FilTrip

Carmina and Patch catch up on all the goings on with the Filipino diaspora and its seeming upward trajectory in pop culture from the world of sports, music, and film. They recall how the “second golden age” of Filipino pop culture in the ‘70s and ‘80s paved the way for what might be its “third golden age” today. Listen in as they chat about the most consequential pop influences of the past who laid the foundation for those blazing the trail today. Their call to action: support our kababayans who are contributing to our representation on the global stage, including watching Forgotten Island, the upcoming Dreamworks animation featuring our very own Filipino mythology!

Learn more: APO Hiking Society and the riotous seventies — PhilSTAR Life, DreamWorks official page for Forgotten Island, Criterion to release Lino Brocka's ‘Maynila sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag’ on Independence Day 2018, and HOW CONCERNED ARTISTS OF THE PHILIPPINES GREW AS A RESPONSE TO MARTIAL LAW. 

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Carmina and Patch discuss the oft forgotten 20-month British occupation of Manila. They trace how a global conflict reached Philippine shores, the reasons for Britain’s invasion, and the unexpected husband-and-wife Ilocano heroes who emerged from this brief episode. Join them in the exploration of this short-lived conquest and how things could have been had the British succeeded. 

Learn more: Battlefield Diplomacy and Empire-building in the Indo-Pacific World during the Seven Years’ War, Yuchengco Museum exhibit: "The British Occupation of Manila and Cavite 1762–1764", Securing Trade: The Military Labor of the British Occupation of Manila, 1762–1764, The Manila-Madras Connection and the 1762 British Invasion of Spanish-ruled Philippines, 17th c Spanish Cannon (San Lorenzo), 17th c Spanish Cannon (San Pedro), Escudo de Armas, Spanish Armouries taken from Manila in 1762, Prelude-The British Invasion of Manila during the Seven Years’ War, Why the Chinese Helped the British Invade Manila in the 18th Century, Princeton University Library’s DPUL platform, Alexander Dalrymple, and 1762 Archive. 

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During the Philippines’ National Food Month, Carmina and Patch decide to do a deep dive on Ilocano cuisine. They discover the origins of Ilocano frugality, how its history influenced the way they cook, and the terrain that contributed to its food culture. Join in as they discuss how Ilocano food serves as tribute to their history and way of life. 

Learn more: Tikim: Essays on Philippine Food and Culture, The Basi Revolt by Esteban Villanueva, Culture Ingested: Notes on the Indigenization of Food, Podcast: Exploring Filipino Kitchens Ep 40: On Food and Storytelling Today with Bettina Makalintal, The road to activism is filled with good food, 25 Delectable Ilocano Dishes That Define Northern Philippine Cuisine, Traditional Foods of Ilokanos Talbo Vector UNP 2022, and A Taste of Ilocos Norte. 

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The Philippines’ history with Japan is well-documented in the context of World War II. But how about before then, and even further back, before Spanish colonization? In this episode, Carmina and Patch unearth the lesser-known presence of Japanese in the Philippines throughout its history. Listen in as they discover how deep the connection goes and how the two nations’ paths converged then ruptured in history’s unraveling. 

Learn more: In Our Image: America’s Empire in the Philippines, Capsule History of Dilao – First Japanese ‘Nihon-machi’ in the Philippines, Early Japanese Imperialism and the Philippines, Letter from Cebu (No.5) “Relations between Japan and Cebu – Before World War II”, The Father of Davao Development, Archaeological and historical insights into the ecological impacts of pre-colonial and colonial introductions into the Philippine Archipelago, UP Diliman Asian Studies archives-The Holocene Journal: "NEVER IMAGINE YOURSELF TO BE OTHERWISE …":
FILIPINO IMAGE OF JAPAN OVER THE CENTURIES”, and Instagram: IMIN Philippine–Japan Historical Museum. 

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Carmina and Patch's digestive juices overflowed during their exploration of the Michelin Guide's inaugural visit to the Philippines. They chat about the Guide's surprising origin story, why its stars are considered by some as the culinary world's most coveted honor (although they will talk about why some chefs are resisting this notion!) and explore how a single distinction can transform a restaurant’s journey—both positively and negatively. Just as importantly, they talk about the controversies that shadow the Guide and discuss perspectives on how to celebrate this milestone with both pride and mindfulness.

Learn more: Why Michelin Guide PH matters — and what it means for Filipino chefs, culture, The MICHELIN Guide Manila and Environs & Cebu Bib Gourmand 2026 Selection, The inaugural Michelin Guide Philippines is the beginning—not the endpoint—of important food conversations, Michelin Guide Philippines, and first lap honors, and PODCASTS: Over Seasoned Podcast and  The Halo-Halo Show. Visit https://filtrip.buzzsprout.com. Drop a note at [email protected].

