Our Vote, Our Voice: The Rise of the Filipino Voter in Canada
If there’s a place in Toronto that feels like a piece of Manila, it’s right here—Bathurst and Wilson. Little Manila. It’s where the stories of arrival, survival, and new beginnings come together, along with the largest cluster of Filipino-owned businesses in the city. But this time, the question isn’t just about where we’ve gathered—it’s about […]
Wrapped in Warmth – Aling Zenaida’s Suman sa Lihiya
In a quiet Canadian kitchen far from Tacloban, the comforting aroma of sticky rice and coconut wafts through the air. It’s here where Aling Zenaida Singson-Alex, with a pot in one hand and memory in the other, recreates the suman sa lihiya of her youth—one leaf-wrapped bundle at a time. In this episode of Lutong Kapitbahay, we’re […]
Spring in Canada: A Lesson in Trusting the Wait
Spring in Canada doesn’t arrive with fanfare. It tiptoes in, like someone who texted “on the way” an hour ago but still hasn’t shown up. The calendar says it’s here—but step outside and the cold air, silent birds, and undecided trees will have you questioning everything. Canadian spring is an exercise in patience. It’s the […]
Where Music Begins: Anjo’s Story at Long & McQuade
Every Filipino musician in Canada has a Long & McQuade story. Mine began 20 years ago. We had no budget, just a head full of melodies and dreams that needed mics, an audio interface, and a stand. We found everything—plus a little encouragement—at Long & McQuade. It’s more than a music store. It’s a launchpad. […]
Tropang Ilonggo: April Cabrias and the Taste of Grit, Garlic, and Gratitude
In a quiet commercial strip in the Greater Toronto Area, a humble kitchen simmers with stories of resilience, family, and Ilonggo flavor. This is Tropang Ilonggo—a restaurant built not just from scratch, but from pure heart and late-night teamwork. And at the center of it all is April Cabrias, whose journey from food festivals to full-fledged […]
Ali Nizam: From Pain to Purpose at Core Basketball
There’s a rhythm to Ali Nizam’s voice on the court (part coach, part motivator, part older brother). But behind the drills and instruction is a story rooted in adversity. Ali grew up facing brokenness, disappointment, and instability. The basketball court became more than a game. It was an escape, a space where he could release […]
Spoiler Alert: This Is Your Red Flag Anthem
Spoiler Alert – Sofeya (Live Performance) After more than a year off the stage, Toronto’s all-girl band Sofeya returns with a bang—performing their emotionally raw anthem “Spoiler Alert” live for the first time since their break. This isn’t your typical love song. Spoiler Alert dives headfirst into the thrill of falling in love—with eyes wide […]
Tanong Lang Po: “Pinakamahalagang Tao sa Buhay Mo” with Drei
In this heartfelt episode of Tanong Lang Po, host Drei asks a deeply personal question: “Sino ang pinakamahalagang tao sa buhay mo?” The answers are as varied as they are inspiring, drawing on themes of family, resilience, education, kindness, and faith. This episode becomes a tapestry of reflections on the lessons we carry from those we hold dear […]
Reflecting on 2024: FTV IRL’s Year-End Review
As the curtain closes on 2024, the FTV team, led by Cherie, takes a moment to reflect on their collective journey over the past year. Joined by Filbert, Jeff, Kyle, Anjo, and Drei, the discussion shines a light on the team’s growth, challenges, and successes, setting the stage for an exciting 2025. A Year of […]
3 Hiling sa Bagong Taon
Another year has passed. The New Year is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and think about what lies ahead. What have we left behind? What lessons have we learned? And most importantly, what do we want to create moving forward? As a Filipino Canadian, I often reflect on the stories we tell about ourselves—stories […]
