The Commemoration of the 500th Anniversary of Magellan's circumnavigation of the world and arrival in the Philippines has attracted criticism across social media as a celebration of colonialism. Between nation-building, myths, and colonial legacies, we tackle the following issues: why do we still want to "kill Magellan"; how do we address this bloodlust; how should we make sense of the past to move forward as a nation. See our collaboration with ANEK here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5xFzlD...
Mar 27, 2021•52 min
Slice of P*I* #2 On Mental Health: "Tililing", Satire and Filipino Discourse Satirist and Director, Darryl Yap, has courted controversy with his upcoming film Tililing, which discusses mental health. Netizens and prominent figures like Liza Soberano claimed the posters and trailer do not treat mental health with seriousness or respect. We discuss the role of satire in social critique,the inadequacy of filipino vernacular in discussing mental health properly and how to move forward from this cont...
Mar 06, 2021•15 min
As the Philippines commemorates the 35th anniversary of the EDSA People Power, we critically examine the myth that emerged from this historic event. While many believe it is a milestone of Philippine Democracy, others see it as emblematic of our current political problems. Some people experience what can be called "EDSA fatigue" where we lose faith in the meaning of the event. What should we do given this crisis on our understanding of this important historical event? How should we tackle EDSA a...
Feb 26, 2021•1 hr 4 min
In this Chinese New Year special, we discuss the dysfunctional relationship between the Philippines and China, and the close historical and cultural connection between the two countries. We also discussed ways on how we can move forward and improve dynamics between the two countries via a change in mentality and approach towards China as an "Other". Reference: ASEAN Post-50: Emerging Issues and Challenges Editors: Aida Idris and Nurliana Kamaruddin https://www.palgrave.com/gp/book/9789811380426 ...
Feb 13, 2021•1 hr 2 min
In this first full episode for 2021, we discuss Hero Worship, disillusionment with Heroes, the difference between Heroes and Bayani, and the necessity of identifying living heroes. We also announce new variants of our content at the end of the show! Sources: National Heroes Committee https://ncca.gov.ph/about-culture-and-arts/culture-profile/selection-and-proclamation-of-national-heroes-and-laws-honoring-filipino-historical-figures/#:~:text=Ramos%20issued%20Executive%20Order%20No,remarkable%20ac...
Jan 16, 2021•47 min
Slice of P*I* is a shorter format where we have quick hot takes on certain news issues. In this pilot episode, we discuss cancel culture in the Philippines, particularly the cases of Russu Laurente, a Pinoy Big Brother contestant in favor of the cancellation of ABS-CBN, Toni Gonzaga, PBB hostess who defended him, and Avel Bacudio, an artist fired after praising Imelda Marcos on Twitter. How should we deal with contrary opinions? Sources: 'PBB Connect': Russu ends journey as housemate by ABS-CBNN...
Jan 15, 2021•15 min
In this short Christmas special, we read and answer fan mail before giving some recommendations for really late Christmas Shopping. Recommendations The Political Mind by George Lakoff https://www.amazon.com/Political-Mind-Cognitive-Scientists-Politics/dp/0143115685 End of Power by Moises Naim https://shopee.ph/The-End-of-Power-Moises-Naim-i.137498729.7518517271 Adventures in Political Science by Remigio Agpalo https://shopee.ph/Adventures-in-Political-Science-%28Revised-Edition%29-i.276147505.74...
Dec 26, 2020•10 min
Ep.7 Why are Fillipino romcoms political? (feat. Janus Nolasco) This episode features our first podcast interview with our firend and colleague, Janus Nolasco, who will discuss the connection between Flipino romcom films and politics. This is also the first episode of the "PILM INSTITUTE" where we discuss Philippine cinema and their relevance to politics. [SPOILER ALERT]The discussion contains key plot details of the following films: Sana Maulit Muli (1995) One More Chance (2007) English Only Pl...
Dec 12, 2020•55 min
The impact of typhoons, Ulysses and Rolly, have begged the question, is Filipino resilience a vice or a virtue? In this episode, we discuss the recent discourse on resilience and how it should move forward with the recent calamity. We took the notion of resilience beyond the current debates while showing dimensions that many have ignored. Plus, we are rebranding as Research Dudes and Polsci Guys Timestamps 0:00 Intro 0:10 Greetings 1:10 Announcement of Rebranding: Research dudes and polsci guys ...
Nov 28, 2020•49 min•Season 1Ep. 6
After recording Episode 5, we decided to record another one on issues that emerged from the 2020 US Presidential elections, and from the Episode 5 (Part 1). We tackled the following questions: Is Trump comparable to Duterte? Why do Filipinos like him? Would four more years of Trump Benefit the Philippines? Can Filipino progressives learn from Biden's campaign? Is #TayoNaman realistic for Philippine politics? Is there anything we can learn from America right now? 0:00 Intro 0:10 Greetings 1:10 Ob...
Nov 14, 2020•42 min•Season 1Ep. 5
While billions of people around the world are focusing on the US Presidential Elections, the hosts of P.I. Podcast will tackle why Filipinos in particular are fixated on American politics, and whether or not it is necessary to watch an empire in decline. Although we had a nice full discussion in Episode 5, many issues have since emerged during US election-watching in the Philippines. Part 1 discusses our colonial past under America and our fascination with the "Wrong America." Part 2 Coming Soon...
Nov 07, 2020•1 hr 2 min
We take questions from listeners, friends, and colleagues on deep topics. Are we progressive or Conservative? How do we persuade people? Where is the soul located? What is the nature of slavery? Lastly, we give our hot takes and predictions on the upcoming US elections and our own elections in 2022. Questions: 0:27 Intro 3:15 Question #1 What are Matt and Borj's positions in the political spectrum? 18:23 Question #2 What are great practices for breaking up toxic groupthink without being confront...
Oct 23, 2020•1 hr 12 min
Why is it so difficult to have Political Discussions? Why is it so difficult to agree or even agree to disagree? Why do we keep losing friends and family to political disagreements? Matt and Borj discuss the political polarization occurring in the Philippines and around the world and how to adapt to it through conversation beyond debates. To participate in your Q and A, you can send your questions, comments and suggestions at pipodcastph@gmail.com or https://ask.fm/pipodcastph0611 Hosted by Matt...
Oct 09, 2020•52 min•Season 1Ep. 3
Episode 2 As the Philippines remembers Marcos and martial law this month of September , filipinos continue to chastise Marcos while others defend and celebrate his regime. This historical debate has focused on the contrasting facts and narratives on this contentious period. The hosts of P*I* move beyond the facts and asks the questions underlying the dead-end debate: Why do many Filipinos remain fascinated with strong leaders and dictators and unsatisfied with democracy? Can Dictatorship be a vi...
Sep 22, 2020•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 2
What do we teach when we teach politics? Matt and Borj reflects on the meaning and ideals of teaching politics and civics in this pilot episode of P.I. Podcast. The discussion connects the Philippines' extreme political polarization with the failure of political and civic education. Recommendations - Pantayong Pananaw: Ugat at Kabuluhan, Pambungad sa Pag-aaral ng Bagong Kasaysayan (edited by Atoy Navarro, Mary Jane Rodriguez, and Vicente Villan) https://web.facebook.com/BakasINC2004/ -Mula Torre...
Sep 18, 2020•55 min