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 […]
Anjo’s Visit to Judy’s Tropical Garden: A Taste of Home in Markham
There’s something special about picking your own food — especially when it’s the same vegetables you grew up eating back home. In his latest vlog, Anjo takes us on a visit to Judy’s Tropical Garden, a Filipino-owned farm in Markham that lets you pick your own gulay straight from the soil. Located near the border of Durham and […]
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 […]
Rex Navarrete: The Real OG of Filipino Comedy
Back in the early 2000s, I remember downloading Rex Navarrete on LimeWire. That was my first taste of Filipino-American comedy — raw, relatable, and straight from the diaspora. His jokes about Filipino families, accents, and immigrant life hit differently. For many of us growing up in Canada, he was the first comedian who sounded like home. So […]
How a Family’s Love Built Amazing Fun Park
When you step into Amazing Fun Park, it feels like walking into an enchanted forest — glowing trees, laughter echoing in the air, and the magic of childhood coming to life. But behind the bright lights and colorful ball pits lies a story of loss, resilience, and love. The idea for the park began after the […]
A Day with Alpacas at Brae Ridge Farm
There’s something magical about starting the day surrounded by fluffy alpacas. That’s exactly how it felt for Drei at Brae Ridge Farm, where she joined a private alpaca tour that’s been trending all over social media. She had seen so many creators share this experience, and finally, she got to try it herself. The moment she arrived, she […]
Highway 407: The Road Ontario Sold Too Soon
Every morning, Toronto highways turn into parking lots — 401, DVP, Gardiner — all packed with cars. But there’s one road that stays clear: Highway 407. No traffic, no waiting, but there’s a catch — you have to pay. In 1999, the Ontario government sold the newly built 407 Express Toll Route for $3.1 billion […]
From Kitchen Dreams to Kitchener Success: The Story of Lutong Ilocano Lechon
What began as a small lutong bahay venture during the pandemic has become one of Kitchener’s favorite Filipino food spots, Lutong Ilocano Lechon. Back then, the couple behind the kitchen both worked full-time at Toyota, cooking Ilocano dishes only as a side hustle. But when orders kept pouring in, they made a big decision — one of […]
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. […]
