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 delve 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.

In this new episode of Shakers and Shapers, we tackle the complex figure of Jose Maria Sison, founding chairman of the Communist Party of the Philippines. We look back at his journey, from his aristocratic roots and eventual radicalization at the University of the Philippines, the formation of Kabataang Makabayan, the ideological underpinnings of national democracy, and the pivotal role Sison and his movement played during the dictatorship and beyond. Amidst a backdrop of red-tagging and anti-terror laws, join us as we seek to understand the complexities of the communist movement in the Philippines.

Correction:

In this episode we referred to Joma Sison as having gone into “self‑exile.” Listener and journalist Michael Beltran clarifies that this characterization could be misleading. In fact, the Philippine government revoked Sison’s passport while he was abroad, effectively forcing him to seek asylum in the Netherlands. Thus, his exile is a state action, not a voluntary departure. Sison was later granted asylum by Dutch authorities in the 1990s.

Michael is the author of The Singing Detainee and the Librarian with One Book: Essays on Exile, a book on Sison’s life in exile which included interviews with him and his legal team. We thank him for this vital nuance and encourage everyone to check his book out.

How intertwined were religion and politics during the tumultuous Martial Law period? We approach the role of the Catholic Church during the Marcos years and the EDSA Revolution through the life and complex legacy of Jaime Cardinal Sin, a key religious leader whose words and actions shaped the Church's involvement in political affairs and left an indelible mark on the nation's struggle for democracy.

We revisit the complex legacies of Juan Ponce Enrile, Fidel Ramos, and Gregorio Honasan, pivotal figures in the EDSA Revolution, in this episode. Exploring their roles in martial law implementation, their eventual defection from Marcos, and their subsequent political careers, we uncover the intertwined narratives of power, betrayal, and redemption that shaped Philippine history and politics.

In this episode, we take a look into the lives of opposition senators Jovito Salonga and Jose Diokno. Both followed unique paths, from humble beginnings and wartime heroics to their instrumental roles in challenging the Marcos dictatorship and shaping Philippine democracy. Through their stories, we explore the complexity of resistance, the necessity of integrity, and their lasting legacies in Philippine politics and society.