Filipina on the Rise

Krystl Fabella
  • 4.9 (134)
  • Personal Journals
  • Updated Monthly

Welcome to Filipina on the Rise Podcast! This podcast aims to promote Filipina excellence world wide by elevating Filipinas in every industry who are doing big things and making an impact! Together, we learn about their journey, tackle some cultural topics as related to being Filipino in the modern day, and give advice to someone pursuing their own excellence. highlight Filipino culture in modern day successes and celebrate what it means to be a Filipina. 

  1. Filipino Virtual Professionals are powering businesses worldwide... but at what cost?

    May 13

    Filipino Virtual Professionals are powering businesses worldwide... but at what cost?

    This episode is brought to you by our sponsor, Optinizers (https://www.optinizers.com/) — helping entrepreneurs scale smarter with world-class virtual support. Andy Cheng is an entrepreneur, business strategist, and former President of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) Los Angeles Chapter who has built and scaled multiple multi‑million dollar businesses. In this episode, he’s joined by Trisha, a Filipina operator and Head of Recruitment at OptiNizers, to break down how scrappy founders can stop doing everything alone and finally build the right support around them. If you’ve ever felt stuck at the same level—working nonstop but not really moving forward—this conversation will show you a different way to grow. In this episode we’ll cover… - The moment you know you can’t “DIY” your business anymore and what to do instead   - Why Andy believes your first hire should usually be an executive assistant—and how that unlocks both your business and personal life   - The difference between “connecting the dots” and truly empowering remote talent, especially Filipino professionals   - How Trisha went from BPO employee to a founder’s right-hand operator helping scale a team from 2 to 20   - The most common mindset blocks founders have around delegating, and practical shifts to start letting go   - Real examples of what Filipino remote talent can own for you—EA, operations, bookkeeping, video editing, and more   🧭 Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome & why this convo matters for every kind of builder   01:30 Meeting Andy & Trisha + how OptiNizers supports this podcast   03:26 Trisha’s journey from BPO to right-hand operator & Head of Recruitment   06:46 If you feel stuck and keep “starting over” every year…   10:25 Who OptiNizers serves and the most common roles to hire first   13:40 Two types of clients & getting honest about what you really need   19:25 Discovering exploitation in the VA industry   20:45 Starting OptiNizers with a more ethical, balanced model   25:06 When is it actually time to hire support? (Effective hourly rate)   30:40 What to delegate first as a scrappy founder   36:10 How to build healthy relationships with Filipino remote talent   42:00 Letting go of control & focusing on your zone of genius   47:30 Final advice for Filipinas redefining leadership and success   ✨ CONNECT WITH ANDY Instagram (OptiNizers): @optinizers   Website: https://chengandy.com/ 📣 Follow Filipina on the Rise   Instagram: https://instagram.com/filipinaontherise   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@filipinaontherise   Website & newsletter: https://filipinaontherise.com   #FilipinaOnTheRise #AndyCheng #OptiNizers #FilipinaLeadership #FilipinaEntrepreneur #FilipinoTalent #AAPIWomen #FilipinaExcellence #VirtualAssistant #RemoteWork #Delegation #WomenInBusiness As a business owner, podcaster, and multi-business owner, I’ve learned that real progress doesn’t come from doing more — it comes from building the right partnerships. OptiNizers matches you with carefully vetted, continuously trained remote talent aligned with your goals, so you can scale with confidence. 👉 Book a free call with OptiNizers and mention KRYSTL https://www.optinizers.com/contact

    52 min
  2. How Founders Escape the ‘Do Everything Yourself’ Cycle with Andy Cheng of Optinizers

    May 10

    How Founders Escape the ‘Do Everything Yourself’ Cycle with Andy Cheng of Optinizers

