Adobo Yarn

What does it look like to follow your passions wherever they take you? 

In this episode of Anna and Razel chat with Bryan Adduru, founder and owner of FNST, to unpack the ultimate migrant side quests.

Bryan shares his unexpected transition from engineering to nursing and how he fell in love with healthcare along the way. We dive into his basketball coaching side quest aimed at empowering and supporting youth in his local community, and track the evolution of his art, from classic watercolours to a thriving digital media business.

Bryan wears many hats, and in this yarn, he opens up about balancing it all, his community advocacy, time-management tips, and (of course!) his absolute favourite adobo to cook at home.  Watch out for the IG Live adobo cook-off with Anna, soon!

Connect with Bryan: Check out his art, brand, and community over at FNST on Instagram or visit FNST website to his latest works.

Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast episode are strictly those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or endorsement of any healthcare organization, employer, or affiliated institution. Content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only.

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 conversation!

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Music: Bass and Claps by Anastacia Chubarova from Pixabay

If your feed is full of neon-purple lattes, pastries, and viral TikTok treats, you've witnessed the global takeover of ube. But behind that gorgeous, highly Instagrammable hue lies a rich cultural history, serious agricultural challenges, and a complex conversation about what happens when an indigenous heritage crop goes hyper-viral.

In this episode, Anna and Razel discuss the beloved Philippine purple yam (Dioscorea alata):

• Origins & Varieties: The history of ube as a sacred survivor crop and the prized Kinampay cultivar.
• Agricultural Protection: Why ube lacks the institutional safeguards of items like Japanese matcha, and the recent efforts to protect local supply.
• The Australian Market: What raw, frozen, and processed ube ingredients you can actually find on shelves down under.
• The Socio-Political Realities: Mislabelling, cultural extraction, and the burning question of who actually profits when the world goes purple.

Grab an ube latte, hit subscribe, and let’s dive into the roots of the purple reign!

Join the conversation - if you're Filipino, is global popularity a win or a trap? Should the world eat ube? Who actually profits when the world eats ube?

Show Notes: (new) Links to literature and videos used for the discussion during this episode.

• Ube vs. Cultural Appropriation: Who Owns the Purple Yam?
• The global ube craze is straining Philippine supply chains 
• Is Ube from the Philippines the Next Matcha? (Full Documentary)

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organisation or agricultural body mentioned. The information shared regarding food availability, agricultural practices, and cultural history is for general informational and entertainment purposes only. Always check local product labels for allergen and ingredient details.

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 conversation!

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook - Adobo Yarn Podcast 

Follow Anna on Instagram Adobo Down Under

Follow Razel on Instagram In Season Today

Music: Bass and Claps by Anastacia Chubarova from Pixabay

In this episode, Anna and Razel unpack the infamous "local experience" catch-22. How do you get local experience if no one will hire you without it?! From trying a retail job for the first time, delivering local papers, catalogues and flyers, cooking and fundraising for school community sausage sizzles and bake sales, to helping distribute meals to seniors in the community, we reflect on the stepping-stone gigs that gave us our very first Aussie references (and plenty of core memories).

In this episode:

• 💼 The catch-22 of "local experience" and how migrants navigate it
• 🌭 The strategic power of volunteering and casual gigs
• 🎲 A round of Resume Redact—guessing our weirdest job duties out of context
• 💬 The hidden lessons and resilience behind every survival job

What was your very first or oddest job when you moved to Australia? Slide into our DMs on Instagram or drop a comment below, we’d love to share your stories in an upcoming episode!

Disclaimer:

Just a quick heads-up before we dive in: the stories and opinions we share on Adobo Yarn are based purely on our own personal experiences and lighthearted reflections. We’re not career advisors or legal experts, so if you’re looking for formal migration or employment advice, definitely reach out to qualified professionals. Now, let’s get into the yarn!

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 conversation!

