"Did I move across the world just to start from zero?"

This is most migrants' story! We move across oceans for many different reasons, and starting from scratch is almost always, the default mode. Making the hard choices to step away from fulfilling careers and braving the challenges of change and the so called "second leap"! 

In our very first guest episode, hosts Anna and Razel sit down with Andrei Balingit, whose journey is a masterclass in migrant resilience, sacrifice, and the "Pinoy Pivot."

Andrei arrived in Australia as a skilled chef, but the reality of migrant life and the arrival of children pushed him to redefine what "success" looked like. From the high-pressure kitchens, to the early morning hustle of Australian markets selling lechon, to hitting the road as a courier, Andrei has done it. Now, he’s finding his way back to his passion, balancing weekend chef roles with the everyday demands of being a present dad.

In this episode, we dive into:

• The Identity Shift: What happens to your ego when your job title changes from "Chef" to "Courier"?
• The Family First Filter: Making the hard choice to step away from a career to care for your kids and ensure a stable future.
• The Weekend Warrior: How Andrei is reclaiming his passion for cooking on his own terms.
• Universal Migrant Truths: The exhaustion, the "pagod," and the quiet pride of providing for your family in a new land.

Whether you are currently working a "survival job," dreaming of returning to your original craft, or navigating the chaos of raising a family in Oz, Andrei’s story will make you feel seen, heard, and inspired!

Join the Conversation: Have you had to "pivot" for your family? Shoot us a DM or leave a voice note!  If this episode resonated with you, please hit 'Follow' on Spotify and leave us a 5-star review. It helps our community grow!

#PinoyPivot #FilipinoMigrants #adoboyarn #adoboyarnpodcast  #MigrantStories 

Disclaimer: This conversation reflects personal lived experiences and does not constitute professional career, legal, or migration advice. Every migrant's journey is unique; please consult with a qualified professional regarding your specific visa, legal, or financial situation before making major career or life changes. 

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

"We're talking about Filipino migration to Australia, Gen Z trends on TikTok, and our lives as Filipino Australians in Sydney back in 2016."

Is your feed looking a little… 2016 lately? If you’re seeing more Rio de Janeiro filters, matte lips, and sudden cravings for Pokémon Go, you are not alone. 

In this episode, Anna and Razel chika about the the massive #2016vs2026 trend taking over social media platforms. Why is Gen Z—the generation that barely had a bank account in 2016—suddenly the biggest advocate for a ten-year reset?

We’re also jumping on the nostalgia train as we look back at our lives as Filipino Australians a decade ago. 

Anna takes us back to her days as a Thermomix consultant, reminiscing about the serendipitous radio interview she had back in 2016 talking about her plans on writing her first cookbook! Manifestation is real folks!

Meanwhile, Razel looks back at the "Golden Era" of Sydney street photography, from taking a hiatus from her social media food accounts to landing spots in local group exhibitions.

Plus, we celebrate a very special milestone: Anna’s dog, @ogluckymanlulo, turning the big 0-1 back in 2016! 🐾 He is 10 years old now!

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Gen Z Spark: Why the youngest creators are leading the rebellion against 2026’s "AI-optimized" internet.
• The Filipino-Australian Lens: How the landscape of migration has shifted since 2016 and what it means for our community today.
• The Privacy Catch: Is this trend a secret data goldmine for Meta’s facial recognition?

Whether you’re here for the nostalgia or the "Tin Foil Hat" privacy theories, join us as we figure out if we can actually reboot the internet—or if some things are better left in the cloud.

#adoboyarn #adoboyarnpodcast #filipinosinoz #filipinoaustralian 

The Not-So-Fine Print: Just a heads-up! This episode is all about sharing our personal stories and looking at the trends we're seeing online. While we talk about things like AI data and the minimum wage, we aren't financial or privacy pros. We’re just keeping it real based on our own research and lived experiences. If you're joining the #2026IsTheNew2016 trend, just be "privacy-smart" and do what feels right for you! ✌️

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

Happy 2026, Adobo Yarn Fam! 🥂

We are kicking off the year with our very first episode of 2026, and we’re diving straight into the New Year headspace. Are you the type to write a list of resolutions on January 1st, or are you playing the long game with strategic goals?

