In this episode of Rise Tayo, we have a loving yet eye-opening conversation about faith and culture within the Filipino community.

For over 300 years, the Philippines was under Spanish rule and access to Scripture was limited. Only priests were permitted to read the Bible. As a result, many generations learned to practice faith through tradition and rituals. Generational beliefs were passed down without biblical foundation. 

Drawing from 2 Timothy 3:16–17, Hosea 4:6, Exodus 20:4–5, and 1 John 5:21, this episode explores God’s heart for His people to know the truth, avoid deception, and worship Him alone. Scripture reminds us that truth is not meant to condemn us—but to free us.

This conversation is not meant to shame culture or personal faith journeys. It is an invitation to reflect, pray, and examine whether our faith is rooted in inherited tradition or in the truth of God’s Word and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

The episode ends with prayer and a gentle encouragement to open the Bible for yourself and seek God personally.

Listen with an open heart and prayerful reflection. This episode is an invitation—not a debate—to seek God personally through His Word and grow in truth and freedom in Jesus Christ.  

Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you into truth, and allow God’s Word to shape your faith. If this conversation helped you, share this episode with someone you love. 

In this deeply moving episode of Rise Tayo, I sit down with my neighbor Mark to talk about identity—both cultural and spiritual—and how God redeems what feels lost.

Mark shares his journey as a Filipino American who grew up disconnected from his heritage. His grandfather, who came to the United States from Cavite in 1927 and served in the U.S. Navy, never passed down the Filipino language or culture. Aside from tasting pansit and adobo, Mark grew up not truly knowing where he came from. As a shy, introverted child who looked different, he experienced bullying and quietly carried the weight of not belonging.

His story goes beyond culture. Mark opens up about growing up without a true understanding of faith, serving six years in the Navy, and later building a 33-year career as a government contractor—shaped by discipline, resilience, and hard work. But it wasn’t until age 41, at a Christian men’s retreat, that Mark truly encountered Jesus and surrendered his life to Him.

What followed was painful. His marriage fell apart shortly after his conversion, leading to a difficult divorce and years of brokenness. As a single father, Mark leaned on God while navigating grief, forgiveness, and responsibility. It took 15 years for his heart to fully forgive—but God, in His perfect timing, brought healing and reconciliation through his own son.

Mark also courageously shares about walking through a dark valley between 2024 and 2025—a season marked by deep depression and suicidal thoughts. Through counseling, medical support, and crying out to God, Mark was reminded that his story wasn’t over. God met him in his weakness and restored his hope, purpose, and joy.

Anchored by Isaiah 41:10 and the powerful truth of 2 Corinthians 12:9 "But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me", this episode reminds us that our true identity is not found in culture, success, or even our past—but in Christ alone.

If you’ve ever wrestled with belonging, forgiveness, mental health, or purpose, this conversation will encourage you. God is not finished. Even in the valley, He is faithful.

✨ You’re an overcomer. Don’t quit. Don’t give in.

Book your free discovery call at blanchedidomenico.com for healing transformation and discovery of your purpose in the Kingdom of God.

In this powerful episode of Rise Tayo, I sit down with my college classmate and dear friend Silica (“Lica”), whose journey reflects the resilience, faith, and perseverance of so many Filipino nurses.

A graduate of Silliman University in Dumaguete City in 2005 and originally from Iligan City, Mindanao, Lica began her nursing career at Cebu Doctor’s Hospital. Moving to the United States was never part of her plan—until a friend encouraged her to apply. In an act of faith and sacrifice, they mailed their applications together to save money. That single step led Lica to California in 2009, where she faced the realities many immigrants know well: limited resources, no transportation, job uncertainty, and the pressure to survive while supporting family back home.

When the company that initially hired her dissolved during the recession, Lica was left without a job—but not without hope. Through community support, relentless hard work, and resilience, she found work at a local Los Angeles hospital, often juggling multiple jobs while navigating licensure reciprocity and building a new life from the ground up.

As the demands and safety challenges of bedside nursing increased, Lica began questioning its long-term sustainability. Always dreaming of becoming a doctor but limited by finances, she pursued a different path and became a nurse practitioner, graduating in 2015 while working full-time and alongside her husband. Motherhood followed in 2017, bringing clarity to what truly mattered—time, family, and purpose.

A profound turning point came when Lica’s father passed away in the Philippines while she was still in school. That loss reshaped her perspective, teaching her that time is more valuable than money. Determined to build a life with greater freedom and presence, she eventually ventured into real estate, focusing on residential care facilities (board and care homes)—a stable, tangible business that allowed her to reclaim time, create passive income, and serve others well. As she says, “Comfort is the enemy of progress.”

Throughout every transition, Lica’s faith in Jesus has been her anchor. Her walk with God has deepened through grief, forgiveness, and surrender—including reconciling with her mother before her passing last year. Her nursing background, discipline, and work ethic continue to shape her leadership as a business owner.

