A Taste of Chiang Mai in the Heart of Toronto
In this episode of Crave & Company, Cherie and her husband Mike take us on a flavorful escape to Thailand—without ever leaving Toronto. Their destination? Chiang Mai Restaurant at York Mills, a cozy and vibrant Thai spot known for rich curries, warm hospitality, and dishes that tell stories. As they settle into the patio, surrounded by […]
From Landfill to Sanctuary: A Walk Through Tommy Thompson Park
If you’ve lived in Toronto long enough, you’ve probably heard of Tommy Thompson Park—a quiet, sprawling strip of nature that juts into Lake Ontario like an arm stretching away from the city. Known for birdwatching, cycling, and peaceful reflection, it feels like an escape, a rare place where the noise of the world fades into wind […]
Asia Brown: No Pressure, Just Purpose
Asia Brown doesn’t just teach basketball. She teaches freedom. Her camps aren’t about stats or rankings. They’re about girls falling in love with the game — with no pressure. Because she remembers what it felt like to be the only girl in the program, starting at four years old. It was terrifying. And now, she’s […]
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 […]
The Hidden Chemical in Your Everyday Life That’s Now Linked to Heart Disease
Did you know that a chemical used to soften plastic may be contributing to hundreds of thousands of heart disease deaths around the world? A new global study has just sounded the alarm on DEHP (di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate)—a type of phthalate (pronounced thal-ates) used in everything from vinyl flooring and medical tubing to shampoo bottles and food packaging. […]
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 […]
Karl Mariano: It’s Not Over Till It’s Over
Karl Mariano still remembers the feeling. Grade school, summertime, his first basketball camp. He was the youngest on the floor, playing alongside high schoolers, but none of that mattered. Every week, he showed up. The excitement never left. That same feeling lives in the kids he now coaches through Level Up Basketball, a grassroots camp he […]
Sarabasab Getaways: A Flavor Trip to Bistro Manila with Jeff & Christia
There’s something magical about discovering a dish for the first time—especially one that’s smoky, spicy, and sour all at once. In this episode of Crave and Company, Jeff and Christia take us to Bistro Manila, a cozy Filipino spot that dares to reintroduce Sarabasab—a grilled pork dish hailing from the northern provinces, known for its tangy twist and bold flavor […]
Breathe Again at Friday Harbour: A Hidden Oasis Near Toronto
In a world that moves too fast, where every second is scheduled and silence is a luxury, we sometimes forget to breathe. That’s exactly what poet and storyteller Anne Wong reminds us of in this soul-soothing episode set in Friday Harbour, a lakeside retreat just an hour from Toronto. Through her verses, she paints a vivid picture of escape—not […]
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 […]

