Toronto’s Taste of Manila food fest delivers again

Taste of Manila first timers (from left) JM Litimco (Bulacan), Justin Absolor (Ilocos Norte), Patrick Suhanthan (Tarlac), and Jeremy Cabansag (Manila) are loving the crispy chicken special. INQUIRER/Marisa Roque

TORONTO, Ontario — Taste of Manila, now on its fourth year, is starting to get the feel of a much anticipated and welcome tradition, not just for Filipino Canadians, but also for other ethnicities who love the idea of celebration AND good food.

Taste of Manila weekend is planted squarely mid-August, a two-day event that competes with the opening weekend of the CNE (Canadian National Exhibition), the grand old lady that heralds the end of summer for young and old alike.

Abigail, Annalyn, and Sherill hand out free organic mushrooms to visitors. INQUIRER/Marisa Roque

Held August 19 and 20 in Toronto”s Little Manila in an area known as Wilson Heights, the street festival starts at the intersection of Bathurst Street and Wilson Avenue, going north a full eight blocks to Laurelcrest Avenue, almost a mile away.

Approaching the intersection from the Wilson side, west of Bathurst, one’s senses launch into full overdrive:  blaring Pinoy music from loudspeakers at every eatery that has “karaoke” signage enjoying pride of place with offerings of lechon, menudo, and halo-halo; riotous colors from fiesta buntings strung the length of Bathurst; and oh, heaven! the scent of well done Pinoy barbecue wafting from booth after booth after booth of food vendors presiding over their burnt offerings as hungry patrons wait in queues.

Young singers share their talent with an appreciative audience. INQUIRER/Marisa Roque

From the “entablado” (stage) set up at the intersection of Bathurst and Wilson, politicos took turns congratulating the Filipino Canadian community for the street festival that draws a huge turnout every year; Toronto’s mayor John Tory was there, and so was Kathleen Wynn, the premier of Ontario.

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne and Marco Mendicino (in barong) member of Parliament representing the riding of Eglinton-Lawrence where Taste of Manila is held. INQUIRER/Marisa Roque

The Saturday morning parade of officials, local celebrities, business people, civic leaders and volunteers marked the formal opening of Taste of Manila.  The night had revelers dancing to catchy tunes sung by local OPM rock band Breeding Grounds and up-and-coming cover band Soundville Band.  In-between, throughout the day, several singers kept the crowds entertained.

It is fair to state that Taste of Manila 2017 have visitors already making plans to check out Taste of Manila 2018.