Adobo Yarn

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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In Episode 4, the conversation gets right into the heart of what it means to weave a home between two worlds. We revisited how food has shaped our childhood, spending time in the kitchen, simple age old wisdom and translating those skills and taste into our Aussie kitchens. From avocado shake to avocado on toast! Listen and join the conversation!

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

What happens to our deepest cultural habits when we pack up our lives and cross the ocean?

In this episode, Anna and Razel hold up a mirror to the Filipino diaspora in Australia to look at the traits we grew up with and the ones we’ve had to intentionally unlearn. From hilarious cultural adjustments to the deeper, more systemic behaviours that just don't fly "down under". It’s time for an honest, funny, and deeply relatable cultural inventory.

In this conversation, we dive into:

'Filipino Time': How the reality of Aussie transit schedules, workplace and community culture beat the habit of being chronically late right out of us.

Toxic Positivity vs. Real Boundaries: Unpacking the pressure to always put on a smiling face, even when things are genuinely tough.

Crab Mentality & Chismis Culture: Moving away from the local "Marites" syndrome and gossip, and learning to embrace a "live and let live" mindset.

From Manila Chaos to Aussie Roads: A look at how our driving habits completely transformed from lawless lane-weaving back home to becoming model, law-abiding Filipino-Australian drivers (thanks to those strict highway patrol cameras!).

Whether you’ve been in Australia for a decade or you’re fresh off the plane, this episode is a funny, reflective therapy session about building a hybrid identity. What did you leave at the boarding gate, and what are you still trying to unlearn?

Join the Conversation: Have you completely broken your "Filipino Time" habit, or are you still working on it? What’s the hardest trait you’ve had to unlearn since moving to Australia? Slide into our DMs or leave a comment on our Spotify episode. We want to hear your stories!

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are based on the personal experiences, observations, and cultural reflections of the hosts. This conversation is intended for entertainment, storytelling, and community engagement purposes only. We love our heritage and our community; our goal is simply to hold space for open, humorous, and constructive dialogue about the migrant experience!

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

Imagine stepping off a plane into a new country right as the world is emerging from global lockdowns. You’re alone, you’re lost, and within your first 48 hours, things go completely off the rails—and you have absolutely no idea who or where to ask for help.

In this episode, Anna and Razel sit down with Osep Estrada, who shares his raw, hilarious, and deeply moving experience of migrating to Australia solo in the immediate aftermath of COVID-19. Osep takes us back to those chaotic first two days in Adelaide South Australia, where a stressful series of mishaps led him to an unlikely saviour at a CBD Information Centre.

But survival was just step one. Osep opens up about what comes after the initial landing:

• The roommate reality: The learning curves of navigating shared housing and living with flatmates.
• Stitching pieces together - his version of "adobo" yarn : How reclaiming his old hobbies of knitting and crochet, and cooking Filipino dishes he missed from back home, has become a vital anchor for his mental health and comfort.
• The ultimate career pivot: Trading in his old life as a landscape architect to find his footing in the hospitality industry that is the absolute polar opposite.

Whether you’re a migrant who remembers the exact weight of your own first suitcase, or you're currently trying to reinvent yourself in a new city, Osep’s story is a beautiful reminder that sometimes being completely lost is exactly how you find your people—and yourself.

We all have different migration journeys, but being solo is a whole other adventure. Which part of Osep's story resonates with you? Subscribe, listen and engage with us. 

Disclaimer: This episode features the personal story and lived experiences of our guest. It does not constitute professional career, legal, or migration advice. For specific guidance on migrating to Australia, always check official government resources.

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

The crisp air has officially hit, and you know what that means—it’s time for the "Winter Pivot." In this episode, Anna and Razel settle in with hot mugs to discuss the inevitable shift from summer ease to winter survival.

We’re diving deep into the seasonal wardrobe transition: the ritual of bringing out the scarves and beanies, and the perfect pair of boots that can survive a rainy commute. But staying warm isn't just about what you wear; it's about what you eat. We share our ultimate winter comforts, comparing the soul-warming power of traditional Pinoy soups (team Sinigang or Bulalo?) against the flaky, golden embrace of a classic warming pie, or the comfort hug of champorado!

