Shows
Adobo YarnEp 28 - The Pinoy Pivot: Navigating Career Changes in Oz"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 a...
2026-02-2157 minAdobo YarnEp 27 - 2026 is the New 2016: The trend, the nostalgia then the chika"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 t...
2026-02-0729 minAdobo YarnEp 26 - New Year Goals, Side Quests, and the Balik Alindog EraHappy 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...
2026-01-2445 minAdobo YarnEp 25 - Adobo Yarn Wrapped 2025 and a big THANK YOU!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 ye...
2025-12-1823 minAdobo YarnEp 24 - From Noche Buena to the Backyard BBQ: Our Hybrid Christmas StoryBefore 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
2025-12-061h 08Adobo YarnEp 23 - The Interstate Adobo Yarn - From Laneways to Highlands and the CoastWelcome back to the Adobo Yarn road trip! After cruising through NSW and ACT in Part 1 (Episode 20), Anna and Razel realised they only covered a fraction of this massive continent. In this episode, your titas are crossing the borders to guide you through the other states and territories from their personal experience. Some hilarious, others spine tingling (ok, we're exaggerating!) but mostly delicious!☕️ The laneways of Melbourne to the Victorian regional towns, and the relaxed elegance of South Australia (Adelaide) - Haighs, German beers, and markets!🥶...
2025-11-2255 minAdobo YarnEp 22 - The Price of Nostalgia: Are We Undervaluing Our Own Cuisine?The food world is buzzing! Following the historic first Michelin Guide selection for the Philippines complete with two stars, one star, and multiple Bib Gourmand awards, we dive into what this massive international recognition means for Filipino cuisine globally.But first, we tackle a tough chika that hits close to home in Australia: Why do Filipinos, even here in Sydney and Melbourne, often insist that our own cuisine "should be cheap?"We break down the economic reality versus nostalgic memory, discussing why running a sustainable Filipino restaurant in Australia costs what it does...
2025-11-0830 minAdobo YarnEp 21 - Undas, Halloween, and Migrant GhostsWhat happens to treasured traditions when you move halfway across the world? Anna and Razel discuss the Filipino rituals of Undas—All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day—and share the heartfelt memories of visiting cemeteries, gathering with family, and the unique ways the Philippines honours the departed. They compare these deep-rooted practices to the relatively new phenomenon of Halloween in Australia. Get ready for a candid chat about cultural shifts, preserving memory, and the bittersweet ache of celebrating (or not celebrating) beloved holidays as Filipino migrants. Do our kids e...
2025-10-2520 minAdobo YarnEp 20 - Ganda ng Sydney and beyond. Road trip with a side of adobo yarnHop in, mga bes! In this episode, Anna and Razel are trading their usual backyard chika for a road trip adventure across New South Wales (and a bit of ACT!). We're putting on our tour guide hats and taking you to the must-see sights, from the iconic sparkling Sydney Harbour and the sunny vibes of Bondi and Manly beaches, all the way to the majestic Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains. We’ll share our unfiltered Filipino takes on these Aussie landmarks, the best scenic routes, and of course, the most sulit spots to sto...
2025-10-1143 minAdobo YarnEp 19 - Skyflakes & stethoscopes: our health as Filipino migrantsIn this episode, we're talking about health from a Filipino perspective. When you feel under the weather, who do you call first? Your doctor, or your Lola (Lolo, Tita or Nanay) with their trusted list of home remedies? Join Anna and Razel yarn about the unique health journey of Filipino migrants. We're exploring everything from why a simple pack of Skyflakes was the universal cure to why we still swear by a good hilot, the soothing power of Vicks VapoRub for just about any ailment and the surprising remedies our gr...
2025-09-2741 minAdobo YarnEp 18 - From Ukay-ukay to Op Shops: The Art of the PurgeSpring is here and it's time for a reset! Ready to tackle that overwhelming pile of clutter? In this episode, Anna and Razel get brutally honest and confess their personal hoarding habits. Anna admits to her never-ending collection of tote bags and scarves, while Razel reveals her past obsession with Fossil bags and a shoe collection that once rivaled the legendary Imelda Marcos! But this episode is about more than just their confessions; it's a deep dive into the cultural art of letting go. The duo discusses how things we...
2025-09-1344 minAdobo YarnEp 17 - Adobo, BBQs and DadsPapa, Dad, Tatay. In the tapestry of our lives, our fathers are the strong threads that hold everything together. This episode tells a tale of two Father's Days, separated by sea and several months on the calendar. Join Anna and Razel as they compare the sun-drenched Australian Father's Day in September with the heartfelt Filipino celebration in June. It’s a conversation that connects the sizzle of an Aussie sausage to the warmth of a Filipino adobo feast. Discover how, despite different traditions and dates, the yarn of love for our fat...
