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In this heartfelt short episode, I reflect on Mother’s Day and share personal memories of my mom, who passed away in 2018.  Growing up in the Philippines, we didn’t have much, but my mom understood the value of education and invested in our future the best way she could. Her sacrifices helped pave the way for my journey to the U.S., where I found career success and was able to help support my family through tough times. Our relationship wasn’t perfect, and like many Filipino families, we navigated the expectations of supporting one another—especially the cultural pressure for children to provide for their aging parents. I did what I could, but also had to find space for my own dreams. Before my mom passed, we were in the process of healing. I just wish we had more time. This episode is a reminder to cherish your loved ones, speak kindly, and never miss a chance to say “I love you.” Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing moms and those who carry their memories with them. 💐 #KissMyMike #MothersDay #FilipinoFamily #GriefAndHealing #ImmigrantJourney #Motherhood #LoveAndLoss #FilAmPodcast #PinoyPodcaster #FamilyMatters #PersonalReflections #FilipinoCulture

Why is May named after a Roman goddess? What’s the real story behind May Day? And did you know May wasn't always lucky for weddings? In this episode of Kiss My Mike, we uncover five surprising and fascinating facts about the month of May — plus a bonus fact you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re a trivia fan, history lover, or just curious about the calendar, this one’s for you. 🎧 Hit play, subscribe, and join me for a fun dive into the magic and meaning of May. #KissMyMike #FunFacts #MonthOfMay #PodcastClip #HistoryFacts #MayDay

In this episode of Kiss My Mike, I dive into why Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle has captured my heart and hope as a potential future pope. As a queer Filipino, seeing someone who not only shares my heritage but also speaks with compassion and inclusivity—especially toward the LGBTQ+ community—means the world. I talk about his powerful sermons where he calls out discriminatory language against LGBTQ people, his alignment with Pope Francis' spirit of openness, and why his leadership could be a continuation of the progress we've seen. Plus, how exciting (and historic!) would it be to have a Filipino pope? This is a personal reflection, a celebration of possibility, and a vision for a more inclusive Church. Please share your thoughts in the comments and feel free to share this with others!  #CardinalTagle #NextPope #FilipinoPope #QueerFaith #LGBTQandCatholic #InclusiveChurch #HopeInFaith #TagleForPope #CatholicProgress #QueerVoicesInFaith #FilipinoPride #SpiritualHope #ChurchAndLGBTQ #TagleTeachings #FaithForward

As a queer Filipino American who believes in Christ, I’ve had a complicated but deeply personal journey with faith. Today, I want to reflect on Pope Francis — what he’s done, what he represents, and what it all means to people like me. From his groundbreaking "Who am I to judge?" moment to his inclusive stance toward LGBTQ+ individuals—including trans people and gay priests—Pope Francis has made waves in a Church long resistant to change. I reflect on his legacy of compassion, progress, and quiet revolution within Catholicism.  While the journey toward full inclusion is far from over, Pope Francis has left an undeniable mark.  Join me as I honor his impact, share what it has meant for me as a queer person of faith, and express my hopes for the future and the next pope.  #PopeFrancis #LGBTQFaith #QueerAndCatholic #WhoAmIToJudge #FaithAndIdentity #ProgressInTheChurch #PopeFrancisLegacy #InclusivityInFaith #QueerVoices #SpiritualReflections #HopeAndChange #TransWelcome #CatholicChurchReform

In this episode, I open up about what Easter means to me as an LGBTQ Filipino American and a Christian.  How does being LGBTQ shape my experience of Christianity? What challenges and joys come with holding these identities together—especially around big holidays like Easter? I also reflect on the differences in how Easter is celebrated in the Philippines versus the U.S. — from the deeply religious traditions back home to the joyful, playful vibes here with Easter bunnies and egg hunts. Join me for some honest reflections, encouragement, and hope for anyone navigating the intersection of faith and queerness.  Let’s keep the conversation going—share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below! 🏳️‍🌈✝️🇵🇭 #LGBTQChristian #FilipinoAmerican #EasterReflections #QueerFaith #LGBTQPodcast #FaithAndIdentity #EasterInThePhilippines #ChristianAndQueer #LGBTQStories #FilipinoDiaspora #QueerAsianVoices