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Carmina and Patch recap Season 4 and marvel at the resilience of our ancestors and the collective perseverance of today’s Filipinos in keeping the culture alive. They look forward to future episodes and are excited about how much more there is to discover about their beloved Philippines. Many thanks to you, FilTrip listeners, for your continued support! See in you in 2026!

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Just when Carmina and Patch thought they’ve discovered everything they could about Filipino Christmas traditions, they come across Niños Inocentes. And as is true for every other present-day tradition, they found its indigenous roots and the Filipino penchant for simultaneous resistance and humor. Happy Holidays to FilTrip listeners! 

Learn more: Beware Ninos Inocentes Day, What is the Feast of the Holy Innocents?, Spooky Christmas Culture, Yawa Yawa Mask of Terror, Pisting Yawa: The Devil who was once a Bisayan Deity, Underneath the Yawa-Yawa Mask, Feast of the Holy Innocents, Día de los Inocentes - Mexico’s Answer to April Fools, Why ‘devils’ take centerstage in Aklan villages during Christmas, and Historia de las islas e indios de Bisayas. 

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Carmina and Patch discover the mystical, spiritual, and very diverse practices of our ancestors when honoring their dead. They unearth the long and winding history of the word “Undas” and how our practices today are perhaps another form of resistance against colonization. Listen in as they learn about how our pre-colonial practices are manifested in today’s Christian traditions. 

Learn more: The Beginnings of Filipino Society and Culture, Undas: Celebrating Death Through Life in the Philippines, Notes on the Sulod Concept of Death, The Soul, and The Region of the Dead, Atang | Undas 2021, Religious Practices On Honoring The Dead: Need For Contextualized Christian Formation, Pangangaluluwa: An Unheard Filipino ‘Halloween’ Tradition, Pre-colonial burial traditions, Ancient Burial Spaces and Places, Did Undas originate from ancient Aztec beliefs?, Filipino Death Traditions Continued: The Indigenous People, Barangay Sixteenth Century Philippine Culture And Society, and Pampanga’s ritual for the dead lives on. 

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In a departure from their usual historical musings, Carmina and Patch talk about two modern Filipino-American women who share a last name but are from different decades, backgrounds, and musical genres. Yet they share a singular love for their heritage and history undeniably reflected in their art. In this Filipino-American History Month, Carmina and Patch are proud to feature two Fil-Ams who are sure to contribute to our storied legacy for years to come.

Learn more: Vaccine scientist by day, rapper by night: How Ruby Ibarra is defying stereotypes, Ruby Ibarra - Bakunawa ft. Ouida, Han Han & June Millington (Live) Tiny Desk 2025 Winner, Ruby Ibarra - (Official Music Video), Ruby Ibarra Official Website, Rolling Stone: RUBY IBARRA IGNITES NPR’S ‘TINY DESK’ CONCERT: ‘THIS IMMIGRANT IS HERE’, Ruby Ibarra, 2025 Tiny Desk Contest Winner: Tiny Desk Concert, June Millington, [HIGHLIGHTS] Sky Islands by Susie Ibarra: World Premiere, 2025 Pulitzer Prize for Music: Sky Islands by Composer/Percussionist Susie Ibarra, Susie Ibarra's "Nest Box" performed in Ojai by the composer and Wu Wei, and Susie Ibarra Official Website.

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Just when they thought they’ve learned all there is about the Galleon Trade, Carmina and Patch discover there was more. In this episode, they revisit the contribution of the Galleon Trade to Filipino-American history, explore the reasons for its end, and why it was actually a boon for the Philippines. Listen in as they discuss the true beneficiaries of the trade (spoiler alert: it wasn’t the Filipinos!), how its demise led to the rise of the Filipino middle class, and fascinating obscure tidbits that will be sure to pique curiosity.  

Learn more: The Manila Galleons & Trans-Pacific Trade: What Did They Carry?, The Manila Galleon Trade, The Economics of the Manila Galleon, Instagram: Tuba in Mexico,  Filipinos in Nueva España: Filipino-Mexican Relations, Mestizaje, and Identity in Colonial and Contemporary Mexico, Our Mexican connection, After the Galleons by Benito J. Legarda Jr., Today in Philippine History, September 14, 1815, the galleon trade between the Philippines and Mexico ended, Philippines - Colonialism, Revolution, Independence | Britannica, and Trading Treasures and Curiosity: The Fascinating History of Manila Galleons.

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