This Filipino American Life

Is hopia a dessert? What started out as a random argument Elaine and Producer Mike had snowballed into a whole TFAL mini-episode about random Filipino food questions. Listen as the TFAL crew discuss and debate questions like: What is the most overrated Filipino dish? The most underrated? Do you f-ck with Filipino fruit salad? Why is there so much hate towards raisins? These questions and more will be answered once you click play! Listen or download the episode through the embedded player on ThisFilipinoAmericanLife.com, or subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever your favorite podcasts are found. Got an opinion on anything we discussed? Do you have a random Filipino food question? Let us know by emailing us at [email protected].

If you are into comic books, then you must absolutely know Hot Tropiks, the leading distributor of Filipino comics and children’s literature in the United States. The owner and co-founder, Angelo Mendez, together with his wife, Nadine, began Hot Tropiks to bring the bold, imaginative stories of comics to a global audience. In this TFAL episode, we discuss the journey of Angelo Mendez, co-founder of Hot Tropiks. Listen as Joe and Angelo discuss their shared roots at UC Santa Barbara, his hustle as an entrepreneur in hip hop and tech both in the U.S. and in the Philippines, and his take on the Filipino American comic scene today. Be sure to take a listen to this harrowing (to borrow a common comic book adjective) episode. Same TFAL time. Same TFAL channel. Listen or download the episode through the embedded player on ThisFilipinoAmericanLife.com, or subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever your favorite podcasts are found. What comics are you into? If you had to create your own comic franchise, what would it be about? Let us know by emailing us at [email protected].

https://thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/tfal-episode255.mp3 Today’s the day! “Eraserheads: Combo on the Run” is releasing throughout North America across over 60 screens, one of the biggest and widest releases of a Filipino documentary ever.  And while the exploits of the band are well detailed in the film itself, we thought it would be worthwhile to sit down with Director Diane Ventura and Eraserheads Lead Singer Ely Buendia himself to talk in more depth about what it was like to dig through the Eraserheads archives, explore how the band and their music connected with the broader diaspora, and most importantly… get a little nerdy about music . Speaking of which, Ely continues to make music and support others in their own musical journeys through his label, Offshore Music Philippines, which you can learn all about at at offshoremusicph.com. And definitely check out Diane’s other projects at www.dventproductions.com. Should Diane (or anyone else) make a documentary about the Original Pilipino Music (OPM) scene? Was Joe or Producer Mike’s fanboying super obvious in this interview? Please comment on all our socials, rate us anywhere you find us (5 stars hopefully?), listen to or download the episode through the embedded player on ThisFilipinoAmericanLife.com, or subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever your favorite podcasts are found.

https://thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/tfal-episode254.mp3 In the 3rd edition of our Eraserheads-themed mini-series, Les the DJ and Producer Mike reminisce about road trips to the tune of “Overdrive”, and can’t get enough of silly love songs like “Ligaya”.  But what songs are Les and Mike listening to now?  Listen and find out! As a reminder, on April 24th, Combo On The Run, a documentary chronicling the rise of the band Eraserheads, is set to hit movie screens across North America.  And to truly end our Eraserheads-themed series with a bang,  on that same day we’re going to release a special conversation with… Well you’ll just have to find out then! And while this may be the last episode of “Original Pilipino Musings” for now, who knows what the future holds?  Do you want to hear more music nerdery from Les and Mike?   Please comment on all our socials, rate us anywhere you find us (5 stars hopefully?), listen to or download the episode through the embedded player on ThisFilipinoAmericanLife.com, or subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever your favorite podcasts are found. Audio clips from “Overdrive” and “Ligaya” used with permission from copyright holders coordinated through DVent Productions.

https://thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/tfal-episode253.mp3 In part 2 of our mini-series “Original Pilipino Musings” with Les the DJ, we dive into two seminal Eraserheads classics, “Toyang” from their 1993 debut album, Ultraelectromagneticpop!, as well as “Alapaap” from their 1994 follow-up, Circus.  Listen as we talk about what the songs mean to us, and debate whether or not it matters if we properly understand and interpret what they (or anyone else) is singing about at all! And as a reminder, in a few weeks, Combo On The Run, a documentary chronicling the rise of the band Eraserheads, is set to hit movie screens across North America.  Watch it where and when you can! What do you think of Toyang and Alapaap? What were your first experiences with the Eraserheads?  Please comment on all our socials, rate us anywhere you find us (5 stars hopefully?), listen to or download the episode through the embedded player on ThisFilipinoAmericanLife.com, or subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever your favorite podcasts are found. Audio clips from “Toyang” and “Alapaap” used with permission from copyright holders coordinated through DVent Productions.

https://thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/tfal-episode252.mp3 In a few weeks, Combo On The Run, a documentary chronicling the rise of the band Eraserheads, is set to hit movie screens across North America.  It’s not often that a film from the Philippines gets a release and a reception as high profile as this film has been getting, let alone a documentary about an OPM band as varied and enigmatic as the Eraserheads.  So since #TFALheartsOPM, we figured we’d dedicate some time to talk about Original Pilipino Music, including our favorite bands, songs, scenes, and subgenres, and of course about the Eraserheads. But to do the topic justice, we figured we’d use this moment as an opportunity to try something… a little different! Producer Mike is hosting, sans the rest of the TFAL crew; you know, the one host that never really seems to say much on most episodes? It just so happens that he moonlights as Waxstyles, an inveterate record collector that occasionally DJs as well. And who better to join him on this journey other than past TFAL guest and friend of the podcast Les the DJ? Les was featured waaaay back on Episode 145 when we were doing the “Social Distance Series”… remember that?!  She is a supreme archivist of all kinds of music, but especially OPM from all eras. And as a result… this is the nerdiest episode about OPM and music in general that we have ever recorded… one that went so long that we’re spreading it across THREE (!) episodes! So please join us on a little TFAL side quest that for now we’re calling “Original Pilipino Musings”! Should we make this a regular thing?  Please comment on all our socials, rate us anywhere you find us (5 stars hopefully?), listen to or download the episode through the embedded player on ThisFilipinoAmericanLife.com, or subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever your favorite podcasts are found.

