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Chica with Monica

Chica with Monica

By Monica Joelle Ortiz

As a 1st generation Filipino-American, Actor, Host, and self-proclaimed History nerd, I find that the best way to learn more is to simply listen more. The never ending journey of learning has encouraged me to make this podcast as a means to hear many fascinating stories from my peers whom I deeply admire; with stories I know deserve to be heard. New episodes every week, hopefully on MONdays, get it? Stay tuned, and thank you for listening!
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Let’s Talk "South Pacific" with my Co-Star Fo’i Meleah

Chica with MonicaJul 13, 2021

00:00
44:41
Let’s Chica with Exercise Specialist Justin Agustin

Let’s Chica with Exercise Specialist Justin Agustin

On today’s episode of Chica with Monica, I have the honor to speak with Filipino-Canadian Exercise Specialist Justin Agustin. We talk a lot about building healthy habits, how he got into social media, and another passion of his that I wasn’t aware of. So thankful for this conversation and editing it was truly quite therapeutic once again. As always, please support Justin on all his social media platforms @JustinAgustin.

Thank you so much for listening and Mabuhay!

Aug 16, 202238:03
Chica with Ruby Ibarra

Chica with Ruby Ibarra

On this episode of Chica with Monica, I got to speak with the iconic Ruby Ibarra! I have adored her and her music for so long so this interview was so special. We talk about her journey, her inspirations, and her hopes for the future of her music. If you want to support Ruby, don’t just follower on all her socials @RubyIbarra, but make sure to stream her music as well.

Thank you so much for listening and Mabuhay!

Jul 11, 202241:47
Chica with FilExcellence & Let’s Talk Mental Health

Chica with FilExcellence & Let’s Talk Mental Health

On this episode of Chica with Monica, I have the honor to speak with FilExellence about a plethora of topics regarding the Filipino experience not only within the diaspora but in the mainland as well. I got to speak to Argentina and Monica again and meet two other members of FilExcellence. If you want to support their #IsangDiwa campaign, don’t forget to use the hashtag any time you share any content regarding the Filipino experience. To support them on social media, you can follow @Filipinow.Global online along with @GabeAndAngel, @AsapMonny, @Joshoflion, and @EdwardJRaya.

Thank you for listening and Mabuhay!

Jun 15, 202201:13:37
Chica with “Come Dance With Me” Contestants Emelyn & Nicole

Chica with “Come Dance With Me” Contestants Emelyn & Nicole

On this episode of Chica with Monica, I have the pleasure of speaking with the dynamic dance Mother and Daughter duo, Emelyn and Nicole Yniguez. We talk about how Emelyn got into dance and their journey joining the show. Catch Come Dance with Me every Friday (8:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT). To follow Emelyn and Nicole on social media, follow @EmelynYniguez and @MommyTipsByNicole.

Thank you for listening and Mabuhay!

May 28, 202243:47
Let's Talk About the "PI" Part of AAPI Heritage Month Ft Melissa Akoni

Let's Talk About the "PI" Part of AAPI Heritage Month Ft Melissa Akoni

On today's episode of Chica with Monica, I have the privilege of speaking with Native Hawaiian content creator and activist Melissa Akoni on the nuance topics and history of Asians and Pacific Islanders. I learned a lot speaking to Melissa and I hope you did too listening to this conversation. Please support Melissa on all her social media and learn even more about the Hawaiian culture and what we all can collectively do to educate ourselves about the country. Her TikTok and IG handle is @mmmeliss__. As always, thank you so much for listening and Mabuhay!

May 17, 202242:12
Chica with Monica Ft Vanessa Camille (Body Positivity, Consistency, Aspirations)

Chica with Monica Ft Vanessa Camille (Body Positivity, Consistency, Aspirations)

On this episode of Chica with Monica, I speak with the beautiful Vanessa Camille Ronquillo on Kumu live. We talk about how she got into the modeling industry, what she hopes to change in the Filipino community when it comes to body shaming, and of course, representation in mainstream media. To support Vanessa on her journey, please check her out on all social media platforms @VanessaxCamille. 

As always, thank you so much for listening & Mabuhay!!!

