Teka Teka

Boys' Love—once a niche genre quietly circulating among manga fans—has exploded into a global phenomenon and “Heated Rivalry” sits at the epicenter. With its searing rivals-to-lovers arc, elite sports backdrop, and the kind of slow-burn tension that makes viewers lose sleep, it has pulled in two unlikely but passionate audiences: cisgender women and gay men.In this episode of Thought Bubbles, two guests who represent those worlds—Diana Mendoza, a journalist who covers queer media and entertainment, and Deo Esquillo-Giga, a self-identified super fan who lives inside the Heated Rivalry fandom—sit down together to unpack why this series, and BL as a genre, hits so differently.Producer: Bubbles Magpayo Audio editor: Anthony Tobias Listen to our episodes on: Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the International Criminal Court determines whether it should put former President Rodrigo Duterte on trial for crimes against humanity, we look back on his war on drugs and how it drastically changed the lives of millions of Filipinos. Listen to this recast episode from 2020, part one of an audio documentary where we inquire into his bloody campaign to rid the streets of narcotics and criminality. For the full two seasons, go to Tokhang sa Tokhang on Spotify. Follow Teka Teka and PumaPodcast for more stories that go beyond the headlines:🎧 Listen on Spotify🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts🔔 Subscribe on YouTube 📱 Instagram📘 Facebook🐦 X Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Burnout doesn’t always look like failure. Sometimes, it looks like doing everything “right” — and still feeling exhausted, lost, or behind.In this episode, former PumaPodcast producer Jyn Garcia revisits her own experience with early-career burnout through the lens of the Hero’s Journey, a storytelling framework popularized by Joseph Campbell. Drawing from her background in screenwriting and film studies, Jyn reflects on what happens when the mindset that once drove success — constant achievement, perfectionism, and measurable milestones — starts to fall apart.By weaving together personal storytelling and narrative theory, this episode explores burnout not as an ending, but as a turning point: the “abyss” that forces a shift in how we define progress, purpose, and self-worth.If you’ve ever felt pressured to keep pushing, worried about being “behind,” or struggled to let go of overachiever habits, this episode offers a different way to understand where you are, and where you might be headed next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does toppling a dictatorship sound like? In this special episode from 2022, we bring you the first three parts of Radyo Malaya, a radio drama we produced for the Cultural Center of the Philippines using archival sound recordings from Radyo Veritas and the Philippine Information Agency. Listen to all ten parts on Spotify. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After years of partnership with Meta, fact-checkers worldwide are facing an existential threat. Journalist Nica Hanopol speaks to Celine Samson from VERA Files, who takes us inside the day-to-day reality of fighting misinformation while platforms shift their priorities and funding disappears. Samson unpacks why this moment is a turning point for Philippine audiences and how fact-checkers are remaining the work despite dwindling support.This episode is produced by Nica Rhiana Hanopol and engineered by Anthony Tobias. Jaemark Tordecilla is our editor-at-large.Listen to our episodes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.For more updates, follow Teka Teka on these platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Every Chinese New Year, feng shui advice floods our feeds—lucky colors, money corners, quick rearrangements meant to “reset” the year ahead. But what happens when those changes don’t seem to do anything?In this episode of Thought Bubbles on Teka Teka, we sit down with Pauline Rana to unpack the gap between mainstream feng shui tips and the more personalized framework behind classical feng shui.Instead of adding another tip to the pile, this conversation looks at why following broad advice can sometimes leave people disappointed — especially when the system behind it isn’t meant to be one-size-fits-all.If you’ve ever tried feng shui and felt unsure whether it worked, this episode explores why that disconnect might happen.If you want to learn more about Pauline Rana’s work, you can find her on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, and her website fengshuiandfortune.com. We will leave her social media handles in the episode description below.Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/fengshuiandfortune/Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/fengshuiandfortune/Tiktok : https://www.tiktok.com/@fengshuiandfortuneThis episode is produced by Bubbles Magpayo and engineered by Jem Bunao. Jaemark Tordecilla is our editor-at-large.Listen to our episodes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.For more updates, follow Teka Teka on these platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Malamig ba ang Valentine's Day mo? Seen-zoned lang ni crush? Baka naman ipinagkatiwala mo na lang ang love life mo sa dating apps? In this 2020 episode from the Usapang Econ Podcast, experts JC Punongbayan and Jeff Arapoc discuss the economics behind love and attraction. Check out the podcast on Spotify Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Not in this economy” has become shorthand for how many young Filipinos are navigating adulthood today.In 2026, the Philippine economy continues to grow — but not evenly, and not in ways that always translate into financial security for those just starting out. While official indicators point to stability, Gen Z faces persistent challenges around underemployment, wage stagnation, and delayed milestones.In this episode of Thought Bubbles, we sit down with Christian Jimenez, a CPA-lawyer and economics professor, to unpack