Little Manila sa Toronto: Ang Tahanan ng mga Pilipino sa Kanto ng Wilson at Bathurst
Sa gitna ng Toronto, sa ordinaryong kanto ng Wilson at Bathurst, nabuo ang isang piraso ng Pilipinas na tinatawag na Little Manila. Hindi ito opisyal na landmark, walang malalaking tourist signs, ngunit sa loob ng maraming dekada ay naging tahanan, sentro, at simbolo ng pag-asa para sa libo-libong Pilipino. Dito nagsimula ang kwento ng mga […]
Cowabunga! How One Hamilton Dreamer Turned Pandemic Pizza into Global Joy
In the heart of Hamilton’s bustling James Street North, Cowabunga Pizzeria pulses with more than just the aroma of fresh dough and bubbling cheese, it radiates the infectious energy of a dream realized against the odds. What started in 2020 as a gutsy takeover of a struggling pizzeria during the thick of the pandemic has […]
Handrea Tries Authentic Filipino Street Food in Toronto
Fresh off the plane from the Philippines, Handrea found herself hit with that familiar street food craving that only true Pinoy flavors can satisfy. Instead of settling for something close, she made her way to Eskenita Foods in Vaughan, Toronto’s go to spot for authentic inihaw. From perfectly charred chicken isaw bursting with that smoky, […]
From Midnight Experiments to a Toronto Cookie Empire: The Sweet Rise of The Night Baker
In the quiet hours of the night, two chemists named Mitchell and Leanne Cabrera found their true calling between bowls of dough and the warm glow of their oven. What began as a passionate hobby in 2017 quickly blossomed after a single bite from a little boy at a farmers’ market, their homemade s’mores cookie […]
Claire’s Kakanin Opens a New Home on Wilson Avenue
For many Filipinos in Toronto, Claire’s Kakanin isn’t just dessert — it’s nostalgia wrapped in banana leaves and coconut oil. Known for its soft kutsinta with yema sauce, Claire’s has become a staple at Filipino gatherings, from birthdays to weddings, and now it’s entering a new chapter with its bigger, brighter store at 878 Wilson Avenue. Claire’s story […]
Vernie the Healer: How Hilot Changed Her Life
There’s something deeply Filipino about hilot — that traditional massage passed down through generations, rooted in touch, care, and intuition. For Vernie Hilaro, it’s not just a skill. It’s her calling, her survival, and her success story in Canada. At first glance, Vernie’s life might look like any immigrant’s grind. She cleaned buildings, worked full-time at McDonald’s and […]
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, […]
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 […]
From Bridal Gowns to Ball Pits: How Jacqueline Built Funday Indoor Playground
By Anjo Pallasigui When weddings stopped during the pandemic, Jacqueline’s business did too. She had run a successful bridal boutique in Port Credit, but with events on pause, she and her husband knew they had to pivot. What they didn’t expect was that their next business idea would come from spending time with their two […]
Rah Rah Razila: The Magic of Laughter and Balloons
By Anjo Pallasigui Before the costume, before the magic tricks, before the cheers — Rah Rah Razila was just a guy with clown white, a lipstick, and a borrowed eyeliner. He started back in Southern Leyte, doing magic shows for kids. His first talent fee? Five hundred pesos. A friend was the client. It wasn’t […]
