5 reasons why you should attend Taste of Manila 2024

Reaching a record turnout of 500,000 guests last year, Taste of Manila 2024 promises to bring a bigger and better cultural experience to Filipinos in Canada and anyone who wants to enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavours of Pinoy culture in the Great White North.

Taste of Manila is a Filipino culinary and cultural festival held in Toronto’s Little Manila. Organised by the Society of Philippine Artists, Recreation, and Community, the festival aims to bring together the Filipino Canadian community while also shining a spotlight on Philippine traditions and Pinoy-owned businesses.

With the theme “A Festival for Everyone,” Taste of Manila 2024 has opened its doors to cuisines and creations from other countries. In the words of SPARC, the festival’s goal is not only to bring joy to Filipinos living in Canada but also to promote an atmosphere of “inclusivity and diversity” throughout the event.

This year’s festival also commemorates the 75th anniversary of Philippine-Canadian bilateral relations.

Thinking about going to Taste of Manila? Here are five reasons why you should attend the biggest Filipino street fair in Canada.

Taste of Manila 2024 will be a gustatory delight for foodies visiting the festival as this year’s vendors offer flavours not only from the Philippine islands but also from locations around the world.

“While rooted in Filipino culture, we welcome other cultures to showcase their food and traditions, making it a truly inclusive event,” said SPARC.

From tteokbokki to kwek-kwek, here are some brands to try on your visit:

• Marry Me Mochi – This Ontario-based dessert shop specialises in mochi donuts and was founded by five Vietnamese siblings.
• Kung Fu Tea – The popular Taiwanese fast-food chain will offer guests authentic milk tea experiences.
• Lola Liza Foods – Enjoy barbecue, lumpia, siomai, or red hotdogs with a cup of rice and a can of Coke—just like your carefree days in Manila.
• Hang-Outs – This family-owned restaurant and catering company serves traditional Filipino food, like adobo, kare-kare, and lechon—dishes that require time and love.

Filipinos love to celebrate. And what’s more festive than getting together to dance and play?

Taste of Manila 2024 has lined up a dazzling magic show with Doc Duran to entertain young and old alike. Meanwhile, those who want to get some steps in between plates of barbecue and adobo can join several Zumba sessions hosted by Pinoy dance groups i and i Powerdance Fitness, ZDance Marathon Production, Dance Life Socials, and The Unstoppables.

It isn’t a Filipino party until someone performs!

Taste of Manila 2024 has gathered a roster of multi-genre singers and dancers, including:

• Call In Sick – This indie pop rock band recently released a Filipino single titled “Panganib.”
• JDL Filipino Cultural Team – See traditional Filipino dances performed by the young talents of JDL Performing Arts.
• Rachelle Show – Of Filipino and Congolese descent, this Canadian singer-songwriter—and daughter of Congolese performer ShowDoMan—is known for her pop songs “Best is Yet to Come” and “For You.”  
• Reggie Tortugo – The balladeer is known for his competitive stint in Philippine singing competition Tawag ng Tanghalan.
• Steeles Squad – The Toronto-based hip-hop group opened for Pinoy vocalist Michael Pangilinan in 2023 and released an album online in the same year.

These celebrities from Sparkle GMA Artist Center will be gracing Taste of Manila 2024’s main stage for the festival’s Saturday Primetime show:

• Alden Richards – Dubbed as Asia’s Multimedia Star, the actor made waves in the 2010s as half of Eat Bulaga’s popular love team AlDub. He is currently starring in GMA’s historical drama Pulang Araw alongside top-billing actors Barbie Forteza, David Licauco, and Sanya Lopez.
• Isko Moreno – The actor got his start in the ‘90s as a performer in That’s Entertainment after being discovered by a talent scout in Tondo. Since then, Moreno has built a long portfolio both as a performer and as a public servant, having served as mayor of Manila from 2019 to 2022.
• Boobay – The comedian and television host was recently lauded for his acting chops when he was awarded Best Supporting Actor at the 2022 Saskatchewan International Film Festival.

To top it all off, actress, beauty queen, entrepreneur, and Kabayan Remit endorser Ruffa Gutierrez will also be making a special appearance at the biggest Filipino food and cultural festival in Canada.

Taste of Manila 2024 will not only be filled with good food and talent but also thriving businesses owned by fellow Filipinos.

Among the festivals guests are:

• Mabuhay Services – A consultancy for Filipinos planning to move to Canada
• Reyes Tax – An accountancy service helping Filipinos in Canada stay on top of their taxes
• Kabayan Remit – A Filipino-owned money remittance app helping OFWs in Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States send money to the Philippines at competitive exchange rates.

Adding to the good food, dazzling entertainment, and thriving businesses at Taste of Manila 2024 are the prizes awaiting visitors to the Kabayan Remit booth.

For a chance to win prizes, including an opportunity to meet Ruffa Gutierrez, all guests need to do is:

1. Download Kabayan Remit’s secure money remittance app here .
2. Find Kabayan Remit at Taste of Manila 2024.
3. Complete their first Kabayan Remit transaction for free!

With Kabayan Remit, OFWs can safely send their hard-earned money from Canada, the UK, or the US to major banks, e-wallets, and cash collection centres in the Philippines.

To explore Kabayan Remit’s features and try their exchange rate calculator, click here.

For more information, the remittance app’s 24/7 bilingual support team is available to assist you here.

Taste of Manila 2024 will be held from 17 to 18 Aug. in Toronto’s Little Manila at the corner of Bathurst Street and Wilson Avenue. Entrance is free.