In this first-ever reaction video on the Rise Tayo Podcast and YouTube, I respond to a video discussing Filipino witchcraft, kulam, and spiritual practices—not based on opinion, but grounded in the truth of God’s Word.

🙏 Disclaimer: This episode includes a video clip with language that may not reflect biblical standards. My heart is to bring truth in love and point everything back to God’s Word.

I also begin with a prayer for protection, declaring Psalm 91, the armor of God, and God’s covering over this conversation.

We dive into the history of Filipino spiritual practices, from pre-colonial animism and the role of babaylan as healers, to how these practices were later labeled as witchcraft during Spanish colonization. Over time, many beliefs blended with religion—leading to practices involving amulets, rituals, and folk traditions that are still present today. 

But what does the Bible actually say?

📖 God clearly forbids witchcraft and sorcery
(Deuteronomy 18:10–12, Leviticus 19:31, Galatians 5:19–21)

📖 Blessings come from God—not manifestation or rituals
(James 1:17, Proverbs 10:22, Zechariah 4:6)

📖 God is our provider—not kulam or human effort
(Matthew 6:33, Philippians 4:19)

📖 We are called to forgive—not seek revenge
(Romans 12:19, Matthew 5:44, 1 Peter 3:9)

📖 Our protection comes from the Lord—not potions or objects
(2 Thessalonians 3:3, Isaiah 54:17, Psalm 91)

As I react to specific parts of the video (money rituals, manifestation practices, revenge beliefs, and spiritual protection systems), I bring everything back to one truth:

👉 We don’t need potions.
👉 We don’t need crystals.
👉 We don’t need to control outcomes.

✨ We need Jesus.

Because the power we walk in is not from rituals or objects—
 it comes from surrendering our lives to the Lord.

Jesus already defeated every power of darkness (Colossians 2:14–15), and the One who is in us is greater than anything in this world (1 John 4:4).

At its core, witchcraft is about control, pride, and self-exaltation—but the Kingdom of God is about surrender, humility, and trust in Him (1 Samuel 15:23, James 4:6–7).

🔥 Final Truth:

You don’t need protection from man-made rituals—
 you are covered by the blood of Jesus.

Walk in that truth. Stand in that authority.
 And don’t go back to fear—when you’ve been given freedom.

If this blessed you, share it with someone who needs truth and freedom.
Follow the Rise Tayo Podcast and subscribe on YouTube Blessings with Blanche for more faith-based teachings rooted in Scripture.

 “Have you ever followed a pamahiin—not because you fully believed it, but just in case it might be true?
 Or maybe… because it’s what you’ve been taught in your family for generations?” 

From saying “tabi-tabi po” to avoiding certain actions out of fear of bad luck, many of us were raised with superstitions that became part of our everyday lives. But the question is…

Are these harmless traditions—or are they shaping what we truly believe?

In this episode of the Rise Tayo Podcast, Coach Blanche speaks truth in love as she explores what the Bible really says about superstition (pamahiin)—and why God calls us to live by faith, not fear.

This is not about rejecting culture or judging how we were raised.
 This is about growing in truth and aligning our lives with the Word of God.

📖 In this episode, you’ll discover:

•  Why sincerity doesn’t always equal truth 
•  How many superstitions are rooted in fear and control 
•  What the Bible says about idolatry, omens, and false beliefs (1 Timothy 4:6–7, Deuteronomy 18:10–12, Proverbs 3:5–6) 
•  Why God calls us to trust Him alone—not rituals or signs.
• We trust the Source (for our blessings) and that is God
•  How Jesus Christ frees us from fear and gives us true security 
•  The difference between faith-based living vs fear-based living

📖 As it says in 2 Timothy 3:16–17,
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

👉 This means the truth we are sharing is not based on opinion but on the authority of God’s Word.

✨ You don’t have to live in fear.
 ✨ You don’t have to rely on “just in case.”
 ✨ You are invited to walk in freedom through Christ.

This episode also includes a powerful prayer to help you:

•  Let go of fear-based beliefs 
•  Renounce superstition 
•  Declare your trust in God 
•  Step into peace and freedom 

💛 This message is shared with love—not condemnation, but invitation.

