Shows
BOSFilipinos PodcastThe Thousand Tiny Turns That Shape a Life with Maker, Teacher, and Shop Owner Jen PalacioShow Description (also the podcast Intro): Hello and welcome to the BOSFilipinos podcast. I'm your host, Trish Fontanilla. Each episode, we celebrate Filipino and Filipino American culture, identity, and community in greater Boston. Today's guest is Jen Palacio, owner of Tiny Turns Paperie! She also has an art practice called Just Enough Nonsense, and teaches at some of our local colleges around the city. In this episode, we trace the winding path from her Filipino American upbringing in Connecticut to becoming a beloved small-business owner in Somerville. She talks about discovering art...
2025-11-2839 min
BOSFilipinos PodcastStorytelling and Parenting Third Generation Filipino Americans with Mental Health Clinician Maria DoloricoToday's guest is Maria Dolorico. Maria is the daughter of Filipino immigrants - as she said to me in her pre-interview, she can't tell you who she is without telling you where she's from. She's a mental health clinician and a PhD student. In this episode, we talk about the cultural nuances of growing up in New Jersey. Maria also shares her journey from teaching to becoming a mental health professional. We also explore Maria's dissertation, which focuses on parenting third-generation Filipino Americans and the need to reclaim cultural identity through storytelling. I'm so excited for you a...
2025-10-3040 min
BOSFilipinos PodcastTheater, Representation, and Community with Multi-Hyphenate Artist Michelle AguillonToday's guest is Michelle Aguillon. Michelle is a theater artist, producer, director, actor, writer, and sometimes scenic designer. In this episode, we talk about Michelle's career path in theater, the challenges of representation in theater, particularly for Asian Americans, and her efforts to diversify casting and provide opportunities for people color. We also chat about her upcoming projects in greater Boston. I'm so excited for you all to get to know her. Enjoy! Stay in touch: BOSFilipinos - IG: @bosfilipinos, Email: info@bosfilipinos.com Michelle Aguillon - IG: @meeshaguillon Key links:...
2025-09-0344 min
BOSFilipinos PodcastCatching Up With Emmy-Nominated Costume Designer & Owner of gather here, Virginia B. JohnsonThis episode's guest is Virginia B. Johnson. Virginia is a costume designer and the owner of gather here in Inman Square, which is in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In the interview, we dive into her journey from a naval base in the Philippines to Greater Boston, her career in costume design, and the origins of her shop, gather here. We also talk about the importance of community to Virginia and her work, and her recent Emmy nomination. Stay in touch: BOSFilipinos - IG: @bosfilipinos, Email: infmailto: info@bosfilipinos.com Virginia B. Johnson - IG: @vee...
2025-08-0644 min
BOSFilipinos PodcastEllie Tiglao & Lani Asunciòn on Transmuting Imperialism's Impact: A Culinary & Visual ExchangeTrish Fontanilla, BOSfilipinos co-founder and host of the podcast, welcomes cultural practitioner Ellie Tiglao and artist Lani Asunciòn to discuss their new project. Their upcoming event, "Transmuting Imperialism: A Visual and Culinary Exchange," features Filipino communal dining, projection mapping, and multi-disciplinary performance exploring cultural identity and resistance. Stay in touch: BOSFilipinos - IG: @bosfilipinos, Email: info@bosfilipinos.com Ellie - Email: ellie@kwentu.com Lani - IG: @lani.asuncion Kwentu - IG: @makingkwentu Event tickets - https://bit.ly/pagkakaisa-solidaridad
2025-07-1330 min
BOSFilipinos PodcastKatie Says GoodbyeKaitlin Milliken hosts her final episode of the show. In it, she shares a personal essay on her Boston experience.
2022-04-0114 min
BOSFilipinos PodcastA BOSFilipinos UpdateBOSFilipinos is turning 5 this year! In this episode, we'll look ahead and share what you can expect from our group in 2022. Trish Fontanilla, who runs BOSFilipinos, joins us for this episode.
2022-02-1117 min
BOSFilipinos PodcastCelebrating Religion and Culture with the Filipino Apostolate of BostonFor many Catholic Filipinos, religious life means celebrating the ways that their heritage and religion intersect. Father Alex Castro discusses Filipino religious traditions and the Filipino Apostolate of the Archdiocese of Boston.
2022-01-0716 min
BOSFilipinos PodcastAldrin Agas on Culinary Pop-ups and Filipino Cooking TipsAldrin Agas, chef and owner of Kuya's Cooking, joins us to talk about his own culinary journey and tips for improving your kitchen chops. That includes how he launched his catering and popup business, where to get ingredients for your Filipino pantry, and how to get your hands on recipes.
2021-12-0319 min
BOSFilipinos PodcastThe History of Filipinos in BostonIn this episode, we discuss when Filipinos first came to Massachusetts, as well as the organizations that create communities to bind them together. Guests include Richard Chu of University of Massachusetts Amherst and Mary Talusan of California State University Dominguez Hills.
