Teka Teka

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of violence, extrajudicial killings, and detailed accounts of brutality that may be distressing to some listeners.Acting on a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court, Philippine authorities swiftly arrested former President Rodrigo Duterte on the morning of March 11, 2025. It was a long-awaited answer to calls for drug war accountability. Duterte denies committing any crime. But before these dizzying developments, one man had already stepped forward with a chilling confession.In this episode, we dive into the testimony of Edgar Matobato, a self-confessed member of the Davao Death Squad. Matobato's revelations provide a firsthand account of the extrajudicial killings that defined Duterte's anti-drug campaign. Investigative journalist Sheila Coronel and an advocate for whistleblowers, Father Alabert Alejo, join us to discuss the challenges of verifying Matobato's account, the clandestine networks that offered him protection, and the broader implications for justice and accountability in the Philippines. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of violence, extrajudicial killings, and detailed accounts of brutality that may be distressing to some listeners.The Making of Edgar Matobato is an investigative piece by award-winning journalist Sheila Coronel, published by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) on January 17, 2025. This gripping article uncovers the story of Edgar Matobato, a self-confessed assassin for the Davao Death Squad, who became the first insider to expose the extrajudicial killings allegedly ordered by former President Rodrigo Duterte.Now adapted into audio by Jaemark Tordecilla, with the help of AI, this episode brings Matobato’s journey to life—from his time as a hitman to his shocking testimony before the Senate and the dangerous life he led as a fugitive. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nearly nine years after the Philippines' legal victory over China in the West Philippine Sea, tensions remain high. Chinese ships are shadowing our coast guard, lasers are targeting our aircraft, and Filipino fishermen face constant harassment.But this time, the Philippines isn't just protesting—it's bringing in reinforcements. Enter the Typhon missile system, a powerful U.S. weapon that has China on edge. Why? Because it's mobile, long-range, and stationed in Northern Luzon—right next to Taiwan.In this episode, we break down what the Typhon system can do, why China sees it as a threat, and what this means for the Philippines, the U.S., and the regionListen now to understand why this missile deployment could change the game in the West Philippine Sea. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Summer is around the corner and class cancellations due to the extreme heat have begun. In this episode, we run back Bella Perez-Rubio's report from last year's heat wave to refresh our minds on the rising concern of dangerously high heat index levels in the Philippines, a pressing issue due to the increasing intensity of climate change. We discuss the differences between heat index and temperature, the classifications of hazardous heat, and the severe health risks posed by extreme heat.We also look into the solutions offered for mitigating these impacts in critical sectors like labor and education. From workplace safety measures to distance learning in schools, we explore some measures that can help protect people from the dangers of extreme heat. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Juan Luna to AI-generated masterpieces—where is Filipino art headed in 2025? In this episode of Thought Bubbles, we sit down with Joseph "JT" Gonzales, owner of gallery.sort, to talk about the shifting trends in Philippine art, how Gen Z and Gen Alpha are engaging with the scene, and whether AI art is a threat or an opportunity for artists today.Are young Filipinos investing in art?How are artists breaking free from the traditional gallery system?What protections exist for artists in the age of AI?If you’ve ever thought about starting your own art collection, this episode is for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Canada is cutting back on its immigration quotas. What does this mean for Filipinos who hope to move to the country, just like Kathryn Bernado’s Joy and Alden Richards’  Ethan in Hello, Love, Again? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pinoy food is rich, soulful, and packed with history—but why isn’t it as globally recognized as Thai, Japanese, or Korean cuisine? In this episode, we speak to Kuwa Bakery co-founder Cho Marcelino to discuss the challenges that Filipino cuisine faces and what needs to happen for it to finally have its big moment on the world stage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For three years now, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has undermined the yearly commemoration of the 1986 People Power Revolution that toppled his father’s regime. In that same time, researchers say his government allocated at least P150 million to fund more than a dozen sites honoring his family. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Some Deaf individuals write in English differently, which may appear as “wrong” grammar to the hearing community. In this episode, we explore the unique structure of sign languages, how it shapes thought and communication, and why understanding this fosters greater inclusivity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DeepSeek shows an obvious bias when it comes to issues related to China. In this episode, Roby Alampay and Jaemark Tordecilla talk about its implications for the Philippines. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 Fans all over the world are still mourning the death of Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu, who starred along with F4 in the popular 2003 series Meteor Garden. In this episode of Thought Bubbles, we look back on Barbie’s legacy as the feisty heroine Shan Cai with a certified Meteor Garden fan, Dr. KC Abalos Orendain of UP Diliman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andi Eigenmann used ChatGPT for relationship advice and showed us a smart way to use AI. In this episode, journalist and technologist Jaemark Tordecilla tells us more on how we can use AI chatbots more effectively. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lawyer and political analyst Michael Yusingco weighs in on the curious timing of Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment, what it suggests about the motives of the politicians behind it, and what it means for the upcoming trial in the Senate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol is facing impeachment after declaring martial law in December 2024. In this episode, political reporter Kim Jikyung of Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation breaks down the crisis still unfolding in the country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trump's first two weeks in office have seen a return to the chaos and uproar that marked his first term. In this episode, political scientist Aries Arugay explains how this affects the Philippines and its ties with its oldest treaty ally. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s that time of the year when horoscope predictions are at their peak. Astrology is hardly scientific, so why do many people continue to engage with it? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Religious groups and conservatives are spreading false and misleading claims about a bill seeking to lower the alarming number of adolescent pregnancies in the Philippines.Male senators successfully pressure rights body into denouncing abortion.Why is online child sex abuse difficult to contain in the PhilippinesWho will benefit if divorce is legalized in the Philippines. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Philippines has been regularly submitting entries for Best International Feature Film consideration at the Oscars. However, no Filipino film has secured an Academy Award nomination, let alone a trophy. What can we do to make this happen? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A botched buy-bust operation involving an estimated P10 billion worth of drugs has led top law enforcement officials to repeat earlier whistleblower claims: A reward system for anti-drug operations established during the Duterte era is driving criminal activity perpetrated by police. If you'd like to hear more of our drug war coverage, listen to our previous episodes covering whistleblower testimonies.How the House drug war hearings might affect the ICC probehttps://open.spotify.com/episode/4vZUFY2Ec4oEtohMTjgmj6?si=aac5dd74134a4680 Top drug war cop calls police 'biggest crime group in the country'https://open.spotify.com/episode/22MhRZmyun6jho0k4vZZT4?si=5ae2131608a74d3a  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've all heard that there's more to democracy than voting every few years or even running for office yourself. But what does active and meaningful participation even look like? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oya Arriola of the “Give A Hoot” podcast on effective communication and how it leads to social change.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you heard of the Project Citizen Model? It's a 12-step method that allows everyday citizens to influence public policy for the better. Here's what else you need to know. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

During his time as Naga City Mayor and Interior Secretary, Jesse Robredo quickly learned that “yielding power to the people” was a key ingredient to good governance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, arts and culture advocate Gabriel Villaruel shares how his passion for art became a powerful tool for youth leadership and community empowerment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, officials from the Sanggunian Kabataan weigh in on whether the law enacted in 2015 to reform the SK lived up to its promise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the 2025 midterm polls coming in May, how can youth leaders deliver a fresh brand of governance to local communities? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After being asked to run for the Senate by former President Cory Aquino, Santanina Rasul cemented her legacy as the country’s first female Muslim senator and a champion for women’s rights and education. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Youth leaders walk us through the reforms intended to save the Sanggunian Kabataan from dynasties, corruption, and mismanagement.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the recent passing of Roberto Alejandro, co-founder of the iconic gift shop Papelmeroti, we look back at the story behind the family-owned store. Known for its sustainably crafted gifts, it continues to be a go-to for Filipinos seeking meaningful presents for their loved ones. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Building climate-resilient communities also means protecting Filipinos whose livelihoods are at risk due to extreme weather events. How can the Philippines safeguard its informal economy from the dangers brought by climate change?For more from the PumaPodcast team, find us on these platforms:FacebookInstagramTwitterTiktok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A decade ago, the Sanggunian Kabataan was almost abolished over allegations of corruption and mismanagement. But things changed for the better in 2015. Former Senator Bam Aquino and Taguig City Councilor Jomil Serna tell us that story.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Minilaterals are the foreign policy trend sweeping the region, preoccupying analysts and heads of state. Here's what you need to know about them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There are at least three pending bills in Congress proposing yet another postponement of the first parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). In this episode, we speak with a lawyer to explore whether this delay is truly necessary and what it means for the Bangsamoro people. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since its release in the 90’s, Jose Mari Chan’s ‘Christmas in our Hearts’ has been a staple song in every Filipino Christmas playlist. But why do we associate him with Christmas so much? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Philippines, a leading global destination for business process outsourcing (BPO), generates around $30 billion annually from the industry. Despite challenges like expensive and slow internet, factors like high English proficiency, cheap labor costs, and government tax incentives help maintain its competitiveness worldwide. However, the rise of artificial intelligence or AI is projected to reduce agent labor costs globally, posing challenges to the workforce.This development highlights the need for BPO workers to upskill and for call centers to offer more complex services. While AI is seen to displace some jobs, could it also present opportunities for job creation and worker advancement? To explore these dynamics and their impact on Filipino BPO workers, we spoke with Renso Bajala of the BPO Industry Employment Network (BIEN) to learn what it’s really like at the workplace. We learn that all these predictions are so much more complicated than they seem. BPO workers experience the impact of AI systems from recruitment to assessing their job performance. Bajala also talks about how the so-called “upskilling” or “re-skilling” plans must start beyond the BPO sector. This