🎬 Season 4, Episode 8 - Herbert Hernandez: Creativity, Courage & Building GIGIL From the Ground Up
From sketching as a kid in Manila to leading one of Asia’s most awarded independent ad agencies, Herbert Hernandez has turned creativity into a career that inspires millions.
He’s the Co-Founder and Creative Partner of GIGIL, the powerhouse agency behind viral campaigns for RC Cola, Levi’s, Netflix Philippines, Jollibee, and more - winning multiple honors from Cannes Lions, Effies, One Show, AdAge, Adweek’s Creative 100, and so much more.
In this energizing episode, Herbert opens up about:
✨ How GIGIL began and rose to become the Philippines’ most prestigious agency.
✨ GIGIL’s philosophy of taking care of its people and nurturing world-class creativity.
✨ His early love for art - from winning poster-making contests to idolizing Bob Ross and embracing his philosophy of “happy accidents.”
✨ Balancing two creative worlds as lead guitarist of Moonstar88 and 6cyclemind, while being the Co-Founder of GIGIL.
✨ GIGIL’s global vision - including its creative collaboration with Jollibee in New York.
🎙️ It’s an inspiring look at passion, perseverance, and the fearless pursuit of ideas - proving that Filipino creativity knows no bounds.
🌐 Learn more:
💡 www.gigilglobal.com | Instagram: @herberthernandez886
Watch or listen now:
📺 YouTube: @theloidalewispodcast
🎧 Spotify: tinyurl.com/TheLoidaLewisPodcast
🍏 Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/apple-TheLoidaLewisPod
📩 Share your reflections: askloidalewis@gmail.com
#LoidaLewis #HerbertHernandez #GIGIL #GIGILGlobal #GIGILUSA #Moonstar88 #6cyclemind #AdAgency #CreativeAgency #Advertising #CannesLions #Effies #Levis #NetflixPhilippines #JollibeeNYC #KojieSan #FilipinoCreativity #MusicAndMarketing #Migraine #AdAge #AdweekCreative100 #FilipinoPride #Filipino #TheLoidaLewisPodcast
🎬 Season 4, Episode 7 - Geraldine Acuña-Sunshine: Purpose, Leadership & Transforming Philippine Education
From her early days at Poveda in Quezon City to the halls of Harvard and Columbia, Geraldine Acuña-Sunshine has built a life dedicated to impact - in law, science, education, and cultural heritage. Once a corporate lawyer in Boston and New York, she later found her true calling in public service and social innovation.
As the President of the Sunshine Care Foundation and CEO of Khan Academy Philippines, Geraldine is leading groundbreaking work to cure X-linked Dystonia Parkinsonism (XDP) while transforming access to quality education across the Philippines.
In this inspiring episode, Geraldine opens up about:
✨ The founding of the Sunshine Care Foundation and the global mission to find a cure for XDP.
✨ Bringing Khan Academy to the Philippines - harnessing technology to revolutionize learning.
✨ The creation of The Philippine Living Heritage Initiative, empowering Fil-Am youth to reconnect with their cultural roots and identity.
🎙️ It’s a powerful conversation about resilience, leadership, and finding the courage to align one’s success with service - proving that purpose, when paired with action, can change lives.
🌐 Learn more:
💡 www.khanacademyphilippines.org
| www.sunshinecarefoundation.org
| www.ccxdp.org | www.philippinelivingheritage.org
Watch or listen now:
📺 YouTube: @theloidalewispodcast
🎧 Spotify: tinyurl.com/TheLoidaLewisPodcast
🍏 Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/apple-TheLoidaLewisPod
📩 Share your reflections: askloidalewis@gmail.com
#LoidaLewis #GeraldineAcuñaSunshine #KhanAcademyPhilippines #SunshineCareFoundation #CCXDP #EducationReform #PhilippineLivingHeritageInitiative #FilipinoAmerican #FilAm #WomenInLeadership #SocialImpact #PurposeDriven #HarvardAlumna #RepresentationMatters #TheLoidaLewisPodcast
🎬 Season 4, Episode 6 - Jeremiah Abraham: Elevating Filipino Voices in Hollywood
From studying Computer Engineering at UC Irvine to becoming one of Hollywood’s most influential marketing minds, Jeremiah Abraham has built a career rooted in purpose, representation, and impact. As the Founder and CEO of Tremendous Communications, he has helped shape the success of groundbreaking projects such as Crazy Rich Asians, Everything Everywhere All At Once, Easter Sunday, Joy Ride, and more.
In this inspiring episode, Jeremiah opens up about:
✨ His journey from tech to entertainment and building Tremendous Communications from the ground up.
✨ His behind-the-scenes work on Here Lies Love, Yellow Rose, and Lingua Franca - championing authentic Filipino and AAPI stories.
✨ How representation, both in front of and behind the camera, can drive true change in Hollywood.
🎙️ It’s a powerful conversation about leadership, cultural pride, and paving the way for future generations of Filipino creatives in the global entertainment industry.
