Santos Screenplay: Anne Wong and Handrea Santos Casting Director: Anjo Pallasigui Editor: Jeff Atienza D.O.P.: Filbert Wong https://youtu.be/91PPmTOFvTI
Dahon sa Taglagas
A simple glimpse into autumn scenery, exploring the beauty of fall, why leaves change colour, and why autumn is the favourite season of many. There’s something magical about autumn in Canada, especially for a newcomer experiencing fall colors for the first time. On a crisp Friday morning, I set out on a drive to witness […]