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook - Adobo Yarn Podcast 

Follow Anna on Instagram Adobo Down Under

Follow Razel on Instagram In Season Today

Music: Bass and Claps by Anastacia Chubarova from Pixabay

In Episode 37 of Adobo Yarn, hosts Anna and Razel sit down with educator and founder Armak "Mak" Limitares to explore what it really takes to reinvent yourself across borders.

Mak spent years teaching English, Science and Math in Japan before relocating to Australia, landing in the midst of the global COVID lockdowns. Facing an unpredictable landscape arriving as an international student, Mak channeled his background in education into launching an online tutoring platform based in Sydney, turning an unprecedented disruption into a thriving business.

In this episode, we unpack:

• The reality of navigating relocation, lockdowns, and rebuilding a career from scratch in Australia.
• How teaching across three different countries (the Philippines, Japan, and Australia) shapes cross-cultural intelligence.
• The "migrant mindset"—how adaptability and resourcefulness drive entrepreneurship.

Whether you're a skilled migrant navigating a career transition, an educator looking to shift online, or anyone facing a pivot of your own, Mak’s story is a powerful reminder of how skills translate beyond borders.

Join the conversation and share how this episode resonates with you! Do you 

Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests on Adobo Yarn are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any affiliated organisations, employers, or educational institutions. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional financial, legal, or career advice. Mention of specific products, tutoring services, or business platforms does not constitute an endorsement.

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 conversation!

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook - Adobo Yarn Podcast 

Follow Anna on Instagram Adobo Down Under

Follow Razel on Instagram In Season Today

Music: Bass and Claps by Anastacia Chubarova from Pixabay

We’re back! After a cozy winter hiatus, Anna and Razel return to the mic in time to celebrate Buwan ng Wika, and yes it is officially Spring down under!

In this comeback episode, we dive into the results of our Instagram poll to celebrate the Filipino words that are uniquely ours. The untranslatable, emotion-packed phrases that carry the weight of home. As migrants living in Australia, language takes on a whole new meaning. We share what happens when our "Filipino radar" goes off in a crowded Woolies aisle or at a concert, the art of the subtle "Filipino nod," and whether we actually walk up to strangers to say "Kamusta, kabayan!" 

Join us as we reflect on language as the culture we carry with us, and why hearing familiar words hits differently when you're thousands of miles away. And you'll hear Anna's version of her ancestral Batangueno accent!

In this episode, we talk about:

• Uniquely Filipino Words: Decoding fan favorites from our IG poll and a Tourism PH UK post (how do you explain gigil to an Aussie co-worker?).
• The Migrant Ear: Overhearing Tagalog in public and the comfort of finding kababayans in unexpected places.
• Culture in Conversation: Why preserving our native language keeps us rooted, even as we build a life abroad.

Join the conversation! What's your favourite Filipino word, or better yet, let us know what Filipino word makes you feel closest to home?  And leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode!

Disclaimer:

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or views of any employers, organisations, or affiliated institutions. Content provided on Adobo Yarn is for entertainment and informational purposes only.

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 conversation!

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook - Adobo Yarn Podcast 

Follow Anna on Instagram Adobo Down Under

Follow Razel on Instagram In Season Today

Music: Bass and Claps by Anastacia Chubarova from Pixabay

While the hosts are away on winter break, take a dive back into the archives for a re-release of one of the show's most requested discussions.

In Episode 22, The Price of Nostalgia: Are We Undervaluing Our Cuisine?, Anna and Razel unpack the complex cultural and economic forces shaping how Filipino food is priced, perceived, and appreciated globally. 

From the tension between budget comfort food and fine dining recognition to the emotional weight of heritage recipes, this conversation explores what it truly costs to preserve and elevate culinary identity.

Catch up on this fan-favourite classic on your preferred podcast platform while fresh episodes are prepped for the upcoming season!

Disclaimer: This episode is an encore broadcast from our archives, originally recorded and released during a previous season. Some details, platform links, or time-sensitive announcements mentioned in the audio may reflect the original air date.

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 conversation!