what the numbers are actually telling us — and where they fall short of capturing lived experience. We discuss GDP, employment quality, income realities, and why economic progress can feel abstract on the ground.Beyond the data, the conversation looks at how young Filipinos are adjusting: building skills outside traditional career paths, leaning into digital and community-based work, and rethinking success in an economy that no longer follows linear timelines.This episode is produced by Bubbles Magpayo and engineered by Anthony Tobias. Jaemark Tordecilla is our editor-at-large.Listen to our episodes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.For more updates, follow Teka Teka on these platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do we defend history in an age of speed, noise, and disinformation?In this live conversation from Maki+Fiesta 2.0, historian, educator and author Professor Xiao Chua joins Lyn Olavario and Hannah Tasarra for a candid conversation on public history, technology, and why truth matters—especially for younger audiences.Recorded in the middle of the festival, the discussion touches on creative platforms, collaboration, and the shared responsibility of keeping history accessible, accurate, and alive. From classrooms to content creation, this episode looks at how the past continues to shape the present, and why we can’t afford to stop telling these stories.This episode was produced by Hannah Tasarra and engineered by Jem Bunao. Jaemark Tordecilla is our editor-at-large.Listen to our episodes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.For more updates, follow us on these platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it really feel like to watch Alex Eala play live — not on a screen, but from the stands?In this episode, we are joined by journalist and writer Carla Lim Teng-Westergaard to talk about the experience of attending professional tennis matches as a Filipino fan: navigating silence and applause, reading the crowd, and learning how tennis culture works in real time.Drawing from firsthand experiences watching Alex compete overseas, this conversation looks at tennis not just as a sport, but as a space shaped by history, class, and unspoken rules — and what happens when new audiences enter that space with curiosity, pride, and enthusiasm.As Filipinos show up in growing numbers to support Alex Eala, this episode asks what it means to belong, to learn on the spot, and to cheer with awareness without losing the joy that brought us there in the first place.Carla also wrote an article covering this topic for Business Mirror. You may read the article here.This episode is produced by Bubbles Magpayo and engineered by Anthony Tobias. Jaemark Tordecilla is our editor-at-large.Listen to our episodes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.For more updates, follow Teka Teka on these platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex Eala has put Philippine tennis in the spotlight — and with it comes excitement, new fans, and a learning curve.Tennis in the Philippines is having a moment, and as new audiences fill the stands and global attention turns toward the country, this episode unpacks the growing pains of a sport entering the mainstream.What does it mean to support an athlete well? How do we balance passion with sportsmanship? And how can this moment help build a more informed, welcoming tennis culture?In this episode, we are joined by Iza, a Learning and Development professional based in Australia, whose post on tennis etiquette sparked a much-needed conversation — not from a place of shaming, but from wanting people to enjoy and respect the sport.If you want to read her post, you can find it here.This episode is produced by Bubbles Magpayo and engineered by Anthony Tobias. Jaemark Tordecilla is our editor-at-large.Listen to our episodes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.For more updates, follow Teka Teka on these platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At Maki+Fiesta 2.0, artist Arthur Tselishchev sits down with Hannah Tasarra for a live conversation on art, memory, and responsibility in times of war. A Ukrainian artist who has made the Philippines his home, Arthur reflects on creating work amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, now more than three years since the full‑scale invasion began in February 2022—using painting not as spectacle, but as a form of healing, witness, and resistance.As attention fades and disinformation grows louder, this conversation explores how art can cut through fatigue, carry truth without argument, and keep human stories visible when headlines move on. Recorded during the festival, the exchange touches on war, diaspora, shared values, and why culture remains a powerful tool for education and civic imagination.We’d like to thank the Embassy of Ukraine for introducing Arthur to Maki+Fiesta and making this conversation possible. You can follow Arthur’s work here:Facebook: www.facebook.com/arthur.tselishchevInstagram: @arthurtsofficialX (formerly Twitter): @ArturTsThis episode was produced by Hannah Tasarra and engineered by Anthony Tobias. Jaemark Tordecilla is our editor-at-large.Listen to our episodes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.For more updates, follow us on these platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trigger warning: This episode discusses animal cruelty, including instances of abuse, neglect, and mistreatment. Some content may be distressing for listeners.Following the recent conviction of a mall security guard for killing a puppy, conversations around animal cruelty and accountability have resurfaced. While public outrage is often swift, justice is not.In this rerun of Teka Teka, PAWS chief attorney Anna Cabrera explains why most animal cruelty cases in the Philippines never reach court, even when incidents are documented or shared online. We break down the country’s animal welfare laws, the importance of eyewitness affidavits, and the limits of