Two Filipinos. One lasting friendship. In this episode, I catch up with my college best friend, Jocy Dollison-Walla. We met as student assistants in College at De La Salle University (Manila) and bonded during our shifts at work (while in school) —now years later, we reflect on how our friendship has stayed strong despite the distance. We talk about growing older, growing wiser, and what it really takes to keep a friendship going through all of life’s changes! 🎧 Listen up—it’s a fun, heartfelt look back down memory lane. #FilipinoPodcast #FriendshipGoals #PinoyPride #CollegeBesties #LongDistanceFriendship #KissMyMike #FilAmVoices #AdultingTogether #MemoryLane #FilipinoStories

New Episode of Kiss My Mike: "Art as an Act of Activism"  In this powerful episode, I sit down with Filipino American filmmaker GIO Espiritu, a groundbreaking storyteller whose creative vision is deeply shaped by her journey as a bisexual, once-undocumented immigrant Filipina mom and survivor of a Biblical doomsday cult. Her award-winning films like ALLY 3000 and Legacy tackle patriarchy, generational trauma, and societal bias—all with humor and heart. We also talk about her latest projects, including MAID TO SHINE, a romantic comedy set in Vegas, and her feature film LOVE & KARMA starring international and Filipino talent. 🌟 Topics we cover: 🎥 The state of the entertainment industry 🏳️‍🌈 Navigating Hollywood as a Filipino American and LGBTQ+ creative 💪 Turning art into activism 🎭 Gio's journey as a filmmaker and actor 🤝 How we can support Filipinos and marginalized communities in media 💡 Inspiring messages for the next generation This is a conversation you don’t want to miss—raw, inspiring, and real. 👉 Listen now on YouTube & Spotify! Link in bio! #KissMyMike #FilipinoAmerican #FilAmCreatives #Filmmaking #GioEspiritu #LGBTQFilmmakers #WomenInFilm #RepresentationMatters #FilAmPodcast #ArtAsActivism #Storytelling #Hollywood #FilipinoPride #SupportFilAm #IndieFilm #PodcastEpisode #NewPodcast

🔥 New Episode Alert! 🔥 In this powerful episode of Kiss My Mike, I sit down with trans filmmaker and artist, Jade Phoenix to discuss: ✨ The current political climate and how recent executive actions are attacking the trans community. ✨ The history of discrimination and how these tactics have been in place for a long time. ✨ How Jade and the community continue to thrive despite these challenges. ✨ Using art as activism—expressing identity, resistance, and resilience through creativity. ✨ Teaching queer youth about art and expression as tools for survival, empowerment, and healing. 💡 Jade’s message is clear: We are not voiceless. She encourages all of us to step into our power and thrive. 🎧 Listen now!  #KissMyMike #TransRightsAreHumanRights #QueerVoices #TransVisibility #LGBTQPodcast #StepIntoYourPower #ArtAsActivism #QueerCreatives #JadePhoenix #TransFilmmaker #WeWontBeSilenced #PodcastEpisode #LGBTQCommunity

Best Movies of 2024  Anora, Wicked, The Substance, Conclave, A Complete Unknown—these are just some of the critically acclaimed films from 2024! Check out the latest episode of Kiss My Mike, featuring special guest Charles Gray, a FilAm filmmaker based in California. We dive into our favorite movies and performances from last year, breaking down the most memorable cinematic moments—including the stunning cinematography in Conclave, Anora, and Dune: Part Two. We also share our thoughts on the actors and actresses nominated this year. Who are your top picks? Drop your favorites in the comments!  Listen now! Link in bio. #KissMyMike #BestMoviesOf2024 #Oscars2024 #FilAmFilmmakers #MovieLovers #FilmPodcast #Cinephile #MoviesOfTheYear #DunePartTwo #WickedMovie #AnoraFilm #ConclaveFilm #TheSubstanceMovie #PodcastEpisode

A Call for Advocacy I’ve always tried to steer clear of politics on my podcast and social media. But you know what? Staying silent isn’t an option anymore—not when policies are being set into motion that directly affect me as an LGBTQ+ Filipino American immigrant (and now, a proud U.S. citizen). CHECK OUT MY FIRST PODCAST FOR 2025: LGBTQ+ and AAPI ADVOCACIES. In this episode, I dive into some of the alarming Executive Actions from the Trump Administration: The revocation of protections for LGBTQ+ individuals against discrimination.The removal of support for AAPIs and other minority communities working toward equity.The dangerous Executive Action that recognizes only two sexes—male and female—and how it sets a precedent for erasing LGBTQ+ identities and attacking our rights.Learn about these policies, understand what’s at stake, and discover what we can do to take action and protect our communities.  Together, we can make a difference. Advocacy starts with awareness. Check it out now, and let’s fight for equality and justice. #LGBTQRights #AAPIAdvocacy #EqualityMatters #ProtectTransLives #StopAAPIHate #HumanRights #DiversityAndInclusion #CallToAction #LGBTQPodcast #WeWontGoBack

