The Alligator Farm & Zoological Park ~ St. Augustine

Written by JP Chartier

Just off the North Eastern coast of Florida, lurking in the green murky waters of Anastasia Island, are terrifying creatures with sharp teeth, armoured skin and nasty attitudes.

The Zoological Park : Photo Credit: JP Chartier

The terrifying creatures I'm talking about are crocodilians (crocodiles, alligators, caimans, and gharial) of course, and they can be found in abundance at the Alligator Farm & Zoological Park on Anastasia Island just a hop, skip and a jump from St. Augustine.

There are 7-acres of lush tropical wilderness at the Alligator Farm, a wooden bridge snakes its way over the network of waterways and swamp-like ponds allowing visitors to experience these creatures up close and personal. This is the only park in the world that contains every living species of crocodilian on earth, so it goes without saying that you will be immersed in everything gator.

The Pride of Baler ~ Where All the Pain and Patience Pay Off

Written by Angel de la Flor

I have been in the Pacific Coast when we were in California in April.  I longed to stay there, the waters were all wild and beautiful ... and I very much expected Baler to be the same as it also fronts the Pacific Ocean.

Baler is a second-class municipality in the province of Aurora, in the Philippines. In 2009, it topped the list of beach destinations in the country. It was also described as one of the 'top surf spots' with hundreds of surfers during the surfing season from September to February.

The trip to Baler was extra special; it was the first beach destination in summer and it was also the first weekend I had since I started working.

But, Baler went beyond its wildest waves and farther than the stretch of its coast. It offered so much warmth from the locals, food flavours that remind you of home, and beauty that leaves you so grateful for being in your own country.

Are We Expecting Too Much from the Taste of Manila in Toronto?

Taste of Manila in Toronto is a test for the taste of the Filipinos!

The "Little Manila" in the Toronto streets of Bathurst and Wilson is a witness in approximately twenty five thousand in attendance, and maybe more. It is a big surprise ~ to the organizers and the people who are instrumental to its success.

Taste of Manila is the first street festival organized by the Philippine Cultural Community Centre headed by Rolando Mangante, in association with the Philippine Consulate Office of Toronto. It is a two-day festivities attended by the Filipino-Canadian community and their non-Filipino families and friends. A very festive weekend celebration on August 23 and 24. 

Filipino-Canadian crowd at the 1st Taste of Manila - First Day August 23, 2014 - 25,000 people

Bathurst and Wilson streets were partly closed, contrary to what was originally reported, to accommodate the influx of Pinoys coming from the neighbourhood and the neighbouring cities. 

And yes, for those who still don't know, the area of Wilson and Bathurst is home to many Filipino-Canadians and so with the many Filipino businesses mushrooming the two streets.