https://thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/tfal-episode251.mp3 Here Lies Love, the play about the rise and fall of Imelda Marcos as the Philippine dictator’s wife during Martial Law is now playing in Los Angeles. The TFAL crew had the opportunity to watch Here Lies Love when it first opened at the Mark Taper Forum a couple of weeks ago. Love it or hate it, the controversial musical is a part of our community, and many folks are watching it. It reflects the talent, labor, limitations, privileges, complications, and discourses in and of the Filipino American community. In this TFAL episode, the crew gives their honest takes on Here Lies Love. They also hear the insights of Professor Christine Balance, who has been following David Byrne’s work on Imelda Marcos for close to two decades. Given her research background on Filipino American music and performance, we thought she would be the perfect person to talk to about the musical. Listen as they share their various experiences watching the production, discuss its high points as well as shortcomings, reflect on the limitations of representation, and convey the musical’s broader implications and reflections of Philippine history and the Filipino American community in general. Listen or download the episode through the embedded player on ThisFilipinoAmericanLife.com, or subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever your favorite podcasts are found. Did you watch the play in Seattle, New York, or Los Angeles? What did you think? Let us know by emailing us at [email protected]. For more accurate and detailed info on the broader Martial Law period, please refer to these resources: Here Lies Love in Critical Contexts: a Public Syllabus  <a href="https://www.pbs.org/independentlens/documentaries/imelda/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedir

For 10 years, TFAL has been trying to amplify voices from our community, but particular voices from sectors of our community that have been historically overlooked. We are especially attuned to the voices without glitz and glamor, without state-sanctioned narratives, and without algorithmic egos. For our 250th episode, and on the heels of the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, we wanted to focus on the memories of Martial Law, a period in Philippine and Filipino American history when Dictator Ferdinand Marcos ruled the country. Not the “golden years” that the current Philippine administration and its supporters want folks to believe, but Martial Law was a dark time where civil liberties were stripped away, which led to severe human rights violations, including thousands of arrests, torture, and killings In this TFAL episode, we talk to CAROL OJEDA-KIMBROUGH, a life-long political activist who came of age during Martial Law. Listen as she discusses her activism in the Philippines, the losses she experienced under the hands of a dictator, and the imperative to tell and remember these historical truths without whitewashing narratives. We also get to discuss our opinions on the controversial musical, HERE LIVES LOVE, which is currently showing here in Los Angeles. For many Filipino Americans, we are somewhat removed from Martial Law Philippines, but it’s imperative that these stories and memories live on through us, particularly during this dark era we find ourselves in the authoritative United States. This episode is dedicated to the memory of ROLANDO FEDERIS, who fought and died for Philippine freedom, justice, and love. You can read more about the life of Rolando Federis here. Listen or download the episode through the embedded player on ThisFilipinoAmericanLife.com, or subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever your favorite podcasts are found. What do you think of the episode? Let us know by emailing us at [email protected].

Have you ever dreamed about a TV show with an all-Filipino American cast? What kind of show it would be? Who would star in it? In this TFAL episode, Elaine, Joe, and Producer Mike dream up their ideal TV show by playing The Fil Am Celebrity Draft! Adapted from a game that Joe used to play with his friends (and Dave Chappelle’s Racial Draft, if we’re being honest), the crew takes turn “drafting” Filipino American celebrities to be cast in their hypothetical shows. Listen to see who drafts Marc Descascos, Olivia Rodrigo, Eugene Cordero, and everyone’s favorite, the man with the epic mustache, Mitch Narito! I’m sure you will root for your favorite celebrities (and shows) as you listen to the episode. P.S. We, the Filipino American delegation, would like to trade Rob Schneider for a warm bottle of San Mig and a couple of kwek-kweks. Listen or download the episode through the embedded player on ThisFilipinoAmericanLife.com, or subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever your favorite podcasts are found. Which of the crew’s TV shows would you want to watch most? Let us know by emailing us at [email protected] or leave a voicemail on Ryan’s phone. =) Below are mood boards Elaine created that give you hints of what the crew picked. <img data-recalc-dims="1" fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="7433" data-permalink="https://thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/2026/02/20/episode-249-the-fil-am-celebrity-draft/1-3/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/1.png?fit=2000%2C1600&ssl=1" data-orig-size="2000,1600" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="1" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/1.png?fit=1024%2C819&ssl=1" class="alignnone wp-image-7433" src="https://i0.wp.com/thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/1.png?resize=478%2C382&ssl=1" alt="" width="478" height="382" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/1.png?w=2000&ssl=1 2000w, https://i0.wp.com/thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/1.png?resize=300%2C240&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/1.png?resize=1024%2C819&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/1.png?resize=150%2C120&ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/1.png?resize=768%2C614&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/1.png?resize=1536%2C1229&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/1.png?resize=350%2C280&ssl=1 350w, ht

https://thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/tfal-episode248.mp3 In this episode of the podcast, Kalaya’an Mendoza returns to talk with the crew about community care.  This episode is dedicated to t

Over the last few months, the hottest night out can be had at a Filipino supermarket. If you’re lucky enough to live near a Seafood City, you might have seen or experienced the multi-generational viral dance party conceptualized by JP Breganza back in August 2025. What is this phenomenon all about? Why does it attract so many people (especially younger Millennials and Gen Zers)? How long will it last? In this episode of TFAL, the crew breaks down their experiences at these “Late Night Madness” parties and their larger impact on the Filipino American community.  The crew dives into the Seafood City Party phenomenon, corporate responsibilities of large Filipino American businesses, and how the ethos of these parties relates to the recent H-Mart controversy. Listen or download the episode through the embedded player on ThisFilipinoAmericanLife.com, or subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever your favorite podcasts are found. For more info on the Seafood City Party phenomenon, check out these articles: Disarray Magazine KQED LA Times Seattle Times NY Times Photo Credit: Disarray Magazine

https://thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/tfal-episode246.mp3 Dom Magwili is a prolific actor, writer, and educator who has graced his presence on stage and screen for years. Most importantl

