Family is as central to Filipino culture as the ensemble is to the theatre. Casting director, Kim Heil, and actor, Angelo Gonzales, show how their arts-loving families have been their biggest supporters.
Two Filipino leaders and lovers of surfing and skateboarding inspire younger generations to get back up on the board despite the obstacles. Dario Villa, a surfer and retired educator, and Willy Santos, a professional skateboarder and advocate, tell their stories.
Jessica Mercado practices eskrima, a traditional martial art from the Philippines. She talks about the history and importance of self-defense and awareness. Tha Kuya is a tribal tattooer, an older brother figure to many, and formerly incarcerated. While gradually learning more about being Filipino, he uncovered his passion through his creativity.
Developing a strong sense of identity and purpose can come through self-exploration and communal guidance. Guests Dr. Cat, giver of the traditional healing art of hilot, and Jaime Estepa, queer spoken word poet discuss how honing their art and sharing it with others has unearthed their purpose.
A Mexipino duo has covered San Diego in murals and a pair of filmmakers have come to see life as cinematic. GroundFloor Mural’s Signe Ditona and Paul Jimenez and San Diego Filipino Cinema’s Benito Bautista and Emma Francisco talk about the intersection of art and their pursuits.
Out of the Boondocks’ hosts recap the season, talk about their experience with Filipino culture and customs, and share their personal journeys as San Diego Filipino creatives.
Xavier The X-Man, a revered radio DJ, shares his love for music and his Mexican and Filipino heritage while cruising in his lowrider with Jay Jay and showing him around the Magic 92.5 studio. Melissa Mecija, an ABC 10 news anchor, walks Rio through the newsroom and how she amplifies marginalized voices through broadcast journalism.
Rio heads to the desert to meet with Isabel Cautivo, a solo female backpacker who loves to hike and inspire people to get outdoors. Jay Jay learns self-defense moves from Pete “Sweet Pete” Salas, a martial arts instructor who preserves and embodies history through movement.
Jay Jay heads to Viejas Casino to meet with Chef Larry Banares while they prepare and taste an array he made for President Biden, a highlight of his career as a celebrity chef. Rio hones her sushi-making skills with Jeff Roberto, a sushi chef who sweeps food competitions, works on Hollywood movie sets, and provides nutrition programs in San Diego.
The Soultry Sisters, Alyssa and Toni Junious, lead Rio through creativity exercises they use to encourage collective healing and art for people of color from San Diego to Washington D.C. Dr. Judy Patacsil and Anamaria Cabato, two local powerhouses and leaders, give Jay Jay a tour of the Filipinos of South Bay Exhibit that captures Fil-Am contributions in the region.
Samahan Performing Arts, a multigenerational organization that honors the diverse music and dance of the Philippines, teaches Jay Jay the Tinikling. Carlo Darang, a professional dancer and choreographer, found his calling through dance and shows Rio how he taps into the creative mindset.
Rio learns how to style traditional Philippine clothing with Mariel Velicaria, a viral jewelry designer known for their sun crowns. Jay Jay laughs and sweats with Kristel Dela Rosa, a stand-up comedian and fitness instructor who always finds a way to make light of life’s curveballs.