Pinoys on Parliament is the coolest and largest youth conference for Filipinos across Canada. Here are some snippets from workshop participants and the community symposium!By CJSR 88.5 FM

Chef Earl Briones wrote "I used to think I wasn't Filipino enough" in an Instagram reel (@chefebriones), and Ryan spontaneously invited him into the studio to chat about it! Listen in as they dig into who Filipinos were before they were forced to be something they're not. They talk about imposter syndrome, why explorers like Christopher Columbus we…

In this episode of What’s the Tsismis, Rajah and Jocelyn dive into the perplexing world of Filipino names and nicknames. Why does every family seem to have a Baby, a Bong, or a Boy? What’s the story behind blending parents’ names to create something uniquely Filipino? From funny nicknames to cultural traditions, we explore how our names are a refle…

Listen in as Ryan gets a batok tattoo, hand-tapped by by Mayo of Birthmark Tattoos. Mayo recalls how he journeyed into the mountains to meet legendary Apo Whang-Od, the last mambabatok of Kalinga and oldest living tattoo artist at 107 years old. He got her blessing to continue the tradition, and even tattooed her...twice! For Ryan, the process is w…

Listen in while Ryan and Domi overshare for this juicy advice episode! They talk about why they left their careers (and don’t regret it), their journeys to WTT (it's a long story!) the best opening line to meet people (it involves worms), and how to find and connect with your Filipino community (karaoke walk, anyone?) What do you do when your stude…

Our childhood and teenage years are incredibly formative parts of our lives. As we age, we move to new places, make new friends, expand our horizons and confront hard life lessons. At the same time, we put up boundaries and shed parts of ourselves that no longer serve us. In this episode, “Magmahal at mahalin / To love and to be loved”, Micah explo…

What do you do when your job is in one place and your friends & family are in another? Do you start a new era in a place away from home? Or do you go back to where your social networks are already established? In this episode, Arianne Barroma joins Ryan Lacanilao to answer a question from a listener. Zophia Brobio moved around a lot as a kid and ha…

What do you do when you’re deep into your ‘working woman’ era and realize it’s not fulfilling you creatively? In this episode, Rajah Maggay joins Ryan Lacanilao to answer a question from a listener. Romilie Calotes achieved the expected trajectory in her education and career, but work doesn’t feel as inspiring as she’d hoped. She’s exploring creati…

Arianne, Julia, Ryan and Micah have a conversation about their experiences as facilitators at the Pinoys on Parliament 2022 Conference. They share their thoughts on family expectations and Filipino representation in the media. This episode also features the reflections and messages from Pinoys on Parliament delegates!…

Tune in to hear Micah relive her cringe years, including movie theatre makeouts and a day care centre flooding! In this episode, Ryan Lacanilao asks Micah Leonida to throw way back to her junior high years. What did she look like and dress like, and what was her crush situation? What shenanigens did she get up to? Which friends did she lose touch w…

In this episode, Nikki Mendiola chats with “I’ll Call You Tomorrow”s very own- Raeland Mendoza, one of ICYT’s iconic co-founders! Rae has broken into the art scene and cultivated a creative collective here in Edmonton, a place where not a lot of Filipinos have the chance to dream or the stomach to dare. Rae and Nikki dive into the feats, barriers, …

In this episode, Nikki chats with two fellow Filipinx pals from her diaspora community here in Treaty 6 territory. Together, they unpack and explore their almost-too-similar experiences with fatphobia, beauty standards, and colourism. Stepping foot into a Filipinx space can be just as daunting to those that are familiar with it, even as much as the…

In this episode, Micah interviews her close friends DJ Lubuguin and Michael Earl Golveo about their experiences with familial inheritance. Together, they navigate the interpersonal intricacies that arise between family members as a result of discussions about livelihood, wealth, and familial duty. Central questions woven throughout the episode incl…

Exploring the blog “I Would Rather Go Hungry Than Eat Filipino Street Food Again!” In this episode Arianne Barroma and Micah Leonida dive head first into the thoughts of North American travellers as they share their negative experiences with Filipino (Street) Food. A blog describes Filipino food as “disappointing” and “fatty”. The authors even go a…

In this episode, the WTT team channels the teenage angst and heartbreak from Olivia Rodrigo's SOUR album. When SOUR came out, Arianne Baroma says, "My windows were down, sunroof open, music on full blast, drinking my strawberry milk—I'm angry!" Ryan Lacanilao meets his fellow WTT producers Arianne Barroma, Nikki Mendiola, and Rajah Maggay for the f…

