How true is this: You can take the Pinoy out of the Philippines but you can't take the Philippines out of the Pinoy? My guest moved to the US when he was two and always wanted to serve in the military since he was five. He served in the US Military and US Foreign Service, yet married a Filipina. Even though he doesn't speak Filipino, he didn't let it stop him from teaching in the PMA. For free. Why? So he can give back to the Philippines. How? By helping senior PMA cadets be the best versions of...
Oct 14, 2022•33 min
How do you choose one dream job over the other? Should you really give up one? Or should you do both? Sonny Busa, my guest for this week, pursued both by using one goal as a stepping stone. He may have hated what he had to do to get in and stay at West Point, but he was able to achieve both. How? By having the discipline to finish what he started, by being clear on what he really wants, and by doing what's necessary to get there. Listen to this episode to learn how his optimism even at a young a...
Oct 07, 2022•31 min
Don't get me wrong. Keeping faith and manifesting work BUT unfortunately it's not enough. With her unwavering faith as her guide, Eloi was able to make one of her dreams a reality simply by not waiting for it to happen. How? By taking action. So listen to this episode to see a different side to Eloi as she bares it, fears and all, to share with us how she's able to build her agency, and eventually become the mentor she was meant to be through ValuePod Productions' Mentoring Program and The Value...
Sep 30, 2022•44 min
Are you an OFW who's longing to be with your family in the Philippines? Are you tired of doing physical jobs and curious to transition to working from home? Do you want to pursue a career in podcasting but don't know where and how to start? In these changing times, we really need to learn how to adapt; otherwise, we would be left behind. But how do you do that? By following Ce's roadmap and how she prepared for life's changes and challenges. In this episode, she shares her journey from a conflic...
Sep 23, 2022•46 min
How did Nilyn, a pastoral intern whose parents are both pastors, end up working as an inventory assistant for a US-based retail company? Has she always done things her own way? And what's behind her fearlessness when it comes to switching careers even though it will make her start all over again? In this episode, you'll hear from Nilyn how she uses her humble beginnings as a driving force to not only have a better life for herself and her family, but to also help others by teaching them about po...
Sep 16, 2022•53 min
How did Rowela transition to a white collar job while working as a domestic helper? What is the biggest reason why Rowela renewed her faith in God? How can military spouses, housewives, or mothers take advantage of the internet and work-from-home opportunities despite their hectic schedules? In this episode, Rowela discusses the reasons why she chose to be an OFW over getting a college degree, her European adventures, as well as the turning point in her life that led her to become a Podcast Mana...
Sep 09, 2022•59 min
How does the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs help U.S. military veterans in the Philippines? What are the benefits available to U.S. military veterans residing in the Philippines or the United States? What are the military values that children learn or adapt from their parents who serve in the military? In this episode, Former U.S. Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr. talks about how he never ceased reaching out to and assisting retired military veterans and their families after his foreign service r...
Sep 02, 2022•35 min
What role does foreign service play in aiding the families of deployed military personnel? What are some of the ways society can assist and support military service members, veterans, and their families? What are the differences between military service and foreign service careers? In this episode, Former US Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr. discusses how he got started in the foreign service and why he chose the foreign service despite coming from a military family background. He also shared why some...
Aug 26, 2022•34 min
What do military parents really go through? How did Episode 4 affect me as a mother? When should you stop parenting and simply be a parent? In this episode, I try out a different episode format, where I react to my earlier episodes. So please share your feedback and suggestions with me so I can create better content for you. Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode: Discover how mothers can relate to one another whether they're a military parent or not Learn ways you can encourage your childr...
Aug 19, 2022•37 min
How does the boot camp experience in the United States Army compare to other branches of the United States military? How does the US military prepare service members for civilian life once they retire? What are the similarities and differences between military service and foreign service careers? In this episode, listen to Edwin discuss his life, from being born in the United States to growing up in the Philippines, why he chose to enlist in the United States Army over other U.S. military branch...
Aug 12, 2022•54 min
How does a US Navy service member handle relationships while on ship duty? What can you expect on your first PCS? What are the ways you can take care of yourself and your mental health? In this episode, Cris Balce shares how his relationship with his then fiancée, now wife, was put to the test to the point they almost broke up. Also, you’ll hear about his military retirement plans that will surely melt your hearts. About the Guest: Cris Balce was born in Quezon City, Philippines. He holds a doub...
Aug 05, 2022•30 min
What are the advantages of learning everything about your assigned duties or tasks as a military service member? What exactly does the US Navy Fleet do when it’s stationed or deployed overseas? What are the advantages and disadvantages of serving aboard a ship or being sent to strategic regions through a US Naval Ship? In this episode, Cris Balce talks about his decision to switch careers, his promotion within two years in the service, and how he met his wonderful wife prior to his military serv...
Jul 30, 2022•31 min
What can family members do if their military service member is experiencing work-related stress and burnout? What are the advantages of practicing martial arts or maintaining a fitness regimen while serving in the military or being deployed? What are the favorable attitudes and characteristics that propel our guest's military service career to success? In this episode, Joseph will discuss his triplet sister's reaction to his choice to join the military, why he selected the Airforce over the Navy...
