Why do conspiracy theories thrive—and why do so many Filipinos believe them? In this episode, Regine Cabato sits down with journalist Sofia Tomacruz and sociologist Nicole Curato, co-authors of How Conspiracy Theories Harm Deliberative Democracy. They talk about everything from Marcos-era myths to modern-day TikTok videos, why these stories resonate even with people who see themselves as “critical thinkers,” and how they pose real risks to democracy. The conversation also highlights lessons for truth advocates, showing how understanding the participatory ways misinformation spreads can help them engage more effectively and encourage thoughtful public dialogue.

This episode is produced by Hannah Grace and engineered by Anthony Tobias. Jaemark Tordecilla is our editor-at-large.

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Journalism's credibility is once again under scrutiny after Mayor Vico Sotto's post about alleged media corruption went viral. In this episode, PumaPodcast's Founder and Chairman Roby Alampay and Editor-at-Large Jaemark Tordecilla dive deep into the accusations, the ethical dilemmas faced by journalists, and the public's role in rebuilding trust in media.

They discuss the allegations against media figures Julius Babao and Korina Sanchez and the everyday struggles of working journalists, before exploring why soul-searching in the media is crucial and explaining why the problem is a challenge for everyone in society, including audiences.

This episode was produced by Jyn Garcia and engineered by Anthony Tobias.

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In this episode, Regine Cabato and Gian Libot discuss their recent report for the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism, "Five Ways the Duterte Influence Machine is Deceiving Filipinos." They break down how a "cyborg operation" of human and AI-powered elements feeds pro-Duterte propaganda to the public, especially concerning the Vice President's impeachment case. 

They explore five tactics: dismissal and distortion of facts (including legal and financial jargon), distraction and deflection, emotional manipulation, and the spread of conspiracy theories. The conversation also delves into the use of long-form "think tank" essays on social media, astroturfing in comment sections, and the selective discrediting of experts, highlighting the challenges of fact-checking in this information landscape.

Read their report here: https://pcij.org/2025/08/07/five-ways-the-duterte-influence-machine-is-deceiving-filipinos/

This episode is engineered by Anthony Tobias.

Listen to our episodes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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What’s just a harmless quirk, and what’s a true deal-breaker? TV and film director Mae Cruz Alviar and visual artist Raco Ruiz sit down with Angel Martinez and Jaemark Tordecilla for a multigenerational conversation on dating “icks.” With insights spanning Gen Z to Gen X, they explore how social media, culture, and experience shape the way we judge potential partners—and whether being too focused on flaws keeps us from building real intimacy.

This episode was produced by Hannah Grace and engineered by Anthony Tobias. The Generations Podcast is executive produced by Sheila Paras of Philstar Life and Roby Alampay of PumaPodcast.

Listen to our episodes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

For more updates, follow Teka Teka on these platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Director JL Burgos, fresh off his FAMAS Best Picture and Best Director wins for Alipato at Muog, discusses the documentary's personal journey and its fight for justice for his abducted brother, Jonas Burgos. The director opens up about the unexpected FAMAS wins, the MTRCB's initial X-rating and subsequent reclassification to R-16, and the ongoing challenges of screening the film, including surveillance. He highlights his mother, Edita Burgos, as the film's protagonist and her evolution from a Carmelite devotee with a vow of silence to a prominent human rights advocate. 

JL also explains the unique and severe nature of enforced disappearances compared to extrajudicial killings, emphasizing the lack of closure for families and the pervasive fear it instills. He connects the historical pattern of disappearances to the current political climate, noting the continued impunity for perpetrators. Despite the challenges, the team behind the documentary remains unwavering in its commitment to continuing the film's screenings, pursuing justice, and advocating for the ratification of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.

For more information about ‘Alipato at Muog’ and to inquire about special screenings, visit

https://alipatoatmuog.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/AlipatoatMuog/

This episode was engineered by Anthony Tobias.

Listen to our episodes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Patricia Matias, a graduate of MIT Sloan and Harvard Kennedy School, joins PumaPodcast editor-at-large Jaemark Tordecilla to discuss "endo" or end-of-contract labor practices in the Philippines, where workers are dismissed before gaining full benefits and job security. Matias highlights that despite presidential promises, endo persists due to business interests and a lack of worker solidarity.

