Bisaya Banter

What would you do if your film, made for your own people, was banned in your own country? In this special episode of Bisaya Banter, Vivien sat down with award-winning Filipino filmmaker Baby Ruth Villarama, best known for Sunday Beauty Queen , to talk about her latest documentary Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea . This film, told through human stories, everyday resilience, and eve...

In this episode, we’re unpacking all the things we really wish we knew before moving to New Zealand — the funny, the awkward, and the downright emotional. Culture shocks: Why are people barefoot in the streets?! “Bring a plate” doesn’t mean… bring a plate “Sweet as”, “arvo”, and other confusing Kiwi slang What the heck is a vivid? Missing Jollibee, and spoon-and-fork meals The deeper stuff: The qu...

Today (November 2) is All Souls Day, a Philippine public holiday when we remember our loved ones who have passed away. We eat, pray, and play together with our extended families at the cemetery, and we sometimes camp there overnight. It’s actually not as scary as it sounds. It’s one of Vivien’s best and funnest childhood memories, the highlight being the scary stories being told at night. Somethin...

Content warning: This episode discusses mental health issues and themes of assault. In this deeply personal episode, Vivien and Keziah open up about their own experiences of being fetishised as Asian women in the dating scene. They reflect on how these harmful stereotypes have shaped their relationships and self-perceptions. Supporting us through this is Filipina-American health psychologist Nicol...

This is a special video episode with the bubbly Marc Conaco, a queer Bisaya artist whose journey in the creative industry is deeply influenced by his supportive Bisaya parents and the rich cultural tapestry of Māori traditions. Marc shares how his parents' encouragement has fuelled his passion to become a full-time freelance artist and how his experiences in Aotearoa have led him to reconnect...

In this episode, we explore the work of Jas Sabrine, a Filipino artist in New Zealand. They were inspired by Māori culture in their journey to reconnect with their Filipino heritage. Jas discusses how indigenous practices influence their art and the importance of cultural representation for Filipino artists in Aotearoa New Zealand. We highlight the blending of traditions and the role of art in rec...

**TRIGGER WARNING: MENTION OF RAPE** We explore the stark differences between the education systems of New Zealand and the Philippines. We talk about how the Māori community preserving their culture and language is an inspiration, and we highlight the need for a more inclusive New Zealand histories curriculum from the Māori perspective. We also discuss the discrimination faced by highly qualified...

In this special episode, we commemorate Philippine Independence Day by delving into our complex colonial history. Join us as we reflect on a poignant quote by national hero Jose Rizal about losing our culture during Spanish colonisation. We also take you to the Philippine Independence Day event in Auckland, where we conducted a lively vox pop. Listen in as attendees share what this celebration mea...

Get to know your hosts, Vivien and Keziah, better.

Chachie Abara, founder of KasamahanCo community, talks about her journey of decolonization. We also talk more about toxic Filipino culture, setting boundaries and rest.

I had such a great conversation with my friend, Hera Nalam. She is an interdisciplinary artist based in Canada. This means she writes music, sings and dance, and acts in theatre in film. We talk about her own journey of decolonization and what it's like to navigate Filipino representation in a mostly-white media industry. If there's one common denominator in all my private and podcast conversation...

Esther is Ilokano on her father's side and Igorot on her mother's side. Her family moved to Aotearoa (New Zealand) when she was only 11 years old. She talks about her first racist memory in Year (Grade) 7. That moment started her cultural identity crisis. How she wished she was born White Kiwi, and not Filipino. We talked about the sacrifices of immigrant parents, her rich Igorot (Indigenous) Ance...

Marc shares his story about growing up in the apartheid regime in South Africa, his own experience in racism and his thoughts on how we can all move forward.

Marc shares his story about growing up in the apartheid regime in South Africa, his own experience in racism and his thoughts on how we can all move forward.

How Chats with Project came to be and what it's all about. I'll be sharing a glimpse of my heart behind this passion project. Disclaimer: When I say it seems simple in New Zealand, I only specifically meant that for access to education. I am not overlooking the struggles of the Maoris and the Pacific Islander community.