Apr 29, 202245:32
Let’s Chica with Netflix’s Heart Shot Star Elena Heuze (Multi-Race Representation, Queer Experience, Growing Up In The Philippines)

Let’s Chica with Netflix’s Heart Shot Star Elena Heuze (Multi-Race Representation, Queer Experience, Growing Up In The Philippines)

On today’s episode of Chica with Monica, I got to speak to up and coming Filipino & Spanish/French Actor Elena Heuze. We talk a lot about their new film streaming now on Netflix “Heart Shot” and what it means to be a part of a short film that shows Queer love. Elena also shares their passion for the craft, some tips on starting, and their dream role. To support Elena on their journey, be sure to stream “Heart Shot” on Netflix and also follow them on social media. IG & Twitter: @ElenaHeuze, TikTok: @Sk8rdyke.

As always, thank you for listening and Mabuhay!

Feb 28, 202243:30
Let’s Chica with the Basco Family (The Fabulous Filipino Bros, Working with Family, Representation)

Let’s Chica with the Basco Family (The Fabulous Filipino Bros, Working with Family, Representation)

On this episode of Chica with Monica, I had the honor to speak with the Basco family about their new movie the Fabulous Filipino Brothers. We speak quite a bit about what it was like working together as a family and what this story means to them as Filipino Americans. To follow their journey and support the film follow their instagram @FabFilipinoBros. Also, visit https://beacons.ai/fabfilipinobros to learn where you can pre-order the film and support further. Fabulous Filipino Bros will officially release on February 8, 2022.

@DanteBasco, @DionysioBasco, @AriannaBasco__, @DarionBasco.

As always, thank you so much for listening and Mabuhay!

Feb 01, 202201:09:46
Let’s Chica with Martha Millan (The Cleaning Lady, Auditioning, & Apartment Hunting in NYC)

Let’s Chica with Martha Millan (The Cleaning Lady, Auditioning, & Apartment Hunting in NYC)

On this episode of Chica with Monica, I have the honor of speaking with the talented Filipina-Australian actress Martha Millan. We talk about how she got the role of Fiona De La Rosa in The Cleaning Lady and what it means to play a Filipina role in a network television show. To follow Martha on her journey, please check her out on social media @MarthaMillanNYC (IG) and @Millan_NYC (Twitter)
Thank you so much for listening, and as always, Mabuhay!
Jan 25, 202235:21
Let’s Chica with Joy Regullano (Improv, White Parents, Writing & More)

Let’s Chica with Joy Regullano (Improv, White Parents, Writing & More)

In this episode of Chica with Monica, I get to speak with Writer & Actress Joy Regullano. We talk about what lead her to her now chosen career paths and we hear hat she would tell her 13 year old self not to do if she had the chance. To follow Joy on her journey, find her on IG, Twitter, and YouTube by searching @JoyRegullano.

Thank you so much for listening and Mabuhay!

Dec 20, 202129:36
Let’s Talk Jelly, Ben & Pogo with Creator Jalysa Leva

Let’s Talk Jelly, Ben & Pogo with Creator Jalysa Leva

In this episode I get to speak with the creator of the first ever Filipino American PBS cartoon Jalysa Leva. We talk about the creative process of Jelly, Ben, & Pogo and it means to have this type of representation today. You can stream the show on all PBS streaming outlets including YouTube, and if you want to support Jalysa on her journey, you can follow her on IG @JalysaL.

As always, thank you so much for listening and Mabuhay!

Nov 01, 202139:41
Let’s Talk Filipino Food and Culture with Natalia Roxas
Oct 27, 202153:37
Let’s Talk Filipino Mambabatok (Tatooing) with Lane Wilcken
Oct 21, 202154:18
Let's Chica with Carolyn Fe

Let's Chica with Carolyn Fe

On this episode of Chica with Monica, I have the pleasure to speak to Carolyn Fe who plays the Lola (Grandmother) in the new Blues Clues. We talk about her career as a Blues singer and pursuing acting later in her life. To follow Carolyn on her journey online, simply search @TheCarolynFe on Twitter, Instagram, etc. 


Thank you so much for listening and Mabuhay!