relying on social media for justice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Coffee is part of everyday life in the Philippines—but behind every cup is a long history shaped by trade, agriculture, labor, and culture. In this episode, we revisit a conversation from WhatsAP? Araling Panlipunan Rebooted, exploring how coffee arrived in the Philippines, why the country sits in the global coffee “bean belt,” and what makes Philippine coffee unique.From Batangas’ rise as a coffee powerhouse to the impact of plant disease, climate change, and shifting consumer habits, the episode breaks down the past, present, and possible future of the local coffee industry. You’ll also hear from Filipino coffee professionals—roasters, processors, and educators—who explain specialty coffee, coffee varietals like Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa, and why quality and fair pricing matter.This conversation also asks an important question: what role do consumers play in supporting Filipino coffee farmers and small businesses? As specialty coffee grows in the Philippines, understanding where your coffee comes from can make every cup more meaningful.This episode rerun is produced and edited by Anthony Tobias. Jaemark Tordecilla is our editor-at-large.Listen to our episodes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.For more updates, follow Teka Teka on these platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Filipinos grow more vigilant about how government money is spent, questions around the national budget go beyond big numbers and official promises. More people are asking harder, more personal questions: sino ang magbabayad, sino ang makikinabang, at para kanino ba talaga ang mga programang ito?In this episode rerun, Roby Alampay talks with economist Cielo Magno about how ordinary citizens can evaluate government spending and policy announcements—without needing an economics background. The discussion avoids technical jargon and instead offers practical ways to assess priorities, feasibility, and fairness, using everyday analogies that make the budget process easier to understand.This rerun is produced and edited by Anthony Tobias. Jaemark Tordecilla is our editor-at-large.Listen to our episodes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.For more updates, follow Teka Teka on these platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

UP Tugma brings Philippine music to life. In this live episode from Maki+Fiesta 2.0, the student musicians from the UP College of Music take us behind the rhythms, stories, and traditions they perform—showing how music can carry culture, connect communities, and spark collaboration.Join us for a lively, short conversation recorded in the heart of the festival, and discover how tradition meets creativity in the hands of the next generation of Filipino musicians.This episode was produced by Hannah Tasarra and engineered by Jem Bunao. Jaemark Tordecilla is our editor-at-large.Listen to our episodes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.For more updates, follow us on these platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The start of a new year often comes with plans to improve daily habits, including skincare. But with countless products, routines, and online advice competing for attention, building a skincare routine can quickly become confusing and expensive.In this rerun of a Project Vanity episode, we revisit a timely conversation on skincare habits, evidence-based advice, and the importance of professional guidance. The discussion focuses on understanding your own skin, avoiding misinformation, and knowing when skincare products are not enough without consulting a dermatologist.This conversation offers a practical perspective for anyone starting the year with skincare goals—whether you are simplifying your routine, addressing persistent skin concerns, or looking to make informed decisions rather than follow trends.This episode rerun is produced by Hannah Grace and edited by Anthony Tobias. Jaemark Tordecilla is our editor-at-large.Listen to our episodes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.For more updates, follow Teka Teka on these platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Japan is facing a growing contradiction. As the country grapples with an aging population and severe labor shortages, it is planning to admit up to 820,000 foreign workers under its Specified Skilled Worker program by the end of the decade. Yet at the same time, anti-immigrant sentiment has been gaining ground in Japanese politics.  In this episode of Teka Teka, Prof. Gracia Liu-Farrer, co-author of a recent Foreign Affairs article on Japan’s immigration paradox, joins us to unpack the country’s demographic crisis and what Japan’s labor policies mean for migrant workers on the ground. We also look at what these shifts mean for Filipino migrants, the fourth-largest foreign community in Japan.You can read the Foreign Affairs article here.This episode is produced by Lyn Olavario and engineered by Jem Bunao. Jaemark Tordecilla is our editor-at-large.Listen to our episodes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.For more updates, follow Teka Teka on these platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we enter 2026, many Filipinos are setting resolutions to eat healthier and become more mindful of nutrition. But how easy is it really to make informed food choices, especially when grocery shelves are filled with products claiming to be “healthy”?In this rerun episode of Teka Teka, we revisit a conversation on food labels, nutrition claims, and why what we eat matters for public health. Health experts and advocates explain how excessive sugar, salt, and fat intake are linked to non-communicable diseases, which are now among the leading causes of death in the Philippines.The episode also looks at the push for clearer food warning labels, how other countries have implemented them, and why these labels could help Filipino consumers make better, healthier