MeSearch: Featuring Filipino Perspectives

In this episode of MeSearch, we’re reconnecting with Dr. Pat Lindsay Catalla-Buscaino aka Dr. Pinky! Dr. Pinky, is a scholar-activist, community leader, public speaker, and educator and the Founder and CEO of Kuwento Co. LLC, a woman-and BIPOC-owned publishing company. 

Dustin and Krystle write "letters to money" as part of an exercise suggested by former guest of the podcast, Leo Aquino, who is a professional in the anticapitalist personal finance space. In this episode, Dustin and Krystle reflect on their nuanced relationship to money. They discuss the concept of wealth and imagine a world in which money isn't everything.

In this episode, we follow up with former guest of the pod, Arianna Laila Dela Rosa to learn how she has reaches her goals and overcomes self-sabotage on her journey as a CEO of Empower First Coaching.

Through her company, Empower First Coaching, she helps first-generation BIPOC professionals, leaders, and change-makers do the inner work of healing and outer work of action to gain clarity on a fulfilling career, pursue aligned opportunities, and grow in their leadership.

Follow Arianna and learn more about her work:

In this episode, we welcome multiple voices to talk about graduate school and what you should know before you apply. At this point, you might have already accepted some admissions offers for graduate school programs. You might be waiting on some admissions decisions from some of your top grad school choices. You might be someone who is toying with the idea of going to grad school. 

Listen to the following individuals talk about what they feel is necessary considerations before applying:

1. Dr. Dominic Laureano

2. Dr. Micah Hernando

3. (Future) Dr. Dominic Javonillio

Happy Valentine's Day, Mesearchers!

On this episode, Krystle and Dustin have a one on one conversation about Valentine's Day. Join us as we discover a little bit about the origins of the holiday, then share a bit more of our individual romantic relationships. The episode ends with an in depth discussion of why communication is key in moving toward a long lasting, healthy relationship.

Ysabel Jurado is a tenants rights attorney, affordable housing activist, mom, lifelong Angeleno, and candidate to become the next Los Angeles City Council member for District 14. 

The election is March 5, 2024. If Ysabel wins, she’ll be the first Filipina American to be elected to the LA City Council.

On this episode of Mesearch, we’re learning more about Ysabel and exactly why she’s running for council.

Connect with Ysabel Jurado

Today on Mesearch, we are talking to a financial coach for liberation workers, an award-winning independent journalist covering anti-capitalist personal finance, and the founder of Queer and Trans Wealth, Leo Aquino. Listen in as we talk to Leo about the intersections of decolonization, liberation work, and being anti-capitalist.

Connect with Leo Aquino:

In this episode of Mesearch we're reconnecting with former guest, Nino Llanera. Nino is the Head of Programming for Myx Global of ABS-CBN Corporation of the Philippines. He returns to the show to talk about his perspectives on how social media, the Internet, and marketing to audiences has evolved in the last couple years. We reflect on the successful social media platforms of the past and imagine the Internet and technology of the future.

Connect with Nino Llanera:

On this episode of MeSearch, we're featuring an artist and storyteller from the Filipino community. He's a director, writer, editor, and producer. Originally from the Philippines, he came to US to complete his MFA in Film and TV Production from the University of Southern California. Join us as we learn more about one of his latest projects, a short film called, "A Karaoke Space Odyssey."

MeSearch talks to social worker, activist, and author Gabbie Aquino-Adriatico. With Gabbie's writings, we gain a deeper understanding of her commitment to creating safer spaces, fostering inclusivity, and advocating for positive change.

Her work serves as a beacon of hope for those who believe in the power of education, activism, and community. We’re going to explore her works “Death By A Broken Heart” and “Salamat Houston” which are featured in "The Kuwento Book: An Anthology of Filipino Stories and Poems."

