Teka Teka

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.

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.”

This Holy Week, embark on an unconventional pilgrimage to the Santo Niño Shrine and Heritage Site in Tacloban City, a former Marcos family rest house that bizarrely doubles as a church. Explore the opulent interiors filled with seized "loot" and propaganda, offering a deeply strange tour of both the property and Philippine history.

Recent surveys reveal the complex and seemingly paradoxical views of Filipinos on political dynasties and their dominance. Ahead of the 2025 midterm elections, we delve into public opinion, exploring why many Filipinos accept dynastic rule despite acknowledging potential corruption, with WR Numero Research President and political analyst Cleve Arguelles.

A South Korean political reporter, Jikyung Kim, takes us inside the dramatic events of President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law in December 2024 and the swift resistance that led to his impeachment. Learn about the public outcry, political turmoil, and the state of democracy in South Korea.

President Bongbong Marcos has approved the move to revert the school calendar of high schools and elementary schools back to the old June to March calendar. Colleges and universities, however, still remain in the August to May academic year – which was made to align with international universities and in light of ASEAN Integration in 2015. But with climate change and extreme heat waves during the summer months, the education sector might need to rethink the academic calendar.

Filipina author Clarissa Militante shares how her experiences and political beliefs shape her fiction. Best known for her novel ‘Different Countries,’ Militante reflects on her journey as a writer, how storytelling captures the Filipino experience, and why writing begins with craft—not just message. She also offers advice for aspiring writers and names the authors who have inspired her.A thoughtful episode of those interested in Philippine literature.

A survey released last year found that most Filipinos want their country to stay “neutral” on Israel's ongoing bombardment of Gaza. But what does neutrality mean – and who does it benefit really?

Trigger warning: This episode discusses animal cruelty, including instances of abuse, neglect, and mistreatment. Some content may be distressing for listeners.Why do so few animal cruelty cases in the Philippines make it to court? Out of 673 incidents reported to the Philippine Animal Welfare Society in 2024, only 8 led to legal action. In this episode, PAWS chief attorney Anna Cabrera joins Teka Teka to discuss the consequences of not filing cases against perpetrators of animal abuse—and what can be done to ensure justice. Tune in as we explore long-term solutions to stop animal cruelty for good.