MeSearch: Featuring Filipino Perspectives

MESEARCH talks to Harlee Balajadia, a Filipino American music educator from Long Beach, California. In this episode, we discuss Harlee's perspectives as a gay middle school teacher. As one of a very few visible queer adults in his school, Harlee gives representation to educators of color who also belong to the LGBTQIA+ community. Harlee gives his thoughts on communication, authenticity, and visibi...

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 perform...

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 e...

MESEARCH talks to Krystle's childhood friend, Jenilee Migliorini. Jenilee is a Filipina American educator and writer. In this episode, we discuss Jenilee's story of motherhood and how her mixed children find opportunities to celebrate their Filipino identities. Follow Jenilee ( @heyitsjenilee ) and follow her blog, Risking Delight . Stay connected with MeSearch at https://www.mesearchpodcast.com/...

It's true and R'Bonney Gabriel has made history. She is the first Asian American woman to win the title of Miss Texas USA and the first Filipina American to win Miss USA. On January 14, 2023, Gabriel was crowned Miss Universe, making history yet again as the first Filipina American to win the title of Miss Universe. In this episode, Krystle and Dustin catch up and share their thoughts on pageantry...

In this episode of MeSearch, we meet actor, athlete, author, and the coolest guy in the room , Xavi de Guzman. Xavi talks about his book, "Peeled Fruit," a children's story about Baby Fernando, his mother, and how the act of peeling fruit is a demonstration of love and care in a Filipino home. We learn about how this book came to fruition and what Xavi is cooking up next.  Learn more...

Filipinos are recognized as a culturally musical ethnic group. In this episode of MESEARCH, Krystle and Dustin talk to producer and self-proclaimed emo hip hop artist, AV. Join the conversation as we discuss the role music has played in our lives and what inspires us to engage with music day to day.  Follow AV on TikTok at @audvision .  Stay connected with us at https://www.mesearchpodca...

It's 2023! Happy New Year, Mesearchers! This is the first episode of the new year! Let's reflect on our growth and learnings from the previous year. What has 2022 taught us? What will be taking on in 2023?  Stay connected with us at https://www.mesearchpodcast.com/ and via social media (@mesearchpodcast): Twitter: https://twitter.com/MeSearchPodcast   Instagram: https://instagram.com/MeS...

MESEARCH reunites with Kuya Michael Domingo, Dustin's big brother. In this episode we reflect on Filipino lead films and TV shows of our formative years. Get ready for some nostalgia! We talk Hook, Surf Ninjas, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II, Darna, and The Debut.  Stay connected with us at https://www.mesearchpodcast.com/ and via social media (@mesearchpodcast): Twitter: https://twitter.com...

Arianna Laila Dela Rosa is a holistic career coach who empowers first generation minority professionals, ranging from entry to mid-level, to find careers they love and thrive confidently in the workplace. In this episode we discuss the topic of being authentic in the workplace. Why is it important? Who gets to see our true selves?  Follow Arianna and learn more about her work: Instagram: http...

It's about time. Well into our third season, and we're just NOW tackling the subject of Filipino Time. Ironic?  "Filipino Time" often refers to the idea that Filipinos are known to be tardy. In this episode of MESEARCH, Krystle and Dustin address the question, "How late is too late?"  Stay connected with us at https://www.mesearchpodcast.com/ and via social media (@mesearchpodcast): Twit...

Neurodiversity refers to the differences between individuals' brain function and behavioral traits. These differences are normal variations across the human population. Neurodivergence is often used in the context of autism spectrum disorders.  In this episode of MESEARCH, Dustin and Krystle, talk to friend of the pod, Warjay Naigan. At 26, Warjay was formally diagnosed with autism , Attentio...

MESEARCH reconnects with returning guest, Nino Llanera, to discuss the performance of Joy Koy's film, "Easter Sunday," which centers a Filipino American family.  Nino is the Director of Content and Programming at Myx Global of ABS-CBN. In this role, he is immersed in the entertainment industry and has thoughts to share on the cultural impact of Joy Koy and "Easter Sunday."  Connect with...