Learn More:

Today we are talking to actor, Nikki McKenzie who you may have seen on shows like Seal Team, Hawaii Five O, Magnum PI, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Prank Encounters, Lonestar 911, and so many more tv shows and films! Nikki is now the first (full) Filipina American to lead a Christmas movie. She plays Heather Marquez in A Vineyard Christmas out now.

A Vineyard Christmas is streaming on Paramount Plus, Paramount Plus Apple TV Channel , Paramount+ Amazon Channel or for free with ads on Peacock, Peacock Premium, Pluto TV, Freevee, Xumo Play.

Follow Nikki:

Today we’re talking to one of our leaders in the Community residing in Hawaii, Chachie Abara. She is the founder of Kasamahan Collective - a group of storytellers, visionaries, and creatives in Hawaii redefining and reclaiming Filipino history  through creative narratives, and stories to bridging the gap in our Filipino community. Chachie is also now the author of the new children’s book, “Ti Nakakasdaaw a Padas ni Nasudi." This translates to "Nasudi's Amazing Adventure.”

Learn More:

Today, we are in solidarity with Palestine and everyone fighting for their own sovereignty.

This episode of Mesearch was recorded on November 20th, the 44th day that Palestine has been under siege, under the orders of massacre from the Israeli government. Jewish Voice for Peace state that reported number of people killed was 14,000 (8,000 of them children). However, they state that the actual number of people killed is more likely to be closer to 15,000.

Mesearch welcomes the Executive Director of the Palestinian American Community Center in New Jersey, Rania Mustafa. Rania Mustafa joins the podcast to discuss the historical context behind the Israeli Occupation in Palestine and recommends action to help educate and uplift.

Today on MeSearch we’re talking about the growing field of Filipino American Psychology. 

Our guest for this episode literally wrote the text book on Filipino American Psychology, "Filipino American Psychology. It's Dr. Kevin Nadal, a Distinguished Professor of Psychology at both John Jay College of Criminal Justice and Graduate Center at the City University of New York. 

He received his doctorate in counseling psychology from Columbia University in New York City and is one of the leading researchers in understanding the impacts of microaggressions on the mental and physical health of people of color; LGBTQ people; and other marginalized groups. 

Connect with Dr. Kevin Nadal:

On this episode we're discussing the mindset and process needed to produce a one person live show. MeSearch welcomes Jaime Barcelon, a Los Angeles based singer and actor, to unpack his own experience with putting on his own one person show called, "The Heart of the Matter," in which he sang songs that reflected his experience growing up in the Philippines and moving to the US.

Connect with Jaime Barcelon:

MESEARCH reunites with Hazel Carranza, a guiding figure on social media with her comedy skits featuring call center agent, Tita Celing. Through Tita Celing, Hazel demonstrates how to react and respond during challenging conversations with our Filipino elders.

In this episode we catch up with Hazel and learn more about her current projects from improv acting to music to new beginnings.

Connect with Hazel Carranza:

October is both Filipino American History Month and LGBT(QIA) History Month. On today's episode of MESEARCH, we’re getting to know Ron Blakely, a queer, non-binary, Southern California-based singer, actor, and recording artist of Black and Filipino heritage. Ron gets vulnerable and shares how growing up queer and Brown/Black as well as processing the grief of losing both parents affects his artistry as a singer and songwriter.

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of grief, loss, and the death of loved ones.

Connect with Ron:

MESEARCH welcomes Jaclyn Aimee; a Filipino-American actor and writer based in Los Angeles, California. We get extra vulnerable in this episode; Jaclyn and Krystle share their experiences growing up without fathers.

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of death and murder. Listener discretion is advised.

Connect with Jaclyn:

It's Filipino American History Month and we're back! Season 4 of MeSearch returns with your hosts, Dustin Domingo and Krystle Tugadi. In this episode we reflect on the past three seasons, who we are today, and what we hope to learn, relearn, and/or unlearn in this new season.

This is a special BONUS episode.

We’re talking about the Writers' (WGA - Writer's Guild of America) and Actors' (SAG-AFTRA - Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) Strike. To learn more about what’s going on and how we can support is actor, producer, co-founder of Filipinx Actors Barkada and SAG-AFTRA strike captain, Danice Cabanela.