Oct 14, 202137:54
Let’s Talk The Unusual Suspects with Star Aina Dumlao

Let’s Talk The Unusual Suspects with Star Aina Dumlao

On today’s episode of Chica with Monica, I have the honor to speak to Filipina American Actress Aina Dumlao who stars in the SBS hit miniseries that is now streaming on Hulu, The Unusual Suspects. We talk a lot about what it means to see strong Filipino characters in mainstream media, how she landed the role, and what she hopes to achieve in the near future. If you want to follow Aina on her journey, do check her out on social media @AineeGram on instagram.

Thank you so much for listening, and as always, Mabuhay!

Sep 30, 202138:55
Let’s Talk About the Divide Between Filipino Americans & Filipinos in the Motherland with Kristian Kabuay
Sep 21, 202142:48
Let’s Talk Egghead & Twinkie with Director Sarah Holland

Let’s Talk Egghead & Twinkie with Director Sarah Holland

On this episode of Chica with Monica, I have the pleasure of speaking to the talented Director, Writer, and Actor Sarah Holland. We talk about her journey in the industry as well as what she looks for when it comes to casting her projects. I always love getting to speak with fellow AAPI creatives like Sarah and I truly hope you enjoyed our conversation as much as I did. If you want to support Sarah along with her upcoming movie be sure to follow her @Shollandfilms and @EggheadTwinkieFilm.

Thank you for listening and as always, Mabuhay!

Aug 24, 202134:48
Let’s talk the Commercial Acting Market in Florida with Fil-Am Actor Raen Las

Let’s talk the Commercial Acting Market in Florida with Fil-Am Actor Raen Las

On this episode of Chica with Monica, I have the pleasure with talking with my dear friend and fellow actor Raen Las. We talk all about acting in
Florida along with his future endeavors in the industry. We also dive into what it means to be represented on screen and how we can see more diversity. If you want to follow Raen on his journey online, don’t forget to check him on Instagram @RaenLas.

As always, thank you for listening and Mabuhay!

Aug 17, 202137:36
Let’s Talk with THE Aj Rafael!

Let’s Talk with THE Aj Rafael!

On this episode of Chica with Monica I have the pleasure of speaking with Aj Rafael, a musician, clothing brand co-owner, activist, and content creator. We talk about Kuyateco and how his and his Fiancé Alyssa Navarro’s involvement came to be with the brand. We also dive into his career, Filipino inspirations, and his favorite Disney characters. If you don’t already follow Aj on social media, be sure to check him out @AjRafael on most platforms and @AjRafaelmusic on TikTok.

As always, thank you for listening and Mabuhay!💛

Aug 04, 202140:21
Let’s talk Balancing Careers with Model and Environmental Scientist Jaenna

Let’s talk Balancing Careers with Model and Environmental Scientist Jaenna

In this episode of Chica with Monica, I have the pleasure with speaking with Filipina American Model, Scientist and content creator Jaenna. We speak on balance on pursuing multiple dreams without having to hurt our mental health. If you want to follow Jaenna on her journey, please check her out on TikTok and instagram @Jaennaration. I know it’s not Monday, but I’ll be sure to have the next episode out on Monday... hopefully!

Thank you so much for listening and as always, Mabuhay!

Jul 28, 202139:47
Let’s Talk "South Pacific" with my Co-Star Fo’i Meleah

Let’s Talk "South Pacific" with my Co-Star Fo’i Meleah

On this episode of Chica with Monica, I get to speak with my beautiful and disgustingly talented friend and kindred spirit Fo’i Meleah. We can literally talk forever, so this episode is honestly just a snippet of what our hang outs are like. I hope you enjoyed this more casual episode and let me know via IG dm's if you want more like it. If you want to keep up with Fo’i online, be sure to check her out on social media @Foreallyreallyreal on IG and @DjBabyyBokFoi on TikTok.

Thank you again for listening and as always, Mabuhay!

Jul 13, 202144:41
Let's Talk Unlearning Toxic Filipino Traits with Dr Abby Hamilton

Let's Talk Unlearning Toxic Filipino Traits with Dr Abby Hamilton

In this episode of Chica with Monica, I have the pleasure of speaking with Filipino American Psychologist Dr Abby Hamilton. We dive deep into the struggles us Filipinos may face when it comes to assertiveness as well as the correlation our culture may have with having trouble speaking up. To learn even more on the topics we discussed, be sure to check all of Dr Abby's socials at https://drabbyhamilton.com/.


