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 […]
Unstoppable: The Dance Group That Moves with Heart
Every beat, every step, every move — for the women of Unstoppable Dance Group (UDG), dancing is more than just rhythm. It’s therapy, friendship, and faith rolled into one passionate performance. What started as a small group of friends dancing for fun has grown into a community that inspires others — not just to move, but […]
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 […]
Drei’s $15 Food Challenge in Toronto
What can you eat in Toronto with just $15? Drei took on the challenge — food, drink, and dessert all included — and it turned out to be one fun (and filling) adventure! Her first stop: Yonge & Finch, a hotspot for Asian eats. Instead of heading to a big chain, she wanted something more local and […]
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, […]
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 […]