If this episode spoke to you, share it with someone who needs truth and freedom.

Follow the Rise Tayo Podcast for more faith-filled conversations rooted in biblical truth.

 “What if the way we’ve been praying and following tradition… isn’t actually in line with the Word of God?” 

Did you grow up believing that prayer had to look a certain way—
holding a statue, offering something, or repeating the same words over and over?

But what if… that’s not actually what the Bible teaches?

In this episode of the Rise Tayo Podcast, Coach Blanche lovingly unpacks the difference between Filipino traditions and biblical truth about prayer.

"Hindi ito paninira ng kultura—
 ito ay paanyaya na makilala ang Diyos ng mas malalim, ayon sa Kanyang Salita."

📖 In this episode, you’ll learn:

•  What the Bible says about idols and worship (Exodus 20:4–6, Psalm 115) 
•  Why sincerity doesn’t always mean truth 
•  Why Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5) 
•  Why Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6) 
•  The power of His once-and-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 9:12–14) 
•  What true, biblical prayer really looks like 

If you’ve ever asked,
 “Paano ba talaga magdasal sa Panginoon?” (How do we truly pray to God?)
this episode will guide you back to the simplicity and power of a real relationship with Him.

✨ No rituals.
 ✨ No repetition.
 ✨ No intermediaries.

👉 Because through Jesus, you already have direct access to God.

💛 This message is shared in love—not condemnation, but invitation.

🙏 Stay until the end for a heartfelt salvation prayer.

And if you’re in the U.S. and you don’t have a Bible, message me—I would love to send you one for FREE!

Check out my FB: Blanche DiDomenico.

IG: Saved_daughter_of_the_King.

In this powerful episode of Rise Tayo, I sit down with my college friend, Cel Ryan—from our days at Andres Bonifacio College in Dipolog City—to share a testimony of faith, resilience, and God’s faithfulness through life’s most difficult seasons.

Cel shares how his journey with Jesus began after high school through a missionary, and how his family remained steadfast in their faith—even when others didn’t understand their decision to follow Christ.

From failing his CPA board exam to persevering and passing years later…
 From immigrating to Canada during a recession and taking on humble jobs like cleaning offices and pumping gas…
 To eventually stepping into God’s promise and provision in a foreign land…

This journey was not just built on hard work—but on God’s promises.

Before coming to Canada, Cel and his family received a prophecy that they would prosper in a foreign land—and they held on to that word, even in seasons of uncertainty, lack, and doubt.

Years later, another promise was spoken over their family—that they would have another child.

And they believed God.

But what followed would test their faith like never before.

Their daughter was born at just 24 weeks, weighing a little over 500 grams, and fought for her life in the NICU for 111 days.

Doctors told them to give up.
Fear surrounded them.
The outcome was uncertain.

But they chose faith.

They held on to the promises God had spoken.
 They declared life.
 They stood on the Word of God.
 They trusted Him—despite what they saw.

And today, their daughter is a living testimony of God’s grace and miracle-working power.

Now a business owner and mortgage broker, Cel continues to boldly live out his faith—praying over clients, operating in God’s economy, and pointing people back to Jesus.

✨ Be encouraged to trust God in uncertain seasons
 ✨ Hold on to His promises—even when circumstances say otherwise
 ✨ Choose faith over fear (2 Timothy 1:7)
 ✨ Seek Jesus—the only way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6)

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11

🎧 If this episode blessed you, share it with someone who needs hope today.

If you're in Edmonton, Alberta Canada, follow Cel Ryan on FB: Cel Ryan Paluca. 

 👉 Follow Rise Tayo for more stories of faith, resilience, and purpose in the Filipino-American journey.

 In a world where truth is constantly questioned, we are not called to raise silent children—we are called to raise children who are not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

(Part 4 – Final Episode of Building Strong Filipino-American Families Rooted in Christ)

In this final episode of our March series, Building Strong Filipino-American Families Rooted in Christ, we talk about how to raise children who can stand firm in their faith in a culture that often questions truth.

Our children are growing up in a world where beliefs about God are challenged, truth is often redefined, and faith in Jesus is not always understood or accepted. As parents, we are called not only to teach them the Word—but to equip them to stand on it with confidence and boldness.