    This episode is brought to you by our sponsor, Optinizers (https://www.optinizers.com/) — helping entrepreneurs scale smarter with world-class virtual support. Andy Cheng is an entrepreneur, business strategist, and former President of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) Los Angeles Chapter who has built and scaled multiple multi‑million dollar businesses. In this episode, he’s joined by Trisha, a Filipina operator and Head of Recruitment at OptiNizers, to break down how scrappy founders can stop doing everything alone and finally build the right support around them. If you’ve ever felt stuck at the same level—working nonstop but not really moving forward—this conversation will show you a different way to grow. In this episode we’ll cover… - The moment you know you can’t “DIY” your business anymore and what to do instead   - Why Andy believes your first hire should usually be an executive assistant—and how that unlocks both your business and personal life   - The difference between “connecting the dots” and truly empowering remote talent, especially Filipino professionals   - How Trisha went from BPO employee to a founder’s right-hand operator helping scale a team from 2 to 20   - The most common mindset blocks founders have around delegating, and practical shifts to start letting go   - Real examples of what Filipino remote talent can own for you—EA, operations, bookkeeping, video editing, and more   🧭 Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome & why this convo matters for every kind of builder   01:30 Meeting Andy & Trisha + how OptiNizers supports this podcast   03:26 Trisha’s journey from BPO to right-hand operator & Head of Recruitment   06:46 If you feel stuck and keep “starting over” every year…   10:25 Who OptiNizers serves and the most common roles to hire first   13:40 Two types of clients & getting honest about what you really need   19:25 Discovering exploitation in the VA industry   20:45 Starting OptiNizers with a more ethical, balanced model   25:06 When is it actually time to hire support? (Effective hourly rate)   30:40 What to delegate first as a scrappy founder   36:10 How to build healthy relationships with Filipino remote talent   42:00 Letting go of control & focusing on your zone of genius   47:30 Final advice for Filipinas redefining leadership and success   ✨ CONNECT WITH ANDY Instagram (OptiNizers): @optinizers   Website: https://chengandy.com/ 📣 Follow Filipina on the Rise   Instagram: https://instagram.com/filipinaontherise   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@filipinaontherise   Website & newsletter: https://filipinaontherise.com   #FilipinaOnTheRise #AndyCheng #OptiNizers #FilipinaLeadership #FilipinaEntrepreneur #FilipinoTalent #AAPIWomen #FilipinaExcellence #VirtualAssistant #RemoteWork #Delegation #WomenInBusiness As a business owner, podcaster, and multi-business owner, I’ve learned that real progress doesn’t come from doing more — it comes from building the right partnerships. OptiNizers matches you with carefully vetted, continuously trained remote talent aligned with your goals, so you can scale with confidence. 👉 Book a free call with OptiNizers and mention KRYSTL https://www.optinizers.com/contact

    52 min
  3. Being Underestimated is your Biggest Advantage | First Filipina Winner of Survivor, Erika Casupana

    Mar 26

    Being Underestimated is your Biggest Advantage | First Filipina Winner of Survivor, Erika Casupana

    This episode is brought to you by our sponsor, Optinizers (https://www.optinizers.com/) — helping entrepreneurs scale smarter with world-class virtual support. Erika Casupanan made history as the first Canadian — and first Filipina — to win American Survivor, breaking a seven-season streak of male winners with her quiet, strategic game. A proud Filipina Canadian with roots in Manila and a background in tech and communications, Erika turned a lifetime of being underestimated into her greatest competitive advantage. In this episode, she shows us how the skills many Filipinas develop just to survive and succeed in Western systems are the same skills that can make us powerful leaders, strategists, and game-changers. In this episode we’ll cover… - Growing up in a multigenerational Filipino household in Canada and watching her parents navigate “survival mode” - How being the child of immigrants shaped Erika’s resourcefulness, ambition, and belief that she could “figure it out” no matter the hand she was dealt - The story of how Survivor became her childhood dream after the loss of her grandfather — and why representation and resilience were at the heart of it - The real skills that helped her win Survivor: emotional intelligence, reading people, communications savvy, and navigating male-dominated spaces like tech - How Erika strategically leveraged being underestimated — her size, her identity, her persona — into a winning advantage - What it means to step into your power as a Filipina, own your story, and see that you already have what it takes to “win” in your own life 🧭 Timestamps: 00:00:00 Breaking Survivor history & Erika’s many “firsts”   00:03:12 From tech & comms to the Survivor island   00:04:53 Growing up Filipina Canadian in survival mode   00:07:41 Discovering Survivor at 11 & dreaming of winning   00:10:07 Noticing privilege, power & being “different”   00:10:36 The high school TV show story & losing an opportunity   00:18:24 Invisible strings, bias & trusting your gut   00:21:26 Overachieving, people-pleasing & career beginnings   00:30:00 Turning being underestimated into a winning Survivor strategy   00:42:00 Emotional intelligence, alliances & making bold moves   00:54:00 Life after Survivor: speaking, media & owning your identity   01:04:00 Creating “Happy to See Me” + advice for underestimated Filipinas  ✨ CONNECT WITH ERIKA: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erika_cas   Website: https://www.erikacasupanan.com/   Podcast: “Happy to See Me!” (available on all major podcast platforms)   📣 Follow Filipina on the Rise   Instagram: https://instagram.com/filipinaontherise   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@filipinaontherise   Website & newsletter: https://filipinaontherise.com   This podcast episode is brought to you by OptiNizers, a remote talent agency that connects businesses with highly skilled Filipino remote professionals who help entrepreneurs delegate smarter, reclaim time, and stay focused on what truly drives growth. 👉 Book a free call with OptiNizers and mention KRYSTL https://www.optinizers.com/contact

