In this heartfelt short episode, I reflect on Mother’s Day and share personal memories of my mom, who passed away in 2018. 

Growing up in the Philippines, we didn’t have much, but my mom understood the value of education and invested in our future the best way she could. Her sacrifices helped pave the way for my journey to the U.S., where I found career success and was able to help support my family through tough times.

Our relationship wasn’t perfect, and like many Filipino families, we navigated the expectations of supporting one another—especially the cultural pressure for children to provide for their aging parents. I did what I could, but also had to find space for my own dreams.

Before my mom passed, we were in the process of healing. I just wish we had more time.

This episode is a reminder to cherish your loved ones, speak kindly, and never miss a chance to say “I love you.”

Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing moms and those who carry their memories with them. 💐

#KissMyMike #MothersDay #FilipinoFamily #GriefAndHealing #ImmigrantJourney #Motherhood #LoveAndLoss #FilAmPodcast #PinoyPodcaster #FamilyMatters #PersonalReflections #FilipinoCulture

Why is May named after a Roman goddess? What’s the real story behind May Day? And did you know May wasn't always lucky for weddings?

In this episode of Kiss My Mike, we uncover five surprising and fascinating facts about the month of May — plus a bonus fact you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re a trivia fan, history lover, or just curious about the calendar, this one’s for you.

🎧 Hit play, subscribe, and join me for a fun dive into the magic and meaning of May.

#KissMyMike #FunFacts #MonthOfMay #PodcastClip #HistoryFacts #MayDay

In this episode of Kiss My Mike, I dive into why Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle has captured my heart and hope as a potential future pope. As a queer Filipino, seeing someone who not only shares my heritage but also speaks with compassion and inclusivity—especially toward the LGBTQ+ community—means the world.

I talk about his powerful sermons where he calls out discriminatory language against LGBTQ people, his alignment with Pope Francis' spirit of openness, and why his leadership could be a continuation of the progress we've seen. Plus, how exciting (and historic!) would it be to have a Filipino pope?

This is a personal reflection, a celebration of possibility, and a vision for a more inclusive Church.

Please share your thoughts in the comments and feel free to share this with others!

 #CardinalTagle #NextPope #FilipinoPope #QueerFaith #LGBTQandCatholic #InclusiveChurch #HopeInFaith #TagleForPope #CatholicProgress #QueerVoicesInFaith #FilipinoPride #SpiritualHope #ChurchAndLGBTQ #TagleTeachings #FaithForward

As a queer Filipino American who believes in Christ, I’ve had a complicated but deeply personal journey with faith. Today, I want to reflect on Pope Francis — what he’s done, what he represents, and what it all means to people like me.

From his groundbreaking "Who am I to judge?" moment to his inclusive stance toward LGBTQ+ individuals—including trans people and gay priests—Pope Francis has made waves in a Church long resistant to change. I reflect on his legacy of compassion, progress, and quiet revolution within Catholicism. 

While the journey toward full inclusion is far from over, Pope Francis has left an undeniable mark. 

Join me as I honor his impact, share what it has meant for me as a queer person of faith, and express my hopes for the future and the next pope.

 #PopeFrancis #LGBTQFaith #QueerAndCatholic #WhoAmIToJudge #FaithAndIdentity #ProgressInTheChurch #PopeFrancisLegacy #InclusivityInFaith #QueerVoices #SpiritualReflections #HopeAndChange #TransWelcome #CatholicChurchReform

In this episode, I open up about what Easter means to me as an LGBTQ Filipino American and a Christian. 

How does being LGBTQ shape my experience of Christianity? What challenges and joys come with holding these identities together—especially around big holidays like Easter?

I also reflect on the differences in how Easter is celebrated in the Philippines versus the U.S. — from the deeply religious traditions back home to the joyful, playful vibes here with Easter bunnies and egg hunts.

Join me for some honest reflections, encouragement, and hope for anyone navigating the intersection of faith and queerness.
 Let’s keep the conversation going—share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below! 🏳️‍🌈✝️🇵🇭

#LGBTQChristian #FilipinoAmerican #EasterReflections #QueerFaith #LGBTQPodcast #FaithAndIdentity #EasterInThePhilippines #ChristianAndQueer #LGBTQStories #FilipinoDiaspora #QueerAsianVoices

Two Filipinos. One lasting friendship.
In this episode, I catch up with my college best friend, Jocy Dollison-Walla. We met as student assistants in College at De La Salle University (Manila) and bonded during our shifts at work (while in school) —now years later, we reflect on how our friendship has stayed strong despite the distance. We talk about growing older, growing wiser, and what it really takes to keep a friendship going through all of life’s changes!

