Filipina on the Rise

Filipina-American actress, host, and award-winning entrepreneur Jelynn Malone is on a mission to put the Philippines on the global stage—from Hollywood sets to specialty coffee farms. As Co-Founder and Chief Brand & Marketing Officer of Mostra Coffee and the lead of the new medical dramedy Nurse the Dead, Jelynn shows what it looks like when a Filipina builds her own lane at the intersection o...

This episode is brought to you by our sponsor, Optinizers (https://www.optinizers.com/) — helping entrepreneurs scale smarter with world-class virtual support. Andy Cheng is an entrepreneur, business strategist, and former President of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) Los Angeles Chapter who has built and scaled multiple multi‑million dollar businesses. In this episode, he’s joined by Trisha,...

This episode is brought to you by our sponsor, Optinizers (https://www.optinizers.com/) — helping entrepreneurs scale smarter with world-class virtual support. Erika Casupanan made history as the first Canadian — and first Filipina — to win American Survivor, breaking a seven-season streak of male winners with her quiet, strategic game. A proud Filipina Canadian with roots in Manila and a backgrou...

This episode features Dr. Khristine Gloria, a cognitive scientist and AI ethics expert, discussing the importance of diversity, representation, and ethical considerations in AI development. We explore how biases in AI reflect societal stereotypes, the role of community input, and strategies for responsible AI use, especially for marginalized communities. keywords AI ethics, diversity in AI, repres...

Many of us grow up learning to take care of everyone else first. For many women — especially Filipina women navigating family expectations, cultural values, and relationships — that can show up as over-functioning, suppressing our needs, and staying in patterns that don’t truly support us. In this episode, therapist and social worker Lia Mancao joins us to talk about the relationship patterns many...

This episode is brought to you by our sponsor, Optinizers (https://www.optinizers.com/) — helping entrepreneurs scale smarter with world-class virtual support. Filipina martial artist, wellness entrepreneur, and digital creator Nelita Villezon has spent her life becoming a “human weapon” — and now she’s using that power to help women feel safer, stronger, and more rooted in who they are. From grow...

This episode is brought to you by our sponsor, Optinizers — helping entrepreneurs scale smarter with world-class virtual support. Hillary Soriano is a Filipina-American actress and executive producer creating independent films centered on Filipino and immigrant stories. From co-producing their very first film with Manny Pacquiao to releasing their latest project theatrically through Regal Cinemas...

In this solo episode of Filipina on the Rise , Krystl Fabella returns after a year-long pause to share the behind-the-scenes story of burnout, misalignment, and the unexpected season that nearly led her to walk away from everything she built. Krystl reflects on what it looked like to step away from social media, slow down after years of nonstop momentum, and listen to the signals coming from her b...

What does it take to go from near-constant rejection to becoming the lead actress in rom-coms — in an industry where Filipina faces are still rare? In this inspiring and deeply real episode, Filipina-American actress and comedian Nikki McKenzie joins Filipina on the Rise to share her story of perseverance, identity, and choosing joy in the face of “almosts.” Nikki opens up about the emotional toll...

  What if we don’t know how to take up space? Maybe it wasn’t taught to us growing up. Maybe it’s not naturally part of our culture. On this episode swap, Krystl talks with Erika Casupanan — the first ever Filipino AND Canadian to win Survivor ! Erika is a speaker, TV personality, and writer who's built a career on flipping the script on what it means to be underestimated. On Happy to See Me...

Dr. Stacey Litam, a licensed clinical counselor and psychologist, discusses intergenerational trauma and healing in the Filipino-American community. She shares the impact of cultural scripts on relationships and self-worth. Dr. Litam emphasizes the importance of secure attachment in relationships and the need for partners who understand, anticipate needs, and love without transactional expectation...

In this episode of the Filipina on the Rise podcast, host Krystl Fabella interviews Erika Aquino, an angel investor and strategic advisor. They discuss Erika's journey, the importance of sharing personal stories, and the influence of her family background on her career. Erika emphasizes the significance of community support, the challenges of being an investor, and the need for balance in lif...

