How true is this: You can take the Pinoy out of the Philippines but you can't take the Philippines out of the Pinoy?

My guest moved to the US when he was two and always wanted to serve in the military since he was five. He served in the US Military and US Foreign Service, yet married a Filipina.

Even though he doesn't speak Filipino, he didn't let it stop him from teaching in the PMA. For free. Why? So he can give back to the Philippines. How? By helping senior PMA cadets be the best versions of themselves using the West-Point way.

Listen to this episode to learn from Sonny Busa how to take your own path and live life your own way without forgetting to look back.

About the Guest:

In 1976, Sonny Busa graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point. He was an Army officer before entering the State Department as a Diplomatic Officer, serving in Honduras, Korea, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Ethiopia, and Kuwait.

He returned to the United States to work as a Professor of International Relations at West Point, and then he taught at the Philippine Military Academy in the Philippines.

He is married to Ceres Kawagas from Samar, and they have three daughters and four grandchildren.

Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:

Check out these episode highlights:

Connect with Mami Redj:

Do you want to hear more stories about military families? This is the podcast for you. You can listen to it wherever you are, and it’s completely free. Subscribe to our podcast on Spotify today.

DISCLAIMER:

The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the host and guests, and do not reflect the views, positions, and opinions of the U.S. Military, its Foreign Counterparts, and/or other entities they represent.

How do you choose one dream job over the other? Should you really give up one? Or should you do both?

Sonny Busa, my guest for this week, pursued both by using one goal as a stepping stone. He may have hated what he had to do to get in and stay at West Point, but he was able to achieve both. How? By having the discipline to finish what he started, by being clear on what he really wants, and by doing what's necessary to get there.

Listen to this episode to learn how his optimism even at a young age paved his success in the military.

About the Guest:

In 1976, Sonny Busa graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point. He was an Army officer before entering the State Department as a Diplomatic Officer, serving in Honduras, Korea, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Ethiopia, and Kuwait.

He returned to the United States to work as a Professor of International Relations at West Point, and then he taught at the Philippine Military Academy in the Philippines.

He is married to Ceres Kawagas from Samar, and they have three daughters and four grandchildren.

Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:

Check out these episode highlights:

Connect with Mami Redj:

Do you want to hear more stories about military families? This is the podcast for you. You can listen to it wherever you are, and it’s completely free. Subscribe to our podcast on Spotify today.

DISCLAIMER:

The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the host and guests, and do not reflect the views, positions, and opinions of the U.S. Military, its Foreign Counterparts, and/or other entities they represent.

Don't get me wrong. Keeping faith and manifesting work BUT unfortunately it's not enough.

With her unwavering faith as her guide, Eloi was able to make one of her dreams a reality simply by not waiting for it to happen.

How? By taking action.

So listen to this episode to see a different side to Eloi as she bares it, fears and all, to share with us how she's able to build her agency, and eventually become the mentor she was meant to be through ValuePod Productions' Mentoring Program and The ValuePODcast Show.

About the Guest:

Eloisa Almonicido is the empowered "Tyang" of today's thriving podcast management service industry.

Her main purpose is to turn Filipinos into indispensable podcast managers or podcast agency owners in order to change their lives for the better.

Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:

Check out these episode highlights:

Connect with Eloisa Almonicido - Co-founder of ValuePod Productions and Podcast VA School by ValuePOD:

Connect with Mami Redj:

Do you want to hear more stories about military families? This is the podcast for you. You can listen to it wherever you are, and it’s completely free. Subscribe to our podcast on Spotify today.

DISCLAIMER:

The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the host and guests, and do not reflect the views, positions, and opinions of the U.S. Military, its Foreign Counterparts, and/or other entities they represent.

Are you an OFW who's longing to be with your family in the Philippines?

Are you tired of doing physical jobs and curious to transition to working from home?

Do you want to pursue a career in podcasting but don't know where and how to start?

In these changing times, we really need to learn how to adapt; otherwise, we would be left behind.

But how do you do that? By following Ce's roadmap and how she prepared for life's changes and challenges.

