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Pope Francis and the 'Smugglers of Faith': A Filipino tribute from Rome
22:20|In this episode produced by Jacque Manabat, we delve into the impact of Pope Francis's passing on the Filipino migrant community in Rome, a community that felt a particularly deep connection with him. We're joined by Egay Bonzon, a respected leader within that community, to explore this shared grief and the powerful legacy the Pope leaves behind.Egay, along with many other Filipinos, reflects on Pope Francis's description of them as 'contrabandistas de la fe,' or 'smugglers of the faith,' a phrase that acknowledged their quiet yet significant role in spreading faith through their daily lives. The Pope's understanding of migration, stemming from his own background as the son of Italian immigrants in Argentina, resonated deeply with Filipinos living abroad. His compassion for the poor, his simple lifestyle, and his unwavering advocacy for social justice created a strong bond. We'll discuss how Pope Francis's leadership was perceived not just as a spiritual guide, but as that of a family member, and a powerful voice for the marginalized. Egay, himself an advocate for workers' rights within the community, shares how the Pope's legacy extends beyond religious affiliation, touching the lives of many, regardless of their faith.We'll also explore the outpouring of affection from Filipinos who are now making pilgrimages to Rome, referring to him affectionately as 'Lolo Kiko,' a testament to the personal connection they felt.This episode is engineered by Anthony Tobias. Jaemark Tordecilla is our editor-at-large.Listen to our episodes on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.For more updates, follow Teka Teka on these platforms: Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.
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Not just for techies: How we’re all using AI now
51:07|AI isn't just for techies—it’s already part of your day. In this episode of Teka Teka, Roby Alampay chats with Josh Aquino of Microsoft Philippines and content creators Alvin Santos (@pepe_word_smith) and Trixie Esguerra (@thatgirltrixie) about how AI tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot are shaping our everyday routines. From planning presentations and checking grammar to bedtime storytelling and biohacking research, we explore the smart (and sometimes funny) ways Filipinos are already using AI—without even realizing it.Whether you're a skeptic, a casual user, or a full-on fan, this episode is your window into the practical, personal, and powerful ways AI is quietly changing our lives at home. Plus, we talk about AI ethics, digital responsibility, and what it really means to “ride the wave” of technology.Listen in to discover how to make AI work for you—without letting it take the wheel.Remembering Pope Francis: A Jesuit’s reflection on justice, hope, and the Church's future
55:41|In this special episode of Teka Teka, guest host Regine Cabato speaks with Jesuit priest, poet, and anthropologist Fr. Albert “Paring Bert” Alejo as he reflects on the passing of Pope Francis. From the Pope’s historic 2015 visit to the Philippines to his quiet yet progressive reforms, Paring Bert shares insights on how Pope Francis shaped global and Filipino conscience through compassion, political love, and faith-based activism. They also explore how the Church can move forward in the post-Francis era—tackling disinformation, injustice, and the need to communicate with both clarity and heart.Inside the literacy gap: Why fewer Filipinos are reading for fun
20:29|This World Book Day, we dive into the Philippines’ growing literacy crisis. According to recent studies, over 90% of Filipino children struggle with basic reading skills. We speak with Gillian Reyes, a registered librarian and project development officer at the National Book Development Board (NBDB), about the state of reading in the country and the efforts to promote a culture of reading at home, in schools, and in communities.Whether you're a parent, teacher, or book lover, this episode explores how we can all help raise a new generation of Filipino readers.Election 2025: Why candidates get away with spending billions in premature campaigning
07:30|Despite campaign spending limits, the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism found that candidates aired over P10 billion worth of TV and radio ads before the official campaign period for the 2025 midterms even began. In this episode, we break down who had the most ads—and the loophole shielding them.Prayers Across Borders: A Story from Rome
18:49|When COVID-19 hit Italy in early 2020, many overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) found themselves locked down, isolated, and afraid. With limited movement, lost jobs, and growing distance from their families back home, a small group decided to gather online for something simple: daily prayer. What began as a morning rosary on Google Meet quietly grew into a full community, one that offered spiritual strength, emotional support, and even material help to its members.In this episode, Jaemark Tordecilla travels to Rome and joins a local mass with members of the Family of Davar, a prayer group formed at the height of the pandemic. He meets Brother John and Brother Aphol, two OFWs whose stories reveal how faith, music, and digital connection helped them survive some of their darkest days. Despite long work hours, uncertain futures, and physical distance, they found in each other a kind of second family.This is a story about prayer beyond the church walls, worship across borders, and the power of community built not just on faith, but on shared struggle. From an old basilica in Trastevere to countless quiet kitchens and jobsites across Europe, the gospel lives on: in WiFi, in song, and in the spaces we make for each other.Could House drug war testimony strengthen the ICC’s case against Duterte?
40:32|With former President Duterte’s trial at the International Criminal Court looming, a lawyer assisting the court explains how explosive testimony from House drug war hearings could strengthen the case against him. A veteran journalist also breaks down revelations from a former top drug war enforcer who called the PNP the “biggest crime group in the country.”