Our jobs are what we do, not who we are. Still when we get fired, laid off, or lose out on a job opportunity, we find it hard to bounce back.  In this episode of MESEARCH, Dustin and Krystle talk to Aaron Gallardo about his first hand experience with getting back on his feet after being let go from a job. We discuss our thoughts on the matter and hopethis talk reframes how the community think...

MESEARCH gets vulnerable with Kuya Michael Domingo, Dustin's big brother. Krystle and Dustin ask Kuya Mike how he feels about being a father and how he approaches parenting his two kids.  This episode contains reflections of our lived experiences with parenting and being parented, but do not claim to offer expert advise. Like generations before us, we are learning and doing our best. &nb...

MESEARCH catches up with Nino Llanera, who was a guest in Season One's episode, "When Is It My Time To Shine?"   Since season one, Nino has experienced considerable growth in his career in entertainment.   From actor to TV/Podcast host to his current position as the Director of Content and Programming at Myx Global of ABS-CBN, we are incredibly proud of our dear friend, Nino. In thi...

WELCOME BACK and Happy Halloween, Mesearchers!  This is the premiere episode of season 3. In the spirit of Halloween, let's talk about some spooky subjects and your hosts' biggest fears. Krystle and Dustin discuss blood, alternate planes of existence, ghosts, and Filipino ghouls!  Stay connected with us at https://www.mesearchpodcast.com/ and via social media (@mesearchpodcast): Twitter:...

It's the finale y'all!  In this episode Krystle and Dustin catch up and discuss highlights from the season.  Season Two was a blast, and we shall continue this journey and mission of empowering each other and the community.  Stay connected with MeSearch at https://www.mesearchpodcast.com/ and via social media (@mesearchpodcast): Twitter: https://twitter.com/MeSearchPodcast Instagram...

MESEARCH talks to founder and Executive Director of LEAD Filipino, Dr. Angelica "Gel" Cortez.  Dr. Angelica “Gel” Cortez is a community organizer, cultural worker, and social entrepreneur. She founded LEAD Filipino in 2015 to encourage civic participation through culturally responsive education with the Silicon Valley’s growing Filipina/x/o American (FilAm) community.  In this episode Dr...

Have you seen #EasterSunday ? A milestone for diversity and Filipino representation as "Easter Sunday" becomes the first major Hollywood studio film (Universal Pictures) centering Filipino families and stories. @krystletugadi of MeSearch was able to speak to two of the film's stars, Lydia Gaston and Tia Carrere. Gaston and Carrere share their wisdom from working in the industry. We'll also discuss...

[Trigger warning: The central topic of conversation in this episode is Roe v. Wade.] Today, we discuss the implications of the overturning of Roe v. Wade. What does this mean? Why did this happen? How does this affect our communities in the US and around the globe? How is this related to issues of the marginalization of minorities, and personal bodily autonomy or lack thereof?  Organizations...

They call us human beings; not human doings. The world is beautiful and chaotic at the same time. How can we find peace in all of this? In this episode, Krystle and Dustin have a one on one conversation about the practice of being in the moment.  Stay connected with MeSearch at https://www.mesearchpodcast.com/ and via social media (@mesearchpodcast): Twitter: https://twitter.com/MeSearchPodca...

MESEARCH talks to Marriage/Family Therapist and PhD candidate, Jennifer Grace Torres. In this episode Jennifer shares how mental health is discussed and perceived across generations of Filipinos and Filipino Americans. We also discover who can benefit from therapy. Spoiler alert: It's everyone! Connect with Jennifer Grace Torres: Instagram: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifergracetorres/ Stay con...

In this episode, MESEARCH talks to Chef Matt Clores. Making it to the level of executive chef by the age of 21, Matt shares his ups and downs in the culinary world. We talk to Chef Matt about the culture of kitchens and the future of Filipino food in the United States.  Follow Matt Clores: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattclores/ Stay connected with us at https://www.mesearchpodcast.c...

This episode was recorded during a live stream via the Kumu app, the Philippines' top social media app for Filipinos across the diaspora to find and build community. In this episode, we discuss small talk. When do we love it? When do we hate it?  Stay connected with MeSearch at https://www.mesearchpodcast.com/ and via social media (@mesearchpodcast): Twitter: https://twitter.com/MeSearchPodca...