A Year of Transformation and Embracing the Pause Hey everyone, it's Krystl Fabella, your host and the founder of Filipina on the Rise! I’m so excited to bring you this deeply personal and reflective episode where I share my journey over the past year—a year that’s been filled with growth, challenges, and lessons I never saw coming. This conversation feels like a heart-to-heart with you all. I...

As I go on this hiatus and reassessment period, here is a question for you: Have you ever found yourself trying so hard to make something happen, whether it's a career or a relationship or a life path, and it feels stuck? Have you ever desired to just see what happens when you "let it go?" In this episode, I talk about the significance of pausing to celebrate accomplishments, extrac...

Lauren Hoffman, a talented hurdler of Filipino-American descent, is a graduate of Duke University and an aspiring track and field star currently competing in Paris. With a passion for representing the Philippines in international competitions, Lauren's journey to the Olympics has been marked by dedication, discipline, and a strong belief in her abilities. She is not only a fierce athlete but...

In this episode of the Filipina on the Rise podcast, Krystl talks about the effects of focusing too much on online branding and recognition. Drawing on personal experiences and insightful conversations, she emphasizes the importance of prioritizing genuine connections and self-care over constantly curating an online persona. The episode sheds light on the pitfalls of seeking recognition online and...

Alyssa Lauren Stone is a Bay Area-based writer, Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance, and certified Reiki Master. Alyssa delves into her journey of leaving a six-figure Top Sales Executive career to prioritize her health and happiness. In this episode, Alyssa explains how her corporate career negatively impacted her well-being. By tuning into her body, she realized that her efforts to functi...

I talk with a former member I cherish so much! Erica boasts a diverse professional background. She is currently working in communications and engagement for the Governor of Hawaii in the state's Office of Wellness and Resilience, focusing on mental health and well-being. An advocate and activist at heart, Erika is the state co-lead for Moms Demand Action in Hawaii and is actively involved in...

Gina Mariko Rosales is the founder of Make it Mariko and Pinayista, as well as the Co-founder of UNDISCOVERED SF and Balay Kreative. As a Filipino Japanese American entrepreneur, events enthusiast, efficiency nerd, dancer and nonprofit advocate, Gina is looking to create magical, meaningful moments that help remind us of the beauty and interconnectedness of life. In this episode Gina challenges th...

It's back and better than ever! Filipino Soul Sisterhood is our community of like-minded Filipino women looking to reconnect with their roots and support one another's growth. I share the origins of this community, born out of a shared desire for meaningful conversations and authentic connections, and what you can expect! Episode Summary: How did this start and what are 5 things I learne...

Krystl is back from a quick trip in Portugal! shares her experiences and learnings from her recent trip to Portugal and how it relates to Philippine history. She discusses the connection between Portugal and the Philippines through Ferdinand Magellan and explores the possibility of the Philippines being a Portuguese colony. Crystal also emphasizes the importance of representation and announces an...

In this episode of the Filipino on the Rise podcast, host Krystl Fabella dives into a conversation about faith, religion, and spirituality. She shares her own personal journey of questioning her faith and leaving the church multiple times, highlighting the importance of asking questions and having a personal relationship with God. Krystl explores the influence of religion in Filipino culture and t...

Jessica Caloza, is back on the podcast (my 2nd ever guest!) and ... she's running for office! Jessica is a dedicated public servant and worked for President Obama helping underfunded public schools get more resources. As L.A. Public Works Commissioner, Jessica expanded good-paying union jobs, raised wages for workers and required equal pay for women while increasing transparency and accountab...

Happy New Year! Krystl shares updates on the Filipina on the Rise, including the crowdfund success, learnings, and all the exciting things coming up this year. Listeners are encouraged to slow down, enjoy the creative process, and embrace the winter season's wisdom. Key Points: Celebrating a new phase for the Filipina on the Rise community post-crowdfund campaign The significance of taking a...

Krystl shares an honest moment, important & beautiful lessons learned mid crowdfund campaign We have 2 weeks left, your support to keep Filipina on the Rise podcast going and grow our events next year is VITAL - Let's advance more Filipina voices together! Thank you so much to everyone who has already supported! Check out our fun rewards here: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/filipina-o...