Learn more about Danice Cabanela:

YES!

MeSearchers, this is our 100th episode and the finale of our third season of the podcast. In this episode, Krystle and Dustin reflect on their growth over the last three years of this show. They share thanks and flowers to guests and the community. Join us as we reminisce.

MeSearch meets Dax Valdes, a senior trainer for Right To Be, an organization dedicated to preparing professionals and leaders to create workplaces, schools, and communities that are free of harassment and filled with humanity. On this episode we tackle a few difficult subjects including, the behaviors that can be considered harassment, what to do if you've been harassed, and what to do when you've witnessed harassment. We've also asked Dax whether he's observed any common threads when dealing with these issues in Filipino American spaces.

Check out Right To Be:

In this episode of MeSearch, we meet Dr. Ceazar Nave, a post doctoral research fellow and professor of biology. Dr. Nave's area of expertise is in circadian biology, which means he studies the body's natural processes (i.e. waking, sleeping, digesting, etc.) that occur on a daily cycle. We learned that light sources, whether natural or from our computer/phone screens or lightbulbs can impact the ways in which our bodies undergo the biological processes meant to keep us functioning and well. What does all of this mean for Filipinos with irregular schedules, such as night workers or young students pulling all nighters?

Listen to this conversation as we delve into his research, its application to life as Filipinos, and what it's like being a Filipino American scientist in this day and age.

Check out Dr. Nave:

In this episode, MeSearch welcomes back former guest, Jaclyn Aimee, and we meet Ray Raymundo.

As the WGA (writers') strike emerged, Filipino American actors Jaclyn and Ray created, wrote, and produced a short film entitled, "See You On IG." It tells the story of the rekindling of a damaged romance that may or may not be destined to fail. We chat about how the writers' strike, and now SAG-AFTRA (Actors') strike impacted Jac's and Ray's creative trajectory and how "See You On IG" is evolving into something bigger.

See You On IG:

In this episode of MeSearch, we learn more about the SoCal Filipinos organization from its founder, Jason Lustina. SoCal Filipinos is a non profit 501c3, which strives to connect the Filipino Community in Southern California by creating and sharing meaningful content, workshops, panels and events.

Check out SoCal Filipinos:

Hey Mesearchers! In this episode, Dustin and Krystle listen to commentary from former guests of the pod, Dr. Micah Hernando and Dr. Dominic Laureano who share insight on the institutions of higher education. Dr. Hernando's research explores how faith based universities serve their students, while Dr. Laureano has had many years of professional experience across public and private universities and colleges. Dustin and Krystle reflect on their own experiences of undergraduate life and share their fond memories of young adulthood.

Listen to former episodes of MeSearch featuring interviews with Dr. Hernando and Dr. Laureno.

In this episode of MeSearch, we discuss college admissions and affirmative action in the United States. On Thursday June 28, 2023, the US Supreme Court ended race conscious admission programs at colleges and universities across the country. So what does this all mean and why do we as Filipino Americans need to know about this? In this episode, we are joined by the founder and Executive Director of LEAD Filipino, Dr. Angelica Cortez; also known as “Gel.” You might remember her from former MeSearch episode, "What is LEAD Filipino?"

Connect with Dr. Cortez and learn more:

Yes.

MESEARCH speaks to returning guest, Caroline Mangosing, the CEO and founder of VINTA Gallery and welcomes VINTA's Global Operations Manager, Sydney Cohen. VINTA Gallery offers a collection of "rebellious" Filipiniana clothing. In this episode, Caroline and Sydney reflect on a moment in which one of their original garments, stirred a bit of controversy on the Internet.

They designed a terno inspired by a sheer Swarovski crystal dress notably worn by Rihanna. The VINTA terno was modeled in a VINTA Gallery Instagram reel by Sydney herself. Reviews were mostly positive, with some critique and discussion over "modesty." Join us as we unpack this moment and discuss not only how fashion is a form of self expression, but how it can be used to engage deeply with Filipino culture and politics.