In this episode, she shares her journey from a conflicted wife/first-time mom/licensed civil engineer to a successful agency owner/podcaster/mentor by simply embracing herself as an empowered mom.

About the Guest:

Cecilia Mercado-Mojica is a former OFW wife and a former Civil Engineer working in a Quadruple “A” Construction Company who became a podcast agency owner and one of the sought-after mentors of ValuePod Productions.

Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:

Check out these episode highlights:

(04:30) - Why Ce felt torn between being a first-time mom and a successful Civil Engineer

(07:23) - The one painful line her husband said to her and the opportunity that made his fear disappear

(09:29) - The ultimate decision Ce had to make for the sake of her family

(10:10) - The traces and clues that led her to her breakthrough in freelancing

(11:36) - Why she pursued having a WFH career

(12:56) - Her struggles in her WFH career and how it all shifted once she changed “earning money” to “learning skills” as her motivation

(15:24) - Realizations when her husband lost his job overseas

(17:14) - The two things that made Ce fall in love with Podcast Service

(19:16) - What made her let go her OFW Life

(22:56) - What helped Ce become the bravest introvert in the industry?

(26:03) - How finding about Ce and Eloi inspired me to try to dream again

(30:38) - What ValuePod Mentoring Program is, its mission, and who it's for

(34:53) - Why Ce thinks podcast services is perfect for military spouses, moms, and veterans as a career

(37:32) - The secret sauce to freelancing

(38:34) - How to start your podcast management career through Podcast VA School

(40:29) - What to expect from ValuePod Mentoring Bootcamp

(42:24) - What they share on The ValuePODcast Show

Connect with Ce Mojica-Mercado - Co-founder of ValuePod Productions and Podcast VA School by ValuePod:

Connect with Mami Redj:

Do you want to hear more stories about military families? This is the podcast for you. You can listen to it wherever you are, and it’s completely free. Subscribe to our podcast on Spotify today.

How did Nilyn, a pastoral intern whose parents are both pastors, end up working as an inventory assistant for a US-based retail company?

Has she always done things her own way?

And what's behind her fearlessness when it comes to switching careers even though it will make her start all over again?

In this episode, you'll hear from Nilyn how she uses her humble beginnings as a driving force to not only have a better life for herself and her family, but to also help others by teaching them about podcast production and management.

About the Guest:

Nilyn Matugas is an empowered woman, a beautiful wife, a caring mother, an entrepreneur, and Zencastr's full-time customer assistance manager.

She founded the first podcast virtual assistant Facebook community in the Philippines - Podcast VAs Philippines, and she owns a rapidly-expanding podcast agency.

Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:

Check out these episode highlights:

Connect with Nilyn Matugas - Customer Support Manager of Zencastr:

Connect with Mami Redj:

Do you want to hear more stories about military families? This is the podcast for you. You can listen to it wherever you are, and it’s completely free. Subscribe to our podcast on Spotify today.

DISCLAIMER:

The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the host and guests, and do not reflect the views, positions, and opinions of the U.S. Military, its Foreign Counterparts, and/or other entities they represent.

How did Rowela transition to a white collar job while working as a domestic helper?

What is the biggest reason why Rowela renewed her faith in God?

How can military spouses, housewives, or mothers take advantage of the internet and work-from-home opportunities despite their hectic schedules?

In this episode, Rowela discusses the reasons why she chose to be an OFW over getting a college degree, her European adventures, as well as the turning point in her life that led her to become a Podcast Manager.

About the Guest:

Rowela Rabi is an empowered woman, mom, and wife.

She helps business coaches in selling their brand story from podcast planning to post-production all the way to syndication, allowing her clients to focus on what is most important: Providing content with their listeners.

Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:

Check out these episode highlights:

1. Invest in yourself and keep learning

Connect with Rowela Rabi - Podcast Manager and Editor:

Connect with Mami Redj:

Do you want to hear more stories about military families? This is the podcast for you. You can listen to it wherever you are, and it’s completely free. Subscribe to our podcast on Spotify today.