2021-11-0521 min
BOSFilipinos PodcastInside Iskwelahang Pilipino, the Longest Running Filipino Cultural School in Mass.IP is the longest continuously running Filipino cultural school in the US. Today, the completely volunteer run program serves students between pre-K all the way through high school with a variety of cultural programming. That includes language, cooking, dance, and a rondalla music program. We are joined by three of IP's volunteers to discuss the program's history and how to get involved.
2021-10-0126 min
BOSFilipinos PodcastMichele Garlit on Moving and Making Boston HomeSeptember 1st is when most of the leases in Boston begin. People across town are making their apartments and brownstones feel like home — including many who are moving here for the first time. In this episode, Michele Garlit shares tips for moving, apartment hunting, getting settled and making friends. Michele is a law student at Suffolk University. Listen for more.
2021-09-0318 min
BOSFilipinos PodcastPaulina Mangubat on Campaigning for Michelle WuPaulina Mangubat moved to Boston in February of 2021. She's spent her career working in the political sector and relocated to the city to work on a high profile race: Boston's upcoming mayoral election. Paulina is the Digital Director on the Michelle Wu campaign. During our conversation, Paulina shared why she was drawn to the Wu campaign and what got her started in politics.
2021-08-0613 min
BOSFilipinos PodcastSupporting Human Rights Causes Through BakingLilia Mundelius, chapter coordinator for Malaya Movement Massachusetts, has been involved with fundraising since they were young. After moving to Boston post-grad, Lilia combined their experience raising money for important causes with their love of cooking to support Filipino human rights campaigns through baking. During our conversation, Lilia shared how they decided to start hosing bake sales to support these issues, and resources to get connected to causes in the Philippines.
2021-07-0211 min
BOSFilipinos PodcastHortense Gerardo on Writing Plays and Unlocking CreativityHortense Gerardo describes herself primarily as a writer. With a background as an anthropologist, she writes plays about modern relationships, culture, and what the world may look like post-pandemic. In this episode, she shares what inspired her to start writing plays and where she finds inspiration.
2021-06-0422 min
BOSFilipinos PodcastNortheast Organizers on Black & Asian SolidarityThe past year has been called a national reckoning for race. This panel explores why it is important for Black and Asian people to be in solidarity with each other, and historical examples of support between these communities. This conversation took place on April 20, the day that Derek Chauvin was found guilty of all charges in the death of George Floyd. The conversation includes representatives from the following organizations: Boston PEAR, Malaya Massachusetts, Boston South Asian Coalition, The Party for Socialism and Liberation's Boston and Rhode Island Chapters, and the ANSWER Coalition.
2021-05-0739 min
BOSFilipinos PodcastInside Bren Bataclan's Fe: A Traumatized Son's Graphic MemoirIn his debut graphic memoir, Bren Bataclan explores developing love and understanding for the people who shape us. "My mom, she had lots of fits of rages and tantrums... She lacked the maternal skills, but she was a great friend," Bren says. "[The book is] about this dual personality of hers. In the end, it's all about love and forgiveness and the strength of a Filipino family." Bren is a full-time artist based in Boston. Get a copy of the book at fememoir.com.
2021-04-0221 min
BOSFilipinos PodcastFatima Lacanlale on Finding Home in the US and BostonIn this episode, we profile Fatima Lacanlale. Fatima's journey to Boston has taken her from the Philippines to the Bay Area to the Bay State with stops in Utah and Tennessee in between. During our conversation, Fatima discussed her immigration story and the tales behind her different moves throughout the US. She also shared her personal hobbies in the arts — including an upcoming series of 12 paintings that depict life in the Philippines.
2021-03-0519 min
BOSFilipinos PodcastJJosee Matela on Life as a First-Gen Graduate & Young ProfessionalGrowing up, Josee Matela would tell her family that she spoke eight languages. That included, English, Filipino, and Boston. She grew up wanting to go to college in Boston, and achieved those dreams by attending BU as a first-generation student. Now, Josee is a postgraduate living and working in digital marketing. In this episode of the BOSFilipinos Podcast, she shares her experience as a first-generation student, young professional, and Filipino-American.
2021-02-1215 min
BOSFilipinos PodcastMarc Anthony Lujares on How to Look Your BestIn 2020, getting a haircut feels like a luxury. Filipino-American small business owner Marc Anthony Lujares can help. This year, Marc launched a business where he gives mobile haircuts and style consultations in the Greater Boston Area. Marc is also a personal image concierge, who gives style consultations to help men look their best. Marc shares how he pivoted into the fashion game and tips for developing your own personal style.