What is the Filipino American anthem? Is it Bebot by the Black Eyed Peas? P.T.I. by Carl Angelo? Lemonade by Jeremy Passion? Us by Ruby Ibarra? Do You Miss Me? by Jocelyn Enriquez? Todo Todo by Daniela Romo (you know who chose that one!)?? In this TFAL episode, we look at so-called Filipino American anthems over the years and discuss how much of an anthem they really were to our community. One criterion though: if Producer Mike hasn’t heard of it, it doesn’t count! FYI, we recorded the episode before the launch of Carl Angelo’s #PTIchallenge so we missed the larger impact of that anthem. Pasensya na! Listen or download the episode through the embedded player on ThisFilipinoAmericanLife.com, or subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever your favorite podcasts are found. Did we leave a song out? Is there an anthem yet to be composed? Let us know! Leave us a voicemail at (805) 394-TFAL or email us at [email protected]. This is episode was Joe’s bright idea, so any hate mail can be addressed to him directly. =)

https://thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/tfal-episode244.mp3 In this episode the TFAL crew has a conversation with Arthur Yu. Arthur Yu was diagnosed with <sp

“You’re not Filipino if you don’t speak Tagalog.” “You sound white.” “The national language of the Philippines is Filipino, not Tagalog.” “Filipino is already gender neutral.” Much of our online discourse in the Filipino community is about or related to language. The debates are out there. We here at TFAL want to tackle some of these linguistic arguments head on. On this TFAL episode, we talk about the politics of language in the Filipino/Filipino American community with linguistic anthropologist, Jennifer Delfino, Associate Professor at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Listen as we talk about the politics of “sounding white,” the struggles of Filipino Americans to learn their heritage language, the fallacy and limitations of a Philippine national language, and of course, the ongoing debate of FilipinX. Let the debate rage on! Also, for fun, listen to Joe and Mike’s new made-up national identifiers towards the end of the episode. Listen or download the episode through the embedded player on ThisFilipinoAmericanLife.com, or subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever your favorite podcasts are found. What did you think of the episode? What other language questions do you have? Leave us a voicemail at (805) 394-TFAL or email us at [email protected].

Have you ever thought about doing a pilgrimage? Would you want to contemplate your life choices on a hiking journey through the mountainous regions of Europe? Do you just want to hear about someone else doing that and not deal with the physical and spiritual Olympics of it all? Then this episode is for you! The TFAL crew has an enlightening conversation with Kristine Jan Espinoza about their experience walking the Camino de Santiago. Listen or download the episode through the embedded player on ThisFilipino

In this episode we have tfal fan favorite Faith Santilla aka  “Tita Faith” in her fourth appearance on the pod! Joining Faith is the amazing and inspiring Martha Gonzalez of Quetzal. On this episode Elaine, Kat, and Producer Mike talk story about the exciting and upcoming show at The Ford Los Angeles, Labor of Love. Join us in Commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the Delano Grape Strike in this evening concert, which features

https://thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/tfal-episode240.mp3   In this episode Elaine and Producer Mike have a conversation with singer-songwriter Stephen Ordon

In this episode of TFAL, Elaine and Producer Mike have a conversation with Los Angeles native (yes, they exist!) Chrissa Sparkles.  You may have seen Chrissa Sparkles go viral with her Barbie inspired content on @chrissasparkles. In this conversation we go through Chrissa’s journey as a local kid with no connections figuring out how to maneuver through auditions and the industry. The current state of the world inspired Chrissa to create the dance banger “F*ck ICE.” Play it at

Dear young people, How do we stay cool? Sincerely, Middle-aged TFALers There are many generations of Filipinos who live in the United States in this day and age. Immigrant generations, 2nd generations, 3rd generations, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and now Gen Z. Many have different experiences as Filipino Americans, and in many ways, some of those experiences are the same. In this TFAL episode, we discuss some of these intergenerational differences and similarities with two self-proclaimed Gen Zers. We speak to Skyler Gallarzan and Basilio Juachon about their experiences as 3rd generation Gen Z Filipino Americans. Listen as Elaine, Kat, and Joe feel very old hearing about their perceptions of Generation X / Xennial Filipino Americans. They also discuss how 3rd generation Filipinos try to retain their culture, the real anxieties of Gen Zers, and lasting impact of the “Swagapino.” We didn’t get through all of what we wanted to discuss, but perhaps this is the first of many ongoing conversations with Skyler and Basilio. Listen or download the episode through the embedded player on ThisFilipinoAmericanLife.com, or subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever your favorite podcasts are found. Got a question or topic that we didn’t cover in the episode? Leave us a voicemail at (805) 394-TFAL or email us at [email protected].

