The Halo Halo Podcast

Episode 418.625 - Taste Test of Meryenda Food Truck’s Halo Halo

On this very special Halo Halo Podcast, Taste Test episode, Jezzie visits Sigi in Ottawa and they record on location as they grab some food from the Meryenda Food Truck, Ottawa’s First Filipino Food Truck established in 2015. Both the hosts revel in ordering Halo Halo and give you an ASMR experience as they do an actual taste test of the classic Filipino dessert that is the actual moniker of the podcast. If you are in the Ottawa area and want to have some amazing Filipino food– visit the owner Mark and the crew at the Meryenda Food Truck. IG @meryenda_snack

Episode 418.5 - Tell Me Your Filipino with FOM

On this warm up, Sigi and Jezzie are joined by the Filipinos of Montreal Crew—Terrie, Shari and Eric. Sigi challenges the panel with the question, Tell me you’re Filipino without telling me you’re Filipino. The conversation gets lively as the five of them debate on bidets, saving bags, tsinelas and the beginnings of a mystery podcast, “Who eats the Santa Nino’s food?”. Could it be a future podcast under the Filipinos of Montreal and Halo Halo Podcast umbrella? Put in those earpods and join in on the fun.

Episode 418 - Filipinos of Montreal

For Filipino Canadian Heritage Month, The Halo Halo Podcast had reached out to the creators of Filipinos of Montreal to collaborate and record an episode. From the moment Sigi and Jezzie arrived at Atelier Qure studio in Montreal in early June, they were met with open arms and big smiles by Terrie Reyes, Shari Ramos and Eric Feliciano. Recording had not even started and the whole group was immediately sharing and fawning over the creative work by everyone– it was like cousins greeting each other at a Filipino party. They discuss the origin of the Filipinos of Montreal project and how the three of them initially met. Sigi and Jezzie ask about their immigration stories; what being Filipino Canadian means to them; and the importance of elevating and celebrating fellow Filipino Canadians. Listen in on this lively discussion and see how this creative group exemplifies the Bayanihan spirit. The Halo Halo Podcast and Filipinos of Montreal hope our listeners enjoy this collab. Happy Filipino Canadian Heritage Month!
To find out more about Filipinos of Montreal, follow them on IG @filipinosofmontreal or email them fillipinosofmontreal@gmail.com
This Territorial Acknowledgement (read at the beginning of the podcast)and resources were created by Concordia University’s Indigenous Directions Leadership Group (2017).

Taste of Allan Matudio’s ”Kasama” (Episode 417.625)

Since it is Filipino Canadian Heritage Month, Halo Halo Podcast’s Taste Test Episode puts a spotlight on the graphic novel Kasama written by Allan Matudio who is a Montreal born Filipino. Sigi likens his reading experience to one of his favourite Filipino treats–polboron, a sweet shortbread snack with a soft but textured taste making him want more. Kasama, (which is Tagalog for companion, partner, associate, ally and in social justice circles describes people who are in solidarity in a movement) introduces you to Alison as she makes her way into Orkidias City.  And in the first few pages, Allan Matudio not only captures the market place buzzing with food and energy, but manages to touch upon many Filipino cultural topics, like colourism, traditional culinary practices, OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) and pre-colonial writing (Baybayin). The novel is brimming with Filipino culture and history as Alison reunites with her friend Kia in search of a manananggal. Sigi found himself rereading the novel carefully, taking in the  graphics and story that have so much meaning to him as a Filipino Canadian, each page has something so interesting and engaging. It was quite clear that Matudio shares so much more about the Philippines beyond the cultural staples of food and tourism. It truly challenges the reader to learn much more about the Philippines. Find out more and follow Allan Matudio on Instagram (@allanmima) and order your copy of Kasama.

Episod 417.5 - Word Association Warmup (Filipino Canadian Edition)

On this Warm Up, Jezzie and Sigi do a little word association on things that are Filipino and Canadian. Play along and find out what comes to mind when you hear “Filipino Canadian Food” and who do you call to mind when you think of Famous Filipino Canadian?

Episode 417 - Becoming Filipino Canadian

The Halo Halo Podcast opens up Filipino Canadian Heritage Month this June with an episode on “Becoming Filipino Canadian.” The co-hosts discuss that Becoming Filipino means acknowledging that they are both Filipinos in the diaspora and highlights Almond Aguila’s definition of diaspora with several features. Jezzie shares how becoming Filipino Canadian really means shedding the identities foisted upon us, and searching for our sense of who we truly are without influence or distraction. They both share their personal stories on their journeys in becoming Filipino Canadian. Later, the co-hosts share that they use the Halo Halo Podcast as a vehicle to commune with each other as a way of continually refining their own Filipino identities and encourages listeners to find their way to commune with other Filipino Canadians.

Taste Test of Rappler News Media Outlet (Episode 416.625)

This Taste Test episode on the news media outlet Rappler wraps up Halo Halo Podcast’s focus on Sex and Politics this May. Find out why Jezzie would pair this website with a light roasted, caffeinated but bold tasting coffee with two pumps of thin white chocolate with two equal parts in lactose-free cream. This reliable and truth seeking news source is groundbreaking for its role as being a watchdog for the Philippine government the past few years. Rappler’s fearless reporting delivered to their readers is truly testament in this age of disinformation, where it is truly important to get the right information that you can trust.

Episode 416.5 - Your Battle Choice Warmup

On this warm up, Sigi encourages Jezzie to make choices on sets of people to lead him into battle. From fighting the creatures at "Jurassic Park" to navigating the galaxies, Jezzie is up to the challenge! Listen in as he provides such deep insight on this fun warm up—we guarantee that you will be Team Elmo and Team Star Wars in no time!

Episode 416 - Philippines Election Results & What Does it all Mean? Plus, a Mini Taste-test of ”Heartstopper”

On this episode of The Halo Halo Podcast Jezzie and Sigi start off with a mini Taste Taste of the show "Heartstopper" based on the graphic novel by Alice Osman currently streaming on Netflix. From a heartstopping series about coming of age, to a heartstopping election, the hosts shift to focus today’s episode topic, the recent Philippines Elections and its results. After discussing their initial reactions and thoughts, Jezzie poses the question: what does this Election for the Philippines mean for Filipinos and Filipinx/a/os in the Diaspora? After a discussion on facing the truth from the past, the hosts leave you with the cultural fixing of encouraging our listeners to find the blessing in the aftermath.

Taste Test of ”White Hot--The Rise & Fall of Abercrombie & Fitch”

On this Taste Test Episode of The Halo Halo Podcast, Jezzie samples the documentary White Hot: The Rise and Fall of Abercrombie and Fitch currently streaming on Netflix. Like pickled sushi ginger, this eye opening doc was a palate cleanser. The trendy sportswear line was the unofficial brand of “the all American” collegiate preppy in the late 90s and early aughts. The fallen CEO Mike Jeffries had created a brand which perfected selling sex and popularity to young adults in high school and college with the A&F black and white images of shirtless models (courtesy of photographer, Bruce Weber.) The documentary outlines the various scandals of racist graphic tees (‘Two Wongs Can Make It White’); hiring practices/standards for beauty; mistreating employees of colour leading to lawsuits and the questionable predatory nature of Bruce Weber.
Take a trip back to the late 90s/early aughts, put on LFO and put the episode of the OC on pause and listen in on this revealing doc!