About Tondo Hungry Hearts
Being born and raised in the midst of the urban poor in Tondo gives Otan Vargas, a singer-songwriter from New York, an authentic perspective that lends him an aching love for these unforgettable people he had been friends with: young kids who had to work at age six in order to supplement the income of his or her family, or who had to skip school to attend to younger siblings. Otan had written songs for Tondo, most notably "A Place", that tell of his feelings, of pride mixed with agony, worried for the future of these hardworking kids that lie in the hands of those who are willing to sketch a path for them - someone as ordinary as you and me who would dream and plan with them. Mike Solin, an incredible chef from Massachusetts, met Otan at one of his shows. He is also a culinary arts instructor who teaches young students the craft of cooking and the art of excellence, constantly reassuring them that their success is limited only by their imagination and willingness to work. His own passion for food and big heart for young people, matched with Otan's love for Tondo kids, formed the group "Tondo Hungry Hearts". We are a group of dreamers and doers. But in the eyes of these kids, we are simply their big brothers and sisters. Once you become part of us, you will soon learn that these kids are indeed unforgettable.