    1h 14m

  4. Mar 19

    Why Filipinas Need to Be in the AI Conversation | Replay with Dr. Kristine, Founder & former Director of AI

    This episode features Dr. Khristine Gloria, a cognitive scientist and AI ethics expert, discussing the importance of diversity, representation, and ethical considerations in AI development. We explore how biases in AI reflect societal stereotypes, the role of community input, and strategies for responsible AI use, especially for marginalized communities. keywords AI ethics, diversity in AI, representation, biases, responsible AI, Filipino community, media representation, technology for good key topics AI biases and stereotypesRepresentation of marginalized communities in AIEthical data collection and consentDiversity in AI development teamsCommunity engagement in AI designtitles AI and Cultural Representation: Addressing Biases and StereotypesThe Future of AI: Diversity, Ethics, and Community ImpactSound Bites "Bias is exponential in AI decision making""Humans have qualities AI cannot replicate""Diverse teams create better AI products"Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Christine Gloria and AI ethics 01:14 The Filipino Barbie AI-generated controversy 02:59 Media representation and stereotypes in AI 07:55 Critical thinking about AI and cultural biases 11:23 Human bias in AI training data 12:58 Ethical data collection and regulation 15:24 Diversity in AI teams and decision-making 18:33 Approaching AI with curiosity and responsibility 20:06 Common misconceptions about AI and fears 23:38 Humans' unique qualities in the age of AI 25:04 Connecting with community and upskilling in AI 27:05 The art of articulating AI prompts 27:52 Learning Filipino history through innovative courses 29:54 Cultural adoption of technology in the Philippines 30:36 Diversity and representation in AI development 32:58 Final thoughts and resources for further learning 33:43 Fun with AI: Creating song lyrics Resources Dr. Christine Gloria on LinkedInAI Bias and Fairness - MIT Technology Review

    41 min
  5. Why Is It So Hard to Ask for What You Need? Achieving Relationship Reciprocity with Lia Mancao, Licensed Therapist (feat. on Vogue, Elle, Oprah Mag)

    Mar 11

    Why Is It So Hard to Ask for What You Need? Achieving Relationship Reciprocity with Lia Mancao, Licensed Therapist (feat. on Vogue, Elle, Oprah Mag)

    Many of us grow up learning to take care of everyone else first. For many women — especially Filipina women navigating family expectations, cultural values, and relationships — that can show up as over-functioning, suppressing our needs, and staying in patterns that don’t truly support us. In this episode, therapist and social worker Lia Mancao joins us to talk about the relationship patterns many people don’t realize they’re carrying — and how to start building self-trust, healthier boundaries, and more balanced partnerships. Lia shares insights from her work helping people understand how childhood experiences shape adult relationships, why people often forgive quickly to avoid abandonment, and how we can begin reconnecting with our own needs. This conversation is honest, reflective, and ultimately hopeful — especially if you’ve ever felt responsible for holding everything together. In This Episode We Talk About• how Filipino culture and family dynamics can shape the way many women show up in relationships • the difference between a “proximityship” and a true partnership, and what self-abandonment actually looks like • why many women over-function in relationships and struggle to name their needs • how to start rebuilding self-trust, boundaries, and healthier relationship patterns Listener ReflectionHave you ever noticed yourself doing more than your share in relationships — just to keep things working? What might change if you trusted yourself enough to name your needs? Episode Timestamps00:00 Intro & meet therapist Lia Mancao 02:20 Lia’s background and path into therapy and social work 05:00 Why understanding childhood experiences matters in adult life 09:00 Social justice, advocacy, and mental health work 12:05 The difference between functional rest vs restorative rest 13:55 Why some people struggle to truly relax 23:50 Finding micro-moments of rest in busy lives 24:55 Relationship patterns many Filipina clients experience 26:10 How childhood needs affect adult relationships 27:10 Why some people struggle to even identify their needs 28:10 Forgiving quickly because of fear of abandonment 30:20 How to rebuild self-trust through small actions 32:30 Inner child work and what we needed to hear growing up 34:00 Giving yourself the apology you never received 34:45 The concept of a “proximityship” vs partnership 36:30 What self-abandonment actually looks like 37:55 Understanding social currency and external validation 40:00 The pressure to perform on social media 42:00 Adapting without losing authenticity 44:00 Knowing when to step back from productivity 46:15 Navigating seasons of uncertainty 47:10 An inner child reflection practice Connect with Our GuestFollow Lia and her work: Instagram @alyssamariewellness Website https://www.alyssamariewellness.com/ Connect with Filipina on the RiseInstagram https://www.instagram.com/filipinaontherise Website https://www.filipinaontherise.com If this conversation resonated with you, please consider giving to Filipina on the Rise here: https://www.filipinaontherise.com/donate or leaving a 5-star written review on Apple Podcasts. It helps the show get discovered, allows us to bring on incredible guests, and supports the mission of uplifting Filipina voices and stories. Thank you and Stay Rising!