Jul 22, 2022•38 min
What is the benefit of including Filipino values in the boot camp? How did Dada manage to finish college with departmental honors while serving the country? How can military members de-stress? In this episode, Dada, a US Navy service member, tells her journey not just as an active duty member, but also how she overcame obstacles to complete her college degree while in the service. Dada also discussed how she and her fiancé managed their seven-year long-distance romance. About the Guest: Dada lov...
Jul 15, 2022•41 min
Why would you choose the Navy over the other branches of the U.S. military? How can a military member deal with homesickness while deployed? How do service members maintain their mental health while deployed? In this episode, we'll learn why Mac chose the Navy over pursuing culinary arts in college, how she dealt with her mental health concerns throughout her deployment, and how she learned to perform various tasks through military programs. About the Guest: Mac has been a Navy Corpsman for the ...
Jul 08, 2022•41 min
Why would a parent want their children to pursue a career in the military? How do you instill patriotism in children? What are the benefits of including CAT and ROTC training in your school curriculum? In this episode, we’ll hear from Gracey Aleki her take on teaching, serving in the military and the proposed mandatory ROTC, as well as the Five Points of Military Discipline she learned during her CAT days in high school. About the Guest: Gracey Aleki, a preschool teacher by profession, has been ...
Jul 01, 2022•48 min
Was it difficult to date a military service member? What are the ways partners can show their love and support to one another? How do you stay emotionally connected with a service member during LDR? In this episode, you’ll learn from Jessa how she and Travis keep their relationship strong by building a strong foundation based on respect, love, trust, faith, and mutual encouragement. About the Guest: Jessa Tamonan is a strong, independent woman, who’s currently based in the Philippines working as...
Jun 24, 2022•37 min•Ep. 8
Why is military service a good option when thinking of your future career? What are the pros and cons of deployment? How can serving in the military help you far more as an individual than receiving a paycheck? About the Guest: Travis Darling is the other half of a fast-growing YouTube channel and TikTok tandem, Jessa and Travis. He is an active service member who loves going to the gym, motorcycling, and is finishing his Master's Degree in Homeland Security. Why you’ve got to check out today’s ...
Jun 17, 2022•49 min
How is it like to have a relationship with a service member? What happens during PCS? Should military spouses also pursue their passion or career? In this episode, you’ll learn from Chrish the challenges that come with being a military spouse, all while pursuing her passion/career and being pregnant at the same time. About the Guest: Chrish is a military spouse, who’s also five months pregnant with their first child. Having recently immigrated to the U.S., this didn’t stop her from empowering he...
Jun 10, 2022•38 min
How is life out of military service? What is the role of military families and/or spouses to the overall preparedness of the force? How can society help in supporting military families? Do civilian families face the same challenges as military families? Let's hear it straight from Vicky, a brat and a veteran, her difficult yet fun experiences in transitioning from being an active-duty service member to a civilian. Get a glimpse of how military families live a unique lifestyle while serving the c...
Jun 03, 2022•39 min•Ep. 5
What do military parents or siblings go through emotionally when their kids or siblings enter military boot camp? What noticeable changes do military parents or siblings see when their trainee graduates from the military boot camp? How do military parents or siblings prepare themselves when talking about their kids’ or siblings’ military deployment? In this episode, you’ll hear straight from Mommy Madge her story as a military mom and sister to service members. She will give you a heads-up on th...
May 27, 2022•43 min
Episode Description: What does it take to turn a boot camp trainee into a service member? How do the separation and commitment of a military spouse affect their families? How can the community help military families adjust to new assignments? In this episode, you’ll hear it straight from Garry about his personal experience in his military journey. Also, we will give you a glimpse of what we go through as a couple living the military life. About the Guest: Garry of the US Military is the Husband ...
May 20, 2022•45 min•Ep. 3
What does it take to serve in the military? Why is it that there are people who are actually thinking of being a part of it? What are the pros and cons of having a family while in the service? If you’re wondering what the military is all about, then this episode is for you. Let’s hear it straight from a service member as he gives us a brief overview of the military. About the Guest: Garry of the US Military is the Husband of Mami Redj. He used to work in a BPO company before his enlistment. He j...
May 13, 2022•46 min•Ep. 2
Are you curious about how military families live a life of constant changes and uncertainties? Do all military families face the same challenges? How do they make a house a home only to leave it behind in two to three years? In this episode, I will share with you my very own afterthoughts on the military family. Why You’ve got to Check out today’s Episode Learn what made me decide to start this podcast Find out how this podcast serves as a safe space for you and your loved ones Know the challeng...
May 06, 2022•43 min•Ep. 1
What is it like to live the military life? It's like navigating uncharted waters, where changes are both inevitable and frequent. But you don’t have to go through it alone. Let's navigate military life together through Afterthought on the Military Family Podcast. Let me share with you how to be a supportive spouse and how to manage long-distance marriage for years. Let's dive into the challenges service members and their families face. And if you’re not from a military family, don't worry. Get a...
Apr 30, 2022•2 min