Joe wrote a book! Well…kinda. After a few years of gathering photos and writing, Joe has published FILIPINOS IN THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY, a pictorial history that traces the historical and cultural shifts of this quintessential suburb through the lens of generations of Filipinos who made the San Fernando Valley their home. This book is the newest edition of “Filipinos in…” books from Arcadia Publishing. In this TFAL episode, Joe talks with the TFAL crew about his book and the process of writing it. Listened as he discusses why he wrote it, his approach to the book (which may differ from previous Filipino Arcadia books), and why the San Fernando Valley is instructive to understand Filipino American history and culture. Also, listen to our bastos, yet hilarious conversation about the Valley’s once booming porn industry. This episode is especially dedicated to the people of the 818, Elaine and Joe’s home. ABOUT THE BOOK The majority of Filipino Americans reside in suburban communities, yet this history has been largely absent from both academic and popular narratives. FILIPINOS IN THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY offers a visual and narrative glimpse into the lives of Filipino Americans in the place some have dubbed “America’s Suburb,” from early immigrants to the post-1965 wave that helped redefine the suburban experience in Southern California. Many of the photographs and anecdotes spotlight how this community navigated the transformation of the Valley during the economic and demographic shifts of the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. This book documents how suburbia shaped Filipinos, and how Filipinos, in turn, shaped suburbia in their own unique way, contradictions and all. Look out for more posts on how to get a copy of FILIPINOS IN THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY and other book events.

https://thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/tfal-episode236.mp3   In this episode the TFAL crew has a conversation with author Randy Ribay. The crew has discussed Patron Saints of Nothing multiple times, so this conversation was long coming. In fact, we thought we had already spoken to Randy Ribay! So glad we got to have this conversation with Randy about his journey as an author. For folks lucky enough to be at San Diego Comic Con, make sure to check out his panel at today at 6pm in Room 25ABC. Also make sure to check out some TFALpodcast fav vendors like @artofpao_official, @lepetitelefant, @patrickballesteros, @scottlost at @headlockedcomic, and everything that the @lumpiamovie crew is programming! Listen or download the episode through the embedded player on ThisFilipinoAmericanLife.com, or subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever your favorite podcasts are found. What’s a story that you would love to tell? Leave us a voicemail at (805) 394-TFAL or email us at [email protected].

https://thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/tfal-episode235.mp3 In this episode Producer Mike and Elaine have a conversation with TFAL graphic designer Vincent Collyer and his brother Charles Collyer about Charles’ experience with a surprise diagnosis of lung cancer. Charles explains how a post Tough Mudder run lead to a rib injury which the X-rays lead to his lung cancer diagnosis. Post lung cancer surgery, somehow Charles decided to get back into running and began training for races.   Charles (bottom left) with Sick Step during their run on America’s Got Talent   Vincent & Charles at Producer Mike and Elaine’s wedding " data-image-caption="" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/WhatsApp-Image-2025-07-11-at-10.07.06-AM.jpeg?fit=640%2C960&ssl=1" class="wp-image-7069 " src="https://i0.wp.com/thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/WhatsApp-Image-2025-07-11-at-10.07.06-AM.jpeg?resize=445%2C668&ssl=1" alt="" width="445" height="668" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/WhatsApp-Image-2025-07-11-at-10.07.06-AM.jpeg?w=640&ssl=1 640w, https://i0.wp.com/thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/WhatsApp-Image-2025-07-11-at-10.07.06-AM.jpeg?resize=200%2C300&ssl=1 200w, https://i0.wp.com/thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp

https://thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/tfal-episode234.mp3   In this episode the crew has a conversation with author and filmmaker, Jill Damatac, who shares her journey from the Philippines to the States to the UK all through the lens of an undocumented immigrant. Instead of a traditional cookbook, which predominantly focuses on recipes and then sprinkles in family stories, Jill does the opposite and weaves recipes in between Philippine mythology and family history. This timely conversation highlights the perils and resilience of what it means to not have the luck of being born in the States and afforded the luxury of citizenship. Pick up a copy of Dirty Kitchen wherever books are sold like your local independent book store, Bookshop.org, or Barnes and Noble. Are you or a loved one in need of support? Pilipino Workers Center has resources available: PWC Immigration Related Emergency. 24/7 Hotline. Call 820-777-4102 Request a Know Your Rights Card in English and Tagalog: Know Your Rights Card Join a PWC’s Community of Care: PWC Membership Listen or download the episode through the embedded player on ThisFilipinoAmericanLife.com, or subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever your favorite podcasts are found. Do you have a similar story to Jill’s? Want a place to share your story anonymously?Leave us a voicemail at (805) 394-TFAL or email us at [email protected].

Amidst the chaos, we still have hope. A couple of weeks ago, Ryan and Joe had a conversation about being relatively new dads. With Father’s Day approaching, the two TFAL dads discuss their experiences navigating fatherhood and all that it entails. Listen as they talk about how their identities changed as new responsibilities came, how they unconsciously emulate their own parents while trying to mitigate and stop generational trauma, and above all else, how they try to lead with love as much as possible. Parenting is difficult. Perhaps one of the most difficult responsibilities in life. Ryan and Joe don’t have all of the answers, but they try the best they can…which is all you can ask for. Please take a listen and let us know your thoughts. Do you have any advice for any dads out there? Email us at [email protected]. This episode is dedicated to all the dads out there. Never stop learning and growing.

https://thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/tfal-episode232.mp3 TFALpodcast kicks off PRIDE month with a conversation with author and illustrator Mike Curato. In

https://thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/tfal-episode231.mp3 On Election Day 2024, while most of the level-headed American public mourned the re-emergence of the far-right orange man, local folks in Los Angeles had a moment of electoral triumph with the victory of Ysabel Jurado to the Los Angeles City Council. Jurado is the first Filipino/a/x American to ever serve on the City Council for the nation’s 2nd largest city and the home to the largest number of Filipinos outside of the Philippines. It was truly a victory for Filipinos and so many other historically marginalized communities in the city. The TFAL crew knew Ysabel for many years and have been a big supporter of her leadership, so we are ecstatic that she was able to join the podcast. Listen as we discuss her victory over her racist and corrupt opponent, her first few months in office, her loyalty and duty to working class communities, California’s housing crisis, Bernie-chella, and the hopeful future of SM Eagle Rock (aka Eagle Rock Plaza). We also ask her what it was like to work with great Ryan and Joe (spoiler: Ryan and Joe are mid). If you want to know more about the inner workings, pressures, and rewards of running a campaign and serving as an elected official, this is the episode for you. Listen or download the episode through the embedded player on ThisFilipinoAmericanLife.com, or subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever your favorite podcasts are found.

https://thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/tfal-episode230.mp3 In this episode TFAL’s Elaine and Producer Mike have a conversation with Lisa Angulo Reid, founder of Dear Flor @lovedearflor. Dear Flor’s mission is to bring Filipino culture to the world, one flavor at a time. Lisa shares her journey as an entrepreneur and how she transitioned from advertising to the quickly growing cannabis industry. If you have ever been interested in trying gummies, take advantage of the Dear Flor 4/20 promo! All Dear Flor products are 20% off! Free shipping on all orders. Promo ends at midnight Pacific Time on 4/20. Listen or download the episode through the embedded player on ThisFilipinoAmericanLife.com, or subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever your favorite podcasts are found. What flavor would you like to see in a gummy? Let us know! Leave us a voicemail at (805) 394-TFAL or email us at [email protected].

