Decal Bros: From Struggle to Stickers
Kabuhayan | by Anjo Life in Canada was tough for Anthony Sabala. There were days he couldn’t pay rent. Sometimes, his income would be seized because of debt. “Wala silang pakialam kung may pambayad ka. Kinuha nila,” he says. But in that low point, something sparked. Anthony and his brothers started small. During the pandemic, they bought […]
Ryan Benjamin Started From Failure
Kabuhayan | by Anjo Ryan Benjamin never dreamed of coming to Canada. His lola told him about life here. His parents made the move. But Ryan knew it wouldn’t be easy. “I was the last to arrive,” he says. “I knew how hard it was. I knew I’d end up doing hard labor.” And he […]
Discovering Sye: The Filipino Frontman I Never Expected
By Anjo The first time I saw Bernie Carlos at a gig in Black Swan Tavern back in 2007, I could already tell—he wasn’t just some regular in the crowd. The long hair, the quiet confidence—he had that legit metal vibe. We ended up talking music, and instantly clicked. But even then, I had no idea just […]
From Apartment Stove to Toronto’s Favorite Chicharon: The Mang Mars Story
Before the brand, the signage, and the steady stream of loyal customers, there was just one man with a pot, a stovetop, and a prayer. Meet Mang Mars Pablo Mallari, the man behind Mang Mars Chicharon—a now-beloved Filipino snack staple in Toronto. But his story, like many migrant tales, didn’t begin in comfort or certainty. It began […]
Chasing Magic: How Jhap of Spades Turned Tricks into a Thriving Career
What if the trick was never the card flip or the disappearing coin, but the belief that you could make a living doing what you love? Meet Jassfer Paiso, better known as Jhap of Spades. Before he was one of Toronto’s most in-demand family entertainers, he was clocking in at McDonald’s and doing sleight-of-hand magic tricks […]
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 […]
From Flame to Frame: The Art of Sonny Dimalanta
In this episode of Tunog Tao, we meet Sonny Dimalanta, a visionary artist who turns simple wood into powerful works of art using pyrography—the ancient technique of wood burning. From humble beginnings as a technician in the Philippines and Saudi Arabia, Sonny’s passion for art quietly simmered for decades. It wasn’t until later in life—through correspondence studies in […]
From Potlucks to Packed Events: The Story of Tummy Fillers
In this episode of Katas ng Kusina, we head to Brampton to meet Cherry and Erwin Bansil, the powerhouse couple behind Tummy Fillers, a Filipino catering business that has grown from humble backyard potlucks into one of the most trusted names in the community. What began as word-of-mouth orders from friends and family has turned into a full-blown […]
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 […]
Marlon Viaje—The Master Behind the Metal at Impera Auto Collision
In a world where accidents can turn any day upside down, there’s someone quietly restoring more than just cars—he’s rebuilding peace of mind, one dent at a time. Meet Marlon Viaje, a seasoned autobody technician at Impera Auto Collision Inc. in Scarborough, Ontario. For over 25 years, Marlon has been the steady, skilled hand behind […]