Somaria Balram

Welcome to T.O!

Hello everyone and welcome to Toronto! Many people here usually pronounce it as "Trono" – drop the first "o" and the last "t”. My name is Joanna Mandap and I will be your tour guide to Canada’s largest city. Having grown up in Toronto all my life I am appreciating this city more each day despite having travelled several places around the world. It's not too large to be intimidating or claustrophobic as you feel amongst other famous cities such as New York. Also, Toronto is very accessible. By wandering the streets you can get a taste of Toronto’s unique culture. If you choose not to walk, there is a very easy transit system to learn called the TTC. I especially enjoy the diversity and multiculturalism, neighbourhoods, shopping, food, entertainment, friendliness, and recreation parks. So prepare to click on your camera as I will share with you my personal favourites of this lovely city, the “T.O.”

Tips to Get Started

As mentioned previously, Toronto is Canada’s most populated city. The population of Toronto is about 2.5 million- about half of the population was born outside of Canada (my family is included in these statistics since they are from the Philippines).  Toronto is very ethnically diverse.  I’d like to think of Toronto as being a "potpourri".  There are over 100 languages spoken in Toronto and many distinct neighbourhoods. To name a few, Chinatown, Little Italy, Greektown, etc. Even some street signs have translations.

Here are few other tips on getting started:

·         We are on Eastern Time (same as New York).

·         Hailing a cab is usually pretty easy.

·         We accept US dollar bills. We have all coins up until the $5 bill. 

My Favourite Hot Spots:

Toronto is filled with several malls, quirky neighbourhoods, and amazing attractions. Here are my favourites:

·         Eaton Centre  -  It is three story shopping mall situated on Yonge Street between Queen and Dundas.  There are department stores at either end (The Bay at the Queen Street end and Sears at the Dundas Street end) with the usual assortment of chain stores in between. The unique trademark of the Eaton’s Centre is the Canada geese suspended from the ceiling by Canadian artist Michael Snow.

·         Queen St W.- Seeking for something little more quirky, head to Queen St W. where you will find many alternative clothing stores and a great collection of bistros and bars. A great place to hang out, people watch or shop. It is home to City TV and Much Music as well as funky boutiques showcasing the latest in urban design and fashion. I remember walking by Much Music and got the chance to be an audience member for Kreesha Turner, so definitely worth the check out.A shop I recommend Spoof! They have amazing deals on jersey type clothing. I got a fabulous green summer dress there for only $15. 

·         Chinatown- right near Queen St W. is Spadina. It contains one of North America’s largest Asian Markets. What will appeal to most are all the different colours and lights and colouful foods that are on display. Also, there are mini-vendors throughout Chinatown that offer bargain offers. Venturing inside any shop, you will see a million things you probably have never seen before, anywhere from Chinese calligraphy to trinkets made out of jade. For dining, I recommend trying the caramelized duck/chicken at a popular Chinese restaurant called, Noodle King. A treat to try is “bubbletee,” a milky tea drink with tapioca balls at the bottom and Chinese pancakes (2 bags full for only $5) found inside a small mall, called “Dragon City.”

·      Kensington Market- Hidden inside the busy streets of Chinatown, Kensington is a beloved exploration. Kensington market are a eclectic mix of traditional European bakeries, fish mongers mixed with vintage clothing stores making this a vibrant part of town. Being that it is summer, the streets close to cars and you can stroll freely with your organic coffee in hand, listening to the sound of reggae music pumping and the sights of people dancing in the streets. There is artwork of every form all over, the smells of baked goods in the air and pungent smelling cheese shops. I recommend eating a grilled panini or picking up a vintage, eco-friendly journal.

• Royal Ontario Museum- It is a must-see museum, containing dinosaur fossils and a whole array of ancient civilizations waiting to be explored. There was a jewellery exhibit that showcased one of the world’s most dazzling, intricate jewels.
• CN Tower- This needle in the sky is another must-see of Toronto. As you travel on the new glass floored elevator you gain a new perspective on the view — straight down. There are different types of attraction experience so the prices range from $14.59- $31.99.
• Canada’s Wonderland- Ride the biggest, tallest and fastest new roller coaster in Canada — the Behemoth. I haven’t had the chance to try this ride yet, but my friends all claim it is one of the best roller-coasters they have tried. While your here, buy their famous funnel cakes, a warm waffle topped with my faves strawberries, icing sugar, and vanilla ice-cream. Mouthwatering! Single day admission costs $46.99.

More of Joanna’s Tips

There is great free stuff to enjoy like the   Allan Gardens botanical gardens, Dundas Square, the islands, and the beaches. In addition, the entertainment doesn’t disappoint. Toronto streets feature everything from outdoor concerts to intimate acoustic performances. Again, my best possible bet to appreciate Toronto, is to wander the streets. You never know what you can find; you may even share with me your own favourites of this friendly city, Toronto.