In this TFAL episode, Joe talks to Dr. Allan Lumba, writer, researcher, historian, and professor at Concordia University in Montreal, about potential of Filipinx Studies to inspire our community to fight for a better world. Listen how he developed into a brilliant scholar focused on Philippine Studies, the growing number of Filipino and Filipino American intellectuals unapologetically studying the Philippines and Filipinos in the diaspora, the making of a Filipinx Freedom School, and the current global fascist moment emerging from decades of neoliberal policies. In the episode, they also wax nostalgic about being roommates during their graduate school days at the University of Washington. Listen or download the episode through the embedded player on ThisFilipinoAmericanLife.com, or subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever your favorite podcasts are found. Any thoughts on the episode? Let us know! Leave us a voicemail at (805) 394-TFAL or email us at [email protected].

https://thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/tfal-episode228.mp3 The TFAL crew is no stranger to the world of animation. In episode 28 (TFAL talks Voice Acting (and Secrets & Fears)), the crew had a conversation with voice actors Eric Bauza (@bauzilla) and Earl Baylon (@earlybgoode). While Producer Mike and Elaine were on their trip in the Philippines, they were able to connect with Oscar nominated animation director and founder of Rise Up Animation (@riseupanimation), Bobby Pontillas (@bobbypontillas). <img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="6876" data-permalink="https://thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/2025/03/28/episode-228-tfal-talks-animation-with-bobby-pontillas-rise-up-animation/img_6997/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_6997.jpg?fit=4032%2C3024&ssl=1" data-orig-size="4032,3024" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="IMG_6997" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_6997.jpg?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6876" src="https://i0.wp.com/thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_6997.jpg?resize=1200%2C900&ssl=1" alt="" width="1200" height="900" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_6997.jpg?w=4032&ssl=1 4032w, https://i0.wp.com/thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_6997.jpg?resize=300%2C225&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_6997.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_6997.jpg?resize=150%2C113&ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_6997.jpg?resize=768%2C576&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_6997.jpg?resize=1536%2C1152&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IMG_6997.jpg?resize=2048%2

https://thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/tfal-episode227.mp3 Is it truly “More Fun in the Philippines?  Well technically not any more, because that marketing campaign ended in 2023.  Now it’s “Love the Philippines”, but do we?  They say there’s “no place like home” (which is especially fitting, since this is episode “227”… look it up, kids), but for Elaine and Producer Mike, who were both born in the US, going to the Philippines was always going to be a different sort of homecoming.  And in many ways, Elaine and Producer Mike going to the Philippines is the closing of a chapter of TFAL, in which these specific aspirations have finally been accomplished:  Elaine has gone to the Philippines for the first time ever, and Producer Mike finally made a return after 20 years.  And in both cases, it was everything and nothing either of them expected.  What does that even mean?!  Well listen to the episode and find out! Listen or download the episode through the embedded player on ThisFilipinoAmericanLife.com, or subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever your favorite podcasts are found. What have your experiences visiting the Philippines been like?  Should the whole TFAL crew go there next? Let us know! Leave us a voicemail at (805) 394-TFAL or email us at [email protected].

For generations, society has taught Filipinos and Filipino Americans what our specific gender roles should be. For men, masculinity is usually associated with ideas of strength, competition, emotion-less, family responsibilities, and protection. At times, these concepts can create narrow definitions of manhood and can pigeon-hole heterosexual men into certain prescribed racial, classed, and gender identities. How can Filipino men navigate an increasingly isolating, brutal, and hyper-masculine society particularly in the United States? How do men make room for different forms of masculinity? How do men reject notions of toxicity, violence, and domination as they remake and redefine heterosexual masculinity for ourselves? In this TFAL episode, Joe talks to Don Martinez, a Marriage and Family Therapist based in Pasadena, and Joseph Reynoso, a psychoanalytic clinical psychologist based in New York City. They get into a deep conversation about masculinity among Filipino American men, cultures of domination, familial obligations, ideas of success and failures, and so much more. They barely scratch the surface on this initial conversation, but we hope you find the conversation fresh, interesting, and thought-provoking. NOTE: This was another feeble attempt by Joe to record and edit the episode without the almighty Producer Mike (who was still in the Philippines). Please direct any hate mail to him. Listen or download the episode through the embedded player on ThisFilipinoAmericanLife.com, or subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever your favorite podcasts are found. Do you have thoughts on Filipino American masculinity? Let us know and maybe we’ll have further discussion on a future episode! Leave us a voicemail at (805) 394-TFAL or email us at [email protected]. As referenced in the episode, here is Joseph Reynoso’s latest work, Sports and Psychoanalysis, an edited volume of essays that explores the intersection of sport and psychoanalysis.

