Teka Teka
Teka Teka is a news podcast that takes its time to explain the issues you need to know. It is a PumaPodcast production, offering thoughtful analysis rather than breaking news. The podcast aims to help listeners understand complex topics through in-depth discussion.
Episodes
Who pays for the green transition?
The Philippines is betting on renewable energy, critical minerals, and high-tech industries like AI and semiconductors. But much of the land and resources needed for this transition overlap with Indigenous territories. As the proposed Pax Silica industrial hub in Tarlac faces resistance from Aeta leaders, what does a truly “just” energy transition look like, and can the Philippines avoid repeating
Can a social media ban for children do more harm than good?
The impact of violent content on Filipino kids has become a national conversation. At the same time, online sexual abuse or exploitation of children (OSAEC) is becoming widespread. Lawmakers are calling for tighter restrictions on social media and other digital platforms. But can an outright ban protect our youth from the most dangerous corners of the internet? What does it take to make the i
Ano ang system loss charges at anong epekto ng pag-alis nito sa ating bayarin sa kuryente?
Sa nakaraang SONA ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr., ipinanukala niya ang pag-alis ng system loss charges mula sa ating mga binabayaran sa kuryente. Ngunit ano nga ba ang system loss? Sa episode na ito ng Teka Teka, hinimay ni Atty. Monalisa Dimalanta, senior advisor on energy literacy and energy democracy ng Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, at ni Jhesset Enano, isang climate and
What is wealth tax and how can we benefit from it?
We are all equal in a democracy. Or at least, we should be. But the rich enjoy more privileges than the rest of us. How can a wealth tax make sure that everyone lives with dignity? Aren’t we punishing those who work hard by proposing its imposition? What does the Constitution say about it, anyway? Will our lawmakers even support this policy? And how is it a means to prevent corruption? Political s
Still underwater: What a year of flood control investigations actually uncovered
A year after President Marcos exposed corruption in flood control projects, the rains are still falling, and so are the questions. PCIJ investigative journalist Gwen Latoza joins Teka Teka to unpack what a year of hearings, leaks, and budget digging actually revealed, and why accountability still hasn't reached the top. Read Gwen’s stories through the following links:LINKS TO PCIJ REPORTS:Allocabl
Can justice reach Filipino migrant fishers at sea?
Eight years after Filipino migrant fisher Sam Dela Cruz died aboard a foreign fishing vessel, his family is still waiting for answers—and for his remains to come home. This episode examines what has changed since his death, what hasn't, and why thousands of Filipino fishers continue to face exploitation far from home. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The hidden cost of squid and the global industry exploiting Filipino fishers
The squid on our plates may have come at a devastating human cost. A new investigation by the Environmental Justice Foundation, based on five years of research and more than 430 interviews with Filipino and Indonesian fishers, uncovers widespread forced labour, wage theft, violence, illegal fishing, and even deaths aboard distant-water squid vessels. Many of the workers are Filipinos, recruited wi
The fight for a TB-free Philippines
Tuberculosis remains one of the Philippines’ deadliest public health challenges, with the country now ranking third globally in TB burden. Philippine Tuberculosis Society (PTSI), founded in 1910, has been on the frontlines for over a century evolving from isolation care at the historic Quezon Institute to today’s decentralized network of clinics.Former Health secretary Dr. Paulyn Ubial, who is now
Why did the urban poor support tokhang despite its heavy cost?
A necessary tool for social order. This was how affected residents viewed tokhang, according to Dr. Marco Garrido, an associate professor of Sociology from the University of Chicago. His ethnographic work reveals that in high-density, impoverished neighborhoods, the disruption caused by drugs was seen as a collective threat, derailing their very survival. More about his study—which argues that the
Inside the ethanol spill threatening a marine sanctuary
Scientists monitoring Bais Bay in Tañon Strait say the damage caused by a toxic wastewater spill in an ethanol distillery has evolved into something even more dangerous: a slow-moving ecological crisis that threatens corals, fisheries, and livelihoods. This episode examines why the spill continues, the gaps in environmental enforcement, and what must happen now to prevent irreversible damage to th
How will the ‘Super’ El Niño affect the Philippines?
