MeSearch: Featuring Filipino Perspectives

In this episode of Mesearch, we learn about Gabriella Buba and her new book "Saints of Storm and Sorrow."  Gabriella Buba is a mixed Filipina author who writes adult romantic fantasy novels for bold, bi, brown women who deserve to see their stories centered. Saints of Storm and Sorrow is about bisexual nun named María Lunurin who is hiding their goddess given gift of storm calling. Inspi...

We are in solidarity with Palestine and everyone fighting for their own sovereignty. This episode of Mesearch was recorded on April 11th, 2024, 6 months into the genocide happening in occupied Palestine. Mesearch welcomes Niko Cababa of GABRIELA USA - South Bay. GABRIELA is a grassroots-based national and international alliance of 250 organizations, institutions, desks, and programs. GABRIELA USA...

Meet Cassandra Pimentel, a film and music video director from San Diego and currently living in Los Angeles. Cassandra built her feature film experience as the First Assistant Director on the film CHALK IT UP (NETFLIX) in 2014; From 2016 to 2020 she assisted Producer Deborah Del Prete (Wedding Planner, Ender’s Game) in various feature films such as LOCATING SILVER LAKE starring Josh Peck (Nickelod...

In this episode of MeSearch, we’re reconnecting with Dr. Pat Lindsay Catalla-Buscaino aka Dr. Pinky! Dr. Pinky, is a scholar-activist, community leader, public speaker, and educator and the Founder and CEO of Kuwento Co. LLC, a woman-and BIPOC-owned publishing company.  Check out our last interview we did with her on Mesearch in the episode called, “ What is Kuwento Co.? ” Today we’re talking abou...

Dustin and Krystle have a one on one conversation to strengthen their connection as friends. They ask one another questions from an article, "30 questions to deepen your friendship" by Kathryn Wheeler . In this episode, your hosts reflect on their evolving relationship, communication styles, fond memories, and areas in need of care. Stay connected with us at  ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.mesearchpod...

Dustin and Krystle write "letters to money" as part of an exercise suggested by former guest of the podcast, Leo Aquino, who is a professional in the anticapitalist personal finance space. In this episode, Dustin and Krystle reflect on their nuanced relationship to money. They discuss the concept of wealth and imagine a world in which money isn't everything. Go back and listen to Leo...

In this episode, we follow up with former guest of the pod, Arianna Laila Dela Rosa to learn how she has reaches her goals and overcomes self-sabotage on her journey as a CEO of Empower First Coaching. Through her company, Empower First Coaching, she helps first-generation BIPOC professionals, leaders, and change-makers do the inner work of healing and outer work of action to gain clarity on a ful...

In this episode, we welcome multiple voices to talk about graduate school and what you should know before you apply. At this point, you might have already accepted some admissions offers for graduate school programs. You might be waiting on some admissions decisions from some of your top grad school choices. You might be someone who is toying with the idea of going to grad school.  Listen to the f...

Happy Valentine's Day, Mesearchers! On this episode, Krystle and Dustin have a one on one conversation about Valentine's Day. Join us as we discover a little bit about the origins of the holiday, then share a bit more of our individual romantic relationships. The episode ends with an in depth discussion of why communication is key in moving toward a long lasting, healthy relationship. Stay...

Ysabel Jurado is a tenants rights attorney, affordable housing activist, mom, lifelong Angeleno, and candidate to become the next Los Angeles City Council member for District 14.  The election is March 5, 2024. If Ysabel wins, she’ll be the first Filipina American to be elected to the LA City Council. On this episode of Mesearch, we’re learning more about Ysabel and exactly why she’s running for c...

Today on Mesearch, we are talking to a financial coach for liberation workers, an award-winning independent journalist covering anti-capitalist personal finance, and the founder of Queer and Trans Wealth , Leo Aquino. Listen in as we talk to Leo about the intersections of decolonization, liberation work, and being anti-capitalist. Connect with Leo Aquino: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/queer...

In this episode of Mesearch we're reconnecting with former guest, Nino Llanera. Nino is the Head of Programming for Myx Global of ABS-CBN Corporation of the Philippines. He returns to the show to talk about his perspectives on how social media, the Internet, and marketing to audiences has evolved in the last couple years. We reflect on the successful social media platforms of the past and imag...