Thank you so much for listening and as always Mabuhay!

Jul 06, 202142:04
Let’s Talk with Founder of Buzzfeed Philippines Matt Ortile

Let’s Talk with Founder of Buzzfeed Philippines Matt Ortile

On this episode of Chica with Monica, I have the pleasure of speaking with Author, Journalist, Founder of Buzzfeed Philippines and the current managing editor of the National Magazine Award-winning publication Catapult Matt Ortile. It’s not everyday I get to speak with someone I admire on so many levels so this conversation was such a delight for me. If you want to buy a copy of his book “The Groom Will Keep His Name” visit https://www.mattortile.com/. To follow Matt online, follow him @Ortile on Twitter and @MattOrtile on IG.

As always, thank you so much for listening and Mabuhay!

Jul 02, 202136:56
Let’s Talk Making History with 1st Trans Miss New Zealand Arielle Keil
Jun 23, 202138:13
Let’s Talk Acting In Hollywood with Filipino American Actor Zedrick Restauro

Let’s Talk Acting In Hollywood with Filipino American Actor Zedrick Restauro

On this episode of Chica with Monica, I have the pleasure of talking to the talented Zedrick Restauro. We learn about his journey in Hollywood and some advice he would give to young actors who may want to break into the industry as well. If you enjoyed this episode, please don’t forget to follow the podcast and/or share it with a friend. And as always, if you would like to follow Zedrick on his journey, you can check him out online @ZedrickRestauro.

Thank you so much for listening and Mabuhay!

Jun 15, 202139:39
Let's Talk Marketing As A Filipino Creative Ft Argentina aka GabeAndAngel

Let's Talk Marketing As A Filipino Creative Ft Argentina aka GabeAndAngel

In this episode of Chica with Monica, I have the pleasure of speaking with Filipino Canadian multi-hyphenated entrepreneur Argentina Beltran. We dive deep into social media, branding yourself, and how important it is to know that the things that make us different are our superpowers. I hope you enjoyed this episode and learned a thing or two like myself. If you want to follow along Ate Argentina's journey, please check her out on social media @GabeAndAngel on IG and Clubhouse or @ArgentinaPeroFilipina on TikTok.


Thank you so much for listening and Mabuhay!

Jun 08, 202144:38
Let’s Talk Mental Health & Fitness in the Filipino Community ft AsapMonny

Let’s Talk Mental Health & Fitness in the Filipino Community ft AsapMonny

In this episode of Chica with Monica, I have the pleasure of speaking with another Monica aka AsapMonny online or Monica Blanco. We dive deep into the complexities of mental health within our Filipino communities and what we can do to improve on it with ourselves and families. Understanding intergenerational trauma and acknowledging its existence truly is the only way to dismantle it. If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe to the podcast for more and/or share it with a friend. To follow along Blanco’s journey, follow her on all social media platforms @AsapMonny.

Thank you so much for listening and as always, Mabuhay!

Jun 01, 202139:29
Let’s Talk Philippine & US Pageantry w/ Miss Washington US International Maricres Castro

Let’s Talk Philippine & US Pageantry w/ Miss Washington US International Maricres Castro

In this episode of Chica with Monica, I have the pleasure to speak with a fellow KF alumni and fellow Pinay American Maricres Castro. We dive into various topics such as the heightened hate crimes toward the Asian community in the States, along with colorism, division amongst POC, and representation. I had such a great time having this conversation and if you did too, please don’t forget to Subscribe to the show and/or share the episode with a friend. If you want to follow along Maricres’ journey, please check her social media out @MarMarCastro on IG and Twitter and Maricres Valdez Castro on FB.

Thank you for listening and Mabuhay!

May 27, 202144:40
Let's Talk with a Listener!!! Ft Maria Krey

Let's Talk with a Listener!!! Ft Maria Krey

In this episode of Chica with Monica, I have the absolute pleasure to speak to a listener. Maria Krey is a Filipino American Immigrant and dance teacher in Oklahoma who's been on a journey to rediscover her roots. We talk all things from the arts, decolonization, and the importance of representation in her field of dance. I really enjoyed this conversation and if you did too, be sure to check Maria out on her instagram pages @MKGmoves  & @MKGteaches as well as her Patreon www.patreon.com/MKGteachs.