Free the Children was founded by 12 year old Craig Kielburger in 1995 when he had the ambition to fight child labour.
This photo of three students from a Free the Children school in Sri Lanka is very powerful to me because seeing three boys so happy in a school yard demonstrates how much of a difference one can make in the life of a child. The boys have smiles on their faces and it touches my heart to see them so happy outside their school.
This photo is inspirational because I know that we can all make a difference in the lives of many children around the world if we try. Something as simple as educational can brighten the life of a child. Free the Children works hard everyday to bring light into the lives of children all over the world.
Along with helping children in many countries around the world, Free the Children also strives to empower youth on the basis of knowing they can make a positive change in our world. Free the Children have built over 500 schools in 45 countries and is continuing to help children today.

As I have headed off to Toronto I have many people to thank for making this whole experience begin. First off, I have to once again thank the Miss Teen Newfoundland and Labrador pageant committee for offering me this amazing opportunity. I promise I will do you all very proud! Specifically, I would like to thank Chris Fry for his time and effort, it is very much appreciated.

I would like to thank everyone who came out at our car washes, who bought sub sandwiches, who bought chocolate and who supported me throughout the whole journey. It would not be possible without all of your support and hard work.

I would like to thank Suzanne Fisher of GoodLife Fitness who gave me the chance to prepare for the pageant. I would like to thank Amanda Randolph of Amanda Randolph Design Studios who designed and made a beautiful one of a kind dress for me. I would also like to thank Michelle Weswaldi for all her hard work and time she has put into this event that I know is going to be amazing.

And last but definitely not least I would like to thank my parents, family and friends. They have spent countless hours fund raising with me and helping with my preparations, I cannot thank you all enough.

I hope everyone is as excited as I am and that preparations are going well. Good luck!

Welcome to Life is a Dream, the new series that is heating up television everywhere. Life is a Dream is about a 16-year girl Somaria Balram whose life long dream is to be a professional dancer. When she gets scouted as a model she believes that this may be the start of her dream coming true. However when she arrives at the casting call she feels a little out of place, she’s quite a bit shorter then the rest of the girls and maybe even a little bigger. Even though she doesn’t exactly look like the average model Somaria is determined that this is the path to her dream.

When her modeling career doesn’t work out in her favor it only makes Somaria even more determined. There is only one little detail that stands in her way; her parents do not support her in her dream to become a dancer, they would prefer that she would stay in their home town. With Somaria’s courage and determination she leaves home anyway. She is now on her way to New York City in pursuit of her life long dream.  She is alone, without money and is forced to support herself in this foreign city.

Will Somaria succeed at achieving her life long dream as a dancer? Or be left lone in New York City?  Watch and find out.

The show that will teach you about determination, perseverance and following your dreams. Somaria’s adventure will show you to listen to your heart and always believe in yourself.

Sponsors:

Elmer Olsen Model Management- As one of our main sponsors, Elmer Olsen Model Management has provided our hit new show with many beautiful and talented models and actors. We would to thank them for their hard work.

The Yorkville Club- We would like to give a huge thank you to The Yorkville Club. They are one of our other sponsors who have provided the cast with the opportunity to stay healthy and in shape.

Kitchen Orange- Of course a huge thank you to Kitchen Orange for providing beautiful wardrobe options to all of our actors and actresses.

As the winner of the Miss Teen Photogenic Award at the 2009 Miss Teen Newfoundland and Labrador Pageant I received the chance to have an amazing photo shoot with the renowned Sarah Rostotski.The photo shoot was an amazing experience as Sara is phenomenal to work with!                            

I would like to thank the photogenic judges at the pageant, it was quite an honour! As well as Sarah Rostotski for her time and effort!

Recently I held a car wash fundraiser in support of my trip to Toronto for  Miss Teen Canada-World as well as to support Free the Children. Friends and family gathered to lend a hand.

The car wash turned out to be a great success but would not have been possible without all of the help. I would like to thank my mom and dad for their continued support with every fundraiser. My family and friends who spent their day with us, you're time is greatly appreciated! Also, thank you to everyone who came out and showed their support.

Another car wash will be held next Sunday July 5th, once again in support of my trip as well as Free the Children. Be sure to come out and show your support. Hope to see you there!

Hello everyone!

First off, I have to apologize for being so late with my blog! With summer coming up and final exams happening, I have been very busy.

Being a contestant in the Miss Teen Canada-World pageant representing my province has made me so proud already. I have to thank everyone for this amazing opportunity, including everyone at the Miss Teen Newfoundland and Labrador Pageant especially Chris Fry, his hard work and sense of humour has made every experience a rewarding one!

So far preparations for the pageant have been going well! Although studying and school have been taking up most of my time along with dance exams and shows everything is falling into place. I know that this summer will be full of amazing opportunities and rewarding experiences for everyone involved in the pageant and I wish all the girls good luck with their preparations!