Scripture reminds us in Romans 12:2 not to conform to the patterns of this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. And in 1 Peter 3:15, we are called to always be ready to give a reason for the hope that we have—with gentleness and respect.

We are also reminded in Romans 1:16 not to be ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation, and in 2 Timothy 3:16–17 that all Scripture is God-breathed and equips us for every good work.

In this episode, we explore how parents can:

Help children understand truth through God’s Word

Strengthen their identity in Christ

Equip them to respond to questions about their faith

Encourage boldness without compromise

Build a personal relationship with Jesus, not just head knowledge

We also reflect on an important reality—even children raised in Christian homes can walk away from the faith if it never becomes personal. That’s why our role as parents is not just to expose our children to God, but to lead them into a real relationship with Him.

Because in the end, we are not just raising children to succeed in this world—
we are raising children to stand for Christ in it.

As always, this episode concludes with prayer for parents raising the next generation to walk in truth, boldness, and unwavering faith.

Don’t just listen—live it.

This week, pray with your children, open the Word, and point them to Jesus.

And if this message spoke to you, share it with another parent.
Let’s raise children rooted in Christ.

Follow Rise Tayo Podcast for more faith-centered conversations.

(Part 3 of Building Strong Filipino-American Families Rooted in Christ)

In Part 3 of our March series, Building Strong Filipino-American Families Rooted in Christ, we talk about one of the most powerful ways parents disciple their children—modeling faith at home.

Scripture reminds us in James 1:22, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” Our children are watching how we live out our faith every day.

In this episode, we explore how parents can cultivate a Christ-centered home by living out the gospel in practical ways. We talk about the importance of modeling forgiveness, demonstrating humility and repentance, and teaching our children how to handle conflict biblically.

We also discuss how to build a Christ-centered culture in the home through the everyday choices we make—what we listen to, what we watch, and what we read. These influences shape the atmosphere of our homes and the hearts of our children.

Raising godly children begins with strengthening our own walk with God. As parents, we must continually surrender our lives to the Lord and rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to guide us.

Many of us did not grow up in Christian homes, but through obedience to God’s Word we can become generational curse breakers, building a new legacy of faith for our families.

Because in the end, the most powerful discipleship our children will experience is the faith they see lived out before them.

As always, the episode concludes with prayer for parents seeking wisdom and strength to raise the next generation rooted in Christ.

If this episode encouraged you, share it with another parent.

Let’s raise the next generation to be doers of the Word, not just hearers.

And don’t forget to follow the Rise Tayo Podcast for more faith-centered conversations for Filipino-American families.

In Part 2 of our March series, Building Strong Filipino-American Families Rooted in Christ, we talk about a truth every parent must wrestle with: our children’s eternity matters more than their achievements.

Many children grow up under pressure to perform—good grades, accomplishments, and success. While hard work and education are important, Scripture reminds us that our greatest responsibility as parents is not to raise successful children, but to raise children who know Jesus.

Jesus asked a powerful question in Mark 8:36:
“What do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?”

Our children may earn accolades, awards, and recognition, but if they grow up without faith in Christ, we have missed what matters most.

In this episode we explore how parents can guide their children toward an identity rooted in Christ rather than performance. We reflect on the biblical truth that children are a gift entrusted to us (Psalm 127:3), that we must encourage rather than discourage them (Colossians 3:21), and that Jesus Himself welcomed children with love (Matthew 19:14).

We also talk about the importance of grounding our children in Scripture from an early age (2 Timothy 3:14–15) and remembering that salvation is not earned by works or performance but given by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9).

Our role as parents is not to make our children perfect, but to continually point them to the One who is.

Because in the end, parents are not the standard—Jesus is the standard.

Each episode in this series concludes with prayer for parents seeking wisdom to raise children whose identity and hope are firmly rooted in Christ.

(Part 1 of Building Strong Filipino-American Families Rooted in Christ Series)

In this opening episode of our March series, we lay the foundation for raising children intentionally in today’s culture.

Rooted in Proverbs 22:6 — “Train up a child in the way he should go…” — this episode explores what it truly means to guide our children spiritually with purpose and clarity.