Psst, did you hear What's the Tsismis is launching season 4 this summer? In season 4, we're going unhinged—it's our sour season. Listen in as we air our grievances, from stories about exes and heartbreak to our reactions to a Filipino food hater. From experiencing fatphobia to family drama around land inheritance. Follow us on Instagram at @whatsth…

We're super excited to share this bonus episode with you! This is for all the Pilipinx youth out there. If you're a student, figuring out your career, or a young professional working on your skills, this is for you! Pinoys on Parliament provides mentorship, workshops, and a community of amazing people to support you through your journey. Ryan Lacan…

Did you hear that the Christmas season begins in September? . . . . Well, at least for Filipinos it does! In today’s holiday special, Ryan Lacanilao and Nikki Mendiola look back at their favourite Filipino traditions during the holiday season—from decoration, mass, and food! A Filipino Christmas is like no other! Feasts, music, festivals, karaoke, …

Thank you for joining us and playing along! The What’s the Tsismis team is super grateful to CJSR for sharing their platform with us and for bringing all of us together. Right now we are asking for your support to keep the station up and running. Fundrive ensures that we can continue to stay on the air for another year. Our program’s goal is $700. …

In this bonus episode, a couple of Season 3 producers share their reflections on what it means to be resilient, and how their definitions of resilience have changed in the last year. One thing that ties all of these reflections together is gratitude. Thank you to all our listeners and to all our interviewees for listening and sharing with us. We ar…

Psst...Did you hear? They want more Filipinos on the big screen! In this week’s episode Arianne Barroma sits down with Ida Beltran-Lucila & Erica Cawagas to discuss the challenges and revelations of representation in the performing arts. With special commentary by Jem Golveo Toribio & Katelyn Cabalo, we take a dive into what’s happening in our arts…

Psssst... Did you hear that she visited a witch doctor? Did you hear she got sick after playing in the fields? Did you hear that she got “nabati”? Resilience is often attributed to experiences of adversity and pain. It is commonly described as bouncing back from your hardships, and the tremendous strength one demonstrates, allowing them to continue…

Pssst… did you hear they quit their 9 to 5s? In this week’s episode Julia Juco chats with Mara Sy, co-owner of @little.canggu, and Anjo Silvoza, co-owner of @sabongfc to learn more about their transition from a hectic Manila corporate grind to the chill vibes of La Union- a small surf town in the Philippines. If you’ve been on social media lately, …

Psst...Did you hear she grew up without her mom? In this week’s episode, Ryan Lacanilao chats with Francesca Doniego, Ericka Sisgundo, David John Lubuguin, and Marielle Diaz. They all grew up in the Philippines with one of their parents working abroad, and now they all live in Edmonton. It’s quite common for children in the Philippines to grow up w…

Did you hear? She’s breaking the binary! In this episode of What’s the Tsismis, Rajah sits down with fellow producers Micah and Arianne to discuss the impact that Filipino femininity and gender roles within the Filipino culture has had on their lives. Through their discussions they go through survey responses from viewers asking about their own exp…

Psst...Did you hear that they call him chinito and meztizo? Did you hear that they assumed she worked as a maid because she’s Filipino? All of these stories will be unpacked so make sure to listen in. Resilience is inherently tied to being wounded. Resilience implies being strong enough to surmount challenges along the way. How do our guests naviga…

Season 3 and we’re shaking things up. This season our episodes will explore the theme of resilience. We’ve defined resilience as a characteristic that is tied to strength, the ability to adapt, survival but also hospitality, kindness and care. The team at What’s The Tsismis also understands that resilience can be a double-edged sword. Resilience ca…

In this bonus episode, the Season 2 producers of What’s the Tsismis connect to look back on the second season. What did they learn? What surprised them this season? What do they wish they had known going in? How did the community respond? One thing's for sure: We love hearing from the community, so keep the DMs coming!…

Psst...Did you hear Calvin sent his niece money for tuition, and she gave it to her boyfriend who then ran away? Did he end up bailing her out? And what effect did this have on his daughter Arianne’s life and relationships? Listen to find out! Filipinos working abroad, like in Canada, often send money to their relatives in the Philippines. It’s par…

In today’s episode, host Rajah Maggay dives into the context of activism as a Filipinx individual with her friend and activist D, and the landscape within the Philippines and how it affects us here. In this juicy episode we learn about instances of red tagging within our communities here in Alberta, discover D’s own activism journey and emphasize t…

In today’s episode, our host, Micah Leonida, is spilling the tsismis on what it’s like to build communities and create brave spaces in Edmonton with this week’s guest, Ida Beltran-Lucila. Together, Micah and Ida discuss building Filipino communities in the diaspora, the challenges and successes associated with community building, and how community …