Did you know that men from the Philippines prior to colonization wore penis pins and rings in order to pleasure their sexual partner during intercourse? Yes, many of our ancestors had all kinds of sex toys and pleasure enhancers. In many ways, being open to sex and sexual pleasure can be seen as a form of anti-colonialism. Everyday, many Filipinos and Filipino Americans have tried to push for a more sexually liberated society, much to the chagrin of the conservative folks in our community and in the Philippines, On this episode of TFAL we bring back past guest, Cecilia Villero aka Goddess Cecilia, a pleasure educator, advocate, and consultant to discuss sexual pleasure and rejecting the taboos that we grew up with. We ask questions that Ryan and Joe have been dying to know the answers of. Sex is a beautiful thing and so much of the colonial legacies in our culture have prevented us from really exploring it’s facets. Note: Elaine and Producer Mike are visiting the Philippines (Elaine’s first time!), so unfortunately, they aren’t on the episode. But you can check out their adventure of our IG stories. Since they’re on vacation, Joe edited this episode himself, so please blame him the shoddy producing. =) Listen or download the episode through the embedded player on ThisFilipinoAmericanLife.com, or subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever your favorite podcasts are found. Got a question for Goddess Cecilia? Let us know and maybe she’ll come back for a future episode! Leave us a voicemail at (805) 394-TFAL or email us at [email protected].

Episode 224 | Living with the Land – A Conversation with Dennis Arguelles This past fall, TFALpodcast’s Elaine took a California Naturalist Training Institute course with Community Nature Connection (CNC). CNC offers this course to anyone who aspires to be a steward of the land. CNC also offers customized trainings like: Backpacking 101 Camping CA Native Plants Hiking Ind

https://thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tfal-episode223.mp3 If it’s a music episode, you know Producer Mike is behind it! In our 3rd and final episode in our Toronto series, we got to get a hangout with Michelle and Kat, two members of the “queer Filipinx kulintang gong punks” crew Pantayo whose incendiary yet soulful music defies even the sheer idea of a genre. We also got to check in with bedroom pop purveyor Denice Quimbo AKA Ruru, a more recent Toronto transplant by way of Manila who describes herself as a “multi-disciplinary artist, producer, and singer-songwriter,” a description as you’ll soon hear is an incredible understatement. Listen or download the episode through the embedded player on our site, or subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever your favorite podcasts are found. Do you know any other artists from Toronto we should listen to? Keeping in mind that Producer Mike already listens to Broken Social Scene constantly… Let us know! Leave us a voicemail at (805) 394-TFAL or email us at [email protected]. Song clips used in this episode with artists permission: Pantayo – “Heto Na” Pantayo – “Sapa(n)ahon” Pantayo – “One More Latch (Give It To ‘Ya)” Ruru – “Chewing Gum” Ruru – “Tonight!” Ruru – “It Matters Until It Doesn’t”   <img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="6702" data-permalink="https://thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/2024/11/26/episode-223-tfal-x-toronto-sounds-of-the-6ix-with-pantayo-and-ruru/7-togetherness-2/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/7.-Togetherness-2.jpg?fit=2048%2C2796&ssl=1" data-orig-size="2048,2796" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"EZ Controller","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1675265271","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="7. Togetherness-2" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/7.-Togetherness-2.jpg?fit=750%2C1024&ssl=1" class="alignnone wp-image-6702" src="https://i0.wp.com/thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/7.-Togetherness-2.jpg?resize=399%2C545&ssl=1"

We continue our Toronto series with discussions on two very important issues that affect us – politics and golf. As with every visit to another city, we love to talk about the local political scene. Here to talk to us about Canadian politics is Member of Parliament and Minister of Small Business Rechie Valdez. She was elected to the House of Commons in Canada in 2021 representing Mississauga-Streetsville and is the first Filipina Canadian member of Parliament. Listen as she discusses her story as a corporate banker to a baking entrepreneur to one of the most powerful elected officials in Canada as well as the wonderful programs she initiated. Canada is truly doing something way better than here in the U.S. And then we talk about golf. We talk to Adam Robles, founder of Rise Bogey League, a local golf association in Toronto. Here we discuss efforts by the League to re-imagine golf as a game for everyone, and not just rich, white men. Golf is a growing game, even among Filipinos in the diaspora. Robles talks about harnessing that energy and helping Filipinos advance in the sport. They also try to convince Joe to get into golf. (Nice try, guys!). We also discuss our efforts to try to track down Garnet Lechon Sauce. #IYKYK Listen or download the episode through the embedded player on our site, or subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever your favorite podcasts are found. Have you been to Toronto? Have you tried Garnet Lechon Sauce?? Let us know! Leave us a voicemail at (805) 394-TFAL or email us at [email protected]. Here are more photos from our trip to Toronto and interviews! <img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="6661" data-permalink="https://thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/2024/11/08/episode-222-tfal-x-toronto-politics-and-golf-with-the-honourable-rechie-valdez-and-rise-bogey-leagues-adam-robles/20241012-dscf1653/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20241012-DSCF1653.jpg?fit=5824%2C3276&ssl=1" data-orig-size="5824,3276" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"11","credit":"Michael Nailat","camera":"GFX100 II","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1728759554","copyright":"All rights reserved.","focal_length":"55","iso":"6400","shutter_speed":"0.008","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="20241012-DSCF1653" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20241012-DSCF1653.jpg?fit=1024%2C576&ssl=1" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6661" src="https://i0.wp.com/thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20241012-DSCF1653.jpg?resize=1200%2C675&ssl=1" alt="" width="1200" height="675" srcset="https:/

