Some Filipino restaurants are unique 

We can describe them as a “one-stop shop” where one finds everything he needs. Aside from regular restaurants, where there is dining in and takeout stuff, there is a section for grocery items—mostly goods from the Philippines.  That’s good because these Filipino goods are seldom found in some groceries in Toronto. There is also a way to send… Read More »

Our austere and difficult life at PLM 

Most of us, the First Batch of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) who started schooling in 1967, are now enjoying some of life’s comforts, but occasionally, we remember the kind of hardships we experienced back then. Despite this life’s blessings, we cannot help but recall our days in the late 60s when we had to study as… Read More »

“Oh, what a beautiful day today, isn’t?”

Talking about the weather as a conversation breaker is undoubtedly sinking into the psyche of the newly-arrived immigrants coming to Canada.  Here in Toronto, the haven of multiculturalism, conversing about the weather is slowly becoming part of these immigrants’ daily routine since they are now experiencing the country’s different seasons.  Although some immigrants find it weird to initiate… Read More »

The Bench

I’m this wooden bench amidst the snows of winter, If I could only talk, let me tell you a great love story. I had been a silent witness to countless hours of two lovers’undying love and vows for each other. While sitting on my bench, they wouldn’t mind peoplepassing by; always oblivious of life’s going-on,only caring, dreaming, wholeheartedly… Read More »

My Unforgettable Memories as “Batang Quiapo”

In my childhood, I learned the hardship of making a living early in life, seeing people working all their lives to bring food to their table. While watching the popular TV series—Ang Batang Quiapo—by the ABS-CBN one afternoon in Toronto, many things flashed back in my memories, remembering how I spent my youthful days selling newspapers and cigarettes… Read More »

Lovers share a snack of “Hopia” and a Coke

Being the first Batch of students of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila when it opened in 1967 as the first tuition-free university in the Phillippines—they are your Kuya and Ate, the eldest in the Pamantasan family.  Being a scholar does not mean all work and no play; it’s not all study, study and study. Remember this song,… Read More »

People love dogs

Canadians love dogs and treat them as part of their family. Imagine all the time and effort going well into caring for these dogs. Never mind the expense of providing them with pet food, drugs and medical treatment when sick. Of course, they, too, need vaccinations to be healthy. All time of the day, in all kinds of… Read More »

Always be alert when crossing Toronto Streets

Plastic street barriers Doubtless, these knockdown stick curb bumpouts set up by the city government in some corner streets in Toronto effectively protect pedestrians. These devices are traffic-calming measures to slow down vehicles making a left or right turn onto a road. These knockdown stick barriers are supposed to protect the city’s pedestrians, but if you look around… Read More »