We also get real about the practical side of the chill. We share our (sometimes desperate) energy-saving hacks at home—turn off the heater (?), the strategic use of Oodies to the Filipino-parent-approved method of "just putting on another jumper."  We also share our honest take on what we appreciate (and strongly dislike) about the Australian winter.

Pull up a chair, grab a bowl of something steaming, and join the yarn. Or better yet, we'd love to hear your tips for staying warm and toasty during the winter months! 

Support the Podcast: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review and share it with a friend who's currently shivering!

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts. Any content provided is for entertainment and informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional financial, dietary, or home maintenance advice. Please consult with a professional regarding energy-saving appliances or electrical safety in your home.

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 continuation of Filipino Food Month, we sit down with the visionary behind Elizabeth Bay’s Greenknowe Cafe to explore a story of reinvention, resilience, and the undeniable pull of home.

The journey began in 2015 with a leap of faith and a dependent visa. We trace an incredible professional pivot: from practicing law in the Philippines to navigating Sydney’s corporate landscape as a marketing manager in education, and finally, co-founding a community staple.

Our guest this episode is Sandra, co-owner of Greenknowe Cafe with husband Chef Jovan Arias. Rooted in the traditions of Rosario, Batangas, the menu at Greenknowe serves as a living map of the flavours the founders love most. This episode is a dive into how heritage isn't just something you leave behind—it’s the secret ingredient to building a meaningful business.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Batangas Connection: How the culinary soul of Rosario shapes a modern Sydney menu.
• The Career Metamorphosis: Shedding a legal identity to find a new voice in marketing and hospitality.
• The Migrant Narrative: The realities of rebuilding a professional and personal life from the ground up in Australia.
• Business as a Bridge: Using food to preserve cultural identity while fostering a local neighbourhood community.
• The Partnership Dynamic: The grit and grace required to run a business alongside a life partner.

Whether you are navigating your own career pivot, building a business, or simply looking for the best way to honour your roots, this conversation offers a beautiful look at what happens when passion meets purpose.

Join the FILIPINO FOOD MONTH huntahan as we continue to tell our stories as Filipinos, as migrants and as culinary ambassadors. 

And if you're in Sydney and maybe you haven't tried lomi, or you're from interstate visiting, you already know your first stop!  

Share your migrant food stories with us! We love hearing them and we'd love to chat to you as potential next guest!

Disclaimer:

This episode shares a personal journey of migration and entrepreneurship. While we discuss visa experiences and career transitions, please consult with registered migration agents or professional advisors for specific advice regarding your own circumstances.

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

April is Filipino Food Month (Buwan ng Kalutong Pilipino), and this year, the celebration has reached a fever pitch! 🇵🇭🇦🇺

In this episode, Anna and Razel take a deep dive into the roots of the movement right here in Australia. Anna shares the inspiring story of the Filipino Food Movement Australia (FFMA)—from its humble beginnings as a grassroots non-profit organisation to its current status as a powerhouse for cultural advocacy and culinary activations.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The FFMA Origin Story: Anna walks us through the early days of the non-profit, the vision that sparked it, and how it evolved from a small group of passionate volunteers into a nationwide platform.
• The Global Filipino Table: Why it matters for the diaspora to tell our stories, to connect to our roots to our food, and the effects it can have on gastronomy tourism
• FiloFomoFest 2026: We're inviting everyone to join the FFMA on the 19th April at Paddy’s Markets Flemington. Anna and Razel will be there!
• Why Advocacy Matters: Why promoting our food isn't just about the flavours—it's about representation, pride, and claiming our space in the Australian food scene.

Whether you’ve been with the FFMA since day one or you’re just discovering the magic of a perfectly crisp lechon, this episode is about the power of community and the journey of bringing Filipino food to the global stage.

Join the FILIPINO FOOD MONTH huntahan as we continue to tell our stories as Filipinos, as migrants and as culinary ambassadors. 

Disclaimer:

A quick heads-up: We love our community, but just so you know, Adobo Yarn is an independent podcast. While we are huge fans and supporters of the Filipino Food Movement Australia (FFMA), this episode is not a paid advertisement. The stories and opinions shared by Anna and Razel are our own, based on our personal research and experiences within the community. For official event details regarding FiloFomoFest, always check the FFMA website!

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

"Ikaw ang maghanap ng saya..."  (Don't just wait for joy—create it.) 