🎧 Listen up—it’s a fun, heartfelt look back down memory lane.

#FilipinoPodcast #FriendshipGoals #PinoyPride #CollegeBesties #LongDistanceFriendship #KissMyMike #FilAmVoices #AdultingTogether #MemoryLane #FilipinoStories

New Episode of Kiss My Mike: "Art as an Act of Activism" 

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Filipino American filmmaker GIO Espiritu, a groundbreaking storyteller whose creative vision is deeply shaped by her journey as a bisexual, once-undocumented immigrant Filipina mom and survivor of a Biblical doomsday cult.

Her award-winning films like ALLY 3000 and Legacy tackle patriarchy, generational trauma, and societal bias—all with humor and heart. We also talk about her latest projects, including MAID TO SHINE, a romantic comedy set in Vegas, and her feature film LOVE & KARMA starring international and Filipino talent.

🌟 Topics we cover:
🎥 The state of the entertainment industry
🏳️‍🌈 Navigating Hollywood as a Filipino American and LGBTQ+ creative
💪 Turning art into activism
🎭 Gio's journey as a filmmaker and actor
🤝 How we can support Filipinos and marginalized communities in media
💡 Inspiring messages for the next generation

This is a conversation you don’t want to miss—raw, inspiring, and real.

👉 Listen now on YouTube & Spotify! Link in bio!

#KissMyMike #FilipinoAmerican #FilAmCreatives #Filmmaking #GioEspiritu #LGBTQFilmmakers #WomenInFilm #RepresentationMatters #FilAmPodcast #ArtAsActivism #Storytelling #Hollywood #FilipinoPride #SupportFilAm #IndieFilm #PodcastEpisode #NewPodcast

🔥 New Episode Alert! 🔥

In this powerful episode of Kiss My Mike, I sit down with trans filmmaker and artist, Jade Phoenix to discuss:

✨ The current political climate and how recent executive actions are attacking the trans community.
✨ The history of discrimination and how these tactics have been in place for a long time.
✨ How Jade and the community continue to thrive despite these challenges.
✨ Using art as activism—expressing identity, resistance, and resilience through creativity.
✨ Teaching queer youth about art and expression as tools for survival, empowerment, and healing.

💡 Jade’s message is clear: We are not voiceless. She encourages all of us to step into our power and thrive.

🎧 Listen now! 

#KissMyMike #TransRightsAreHumanRights #QueerVoices #TransVisibility #LGBTQPodcast #StepIntoYourPower #ArtAsActivism #QueerCreatives #JadePhoenix #TransFilmmaker #WeWontBeSilenced #PodcastEpisode #LGBTQCommunity

Best Movies of 2024 

Anora, Wicked, The Substance, Conclave, A Complete Unknown—these are just some of the critically acclaimed films from 2024!

Check out the latest episode of Kiss My Mike, featuring special guest Charles Gray, a FilAm filmmaker based in California. We dive into our favorite movies and performances from last year, breaking down the most memorable cinematic moments—including the stunning cinematography in Conclave, Anora, and Dune: Part Two.

We also share our thoughts on the actors and actresses nominated this year. Who are your top picks? Drop your favorites in the comments!

 Listen now! Link in bio.

#KissMyMike #BestMoviesOf2024 #Oscars2024 #FilAmFilmmakers #MovieLovers #FilmPodcast #Cinephile #MoviesOfTheYear #DunePartTwo #WickedMovie #AnoraFilm #ConclaveFilm #TheSubstanceMovie #PodcastEpisode

A Call for Advocacy

I’ve always tried to steer clear of politics on my podcast and social media. But you know what? Staying silent isn’t an option anymore—not when policies are being set into motion that directly affect me as an LGBTQ+ Filipino American immigrant (and now, a proud U.S. citizen).

CHECK OUT MY FIRST PODCAST FOR 2025: LGBTQ+ and AAPI ADVOCACIES.

In this episode, I dive into some of the alarming Executive Actions from the Trump Administration:

• The revocation of protections for LGBTQ+ individuals against discrimination.
• The removal of support for AAPIs and other minority communities working toward equity.
• The dangerous Executive Action that recognizes only two sexes—male and female—and how it sets a precedent for erasing LGBTQ+ identities and attacking our rights.

Learn about these policies, understand what’s at stake, and discover what we can do to take action and protect our communities.

 Together, we can make a difference. Advocacy starts with awareness. Check it out now, and let’s fight for equality and justice.

#LGBTQRights #AAPIAdvocacy #EqualityMatters #ProtectTransLives #StopAAPIHate #HumanRights #DiversityAndInclusion #CallToAction #LGBTQPodcast #WeWontGoBack