She proposes a three-pronged approach to address endo. First, a "narrative shift" to convince businesses that providing "good jobs" with security and benefits can improve operational excellence and profitability, drawing on research from MIT's Good Jobs Institute. Second, government support, including tax incentives for compliant companies and onboarding toolkits for businesses transitioning away from endo. Third, sector-specific pilot programs to develop successful "playbooks" for ending endo, which can then be scaled nationally. She argues that ending endo is vital for the country's health, building social safety nets and ensuring all citizens have deserved security and benefits.

This episode is engineered by Anthony Tobias.

Listen to our episodes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

For more updates, follow Teka Teka on these platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.

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In this episode of Generations from Philstar Life and PumaPodcast, award-winning filmmaker Antoinette Jadaone sits down with Philstar Life columnist Angel Martinez and PumaPodcast editor-at-large Jaemark Tordecilla to talk about her latest film, “Sunshine”, which won the Crystal Bear for Best Film at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival. The film confronts the stigma surrounding sex education and women’s reproductive rights in a conservative society.

Though sex education and awareness are more accessible today, they remain taboo across generations, with plenty of misinformation still finding its way into young people’s hands. This conversation underscores the importance of open dialogue and honest education in shaping healthier, more empowered futures.

If you’re interested in organizing a screening of Sunshine for your school, institution or company, get in touch with Project 8 Projects at https://www.instagram.com/project8projects/ or Direk Tonet at https://www.instagram.com/tonetjadaone/

This episode was produced by Hannah Grace and engineered by Anthony Tobias. The Generations Podcast is executive produced by Sheila Paras of Philstar Life and Roby Alampay of PumaPodcast.

Listen to our episodes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

For more updates, follow Teka Teka on these platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Director Baby Ruth Villarama joins Regine Cabato to delve into her documentary, "Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea." They discuss the film's challenging journey, from its international premiere and award recognition at Doc Edge in New Zealand and a series of full house screenings in Manila despite significant censorship attempt, to the ongoing struggles faced by Filipino fishermen and military personnel in the disputed waters of the West Philippine Sea.

The conversation expands to cover the far-reaching implications of China's soft power and expanding influence, as well as the crucial role of documentaries in reflecting pressing societal issues, fostering public awareness, and serving as a mirror for a nation to confront its realities and shape its future.

This episode was engineered by Anthony Tobias. Jaemark Tordecilla is our editor-at-large.

Listen to our episodes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

For more updates, follow Teka Teka on these platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.

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We’re rewinding to the very first Thought Bubbles episode to talk about the phenomenon that is Taylor Swift—now with an update for her brand-new era.

From her country beginnings and pop reinventions, to The Tortured Poets Department, the record-breaking Eras Tour, and her fight to reclaim her masters, Taylor has shown time and again she’s a master of reinvention.

And now, she’s announced her 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl—revealed in a playful moment on the New Heights podcast with Travis and Jason Kelce. With bold, theatrical aesthetics, the album marks a return to a pop-driven sound under producers Max Martin and Shellback. Vinyl pre-orders promise a release before October 13, 2025, but the tracklist remains a mystery.

Whether you’ve been with her since Tim McGraw or joined during the Eras Tour hype, this re-run dives into Taylor’s past, present, and the showgirl future she’s stepping into.

Listen to our episodes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Fyt's Atom Araullo and Voltaire Tupaz join PumaPodcast editor-at-large Jaemark Tordecilla to discuss the evolving media landscape and the unique approach of their media startup, driven by changing media consumption habits and a desire to create space for impactful, independent journalism.

They discuss the LyfSaver app, a crowdsourcing platform for climate action and disaster response and highlight a successful collaboration where community-sourced, verified information from the app directly led to life-saving agency response.

The conversation also explores Fyt's innovative storytelling on TikTok and Instagram, including their "Game of Thrones" style investigation into political dynasties, and ponders on the future of journalism, citizen media, and civic engagement in our online spaces.

This episode was engineered by Anthony Tobias.

Listen to our episodes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

For more updates, follow us on these platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.