By Christian Cunanan
Congratulations to Taste of Manila! Now in its 12th year, the festival returned to Toronto on August 16–17, 2025, of Filipino culture, food, and heritage. Founded by Rolly Mangante and organized by SPARC Canada headed by Sani Baluyot as Executive Director, Society of Philippine Artists, Recreation and Community, and was supported by the City of Toronto. Admission to the festival was Free. Supporters who came all the way from Vancouver: Christian Cunanan, Yolly Tanciangco of Coffee Plus, and Socoro MissB Newland.
The festival’s opening day drew over 360,000 attendees on Day 1, turning Toronto’s Bathurst St & Wilson Avenue into an ultimate Filipino celebration with live music, food, and Filipino culture. Highlights included performances by Kyline Alcantara, Ruru Madrid, and Pepita Curtis, along with GForce Dancers and local artists – JDL Performing Arts, lighting up the Luzon Stage.
Sunday’s Primetime show, on Day 2, drew about the same crowd as Saturday as, headlined by Comedy Queen Ai-Ai Delas Alas with a special appearance by Kuya Jobert, and Rex Navarette, while the Mindanao Stage thrilled fans with Iñigo Pascual, Bryan Termulo, and Jason Fernandez, delivering nonstop entertainment across both stages.
Guests enjoyed Filipino cuisine and a family-friendly atmosphere, dancing, singing, and shouting “Mabuhay!”, as Toronto’s Little Manila – Bathurst St & Wilson Avenue came alive with food, culture and celebration.
Partnering with Taste of Manila – SparkleWorldTour2025, GMAPinoyTV, HanapNgPuso, and DALAWAMPUso, the festival highlighted Filipino heritage while fostering community spirit for attendees of all ages.
With two days of nonstop entertainment, culture, and food, the 12th Taste of Manila Festival reaffirmed its status as Canada’s biggest Filipino street festival.
ReyFort Media 
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