Pinoy Patriarch Project Michael Pana

In this episode, I get very, very real. I speak about a family tragedy, how it affected my mental state, and how martial arts saved me (and can save you) if you are going through a mental health battle. I speak about my recent mental health battles and how my martial arts background helped me get through it.

In this solo episode I share a recent situation regarding two Pinoy teens I train, why I told them to stop training, and why I’m so passionate about making sure the younger generation of Pinoys has good Kuyas to guide them and hold them accountable.

In this solo episode I break down the importance of a healthy diet. For anyone aiming to be a Pinoy Patriarch, this is something that one needs to prioritize. I talk about how I got shingles at 36 and how I revamped my nutrition game.

In this solo episode I break down why Fitness is essential to becoming a better Pinoy Patriarch. I speak about a personal experience I had with a Pinoy father who was out of shape, and then I give my advice to get started on a fitness journey.

In this solo episode I discuss a true story that occurred yesterday as I was out with my family, and the lessons I’ve gleaned from it as a husband, father, and protector. I also explain why every Pinoy husband and father needs to have the capacity for violence.

Hello and welcome to the Pinoy Patriarch Project Podcast. I am your host Michael Pana. I am a husband, father of 3 boys, and full-time protector who is on the journey of learning what it means to be the leader of my home, my business, and my community. In this podcast I speak to Filipino and Filipino-American leaders who exhibit strength, honor, and courage who are leaders in their respective fields.

In this episode we sit down with Leo Manalo, a Tuhon (master level instructor) in Atienza Kali. He is also a married man with two daughters. He currently is a full-time martial art instructor through Atienza Kali teaches groups in the New York/New Jersey Tri-state area, and recently returned from teaching a seminar in Ireland.

I’ve known Tuhon Leo for over two decades, and in this interview we dig into his childhood as a Filipino immigrant, how his desire to be more masculine and tough brought him into the gang-life, and how training in martial arts led him to the Atienza family, ultimately resulting in his departure from gang-life and toward a more positive path. We also discuss topics such as as marriage and fatherhood, and how our Atienza training helped us in those areas of our lives.

I am a huge proponent of martial arts training as a means of finding brotherhood in our ever-divided world. This episode truly shows how the martial arts can be a positive avenue for any young Pinoy who is walking down a negative path. We aim to show how Atienza Kali helped Tuhon Leo become not only a skilled martial artist, but also a better husband, father, son, and friend.