In today’s episode, our host, Julia Juco, dives into migration and how it impacts personal worldviews. Today’s guests are two Filipinas who came to Canada in early childhood, but continue to grapple with their identities more than a decade later. Join this week’s conversation as we cover Filipinx holidays, the cultural pedestal reserved for “lechon…

Psst...Did you hear Giselle lent her relatives her vacation money? How much did she lend to them? And did she end up getting her money back? Listen to find out! In this week’s episode, our host, Ryan Lacanilao, asks family and friends about their best and worst money moves: buying a brand new car; buying a bike; getting a fine arts degree; going to…

In today’s episode, our host, Mishma Mukith, is on a mission to learn about what makes sibling relationships unique. Orphaned at 8 years old, our guest Giselle General, speaks of her journey navigating the role of a parent and an older sibling, and the transformative bond that she and her brother share. Our episode also features insights from a han…

We've got a brand new season of What's the Tsismis coming to you December 7th! Tune in to hear our take on Pilipinx identity and culture in Edmonton. We have episodes on lending money to relatives, the clothing industry, arts and culture, and more.By CJSR 88.5 FM

Psst...did you hear about CJSR's Fundrive? In this bonus Fundrive episode, we'll tell you all about how you can help support local, independent radio. We'll also get to know the three new reporters that will be joining us for Season 2 of What's the Tsismis. What’s The Tsismis is happy to be part of the CJSR FM 88.5 community. Our training, equipmen…

In this bonus episode, the Season 1 producers of What’s the Tsismis connect to look back on the first season. What was it like to record during the pandemic? What were their favourite moments? And what are they hoping people get out of the podcast?By CJSR 88.5 FM

Psst! Have you heard about Canada’s Caregiver Program? In this episode, Jenna Propp chats with her mom, Tess Propp; Cynthia Palmaria from Migrante Alberta; and Maria Monana, a current live-in caregiver under Canada’s Caregiver Program. Their stories take us on a journey as we get to hear the tsismis on what it’s like to come to Canada as a caregive…

Pssst! Did you hear the Island sisters are Filipina and Cree? Have they figured out how to be both? You’ll have to listen to find out! In today’s episode, host Cherie Island talks with her sister Courtney. Together, they discuss growing up in a Filipino household and how Filipino-ness might not be seen on the outside. Listen in as Cherie delves int…

In this episode, What's the Tsismis producer Sophia Yang interviews Grace Alarcon-Isla, the program manager of Filipino Language and Culture School. When she learned that the province "was going to develop a K-12 Tagalog curriculum", Sophia wonders what is the Tagalog learning experience like now. What types of Tagalog courses do we have in Edmonto…

Black Lives Matter. Remembering my grandfather. An update about the podcast and me. Check out resources for supporting the Black community and learning more about the Philippines Anti-Terrorism Bill. Sign up for our *brand new* newsletter. Learn more at LongDistanceRadio.com. CREDITS: This episode was written, edited, mixed, and hosted by Paola Mar…

Pssst! Did you hear Gina’s not really a teacher? She actually went into theatre, and now she’s killing it as an artistic director! Listen to find out how it all started! This is What’s the Tsismis, a podcast on Pilipinx identity in the diaspora. Tsismis is the Tagalog word for gossip. Each week we’ll release a new episode that dives into a new topi…

Pssst! Did you hear Michelle punched a car? Whose car did she punch and why? Listen to find out! This is What’s the Tsismis, a podcast on Pilipinx identity in the diaspora. Tsismis is the Tagalog word for gossip. Each week we’ll release a new episode that dives into a new topic, so be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss next week’s tsismis! Heads u…

“I don’t look Filipino, I don’t speak Filipino… and I’m made to feel like I’m not Filipino.” In this episode, Mishma Mukith sits down with fellow production teammate, Jenna Propp, to unpack the big “I” word: identity. As the half-white daughter to an immigrant Filipina, Jenna speaks candidly about navigating her identity as a mixed race individual.…

Launching May 25, a brand new podcast about Pilipinx identity in Edmonton.By CJSR 88.5 FM

Conversations with healthcare workers on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic and a call with The Park's Finest co-owners Christine Araquel and Johneric Concordia about the Feed the Frontliners Project. It’s the final episode of the second season of Long Distance so Paola and Patrick have a chat and we hear from you, our listeners, on how you’re…

Hey. Paola here. In this episode, I share my experience with COVID-19 racism and conversations with Phil Yu (Angry Asian Man) and Devin Cabanilla (Filipino American National Historical Society, Seattle) about the disturbing rise of anti-Asian racism and xenophobia. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU: CALL THE LONG DISTANCE HOTLINE AT 213-293-6024. Leave a me…