We’ve been seeing, reading and hearing it all over the news: a so-called “Super” El Niño is here. How will this climate event affect the Philippines, a country that is highly exposed to weather and climate hazards?In this episode of Teka Teka, climate and environment journalist Jhesset Enano speaks with meteorologist and climate scientist Rafaela Jane Delfino on this global climate pattern, u
Why are we still not talking about periods?
In this episode of Teka Teka, we explore periods: the physical and social costs of having them; what organizations and the government are doing to improve the experience for young Filipinas; and why we as a society, seem to shy away from conversations about this normal, everyday occurrence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Pictures that matter: The lives of those left behind remain interrupted
In “Pictures that matter,” a special mini-series to commemorate the tenth year of the drug war, we talk to media workers who covered one of the bloodiest terms in modern Philippine history and ask them to tell the stories behind the troubling—and powerful—images splashed on our screens and newspapers. What kind of mark did this period leave on these journalists, and how have they made sense of wha
How ‘AI swarms’ can target your next vote
Democracies are grappling with a new threat supercharged by AI. Reporting from Deutsche Welle Global Media Forum in Bonn, Germany, independent journalist Nica Hanopol unpacks the rise of “malicious AI swarms.” They are opaque, personalised, and cross-platform, making it harder to detect. In this episode, she explores how these networks could fabricate consensus during elections and unde
Pictures that matter: “The screams are really the killer for us”
In “Pictures that matter,” a special mini-series to commemorate the tenth year of the drug war, we talk to media workers who covered one of the bloodiest terms in modern Philippine history and ask them to tell the stories behind the troubling—and powerful—images splashed on our screens and newspapers. What kind of mark did this period leave on these journalists, and how have they made sense of wha
Ten years later, does the West Philippine Sea ruling still matter?
Ten years after the landmark Hague ruling rejected China's sweeping claims in the West Philippine Sea, what has actually changed for the Filipinos whose livelihoods depend on these waters? While governments cite a historic legal victory, fishermen continue to face harassment, water cannons, and shrinking catches. In this episode, Teka Teka speaks with PAMALAKAYA chairperson Fernando "Andy" Hicap a
Pictures that matter: Buhusan man ng tubig ang dugo, hindi matatanggal ang mantsa
In “Pictures That Matter,” a special mini-series to commemorate the tenth year of the drug war, we talk to media workers who covered one of the bloodiest terms in modern Philippine history and ask them to tell the stories behind the troubling—and powerful—images splashed on our screens and newspapers. What kind of mark did this period leave on these journalists, and how have they made sense of wha
False narratives and real harm: The push to ban vapes in the Philippines
The Department of Health has already confirmed one death directly linked to vaping. What begins as a habit particularly among the youth often escalates into addiction and serious health consequences, with doctors uncovering shocking cases of lung damage linked to e‑cigarettes. These experiences highlight the urgent call from health advocates to confront the reality that vaping is not the “safer” a
Pictures that matter: "If people are licensed to do violence, how far can we go?"
