April is Filipino Food Month (Buwan ng Kalutong Pilipino), and this year, the celebration has reached a fever pitch! 🇵🇭🇦🇺

In this episode, Anna and Razel take a deep dive into the roots of the movement right here in Australia. Anna shares the inspiring story of the Filipino Food Movement Australia (FFMA)—from its humble beginnings as a grassroots non-profit organisation to its current status as a powerhouse for cultural advocacy and culinary activations.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The FFMA Origin Story: Anna walks us through the early days of the non-profit, the vision that sparked it, and how it evolved from a small group of passionate volunteers into a nationwide platform.
• The Global Filipino Table: Why it matters for the diaspora to tell our stories, to connect to our roots to our food, and the effects it can have on gastronomy tourism
• FiloFomoFest 2026: We're inviting everyone to join the FFMA on the 19th April at Paddy’s Markets Flemington. Anna and Razel will be there!
• Why Advocacy Matters: Why promoting our food isn't just about the flavours—it's about representation, pride, and claiming our space in the Australian food scene.

Whether you’ve been with the FFMA since day one or you’re just discovering the magic of a perfectly crisp lechon, this episode is about the power of community and the journey of bringing Filipino food to the global stage.

Join the FILIPINO FOOD MONTH huntahan as we continue to tell our stories as Filipinos, as migrants and as culinary ambassadors.

Disclaimer:

A quick heads-up: We love our community, but just so you know, Adobo Yarn is an independent podcast. While we are huge fans and supporters of the Filipino Food Movement Australia (FFMA), this episode is not a paid advertisement. The stories and opinions shared by Anna and Razel are our own, based on our personal research and experiences within the community. For official event details regarding FiloFomoFest, always check the FFMA website!

Adobo Yarn is our story as Filipinos, navigating the migrant life in Australia. Here, we share stories that resonate. Middle-age (Gen X) wisdom, meno episodes, parenting hacks, unfiltered conversations, hilarious experiences, anecdotes and recipes that brought us comfort when we needed it. From raising babies to now young adults, and navigating the labyrinth that is Australia. Join the conversation!

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Music: Bass and Claps by Anastacia Chubarova from Pixabay

"Ikaw ang maghanap ng saya..." (Don't just wait for joy—create it.)

In this special International Women's Day episode, Anna and Razel sit down with a true titan of the Filipino-Australian community: Marivic Ayap-Flores.

As the Managing Director of MVA Financial Services and the President of PASC (the powerhouse team behind Fiesta Kultura), Marivic embodies the 2026 IWD theme of "Give to Gain."

We dive deep into a "yarn" that spans over 40 years of migrant history. Marivic takes us back to an Australia that looked very different for Filipinos in the 1980s and shares how she navigated those early challenges to build a legacy of financial and cultural empowerment.

In this episode, we discuss:

• 💰 Financial Freedom: How Marivic helps Filipino-Australians secure their futures through smart property investment.
• 🇵🇭 The PASC Legacy: The "intangible" magic of community work and what it takes to run Australia’s biggest Filipino festival.
• 🛠️ The Power of Agency: Why Marivic believes we must all be the architects of our own joy—whether that’s in the office, on the sports field, or through volunteering.
• 🥘 Signature Flavors: We learn about Marivic's signature dish—a different kind of Kaldereta, Batangas style! (Hint: Forget the tomato sauce; it’s all about that rich, umami, melt-in-your-mouth goodness).

Whether you're looking for a bit of "Tita wisdom" on navigating life in Australia or some boss-lady inspiration to start your own passion project, this episode is the perfect brew. Join the conversation, and tell us what is your "Give to Gain" moment as a migrant, as Filipino-Australians!

Connect with our Guest:

🔗 Marivic Ayap-Flores: MVA Financial Services

🔗 PASC: Fiesta Kultura and Miss Philippines Australia

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our guest, Marivic Ayap-Flores, are her own and do not necessarily reflect those of Adobo Yarn. This episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The financial information discussed does not constitute professional investment, legal, or financial advice. We recommend seeking independent advice tailored to your specific circumstances before making financial decisions. Adobo Yarn and its hosts are not responsible for any actions taken based on the content of this episode.

Adobo Yarn is our story as Filipinos, navigating the migrant life in Australia. Here, we share stories that resonate. Middle-age (Gen X) wisdom, meno episodes, parenting hacks, unfiltered conversations, hilarious experiences, anecdotes and recipes that brought us comfort when we needed it. From raising babies to now young adults, and navigating the labyrinth that is Australia. Join the conversation!

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Follow Razel on Instagram In Season Today

Music: Bass and Claps by Anastacia Chubarova from Pixabay

Ever felt like a secret agent trying to prove you actually exist? 🕵️‍♂️

Welcome to the ultimate "ID Culture Shock" guide! In this episode, Anna and Razel reminisce their experience navigating the confusing, sometimes hilarious, and high-stakes world of Australian paperwork. Moving from the Philippines—where your license and PhilHealth card is king to Australia’s "100-point" scavenger hunt can feel like a full-time job.

In this episode, we chat about:

• 🧩 The 100-Point Game: Why your Philippine passport is only 70% of the puzzle and how to find the missing 30 points.
• 💳 Medicare Glow-ups: The difference between the Blue and Green cards and why that little piece of plastic feels like a VIP pass to life in Oz.
• 🚗 LTO vs. Service NSW/VicRoads: The 2026 update on license conversions! Why you need to act fast (and why you’ll probably turn on your windshield wipers instead of your signal light during the test).
• 📍 State Showdown: A brief chat at the differing rules in NSW, VIC, and QLD.
• 📛 The Middle Name Crisis: Do you have second name that is now a middle name? Why Aussie systems struggle with Filipino naming conventions and probably names from other cultures too!

Join the conversation: What was the hardest ID for you to get? Drop us a voice note! or comment in our social media posts.

If you found this helpful, please leave us a 5-star review—it helps other Pinoys find their way in Australia! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#PinoysInAustralia #FilipinoMigrants #LifeInOz #NewToAustralia #100PointsOfID #PinoysInSydney #PinoysInMelbourne #MigrantLife #AustraliaPodcast #TaglishPodcast #AdoboYarn #AdoboYarnPodcast

⚠️ Podcast Disclaimer

General Information Only:
The information provided in this episode of Adobo Yarn is for general information and entertainment purposes only.

Not Legal or Migration Advice:
Anna and Razel are sharing their personal experiences as migrants in Australia. We are not migration agents, legal professionals, or government officials. The rules regarding visas, Medicare eligibility, and driver’s license conversions (especially the 2026 state-specific updates) can change without notice.

Verify Before You Act:
While we strive to keep our "chikahan" accurate, we strongly recommend that you verify all requirements directly with the official authorities before making any decisions.

No Liability:
By using this information, you agree that the hosts and producers of this podcast are not liable for any errors, omissions, or any actions taken based on the content of this episode.

Adobo Yarn is our story as Filipinos, navigating the migrant life in Australia. Here, we share stories that resonate. Middle-age (Gen X) wisdom, meno episodes, parenting hacks, unfiltered conversations, hilarious experiences, anecdotes and recipes that brought us comfort when we needed it. From raising babies to now young adults, and navigating the labyrinth that is Australia. Join the conversation!

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook - Adobo Yarn Podcast

Follow Anna on Instagram Adobo Down Under

Follow Razel on Instagram In Season Today

Music: Bass and Claps by Anastacia Chubarova from Pixabay