We talk about:
 • Listening to our children
 • Creating open and honest communication
 • Modeling forgiveness, humility, and respect
 • Studying Scripture together
 • Equipping our kids with God’s Word
 • Teaching them that Jesus — not parents — is the standard

Raising strong children does not happen by accident. It requires intentional spiritual leadership, consistent modeling, and Christ-centered formation at home.

Each episode in this series concludes with prayer, asking the Lord to guide and strengthen Filipino-American families as we build homes rooted firmly in Christ.

If this episode encouraged you, I invite you to take one intentional step this week.

Have one meaningful faith conversation with your child.
 Open the Bible together.
 Pray together.
 Listen to their heart.

And if this message resonated with you, share this episode with another parent who desires to raise children rooted in Christ.

Let’s build strong Filipino-American families together.

In Episode 4 of our Two Cultures, One Covenant series on the Rise Tayo Podcast, we address one of the most misunderstood—and often debated—topics in marriage: biblical roles, power, and expectations.

In intercultural marriages, cultural assumptions about leadership, submission, and gender roles often create tension. Many couples struggle not because they lack love, but because they are navigating unspoken expectations shaped by culture rather than Scripture.

In this episode, I stress the importance of returning to God’s design for marriage, rooted in Ephesians 5:21–33.

The Bible teaches:

Mutual submission—“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” (Ephesians 5:21)

Wives are called to respect their husbands, not out of fear or silence, but in honor and partnership

Husbands are called to love their wives with sacrificial, servant-hearted love, as Christ loved the Church

Biblical submission is not oppression.
Biblical leadership is not domination.

Both are expressions of love, humility, and covenant partnership under Christ.

In this conversation, we explore:

how cultural expectations often distort biblical roles

why submission has been misunderstood and misused

the difference between authority and service in marriage

how husbands and wives can honor each other without losing their identity

how to walk in unity without competition or control

This episode invites couples to release cultural pressure and embrace God’s vision of marriage as a covenant partnership, where love is sacrificial, respect is mutual, and Christ remains at the center.

👉 Follow the Rise Tayo Podcast so you don’t miss the rest of the February series
👉 Share this episode with a couple seeking biblical clarity on marriage roles
👉 Subscribe to Blessings with Blanche on YouTube for faith-filled encouragement and biblical teaching

Remember: God did not design marriage as a power struggle—He designed it as a covenant partnership. 🤍

 Each episode in this series closes with prayer.
 If you desire one-on-one, faith-centered support for your marriage, you can book a Marriage Reset Discovery Call at blanchedidomenico.com. 

In Episode 3 of our Two Cultures, One Covenant series on the Rise Tayo Podcast, we tackle one of the most sensitive—and often unspoken—sources of conflict in intercultural marriages: family, in-laws, loyalty, and boundaries.

In many Filipino-American marriages, tension arises not because of a lack of love, but because of different cultural expectations around family.
What one culture sees as honor, the other may experience as intrusion.
What feels like responsibility to one spouse may feel like pressure to the other.

In this episode, we explore:

why family dynamics are especially complex in intercultural marriages

Filipino values of family closeness, obligation, and respect for elders

American values of independence and nuclear-family priority

how money, holidays, opinions, and decision-making create tension

God’s biblical order for marriage and family

how to set healthy boundaries without guilt, shame, or dishonor

Anchored in Scripture, including Genesis 2:24 and Mark 10:9, this conversation reframes boundaries not as rejection—but as protection for your marriage covenant.

If you’ve ever felt torn between honoring your family and protecting your marriage, this episode will bring clarity, wisdom, and grace.

📅 WHAT’S COMING NEXT

New episodes in this series drop every Wednesday at 8:00 AM EST.

👉 Follow the Rise Tayo Podcast so you don’t miss the rest of the February series
👉 Share this episode with a couple navigating family and boundary challenges
👉 Subscribe to Blessings with Blanche on YouTube for faith-filled encouragement and biblical teaching

Remember:
Healthy boundaries don’t break families—they protect marriages. 🤍

 Each episode in this series closes with prayer.
 If you desire one-on-one, faith-centered support for your marriage, you can book a Marriage Reset Discovery Call at blanchedidomenico.com.