    51 min
  6. Why Not You? Martial Artist Nelita Villezon on Building Unshakable Confidence, Reclaiming Mixed Identity & Dreaming Bigger at 40

    Mar 3

    Why Not You? Martial Artist Nelita Villezon on Building Unshakable Confidence, Reclaiming Mixed Identity & Dreaming Bigger at 40

    This episode is brought to you by our sponsor, Optinizers (https://www.optinizers.com/) — helping entrepreneurs scale smarter with world-class virtual support. Filipina martial artist, wellness entrepreneur, and digital creator Nelita Villezon has spent her life becoming a “human weapon” — and now she’s using that power to help women feel safer, stronger, and more rooted in who they are. From growing up under the wing of her world-champion martial artist father to navigating health challenges, grief, motherhood, and reinvention, Nelita’s journey is a masterclass in embodied confidence and redefining power as a Filipina. This conversation is for anyone who wants to feel more secure in her body, more honest about her struggles, and more intentional about how she rises.  In this episode we’ll cover…  - How Nelita’s Filipina upbringing and her dad’s legacy in martial arts shaped her identity, confidence, and career path   - What it really means to be a “human weapon” — and how awareness, boundaries, and simple tools (yes, even an umbrella) can radically increase your safety   - The behind-the-scenes reality of being a creator, mom, and entrepreneur in her late 30s/40s — and why she’s done performing perfection online   - Why she felt called to create women-only self-defense spaces and the emotional shift she witnesses when fear turns into power in her students   - How grief, health scares, and life transitions led her to focus on longevity, wellness, and sustainable strength instead of hustle and burnout   - Practical ways Filipinas can reclaim power in everyday life: from how you walk into a room to how you advocate for your body, time, and energy   ⏱ Timestamps 00:00:00 Welcome, Filipina on the Rise & Nelita’s intro   00:01:21 “Frazzled but here”: real-life chaos & showing up anyway   00:03:06 What it means to be a “human weapon” & her dad’s legacy   00:04:49 Lifelong martial arts, survival, and doors it opened   00:05:56 Situational awareness, travel safety & everyday “weapons”   00:06:52 Why she felt called to train women specifically   00:07:58 The switch that flips when women find their power   00:09:40 Representation, fierceness & being who you never saw growing up   00:11:04 Growing up Black and Filipina, moving from North Carolina to California   00:13:35 “What are you?”: forms, race boxes & early identity confusion   00:18:30 Claiming both cultures & healing the inner child   00:25:10 Entering male-dominated spaces in martial arts and film   00:33:45 Grief, health challenges & rebuilding from rock bottom   00:42:20 Redefining strength: longevity, nervous system & sustainable power   00:51:00 Motherhood, boundaries & designing a values-led career   00:58:30 Practical self-defense tips & how to start training today   01:03:00 Final words for the woman learning to take up space   ✨ Connect with Nelita   Instagram: https://instagram.com/nelita_v   Programs & Offerings: https://stan.store/nelita_v   📣 Follow Filipina on the Rise   Instagram: https://instagram.com/filipinaontherise   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@filipinaontherise   Website & newsletter: https://filipinaontherise.com   This podcast episode is brought to you by OptiNizers, a remote talent agency that connects businesses with highly skilled Filipino remote professionals who help entrepreneurs delegate smarter, reclaim time, and stay focused on what truly drives growth. 👉 Book a free call with OptiNizers and mention KRYSTL https://www.optinizers.com/contact

    1h 6m
  7. Changing Hollywood: A Film Producer Bringing Our Stories to the Big Screen | Hillary Soriano on How to Execute Big Visions on a Budget & Filipina Care as Power

    Feb 12

    Changing Hollywood: A Film Producer Bringing Our Stories to the Big Screen | Hillary Soriano on How to Execute Big Visions on a Budget & Filipina Care as Power