On this episode of MeSearch, we're featuring an artist and storyteller from the Filipino community. He's a director, writer, editor, and producer. Originally from the Philippines, he came to US to complete his MFA in Film and TV Production from the University of Southern California. Join us as we learn more about one of his latest projects, a short film called, "A Karaoke Space Odysse...

MeSearch talks to social worker, activist, and author Gabbie Aquino-Adriatico. With Gabbie's writings, we gain a deeper understanding of her commitment to creating safer spaces, fostering inclusivity, and advocating for positive change. Her work serves as a beacon of hope for those who believe in the power of education, activism, and community. We’re going to explore her works “Death By A Brok...

Today we are talking to actor, Nikki McKenzie who you may have seen on shows like Seal Team, Hawaii Five O, Magnum PI, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Prank Encounters, Lonestar 911, and so many more tv shows and films! Nikki is now the first (full) Filipina American to lead a Christmas movie. She plays Heather Marquez in A Vineyard Christmas out now. A Vineyard Christmas is streaming on Pa...

Today we’re talking to one of our leaders in the Community residing in Hawaii, Chachie Abara. She is the founder of Kasamahan Collective - a group of storytellers, visionaries, and creatives in Hawaii redefining and reclaiming Filipino history  through creative narratives, and stories to bridging the gap in our Filipino community. Chachie is also now the author of the new children’s book, “Ti Naka...

Today, we are in solidarity with Palestine and everyone fighting for their own sovereignty. This episode of Mesearch was recorded on November 20th, the 44th day that Palestine has been under siege, under the orders of massacre from the Israeli government. Jewish Voice for Peace state that reported number of people killed was 14,000 (8,000 of them children). However, they state that the actual numb...

Today on MeSearch we’re talking about the growing field of Filipino American Psychology.  Our guest for this episode literally wrote the text book on Filipino American Psychology, "Filipino American Psychology. It's Dr. Kevin Nadal, a Distinguished Professor of Psychology at both John Jay College of Criminal Justice and Graduate Center at the City University of New York.  He received his...

On this episode we're discussing the mindset and process needed to produce a one person live show. MeSearch welcomes Jaime Barcelon, a Los Angeles based singer and actor, to unpack his own experience with putting on his own one person show called, "The Heart of the Matter," in which he sang songs that reflected his experience growing up in the Philippines and moving to the US. Connec...

MESEARCH reunites with Hazel Carranza, a guiding figure on social media with her comedy skits featuring call center agent, Tita Celing. Through Tita Celing, Hazel demonstrates how to react and respond during challenging conversations with our Filipino elders. In this episode we catch up with Hazel and learn more about her current projects from improv acting to music to new beginnings. Connect with...

October is both Filipino American History Month and LGBT(QIA) History Month. On today's episode of MESEARCH, we’re getting to know Ron Blakely, a queer, non-binary, Southern California-based singer, actor, and recording artist of Black and Filipino heritage. Ron gets vulnerable and shares how growing up queer and Brown/Black as well as processing the grief of losing both parents affects his ar...

MESEARCH welcomes Jaclyn Aimee; a Filipino-American actor and writer based in Los Angeles, California. We get extra vulnerable in this episode; Jaclyn and Krystle share their experiences growing up without fathers. Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of death and murder. Listener discretion is advised. Connect with Jaclyn: X: ⁠ ⁠https://twitter.com/jaclynaimee_⁠ Instagram: ⁠ ⁠https:/...

In this episode of MeSearch, we connect with long time friend, Krystelle Robeniol, who is a writer and conflict resolution professional. Krystelle is a contributing author of The Kuwento Book: An Anthology of Filipino Stories and Poems. In her writing, Krystelle reflects on how we as Filipinos may grow up feeling uncomfortable sharing our feelings with family. As a conflict resolution professional...

It's Filipino American History Month and we're back! Season 4 of MeSearch returns with your hosts, Dustin Domingo and Krystle Tugadi. In this episode we reflect on the past three seasons, who we are today, and what we hope to learn, relearn, and/or unlearn in this new season. Stay connected with us at  ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠mesearchpodcast.com ⁠⁠⁠  and via social media (@mesearchpodcast): Twitter:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠h...

This is a special BONUS episode. We’re talking about the Writers' (WGA - Writer's Guild of America) and Actors' (SAG-AFTRA - Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) Strike. To learn more about what’s going on and how we can support is actor, producer, co-founder of Filipinx Actors Barkada and SAG-AFTRA strike captain, Danice Cabanela. Learn more abo...