In “Pictures that matter,” a special mini-series to commemorate the tenth year of the drug war, we talk to media workers who covered one of the bloodiest terms in modern Philippine history and ask them to tell the stories behind the troubling—and powerful—images splashed on our screens and newspapers. What kind of mark did this period leave on these journalists, and how have they made sense of wha
10 years after the drug war: Justice, the ICC, and the families left behind
Ten years after the launch of the Philippines' war on drugs, the fight for accountability continues. In this episode, we unpack the ICC's role in investigating alleged crimes against humanity and hear a mother's powerful story of loss, hope, and the long road to justice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Pictures that matter: ‘A stray bullet and your child is gone’
In “Pictures that matter,” a special mini-series to commemorate the tenth year of the drug war, we talk to media workers who covered one of the bloodiest terms in modern Philippine history and ask them to tell the stories behind the troubling—and powerful—images splashed on our screens and newspapers. What kind of mark did this period leave on these journalists, and how have they made sense of wha
Pride and planet: How queer justice intersects with climate justice
For Filipinos, the month of June offers a dual celebration: Pride Month and the Philippine Environment Month. But how do we live with pride and acceptance in the face of a planetary emergency?In this episode of Teka Teka, climate and environment journalist Jhesset Enano speaks with queer climate activist Jefferson Estela on the intersections of queer justice and climate justice. They unpack the li
The promises and pitfalls of the Anti-False Information bill
The House passed the Anti-False Information Bill by a staggering 286 to 3 vote. On paper, it sounds like exactly what the Philippines needs to combat a massive disinformation crisis. The bill targets deliberate, harmful lies and introduces strict new transparency rules for big tech platforms like Meta, YouTube, and TikTok.In this episode, independent journalist Nica Rhiana Hanopol sits down w
Pauli Basubas: 'Island girl' from Cebu pursues her astronaut dreams
In this inspiring episode, we feature Pauli Basubas, a Filipina Gen Z space biologist chasing her dream of becoming the first Filipino astronaut. From her humble beginnings in Cebu, where nights under the island sky sparked her curiosity, to her groundbreaking research in space biology, Pauli’s journey is a testament to resilience, vision, and purpose.Recently featured in the documentary To the Mo
The Binaliw landfill ‘trashslide’ and similar tragedies: Why they keep happening
On January 8, the Binaliw landfill in Cebu City collapsed, burying workers alive under mountains of waste. Locals called it a “trashslide.” The tragedy would not be the last of its kind in 2026. Journalist Maverick Avila traces a devastating chain of waste-related disasters across the Philippines: the Binaliw trashslide, the Rizal landfill collapse, the Navotas landfill fire that burned for a
The Marcos-Duterte breakup, the Senate standoff, and we the voters
The Marcos-Duterte alliance delivered a historic landslide victory in 2022, but just a few years later, it has collapsed into one of the biggest political feuds in recent Philippine history. In this episode of Teka Teka, sociologist Athena Charanne Presto unpacks why the Uniteam alliance unraveled, what it reveals about political dynasties, power, and polarization in the Philippines, and how
32,000 people displaced by earthquake that killed at least 37
Search and rescue operations continue in the wake of one of the strongest earthquakes to hit the Philippines. At least 37 people have been killed, and more than 32,000 displaced. About 6,000 public school buildings must be assessed before classes, which have just begun, can resume. To read this story, visit The Associated Press website.We thank the Global News Gaps Project of the Google News
Meet the Filipino who invented toothbrushes that can grow into trees
From humble beginnings in Sultan Kudarat, Mark Gersava has become a global changemaker through his social enterprise Bambuhay. He introduced the reusable bamboo straw, sparking a movement against single‑use plastics. He also pioneered the world’s first plantable toothbrush, turning a daily necessity into a tool for reforestation.Beyond sustainable products, his vision extends to helping communitie
LIVE RECORDING: Cielo Magno on how our taxes were designed, where they go, and what we can do about it
We pay all sorts of taxes, and at the end of the day, we don't even feel them working for us. The data says it's not just our imagination. Our fiscal space is tight, collection is designed to favor a few, and they're allocated in a way that there's barely room to fund development. In the first live Speak Easy event, presented by Philstar Life and PumaPodcast, and hosted by The Opal Bar in Poblacio
Rotational brownouts, bill shock, and communities powered by renewable energy
Electricity fuels everyday life. And with extreme heat, Filipinos are relying on it more than ever.We unpack the twin burdens of rotational brownouts and “bill shock” that had households paying more for their consumption. We also examine the Energy Regulatory Commission’s temporary relief measures, petitions to remove mandatory charges, and the broader debate over renewable energy funding. Be
Filipinos are debating on who should get aid. Experts, government weigh in
In recent weeks, middle class Filipinos have been pitted against the poor. What began as an inquiry into a “lifeline rate” inclusion in electricity bills has evolved into a discussion on who deserves to receive aid, like the 4Ps. Is anyone really more deserving of getting ayuda? And why is the 4Ps much misunderstood? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Online smear campaigns against media aren’t new. Challenging it has never been more urgent
The ‘foreign agent’ label against journalists is an old playbook – especially in Asia. But in 2025, it found new reach, spreading across major social media platforms and going virtually unchallenged. In the final part of our series on media funding, foreign aid, and sustainability, independent journalist Nica Hanopol speaks with fellow reporters Azreen Madzlan from Malaysiakini, John Hurt All
What is community journalism and why should it matter to you?