In honor of Filipino American History Month, the TFAL crew goes to Canada!!!  A couple of weeks ago, we had the wonderful opportunity of visiting our neighbors FAR north, Toronto!!! It’s been a while since we’ve traveled to another city, so we made the most of it! <img data-recalc-dims="1" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-attachment-id="6642" data-permalink="https://thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/2024/10/25/episode-221-tfal-x-toronto-welcome-to-torono-with-carlo-de-la-fuente-and-alia-rasul-pinay-collection-with-jovie-galit/20241013-dscf1827/" data-orig-file="https://i0.wp.com/thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/20241013-DSCF1827.jpg?fit=5824%2C3276&ssl=1" data-orig-size="5824,3276" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"2.8","credit":"Michael Nailat","camera":"GFX100 II","caption":"","created_timestamp":"1728838725","copyright":"All rights reserved.","focal_length":"40","iso":"160","shutter_speed":"0.0022222222222222","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-image-title="20241013-DSCF1827" data-image-description="" data-image-caption="" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/20241013-DSCF1827.jpg?fit=1024%2C576&ssl=1" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6642" src="https://i0.wp.com/thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/20241013-DSCF1827.jpg?resize=1200%2C675&ssl=1" alt="" width="1200" height="675" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/20241013-DSCF1827.jpg?w=5824&ssl=1 5824w, https://i0.wp.com/thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/20241013-DSCF1827.jpg?resize=300%2C169&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/20241013-DSCF1827.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/20241013-DSCF1827.jpg?resize=150%2C84&ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/20241013-DSCF1827.jpg?resize=768%2C432&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/20241013-DSCF1827.jpg?resize=1536%2C864&ssl=1 1536w, https://i0.wp.com/thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/20241013-DSCF1827.jpg?resize=2048%2C1152&ssl=1 2048w, https://i0.wp.com/thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/20241013-DSCF1827.jpg?resize=350%2C197&ssl=1 350w, https://i0.wp.com/thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/20241013-DSCF1827.jpg?resize=800%2C450&ssl=1 800w, https://i0.wp.com/thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/20241013-DSCF1827.jpg?resize=400%2C225&ssl=1 400w, https://i0.wp.com/thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/20241013-DSCF1827.jpg?resize=600%2C338&ssl=1 600w, https://i0.wp.com/thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/20241013-DSCF1827.jpg?w=2400&ssl=1 2400w, https://i0.wp.com/thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads

Last but most certainly not least in our series of Island Woman Rise episodes, we have returning guest Faith Santilla! This episode is a wee bit different in that we call it “Ask Tita Faith” where Faith answers questions from TFAL listeners. Will this be something we do in the future? ABSOLUTELY! Will we start to have conversations about perimenopause? YES! Because no one told us that this was a thing and some of us seem to be going through it. Will Joe be a part of these convos? Probably not because Gerlie is going to take ov

Continuing our Island Woman Rise series with a lovely conversation with Filipino-Canadian Kimmortal! The TFAL crew shares how we tried to reach out to Kimmortal in 2019 when we traveled to Vancouver, BC. The interview did not pan out because the universe had other plans for us. They share their journey as an artist with the TFAL crew and we manifest a Filipino North American queer musical! Check out Kimmortal’s music video Blue and Orange, which we speak highly of in the episode. <iframe title="YouTube video player

What what? Another episode of TFALpodcast? Yup. This time the TFAL crew chops it up with Klassy, the youngest artist on the Island Woman Rise line up. Klassy shares her journey as a Historic Filipinotown kid with a talent for drawing and writing lyrics. Find out which TFAL crew member has tattoos done by the talented artist! <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="150" height="144" src="https:/

Surprise episode drop! Leading up to Island Woman Rise we’re dropping two episodes this week! In this episode the TFALpodcast crew has a conversation with Rocky Rivera who recently dropped LONG KISS GOODNIGHT. Rocky shares her journey as a Frisco city kid turned journalist turned full time artist. Bay area folks, check out Rocky’s album release party Sunday, September 29th at <a href="h

Continuing our series of Island Woman Rise episodes, the TFAL crew has a conversation with the uber talented multi-hyphenated artist who inspired the theme of the show, Ruby Ibarra. Ruby shares her journey joining the Beatrock Music family, her growth as an artist, and drops surprising news to us in the episode! If you haven’t yet, make sure to check out Ruby’s latest music video Bakunawa featuring Ouida, Han Han, & June Millington.

In this episode the TFAL crew talks story with Kat Carrido Bonds, our fam and frequent fill in for food appreciator Ryan. Kat shares her journey from music aficionado to college student turned pcn coordinator turned cultural affairs commissioner to Filipino American cultural events producer. Kat and her producing partners with AKB Media are bringing ISLAND WOMAN RI

“In the Year 2000…” If you know that line, you remember it was a bit that Conan O’ Brien did during his late night talk show where he and his co-host Andy Richter comically predicted what the world would be like in the year 2000. (Yes, we’re that old). In this TFAL episode, Ryan and Joe attempt to rehash this bit, but for the Year 3000 and for Filipinos. Yes, Ryan and Joe alone (without Elaine and Producer Mike who were on vacation) steer this episode in what they call the Bernardo Carpio Legendary Hour. Listen as they try to make both serious and silly predictions about Filipinos and Filipino Americans. What sports will be popular in the future? Which food franchise will make a comeback in the U.S.? What will happen to California’s Filipino enclaves? And what will be the future of Circus Circus?? UY, PHILIPPINES! Listen or download the episode through the embedded player on our site, or subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever your favorite podcasts are found. What are your predictions for the Filipino future? Leave us a voicemail at (805) 394-TFAL or email us at [email protected].

https://thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/tfal-episode213.mp3 Every four years (two years if you care for winter sports) athletes from around the world come together to compete in sporting events at the Olympic Games.  It’s a time when we care about such sports as swimming, track and field, gymnastics, and dressage. (Seriously, how many of us really care about these sports between Olympics??). Think of the Olympics as Friendship Games or Sportsfest but a million times bigger. In this TFAL episode, the crew talks about the one and only Olympic Games! We discuss our memories of Olympics, the politics of rooting for Filipinos and Filipino Americans, and which sporting events should be offered at the Olympics so Filipinos would excel.  Find out who no longer pays much attention to the Olympics, who roots for the underdog, and who knows what the actual Olympic theme music is. Sportsmanship! Listen or download the episode through the embedded player on our site, or subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever your favorite podcasts are found. What is your earliest memories of the Olympics?  Who would you root for between a Filipino and a Filipino American?  Leave us a voicemail at (805) 394-TFAL or email us at [email protected].