choices without needing to decode complicated nutrition facts.If improving your eating habits is part of your New Year’s resolutions, this episode offers important context on nutrition, food environments, and the policies shaping what ends up on our plates.This episode rerun is produced and edited by Anthony Tobias. Jaemark Tordecilla is our editor-at-large.Listen to our episodes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.For more updates, follow Teka Teka on these platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The New Year often promises fresh starts, but real life rarely resets overnight. In this episode, we revisit a meditation on finding meaning in repetition, quiet progress, and the everyday effort we carry into each year.Drawing from the story of Sisyphus and the gentle wisdom found in Hayao Miyazaki’s films, Jyn Garcia explores how hope, clarity, and purpose can emerge even when life feels non-linear or overwhelming.If you’re easing into 2026, this episode offers a grounded reflection on work, growth, and the small choices that shape our days.This episode rerun is produced and edited by Anthony Tobias. Jaemark Tordecilla is our editor-at-large.Listen to our episodes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.For more updates, follow Teka Teka on these platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Rizal Day, we revisit one of Manila’s most overlooked heritage sites: the Pansiteria Macanista de Buen Gusto, a real Binondo restaurant that José Rizal named in El Filibusterismo.The structure—one of the last surviving 19th-century buildings of its kind—offers a rare glimpse into the Manila Rizal once walked. Though time has nearly claimed it, the pansiteria remains a powerful reminder of the everyday spaces that shaped his world and his writing.In this episode rerun, we explore the building’s history, its connection to Rizal’s novel, and why heritage advocates are racing to save it from collapse or demolition. On this day when we honor Rizal’s legacy, we ask what it means to let a piece of his Manila fade away.This episode was produced and engineered by Anthony Tobias. Jaemark Tordecilla is our editor-at-large.Listen to our episodes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.For more updates, follow us on these platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recorded live at MAKI+Fiesta 2.0, this episode of Thought Bubbles brings together content creators DJ Cupcakes and Mathilda Airlines, alongside journalist and producer Lolit Lachica, for a grounded conversation on influence, creative content, and truth-telling in today’s media landscape.From remixing viral rants into music, to using movement and humor as entry points for political and social issues, the discussion explores how creators navigate algorithms, advocacy, and responsibility. The episode also looks at the growing overlap between content creation and journalism—where personality, research, and context intersect in shaping public conversation.This live recording offers insight into how creators stay authentic while reaching wide audiences, why collaboration with journalists matters, and what truth-telling looks like in an age of virality.This episode was produced Bubbles Magpayo and engineered by Jem Bunao. Jaemark Tordecilla is our editor-at-large.Listen to our episodes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. For more updates, follow us on these platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Every year, the Filipino Christmas season unofficially begins the moment Jose Mari Chan’s voice returns to malls, radios, and memes. But the history of our holiday soundtrack goes much deeper than Christmas in Our Hearts.In this episode rerun, we trace the evolution of Filipino Christmas music—from the Spanish-era villancicos, to classic OPM hits like Ang Pasko ay Sumapit and Himig ng Pasko, all the way to the rise of Jose Mari Chan, whose songs have come to define the modern Filipino Christmas playlist.Music educators and culture experts walk us through the traditions, cultural influences, and generations of Filipino composers who shaped the way we celebrate the holidays through song.This episode was produced and engineered by Anthony Tobias. Jaemark Tordecilla is our editor-at-large.Listen to our episodes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.For more updates, follow us on these platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Every Christmas, Filipinos turn to Papemelroti for simple, meaningful, and affordable gifts—from wooden signs and journals to handcrafted décor and inspirational keepsakes. But before it became a go-to shop for holiday gift-giving, it began as a small family-run store under an apartment in Quezon City—built by Benny and Socorro Alejandro, and later powered by their creatively raised children.In this episode rerun, we revisit the story of how Papemelroti grew into one of the most beloved Filipino craft brands, how it survived shifting times, and why it continues to inspire generations of makers and gift-givers.This episode was produced and engineered by Anthony Tobias. Jaemark Tordecilla is our editor-at-large.Listen to our episodes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.For more updates, follow us on these platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meta's decision to end its third-party fact-checking program threatens to reshape the Philippine information landscape—and not for the better. In this episode, journalist Nica Hanopol sits down with disinformation researcher and political communications professor JM Lanuza to unpack what this means for Filipino audiences who already navigate a sea of misinformation online.With 34% of Filipinos consulting fact-checking sites—higher than the global average—the stakes couldn't be clearer. But as funding cuts sweep through counter-disinformation efforts and platforms shift toward opaque "community notes" systems, who stands to benefit? And more importantly, who loses?This episode is produced by Nica