Your Blank Canvas

As we all know, Filipino American cultural values contribute to a strong sense of community but have led to nuanced challenges when navigating depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. In short terms, the words “mental health” is a topic, not many Filipino-Americans talk about and are often times seen as, “Hiya,” within a household. The term hiya translates to, “embarrassment.” 

In this episode, I sat down with one of my good friends, Tricia, and we spoke about how mental health is portrayed in her own Filipino-American household. Everyone’s story is different so I ask that we speak and think with kindness and understanding. 

Though talking about mental health can be difficult, talking about it is an important step in helping people recover. It’s uncomfortable but it is needed. If you are having a hard time, know that you are loved. You are seen but most importantly, you are more than enough. 

More about Tricia Manalansan

Tricia is a 30-year-old Filipina American who was born and raised in the Chicagoland area. She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and majored in Communications. Tricia is the oldest of four children and a dog mom. 

What She does: 

Currently, she works in client services for one of the world's largest insurance brokers. She likes to spend her free time outdoors, running and is currently on the hunt for the perfect paddle-boarding spot. 

Why mental health is important to me: 

Mental health is important to me because, in the Filipino community, it is common to think of it as taboo. She went against the stereotype to engage in her own mental health journey and integrated ways to heal every day. You can't truly be on a health journey if mental health is not also prioritized. She wants her audience to see that healing your own mental health should be positive, rather than the perceptions of it being negative. 

This episode holds a special place in my heart as a Proud Filipina - a few weeks ago I sat down with Licensed Professional Counselor, Cristina Castro. In this episode, we spoke about the different representations of mental health in Filipino households - the struggles, the triumphs, and the lessons learned. Please know that our perspectives are based on our personal experiences. This is about us for us and for those who can relate. We also would like to dedicate this episode to a Filipino-American comedian and actor, JoKoy, and his most recent movie, Easter Sunday - a true milestone for Filipinos in Film. Salamat Jokoy for reminding us that it is okay to have tabos in our bathrooms.

More about Cristina Castro:

I'm Cristina Castro and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and doctoral student at Adler University in Counselor Education and Supervision. I practice at Gray Matter Therapy in Vernon Hills, IL. I immigrated from the Philippines to America when I was 12 years old with my family. My mother is rooted in Batangas and my father is from Pampanga, although we are mainly from Manila. As a clinician, mental health is important to me because I see firsthand the positive impact it has in changing people's lives. As Filipinas, mental health allows us to create a stronger connection to ourselves which leads to healthier and happier relationships with our community.

You can find Cristina Castro in the following:

Gray Matter Instagram: @graymattertherapy

Gray Matter Facebook:https://m.facebook.com/graytherapy

Gray Matter Website:www.graymattertherapy.net

Psychology Today:https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/maria-cristina-castro-vernon-hills-il/882165

Kasamahan email:[email protected]

Welcome back to another episode of Your Blank Canvas podcast - a channel of unheard stories and a safe haven for all. I’m your host and founder Stella Marie. What’s popping you guys? I hope you are all doing well and having a great start to 2023 - if not, know that I am sending you my love and peace. 

I know I've been MIA but listen, I appreciate your unconditional love and support over the past few years. Life has been life-ing but I am back and even better. This episode talks about where I've been, what's been happening in my life, and future content for this podcast.

As always, if you're interested in sharing your stories, regardless of the good, the bad, the wins, and the losses, I want you. It matters and I'm here to remind you to truly be unapologetic of your own voice. Don't be silent.

You know where to find me. Catch you on the other side.

Ciao xo

Instrumental music: @Marise Hizo

Intro Music: @Christopher Kaleb

STELLA GOT HER GROOVE BACK! Yes, I'm back and I'm better. Happy 2023! Though so much has happened towards the end of 2022, I am ready to share some of my deepest stories with you so that you and I can continue to learn and grow together. First, I want to take this moment and extend my gratitude to everyone who has truly been patient and understanding with my content. The outpouring of love and support you all have been showering me over the past years has helped me get back on my two feet and produce more episodes.

As you know, everyone's stories matter. I created this platform for us all to be part of. To embrace our wins and losses but most importantly, to grow as one community regardless of race, culture, and flaws.

But for now, just know, I'm back baby! Stella got her groove back.

The purpose of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health. In this episode, I remind all of my listeners that everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. It is truly important to speak and think with kindness. Additionally, just because no one else can heal or do your inner work for you, doesn't mean you can, should, or need to do it alone. Asking for help is the first step. You are more precious to this world than you'll ever know. 