Not all stories make it to the news. But when it comes to the marginalized, community journalists make it their job to ensure that they are represented by the media. We celebrate World Press Freedom Day this month, and in this episode, highlight the realities faced by community journalists: red-tagging, harassment, imprisonment, and even violence. Avon Ang of Altermidya talks to us about
More than money: What USAID's collapse cost the free press
For decades, the United States was the world’s largest funder of independent media through USAID, supporting investigative journalism, information integrity initiatives, journalist safety programs, and efforts to strengthen the market viability of media operations.Daniel Sabet, a visiting fellow at the SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University, joins independent journalist Nica Hanopol to br
WHO says no sign of larger hantavirus outbreak; French patient critically ill
A French woman infected in the deadly hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship is critically ill and being treated with an artificial lung. There are now 11 total reported cases, nine of which have been confirmed. The World Health Organization says, however, that confirmed and suspected cases have only been reported among the cruise ship’s passengers or crew.To read this story, visit The Associat
When cuteness is a threat: Squirrels in the city and monkeys in the wild
We sit down with wildlife biologist Jay Fidelino to discuss the surprising rise of squirrel sightings in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. While these animals may look cute and harmless, Fidelino explains that the Finlayson’s squirrel—an introduced species—is actually an invasive alien species with serious consequences for local biodiversity, agriculture, and even infrastructure.Fidelino highligh
Charging on: How independent media survives a funding freeze
When USAID pulled the plug on media funding overnight, independent newsrooms across Asia and the Pacific were left scrambling. In this episode, independent journalist Nica Hanopol speaks with Nini Cabaero, a media business advisor, who shares what the funding freeze actually felt like from the inside—and what independent newsrooms across Asia and the Pacific are doing to survive it.🎧 Listen on Spo
US-Israel war on Iran puts foreign workers in the Gulf at greater risk and raises the cost of going home
Tens of millions of foreign workers have helped build the Gulf Arab states’ modern, oil-fueled economies—with many not fully sharing in their prosperity. Now they face an even sharper dilemma: Keep working in the Middle East, where wages are far higher, hoping that a shaky ceasefire endures; or, return to already poor countries where prices have soared because of the conflict.To read this story, v
After two years of war, Palestinians vote in local elections in West Bank and part of Gaza
Palestinians voted on Saturday in the first elections held in part of Gaza in more than two decades, while tens of thousands of Palestinians cast ballots in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Though turnout was low, voters said they were driven to the polls amid a near-total absence of public services. To read this story, visit The Associated Press website.We thank the Global News Gaps Project o
Young girls keep getting pregnant. A bill, almost a decade stalled, seeks to address it
More girls aged ten to 14 became mothers in 2024, up by eight percent from 2023. 269 more girls were deprived of a childhood, says the Philippine Statistics Authority, raising the alarm once more on the issue of adolescent pregnancy, as well as questions. What is the government doing? And how can we curb the problem? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
40 years on, Chernobyl’s radioactive landscape is a testament to nature’s resilience and survival spirit
On April 26, 1986, an explosion at the nuclear power plant in Ukraine sent radiation across Europe. It forced the evacuation of entire towns and displaced tens of thousands. It was the worst nuclear disaster in history.Four decades on, Chernobyl remains too dangerous for humans. But the wildlife has moved back in.To read this story, visit The Associated Press website.We thank the Global News Gaps
Iran built a vast camera network to control dissent. Israel turned it into a targeting tool
The role of Israel’s hijacking of Iran’s street cameras in the killing of the country’s supreme leader underscores how surveillance systems are increasingly being targeted by adversaries in wartime.Hundreds of millions of cameras have been installed above shops, in homes and on street corners across the world, many connected to the internet and poorly secured. Recent advances in AI have enabled mi
