Adobo Yarn
The podcast is about navigating the migrant life as Filipinos in Australia, discussing culture, food, experiences and adventures. "Adobo" represents the rich and layered nature of the human experience. Just like adobo can be adapted with different ingredients and methods, our lives are a blend of diverse influences made rich through the stories and culture that we bring and the new traditions that we create. "Yarn" symbolises the sharing of stories and experiences. We are weaving a narrative together, connecting with each other through the threads of our personal histories and perspectives.”
Ep 39 - The Purple Reign: Unpacking the Global Ube Craze
If your feed is full of neon-purple lattes, pastries, and viral TikTok treats, you've witnessed the global takeover of ube. But behind that gorgeous, highly Instagrammable hue lies a rich cultural history, serious agricultural challenges, and a complex conversation about what happens when an indigenous heritage crop goes hyper-viral.
In this episode, Anna and Razel discuss the beloved Philippine purple yam (Dioscorea alata):
Origins & Varieties: The history of ube as a sacred survivor crop and the prized Kinampay cultivar.Agricultural Protection: Why ube lacks the institutional safeguards of items like Japanese matcha...Ep 38 - The Stepping Stones: Migrant Work & Early Hustles
In this episode, Anna and Razel unpack the infamous "local experience" catch-22. How do you get local experience if no one will hire you without it?! From trying a retail job for the first time, delivering local papers, catalogues and flyers, cooking and fundraising for school community sausage sizzles and bake sales, to helping distribute meals to seniors in the community, we reflect on the stepping-stone gigs that gave us our very first Aussie references (and plenty of core memories).
In this episode:
💼 The catch-22 of "local experience" and how migrants navigate it🌭 The strate...Ep 37 - Teaching Across Borders: Navigating Identity, Lockdowns, and New Beginnings
In Episode 37 of Adobo Yarn, hosts Anna and Razel sit down with educator and founder Armak "Mak" Limitares to explore what it really takes to reinvent yourself across borders.
Mak spent years teaching English, Science and Math in Japan before relocating to Australia, landing in the midst of the global COVID lockdowns. Facing an unpredictable landscape arriving as an international student, Mak channeled his background in education into launching an online tutoring platform based in Sydney, turning an unprecedented disruption into a thriving business.
In this episode, we unpack:
The reality of navigating relocation...Ep 36 - Kamusta Kabayan! – Celebrating Buwan ng Wika & Finding Home in Words
We’re back! After a cozy winter hiatus, Anna and Razel return to the mic in time to celebrate Buwan ng Wika, and yes it is officially Spring down under!
In this comeback episode, we dive into the results of our Instagram poll to celebrate the Filipino words that are uniquely ours. The untranslatable, emotion-packed phrases that carry the weight of home. As migrants living in Australia, language takes on a whole new meaning. We share what happens when our "Filipino radar" goes off in a crowded Woolies aisle or at a concert, the art of...
Ep 22 - The Price of Nostalgia: Are We Undervaluing Our Own Cuisine? {re-release}
While the hosts are away on winter break, take a dive back into the archives for a re-release of one of the show's most requested discussions.
In Episode 22, The Price of Nostalgia: Are We Undervaluing Our Cuisine?, Anna and Razel unpack the complex cultural and economic forces shaping how Filipino food is priced, perceived, and appreciated globally.
From the tension between budget comfort food and fine dining recognition to the emotional weight of heritage recipes, this conversation explores what it truly costs to preserve and elevate culinary identity.
Catch up on t...
Ep 18 - From Ukay Ukay to Op Shops: The Art of the Purge [re-release]
While the team stays cozy on winter break, we’re raiding the archives to bring back an Adobo Yarn favourite!
In From Ukay Ukay to Op Shops — the Art of the Purge, we look at the art, nostalgia, and emotional chaos of decluttering. From bargain hunting back home to navigating local secondhand spots, how do you clear space without losing your favourite vintage finds?
Grab a warm drink and enjoy this throwback while we prep fresh episodes!
Note: This is an archived revisit episode released during our host winter break. New epi...
Ep 15 - Menopause and the "We Do Not Care" movement {re-release}
While Anna and Razel are tucked away hibernating this winter—warm tea in hand and prepping a refreshing slate of brand-new episodes for Spring—we’re dipping into the Adobo Yarn vault!
This week, we’re revisiting Episode 15, where Anna and Razel have one of their most raw, candid discussions yet. Unpacking perimenopause, menopause, and the liberating "We Do Not Care" movement, they dive straight into the honest realities of midlife, shedding societal expectations and holding nothing back.
Grab a warm blanket, press play, and stay cozy until our return this Spring! ☕✨
Disclaimer...Ep 10 - Don't sweep at night and other wild Pinoy oddities {re-release}
While Anna and Razel are tucked away hibernating this winter - warm drinks in hand, plotting a refreshing lineup of brand-new episodes for Spring, we are diving into the archives!
This week, we’re revisiting a true listener favourite: Episode 10 — Don't sweep at night... Whether you’re a long-time listener or new to the yarn, it’s the perfect time to look back at the quirky, comforting, and sometimes spooky cultural beliefs that shaped our childhoods. Grab your blanket, stay cozy, and let's unravel why you definitely shouldn't clear away that dust after dark.
New st...
Ep 8 - Unwrapping memories: Filipino snacks, then and now {re-release}
We are taking a little winter break to cozy up, stir the pot, and tend to our own hearths. But while we're away from the microphones, we couldn't leave you empty-handed.