DISCLAIMER:

The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the host and guests, and do not reflect the views, positions, and opinions of the U.S. Military, its Foreign Counterparts, and/or other entities they represent.

How does the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs help U.S. military veterans in the Philippines?

What are the benefits available to U.S. military veterans residing in the Philippines or the United States?

What are the military values that children learn or adapt from their parents who serve in the military?

In this episode, Former U.S. Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr. talks about how he never ceased reaching out to and assisting retired military veterans and their families after his foreign service retirement, his experiences growing up in a strict military household, and how you can help by sponsoring VetCoin HQ.

About the Guest:

Harry K. Thomas Jr. is a former US Ambassador to the Philippines. He is a retired head of US mission service in the Philippines for 3 years, the senior strategic engagement leader at special operations command, and a VetCoin HQ board member with the advocacy to help military veterans and military families.

Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:

Check out these episode highlights:

Support VetCoin HQ Foundation:

Connect with Mami Redj:

Do you want to hear more stories about military families? This is the podcast for you. You can listen to it wherever you are, and it’s completely free. Subscribe to our podcast on Spotify today.

DISCLAIMER:

The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the host and guests, and do not reflect the views, positions, and opinions of the U.S. Military, its Foreign Counterparts, and/or other entities they represent.

What role does foreign service play in aiding the families of deployed military personnel?

What are some of the ways society can assist and support military service members, veterans, and their families?

What are the differences between military service and foreign service careers?

In this episode, Former US Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr. discusses how he got started in the foreign service and why he chose the foreign service despite coming from a military family background. He also shared why some of his acquaintances feel a sense of longing and incompleteness despite their success in life and the importance of giving assistance to military veterans and their families.

About the Guest:

Harry K. Thomas Jr. is a former US Ambassador to the Philippines.

Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:

Check out these episode highlights:

Support VetCoin HQ Foundation:

Connect with Mami Redj:

Do you want to hear more stories about military families? This is the podcast for you. You can listen to it wherever you are, and it’s completely free. Subscribe to our podcast on Spotify today.

DISCLAIMER:

The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the host and guests, and do not reflect the views, positions, and opinions of the U.S. Military, its Foreign Counterparts, and/or other entities they represent.

What do military parents really go through?

How did Episode 4 affect me as a mother?

When should you stop parenting and simply be a parent?

In this episode, I try out a different episode format, where I react to my earlier episodes. So please share your feedback and suggestions with me so I can create better content for you.

Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:

Check out these episode highlights:

Reference:

5 Ways Parenting Changes When Your Child Joins The Army

by Army Mom Strong

Connect with Mami Redj:

Do you want to hear more stories about military families? This is the podcast for you. You can listen to it wherever you are, and it’s completely free. Subscribe to our podcast on Spotify today.

DISCLAIMER:

The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the host and guests, and do not reflect the views, positions, and opinions of the U.S. Military, its Foreign Counterparts, and/or other entities they represent.

How does the boot camp experience in the United States Army compare to other branches of the United States military?

How does the US military prepare service members for civilian life once they retire?

What are the similarities and differences between military service and foreign service careers?

In this episode, listen to Edwin discuss his life, from being born in the United States to growing up in the Philippines, why he chose to enlist in the United States Army over other U.S. military branches, how his life in the U.S. military was, how and where he met his wife, and how he transitioned from the military into the foreign service industry.

About the Guest:

Edwin Estayo is a former colleague of Mami Redj when she was still employed under a foreign service agency. He is a supportive husband to his band vocalist wife, Jen, and a wonderful father to his lovely daughter, Maxine.

He was born in Los Angeles, California, but spent most of his life in the Philippines. He's a young military veteran, and he's the first AMFP guest to represent the United States Army. He enjoys airsoft as a hobby.

Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:

Check out these episode highlights:

Guest Links:

Connect with Mami Redj:

Do you want to hear more stories about military families? This is the podcast for you. You can listen to it wherever you are, and it’s completely free. Subscribe to our podcast on Spotify today.

DISCLAIMER:

The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the host and guests, and do not reflect the views, positions, and opinions of the U.S. Military, its Foreign Counterparts, and/or other entities they represent.