‘Ang lupa ay buhay’: What we celebrate when we celebrate People’s Cordillera Day
Now a celebration, People’s Cordillera Day was actually born out of resistance. Marking the 1980 killing of Igorot leader Macliing Dulag during the Marcos dictatorship, the annual commemoration traces its roots to the Cordillera peoples’ fight against the Chico Dam and other large-scale projects imposed on ancestral land. We speak with Joanna Cariño of the Cordillera People’s Alliance about how th
FB ad spends are surging two years before the 2028 elections. Da why? And da who? We discuss
Description:Harvard Nieman Fellow, veteran journalist, and AI expert Jaemark Tordecilla took a snapshot of recent spending on Facebook ads and found national politicians alongside obscure councilors, foreign names, casinos, and pages disguised as news. What does it tell us a year before the campaign period? And what does this investigative experiment teach us about other ways AI can be used to exa
Thought Bubbles : Intimidated by museums? What to know before you go
Let’s talk about spaces many of us find beautiful—and intimidating. What actually happens inside a museum? Who is it for? And how do women shape the way we experience history, art, and culture?We sat down with three women from the Ayala Museum: Monica Fernandez (Digital Experience), Clarissa “Clari” Borja (Tours and Education), and Tenten Miina (Curatorial). Together, they talk about museum anxiet
Basura patrollers unite! Snap a pic, shape Philippine plastics policy
The fight against plastic pollution is not just for scientists. It is a challenge that calls on every Filipino to take part.In this episode, we explore PlastiCount Pilipinas, a groundbreaking initiative by the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute, led by Dr. Deo Onda. The project aims to count and track plastic waste nationwide, providing the baseline data needed for science-base
Our Christian values and the war on drugs
A decade after the first tokhang-related killing, we examine how we practice the Christian values of justice, redemption, and forgiveness with the help of sociologist Jayeel Cornelio in this episode from 2023. 🎧 Listen on Spotify 🎧 Watch on YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
500 years of the Alay Lakad
Every Holy Week, Catholic devotees go on a five-hour pilgrimage to Antipolo. How did this tradition even begin? And what's changed since it started 500 years ago? We bring back an episode from 2021 to answer these questions.🎧 Listen on Spotify🎧 Watch on YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ano nga ba ang Pasyon?
It’s a tradition that’s deeply embedded in how we celebrate Holy Week. But what is the history behind it? Is it sanctioned by the Church? Is there an official melody? Historian Xiao Chua, who has been practicing the Pasyon since he was a young boy in Tarlac, answers these questions in an episode from 2020.🎧 Listen on Spotify🎧 Watch on YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inform
Filipino consumers and the US-Israel war on Iran: ‘Ramdam ng bulsa natin ang giyera’
As the US-Israeli war on Iran escalates, its effects are felt far beyond the battlefield, hitting everyday expenses for Filipinos. Fuel prices are rising, and the cost of basic goods continues to climb in an import-dependent economy.We speak with Amihan Mabalay of SUKI Consumers Network about how ordinary consumers are navigating the crisis, the growing calls for government action, and why the wor
Thought Bubbles : Unspoken, untreated, and overdue: The female sexual health truths hidden for generations
We continue our Women's Month series on Thought Bubbles with a conversation a lot of us were told we shouldn't have. Two doctors sit down with us to discuss sexual and reproductive health, holding our hand in the way we wish our moms, our teachers, and even our OB-GYNs had. With Hara Clinic lead OB-GYN Dr. Elva Sarte-Uygongco and medical director Dr. Deano Reyes, we get into painful sex, peri
Thought Bubbles : She set the table, she wrote the songs: The Filipina turning heritage, food, and music into one unforgettable experience
Pat Villaceran is a macro economist, a CEO, a mentor to founders, a lyricist, and a single mom of three daughters. She is also the woman behind Hinabi Privé, a cultural experience that blends original music, storytelling, food, and cocktails into evenings that people don't stop talking about. In this Women's Month episode, Pat unpacks how a love for Filipino culture and a refusal to be boxed in be
‘Pinagdudugtong tayo ng dagat’: A scientist rallies Filipinos in defense of the West Philippine Sea
