EC Hair Form: How Evelyn Built Success One Client at a Time

At 580 Marlee Avenue in Toronto, the sound of blow dryers and laughter fills the air. Behind the chair stands Evelyn Canimo, the proud owner of Easy Hair Form, a salon built from grit, gratitude, and years of hard work. When Evelyn came to Canada, she didn’t plan to become a salon owner. She worked long […]

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 […]

Islas BBQ: A Taste of Home in Toronto

It all started with a trip back home. While vacationing in the Philippines, Richard found himself on a food adventure with his future wife, Marielle—going from island to island, tasting local favorites, and soaking in the energy of every eatery they visited. “Toronto needs this kind of food experience,” he thought. It was just an […]

Coffee Shop Idea to Creative Hub: The Story of WAM Studio

When Vince Dela Cruz first dreamed of opening a recording and rehearsal studio, it stayed just that—a dream. Life in Canada kept him busy. He worked at Tim Hortons, then became a CAD technician, but deep inside, music never left him. What he didn’t know was that one day, a casual coffee meeting would turn […]

Eglinton: The Subway Toronto’s Been Waiting For

If you’re not from Toronto, you’d think it’s finally done. The lights are on, the escalators work, and the facade looks ready for passengers. But if you live here, you know—it’s not open. This is Line 5 Eglinton, better known as the crosstown that never crosses anywhere. It was supposed to open in 2020. Then 2021. […]

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 […]

Galing Montreal, Diretso sa Tunay na Usapan

by Anjo Pallasigui Frozen Flame wasn’t even supposed to be called that. They couldn’t think of a name, so Dolans pulled something from a game he was playing—Chrono Cross or Chrono Trigger, they’re not even sure anymore. It stuck. This week sa OPM Livestream, dumayo sila mula Montreal to play originals, tell stories, and hang with […]

Backyard Sessions: Two Decades Later, Still Playing

By Anjo Pallasigui Summer in Canada goes by fast. You blink and it’s already August. That’s why when the weather’s good, you make time for things that matter. Last weekend, we had a backyard jam. Nothing fancy. Just friends, a few guitars, and a small setup outside. Some of us have been playing together for […]

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 […]

The Beaches: Toronto’s Lakeside Escape

By Anjo Pallasigui The first time you step onto the boardwalk at The Beaches, it’s hard to believe you’re still in the city. That’s what Cherie discovers in the premiere episode of Neighbourhoods, a new show that explores the charm, quirks, and history of the communities that shape Toronto. Stretching from Coxwell to Victoria Park Avenue, […]