Her life verse, Philippians 4:13, reflects the truth of her story: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

As the episode closes, Lica offers heartfelt encouragement to nurses and aspiring entrepreneurs: to fully surrender everything to the Lord, follow Him in obedience, pursue purpose over comfort, and be faithful stewards of what God entrusts to us—no matter how small it seems.

She anchors this truth in Scripture:

Lica’s story is a testimony of immigrant grit, faith-led transitions, and the power of trusting God through every season.

 ✨ If this episode encouraged you, please share it with a friend—especially a nurse or immigrant who needs hope today. Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Rise Tayo so you never miss stories that remind us we rise together.

Welcome back to Rise Tayo. As we step into a new year, I wanted to pause and reflect—not just on what changed in 2025, but on how God met us in the middle of loss, transition, and new beginnings. Last year began with deep grief in our family, but it also became a year of unexpected open doors, finding my voice, and discovering community where we finally felt at home.

This episode is about resilience—how we rise even when life doesn’t go as planned, how hope is restored through obedience, and how purpose unfolds one step at a time. If you’re navigating change, grief, or a new season in your own journey, I pray this reflection encourages you as we step forward together, trusting God with what’s next.

(Prayer at the end)

Psalm 37:4–5 (ESV)
Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.
 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will act.

Proverbs 3:5–6 (ESV)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.

In this powerful Rise Tayo episode, we feature missionaries John and Kelli Williford, who serve at a long-term aftercare home in Cebu, Philippines for children rescued from sexual exploitation and trafficking.

Their journey is a story of obedience, sacrifice, and deep love for the Filipino people.

From the United States to the heart of Cebu, they followed God’s calling to serve the most vulnerable—children who were hurt by exploitation, abuse, and extreme poverty. In 2010, they sold everything they owned, raised support through churches, and moved their young family to the Philippines to become full-time missionaries.

Today, more than 50 Filipino children are being cared for through a holistic, faith-centered program that includes:
• Education and school support
• Counseling and trauma healing
• Art and skills training
• Court assistance and family care
• Worship services and discipleship
• Safe housing, medical care, and daily structure

In this episode, you’ll hear how simple acts of motherly love opened the door to healing for two sisters who arrived at the home traumatized and withdrawn—and how they are now thriving teenagers with hope and purpose.

You’ll also hear the Willifords share their love for the Filipino culture—your warmth, hospitality, compassion, and resilience—and why they believe the Philippines holds a unique place in God’s heart.

This episode is not only a testimony—it is a call to action.

For Filipino listeners, sponsors, churches, and faith-driven leaders:
 You can be part of changing lives right here in our nation.

🙏 You can support, partner, or donate through their website:
 https://hhcr.org/

“But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.’” — Matthew 19:14

Thanksgiving carries a unique meaning for Filipinos living in America. Yes, there is homesickness… yes, there are challenges… and yes, it’s hard being far from the people and traditions we love. But even in a new land, with new routines and new realities, we can still choose gratitude — because gratitude changes our attitude, our perspective, and our heart.

In this special Thanksgiving episode of Rise Tayo, Coach Blanche begins by reading powerful Scriptures that anchor us in God’s goodness and remind us why we can remain grateful no matter what season we’re in:

Psalm 100 — a joyful call to praise and thanksgiving
1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 — a reminder to rejoice, pray, and give thanks in all circumstances
Jeremiah 29:11 — God’s promise of hope, purpose, and a future

These verses beautifully frame a conversation about finding gratitude even when life feels heavy, uncertain, or lonely. As Filipinos in America, our journey is filled with sacrifices — yet also filled with blessings, opportunities, and God’s continuous grace.

In this episode, we talk about:

• What gratitude looks like as Filipinos living in a new country
• How to hold both homesickness and thankfulness at the same time
• Practical ways to practice gratitude every morning
• How gratitude strengthens mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being
• A reminder that God sees your sacrifices and is guiding your steps

Even in a foreign land, gratitude helps us see God’s faithfulness clearly.
 Even with challenges, we can still say, “Lord, maraming salamat po.”

💛 Happy Thanksgiving, Rise Tayo family.

Have you ever felt caught between two worlds?

In this heartfelt episode of Rise Tayo, Coach Blanche DiDomenico speaks to the unspoken struggle of many Filipino Americans who quietly wrestle with identity and belonging. Maybe you’ve thought, “I’m not Filipino enough because I don’t speak Tagalog,” or “I’m not American enough to fit in.”

But Blanche reminds us that our true identity isn’t defined by culture — it’s found in Christ. Before we were Filipino or American, we were children of God, made in His image, chosen, and deeply loved.

💜 In Jesus, all divisions fade — we find unity in Him. No matter where you live or what you look like, you belong.

Coach Blanche also gives a heartfelt reminder to parents: be vigilant and prayerful. Protect your children from the dangers of social media and online bullying. We have a sacred responsibility to guard their hearts and lead them toward truth, safety, and confidence in who God created them to be.

This episode will inspire you to embrace your heritage with gratitude, your faith with confidence, and your purpose with boldness — because you are not defined by your background, but by your Creator.