Ay SAUCE-MARYOSEP!.  Have you ever thought of what kind of Filipino sauces and condiments are in your kitchen?  Patis, toyo, suka, bagoong, banana ketchup, sinigang packets, etc. These are essential ingredients to all of our wonderful Filipino dishes. OK, so have you also thought of what kind of preservatives and colorings are in them?  Sorbic acid? Sodium benzoate? Titanium dioxide? Red No. 5??? Luckily, Fila Manila is trying to create these sauces and condiments without the added preservatives and other nasty ingredients that aren’t so good for us through locally sources. He’s also hoping that his new Filipino food brand will expand the accessibility of our cuisine to Filipinos and non-Filipinos alike. In this TFAL episode, we talk to Jake Deleon, founder and CEO of Fila Manila. Listen as we discuss the genesis of his Filipino food brand, how he’s trying to change our diets for the better by rejecting the preservative-ation of Filipino food, what other Filipino food needs to be more accessible to Americans, and his experience on Sharktank.  Of course, we start off the show by talking about the sauces and condiments that are in our kitchens. Listen or download the episode through the embedded player on our site, or subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever your favorite podcasts are found. Have you tried any Fila Manila products? What do you think?? Leave us a voicemail at (805) 394-TFAL or email us at [email protected].

Who taught you about SEX? Was it through school? Was it through watching porn? Whatever means you learned (or are learning) about the various aspects of sex, we could bet it wasn’t through your parents! With the Catholic Church shaping our Filipino way our being, sex education has been reduced to abstinence and “family life.” In many ways, Filipinos and Filipino Americans are quite prudish (at least outwardly) when it comes to sex. This is a subject we really never talk about it. In this episode, we talk about sex (baby!). We focus on the politics of sex education and the cultural mores of pleasure. We talk about education of both sexual health and sexual pleasure with Justine Ang Fonte, M.Ed, MPH and Cecilia Villero, aka Goddess Cecilia. Justine is an award-winning intersectional health educator, ghostwriter, and professor, while Cecilia is a Filipina pleasure educator, advocate, and consultant. Listen as we discuss the cultural taboos about sex in the Filipino American community, the vital need of sex education everywhere, how sex ed is vital in helping to prevent sexual assault, and precolonial sexual practices (and how religious patriarchy changed them!). Also learn a valuable lesson about not forcing children to hug everyone they meet. Listen or download the episode through the embedded player on our site, or subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever your favorite podcasts are found. Any thoughts about sex education as a Filipino American? Leave us a voicemail at (805) 394-TFAL or email us at [email protected].

TFAL goes to Hawaii! Well, actually just Joe goes to Hawaii.  While attending a conference in Honolulu, Joe took the opportunity to do an additional interview with local Filipino American leader, Chachie Abara. Chachie is an Ilocano language and mental health advocate, runs the podcast and media company KasamahanCo, and is author of a bilingual Ilocano children’s book, Ti Nakakaskasdaaw a Padas ni Nasudi (Nasudi’s Amazing Adventure). Listen as we discuss the some the differences between Filipino Americans in Hawaii and on the Mainland. We also discuss her work in promoting Ilocano to young folks in Hawaii and beyond, as well as her career in advocating the need for mental health to Filipino Americans. Listen or download the episode through the embedded player on our site, or subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever your favorite podcasts are found. Let us know your thoughts on the episode. Leave us a voicemail at (805) 394-TFAL or email us at [email protected].

https://thisfilipinoamericanlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/tfal-episode209.mp3 On August 8, 2023, Maui experienced the largest wildfire in the “United States” in more than 100 years, killing 101 people and displacing 6,500. National media portrayed the disaster as an unfortunate incident to Maui’s idyllic setting for tourism. However, hidden from this mainstream narrative is the larger context of how the wildfires and its disproportionate affect on Filipinos (who make up 40% of Lahaina Town), Native Hawaiians, and other historically marginalized communities of color transpired. The Maui Fires, like Hurricane Katrina nearly 20 years ago, was largely a man-made disaster, scorching the island through the convergence of settler colonialism, racial capitalism, and climate change. In this TFAL episode, Joe (who traveled to Hawaii for a conference) interviews Nadenza (Nadine) Ortega and Michelle Salazar Hyman, two Pinay community organizers who led a group of volunteers to give much needed assessment and aid to the thousands of Filipino survivors of the Maui Fires. Fresh from their conference presentation, Nadine and Michelle share how the fires need to be placed within a larger, imperial framework, how they responded to the disaster due to the inadequate relief efforts from outside organizations, how the institutionalization of Ilocano language learning was vital to build, organize, and help community, and the ongoing struggle to service the thousands of Filipino American survivors in Maui. The Maui Fires of 2023 is another example of systemic racism towards Filipinos and other communities. We hope this conversation sheds light on this much needed issue and helps re-frame the discourse of “natural” disasters. Listen or download the episode through the embedded player on our site, or subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever your favorite podcasts are found. If you’d like to get in touch with the organization, please email them at [email protected] and follow their IG page, @tagnawaformaui. Let us know your thoughts on the episode. Leave us your confession at (805) 394-TFAL or email us at [email protected].

“Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. I am a BAD Filipino!” What makes you a “bad” Filipino?  It’s time to confess!!  In this TFAL episode, the crew discusses what makes us “bad” Filipinos…or rather Filipinos who buck the proverbial trend.  Which one of us doesn’t like Jollibee?  Who doesn’t mano po?  Who doesn’t ever want to send money back to the Philippines? Which one of us supports a white American culture vulture??  We discuss all this and more in this episode of reconciliation! Listen or download the episode through the embedded player on our site, or subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever your favorite podcasts are found. Are you a bad Filipino? Do you have something to confess? Leave us your confession at (805) 394-TFAL or email us at [email protected].