Below are some mental health resources that help can you and/or your loved ones. 

What's poppin' everyone? I know it's been a minute so I appreciate you all so much for being so patient and still so supportive of my hustle. With that said, I'll keep this short but just know I am so excited to share with you some life changes, updates, and what's more to come with this new chapter. 

Be easy, 

Stella Marie 

AND I'm finally back! I know it's been a while but I promise you, I am doing the best that I can to post more before the year ends.

Your decision to face your fears will enhance your life in ways you have never dreamed possible.  You will develop a deeper connection with yourself, with others, and with the world.  You will find the courage to undertake any challenge and the resilience to persevere in the face of adversity.  You will recognize your strengths and celebrate your capabilities.  You will believe, beyond any doubt, that you can transform impossibility into possibility. In today's episode, I sat down with Chicago native John Paul Floyd also known as J.P. Floyd, who is a 2 time Grammy Award Winning Trombonist, Producer, and Writer. His beautiful sister, Zakiya, or in short, Za, also joined our conversation. We all spoke about finding ways to face our fears and making them happen. We believe that moving towards your fears is the way to make peace with them, so they don’t conquer you. So whatever it is that you want to accomplish, write down your biggest fears and bury them. 

More About J.P:

While growing up in Chicago Floyd played in the church along with programs devoted to teaching jazz, classical, and performing arts. After graduating from high school, Floyd attended Hampton University. Where he pledged and became a member of the Pi Beta Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America INC. While in college Floyd decided to put school on hold to move to Los Angeles, California in 2014 to further his dreams as a musician. Since moving to Los Angeles Floyd has toured/performed with Bette Midler, Chance The Rapper, Demi Lovato, Frank Ocean, and many more. He’s gained experience in music education and studio session production. As well as, teaching himself how to play the Piano, Bass Guitar, Tuba, Euphonium, and Singing. Currently, J.P. resides in Los Angeles while touring between Gwen Stefani and Postmodern Jukebox.

Grief, it’s a very painful and overwhelming emotion to feel but it’s also an essential and fundamental factor for growth, as a person. Grief comes in many forms-- from losing a loved one, whether they are alive or taken from the heavens above, to not landing your dream job, financial hardship, or a health issue.

The truth is, nobody teaches you how to deal with grief because in reality, dealing with grief is something that can’t be taught. There’s no rule book or guidelines. Because one way or another, we all have our own coping mechanisms.

This past year has caused so many of us to halt the healing of current trauma and the loss of our loved ones and focus on all the things we need to do and prepare in order to help the collective at large heal. We forget that, no matter what, life has and will always happen–– and with that life comes loss.

I dedicate this episode to everyone who is currently grieving and to anyone who is doing their best to move on from a loss. I dedicate this episode to Dino Angelo Jaena, to his family and friends, and lastly, to everyone who has had a glimpse of how amazing Manong is. 

In dedication to Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, I’m dedicating this whole series of stories of Asian-Americans, Asians, and Pacific Islanders. Whether it’s about their business, their craft, education, families, struggles, wins, and successes, this is a channel to speak their truth and to believe that their story matters.

In today’s first episode of AAPI, I feature the talented visual storyteller, Tuan Huynh. Tuan is an award-winning Chicago-based creative that has worked on some of advertising’s most iconic brands such as Samsung, McDonald’s, and Kellogs. He is also the Founder and Owner of Fatmiilk–– a direct trade specialty coffee company. In this conversation, he shared his story as a son of immigrants and the struggles of living in this anti-immigrant country.

Check his story out. So much truth. So much power. I promise you, you’ll learn a thing or even two. 

Be sure to follow him on Instagram at @captrue8

Oprah Winfrey is a major advocate for gratitude and often speaks of its wonders on her Super Soul Sundays. But practicing gratitude, especially if you are not Oprah Winfrey, is not easy at all. It’s easy for some to say one is being extremely ungrateful if they can’t think of a whole host of things they are thankful for in their lives, but as we know, life isn’t easy at all, and we all go through circumstances that often leave us bitter and hardened. In this conversation, I sat down with one of the most talented artists I know, Lena Jackson. Jackson shared her story on how she gravitates towards art and how she practices gratitude by using her talents as a photographer and model. 

More About Lena Jackson: 

Beginning as a model in 2013, the last eight years for Lena have been an exploration of what modeling truly means to her. Whether working on commercial sets or challenging herself with more emotional self-portrait work, she tries to approach each shoot as a means to tell a story. Adding photography into the mix a couple of years ago has helped her to gain more perspective, and dig deeper into storytelling through imagery.