Rhiana Hanopol and engineered by Anthony Tobias. Jaemark Tordecilla is our editor-at-large.Listen to our episodes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.For more updates, follow Teka Teka on these platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s Christmas 2025, and the season of shopping, gift-giving, and holiday travel is in full swing. But with high prices and rising expenses, many Filipinos are asking the same question: How do I make the most of my 13th month pay and Christmas bonus this year?In this special holiday rerun, we revisit a listener favorite on smart spending and financial planning. Learn practical tips on budgeting, paying off debt, setting financial goals, and making intentional choices with your money—so you can enjoy the holidays without the January regrets.If you're looking for guidance on how to use your bonus wisely, avoid impulsive holiday spending, or start investing for the future, this episode is for you.This episode was produced and engineered by Anthony Tobias. Jaemark Tordecilla is our editor-at-large.Listen to our episodes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.For more updates, follow us on these platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vasectomy is still uncommon in the Philippines, but that may be starting to change.Recently, writer Brix Tino won First Prize for Sanaysay at the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for his essay “Ari,” where he shares why he chose to get a vasectomy at just 22 years old. And earlier this year, TV host Drew Arellano was praised by the Commission on Population and Development for undergoing a vasectomy, showing that men can take an active role in family planning.In this rerun of our original episode, we go inside a no-scalpel vasectomy with someone who documented his experience in real time — from pre-procedure counseling to recovery — and we hear from advocates about how male involvement can save lives by protecting women’s health.This episode was produced and engineered by Anthony Tobias. Jaemark Tordecilla is our editor-at-large.Listen to our episodes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.For more updates, follow us on these platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does learning Tagalog mean to second- and third-generation Filipino Americans? PumaPodcast reporter Maria Reyes joins New York University students on an immersion trip to Little Manila, Queens, where they practice the language with shop owners and reconnect with their heritage. Their stories reveal how language loss, shame, and identity shape the Fil-Am experience and why learning Tagalog can be an act of healing and pride.This episode was engineered by Jem Bunao. Jaemark Tordecilla is our editor-at-large.Listen to our episodes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.For more updates, follow us on these platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s 2025, and the DTI is once again insisting that a ₱500 Noche Buena is possible—sparking déjà vu from the same debate three years ago. So we’re bringing back that earlier episode to revisit the original uproar and explore what the ₱500 Noche Buena tells us about affordability, holiday spending, and the cost of living in the Philippines.This episode rerun was produced by Hannah Tasarra and engineered by Anthony Tobias. Jaemark Tordecilla is our editor-at-large.Listen to our episodes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.For more updates, follow us on these platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why do so many Filipino children struggle to read and what does that say about the state of education and literacy in the Philippines today?In this National Book Week episode, we revisit our conversation with Gillian Reyes of the National Book Development Board (NBDB) to unpack the country’s growing reading crisis. From lack of access and rising book costs to home environments and reading culture, this episode explores the real reasons why fewer Filipinos are reading for pleasure — and how this impacts literacy, learning, and national development.We also dive into how initiatives like Book Nooks, the Philippine Book Festival, and local language translations are working to rebuild a culture of reading in communities across the country.This episode rerun was produced by Anthony Tobias and engineered by Jem Bunao. Jaemark Tordecilla is our editor-at-large.Listen to our episodes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.For more updates, follow us on these platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Philippines has become one of the most active frontlines in the growing US–China information war, where digital influence operations, propaganda campaigns, and soft power tactics are shaping public opinion, politics, and national security.In this episode, we speak with Reuters correspondents Poppy McPherson and Karen Lema about their investigation into a Chinese-backed disinformation network operating in the Philippines — and how it mirrors similar tactics used by the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic.From troll accounts and fake engagement to “soft diplomacy” influencers and controversial awards for public officials, this conversation unpacks how global powers compete for narrative control in the country. It also explores why the Philippines has become such a strategic target in both information warfare and the broader US–China geopolitical rivalry, especially in the context of the South China Sea, Taiwan tensions, and regional security.This episode was engineered by Anthony Tobias. Jaemark Tordecilla is our editor-at-large.You may read the Reuters articles here and here.Listen to our episodes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.For more updates, follow us on these platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sixteen years after the Maguindanao Massacre, one of the deadliest attacks on journalists in history, Teka Teka revisits one of the most haunting stories from Super