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook - Adobo Yarn Podcast 

Follow Anna on Instagram Adobo Down Under

Follow Razel on Instagram In Season Today

Music: Bass and Claps by Anastacia Chubarova from Pixabay

While the team stays cozy on winter break, we’re raiding the archives to bring back an Adobo Yarn favourite! 

In From Ukay Ukay to Op Shops — the Art of the Purge, we look at the art, nostalgia, and emotional chaos of decluttering. From bargain hunting back home to navigating local secondhand spots, how do you clear space without losing your favourite vintage finds? 

Grab a warm drink and enjoy this throwback while we prep fresh episodes! 

Note: This is an archived revisit episode released during our host winter break. New episodes will return soon!

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 conversation!

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook - Adobo Yarn Podcast 

Follow Anna on Instagram Adobo Down Under

Follow Razel on Instagram In Season Today

Music: Bass and Claps by Anastacia Chubarova from Pixabay

While Anna and Razel are tucked away hibernating this winter—warm tea in hand and prepping a refreshing slate of brand-new episodes for Spring—we’re dipping into the Adobo Yarn vault!

This week, we’re revisiting Episode 15, where Anna and Razel have one of their most raw, candid discussions yet. Unpacking perimenopause, menopause, and the liberating "We Do Not Care" movement, they dive straight into the honest realities of midlife, shedding societal expectations and holding nothing back.

Grab a warm blanket, press play, and stay cozy until our return this Spring! ☕✨

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 conversation!

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook - Adobo Yarn Podcast 

Follow Anna on Instagram Adobo Down Under

Follow Razel on Instagram In Season Today

Music: Bass and Claps by Anastacia Chubarova from Pixabay

While Anna and Razel are tucked away hibernating this winter - warm drinks in hand, plotting a refreshing lineup of brand-new episodes for Spring, we are diving into the archives!

This week, we’re revisiting a true listener favourite: Episode 10 — Don't sweep at night... Whether you’re a long-time listener or new to the yarn, it’s the perfect time to look back at the quirky, comforting, and sometimes spooky cultural beliefs that shaped our childhoods. Grab your blanket, stay cozy, and let's unravel why you definitely shouldn't clear away that dust after dark.

New stories are cooking, but for now, enjoy this classic rerun!

Disclaimer: Adobo Yarn is not legally responsible for any sudden loss of wealth, ancestral side-eyes, or unexpected midnight visitors should you choose to sweep your floors while listening to this episode. Sweep at your own risk!

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 conversation!

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook - Adobo Yarn Podcast 

Follow Anna on Instagram Adobo Down Under

Follow Razel on Instagram In Season Today

Music: Bass and Claps by Anastacia Chubarova from Pixabay

We are taking a little winter break to cozy up, stir the pot, and tend to our own hearths. But while we're away from the microphones, we couldn't leave you empty-handed. 

This winter, we are revisiting some of our absolute favourite conversations - the threads of story and flavour that define what this community is all about. Whether you're hearing these for the time first time or wrapping yourself up in them like a favourite old cardigan, we're so glad you're here! 

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Before the spring flowers bloom and bring a fresh batch of episodes, Anna and Razel are taking a cue from the cozy winter season to hibernate, recharge, and spin some exciting new yarns.

While they’re tucked away getting ready for a refreshing upcoming season, wrap yourself in your favourite blanket and revisit Episode 8: Unwrapping Memories: Filipino snacks then, and now. 

From the nostalgic crunch of Clover Chips to the sweet comfort of childhood bakeries - did anyone say hopia?! Anna and Razel reminisce the treats that shaped their youth. It’s the perfect, comforting companion for a chilly day and the ultimate warm-up for what’s to come from Adobo Yarn this Spring.

Listen now to unwrap some delicious memories, stay cozy, and get ready for our next chapter!

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 conversation!

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook - Adobo Yarn Podcast 

Follow Anna on Instagram Adobo Down Under

Follow Razel on Instagram In Season Today

Music: Bass and Claps by Anastacia Chubarova from Pixabay