Teka Teka

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 with promises of steady jobs only to find themselves trapped at sea for months, or even years, with little chance of escape. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 PTSI’s executive director, explains how TB spreads, why stigma and fear remain barriers to treatment, and how their strategy is reshaping the fight against TB. Their goal is clear: to eliminate TB in the Philippines by 2030.For more information from PTSI, click here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 poor’s support for the drug war was not a result of ignorance, but a rational, complex trade-off between human rights and the urgent desire for neighborhood security—in this episode of Teka Teka. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 the country's largest marine protected area. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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, unpacking complex terms and jargon to help Filipinos better prepare for the looming El Niño conditions. Is it accurate to call it ‘super,’ or even ‘Godzilla’ El Niño? Who are the most vulnerable to its impacts and how can the government help them mitigate the worst possible scenarios?Reporter and host: Jhesset EnanoProducer: Tricia AquinoAudio editor: Anthony TobiasVideo editor: Ces Leslie Salada/Ron Lobiano Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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 what happened? This final episode features award-winning photojournalist Eloisa Lopez. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 undermine people’s right to form their own opinions free from interference. It features insights from UN OHCHR Digital Technologies and Human Rights Chief Wafa Ben-Hassine; SINTEF Digital Researcher Daniel Schroeder; Monash Data and Democracy Research Hub Co-Director Ika Idris; and National Democratic Institute Deputy Director of Elections Julia Brothers.To learn more about this issue, read the research paper here: “How malicious AI swarms can threaten democracy” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 what happened? This episode features veteran producer Rica Concepcion.For more of this story, read “They are slaughtering us like animals” by Daniel Berehulak, who won a Pulitzer Prize for this photo essay in The New York Times.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 about what the arbitral ruling means beyond diplomacy, and why, for many fishing communities, the battle is far from over. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 what happened? This episode features Maro B. Enriquez, a freelance journalist whose work in TV during that period frequently brought her to crime scenes around Metro Manila.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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” alternative it is advertised to be.The DOH and public health think tank HealthJustice Philippines are pushing for a total ban on vapes, saying weak regulations have fueled a growing crisis. They add that with eight ASEAN countries already banning vapes, the Philippines risks becoming a dumping ground for these products if lawmakers fail to act. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 what happened? This episode features photojournalist Alecs Ongcal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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 what happened? This episode features Juan Carlo de Vela, a Cebu-based photojournalist who has worked for various publications there and in Manila.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 lived experiences of the Filipino LGBTQIA+ community amid the climate crisis, the wins in queer visibility and recognition in the climate space, and the persisting struggle for pride and the planet. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 with Ross Fallorina, Managing Director of the SIGLA Research Center and a member of the bill’s technical working group. They dive deep into the messy political realities behind its rushed passage, what the bill gets right, and what it dangerously leaves open to interpretation. The conversation also breaks down why countering disinformation goes beyond platform accountability and false claims; it’s also about education and labor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Moon and Back at the prestigious Visions du Réel International Film Festival in Switzerland, Pauli shares how she carries her island roots proudly into the global stage of space science. She explains why space exploration matters to our everyday lives, from satellites that help predict typhoons to technologies like water purification and phone cameras that originated from space research.Finally, she reflects on her journey, her mission to inspire Filipino youth, and her vision of creating opportunities so that more island kids can dream beyond survival and reach for the stars. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 month, and the Davao landfill collapse that followed. He speaks with Jhaylord Antigua, a safety officer who survived the Binaliw trashslide by what he calls “luck,” and who continues to work at the landfill to this day. He also sits down with Dr. Jorge Emmanuel, an environmental scientist and waste expert, to ask: why does this keep happening? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 the fallout could shape the road to the 2028 presidential election. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Institute for providing us access to AP. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 communities and saving the planet. Through regenerative reforestation in the Pantabangan‑Carranglan Watershed, he has transformed former illegal loggers and slash‑and‑burn farmers into tree growers, restoring forests while rebuilding lives. As we celebrate Philippine Environment Month, we explore Mark’s journey, his groundbreaking innovations, and how one Filipino’s grit and creativity are reshaping the fight against climate change and plastic pollution.🎧 Watch the video version on YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Poblacion, Makati, economist and former Finance undersecretary Cielo Magno explains this bundle of taxes, and offers solutions that we can all rally around together.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Beyond the Philippines, we look at ASEAN’s collective push for energy security and highlight how solar power is already transforming lives in remote communities.🎧 Watch the video version on Youtube🎧 Listen to the audio version on Spotify Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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 Allauigan from PressOnePH, and Francis Allan Angelo from Daily Guardian about their investigation of an online smear campaign against USAID and the media and civil society organizations it funded. Read the cross-border investigation here.Follow the companion reports here: DailyGuardianPhilstar MalaysiakiniPressOne.PH🎧 Watch the video version on YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 the cases of RJ Ledesma and Frenchie Mae Cumpio, the dangers of immersion reporting, and community journalists’ role in defending the truth and the public’s right to know. 🎧 Watch the video version on YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 break down what was actually lost when that funding disappeared almost overnight. He paints a sobering picture of a global press freedom infrastructure that collapsed faster than anyone could respond to - and of what must happen next.Read the full research, “The Impact of Ending U.S. International Media Assistance,” published by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, here: https://carnegieendowment.org/research/2026/04/united-states-international-media-assistance-ending-usaid-independent-journalismThis episode was produced by Tricia Aquino and engineered by Anthony Tobias. Listen to our episodes on Spotify or YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Associated Press website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 highlights the importance of scientific research and government action to manage invasive populations, while also reminding the public not to keep these squirrels as pets. On a brighter note, he shares the Philippines’ native squirrel species which naturally coexist within local ecosystems without causing harm.We also talk about encounters with monkeys in tourist destinations, and how humans can minimize harm.🎧 Watch the video version on YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Spotify🎧 Watch on YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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, visit The Associated Press website.We thank the Global News Gaps Project of the Google News Institute for providing us access to AP. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 of the Google News Institute for providing us access to AP. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Project of the Google News Institute for providing us access to AP. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 militaries and intelligence agencies to sift through vast amounts of surveillance footage and identify targets.To read this story, visit The Associated Press website.We thank the Global News Gaps Project of the Google News Institute for providing us access to AP. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 this history of struggle continues today and why for many communities, defending land means defending life, livelihood, and the right to self-determination.🎧 Listen on Spotify🎧 Watch on YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 exact accountability in government?Check out the Red Flags Report here: tordecilla.github.io/ph-ads-red-flags/🎧 Listen on Spotify🎧 Watch on YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 anxiety, the difference between looking and truly seeing, the unspoken rules visitors don’t always know, and what it’s really like to work behind the scenes in one of the Philippines’ leading cultural institutions.From slow looking and accidental “museum crimes” to the physical demands of exhibition work and the evolving role of women in art, this conversation invites you to rethink museums not as intimidating spaces, but as shared ones. Whether you’re a first-time visitor, an art lover, or just curious about Philippine culture, this episode is your guide on how to museum.Reporter and host: Bubbles MagpayoProducer: Tricia AquinoAudio editor: Anthony Tobias🎧 Listen on Spotify 🎧 Watch on YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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-based policies and solutions.And now, through the PlastiZen app, ordinary citizens can join the fight. By simply taking and uploading photos of plastic waste, Filipinos become “citizen scientists,” contributing to national baselining efforts, helping local governments identify pollution hotspots, and holding communities accountable.Reporter and host: Lilian TiburcioProducer: Tricia AquinoAudio editor: Jem Bunao🎧 Listen on Spotify 🎧 Subscribe on YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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.