Evil: A Beautiful Place to Die Season 2.This special feature brings back “The Cellphone,” the powerful minisode about Atty. Cynthia Oquendo-Ayon, one of the 58 victims murdered on November 23, 2009. Amid the terror on a remote hill in Maguindanao, Cynthia managed to hold on to her phone and send desperate messages as gunfire surrounded her. Those final texts, recovered against all odds, would later help convict members of the Ampatuan clan in a trial that lasted a decade.More than a retelling of violence, this episode is a tribute to courage, press freedom, and the relentless pursuit of truth. It reflects on how one woman’s final act, reaching out for help, became a key piece of evidence in one of the most important justice battles in Philippine history.As we commemorate another year since the massacre, we remember the journalists, lawyers, and civilians whose lives were stolen—and the stories that demand to be told, again and again.Listen to this Teka Teka special feature and revisit the origins of Super Evil’s landmark investigation into the Maguindanao Massacre.This episode was produced by Bubbles Magpayo and engineered by Jem Bunao. Jaemark Tordecilla is our editor-at-large.Listen to our episodes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.For more updates, follow us on these platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Regine Cabato sits down with military historian Jose Custodio to unpack the rise of pro-China propaganda on Filipino social media and how these narratives intersect with the politics of the Marcos administration and the Duterte camp.Custodio explains where fearmongering about military coups comes from, why influencers echo Beijing’s lines on the West Philippine Sea, and how disinformation networks built during the Duterte years continue to shape public opinion today. He also discusses the political stakes leading up to 2028 — from Marcos’ pushback against pro-China narratives to how the Duterte camp’s messaging still resonates with voters despite widespread anti-China sentiment.This episode was engineered by Anthony Tobias. Jaemark Tordecilla is our editor-at-large.Listen to our episodes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.For more updates, follow us on these platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the passing of Juan Ponce Enrile at 101, we revisit the story of a man whose influence shaped—and survived—every major turn in modern Philippine politics.In this rerun of the second and final part of our special series on JPE, we trace how he moved from the center of power under Ferdinand Marcos Sr. to the front lines of the 1986 People Power Revolution, and how he remained a force in government long after.Originally released in 2024 to mark his 100th birthday, this series draws from news archives, public records, and Juan Ponce Enrile: A Memoir. Interview segments courtesy of Probe Archives.This rerun was produced by Anthony Tobias and engineered by Jem Bunao. Jaemark Tordecilla is our editor-at-large.Listen to our episodes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.For more updates, follow us on these platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Juan Ponce Enrile, one of the most powerful, influential, and controversial figures in modern Philippine history, has died at 101.In this rerun of our special series on JPE, we look back on the extraordinary life of a man whose story spanned dictatorship, revolution, and democracy — and who served across administrations from Ferdinand Marcos Sr. to Benigno Aquino III.This first episode traces Enrile’s beginnings: from his childhood in Cagayan and his reunion with his father, to his rise as a brilliant young lawyer and his entry into government under President Marcos Sr.Originally released in 2024 to mark his 100th birthday, this series draws from news archives, public records, and Juan Ponce Enrile: A Memoir. Interview segments courtesy of Probe Archives.This rerun was produced and engineered by Anthony Tobias. Jaemark Tordecilla is our editor-at-large.Listen to our episodes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.For more updates, follow us on these platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How does the media shape the way we think and talk about mental health? Hannah Tasarra sits down with Roy Dahildahil and Richardson Mojica of MentalHealthPH to talk about how news outlets, social media, and content creators can help change the narrative around mental health and suicide in the Philippines.They discuss what responsible reporting looks like, why certain words matter, and how empathy and ethical storytelling can save lives. Join us as we explore how to use media as a tool for awareness, understanding, and hope.Trigger Warning ⚠️This episode contains sensitive topics related to self-harm and suicide that might be triggering or difficult to listen to. Please only listen if you're comfortable. If you need to reach out to a professional for support, you can reach out to NCMH 24/7 Crisis Hotline at 0917-899-8727 or check mentalhealthph.org/directory for a list of mental health facilities. We're committed to a safe and supportive environment for all. Thank you for joining us.This episode was produced by Hannah Tasarra and engineered by Jem Bunao. Jaemark Tordecilla is our editor-at-large.Listen to our episodes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.For more updates, follow us on these platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In an age of screens and solitude, Filipino adults are rediscovering the joy of gathering around a table: to play, tell stories, and roll some dice. In this episode of Thought Bubbles, we talk to gamer and storyteller Lanz Frago about the growing tabletop games community in the Philippines, why it’s not just for kids (or nerds), and how these games are building friendships, creativity, and even confidence among players.This episode was produced by Bubbles Magpayo, and engineered by Anthony Tobias. Jaemark Tordecilla is our editor-at-large.Listen