 2024 Year-End RECAP — Kiss My Mike Podcast! This year was a whirlwind of pop culture, movies, and major events — and I’m breaking it ALL down in my latest podcast episode!  Watch the full video on YouTube and the audio on Spotify, Apple, or your favorite app! Here’s what I’m covering: The impact of AI on entertainment (and beyond!) The best movies of 2024 — and my personal faves! The breathtaking Solar Eclipse in April A look at the US Elections in November Exciting updates on my upcoming film & creative projects … and more surprises you don’t want to miss! Don’t just watch the year go by — relive it with me! Drop your favorite 2024 moments in the comments. Let’s wrap it up together. #KissMyMike #YearEndRecap #2024Review #PopCulture #Movies2024 #SolarEclipse #AIinEntertainment #USElections2024 #PodcastLife #SpotifyPodcast #ApplePodcasts #YouTubeShow #FilmMaker #CreativeProjects #PodcasterLife

🎙 New Podcast Episode! 🎬 I’m diving into my journey as a director for my latest short film, THE MANALOS. From preparation to embracing the creative process, here are my key takeaways. Whether you're a filmmaker or just curious, tune in to hear more! #FilmmakingJourney #PodcastEpisode #TheManalos #DirectorLife #CreativeProcess #IndieFilm #BehindTheScenes

Check out this new podcast episode featuring Writer/Filmmaker:  KRISTINE GEROLAGA! Kristine Gerolaga is a Filipina American filmmaker and actor. Her work has been featured on ATTN:, Amazon Fire TV, ALTER, Shudder, Fangoria, Rappler, and Vulture. Her short films were finalists for the TIFFxInstagram Shorts Fest and Justin Lin's Interpretations 2.0 Asian American Filmmaker Initiative. She is a 2023 grant recipient of The Future of Film is Female's Short Film Fund.  She is also a Sundance Institute supported artist: She was a 2022 Uprise Grantee, a 2023 TAAF Collab Scholar, and most recently, a 2024 January Screenwriters Lab Fellow and recipient of the Horror Fellowship in support of her feature film LAMOK. Her latest short film MOSQUITO LADY, the proof of concept for LAMOK, premiered at the 2023 Beyond Fest and is on the festival circuit now. #filipina #writer #filmmaker #sundance

Check out this new episode with LA-based actor and writer, ROMMEL ROJAS! Rommel was born and raised in Davao, Philippines. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication and pursued a career in advertising. When the opportunity arose, he moved to the US in 2004. When his corporate stint ended in 2014, he rediscovered his passion in storytelling and attended both UCB and Elizabeth Mestnik Acting Studio for his training. He is a Meisner trained actor and a member of the Company of Angels theater group.  His experience in film includes a short film, entitled Centerpiece, wherein, he co-wrote, produced and acted in, garnering selections in various film festivals. He loves hiking. He has hiked the Half Dome twice and did notable trails in Japan, South Korea, and Spain. He aims to hike Patagonia soon. His favorite color is green.  #kissmymike #podcast #filipino #filipinoamerican #rommelrojas #naughtymaids #lgbtq

Check out this new 'Kiss My Mike' podcast episode featuring ACHIM MENDOZA. Achim is queer ex-Filipino-soap-opera-translator-turned-filmmaker, Achim’s passion for film started in his teens, when Marilou Diaz-Abaya, a renown Filipino director and National Artist, offered to mentor him. As a teenager, Achim would fly back and forth between his hometown of Davao and Manila to attend her classes. Back in the Philippines, he helped create “Stages Sessions,” a YouTube channel that focuses on indie Filipino musicians and poets. His 2021 musical short “Connection” was screened at the 38th Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival and was nominated for Best Short at the 2023 FilAm Creative Film Festival.  His next short “A Karaoke Space Odyssey” is a sci-fi rom-com karaoke musical that recently had its world premiere at the LA Shorts International Film Fest. He is also the editor of “ALOK,” a short documentary on queer and gender- nonconforming artist Alok Vaid-Menon, which premiered at Sundance Film Festival 2024.  Achim’s works focus on the radical power of joy to change the world, especially the joy experienced by his fellow Filipinos and queer persons of color. In his spare time, Achim likes to perfect his family’s longsilog recipe. Only on Kiss My Mike!