Filipina on the Rise

Krystl Fabella
  • 4.9 (133)
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  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

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. How to Ask for What You Need & Stop Self-Abandoning with Lia Mancao, Licensed Therapist feat. on Vogue, Elle, Womens Health

    5D AGO

    How to Ask for What You Need & Stop Self-Abandoning with Lia Mancao, Licensed Therapist feat. on Vogue, Elle, Womens Health

    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
  2. 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. 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, continuousl

    1h 6m
  3. Changing Hollywood: A Filipina 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 Filipina 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

  4. 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
  5. Claim Your Role: A Filipina Netflix Actress on Rising from Rejection, Becoming the Lead, & the Secret to Securing your Dream Role

    07/10/2025

    Claim Your Role: A Filipina Netflix Actress on Rising from Rejection, Becoming the Lead, & the Secret to Securing your Dream Role

    What does it take to go from near-constant rejection to becoming the lead actress in rom-coms — in an industry where Filipina faces are still rare? In this inspiring and deeply real episode, Filipina-American actress and comedian Nikki McKenzie joins Filipina on the Rise to share her story of perseverance, identity, and choosing joy in the face of “almosts.” Nikki opens up about the emotional toll of rejection in the acting world, how she found confidence in her voice and culture, and what it meant to finally land a role that was literally rewritten for her as a Filipina lead. This conversation is a masterclass in trusting divine timing, letting go of outcomes, and staying true to who you are — even in industries that try to shape you otherwise. Whether you're chasing a dream, reinventing yourself, or simply want to feel seen — this one is for you. 💡 In this episode, you’ll learn: What it's really like to break into Hollywood as a Filipina actressThe emotional journey of handling rejection and redefining successWhy representation in romantic films matters more than we realizeHow Nikki built her career by showing up as her true selfLessons on identity, belonging, and letting go of being “picked”What it means when a role gets rewritten for you🎬 About Nikki McKenzie: Nikki McKenzie is a Filipina-American actress and comedian known for her blend of comedic charisma and emotional depth. She’s starred in heartfelt TV romances like The Wedding Contest and A Vineyard Christmas, making her one of the few Filipina leads in mainstream romantic film. Her upcoming indie rom-com, A Fantastic Relationship, tells the story of a couple who pretends to be back together at a dinner party — and showcases her signature charm in a refreshingly real story about family, love, and self-respect. 🔗 Connect with Nikki McKenzie (Insert her correct links once confirmed) IG / @nikkitabanana17 IMDb / Nikki Mckenzie Coming soon: A Fantastic Relationship (streaming platform TBA) ✨ Connect with Filipina on the Rise WEB / www.filipinaontherise.com IG / @filipinaontherise YOUTUBE / @filipinaontherise PODCAST / Apple Podcasts ✨ If this episode resonated with you, share it on Instagram and tag us @filipinaontherise — we love seeing how these stories are lighting you up. And don’t forget to rate & review the show — your support helps amplify Filipina voices and bring more empowering stories to the forefront. Until next time, stay rising. 🌿

    1h 31m

  6. 05/08/2025

    Erika Casupanan, Winner of Survivor, How to Actually Take Up Space, Being Underestimated & Unstoppable

    What if we don’t know how to take up space? Maybe it wasn’t taught to us growing up. Maybe it’s not naturally part of our culture. On this episode swap, Krystl talks with Erika Casupanan — the first ever Filipino AND Canadian to win Survivor! Erika is a speaker, TV personality, and writer who's built a career on flipping the script on what it means to be underestimated. On Happy to See Me, she interviews guests who were often counted out — and highlights how they broke past the limits placed on them. In this episode, Erika and Krystl have a vulnerable and empowering conversation around a big question: They talk about their Filipino upbringing, imposter syndrome, the upper limit problem, and the slow, intentional process of building real self-compassion. You’ll hear stories, reflections, and practical insights that will inspire you to be kind to yourself and step into your power authentically. ✨ This one’s for anyone who’s ever felt small in spaces they were meant to shine in. Support Filipino BC’s Kapwa Strong Fund https://filipinobc.com/ Follow the Happy to See Me Pod on Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/happytoseemepod/ Listen to the Happy to See Me Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/happy-to-see-me-with-erika-casupanan/id1667189595 Follow Erika on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/erika_cas/ Subscribe to the podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@happytoseemepod Please rate, review and subscribe!

