First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos will not forget the warmth and love the Filipinos in Canada had shown her, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and their delegation during her husband’s official visit last week. “My sincere thanks to Prime Minister Mark Carney, the government of Canada, and everyone who welcomed us with such warmth and generosity throughout our stay,” the First Lady said on her official Facebook page.

“And to our dear kababayan, thank you for your smiles, your stories, and for carrying the Filipino spirit with such pride wherever life has taken you. You made this journey truly unforgettable,” she added.

For Mrs. Marcos, one of the highlights of her visit was stopping by a grocery store owned by a Filipino couple.

“For many Filipinos living abroad, a grocery store like Tindahan is so much more than a place to shop. It is a little piece of home where familiar flavors, treasured traditions, and happy memories come together,” the First Lady said.

Tindahan Grocery, a family-owned business that opened in November 2002, was the first Filipino grocery established in Richmond.

The store offers a wide range of Philippine products, including frozen and dried fish, ice cream, beauty products, canned goods, biscuits, chips, noodles and coffee. One can also find longganisa, tocino and Filipino hotdogs.

In 2004, owners Jay and Stella decided to set up a kitchen. Stella is the daughter of culinary icon Nora Daza.

“You can truly feel the spirit of Nora Daza in every corner of Tindahan. Her love of Filipino food and family continues to bring people together, reminding us that no matter where life takes us, our culture lives on through the meals we share and the communities we build,” Mrs. Marcos said.