2025-08-3037 minAdobo YarnEp 16 - Adobo Standards and Fave EatsIn this episode, Anna and Razel take listeners on a delicious journey through Australia's Filipino food scene. They share their favourite picks for Filipino restaurants in Sydney, from hidden gems to well-known favourites in other states.The main dish on the table? A spicy debate: should adobo be standardised like Italy's famous Margherita Pizza (Pizza Napoletana) or France's protected Champagne? Taking off from the 2021 campaign from the Philippines' Department of Trade and Industry and the Bureau of Philippine Standards to develop the Philippine National Standards for Filipino dishes, such as adobo.
2025-08-1653 minAdobo YarnEp 15 - Menopause & The "We Do Not Care" MovementJoin Razel and Anna for a raw and intimate yarn into the often-misunderstood world of menopause, sharing their personal journeys and the experiences of women around them. In this candid conversation, they explore the physical and emotional realities of this life stage and discuss the societal pressures and expectations that often accompany it.The episode also highlights the groundbreaking "We Do Not Care" movement spearheaded by Instagram sensation Melani Sanders. Discover how this powerful movement is challenging outdated narratives, empowering women to embrace menopause without shame, and fostering a community of unapologetic self-acceptance. R...
2025-08-151h 03Adobo YarnEp 14 - The Balikbayan Journey: Old Memories, New RealitiesWhat's it like to be a balikbayan? Join Anna and Razel as they chat about the balikbayan experience, exploring what it truly means to be a Filipino migrant returning home. This episode travels from their childhood memories of eagerly awaiting those treasure-filled balikbayan boxes from relatives abroad, to their present-day realities of navigating that same journey themselves. Razel shares stories from her recent trip, including the often-comedic dance through Manila's airport security, and the surprising customs conundrum that allows delicious bukayo into Australia, but sadly, not everyone's beloved longganisa. Tune in for relatable tales of c...
2025-07-1942 minAdobo YarnEp 13 - Aussie Slang: Our Migrant Guide to "Straya"Confused by "Maccas"? Baffled by "bush tucker"? Anna and Razel spill the beans on Aussie slang! In this episode, your favourite migrant hosts share their funniest encounters and biggest revelations about Australian colloquialisms. From "arvo" to "drongo," "suss it out" to "chuck a U-ey," they share their own personal blunders and laugh-out-loud moments as migrants navigating this distinctive lingo and new ways of understanding culture. Discover how learning (or misinterpreting!) these everyday phrases has shaped their sense of belonging, and why "no worries" is more than just a phrase – it's a way of life. Tune in for a f...
2025-07-0533 minAdobo YarnEp 12 - Bahay Kubo: A Symbol of Resilience and HeritagePart of our tribute and celebration of June as PH Independence Month, join Anna and Razel for a fun and reflective journey into the iconic Bahay Kubo. More than just a simple nipa hut, this humble dwelling embodies the very essence of Filipino resilience, community, and ingenuity.In this episode, we'll explore the Bahay Kubo as a physical structure – from its practical design and natural materials to its enduring presence throughout Philippine history. We'll delve into its origins, understanding how this traditional folk song, often learned by heart in ch...
2025-06-2133 minAdobo YarnEp 11 - More Than a Monument: Filipino Heroes Across GenerationsDid you know that the Philippines was sold for US$20M through the 1898 Treaty of Paris??? As the Philippines and Filipino communities around the world prepares to celebrate Independence Day on June 12th, the name Jose Rizal rightfully takes centre stage. But what if heroism runs deeper than just one monument?Join Anna and Razel, as they delve into the rich and diverse mosaic of Filipino heroes beyond Rizal. Both will challenge conventional definitions of heroism, unearthing stories of bravery and sacrifice from history's u...
2025-06-071h 03Adobo YarnEp 10 - Don't sweep at night and other wild Pinoy odditiesEver wonder why you shouldn't cut your nails at night? Or why dropping a spoon means a female visitor? Anna and Razel are here to unravel the mysteries (and outright absurdities!) of superstitions in this super fun episode. We'll share hilarious tales of global superstitions, then take a deep dive into the wonderfully weird and sometimes illogical beliefs that make up Filipino folklore. Prepare for some major head-scratching, belly laughs, and maybe even a realisation that you've been doing something "bad luck" your whole life! Tune in and discover the fascinating (and sometimes illogical) world of...
2025-05-2440 minAdobo YarnEp 9 - The Language of Love: A Mother's Day ConversationIn this episode, Anna and Razel open their hearts as they reminisce about their own mothers and the carers who shaped their childhood and share their unique experiences as mums raising families in Australia. Listen to the intriguing history of this special day and explore the diverse ways motherhood is celebrated around the world. Plus, prepare for some heartwarming moments as Anna and Razel read listener submissions filled with love, gratitude, humour and personal stories from mothers and for mothers. It's a sentimental and thought-provoking episode celebrating mothers in all their wonderful forms.