“West Philippine Sea, atin ’to!” But what exactly are we fighting for?Ten years after the Philippines’ landmark victory in the Permanent Court of Arbitration over disputes in the South China Sea, tensions remain high. Yet the fight for the West Philippine Sea is not only about territory. It’s about food security, livelihoods, biodiversity, and the future of millions of Filipinos.We sit down with m
Nag-init at isinambit: Why the guys we cancel behave badly
Quezon City lawmaker Bong Suntay faces an ethics complaint for his remarks about his desire for a celebrity and his subsequent imaginings during the House Justice Committee’s hearings into the impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte last week. Cancelled on social media and scolded by peers, he is not the first to be called out for his words and actions. We talk to an expert and
Quiccs Maiquez brings Pinoy identity to art toys collectors covet beyond Manila
Juanito “Quiccs” Maiquez is an internationally acclaimed toy designer, illustrator, and graffiti artist whose bold vision fuses street culture with the premium collector market.He made history at the Designer Toy Awards in New York with a rare three-peat win as Artist of the Year (2018–2020). Quiccs also became the first Filipino artist to sign a creator deal with Adidas, designing official produc
Thought Bubbles : ‘Heated Rivalry,’ BL, and the women and gay men who can't stop watching
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
RECAST: Six years since we asked, 'Tao po! Kumusta ang tokhang?'
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 criminal
Burnout and the Hero’s Journey: Rethinking success for overachievers
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
RECAST: On EDSA's 40th anniversary, listen to the sounds of revolution
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.
Fact-checking won’t die: How Filipino fact-checkers are keeping the truth alive
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 remai
Thought Bubbles : Chinese New Year 2026: Why some Feng Shui advice doesn’t work
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.Ins
Bakit hindi ka crush ng crush mo? Economists weigh in
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.
Thought Bubbles : ‘Not in this economy’: How Gen Z is navigating work and stability in the Philippines
“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 miles
Xiao Chua at Maki+Fiesta: History, disinformation, and public memory
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 platf
Thought Bubbles : In the stands for Alex Eala: Filipino fans and tennis culture up close
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 expe
Thought Bubbles : Alex Eala, tennis etiquette, and the learning curve for new Filipino fans
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 spo
Maki+Fiesta 2.0: Arthur Tselishchev on Ukraine and the power of art
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
What it takes to bring justice for animals: Why convictions are rare
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
Philippine coffee explained: Farmers, flavors, and the future of every cup
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 coffe
Who pays, who benefits? How Filipinos should think about the national budget
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
UP Tugma at Maki+Fiesta 2.0 : Carrying Tradition Through Sound
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 crea
Skincare routine myths and facts: What dermatologists want you to know
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 g
Japan’s Immigration Paradox: Needing Foreign Workers Amid Rising Anti-Immigrant Sentiment
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,
Eating healthier in 2026: Understanding food labels and nutrition claims
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
New Year reflections: What Sisyphus and Miyazaki teach us about everyday life
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-lin
Rediscovering Rizal’s Manila: Inside the Panciteria from El Filibusterismo
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 e
Thought Bubbles: DJ Cupcakes, Mathilda Airlines, and Lolit Lachica on influence, creative content, and truth-telling
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 issue
From Villancicos to Jose Mari Chan: How Filipino Christmas music evolved
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 t
Papemelroti: How a family store became a Filipino Christmas gift staple
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 th
Why losing fact-checkers online puts Filipinos at risk
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 con
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