to our episodes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.For more updates, follow us on these platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Teacher Grace Osio, Board Member of World Vision Philippines and a longtime advocate for inclusive education, joins host Hannah Tasarra to unpack what ADHD really is — a condition of regulation, attention, and processing, not misbehavior. Together, they discuss how hyperactivity and inattention can be misunderstood, how classroom structures can unintentionally exclude, and why changing mindsets among teachers and parents is key to building classrooms where every child can thrive.This episode was produced by Hannah Tasarra and engineered by Anthony Tobias. Jaemark Tordecilla is our editor-at-large.Listen to our episodes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.For more updates, follow us on these platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PhilStar.com reporter Cristina Chi joins Regine Cabato to unpack how foreign disinformation networks are exploiting real frustrations in the Philippines—turning them into viral calls for Mindanao secession and anti-Marcos narratives.Cristina reveals how Chinese-aligned social media accounts and bot networks helped spread false claims about Mindanao independence, and even tried to redirect blame toward Vietnam in the West Philippine Sea dispute. Together, they discuss how influence operations, AI-generated content, and coordinated online attacks are reshaping public opinion—and what it means for public trust and information integrity.This episode was engineered by Jem Bunao. Jaemark Tordecilla is our editor-at-large.Listen to our episodes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.For more updates, follow us on these platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meta scrapped its third-party fact-checking program. Google quietly removed its fact-checking features. What does this mean for misinformation, disinformation, and online safety?In this episode, journalist Nica Rhiana Hanopol speaks with Clara Jiménez Cruz, chair of the European Fact-Checking Standards Network and co-founder of Spain's Maldita.es, about the seismic changes happening in the fact-checking world. Clara reveals how Mark Zuckerberg's sudden announcement caught the global fact-checking community off guard, putting organizations worldwide at both reputational and physical risk.Teka Teka explores why tech companies are abandoning these safety measures—from political pressures to the AI race reshaping Silicon Valley priorities. Clara shares surprising data about Community Notes (spoiler: fact-checkers are still the most trusted source), discusses how her organization is adapting to survive, and explains why this shift affects everything from election integrity to everyday decisions like choosing toothpaste.These changes extend beyond politics – it's about scams, health misinformation, and the future of truth online. As Clara puts it, “The internet is being made more dangerous on purpose.”This episode is engineered by Anthony Tobias. Jaemark Tordecilla is our editor-at-large.Listen to our episodes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.For more updates, follow Teka Teka on these platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The jewelry heist at the Louvre shows that some people will risk everything for things that sparkle and inspire awe with their beauty. In this re-run of a Thought Bubbles episode from March 2025, Bubbles Magpayo sits down with art collector and gallery owner Atty. Joseph “JT” Gonzales to explore where Filipino art is headed. They talk about Gen Z collectors, affordable art, AI vs traditional art, and how to start building your first art collection. Whether you’re a fan of Juan Luna, into new media, or just curious about owning your first piece, this episode is your guide to supporting Filipino artists and preserving our culture.Listen to our episodes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.For more updates, follow us on these platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TThousands of children in the Philippines live where everyone can see them — on sidewalks, under bridges, in jeepney terminals — yet the system barely knows they exist.In this episode, Bahay Tuluyan, a child-rights organization that has worked with street-involved children for nearly four decades, talks about what it really means to be visible but invisible: documented nowhere, excluded from school and health services, and often at risk of abuse and exploitation.Executive Director Catherine Scerri joins Hannah Grace to share stories from the streets, explain why informal care and lack of documentation make children disappear from government systems, and discuss how long-term solutions like affordable housing, family reintegration, and education access can break the cycle.Learn more about Bahay Tuluyan’s work and find ways to support at www.bahaytuluyan.orgListen to our episodes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.For more updates, follow us on these platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When fact-checkers dug into fake news flooding YouTube and TikTok, they found something deeper — ordinary Filipinos caught in a web of lies. In this episode, Regine Cabato speaks with Nikko Balbedina of PressONE.ph about the rise of “news cycle disinformation”—and how it turns victims into unwitting spreaders of falsehoods.Listen as they unpack how profit, algorithms, and emotion shape the information we believe.This episode was produced by Bubbles Magpayo and engineered by Anthony Tobias. Jaemark Tordecilla is our editor-at-large.Listen to our episodes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.For more updates, follow us on these platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who was Apolinario Mabini, really? Known as “The Sublime Paralytic” and “Brains of the Philippine Revolution” (Utak ng Himagsikan), Mabini shaped the course of the revolution through his sharp intellect, even