The Halo Halo Podcast

Episode 402.5 - Table Top Warmup

For this warm up Jezzie and Sigi return to some random table top questions and get wrapped up in some of their favourite gifts and toys. Listen in and enjoy!

Episode 402 - The House that Lou Built and Displacement/Disposession

In honour of FIlipino American Heritage Month, Jezzie and Sigi discuss Filipino American author Mae Respicio ‘s YA Novel "The House That Lou Built." The story is centred on Lou Bulosan-Nelson, a 7th grader living with her mom and Lola in San Francisco. Sigi shares with Jezzie how this coming of age story about culture, family and the meaning of home was not only a refreshing read but a relatable story for Filipinos in the diaspora. Lou deals with losing land that her father left for her, and finds support from friends and her extended family in the journey of finding out what home truly means. Later, Jezzie links together how losing land and displacement is only one part of what colonialism is, and discusses further how it's also the act of depriving others of their heritage, their traditions and their culture. He then challenges us to consider how we need to decolonize ourselves by asking what has been displaced in us and what can we do to reclaim it?
In the Mix this week:
What If
The Prince
Below Deck: The Mediterranean

Taste Test of ”Shang-Chi” (Episode 401.625)

The first Taste Test of Season 4, which Sigi has been anticipating since July 2019, was also his first return to the theatre going experience. To Sigi's surprise does he find out how Jezzie gets shut out of getting tickets to "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings". But all is not lost!  Instead of a double taste by both your hosts, Jezzie guides Sigi through his thoughts on the latest Marvel movie in theatres. Beautiful choreographed fight scenes; a killer soundtrack which includes Anderson Paak; Tony Leung’s Wenwu and subtle eye acting; and stingers to die for--it made Sigi’s return to the movie theatre well worth the wait!

Episode 401.5 - Met Gala Warmup

Sigi and Jezzie are back to old tricks in this warm up. They talk the Met Gala and Jezzie cites icon Lil Nas X and his fashion forward looks. Sexy C-3P0 and Jezzie is all for it, while Sigi wants to borrow a comfy duvet from Rihanna and praises Bieber for bringing back a dressy baggy pant. Listen in on their hot takes on some September style.

Episode 401 - America is not the Heart & Who‘s Today‘s Modern Day Filipin*

Welcome to Season 4 of the Halo Halo Podcast! In honour of FIlipino American History Month Jezzie and Sigi discuss Filipino American author Elaine Castillo’s America is Not the Heart. Jezzie recounts the epic intergenerational story of Geronima (Hero) de Vera who leaves the Philippines after being disowned by her wealthy parents and dropping out of medical school. Hero’s story is an example of one expression of being Filipina in the Diaspora which leads to a discussion on who is today’s Filipino/a/x in relation to brave new identities and brave new worlds. Jezzie shares that today’s Filipino/a/x is moving beyond our original values (still retaining them) but having the courage to be in an ever uncertain world. There is a movement beyond immigration stories that speak of struggles to immigrate and build wealth. Today’s Filipino/a/x are taking up spaces in sports, media, business and politics and clearly taking positive risks and move beyond what the world thinks we truly are!
In the mix this week:
Ted Lasso
The Hustler
Dexter: New Blood

Episode 320.75 - Meryenda on Midnight Snack Edition

Sigi and Jezzie close out Season 3 of the Halo Halo Podcast with a special Meryenda Episode - Midnight Snack. Listen in as they both feast on sweet and savoury Filipino treats that highlight episodes from this past season. Find out how meringues plays a prominent role in Jezzie’s snacks and how Sigi surrenders to some household staples from his family. And if you listen closely, Sigi even shares his recipe for Filipino BBQ!  Join them in snacking and dishing on another season of the Halo Halo Podcast.  
We would like to thank all of our guests from Season 3 (Rechie, Joanna, Mailyne, Armand, Chelle and Raie) for joining us in the virtual studios. We would also like to thank all of our listeners who have reached out and shared with us this past year. This little creative project has become so much more to us and we continue to create because of all of you! Thank you and we cannot wait for Season 4 to start this Fall 2021. Maraming salamat!
XOXO, Jezzie and Sigi

Taste Test of "Black Widow" (Episode 320.625)

On this Taste Test, Sigi dives back into MCU territory by sampling "Black Widow" in theatres and streaming on Disney+. Sigi likens this summer flick to a trip to Baskin Robbins and ordering a scoop of chocolate peanut butter ice cream. The velvety chocolate is sweet and familiar, and needed after not seeing an MCU movie since 2019. The ribbon of peanut butter chunk is analogous to the added performances by Florence Pugh, David Harbour and stuntperson Heidi Moneymaker. Sigi recounts how this movie veers into a family dramedy; showcases some epic fight scenes and connects the MCU in the big and little screens. Listen in and find out if Scar Jo’s swan song and long overdue feature satisfies your sweet tooth. MCU fans—be aware spoilers in this Taste Test ep. And hey to echo Yelena, “Why are you such a poser?”

Episode 320.5 - Summer Faves Warmup

On this warm up Sigi and Jezzie get into the Summer Vibes by citing their summer faves. Sigi goes retro and Jezzie keeps it current. Listen in and curate a Summatime Spotify playlist and a tasty summer time menu of libations!

Episode 320 - The Kingmaker and Truthtelling

On this episode Jezzie and Sigi discuss the 2019 documentary, "The Kingmaker" by Lauren Greenfield on the life and influence of Imelda Marcos, the former first lady of the Philippines and wife to Ferdinand Marcos. This fascinating film takes a slow-burn approach to expose Imelda as an unreliable narrator and takes an inside look at her perception of the truth. Jezzie and Sigi were shocked to hear the stories beyond the famous collection of shoes, like the excess riches, infidelity and Caluit Safari Park. Later, Jezzie discusses when dealing with the hard truth, there is a need to accept it to allow us to get to reconciliation.

Taste Test of "Trese" (Episode 319.625)

While Sigi is on assignment, Chelle gladly sits in his place as they take Kuya through this Taste Test of the Netflix adaptation of the Filipino Komiks "Trese".  Kuya likens this breakthrough series to Red Ribbon's triple chocolate roll--instantly familiar, but with a twist.  Listen in on how "Trese" explores through its protagonist, Alexandra, the updated and modernized mythical and supernatural creatures of Precolonial Philippines.