recent Episodes

This Filipino American Life is a podcast that explores the nuanced experiences of Filipinos in the United States, atbp. We release new episodes every other week. Enjoy all our latest episodes here!

Episode 177 – Celebrations vs Commemorations vs Complications: How Should We Honor Filipino American History?

Happy Filipino American HISTORY Month!  How did you celebrate?  Why did you celebrate? The past month here in Southern California was filled with numerous events and moments where Filipino and Filipino American culture and heritage were celebrated, but only...

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Episode 176 – TFAL Fall Update: Ryan the Former Taba-chelor

It’s been a while since the TFAL crew came together for an episode without a special guest.  In this episode, we update each other of what’s going on with our lives.  Join Elaine, Kat, Joe, and Producer Mike on...

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Episode 175 – A “Pretty Incredible” Conversation with Celeste Perez, Co-founder & CEO of Droplet

In this episode, the TFAL Crew have a conversation with Celeste Perez, Co-Founder and CEO of Droplet, a health and wellness company creating adaptogen infused beverages. The TFAL crew learns what are adaptogens, what it’s like to start a...

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Episode 174 – The Value of Community Colleges with Dr. Lily Ann Villaraza

Community colleges are the biggest bang for our buck, and yet there are so many Filipino Americans out there who do not respect such schools.  With the higher education landscape rapidly changing, the notion of what constitutes a “good...

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Episode 173 – Futbol is This Filipino American Life! with Anton del Rosario

FUTBOL IS THIS FILIPINO AMERICAN LIFE!! What is the most popular sport in the world? You guessed it!  It’s football! And no, not that kind of football with the oddly shaped ball that’s thrown around with hands mostly and...

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Episode 172 – A TFAL Review of ‘Easter Sunday’

In this TFAL episode, we review the much-anticipated film Easter Sunday, the first Filipino American film produced and distributed by a major movie studio. Three out of the four of us were lucky enough to catch an early screening...

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recent articles

Enjoy all our latest written articles here!

OMENG SATANASIA

What film has a satanic dance number, singing angels, perilous escapes, bawdy humour, and a rough and tumble fight scene? The  visual mind trip of a film OMENG SATANASIA,...

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JOURNEY TO IFUGAO

  JOURNEY TO IFUGAO follows five Filipino artists and healers as they travel from Los Angeles to the Philippines on a spiritual quest for their identities and indigenous roots....

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I Gotchu Fam, Always

  I Gotchu Fam, Always is a shorts program where folks will see the likes of Tess Paras make her directorial debut in THE PATIENTS, the Academy award nominated...

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NO DATA PLAN

NO DATA PLAN by Mike Revereza makes its west coast premiere at LAAPFF. Named as one of 2018’s “25 New Faces of Independent Film to Watch,” Revereza challenges formal...

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Counterflow: Currents in New Filipina/o Music

  Check out this visual mixtape curated by former TFALpodcast guest Joel Quizon! Counterflow is an experience that features shorts from Philippine artists redefining and reworking the contemporary Filipina/o...

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EERIE

EERIE is set at Saint Lucia Academy for Girls, which is plagued by the ghost of a student who died under mysterious and tragic circumstances. The NEOMANILA & BIRDSHOT...

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meet the Hosts & crew

We started the TFAL podcast in 2016 as friends who loved sharing perspectives on our personal Filipino American experiences. Get to know more about us and our other projects. 

Joseph Bernardo

Joe is a 2nd generation Filipino American born in Los Angeles and raised in the San Fernando Valley. He currently works at a local university in LA and is involved with various organizations & campaigns that support...
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Ryan Carpio

Ryan was born in Manila, Philippines and immigrated to the United States when he was 7 years old. He grew up in Los Angeles and currently works for the City of LA. He’s a Loyola High School and UC Berkeley alum. In his free time, he likes to sing, teach, play cards, and laugh.
More about Ryan >

Elaine Dolalas

Elaine is a Historic Filipinotown-based writer, podcaster, and independent curator. She curates Color Your Troubles Away, a monthly arts event that offers stress relief, healing, and meditation through coloring.
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Michael Nailat

Michael, aka waxstyles, is definitely 100% Filipino American, although his facial hair tends to confuse folks for some reason. Born and raised in Oxnard, educated at UC Irvine and USC, it’s no wonder he ended up becoming a DJ...
More about Michael >

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Featured episodes

Here is a selection of our most popular TFAL episodes. Whether it features a special guest or topic close to our hearts, we know you’ll love these episodes. First time listeners start here!

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