Thank you so much for listening and as always Mabuhay!

May 17, 202140:28
Let’s Talk About Asians in the Arts w/ Filmmaker-Actress-Producer Rachel Leyco

Let’s Talk About Asians in the Arts w/ Filmmaker-Actress-Producer Rachel Leyco

In this episode, I have the pleasure to talk to Actress, Producer, and Award Winning filmmaker Rachel Leyco about her experiences in the industry as well as what she hopes to see improve in Hollywood for Asian Americans. We also dive deep into how she got into the arts and her upcoming projects that showcase positive representation for both her Filipino and Queer communities. Please join me in following Rachel along her journey @Rachel.Leyco on IG and RachelLeyco on Twitter.

Thank you so much for listening as always and Mabuhay!

May 11, 202149:55
Let’s talk Southeast Asian Blades with Panday Guro Kayan Cajudo

Let’s talk Southeast Asian Blades with Panday Guro Kayan Cajudo

In this episode of Chica with Monica, I have the pleasure getting to talk to my friend Kayan Cajudo, a Filipino American from Florida where we talk about Filipino martial arts, history, and of course his work on handcrafted Southeast blades. Kayan is also a Guro (teacher) in Kali Filipino martial arts and has on going class in the Central Florida area 3 times a week. If you want to learn more about his work, please check out all of his socials @SDKcustomblades (IG), @SDkaliOfficial (IG), SDkali.com, and Sanduguan Kali on Facebook. Thank you so much for listening, as always I hope you enjoyed our conversation and stay tuned for next week’s episode for another Chica.

Mabuhay!

May 04, 202141:22
Let’s talk Acting as a Filipina with Wynonna Earp Star Martina Ortiz-Luis

Let’s talk Acting as a Filipina with Wynonna Earp Star Martina Ortiz-Luis

In this episode I have the pleasure to talk to the talented Actress and singer Martina Ortiz-Luis who is currently starring in the hit SY-Fy series Wynonna Earp as Rachel Valdez. We talk about how she got into the industry, what it means for her to represent both her culture and her character's, as well as her future aspirations in music. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did, also please do check out Martina on all her socials @itzmartinaol (Twitter) and @martinaortizluis (Instagram/Facebook/YouTube). Lastly, don't forget to tune into Wynonna Earp on either SY-FY’s channel, Hulu, Netflix, YouTube Tv and more.

Mabuhay!
Apr 28, 202143:51
Let’s Talk Filipino History with the Owner of Ugat Clothing

Let’s Talk Filipino History with the Owner of Ugat Clothing

In this episode, I talk with the creator and owner of Ugat clothing Michael Dalupo. From what was going to be a conversation about clothing turned into talking about the embedded toxicities that us Filipinos face today due to many historical events. There are a lot of reasons to be proud of being a Filipino, and Kuya Michael definitely shares many of the reasons why. I hope you enjoy this episode, please do check out Ugat clothing on all social media platforms @UgatClothing as well as Kuya Michael’s podcasts: @Blazi_Blah_Podcast and @PYBPodcast.

Mabuhay!

Apr 20, 202146:34
Is It Cultural Appropriation To Dress Like Disney's Raya If You're Not ASEAN? Ft Many Southeast Asians
Apr 13, 202140:10
Let's Chica with my Boyfriend Tyler!

Let's Chica with my Boyfriend Tyler!

This episode is a little different than my usual episodes, but nonetheless I had a wonderful time talking to my boyfriend Tyler about our short film, cultural differences, our dreams, mental health, and about life in general. We go on a few tangents here and there, more so me than him, but regardless I hope you enjoy our conversation. Also, please do expect more content from me on all platforms such as TikTok and YouTube, life has been quite busy lately, but we are slowly getting back to a normal schedule again.


Thank you so much for listening as per usual, and Mabuhay!