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 information.

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 worst impacts may still be ahead.🎧 Listen on Spotify🎧 Watch on YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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, perimenopause, hormone therapy, and the TikTok rabbit holes that make things worse.Reporter and host: Bubbles MagpayoProducer: Tricia AquinoAudio editor: Anthony Tobias🎧 Listen on Spotify🎧 Watch on YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 became the foundation for this creative movement. She talks about what Jose Rizal taught her about showing up with warmth instead of rage, why she believes Filipinas should double down on their capacity for creativity, and what it felt like to see a stranger moved to tears by a song she wrote for her mom. This is a conversation about building with intention, leading with kindness, and refusing to let anyone define your ceiling.Reporter and host: Bubbles MagpayoProducer: Tricia AquinoAudio editors: Jem Bunao and Anthony Tobias🎧 Listen on Spotify 🎧 Watch on YouTube If you’d like to stay updated on Hinabi Privé’s upcoming events and activities, you can follow them on Facebook. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“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 marine scientist Dr. Deo Onda of the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute to unpack the significance of disputed waters. From coral reef connectivity to the role of offshore ecosystems in feeding coastal communities, Dr. Onda explains how scientific research reveals what is truly at stake.Reporter and host: Lilian TiburcioProducer: Tricia AquinoAudio editor: Anthony Tobias🎧 Listen on Spotify🎧 Watch on YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 ask, what is at the root of this behavior? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 products like the Manila-exclusive Superstar sneakers and apparel lines—fulfilling a dream he had since his teenage years. His journey has expanded into landmark collaborations with Jollibee, Nissan, and more, each met with record-breaking fan devotion and overnight lines at conventions.In this conversation, Quiccs shares how his passion for toys, rooted in childhood play with Legos and Transformers, evolved into a career that redefined what Filipino creativity could achieve. He reflects on the decade-long journey of his art toy brand, the historic Adidas partnership, and the cultural resonance of collaborations that connect deeply with Pinoy identity.Producer: Lilian Tiburcio Audio editor: Anthony Tobias Listen to our episodes on Spotify or YouTube.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.