In this episode, Razel and Anna break down the nuances between the two. Is there actually a difference, or is it all just semantics? We also talk about the side quests of life - those unexpected detours that might actually be more important than the main mission.

Plus, we tackle a phrase that’s currently taking Filipino circles by storm, well usually during the new year at least - #balik alindog.  Whether you're reclaiming your glow, your health, or your confidence, this is the unique Filipino pursuit of "maintaining the fire" and returning to our best selves.  We chat about what this term means and does it remind you of anyone? Hint hint for those of a certain age and generation.

Join the Conversation!  We don’t want to do 2026 alone. What are your big goals (or fun side quests) for the year? Share them with us on our socials or leave a comment on the Spotify poll! Let’s partner up and make this our best year yet!

#adoboyarn #adoboyarnpodcast #pinoypodcast #balikalindog2026 #goalsetting #newyear2026 #filipinoaustralians

Friendly Disclaimer: We’re here to hype you up for 2026, but please take our "side quests" with a grain of salt! Adobo Yarn is for entertainment. Our advice on "balik alindog" comes from the heart, not a textbook. Proceed with curiosity and a sense of humour!

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

We’re ending 2025 with a major milestone: pull up a chair and join us at Taguan Cafe in Sydney because Episode 25 is officially our very first video episode! Amidst the buzz of the brunch crowd and the aroma of ube lattes, we’re looking back at the wild, transformative journey this year has been.

You'll see the ube latte, the calamantea and the laughs in person as we dive into our own version of a "Spotify Wrapped." Between bites of brunch, we’re looking back at the moments that defined our year, from the technical glitches to the conversations that changed our perspective.

In this special year-end reflection, Anna takes us all the way back to the beginning, picking Episode 1 as her top choice for its raw, "leap of faith" energy and the nostalgia of just starting out - the crappy audio, the long stretch of chats that resulted in two episodes!

Meanwhile, Razel reflects on the powerful impact of Episode 15, where we had that incredibly raw and real conversation about menopause. It was a standout moment that reminded us how much we all crave unfiltered honesty about the transitions women go through but rarely discuss openly.

Beyond our favourite episodes, from the lessons we learned creating this podcast and community, to the listener messages that kept us going, this episode is a celebration of the community we’ve built together. 

As we look ahead to 2026, we’re sharing a few hints of what’s to come—whether you’re watching us on screen for the first time or listening on your commute! Whether you’ve been with us since Episode 1 or just joined the family today, thank you for being part of our 2025.

We are looking forward to sharing more relatable huntahang adobo topics with you all! And of course, we'd love to hear from YOU! Slide us a DM, or add a comment in our social media pages! 

Disclaimer: This episode was recorded live at Taguan Cafe. Please excuse any background ambiance as we enjoy the café atmosphere! Additionally, any health-related topics discussed, or opinions raised are based on personal experience and should not be taken as medical advice.

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

Before the busyness of December take over, get ready for a holiday episode that's as rich and complex as a slice of Queso de Bola paired with sweet and ripe Australian mangoes! Hosts Anna and Razel discuss the the beautiful, messy, and often hilarious (but interesting) reality of celebrating Christmas as Filipino migrants and modern matriarchs in Australia.

In the Philippines, Christmas is the longest celebration in the world, marked by cool "Ber Months" and devotion. Anna and Razel share their fondest childhood memories, from Razel's family tradition of warm, savoury Arroz Valenciana to Anna's Papa's famous Chicken Pork Menudo. They remember the intense community feel of the early morning Simbang Gabi masses, followed by street-side treats like Puto Bumbóng and Bibingka.

But here in Australia, everything changes. The cozy cold is replaced by the scorching sun, and Noche Buena gives way to the backyard Christmas lunch. Anna and Razel chat about learning new traditions—becoming "Sunshine Santas" for their own kids, mastering the art of hosting, and embracing Aussie staples like exploding Christmas bonbons, refreshing cold prawns, and the essential summer dessert, Pavlova.