as he lost the use of his legs to polio.In this episode, we revisit Mabini’s legacy through his posthumous work, La Revolucion Filipina. What did Mabini really think of the revolution, Emilio Aguinaldo, and the struggle for independence? And why does his voice still matter today?This episode is produced and engineered by Anthony Tobias. Jaemark Tordecilla is our editor-at-large.Listen to our episodes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.For more updates, follow Teka Teka on these platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nearly twenty years after he first got acquainted with Philippine basketball, American writer and Pacific Rims author Rafe Bartholomew returns to reflect on how the game—and the culture around it—has evolved. In this episode of Teka Teka hosted by Jaemark Tordecilla, Rafe talks about the Ateneo–La Salle rivalry that first drew him into the country’s hoops scene, the debate over foreign student-athletes, and how the Philippines has long blurred the line between amateur and professional play. He also weighs in on the rise of influencer basketball and the global opportunities now open to Filipino players. More than a conversation about sports, it’s a deep dive into why basketball remains the Philippines’ enduring national love affair.This episode was engineered by Anthony Tobias.Listen to our episodes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.For more updates, follow us on these platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.Hear more from Rafe in The Global Bounce podcast, which he hosted for PumaPodcast in 2023. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why do Filipinos still hesitate to seek help for mental health?Psychiatrist Dr. Nueva Joy Perucho talks to Hannah Grace about the realities of mental health care in the Philippines — the stigma, the silence, and the hope. From the rise of telepsychiatry to the importance of speaking in your mother tongue, this episode explores how compassion, culture, and connection can make healing possible.If you need help, you may contact the following: 𝟮𝟰/𝟳 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 (NCMH) 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲☎️ 1553 (Nationwide landline toll-free)☎️ 1800-1888-1553📱 SMART/ TNT: 0919-057-1553📱 GLOBE/ TM: 0917-899-USAP(8727)In Touch 24/7 Anonymous Crisis LineLandline: +63288937603 Globe: +639178001123Smart: +639190560709 / +639228938944This episode was produced by Hannah Grace and engineered by Anthony Tobias. Jaemark Tordecilla is our editor-at-large.Listen to our episodes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.For more updates, follow us on these platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nepal’s Gen Z protests are shaking the foundations of power. From corruption scandals to a historic “Discord vote” that helped select an interim prime minister, young Nepalis are challenging the political order and demanding accountability. Journalist Pranaya Rana of Kalam Weekly joins Roby Alampay to unpack the roots of the youth-led movement, what sparked it, and what comes next for Nepal.What lessons can Filipinos and the rest of the world learn from Nepal’s Gen Z revolution? Tune in for insights on corruption, activism, and the uncertain road ahead.This episode is engineered by Anthony Tobias.Listen to our episodes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.For more updates, follow us on these platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s the difference between being rich and being truly wealthy?Gen Z host Angel Martinez sits down with Boomer Francis Kong — entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker — and Xennial Eric Dee, COO of FooDee Global Concepts, for a multigenerational conversation on money mindsets. From Gen Z’s retail therapy or “budol” spending habits and the pressure of keeping up online to their rising entrepreneurial spirit, they explore how discipline, values, and perspective shape financial security across generations.This episode was produced by Hannah Grace and engineered by Anthony Tobias. The Generations Podcast is executive produced by Sheila Paras of Philstar Life and Roby Alampay of PumaPodcast.Listen to our episodes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.For more updates, follow us on these platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee Fr. Flaviano “Flavie” Villanueva shares his powerful journey from drug addiction to priesthood, and his mission to give second chances to the homeless, the grieving, and victims of Duterte’s bloody war on drugs.In this conversation with Roby Alampay, Fr. Flavie reflects on faith, redemption, and what it means to stand with the forsaken. He opens up about the realities of homelessness in the Philippines, his regrets and lessons from once supporting Duterte, and why compassion, justice, and second chances matter.This episode is engineered by Anthony Tobias.Listen to our episodes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.For more updates, follow us on these platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

During the pandemic, content creation exploded from dance trends into a serious career path. But what happens when anyone with a camera and Wi-Fi can become a “news source”?In this episode of Generations, Angel Martinez and Jaemark Tordecilla sit down with award-winning multimedia journalist Jacque Manabat to talk about the blurred lines between journalism and content creation.Jacque talks about building trust with audiences beyond the “TV reporter voice,” the challenge of fighting disinformation in an algorithm-driven landscape, and why she sees herself as both journalist and content creator. This episode is engineered by Anthony Tobias. The Generations Podcast is executive produced by Sheila Paras of Philstar Life and Roby Alampay of PumaPodcast.Listen to our episodes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.For more updates, follow us on these platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.