    This episode is brought to you by our sponsor, Optinizers — helping entrepreneurs scale smarter with world-class virtual support. Hillary Soriano is a Filipina-American actress and executive producer creating independent films centered on Filipino and immigrant stories. From co-producing their very first film with Manny Pacquiao to releasing their latest project theatrically through Regal Cinemas, Hillary and her husband Chris have built a filmmaking career outside the traditional studio system — on their own terms. What if our cultural traits — our care, service, and resourcefulness — are actually our greatest advantage? Hillary shares what it was like feeling replaceable in LA and the moment she and Chris stopped waiting for permission and built their own projects. We talk about her new film, Red Light Teachers, following a Filipina immigrant forced to make difficult choices to survive — and unpack a familiar tension: being pushed toward “safe” careers, yet discovering that the same caregiving instinct can become real leadership power. ⏱ Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome + Why Filipina Care Is Power 03:16 – Feeding a 15-Hour Film Set & Leadership Through Care 06:58 – Co-Producing Their First Film with Manny Pacquiao 10:32 – Feeling Replaceable in LA & Creating Their Own Opportunities 15:19 – How to Start Producing a Film: Script, Team, Budget 22:16 – The Story Behind Red Light Teachers 26:07 – Immigrant Survival & The Choices We Don’t Talk About 42:17 – Relationships, Business & Why Being Nice Wins 49:54 – “Your Time Will Come” This podcast episode is brought to you by OptiNizers, a remote talent agency that connects businesses with highly skilled Filipino remote professionals who help entrepreneurs delegate smarter, reclaim time, and stay focused on what truly drives growth. As a business owner, podcaster, and multi-business owner, I’ve learned that real progress doesn’t come from doing more — it comes from building the right partnerships. OptiNizers matches you with carefully vetted, continuously trained remote talent aligned with your goals, so you can scale with confidence. 👉 Free up time to focus on the BIG PICTURE, book a complimentary call with OptiNizers and mention KRYSTL

    56 min

  8. Feb 5

    Krystl Fabella, Founder of Filipina on the Rise: How I am Rebuilding Community Differently

    In this solo episode of Filipina on the Rise, Krystl Fabella returns after a year-long pause to share the behind-the-scenes story of burnout, misalignment, and the unexpected season that nearly led her to walk away from everything she built. Krystl reflects on what it looked like to step away from social media, slow down after years of nonstop momentum, and listen to the signals coming from her body, spirit, and intuition. Through deeply personal storytelling—from a car accident and health wake-up calls to returning home and rebuilding real-life community—she unpacks why presence, proximity, and healing became the foundation for the next chapter of Filipina on the Rise. This episode is an honest reframe on growth, leadership, and sustainability for anyone navigating burnout, questioning their path, or feeling called to pause before moving forward again. Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome back & why this episode matters Krystl shares why she took a break from podcasting and what prompted her return. 03:45 – The origin of Filipina on the Rise From recording in a closet to building a global community—and the identity journey that started it all. 07:30 – When momentum stops feeling aligned What it looked like to keep producing externally while burning out internally. 12:40 – Stepping away from social media & visibility Why unplugging felt risky—and what clarity came from the silence. 17:50 – The wake-up calls: burnout, a car accident, and health signals How the body forces pauses the mind tries to avoid. 23:30 – Returning home & getting “rooted in good soil” Why going back to her hometown became a season of healing and rerouting. 30:10 – Presence over performance Letting go of constant productivity and redefining what growth actually means. 36:45 – Rebuilding real-life community The difference between online connection and proximity-based sisterhood. 43:20 – Healing, intuition, and reconnecting with the body Why women’s health, cycles, and intuition are essential to sustainable leadership. 50:10 – The question of walking away Why Krystl considered ending Filipina on the Rise—and what ultimately pulled her back. 55:40 – A new vision for community-led growth How listening to the needs of the audience sparked a reimagined model for sisterhood. 1:01:30 – Closing reflections & what’s next An invitation to honor the unseen seasons that shape who we become.

    37 min
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4.9
out of 5
134 Ratings

About

Welcome to Filipina on the Rise Podcast! This podcast aims to promote Filipina excellence world wide by elevating Filipinas in every industry who are doing big things and making an impact! Together, we learn about their journey, tackle some cultural topics as related to being Filipino in the modern day, and give advice to someone pursuing their own excellence. highlight Filipino culture in modern day successes and celebrate what it means to be a Filipina. 

Information

  • Creator
    Krystl Fabella
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    111
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Filipina on the Rise
  • Show Website
    Filipina on the Rise