📍 More encouragement and coaching at blanchedidomenico.com

✝️ You’re an Overcomer. Don’t quit. Don’t give in.

Born in Cameroon, Africa, Prophetic Voice Perez Ndi shares his powerful journey from a Catholic background filled with idol worship and witchcraft to a radical encounter with Jesus Christ at just 16 years old.

From receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit alone in his room to being mentored in the prophetic, Perez Ndi was called by God to the United States as a voice crying out for repentance and revival. His ministry has led him to preach across America — even enduring persecution and arrest for boldly proclaiming the gospel.

In this episode, Perez shares how during a 40-day fast, God gave him a prophetic word for the Philippines:

On September 30, a 6.9 earthquake hit Cebu, fulfilling part of that prophecy. God’s instruction, according to Perez, was clear:

Perez urges the Philippines to hold a national 3-day prayer and fasting to stop the coming judgments — including earthquakes, floods, typhoons, and volcanic eruptions.

He likens the Philippines to Nineveh, where God spared the nation when they repented in the days of Jonah. But if stubbornness continues, Perez warns that greater shaking will come — not out of wrath, but out of God’s love and desire for revival.

Blanche closes the conversation with Acts 2:17–20 and Amos 3:7, reminding us that God reveals His plans to His prophets before He acts — and that revival begins with repentance.

🔥 Key Scriptures

• 2 Chronicles 7:14 – “If My people who are called by My name…”
• Acts 2:17–20 – “In the last days, I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh…”
• Amos 3:7 – “Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets.”
• 2 Corinthians 5:7 – “For we live by faith, not by sight.”

Follow Perez Ndi on FB: Perez Ndi  & TikTok: perez.ndi17
His website is: yeshuagospel.com.
http://www.youtube.com/@PerezNdi.

➡️ Subscribe for more prophetic and faith-filled conversations.

🌐 Visit: blanchedidomenico.com

⚠️ Sensitive Content: This episode discusses suicide, depression, and anxiety. Please listen with care. If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out for help:
📞 Philippines: NCMH Crisis Hotline (1553) or 0966-351-4518 / 0908-639-2672
📞 U.S.: Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
🌐 International: findahelpline.com

After the heartbreaking passing of young Filipina influencer Emman Atienza, Coach Blanche DiDomenico opens a raw and faith-filled conversation about mental health, faith, and hope in God.

In this episode of Rise Tayo, she shares her own story of growing up under abuse, battling perfectionism, and nearly giving up at 14—but God intervened. Today, she testifies that when we break down, we can go back to our Maker, the One who heals, restores, and redeems.

This episode is a reminder that you are not alone. The enemy—the father of lies—wants you isolated and hopeless, but Jesus brings truth, light, and freedom.

🕊️ Bible Verses Shared:
• Isaiah 61:1–3 — “He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted…”
• Psalm 34:18 — “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted…”
• Psalm 139:13–14 — “You formed my inward parts…”

🧡 Message to Parents:
Be vigilant and present. Keep open, transparent conversations with your children. Shield them from the dangers of social media, and fill your homes with truth, prayer, and love.

🙏 The episode ends with a heartfelt prayer for healing and hope, inviting every listener to surrender their pain to Jesus and remember that you are never alone.

✝️ You’re an Overcomer. Don’t quit. Don’t give in.

✝️ Key Message:
When we break down, we go back to God our Maker—because only He can restore what’s broken.

🔗 More encouragement: blanchedidomenico.com. 

Follow me: IG: saved_daughter_of_the_king. FB: Blanche DiDomenico. 

In this inspiring Rise Tayo episode, Coach Blanche sits down with her 13-year-old son, Enzo, for a heartfelt conversation about faith, culture, and growing up in a Filipino American Christian home.

Enzo shares what he loves most about his heritage — from Filipino generosity and respect for elders to experiencing the culture firsthand during their family trip to the Philippines. He reflects on his favorite memory of being baptized and receiving Jesus as his Lord and Savior, and how being part of a Spirit-filled church and youth group has helped him grow in his walk with God.

As a member of Gen Alpha navigating social media, trends, and peer pressure, Enzo opens up about how prayer keeps him grounded and how he chooses to follow Christ even when it’s not popular. He boldly talks about sharing the Gospel with his friends and reminds listeners that we are not saved by good works, but by faith in Jesus alone.

Enzo draws inspiration from his Bible hero, Daniel, and from these powerful verses:

📖 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV): “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”
📖 Philippians 4:8 (NIV): “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
📖 Philippians 4:13 (NIV): “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”
📖 Romans 10:9 (NIV): “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Coach Blanche closes the episode with this powerful truth from Scripture:
 📖 Ephesians 2:8–9 (NIV): “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

This episode is a beautiful reminder that God is raising a generation of humble, bold, and Spirit-filled youth who will carry the torch of faith forward.

🎧 Tune in and be inspired to keep your family’s faith strong — because no matter your age, you’re an overcomer. Don’t quit. Don’t give in.