This winter, we are revisiting some of our absolute favourite conversations - the threads of story and flavour that define what this community is all about. Whether you're hearing these for the time first time or wrapping yourself up in them like a favourite old cardigan, we're so glad you're here!
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Before the spring flowers bloom and bring a fresh batch of...
Ep 4 - Taste of home and the thread of belonging {re-release}
We are taking a little winter break to cozy up, stir the pot, and tend to our own hearths. But while we're away from the microphones, we couldn't leave you empty-handed.
This winter, we are revisiting some of our absolute favourite conversations - the threads of story and flavour that define what this community is all about. Whether you're hearing these for the time first time or wrapping yourself up in them like a favourite old cardigan, we're so glad you're here!
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In Episode 4, the conversation gets right into the he...
Ep 35: The Migrant Mirror: Looking Back at Our Quirks
What happens to our deepest cultural habits when we pack up our lives and cross the ocean?
In this episode, Anna and Razel hold up a mirror to the Filipino diaspora in Australia to look at the traits we grew up with and the ones we’ve had to intentionally unlearn. From hilarious cultural adjustments to the deeper, more systemic behaviours that just don't fly "down under". It’s time for an honest, funny, and deeply relatable cultural inventory.
In this conversation, we dive into:
'Filipino Time': H...
Ep 34 - A class of one - the realities of solo migration
Imagine stepping off a plane into a new country right as the world is emerging from global lockdowns. You’re alone, you’re lost, and within your first 48 hours, things go completely off the rails—and you have absolutely no idea who or where to ask for help.
In this episode, Anna and Razel sit down with Osep Estrada, who shares his raw, hilarious, and deeply moving experience of migrating to Australia solo in the immediate aftermath of COVID-19. Osep takes us back to those chaotic first two days in Adelaide South Australia, where a stressful series of mis...
Ep 34 - A class of one - the realities of solo migration
Imagine stepping off a plane into a new country right as the world is emerging from global lockdowns. You’re alone, you’re lost, and within your first 48 hours, things go completely off the rails—and you have absolutely no idea who or where to ask for help.
In this episode, Anna and Razel sit down with Osep Estrada, who shares his raw, hilarious, and deeply moving experience of migrating to Australia solo in the immediate aftermath of COVID-19. Osep takes us back to those chaotic first two days in Sydney, where a stressful series of mis...
Ep 33 - The Winter Pivot - from sabaw to required cold weather fashion
The crisp air has officially hit, and you know what that means—it’s time for the "Winter Pivot." In this episode, Anna and Razel settle in with hot mugs to discuss the inevitable shift from summer ease to winter survival.
We’re diving deep into the seasonal wardrobe transition: the ritual of bringing out the scarves and beanies, and the perfect pair of boots that can survive a rainy commute. But staying warm isn't just about what you wear; it's about what you eat. We share our ultimate winter comforts, comparing the soul-warming power of traditional Pinoy...
Ep 32 - From corporate courtrooms to coffee cups: a Batangas-to-Sydney journey
In continuation of Filipino Food Month, we sit down with the visionary behind Elizabeth Bay’s Greenknowe Cafe to explore a story of reinvention, resilience, and the undeniable pull of home.
The journey began in 2015 with a leap of faith and a dependent visa. We trace an incredible professional pivot: from practicing law in the Philippines to navigating Sydney’s corporate landscape as a marketing manager in education, and finally, co-founding a community staple.
Our guest this episode is Sandra, co-owner of Greenknowe Cafe with husband Chef Jovan Arias. Rooted in the traditions of R...
Ep 31 - Global Flavours, Local Roots: Celebrating Filipino Food Month
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...Ep 30 - Give to Gain: Building a Legacy of Financial and Cultural Freedom (IWD 2026 Special)
"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...
Ep 29 - The 100-Point Struggle: Navigating Australian IDs as a Pinoy Migrant 🇵🇭🇦🇺
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.💳 Medica...Ep 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...
Ep 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...
Ep 26 - New Year Goals, Side Quests, and the Balik Alindog Era
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...
Ep 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...
Ep 24 - From Noche Buena to the Backyard BBQ: Our Hybrid Christmas Story
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<...
Ep 23 - The Interstate Adobo Yarn - From Laneways to Highlands and the Coast
Welcome 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!
🥶...
Ep 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...
Ep 21 - Undas, Halloween, and Migrant Ghosts
What 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...
Ep 20 - Ganda ng Sydney and beyond. Road trip with a side of adobo yarn
Hop 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...
Ep 19 - Skyflakes & stethoscopes: our health as Filipino migrants
In 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...
Ep 18 - From Ukay-ukay to Op Shops: The Art of the Purge
Spring 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...
Ep 17 - Adobo, BBQs and Dads
Papa, 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...
Ep 16 - Adobo Standards and Fave Eats
In 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.<...
Ep 15 - Menopause & The "We Do Not Care" Movement
Join 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...
Ep 14 - The Balikbayan Journey: Old Memories, New Realities
What'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...
Ep 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...
Ep 12 - Bahay Kubo: A Symbol of Resilience and Heritage
Part 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...
Ep 11 - More Than a Monument: Filipino Heroes Across Generations
Did 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...
Ep 10 - Don't sweep at night and other wild Pinoy oddities
Ever 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...
Ep 9 - The Language of Love: A Mother's Day Conversation
In 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.
<...Ep 8 - Unwrapping Memories: Filipino Snacks, Then and Now
Mabuhay! 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
Ep 7 - Lenten reflections. From pasyon to hot cross buns
Join 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...