Mar 31, 202140:09
Let's talk about "Asian Hate" w/ Filipino American Actor Nacho Tambunting
Mar 22, 202154:22
Let's talk "Acting for Disney as a Filipino-American" with Bianca Grava

Let's talk "Acting for Disney as a Filipino-American" with Bianca Grava

This episode is so special because not only did I get to speak with such a talented human being, but I also got to make another family friend, as shocker to none, the Filipino American community is such a beautifully small world. If you don't know who Bianca Grava is, shame shame shame; anyway, Bianca was one of the stars of the hit Disney movie Magic Camp with Adam DeVine, Gillian Jacobs, Jeffrey Tambor, and so much more. We talk a lot about her experience on set and what it meant to her to be able to play an actual Filipino in the movie. I hope you enjoy this episode, as I had an amazing time talking to someone equally obsessed with movies as I am. Catch Magic Camp on Disney Plus today and follow Bianca on her social media @BiancaGrava.

Mabuhay

Mar 08, 202139:38
Let's talk "Diversity and Inclusion in the Disney Corporate world" w/ Alyssa Navarro

Let's talk "Diversity and Inclusion in the Disney Corporate world" w/ Alyssa Navarro

In this episode of Chica with Monica, my guest Alyssa Navarro and I talk about what it means to take up space in industries that are still in dire need of diversity. The strides we collectively take to achieve progress in our communities never go unnoticed, and in our own little unique ways we end up inspiring others to pursue their passions as well. This episode was a ton of fun and enriching for me, plus we also get a little cameo from a special guest in the end. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did, and please don't forget to check Ate Alyssa out on all her social media @Alyssugh. Let's also all collectively await that fire Christmas album the end of this year!


Mabuhay!

Mar 01, 202128:45
Let's talk "Eskrima Filipino Martial Arts in Film" w/ Nelita Villezon

Let's talk "Eskrima Filipino Martial Arts in Film" w/ Nelita Villezon

On today's episode of Chica with Monica, I have the amazing Nelita Villezon, a Filipino American Martial Artist, Model, and Fitness Professional. We talk a lot about her experiences in fighting, what it means to be a Biracial Black and Filipino American in today's society, along with our excitement for seeing our culture depicted on screen in Disney's newest film Raya & The Last Dragon. We could've honestly talked for hours, but this 1st episode together shall suffice for now. Please check Nelita out on all her social media @Nelita_V or at www.NelitaV.com. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did making it!


Mabuhay!

Feb 23, 202136:27
Let’s talk about “Conscious Casting in Theater” with Charles Stevens
Feb 15, 202137:09
Let's Talk about the "Casting of East Asians in Raya & The Last Dragon" w/ LexiTheFirst

Let's Talk about the "Casting of East Asians in Raya & The Last Dragon" w/ LexiTheFirst

On this episode of Chica With Monica, I have the lovely, beautiful and talented fellow ASEAN sister and performer Lexi. We talk quite a bit about our excitement for Raya & The Last Dragon along with a few of our frustrations as well. From inclusion within the cosplay community to our own shared experiences being former performers of WDW, this episode has a lot of heart and great conversation. I hope you all enjoy this one, because it's filled with topics near and dear to my heart. Please don’t forget to favorite, review, or share this episode if you liked it and check out Lexi’s social media @ LexiTheFirst on TikTok, Twitch, IG,and YouTube.

Mabuhay

Feb 09, 202144:44
Let's talk about the "Anti-Blackness in Asian Communities" Ft Samual J Hyun
Feb 01, 202142:15
Let's talk "Philippine Mythology" with Author Jaime Atilano

Let's talk "Philippine Mythology" with Author Jaime Atilano

In this episode, I speak to the wonderful and talented Author, Jaime Atilano to talk about their book "Mala & The Mask Gold". Atilano is a non-binary immigrant from the Philippines and a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. We talk quite a bit about the book and how it explores siblinghood, identity, and Filipinx mythology. Along with that, we share cultural experiences as Filipinos from different regions and what those experiences meant to us as Filipinos in the United States. I hope you enjoy this conversation and please do check out Jaime on all their socials via @JaimeMartinKo. To purchase a copy of their book visit: https://www.amazon.com/Mala-Mask-Jaime-Martin-Atilano/dp/1636765629/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3UR5SRTNAUVXE&dchild=1&keywords=mala+%26+the+mask+gold&qid=1611776040&sprefix=mala+%26+th%2Cdigital-text%2C171&sr=8-1 

Mabuhay!