This episode is a celebration of the traditions kept, the new ones adopted, and the perfect hybrid Christmas they've created—a delicious, sometimes chaotic, blend of two homes!

Join the conversation! What are your Christmas and holiday traditions you enjoyed as a child which you brought with you in your new home? Share with us your experiences, your joys, the laughs, even the sad moments - because to be honest, this is what migrant life is all about. Shifting, navigating and creating new traditions to keep the culture alive! We'd love to hear from you! Comment here on Spotify, or in our social media channels! We love a good Christmas yarn!

⚠️ A Note from Anna & Razel: This episode is a personal and highly subjective account of our individual experiences as Filipinas celebrating Christmas in the Philippines and Australia. We are sharing our family’s specific journey of blending traditions (like Papa's Menudo with Aussie Pavlova), not representing every migrant or Filipino Christmas experience. Thank you for listening to our heart-felt, hybrid story!

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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Follow Razel on Instagram In Season Today

Music: Bass and Claps by Anastacia Chubarova from Pixabay

Welcome back to the Adobo Yarn road trip! After cruising through NSW and ACT in Part 1 (Episode 20), Anna and Razel realised they only covered a fraction of this massive continent. In this episode, your titas are crossing the borders to guide you through the other states and territories from their personal experience. Some hilarious, others spine tingling (ok, we're exaggerating!) but mostly delicious!

☕️ The laneways of Melbourne to the Victorian regional towns, and the relaxed elegance of South Australia (Adelaide) - Haighs, German beers, and markets!

🥶 The sunny, theme-park action of Queensland (Gold Coast) versus the rugged, freezing beauty of Tasmania (Hobart). Why QLD and TAS require completely different suitcases. Anna says: always bring layers! Aka, that extra jacket!

Whether you're planning your first trip or looking for a holiday outside your home state, this is your hilarious, no-filter "guide" to just a few of Australia’s beautiful regions.

Join the conversation! If you've visited these places, live in these states especially our WA and NT friends, we'd love to hear from you! Share your own travel experiences and tips with us in our social channels! 

⚠️ Travel Disclaimer

Please note that all travel suggestions, prices (if mentioned), and activity recommendations mentioned in this episode are based on our personal experiences and research at the time of recording (November 2025). We strongly advise all listeners to independently check the latest information—including operational hours, costs, safety warnings, and travel restrictions—with local authorities or venue websites before making any travel plans. We are sharing our personal journeys, not professional advice!

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

The food world is buzzing! Following the historic first Michelin Guide selection for the Philippines complete with two stars, one star, and multiple Bib Gourmand awards, we dive into what this massive international recognition means for Filipino cuisine globally.

But first, we tackle a tough chika that hits close to home in Australia: Why do Filipinos, even here in Sydney and Melbourne, often insist that our own cuisine "should be cheap?"

We break down the economic reality versus nostalgic memory, discussing why running a sustainable Filipino restaurant in Australia costs what it does, and why we need to stop benchmarking local prices against carinderia costs. We argue that sustainable prices are the ultimate sign of respect for our culture and our cooks.

Join Anna and Razel as they explore the 'Should-Be-Cheap' Syndrome and argue that it’s time for the community to recognise the true value of Filipino culinary talent. 

This episode is a call to action: It’s time to put our money where our pride is!

Tags: #FilipinoFood #PinoyPride #MichelinGuide #MichelinStarsPH #FilipinoCuisine #SupportFilipinoBusiness #FilAussie #AdoboYarn #FoodPodcast #ValueVsPrice

A Note on This Discussion aka Disclaimer

Adobo Yarn is a conversational podcast. The opinions and anecdotes shared by Anna and Razel are based on their personal experiences as Filipino migrants in Australia and should not be taken as professional advice or the definitive view on all Filipino or Australian cultural practices.  

