It's the iconic, buff-colored canvas that triggers instant nostalgia for generations of Filipino students. In this episode of PODKAS, we unfold the story behind this humble school supply. We trace its journey from recycled abaca ship ropes in 19th-century America to its central role in post-war Philippine classrooms. We reminisce about the collaborative chaos of group projects, the high-stakes art of writing with a Pentel pen, and the honored role of the tagahawak ng manila paper. Finally, we explore its fading presence in the digital age and ask: in a world of screens and slides, what is the enduring legacy of Manila paper?

From the anxious moments before a life-changing entrance exam to the simple joy of learning to write your name, one object has been a constant companion for generations of Filipinos: the iconic yellow Mongol pencil. In this episode, we sharpen our focus on this seemingly simple tool to tell a surprisingly complex story of international branding, local manufacturing, and deep cultural embedding. How did "Pahiram ng mongol?" become the standard way to ask for a pencil? Why was its specific lead grade crucial for every Scantron sheet, and how did it evolve from an imported icon, a proudly Philippine-made product, and back to imported? Join us as we explore the history, nostalgia, and talismanic power of the pencil that has truly written itself into the Filipino story.

Found in virtually every Filipino bathroom from the humblest provincial home to the most luxurious Manila condo, the tabo—that simple plastic water dipper—carries far more cultural weight than its unassuming appearance suggests. In this episode, we trace the tabo's fascinating journey from coconut shell origins in pre-colonial times to its status as a powerful marker of Filipino identity worldwide. Why do overseas Filipinos pack tabos in their luggage? How did this humble dipper spark "hygiene wars" on social media? And what did early Spanish missionaries really think about Filipino bathing habits? From ancient hospitality rituals to modern environmental concerns, we explore how a simple household object became both a symbol of cultural resilience and a source of unexpected controversy. Whether you're a lifelong tabo user or someone who's always wondered about that mysterious plastic cup in Filipino bathrooms, this episode dips into the surprising depth behind one of the Philippines' most ubiquitous yet overlooked cultural artifacts.

In this episode, we bridge the gap between myth and reality as we explore the history and infamy of the San Juanico Bridge. Often romanticized as Ferdinand Marcos’s “gift of love” to Imelda, this iconic structure connecting Leyte and Samar is also a concrete symbol of the Marcos regime’s controversial “edifice complex,” cronyism, and international scandal. From its politically charged origins and its dark association with a Martial Law torture method to its crucial role as a lifeline during disasters like Super Typhoon Yolanda, we unpack the complicated legacy of an engineering marvel. How can a single object represent both national pride and national shame, and how do we remember a past built in steel and stone? Listen now to find out.

Join us as we peel back the layers on a beloved Filipino condiment staple: banana ketchup. We trace the surprising history of this sweet and tangy red condiment, from its ingenious creation by food scientist and war hero María Orosa during a time of scarcity to its status as a global symbol of Filipino resourcefulness and cultural identity. Discover how a wartime substitute for tomato ketchup became a fixture in Filipino households and a nostalgic taste of home for the diaspora. We also interrogate into the condiment's cultural significance, its role in iconic dishes like Filipino spaghetti, and the contemporary debates surrounding its authenticity and global expansion. This episode explores how an everyday object can tell a profound story of innovation, resilience, and the complex flavors of Filipino history.

We launch our new series "Bagay-Bagay: Objects of Philippine Life" on Independence Day with the most fitting symbol of all: our national flag. Join us as we trace the flag's storied journey from revolutionary banners to a flag sewn by three women in Hong Kong exile, unfurled at independence, banned for twelve years, and restored as our national symbol. We uncover forgotten stories and secrets behind the sun's eight rays, the meaning of the triangle's symbolism, and why the "correct" shade of blue sparked political debates spanning decades.

Our season finale features a discussion on Soledad Duterte, a prominent activist from Davao, exploring her crucial role in local activism and advocacy during and after the EDSA Revolution. Through her life, we examine how Martial Law and the EDSA Revolution impacted regions beyond the capital, particularly Mindanao. Join us!

In this new episode, we tackle the life and legacy of Chito Gascon, whose activism began as a student during the EDSA Revolution and culminated in his tenure as the chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR). Join us as we unpack and retell Gascon's journey, an unwavering commitment to justice and democracy that serves as an inspiration for the youth today.

We tackle the nexus between politics, media, and elite families in this new episode as we spotlight the powerful Lopez family. We explore their rise to power, the closures of ABS-CBN, their struggles during Martial Law, and their subsequent resurrection in the post-EDSA political environment.

We reflect on the EDSA People Power and the role of cinema in shaping public sentiment in this episode, where we highlight the legendary Filipino filmmaker, Lino Brocka. How do media, film, and music have historically acted as catalysts for reform and resistance during Martial Law? Through Brocka's classic films, such as Maynila, Sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag and Insiang, we uncover the intertwined legacy of art, activism, and the enduring spirit of EDSA in today’s society.