2020-12-0414 min
BOSFilipinos PodcastKatherine Choi on Speech-Language PathologyWhen it comes to her job, Katherine Choi says she feels most fulfilled when she helps her students communicate their wants and needs. That could be asking for a snack, or their iPad, or sharing their feelings with a loved-one. Katherine is a speech-language pathologist, who aids people with speech or swallowing disorders. Today, she is a practicing clinician at a school for special needs students. Katherine shares the different ways she works with her students, the factors that led her down this career path, and her life outside the classroom.
2020-11-0619 min
BOSFilipinos PodcastMalaka Gharib & Magdalena Dolorico on ArtArt offers one way for people to share their stories and connect. This episode features two pinay artists, who share their inspirations and creative journeys. First, we sit down with Magdalena Dolorico, a 15-year-old artist in Massachusetts. Then, we step outside of the Bay State to hear from Malaka Gharib, author of the graphic novel, I Was Their American Dream.
2020-10-0224 min
BOSFilipinos PodcastMarge Maallo on Her Career in Science & Moving to BostonWhen Marge Maallo was in elementary school, her dad would bring home college-level physics books for her to read on the weekends. That kicked off her passion for science that has taken her all over the world — from her home in the Philippines to Australia to Pittsburgh and most recently to Boston. In this episode of the BOSFilipinos Podcast, Marge shares her experience as a scientist and discusses her research on pain at Boston Children's Hospital. She also talks about maintaining a connection with her Filipino friends and family around the world.
2020-09-1122 min
BOSFilipinos PodcastWhy Activists are Calling to Junk the Terror Law & Getting Involved in Mass.In July, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 into law. This bill expands the definition of terrorism so it could include, strikes, rallies, protest, and providing support to political activists. This episode dives deep into The Anti-Terror Law, how groups in the northeast are organizing in resistance, and why. Three organizers guide this conversation. Bernadette Patino is Northeast Regional Coordinator of the Malaya Movement. She is based in New York. Allan Basco Espejo and Erin Berja are both organizers for Boston Philipinx, Education, Advocacy and Resources — or PEAR.
2020-08-0731 min
BOSFilipinos PodcastStar on Music, Poetry, & the Importance of ListeningStar grew up with a love hate relationship with music. They slept through piano lessons in their youth. However, writing poetry and eventually lyrics became a creative outlet for Star. That musical journey led them to release a solo album, move to Boston, and form their band The Sunset Kings. In this episode of the BOSFilipinos Podcast, Star shares the origin story of The Sunset Kings, their creative process, and how music has shaped who they are — as well as their relationship with culture. This podcast includes clips from "Metronomin'", "Symphony Blues," and "Come By" by Th...
2020-07-0328 min
BOSFilipinos PodcastGrace Talusan on Her Memoir & IdentityWhen researching for her memoir, Grace Talusan found pictures of herself as a 1-year-old, mimicking the acts of reading and writing. In 2019, Grace shared her stories with the world in The Body Papers. The book gathers Grace's essays, touching on deeply personal topics. Her writing explores her cultural identity, experiences as an undocumented immigrant, genetic disease, and her time as Fulbright Scholar in the Philippines. In this episode, Grace shares how writing the book has shaped her life.
2020-06-1231 min
BOSFilipinos PodcastTrish Fontanilla on Founding BOSFilipinosIf you've ever been to a BOSFilipinos event, you definitely know Trish Fontanilla. She's the one running the show. She's also the person who does most of the BOSFilipinos spotlights and the group's newsletter. In this episode of our podcast, we put Trish on the other side of the interview and ask her about founding BOSFilipinos. Trish also shares her experience growing up as a Filipino American in New Jersey — including why she grew up with two birthday parties.
2020-05-0120 min
BOSFilipinos PodcastIntroducing The Show & Your HostBOSFilipinos Podcast Host, Kaitlin Milliken, talks about her relationship with culture to kick off the show. To better explain her background, she visits her grandma, Odette Semana Rojas, in her hometown.
2020-04-0315 min
BOSFilipinos PodcastWelcome to the BOSFilipinos Podcast!In this brand new podcast created by BOSFilipinos, we'll highlight a different aspect of the Filipino American experience in Boston—from language, to food, to dance, and so much more. Our first episode will be up soon, but until then you can subscribe to our show wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also read awesome profiles and catch up with our blog posts at bosfilipinos.com. If you want to be highlighted or know someone who we should feature, DM us on Instagram @bosfilipinos.
2020-03-1101 min
A Hungry SocietyEpisode 3: Trish Fontanilla on Pop-Ups and Filipino DiningToday’s guest is Trish Fontanilla, co-founder of BosFilipinos an organization that creates Filipino and Asian events in the Greater Boston area. Trish grew up in New Jersey and now lives in Boston working with Freight Farms which sells shipping containers that house complete hydroponic growing systems. On today’s show, Trish talks about the importance of dining in Filipino culture, what she hopes to teach diners about Filipino food at her pop-ups and how she feels when she hears food media call the cuisine she grew up with, ‘trendy’.
Tickets for the BOSFilipinos event can be found he...
2017-09-2139 min