Paulina Mangubat moved to Boston in February of 2021. She’s spent her career working in the political sector and relocated to the city to work on a high profile race: Boston’s upcoming mayoral election. Paulina is the Digital Director on the Michelle Wu campaign. During our conversation, Paulina shared why she was drawn to the Wu campaign and what got her started in politics.

Lilia Mundelius, chapter coordinator for Malaya Movement Massachusetts, has been involved with fundraising since they were young. After moving to Boston post-grad, Lilia combined their experience raising money for important causes with their love of cooking to support Filipino human rights campaigns through baking. During our conversation, Lilia shared how they decided to start hosing bake sales to support these issues, and resources to get connected to causes in the Philippines.

Hortense Gerardo describes herself primarily as a writer. With a background as an anthropologist, she writes plays about modern relationships, culture, and what the world may look like post-pandemic. In this episode, she shares what inspired her to start writing plays and where she finds inspiration. 

The past year has been called a national reckoning for race. This panel explores why it is important for Black and Asian people to be in solidarity with each other, and historical examples of support between these communities. This conversation took place on April 20, the day that Derek Chauvin was found guilty of all charges in the death of George Floyd. The conversation includes representatives from the following organizations: Boston PEAR, Malaya Massachusetts, Boston South Asian Coalition, The Party for Socialism and Liberation’s Boston and Rhode Island Chapters, and the ANSWER Coalition.

In his debut graphic memoir, Bren Bataclan explores developing love and understanding for the people who shape us. “My mom, she had lots of fits of rages and tantrums... She lacked the maternal skills, but she was a great friend,” Bren says. “[The book is] about this dual personality of hers. In the end, it's all about love and forgiveness and the strength of a Filipino family.” Bren is a full-time artist based in Boston. Get a copy of the book at fememoir.com.

In this episode, we profile Fatima Lacanlale. Fatima’s journey to Boston has taken her from the Philippines to the Bay Area to the Bay State with stops in Utah and Tennessee in between. During our conversation, Fatima discussed her immigration story and the tales behind her different moves throughout the US. She also shared her personal hobbies in the arts — including an upcoming series of 12 paintings that depict life in the Philippines. 

Growing up, Josee Matela would tell her family that she spoke eight languages. That included, English, Filipino, and Boston. She grew up wanting to go to college in Boston, and achieved those dreams by attending BU as a first-generation student. Now, Josee is a postgraduate living and working in digital marketing. In this episode of the BOSFilipinos Podcast, she shares her experience as a first-generation student, young professional, and Filipino-American.

In 2020, getting a haircut feels like a luxury. Filipino-American small business owner Marc Anthony Lujares can help. This year, Marc launched a business where he gives mobile haircuts and style consultations in the Greater Boston Area. 

Marc is also a personal image concierge, who gives style consultations to help men look their best. Marc shares how he pivoted into the fashion game and tips for developing your own personal style.

When it comes to her job, Katherine Choi says she feels most fulfilled when she helps her students communicate their wants and needs. That could be asking for a snack, or their iPad, or sharing their feelings with a loved-one. 

Katherine is a speech-language pathologist, who aids people with speech or swallowing disorders. Today, she is a practicing clinician at a school for special needs students. Katherine shares the different ways she works with her students, the factors that led her down this career path, and her life outside the classroom. 

Art offers one way for people to share their stories and connect. This episode features two pinay artists, who share their inspirations and creative journeys. First, we sit down with Magdalena Dolorico, a 15-year-old artist in Massachusetts. Then, we step outside of the Bay State to hear from Malaka Gharib, author of the graphic novel, I Was Their American Dream.