Philippine history that is accessible and approachable. PODKAS envisions the mainstreaming of critical discussions on Philippine history, politics, and society to broader audiences using new media, accessible language, and relatable content.
For our finale episode, we talk about the journey of the ultimate Filipino staple, tracing how a grain introduced by Austronesian migrants transformed from a prestige food for the elite into the non-negotiable foundation of daily life. Through 3,500 years of agricultural history, we examine the spiritual rituals of the Cordilleras, the impact of colonial encomiendas, and the technological shifts of the Green Revolution that reshaped the landscape. How can rice serve as a lens for understanding Filipino identity, resilience, and the delicate balance between tradition and survival?
15 Nov 2025
Jeepney: King of the Road
Climb aboard for a journey into the heart the Philippines' most iconic symbol: the jeepney, also known as the "King of the Road." In this episode, we trace the jeepney's incredible story, from its birth out of World War II scrap metal to its reign as a rolling gallery of folk art and chrome. Discover how former horse-carriage drivers became automotive pioneers, creating a unique communal theater on wheels where strangers pass fares with "paki-abot" and stop the driver with a shout of "Para po!" Beyond its vibrant exterior, the episode explores the jeepney's soul—its role as a symbol of resistance during martial law and the fierce modern-day battle for its survival, as government phase-out programs threaten to end the reign of this beloved cultural icon.
8 Nov 2025
Banig: Grounding Filipino Life
The banig is more than just a simple mat; it’s an object that literally grounds Filipino life. This episode traces its extraordinary 39,000-year journey, from prehistoric stone tools in the Tabon Caves to the sacred spaces of pre-colonial chieftains. We explore how this craft, passed down almost exclusively by women, survived colonization through its "strategic ordinariness" and later became a national symbol. We also discuss the harsh economic realities facing master weavers today and the countermovement by contemporary designers and social enterprises who are transforming the humble mat from the floor to the fashion catwalk.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
150,030
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
8 ratings
Spotify
4.9 / 5
396 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 81 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
91
Social presence
0
YouTube
86
Engagement
92
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