2025-05-1059 minAdobo YarnEp 8 - Unwrapping Memories: Filipino Snacks, Then and NowMabuhay! In this episode Anna and Razel are diving into the treasure trove of Filipino snacks that shaped their childhoods and continue to bring them comfort in Australia. Listen in and join us on a delicious journey through the world of some well-loved Filipino snacks! We'll trace the origins and evolution of beloved bites like the shortbread texture of polvoron, the delicate crisp of Lengua de Gato to the addictive Clover Chips, the sweet, boat-shaped goodness of boat tarts, and the familiar favourites like flaky Hopia, creamy
2025-04-2746 minAdobo YarnEp 7 - Lenten reflections. From pasyon to hot cross bunsJoin Anna and Razel in this episode as they unravel the ritual of Lent for Filipinos, both in the Philippines and in their new home, Australia. Journey back with them as they share cherished childhood memories of observing Holy Week traditions in the Philippines, from the solemn chanting of the Pasyon to the joyful dawn celebration of Salubong, the reflective pilgrimage of Visita Iglesia and what it meant for them as young people and now as bearers of traditions for their families. Then, the conversation sh...
2025-04-1245 minAdobo YarnEp 6 - Star margarine dreams & Vegemite schemesBuckle up, Adobo Yarn listeners, because Anna and Razel are about to take your tastebuds on a wild ride! This week, we're diving headfirst into the creamy, dreamy world of Star Margarine – the yellow tub that fuelled their Filipino childhoods and sparked a thousand "pampatangkad" fantasies. Then, prepare for a cultural curveball: the mighty Vegemite, that dark, pungent enigma that greeted them like a salty slap in the face upon migrating to Australia.Get ready for some seriously funny first-time Vegemite reactions (captured live during our online taste test, cha...
2025-03-2945 minAdobo YarnEp 05 - From kitchen to keyboard - stirring ingredients and storiesFood blogging in the olden days LOL! In this second part episode on the topic of food, Razel and Anna pulled back the curtain on their personal food adventures. They met each other in the multiverse that is social media, through their love of food. Finding comfort in the kitchen while juggling parenthood and everything that goes with their new surrounds as a migrant family. Both shared how they found inspiration in everyday cooking and discovered a creative outlet for self expression and cultural connection. When we move to a new...
2025-03-1527 minAdobo YarnEp 04 - Taste of home and the thread of belongingIf you were a Filipino dish, what dish are you and why? Reminiscing through stories of familiar flavours, sparking vivid memories of childhood kitchens and cherished family gatherings and how these culinary touchstones becomes anchors in a new land - join Anna and Razel in this episode to explore the many ways food acts as bridge between past and present, from our home land to our adopted country. From the comforting sinigang to sinampalukan to estofado, to learning new ways to eat avocado - not in fruit shake form!
2025-03-0837 minAdobo YarnEP 03 - Bayanihan at home: sharing is caring!From bayanihan to balancing acts! In this episode, we're talking chores: migrant experiences, parenting hacks, and raising responsible adults.Laba or plancha? Laundry or ironing?Anna and Razel share this candid conversation on parenting and the often-contentious topic of chores. They also went into memory lane, reminiscing their own childhood responsibilities helping in the home front from plancha (ironing) to bunot (floor scrubbing). They share home strategies, the importance of conversation and teamwork plus the challenges of instilling good habits on their kids.
2025-02-2235 minAdobo YarnEP 02 - Filo lunchboxes, parties and Razel's search for FriendsA seemingly insignificant detail in the grand scheme of things, but for immigrant families, they become a canvas for cultural expression, a battleground for acceptance and sometimes, a source of anxiety. The multicultural lunchbox!Anna and Razel unpack the emotional layers of this daily ritual, reminiscing the challenge of the school lunchbox. They also chat about the refreshing surprise of Aussie children's birthday parties. And as typical of these two, some off tangent yarn on Friends - yes that American TV series and Squid Games. Listen along and share with us how you navigated this rit...
2025-02-0823 minAdobo YarnEP01 - Crappy audio and first encountersYeah we know, the audio is crap! But we are here and welcoming you all to the pilot episode of Adobo Yarn! Razel and Anna share their experience arriving one fine winter day, many moons ago as migrants, and chat about the many firsts in their new home country. From airport chaos to finding a job, understanding the public school system, simple Aussie terms and everything in between.Listen along and tell us in the comments about your own experience and even suggest a topic that's close to you heart! We might even invite you t...
2025-01-2428 minAdobo YarnWelcome to Adobo Yarn! IntroAdobo 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...
2025-01-2000 min