Adobo Yarn

What happens to treasured traditions when you move halfway across the world?  Anna and Razel discuss the Filipino rituals of Undas —All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day—and share the heartfelt memories of visiting cemeteries, gathering with family, and the unique ways the Philippines honours the departed. They compare these deep-rooted practices to the relatively new phenomenon of Hallowee...

Hop in, mga bes! In this episode, Anna and Razel are trading their usual backyard chika for a road trip adventure across New South Wales (and a bit of ACT!).  We're putting on our tour guide hats and taking you to the must-see sights, from the iconic sparkling Sydney Harbour and the sunny vibes of Bondi and Manly beaches, all the way to the majestic Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains. We’ll...

In this episode, we're talking about health from a Filipino perspective.  When you feel under the weather, who do you call first? Your doctor, or your Lola (Lolo, Tita or Nanay) with their trusted list of home remedies?  Join Anna and Razel yarn about the unique health journey of Filipino migrants. We're exploring everything from why a simple pack of Skyflakes was the universal cure to w...

Spring is here and it's time for a reset! Ready to tackle that overwhelming pile of clutter?  In this episode, Anna and Razel get brutally honest and confess their personal hoarding habits. Anna admits to her never-ending collection of tote bags and scarves, while Razel reveals her past obsession with Fossil bags and a shoe collection that once rivaled the legendary Imelda Marcos!  But this e...

Papa, Dad, Tatay. In the tapestry of our lives, our fathers are the strong threads that hold everything together. This episode tells a tale of two Father's Days, separated by sea and several months on the calendar.  Join Anna and Razel as they compare the sun-drenched Australian Father's Day in September with the heartfelt Filipino celebration in June. It’s a conversation that connects t...

In this episode, Anna and Razel take listeners on a delicious journey through Australia's Filipino food scene. They share their favourite picks for Filipino restaurants in Sydney , from hidden gems to well-known favourites in other states. The main dish on the table? A spicy debate: should adobo be standardised like Italy's famous Margherita Pizza (Pizza Napoletana) or France's prot...

Join Razel and Anna for a raw and intimate yarn into the often-misunderstood world of menopause, sharing their personal journeys and the experiences of women around them. In this candid conversation, they explore the physical and emotional realities of this life stage and discuss the societal pressures and expectations that often accompany it. The episode also highlights the groundbreaking "...

What's it like to be a balikbayan ? Join Anna and Razel as they chat about the balikbayan experience, exploring what it truly means to be a Filipino migrant returning home. This episode travels from their childhood memories of eagerly awaiting those treasure-filled balikbayan boxes from relatives abroad, to their present-day realities of navigating that same journey themselves. Razel shares s...

Confused by "Maccas"? Baffled by "bush tucker"? Anna and Razel spill the beans on Aussie slang! In this episode, your favourite migrant hosts share their funniest encounters and biggest revelations about Australian colloquialisms.  From "arvo" to "drongo," "suss it out" to "chuck a U-ey," they share their own personal blunders and laugh-o...

Part of our tribute and celebration of June as PH Independence Month, join Anna and Razel for a fun and reflective journey into the iconic Bahay Kubo . More than just a simple nipa hut, this humble dwelling embodies the very essence of Filipino resilience, community, and ingenuity. In this episode, we'll explore the Bahay Kubo as a physical structure – from its practical design and natural ma...

Did you know that the Philippines was sold for US$20M through the 1898 Treaty of Paris???   As the Philippines and Filipino communities around the world prepares to celebrate Independence Day on June 12th , the name Jose Rizal rightfully takes centre stage. But what if heroism runs deeper than just one monument? Join Anna and Razel, as they delve into the rich and diverse mosaic of Filipino heroes...

Ever wonder why you shouldn't cut your nails at night? Or why dropping a spoon means a female visitor?  Anna and Razel are here to unravel the mysteries (and outright absurdities!) of superstitions in this super fun episode. We'll share hilarious tales of global superstitions, then take a deep dive into the wonderfully weird and sometimes illogical beliefs that make up Filipino folklore....

In this episode, Anna and Razel open their hearts as they reminisce about their own mothers and the carers who shaped their childhood and share their unique experiences as mums raising families in Australia.  Listen to the intriguing history of this special day and explore the diverse ways motherhood is celebrated around the world.  Plus, prepare for some heartwarming moments as Anna and Razel rea...

Mabuhay! In this episode Anna and Razel are diving into the treasure trove of Filipino snacks that shaped their childhoods and continue to bring them comfort in Australia.  Listen in and join us on a delicious journey through the world of some well-loved Filipino snacks! We'll trace the origins and evolution of beloved bites like the shortbread texture of polvoron , the delicate crisp of Leng...

Join Anna and Razel in this episode as they unravel the ritual of Lent for Filipinos, both in the Philippines and in their new home, Australia.  Journey back with them as they share cherished childhood memories of observing Holy Week traditions in the Philippines, from the solemn chanting of the Pasyon to the joyful dawn celebration of Salubong , the reflective pilgrimage of Visita Iglesia and wha...

Buckle up, Adobo Yarn listeners, because Anna and Razel are about to take your tastebuds on a wild ride!  This week, we're diving headfirst into the creamy, dreamy world of Star Margarine – the yellow tub that fuelled their Filipino childhoods and sparked a thousand " pampatangkad " fantasies. Then, prepare for a cultural curveball: the mighty Vegemite, that dark, pungent enigma tha...

Food blogging in the olden days LOL!   In this second part episode on the topic of food, Razel and Anna pulled back the curtain on their personal food adventures. They met each other in the multiverse that is social media, through their love of food.  Finding comfort in the kitchen while juggling parenthood and everything that goes with their new surrounds as a migrant family. Both shared how they...

If you were a Filipino dish, what dish are you and why?  Reminiscing through stories of familiar flavours, sparking vivid memories of childhood kitchens and cherished family gatherings and how these culinary touchstones becomes anchors in a new land - join Anna and Razel in this episode to explore the many ways food acts as bridge between past and present, from our home land to our adopted country...

From bayanihan to balancing acts! In this episode, we're talking chores: migrant experiences, parenting hacks, and raising responsible adults. Laba or plancha ? Laundry or ironing? Anna and Razel share this candid conversation on parenting and the often-contentious topic of chores. They also went into memory lane, reminiscing their own childhood responsibilities helping in the home front from...

A seemingly insignificant detail in the grand scheme of things, but for immigrant families, they become a canvas for cultural expression, a battleground for acceptance and sometimes, a source of anxiety.  The multicultural lunchbox! Anna and Razel unpack the emotional layers of this daily ritual, reminiscing the challenge of the school lunchbox. They also chat about the refreshing surprise of Auss...

Yeah we know, the audio is crap! But we are here and welcoming you all to the pilot episode of Adobo Yarn!  Razel and Anna share their experience arriving one fine winter day, many moons ago as migrants, and chat about the many firsts in their new home country. From airport chaos to finding a job, understanding the public school system, simple Aussie terms and everything in between. Listen along a...

Adobo Yarn is our story as Filipinos, navigating the migrant life in Australia. Here, we share stories that resonate. Middle-age (Gen X) wisdom, meno episodes, parenting hacks, unfiltered conversations, hilarious experiences, anecdotes and recipes that brought us comfort when we needed it. From raising babies to now young adults, and navigating the labyrinth that is Australia. Join the conversatio...