    57 min

  7. 04/03/2025

    The Courage to Reclaim Your Authentic Life with Trisha, Healer, Divorce Coach, Death Doula

    Join me, Krystl Fabella, as I sit down with Trisha Perez of Talaya Guides, a sacred spaceholder, death doula, and guide for those navigating major life transitions. Trisha’s journey is one of immense transformation—after experiencing a devastating stillbirth in 2017, she found herself in a deep personal reckoning. Now, she helps others embrace their own dark moments, guiding them from chaos to clarity with grace, love, and deep healing. 💫 In this episode, we discuss: ✨ Moving through grief and life’s darkest moments to find clarity ✨ The importance of seeking support & the power of community ✨ Practical ways to hold space for yourself and others during difficult times ✨ How playfulness and joy can be powerful tools for healing ✨ A special singing exercise at the end—trust me, you’ll love it! 🌿 About Trisha Perez: Trisha is an oracle of love and an activator of change, guiding people through major transitions with a deep sense of wisdom, intuition, and embodiment. She is certified in numerous healing modalities, including Reiki, breathwork, high-conflict divorce coaching, and holistic sound healing. Her mission is to help others reclaim their power and move through life’s most challenging moments with confidence and self-love. 🔗 Connect with Trisha & Work with Her: Website: www.talayaguides.com Instagram: @talayaguides TikTok: @talayaguides YouTube: @talayaguides 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform!

    54 min

  8. 02/06/2025

    Dr. Stacey, Forbes Advisor & White House Speaker: Decolonizing Self Care, Rewriting our Cultural Scripts, Healing through Secure Partnerships, Epigenetics, Break Free from Burnout

    Dr. Stacey Litam, a licensed clinical counselor and psychologist, discusses intergenerational trauma and healing in the Filipino-American community. She shares the impact of cultural scripts on relationships and self-worth. Dr. Litam emphasizes the importance of secure attachment in relationships and the need for partners who understand, anticipate needs, and love without transactional expectations. She also explores the concept of diasporic wounds and the process of healing and growth in the Filipino-American community. In this conversation, Dr. Stacey Litam and Krystl discuss the importance of intergenerational healing and the role of secure partnerships in the healing process. They explore the need to decolonize our understanding of healing and embrace both individual and interpersonal healing. They also touch on the concept of epigenetics and how trauma can be passed down through generations. The conversation emphasizes the value of community and connection in the healing journey and encourages celebrating our accomplishments and prioritizing self-care. takeaways Intergenerational trauma and cultural scripts impact the Filipino-American community's relationships and self-worth.Seeking white proximity for acceptance is a survival strategy rooted in colonial mentality.Healing and growth in the Filipino-American community require secure attachment in relationships.Partners who understand, anticipate needs, and love without transactional expectations support healing and self-acceptance.Acknowledging and addressing diasporic wounds is essential for personal and collective healing. Intergenerational healing involves recognizing and embracing the strengths and patterns inherited from previous generations.Secure and healthy partnerships can be a powerful tool for healing and growth.Healing should be approached from both an individualistic and collectivist perspective, acknowledging the importance of self-care and community support.Epigenetics highlights the impact of trauma on our DNA and the potential for resilience and growth.It is important to celebrate our accomplishments and prioritize self-care in order to avoid burnout and find fulfillment.Website Instagram: @drstaceyalitam intergenerational trauma, healing, Filipino-American, white proximity, cultural scripts, relationships, self-worth, secure attachment, diasporic wounds, growth, intergenerational healing, secure partnerships, decolonizing healing, epigenetics, trauma, community, connection, celebration, self-care

    1h 11m
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4.9
out of 5
133 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
    108
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Filipina on the Rise
  • Show Website
    Filipina on the Rise

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