In this special International Women's Day episode, Anna and Razel sit down with a true titan of the Filipino-Australian community: Marivic Ayap-Flores.

As the Managing Director of MVA Financial Services and the President of PASC (the powerhouse team behind Fiesta Kultura), Marivic embodies the 2026 IWD theme of "Give to Gain." 

We dive deep into a "yarn" that spans over 40 years of migrant history. Marivic takes us back to an Australia that looked very different for Filipinos in the 1980s and shares how she navigated those early challenges to build a legacy of financial and cultural empowerment.

In this episode, we discuss:

• 💰 Financial Freedom: How Marivic helps Filipino-Australians secure their futures through smart property investment.
• 🇵🇭 The PASC Legacy: The "intangible" magic of community work and what it takes to run Australia’s biggest Filipino festival.
• 🛠️ The Power of Agency: Why Marivic believes we must all be the architects of our own joy—whether that’s in the office, on the sports field, or through volunteering.
• 🥘 Signature Flavors: We learn about Marivic's signature dish—a different kind of Kaldereta, Batangas style! (Hint: Forget the tomato sauce; it’s all about that rich, umami, melt-in-your-mouth goodness).

Whether you're looking for a bit of "Tita wisdom" on navigating life in Australia or some boss-lady inspiration to start your own passion project, this episode is the perfect brew. Join the conversation, and tell us what is your "Give to Gain" moment as a migrant, as Filipino-Australians!

Connect with our Guest: 

🔗 Marivic Ayap-Flores: MVA Financial Services

🔗 PASC: Fiesta Kultura and Miss Philippines Australia

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our guest, Marivic Ayap-Flores, are her own and do not necessarily reflect those of Adobo Yarn. This episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The financial information discussed does not constitute professional investment, legal, or financial advice. We recommend seeking independent advice tailored to your specific circumstances before making financial decisions. Adobo Yarn and its hosts are not responsible for any actions taken based on the content of this episode.

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

Ever felt like a secret agent trying to prove you actually exist? 🕵️‍♂️

Welcome to the ultimate "ID Culture Shock" guide! In this episode, Anna and Razel reminisce their experience navigating the confusing, sometimes hilarious, and high-stakes world of Australian paperwork. Moving from the Philippines—where your license and PhilHealth card is king to Australia’s "100-point" scavenger hunt can feel like a full-time job.

In this episode, we chat about:

• 🧩 The 100-Point Game: Why your Philippine passport is only 70% of the puzzle and how to find the missing 30 points.
• 💳 Medicare Glow-ups: The difference between the Blue and Green cards and why that little piece of plastic feels like a VIP pass to life in Oz.
• 🚗 LTO vs. Service NSW/VicRoads: The 2026 update on license conversions! Why you need to act fast (and why you’ll probably turn on your windshield wipers instead of your signal light during the test).
• 📍 State Showdown: A brief chat at the differing rules in NSW, VIC, and QLD.
• 📛 The Middle Name Crisis: Do you have second name that is now a middle name? Why Aussie systems struggle with Filipino naming conventions and probably names from other cultures too!

Join the conversation: What was the hardest ID for you to get? Drop us a voice note! or comment in our social media posts.

If you found this helpful, please leave us a 5-star review—it helps other Pinoys find their way in Australia! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#PinoysInAustralia #FilipinoMigrants #LifeInOz #NewToAustralia #100PointsOfID #PinoysInSydney #PinoysInMelbourne #MigrantLife #AustraliaPodcast #TaglishPodcast #AdoboYarn #AdoboYarnPodcast

⚠️ Podcast Disclaimer

General Information Only:
The information provided in this episode of Adobo Yarn is for general information and entertainment purposes only.

Not Legal or Migration Advice:
Anna and Razel are sharing their personal experiences as migrants in Australia. We are not migration agents, legal professionals, or government officials. The rules regarding visas, Medicare eligibility, and driver’s license conversions (especially the 2026 state-specific updates) can change without notice.

Verify Before You Act:
While we strive to keep our "chikahan" accurate, we strongly recommend that you verify all requirements directly with the official authorities before making any decisions. 

No Liability:
By using this information, you agree that the hosts and producers of this podcast are not liable for any errors, omissions, or any actions taken based on the content of this episode.

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

"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!

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 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!

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