Learn more about VINTA Gallery:

Many Filipino Americans and Filipinos across the globe attend religious schools which are traditionally private educational institutions affiliated with an organized religion. In this episode of Mesearch, Dustin and Krystle reflect on the intersection of religion and education. Many seek out religion and spirituality in schools in order to affirm their core values and to find a sense of belonging. On the other hand, marginalized individuals, such as those from the LGBTQIA+ community, may encounter challenges and prejudice in a conservative religious institution which may normalize heteronormative beliefs. And yet, diverse and marginalized individuals continue to enroll in faith based educational institutions. Therefore, it is important to continue thinking about these questions: What might the factors be which lead individuals to attend a religious school? What is the value of religion in schools? Who finds value in attending religious schools?

Let's unpack this.

This episode features commentary from Dr. Micah Hernando, whose research includes a critical exploration of student support in faith based institutions of higher education.

In this episode of MESEARCH, we discuss the concept of "civic engagement" amongst younger Filipino/a/x Americans. This term might be intimidating, but at the heart of it is how one gets involved in the process of improving the community, whether it be through local government or community organizing. To join in the discussion is guest, Dr. Gleanne Kienzler. Dr. Kienzler is a first-generation college student with nearly 15 years as a professional in the higher education space. She shares her research in how cultural experiences influence civic behavior among Filipino American undergraduate students.

Hey Mesearchers! Happy Pride! June is recognized in the US and across the globe as the month in which we are welcome to acknowledge the LGBTQIA+ community and commemorate the Stonewall riots of 1969. This episode is another one on one discussion between your hosts. Dustin and Krystle discuss pride month and reflect on the conceptualizations of sexuality and gender in the US and the Philippines.

Hey Mesearchers! 

In this vulnerable one on one episode, your hosts, Dustin and Krystle, share personal updates. The question of the day is “What season of life are you in?” We discuss a range of experiences, from feeling like an imposter to feeling courageous. 

In this episode of MESEARCH, we meet Jonathan "Jon" Wong, who is the founder of Layari Financial, a financial planning firm based in Southern California and  named after his two daughters, Aria and Layla. After 15 years working as a Financial Planner for high-net-worth families and successful business owners, he decided to follow his dream of starting his own practice, to serve people like himself:  ambitious, increasingly complex life and curious to examine their relationship with money. Jon works with creatives, talented professionals, and busy families to open a dialogue about the previously taboo topics, and bring everyone into the conversation. The focus is in making planning more personal, and forging long term relationships to rely less on Google and more on a trusted partner for all financial questions and matters.

Jon is a Filipino-American and Certified Financial Planner (CFP), living in Fullerton, CA with his wife and two daughters. 

Learn More:

In this episode of MeSearch, we talk to Dr. Pat Lindsay C. Catalla-Buscaino aka Dr. Pinky! Dr. Pinky, is a scholar-activist, community leader, public speaker, and educator and the Founder and CEO of Kuwento Co. LLC, a woman-and BIPOC-owned publishing company. She is passionate about helping people write, share, tell, and publish their life stories, kuwentos. She is driven to create the largest collection of kuwentos in the world so that BIPOC and marginalized communities, such as the Filipino community, will always have a voice, be remembered, honored, and represented by their own accord.

Her latest project is The Kuwento Book: An Anthology of Filipino Stories + Poems, a groundbreaking collection of powerful stories and poems by 28 accomplished Filipina/x/o community writers, storytellers, artists, and leaders. Your MeSearch hosts, Dustin and Krystle are contributing authors!

Learn more:

Disclaimer: This episode contains discussions of death and trauma. Listener discretion advised.

In this episode of MESEARCH, we meet artist and death worker, Trishia Frulla. Today, we discuss how Trisha helps others process their trauma through crocheted sculptures and dolls. In their death work, they channels memorials for past selves and spirits through ritual and art. Ultimately, Trishia helps individuals through memorializing their experiences of grief and joy.

