Makoy Clemente is a loyal friend of the podcast and co-hosts his own show, called the GAM Chat Podcast. We hung out through livestream using the Kumu app, which is the Philippines' top social media app for Filipinos across the diaspora to find and build community. 

In this episode, we reflect on memories from years past and from 2021. We also talk about our new year's resolutions/commitments for 2022.  We end the episode shining light on the recent devastation of Typhoon Rai (Odette) in the Philippines and discuss ways to support our friends and family who have been affected. 

Here's where you can donate to help those affected by Typhoon Rai: 

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"It's the birth week of our lord and savior, Jesus Christ."

OR IS IT!? 

This is a special episode recorded during a live stream via the Kumu app, the Philippines' top social media app for Filipinos across the diaspora to find and build community. Today, we ask critical questions to gain a deeper awareness of how modern society engages with religion in a time globally celebrated as Jesus' birthmonth. We also get fun, and reflect on memories of past holidays and count our Filipino blessings of 2021. 

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Wayne Jopanda is a PhD candidate in Cultural Studies at UC Davis where he is also the Associate Director of the Bulosan Center. In this episode we speak to Wayne about why the Bulosan Center is important to the Filipino community. We also talk about Wayne's personal journey with academia and mental health. 

Correction Issued by Wayne Jopanda: This episode makes mention of Filipinos migrating to Louisiana in the 1600s. However, the migration occurred in the 1700s.

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Bettina Makalintal is a food and culture writer for Vice’s Munchies and associate editor for Bon Appetit. In this episode, Bettina talks to MeSearch about how she was inspired to explore food while in college as well as what she thinks about the evolving representation of Filipino food in restaurants and media. 

Check out some of the resources Bettina shared on the show: 

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Leveraging his training as an educator, non-profit leader, leadership development designer and facilitator, and community organizer, Godfrey Santos Plata has more than a decade of experience envisioning, designing, implementing, and managing efforts that support educators, their youth, and public schools. He is driven to improve the livelihoods of communities historically marginalized from decision-making power and politics.

In this episode of MeSearch, we talk to Godfrey about the challenges faced by public schools and marginalized communities. We also discuss how we can improve the gaps in educational equity. 

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Happy Decolonize Thanksgiving Day! 

It's Thanksgiving week in the US and we share the sentiment of gratitude, togetherness and feasting. However, in this episode, we also challenge you all to look into the history of the Thanksgiving and consider alternative narratives; particularly those of the marginalized and indigenous people that live beside us. 

What are you doing to decolonize Thanksgiving? 

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Anthony Velasco, NP is a senior nurse practitioner and is currently pursuing a PhD in Nursing at the University of Colorado Denver-Anschutz Medical Campus. He is a certified HIV specialist by the American Academy of HIV Medicine and has been providing care to people living with HIV since 2010. 

In this episode of MeSearch, we talk to Anthony about the nursing profession and the necessary changes that would help lessen the gaps in health equity. 

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Arianna Laila Dela Rosa is a holistic career coach who empowers first generation minority professionals, ranging from entry to mid-level, to find careers they love and thrive confidently in the workplace. 

In this episode we discuss how Arianna launched her career coaching business and we delve into why knowing your values and how to network are essential for professionals.

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Chris Bautista is the owner and operator of The Beignet Truck, which serves beignets across the Los Angeles area and at private events. Chris has been featured across many notable outlets and platforms including the Food Network, which names The Beignet Truck one of the best spots outside of New Orleans to get a beignet.  "What is a beignet? The word beignet is simply the French term for a pastry.  In the United States they are most widely recognized in the French Quarter of New Orleans." (Source: thebeignettruck.com) In this episode, we'll chat with Chris about how he developed a taste for the culinary arts and how he was able to move past the naysayers to launch a successful business. 

Follow Chris Bautista at @bautistud and the Beignet Truck at @thebeignettruck. 

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/MeSearchPodcast

This is a special SPOOKY SEASON episode! 

In this episode, we take a brief moment to discuss controversial Netflix comedy special, the Closer, which features Dave Chappelle who is currently under fire for making derogatory statements directed towards transgender women. We also chat about our favorite Halloween memories and share a spooky story about an aswang (a monstrous creature often highlighted in Filipino folklore). 

Stay connected with MeSearch at https://www.mesearchpodcast.com/ and via social media (@mesearchpodcast):