Record 100k visitors get 'Taste of Manila' in Toronto

MANILA, Philippines — A record number of visitors attended the second annual "Taste of Manila" on August 22 and 23 at so-called "Little Manila" of Toronto, the Department of Foreign Affairs said.

Occupying a 1.3 kilometer stretch of Bathurst Street, the two-day celebration of Filipino culture, cuisine and entertainment is now touted as the biggest gathering of Filipinos in Canada for a street festival.

The Toronto City Government estimates that 100,000 people of different nationalities attended the event.

Actor Jericho Rosales greets fans at "Taste of Manila 2015" in Toronto, Canada. Facebook/Taste of Manila

Aside from Philippine officials, Canadian public figures also graced the event, including Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, Federal Senator Tobias Enverga, Canadian Finance Minister Joe Oliver, MP Mark Adler and MPPs John Carmichael and Laurie Scott.

Political hopefuls for the upcoming federal election in October, including Michael Levitt and Marco Mendicino, likewise took advantage of mammoth crowds to touch base with the electorate.

Toronto Mayor John Tory addressed the crowd with the heartening news that the process is under way at City Hall to rename the park in the Wilson-Bathurst section as "Manila City Park."

"Taste of Manila" was organized by the Philippine Cultural Community Centre with the support of the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto. — Alixandra Caole Vila