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 […]
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 […]
Phil Ramirez: Tough Times Don’t Last, Tough People Do
Phil Ramirez didn’t plan to be a trainer. It started with his little brother. Just two siblings in the gym, pushing each other, dreaming big. Phil had played college and university ball at a time when there weren’t many Filipinos on the court. That mattered to him. Representation mattered. So he trained hard, not just […]
Marching to a Shared Beat: Philippine Heritage Band Shines at Vaughan International Music Festival
This year’s Vaughan International Music Festival (VIMF) press conference hit all the right notes—not just with music, but with meaning. Now on its fourth year, VIMF continues to grow as a vibrant platform for cultural unity. Co-founder and chair Sandra Yang Rako shared the festival’s vision: using music to bridge divides, spark connection, and celebrate diversity. “You don’t need […]
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 […]
Layers of the City: Discovering the Soul of Kensington Market
Kensington Market isn’t just a neighborhood—it’s a living mosaic of Toronto’s past and present. In this episode of Tanging Tanawin, Anne Wong takes us on a sensory journey through one of the city’s most storied streets. What was once a horse stable is now a cheese shop with floorboards stamped by time. Jewish tailors, Portuguese bakers, […]