Learn more:

In this episode of MeSearch, we reconnect with actor, athlete, author, and the coolest guy in the room, Xavi de Guzman. Xavi discusses why neurological research in brain aneurysm detection and prevention is important for the community. He shares how he and his friends have been personally affected and the work of the Play On Foundation, which was founded in memory of Nathan Noel (1988 - 2013)

Learn more:

In this conversation, MESEARCH reconnects with former guest, Jaclyn Aimee. She's a Filipino-American actor and producer based in Los Angeles, California.

Jaclyn is a close friend of the podcast and shares what acting means to her and how she decided to quit her day job to pursue art full time. It's a scary journey, but if you leap, the net will appear.

Connect with Jaclyn:

Hey Mesearchers!

Music is an integral part of our lives as Filipinos. In this episode, Krystle and Dustin discuss their relationships with music and reflect on how music brought them together to be able to do this very podcast. We talk about early influences and where we are today in our artistic journeys.

Hey Mesearchers!

Listen in as Krystle and Dustin check in with one another on life and art. Krystle, a trained actor, reflects with Dustin, an amateur new to the game, on the living a creative life. In this episode, Krystle and Dustin discuss their recent experiences as members of Filipinx Actors Barkada, a collective of Filipino actors who regularly work on their craft, build community, and share resources.

Check out Filipinx Actors Barkada:

PERIOD!

MESEARCH talks to returning guest, Harlee Balajadia. Harlee is a Filipino American music educator from Long Beach, California. As one who is on the Millennial-Gen Z cusp, Harlee shares his insight into the language of Gen Z.

This episode is all about grief and how the loss of a loved one can impact our lives for better or worse.

In this conversation, MESEARCH talks to Jaclyn Aimee; Filipino-American actor and producer based in Los Angeles, California.

Jaclyn is a close friend of the podcast and tells us about her personal experience the loss of a boyfriend years ago when she was just 18 years of age.

Trigger Warning: In addition to grief and loss, this episode contains discussion of death and murder. Listener discretion is advised.

Connect with Jaclyn:

MESEARCH meets Dr. Kiernan "Kiki" Steiner (she/they/siya) of Decolonizing Kiki. Dr. Kiki blends their knowledge of the voice, sound energy, and decolonization, and connects to ancestral wisdom in order to guide others to creative liberation. She also collaborates with other coaches, healers, and facilitators to create online courses and workshops for holistic community education and healing.

In this episode we talk more about the human voice and how singing can help us heal and decolonize. 

Connect with Dr. Kiki Steiner:

MESEARCH meets Hazel Carranza, a guiding figure on social media with her comedy skits featuring call center agent, Tita Celing. Through Tita Celing, Hazel demonstrates how to react and respond during challenging conversations with our Filipino elders. In this episode we discuss how we can heal generational wounds and break harmful cycles of trauma!  

Connect with Hazel Carranza:

This is a special Valentine's Day episode of MESEARCH! 

In this episode, Dustin and Krystle talk about the different kids of love, specifically self love as well as love for family and the community. We'll also talk about "Utang na loob" and love languages. 

The intro and outro music is a new release by hosts, Dustin Domingo and Krystle Tugadi - A cover of "Super Love" originally performed by Dami Im. The track was produced by grammy nominated artist and former guest of the pod, Grayson Villanueva. Check it out wherever you stream music. 

In this episode of MeSearch, we discuss how Filipino food is a window to our history and relationship to Spanish/US colonization and imperialism. Joining Krystle and Dustin for this episode is Rachel Lucero, a Filipina American living in the Bay Area. Rachel is the creator and host of The Sago Show, an online video series that teaches viewers how to cook familiar dishes from the Philippines. In each cooking tutorial, Rachel also discusses the connections between Filipino food, history, and identity. 

Connect with Rachel Lucero and The Sago Show: