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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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!

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Music: Bass and Claps by Anastacia Chubarova from Pixabay

"Did I move across the world just to start from zero?"

This is most migrants' story! We move across oceans for many different reasons, and starting from scratch is almost always, the default mode. Making the hard choices to step away from fulfilling careers and braving the challenges of change and the so called "second leap"!

In our very first guest episode, hosts Anna and Razel sit down with Andrei Balingit, whose journey is a masterclass in migrant resilience, sacrifice, and the "Pinoy Pivot."

Andrei arrived in Australia as a skilled chef, but the reality of migrant life and the arrival of children pushed him to redefine what "success" looked like. From the high-pressure kitchens, to the early morning hustle of Australian markets selling lechon, to hitting the road as a courier, Andrei has done it. Now, he’s finding his way back to his passion, balancing weekend chef roles with the everyday demands of being a present dad.

In this episode, we dive into:

• The Identity Shift: What happens to your ego when your job title changes from "Chef" to "Courier"?
• The Family First Filter: Making the hard choice to step away from a career to care for your kids and ensure a stable future.
• The Weekend Warrior: How Andrei is reclaiming his passion for cooking on his own terms.
• Universal Migrant Truths: The exhaustion, the "pagod," and the quiet pride of providing for your family in a new land.

Whether you are currently working a "survival job," dreaming of returning to your original craft, or navigating the chaos of raising a family in Oz, Andrei’s story will make you feel seen, heard, and inspired!

Join the Conversation: Have you had to "pivot" for your family? Shoot us a DM or leave a voice note! If this episode resonated with you, please hit 'Follow' on Spotify and leave us a 5-star review. It helps our community grow!

#PinoyPivot #FilipinoMigrants #adoboyarn #adoboyarnpodcast #MigrantStories

Disclaimer: This conversation reflects personal lived experiences and does not constitute professional career, legal, or migration advice. Every migrant's journey is unique; please consult with a qualified professional regarding your specific visa, legal, or financial situation before making major career or life changes.

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

"We're talking about Filipino migration to Australia, Gen Z trends on TikTok, and our lives as Filipino Australians in Sydney back in 2016."

Is your feed looking a little… 2016 lately? If you’re seeing more Rio de Janeiro filters, matte lips, and sudden cravings for Pokémon Go, you are not alone.

In this episode, Anna and Razel chika about the the massive #2016vs2026 trend taking over social media platforms. Why is Gen Z—the generation that barely had a bank account in 2016—suddenly the biggest advocate for a ten-year reset?

We’re also jumping on the nostalgia train as we look back at our lives as Filipino Australians a decade ago.

Anna takes us back to her days as a Thermomix consultant, reminiscing about the serendipitous radio interview she had back in 2016 talking about her plans on writing her first cookbook! Manifestation is real folks!

Meanwhile, Razel looks back at the "Golden Era" of Sydney street photography, from taking a hiatus from her social media food accounts to landing spots in local group exhibitions.

Plus, we celebrate a very special milestone: Anna’s dog, @ogluckymanlulo, turning the big 0-1 back in 2016! 🐾 He is 10 years old now!

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Gen Z Spark: Why the youngest creators are leading the rebellion against 2026’s "AI-optimized" internet.
• The Filipino-Australian Lens: How the landscape of migration has shifted since 2016 and what it means for our community today.
• The Privacy Catch: Is this trend a secret data goldmine for Meta’s facial recognition?

Whether you’re here for the nostalgia or the "Tin Foil Hat" privacy theories, join us as we figure out if we can actually reboot the internet—or if some things are better left in the cloud.

#adoboyarn #adoboyarnpodcast #filipinosinoz #filipinoaustralian

The Not-So-Fine Print: Just a heads-up! This episode is all about sharing our personal stories and looking at the trends we're seeing online. While we talk about things like AI data and the minimum wage, we aren't financial or privacy pros. We’re just keeping it real based on our own research and lived experiences. If you're joining the #2026IsTheNew2016 trend, just be "privacy-smart" and do what feels right for you! ✌️

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

Happy 2026, Adobo Yarn Fam! 🥂

We are kicking off the year with our very first episode of 2026, and we’re diving straight into the New Year headspace. Are you the type to write a list of resolutions on January 1st, or are you playing the long game with strategic goals?

In this episode, Razel and Anna break down the nuances between the two. Is there actually a difference, or is it all just semantics? We also talk about the side quests of life - those unexpected detours that might actually be more important than the main mission.

Plus, we tackle a phrase that’s currently taking Filipino circles by storm, well usually during the new year at least - #balik alindog. Whether you're reclaiming your glow, your health, or your confidence, this is the unique Filipino pursuit of "maintaining the fire" and returning to our best selves. We chat about what this term means and does it remind you of anyone? Hint hint for those of a certain age and generation.

Join the Conversation! We don’t want to do 2026 alone. What are your big goals (or fun side quests) for the year? Share them with us on our socials or leave a comment on the Spotify poll! Let’s partner up and make this our best year yet!

#adoboyarn #adoboyarnpodcast #pinoypodcast #balikalindog2026 #goalsetting #newyear2026 #filipinoaustralians

Friendly Disclaimer: We’re here to hype you up for 2026, but please take our "side quests" with a grain of salt! Adobo Yarn is for entertainment. Our advice on "balik alindog" comes from the heart, not a textbook. Proceed with curiosity and a sense of humour!

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

We’re ending 2025 with a major milestone: pull up a chair and join us at Taguan Cafe in Sydney because Episode 25 is officially our very first video episode! Amidst the buzz of the brunch crowd and the aroma of ube lattes, we’re looking back at the wild, transformative journey this year has been.

You'll see the ube latte, the calamantea and the laughs in person as we dive into our own version of a "Spotify Wrapped." Between bites of brunch, we’re looking back at the moments that defined our year, from the technical glitches to the conversations that changed our perspective.

In this special year-end reflection, Anna takes us all the way back to the beginning, picking Episode 1 as her top choice for its raw, "leap of faith" energy and the nostalgia of just starting out - the crappy audio, the long stretch of chats that resulted in two episodes!

Meanwhile, Razel reflects on the powerful impact of Episode 15, where we had that incredibly raw and real conversation about menopause. It was a standout moment that reminded us how much we all crave unfiltered honesty about the transitions women go through but rarely discuss openly.

Beyond our favourite episodes, from the lessons we learned creating this podcast and community, to the listener messages that kept us going, this episode is a celebration of the community we’ve built together.

As we look ahead to 2026, we’re sharing a few hints of what’s to come—whether you’re watching us on screen for the first time or listening on your commute! Whether you’ve been with us since Episode 1 or just joined the family today, thank you for being part of our 2025.

We are looking forward to sharing more relatable huntahang adobo topics with you all! And of course, we'd love to hear from YOU! Slide us a DM, or add a comment in our social media pages!

Disclaimer: This episode was recorded live at Taguan Cafe. Please excuse any background ambiance as we enjoy the café atmosphere! Additionally, any health-related topics discussed, or opinions raised are based on personal experience and should not be taken as medical advice.

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

Before the busyness of December take over, get ready for a holiday episode that's as rich and complex as a slice of Queso de Bola paired with sweet and ripe Australian mangoes! Hosts Anna and Razel discuss the the beautiful, messy, and often hilarious (but interesting) reality of celebrating Christmas as Filipino migrants and modern matriarchs in Australia.

In the Philippines, Christmas is the longest celebration in the world, marked by cool "Ber Months" and devotion. Anna and Razel share their fondest childhood memories, from Razel's family tradition of warm, savoury Arroz Valenciana to Anna's Papa's famous Chicken Pork Menudo. They remember the intense community feel of the early morning Simbang Gabi masses, followed by street-side treats like Puto Bumbóng and Bibingka.

But here in Australia, everything changes. The cozy cold is replaced by the scorching sun, and Noche Buena gives way to the backyard Christmas lunch. Anna and Razel chat about learning new traditions—becoming "Sunshine Santas" for their own kids, mastering the art of hosting, and embracing Aussie staples like exploding Christmas bonbons, refreshing cold prawns, and the essential summer dessert, Pavlova.

This episode is a celebration of the traditions kept, the new ones adopted, and the perfect hybrid Christmas they've created—a delicious, sometimes chaotic, blend of two homes!

Join the conversation! What are your Christmas and holiday traditions you enjoyed as a child which you brought with you in your new home? Share with us your experiences, your joys, the laughs, even the sad moments - because to be honest, this is what migrant life is all about. Shifting, navigating and creating new traditions to keep the culture alive! We'd love to hear from you! Comment here on Spotify, or in our social media channels! We love a good Christmas yarn!

⚠️ A Note from Anna & Razel: This episode is a personal and highly subjective account of our individual experiences as Filipinas celebrating Christmas in the Philippines and Australia. We are sharing our family’s specific journey of blending traditions (like Papa's Menudo with Aussie Pavlova), not representing every migrant or Filipino Christmas experience. Thank you for listening to our heart-felt, hybrid story!

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