episode was produced by Karol Ilagan. The script was edited by Jil Caro and Carljoe Javier. The episode was edited by Pidoy Blanco and Anthony Tobias. This podcast was produced by PumaPodcast in partnership with the Pulitzer Center’s AI Accountability Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There is an expectation that global efforts to address climate change will stall under another Trump administration. At the frontlines of climate disaster, the Philippines turns to European allies as it seeks to kickstart its transition to a green economy. For more from the PumaPodcast team, find us on these platforms:FacebookInstagramTwitterTiktok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we’re spilling the tea on one of the Philippines' greatest obsessions—love teams! Why settle for one heartthrob when you can have two, smoldering together in slow motion under a fake rainstorm? We’ll dish on the OG pairs, the cringe-worthy beginnings, and those “are they or aren’t they?” moments that keep fans guessing. It’s drama, kilig, and just the right amount of chaos. Whether you're a die-hard shipper or just here for the memes, this episode promises more twists than your Lola’s favorite teleserye. Buckle up—this is love team madness, and we’re all just living in it! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, law lecturer and political analyst Michael Yusingco helps us make sense of the criminal complaints and investigation underway against Vice President Sara Duterte. He also helps us understand why she keeps doubling down on the incendiary behavior that led to it all. For more from the PumaPodcast team, find us on these platforms:FacebookInstagramTwitterTiktok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen to Pinay para-powerlifter Adeline “Adz” Dumapong’s journey of lifting the Philippines to a historic victory during the 2000 Sydney Paralympics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We know Rizal the author, Rizal the linguist, and even Rizal the womanizer. But what about Rizal the naturalist? Join Sab and Ceej as they discuss the lesser-known sides of our national hero.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pollster and political scientist Cleve Arguelles and reporter Bella Perez-Rubio try to answer an age-old question: If Filipinos know dynasties are corrupt, why do they keep voting them back into power? Listen to our previous episodes with Cleve Arguelles.Most Filipinos want to be neutral on Palestine. Here’s why we shouldn’t be. Six narratives China wants us to believe — and how Trump's win gives them leverageFor more from the PumaPodcast team, find us on these platforms:FacebookInstagramTwitterTiktok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fifteen years ago, the Philippines was named the second-deadliest place in the world for journalists. That's because we did the unthinkable.For more from the PumaPodcast team, find us on these platforms:FacebookInstagramTwitterTiktok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As 2024 begins to come to close, how can we create a feasible budget?For more from the PumaPodcast team, find us on these platforms:FacebookInstagramTwitterTiktok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Got a food craving? Need groceries? Or maybe a ride? There's an app for that. In this special series for Teka Teka, we delve into the lives of food-delivery and ride-hailing workers in Metro Manila whose daily routine is dictated by an app. These gig-economy workers struggle with uncertain pay, indebtedness, the physical toll of chasing incentives, and the occasional challenging interactions with customers. Their stories reveal that in the Philippines, gig work is more than a side hustle – it's a full-time job. We meet: John Jay Chan, former rider, organizer for the National Union of Food Delivery RidersAtty. Evelyn Battad, professor at the College of Law, University of the Philippines DilimanDirector Alvin Curada, Bureau of Working Conditions, Department of Labor and Employment This episode was produced by Karol Ilagan with research by Jabes Florian Lazaro and Rosemarie Corpin. The episode was edited by Pidoy Blanco.Jil Caro is the executive producer. Carl Javier is the EIC of Teka Teka.  This podcast was produced by PumaPodcast in partnership with the Pulitzer Center’s AI Accountability Network.Listen to the related episodes here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As more young Filipinos are diagnosed with non-communicable diseases, public health advocates and legal experts are pushing for food warning labels to be placed at the front of packaging, to help consumers make more informed choices and reduce health risks.For more from the PumaPodcast team, find us on these platforms:FacebookInstagramTwitterTiktok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After over a decade in the Philippine beauty industry, Albert Kurniawan throws his hat in the ring of beauty offerings with his beauty brand Teviant.For more from the PumaPodcast team, find us on these platforms:FacebookInstagramTwitterTiktok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We all know that Chinese operatives are working overtime to run influence campaigns in the Philippines. But what narratives are they spreading and what do they actually hope to achieve? A research firm fills us in.For more from the PumaPodcast team, find us on these platforms:FacebookInstagramTwitterTiktok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vice President Sara Duterte seems to be paying the price for her feud with President Bongbong Marcos in the court of public opinion, while the President is walking a very tightrope, says pollster and political scientist Cleve Arguelles.Listen to our previous episode to hear what Filipinos really think about the Marcos-Duterte rift and other topics hereFor more from the PumaPodcast team, find us on these platforms:FacebookInstagramTwitterTiktok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Got a food craving? Need groceries? Or maybe a ride? There's an app for that. In this special series for Teka Teka, we delve into the lives of food-delivery and ride-hailing workers in Metro Manila whose daily routine is dictated by an app. These gig-economy workers struggle with uncertain pay, indebtedness, the physical toll of chasing incentives, and the occasional challenging interactions with customers. Their stories reveal that in the Philippines, gig work is more than a side hustle – it's a full-time job. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A study by DSG consumer partners found that Filipino Gen-Z’s are investing more on skincare than makeup. How can Filipinos develop the best skincare routine?For more from the PumaPodcast team, find us on these platforms:FacebookInstagramTwitterTiktok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.