Traffic vs. Ties. Every Filipino makes the calculation: avoid the commute or attend the reunion? This episode unpacks the economics of social withdrawal, arguing that the value of social capital and shared memories far outweighs the cost of the jam. Discover how to 'prepay' the traffic mentally and redefine productivity on the road to make sure you show up for the people who matter.

Last Saturday, the Singson Auditorium at the Ateneo campus was filled with energy and cheer, thanks to the people who showed up for friendship, community, and purpose. As the current president of SAGE (Samahan ng mga Atenistang Graduate ng Economics at Management Economics), it gave me great joy to welcome alumni across generations, professors, staff, students, and friends who made time to come home.

Take a deep breath. If you’re feeling heavy today—physically, financially, or emotionally—you are not alone. December asks a lot of us. It asks for our money, our energy, and our memories. Today, we’re going to gently explore why we tend to 'over-do' everything this month, and how we can invite a little bit of peace back into the process. You don't have to do it all. Listen.

Beyond financial literacy, why strong systems are key to a secure financial future. Listen to the highlights from the PES Conference panel!

When it’s shaken everything wobbles—stocks fall, confidence erodes, and even our motivation to do what is right gets tested. You hear people say, “What’s the point of being honest when those who cheat continue to be scot-free? Why pay taxes when politicians and their partners will just steal the money to fund their impossible lifestyles?"

This reminds me of the questions raised by some whoare struggling financially, “Why should I still save and invest when I’m already old and it’s too late. Isn’t it useless to do so? Shouldn’t I just enjoy the money that I have?”

What do you think of that line of thinking? Listen.

Last month I had the privilege to interview Atty. Tony La Viña. I’ve known him for a number of years now. You see him being interviewed during elections and other political upheavals. But what really interested me to guest him on my podcast is his zest for life. Diagnosed with prostate cancer, he continues to live his life just as engaged, if not even more, as he used to. His short description goes something like this: Man from Mindanao who’s a thinker, lawyer, social entrepreneur, and teacher.But wait! Here are the rest: - Advocate for human rights, indigenous peoples and local communities, social accountability, good governance, environmental sustainability, and climate justice- Professor of law, philosophy, sustainability, politics, and governance in several universities, including those in Mindanao- Associate Director of the Manila Observatory and heads its Klima Center- Member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, Chair of the Jurisprudence and Legal Philosophy Department of the Philippines Judicial Academy- Founding president of the Movement Against Disinformation (MAD)- Founding Chair of Mindanao Climate Justice Resource Facility - Founding Chair of the Mindanao Center for Scholarships, Sports, and Spiritualiy (MCS3).Of course, he’s the husband of Titay, and father to three sons. Join our conversation and learn about life from Tony Lavs.

Are you getting sucked into the confusing KURAKOTSERYE? Listen.

“Nepo babies” aren’t just a social media buzz—they reflect deeper issues of privilege, corruption, and culture in the Philippines. Beyond calling them out, the real challenge is raising the next generation with values of integrity, accountability, and financial responsibility.

Listen to know more.

Joanne Zapanta-Andrada was among the country’s top models in the 1980s-1990s. She was magazine cover girl a good number of times, runway and commercial model, even paired with the Adonis of Philippine movies, Richard Gomez.Surprisingly, her childhood dream was not to be a model but “to be a Mother Teresa!”Join me in this wonderful Tita Talk where she shares her origin story, modeling days, family, and her real passion—serving the less fortunate.

This question has weighed on me deeply, especiallyafter two recent events I was part of.

Listen