FilTrip

Carmina and Patch discover just how colorful a life Balagtas lived. They discuss how artfully Balagtas infused the spirit of resistance in his famous masterpiece, “Florante at Laura,” by including themes and characters that defied the times in which he lived. They also make several other important discoveries, including how an almost-forgotten memory in Carmina’s childhood was unearthed because of a verse in “Florante at Laura.”

Lea...

Carmina and Patch explore Malacañang’s beginnings, when it’s appropriate for the letter “g” to make an appearance at the end of its name, and its myths & legends. Dive in with them as they discover why Malacañang is a symbol of both tradition and intrigue. Lastly, listen in as Carmina shares why this topic resonated with her so deeply after her recent trip to the Philippines.

Learn more: YouTube: Malacañang Documentary...

Carmina and Patch wax nostalgic about Season 3. They talk about what keeps them going and their hopes for FilTrip's future. Carmina shares her planned homecoming during the Christmas season. An added bonus: the special celebration of very dear friends - congrats and best wishes to Timmy & Nona!

Happy Holidays to FilTrip listeners! Looking forward to a peaceful and prosperous 2025!

To support FilTrip, go ...

Fully expecting an episode exclusively about how their families celebrate Thanksgiving in the US, Carmina and Patch accidentally learn that Thanksgiving in the Philippines was a thing! They briefly touch on the holiday’s origins, the intersection with the first Filipinos they spoke about in the last episode and discuss how and why it was once celebrated nationally in the Philippines. And their conversation wouldn’t be complete with...

Unsung hero, forgotten, overlooked – these are common descriptors of Larry Itliong and his significant contributions to the American Farm Labor Revolution. Carmina and Patch join the growing voices seeking to remedy this tragic oversight by honoring Larry in this episode. Learn why, during every Filipino American History Month, we must commemorate our ancestors’ contributions to the fabric of this great nation. Finally, learn why i...

Carmina and Patch “thread the needle” about the Philippines’ rich textile and weaving heritage. From the South to the North, they discover how indigenous people from all over the country reflect their pre-colonial history, way of life, spiritual beliefs, and customs in the fabrics they weave. Listen in as they discuss the immense creativity and complexity required of various weaving techniques and the reasons why we must protect th...

Carmina and Patch celebrate Chelsea Manalo’s recent coronation as Miss Universe Philippines and wish her well in representing the Philippines at the Miss Universe pageant in September. They discuss Chelsea’s unconventional win and delved into when and how Filipinos’ beauty standards and obsession with pageantry began. Listen in as they chat about the first and subsequent Filipino “Queens” and their achievements outside the realm of...

In this episode, Carmina and Patch discuss why they bestowed the “Wooga” title on the ilustrados, an esteemed squad of Spanish-colonial-era Filipinos whose aspirations for their country transcended physical, intellectual, and societal borders. Learn how each of their important contributions, alongside fellow ilustrado Jose Rizal’s, became the foundation of Filipino national consciousness.

Learn more: Orientalists, Propagan...

How is St. Louis, MO even remotely connected to the Philippines? Carmina and Patch discover the answer in this episode. They discuss why St. Louis came to be known as the "Gateway to the West" and how it became home to approximately 1,200 Filipinos from April to December in 1904.  Learn about the haunting stories that echo across time in what is now known as the Philippine Village Historical site, championed by one indivi...

Carmina and Patch finally get their chance to dive deep into Antique since they first encountered it in Season 1. Their discussion reveals Antique’s 13th century origin and its significance to Philippine history thereafter. Learn about some of Antique’s prominent figures and their undeniable contributions locally and nationally. Finally, discover Antique’s delicious treats and many natural wonders that makes it another “must see” d...

In this episode about Filipino myths and legends, Carmina and Patch remember Esperidion Arsenio Manuel, who is known as the “Dean of Filipino Anthropology” and the “Father of Philippine Folklore.” Enjoy listening to both well-known and less familiar stories, as well as a modern take on a well-loved classic. 

 
Learn more: Treasury of Stories, Filipino Myths & Folktales, Myths & Legends of the Philippines, Tagalog Deities...

In FilTrip’s first episode of Season 3, Carmina and Patch discuss some of the Philippines’ slowly fading traditions. Adding to the episode’s depth are conversations with two special guests, who add perspective to this very important topic. Join Carmina and Patch as they explore origins of some rituals, possible reasons for their slow demise, and what we can all do to keep them alive.  

 To support FilTrip, go to the Patreon page her...

Carmina & Patch commemorate Filipino-American History Month by recapping the season and celebrating Fil-Am creative achievements. Topping the episode is a shoutout to the rom-com Asian Persuasion, which won the Audience Award at the Soho International Film Festival. They invite listeners to PH Time Is Now virtually or in-person on Oct. 28 to meet Fil-Am trailblazers. Finally, hear about Patch’s Broadway debut and listen to thei...

The Thomasites were sent to the Philippines to educate but their labors did not focus on that singular purpose.  Carmina and Patch discuss how their work served America’s imperial vision of benevolent assimilation, the possible personal motivations of leaving the comforts of home for an unknown land, and their innermost thoughts about the Filipino students under their tutelage and the communities in which they lived. Learn about “P...

After settling the score that she did not imagine Mazinger Z's "pectorally-endowed" opponents from the last episode, Carmina and Patch discover Fil-Am animators making waves in the US before delving into the history of the Philippine animation industry.  They also discuss celebrated original Pinoy animations across the spectrum of drama, comedy, and romance. Drop in and learn why Pinoys deserve recognition in this gr...

In this nostalgia-driven episode, Carmina and Patch revisit their favorite childhood cartoons. Top of the list is Voltes V, which Carmina and Patch didn’t realize was a political tinderbox and awakened a deeply buried rage. They also discuss favorite runners-up Paul In Fantasyland (but not so much for Patch) and Candy Candy (which they both adore), to round out their reminiscences. But during their research, they made a surprising ...

Apolinario Mabini was known as "The Sublime Paralytic" but not many know why he is worthy of our reverence as a national hero. Carmina and Patch discuss his many contributions and shed light on different phases of his life. Learn about his trials, his many heartaches, and the very last signature he tragically left behind. Prepare to be amazed at their discovery about a favorite Pinoy band and how Apolinario Mabini lent hi...

In a unique take on this topic, Carmina and Patch tackle the Philippines' quest for independence from the vantagepoint of America’s political landscape. Much tea was spilled ala-TMZ to explain the long and winding road towards the Philippines’ ultimate freedom from the Americans, including commentary by Mark Twain (yes, THAT Mark Twain) on the matter.

To learn more: US Occupation in the Philippines: the Disconnect be...

In this episode, Carmina and Patch revisit the Pasig River’s consequential role in Manila's development, its former glory and the reasons for its eventual demise. But all is not lost – they talk about past and current revitalization efforts by government, private, and civic organizations that made great strides in resuscitating the river. However, a new threat is imminent that if unchecked, will unwind decades of progress. Lis...