Teka Teka

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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