This episode tackles the sometimes sensitive topic of pricing and value perception within the Filipino community. Our discussion is rooted in our observations about the economics of running sustainable Filipino restaurants in the Australian diaspora, contrasting it with nostalgic price expectations. We aim to elevate the conversation and show support for our chefs and entrepreneurs. We are not criticising individual budgets or personal dining habits. Thank you for listening with an open mind!

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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Follow Anna on Instagram Adobo Down Under

Follow Razel on Instagram In Season Today

Music: Bass and Claps by Anastacia Chubarova from Pixabay

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 Halloween in Australia. 

Get ready for a candid chat about cultural shifts, preserving memory, and the bittersweet ache of celebrating (or not celebrating) beloved holidays as Filipino migrants. Do our kids even know what 'Undas' is? Tune in for a blend of nostalgia, cultural comparison, and all the laughs in between!

Join the conversation! Did you also experience this back in your home country, whether you're Filipino or not, we'd love to hear the cultural shifts that we all navigate as migrants! And if you're Filipino, share your memories of Undas from your childhood! Listen, like and subscribe streaming in Spotify and Audible and share your experiences with us over in our social media channels!

Disclaimer:

Adobo Yarn is a conversational podcast. The opinions and anecdotes shared by Anna and Razel are based on their personal experiences as Filipino migrants in Australia and should not be taken as professional advice or the definitive view on all Filipino or Australian cultural practices.  

This episode discusses cultural and religious traditions related to Undas (All Saints' and All Souls' Day) and their comparison to Halloween in Australia. The hosts aim to share their personal perspectives with respect and humour.

The discussion is for entertainment and general informational purposes only.

Tags: #adoboyarn #adoboyarnundas #filipinomigrants #filipinoaustralians #Undas #Filipino #AllSaintsDay# AllSoulsDay #MigrantLife #CulturalTraditions #Halloween #Filipinoculture #Nostalgia.

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

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 share our unfiltered Filipino takes on these Aussie landmarks, the best scenic routes, and of course, the most sulit spots to stop for a quick bite!

We're also venturing out to sip and swirl in the lush vineyards of the Hunter Valley, soak up the country charm of the Southern Highlands, and take a detour to the nation's capital, Canberra. 

And because you can't go home without a pasalubong (souvenir!), we've got the inside scoop on where to grab the most unique and truly Australian gifts to bring back home. Whether you're a recent migrant planning your first family day trip, or a visitor just trying to figure out what to do, this is your guide to experiencing the beauty of Sydney and NSW, all with a comforting Adobo Yarn flavour.

Join the conversation! What's your favourite Aussie road trip memory? What's the one souvenir you regret buying (or not buying!)? Let us know!

Disclaimer: Please note that all travel and activity recommendations, prices, and opening hours mentioned in this episode are based on our personal experiences and research at the time of recording (October 2025). We strongly advise listeners to check the latest information, including safety warnings and travel restrictions, with local authorities or venue websites before planning their trip.

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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Follow Razel on Instagram In Season Today

Music: Bass and Claps by Anastacia Chubarova from Pixabay

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 why we still swear by a good hilot, the soothing power of Vicks VapoRub for just about any ailment and the surprising remedies our grandmothers found in the pantry and from the garden. We dive into the cultural clashes, the comforting rituals, and the balancing act of respecting heritage while embracing modern medicine. This episode proves that for Filipinos, health isn't just about medicine—it's about family and heritage.

Listen now! Subscribe! And join the conversation! Whether you're Filipino or not, share with us what healing traditions you grew up with and still use to this day. Are you also a prolific user of Vicks? Add your comments and share photos with us through our social media channels,  or add your comment on Spotify or Audible!

Disclaimer: This episode of Adobo Yarn is for entertainment and discussion purposes only. We are sharing personal anecdotes and traditional cultural beliefs regarding health and healing. This is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional, like a doctor or pharmacist, for any health concerns or before making any changes to your treatment plan. Don't use our Skyflakes theories or Vicks routines to replace professional medical care.

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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Follow Anna on Instagram Adobo Down Under

Follow Razel on Instagram In Season Today

Music: Bass and Claps by Anastacia Chubarova from Pixabay