Jan 27, 202147:45
Let's talk the "Mixed Raced" Identity with Pinay NBA Dancer Katrina Salzer

Let's talk the "Mixed Raced" Identity with Pinay NBA Dancer Katrina Salzer

In this episode, I chat with my good friend, the talented and beautiful Katrina Salzer. We dive into the experiences of a mixed race individual, specifically being half Filipino and half white; what that may mean and how she has been able to navigate loving her ethnic identity growing up in the South. We also go into her experiences being the only Asian American woman in both the NBA teams she has danced for and how that has allowed for her to help pave the way for others. I hope you all enjoy this episode, and please do check Katrina out on all her socials @KatrinaSalzer as well as remind her to start her own podcast too haha. Mabuhay!

Jan 18, 202137:29
Let's talk about "Taking Up Space" as minority creatives FT Kuya Airam

Let's talk about "Taking Up Space" as minority creatives FT Kuya Airam

In this episode, Kuya Airam or @AiramDPhoto and I talk about building platforms as Filipino-American creatives in industries heavily dominated by non-poc and how to maneuver our way into taking up space. I learned a lot from this episode about not second guessing my abilities and to finally stop overthinking my creativity. I hope you all enjoy this episode as much as we did making it! Please do check Kuya Airam out on all of his socials, as he gives wonderful advice on photography and all things social media. Mabuhay!

Jan 12, 202141:04
Let’s talk “WDW entertainment” with Bianca Heard FT special guest

Let’s talk “WDW entertainment” with Bianca Heard FT special guest

In this episode, my guest Bianca, my surprise guest (in the end), and I talk a lot about our experiences working for the mouse as BIPOC individuals. We also talk about their Queer experiences in the performing industry altogether as well. We go on many tangents, but overall it was such a wonderful conversation that I hope you all enjoy. Please check Bianca’s socials out at Biancablooming.com & @BiancaHeard.
Jan 05, 202101:15:21
Let’s Talk “Gender Fluidity” in Filipino culture Ft Franky

Let’s Talk “Gender Fluidity” in Filipino culture Ft Franky

In this episode, my friend Franky and I talk about the Trans Man experience as well as the unique experiences of being one in the Filipino community. We also dive into the experiences of being first generation Filipino Americans and how that has sculpted us as people. I hope you enjoy this episode and please do check Franky out on his social media and podcast at @FrankyTheShorty & “Frankly Franky”💛 Also, Franky’s pronouns are He/Him/They & mine are She/Her💕
Dec 28, 202043:10
Let's talk "Racial Ambiguity" in the Acting Industry

Let's talk "Racial Ambiguity" in the Acting Industry

Today I and my guest Emily Goes talk a lot about the term "passing" as a BIPOC when it comes to booking roles whether through theater or TV & Film, and how it can be problematic. We also discuss the importance of conscious casting and the value of accurately depicting characters and roles of color. Please check out Emily on Twitter/IG @EmilyAGoes and stay tuned for next week's episode on Monday as well!

Dec 21, 202035:51
Let's talk about "Racial Preference" in Dating ft Manong Owen

Let's talk about "Racial Preference" in Dating ft Manong Owen

In this episode of Chica with Monica I have another fellow TikTok content creator known online as AskManongOwen. He and I talk about the term “Racial Preference” in dating and how it has been widely used to justify racism and exclusion of people from various ethnic demographics. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did making it. Please follow Kuya Owen on TikTok @AskManongOwen and IG @OwenJFL & @Baybayin.atbp

Dec 14, 202039:52
Raya & The Last Dragon, Asian Representation, and the differences of Indonesia & The Philippines w/ Sukiyuu & ZanderTheEmpath

Raya & The Last Dragon, Asian Representation, and the differences of Indonesia & The Philippines w/ Sukiyuu & ZanderTheEmpath

This was such a fun episode. The conversations vary and flow from all things ASEAN in Raya and The Last Dragon to the similarities in how we cook rice. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as enjoyed making it. Please also don't forget to check out Sukiyuu and ZanderTheEmpath on social media as well as our joint collab page 60Shadesofhearts. Thank you for listening and keep an eye out for next week's episodes with some special guests!

Dec 08, 202001:12:04