🌐 Learn more: www.tremendouspr.com
Watch or listen now:
📺 YouTube: @theloidalewispodcast
🎧 Spotify: tinyurl.com/TheLoidaLewisPodcast
🍏 Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/apple-TheLoidaLewisPod
📩 Share your reflections: askloidalewis@gmail.com
#LoidaLewis #JeremiahAbraham #TremendousCommunications #CrazyRichAsians #EverythingEverywhereAllAtOnce #JoyRide #EasterSunday #HereLiesLove #YellowRose #LinguaFranca #FilipinoAmerican #FilAm #Hollywood #RepresentationMatters #AAPI #EntertainmentIndustry #MarketingMinds #FilipinoCreatives #TheLoidaLewisPodcast
🎬 Season 4, Episode 5 - Georgina Pazcoguin: The Rogue Ballerina Who Dared to Break the Mold
From the ballet halls of the New York City Ballet to the bright lights of Broadway, Georgina Pazcoguin has danced her way into history - as the first Filipina American and first Asian American soloist at NYCB, the author of Swan Dive: The Making of a Rogue Ballerina, and co-producer of Broadway’s Here Lies Love.
In this captivating episode, Georgina opens up about:
✨ Her early love for ballet and the discipline that fueled her rise to soloist at NYCB.
✨ Making the leap from ballet to Broadway with standout performances in On The Town and Cats.
✨ Reconnecting with her Filipino heritage and how it inspired her to co-produce Here Lies Love on Broadway.
✨ Using her platform to promote diversity in the arts through Final Bow for Yellowface and giving back to women worldwide through the Orphaned Starfish Foundation (osf.org).
🎙️ It’s an inspiring conversation about passion, perseverance, and using one’s art to create lasting impact - both onstage and beyond.
📘 Swan Dive: The Making of a Rogue Ballerina is available on Amazon and major bookstores.
🌐 Learn more: www.georginapazcoguin.com | www.yellowface.org | www.osf.org
Watch or listen now:
📺 YouTube: @theloidalewispodcast
🎧 Spotify: tinyurl.com/TheLoidaLewisPodcast
🍏 Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/apple-TheLoidaLewisPod
📩 Share your reflections: askloidalewis@gmail.com
#LoidaLewis #GeorginaPazcoguin #TheRogueBallerina #HereLiesLove #SwanDive #OnTheTown #CatsTheMusical #Broadway #NewYorkCityBallet #FilipinoPride #FilipinoAmerican #FilAm #AAPI #RepresentationMatters #FinalBowForYellowface #OrphanedStarfishFoundation #DanceForGood #ArtsAndCulture #TheLoidaLewisPodcast
🎬 Season 4, Episode 4 - Butch Meily: From Manila to Wall StreetThis episode of The Loida Lewis Podcast features Rene “Butch” Meily - author of the book, "From Manila to Wall Street: An Immigrant’s Journey With America’s First Black Tycoon". His story is as much about his own journey as an immigrant from Manila to New York as it is about his extraordinary partnership with the late Reginald F. Lewis, the trailblazing business titan behind TLC Beatrice.In this candid conversation, Butch shares:✨ How a call from Loida Lewis led him to become Reginald’s PR man - and eventually Vice President at TLC Beatrice.✨ His front-row seat to one of the biggest deals of the 1980s - Reginald’s $980 million leveraged buyout of Beatrice International, financed by Michael Milken.✨ The personal costs of ambition - including regrets about family and divorce.✨ Why he now devotes his career to building resilience and innovation in the Philippines through PDRF, QBO Innovation Hub, and ASA Foundation.🔗 Learn more:📖 From Manila to Wall Street: https://amzn.to/48961nP🌐 ButchMeily.com: https://www.butchmeily.com/🌐 PDRF: https://www.pdrf.org/🌐 QBO Innovation: https://www.qboinnovation.com/🌐 ASA Foundation: https://www.asaphil.org/Watch or listen now:📺 YouTube: @theloidalewispodcast🎧 Spotify: tinyurl.com/TheLoidaLewisPodcast🍏 Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/apple-TheLoidaLewisPod📩 Share your reflections: askloidalewis@gmail.com#LoidaLewis #ButchMeily #FromManilaToWallStreet #ReginaldLewis #TLCBeatrice #ImmigrantJourney #Leadership #FilipinoExcellence #MichaelMilken #LBO #WallStreetHistory #PDRF #QBOInnovation #ASAFoundation #TheLoidaLewisPodcast
🎬 Season 4, Episode 3 - Sibyl Santiago: A Life in Film, Stage & Storytelling
From child actress in Manila alongside her legendary mother Lorli Villanueva, to Executive Director & Head of Programming of the SOHO International Film Festival in New York, to entrepreneur, film producer, and founder of Sitting Cat Productions - Sibyl Santiago has spent her life bringing powerful stories to audiences across the world.
In this inspiring conversation, Sibyl opens up about:
✨ Her journey from acting to producing award-winning films.
✨ What it takes to run an international film festival in New York City.
✨ Her entrepreneurial leap with Sitting Cat Productions.
✨ Carrying forward her mother’s artistic legacy while carving her own path in the industry.
🔗 Learn more:
SOHO International Film Festival ➡️ https://www.sohofilmfest.com/
Sitting Cat Productions ➡️ https://www.sittingcatproductions.com/
Watch or listen now:
📺 YouTube: @theloidalewispodcast
🎧 Spotify: tinyurl.com/TheLoidaLewisPodcast
🍏 Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/apple-TheLoidaLewisPod
📩 Email us your thoughts and reviews: askloidalewis@gmail.com
#LoidaLewis #SibylSantiago #SOHOFilmFest #SIFF #SittingCatProductions #FilAmFilm #FilmFestival #ProducerLife #FilipinoCinema #LorliVillanueva #TheLoidaLewisPodcast
🌟 Season 4, Episode 2 – Judge Bryan Ramos: From Courtroom to Community Leadership
He made history as the first Filipino American judge in Georgia - now, Chief Judge Bryan C. Ramos joins The Loida Lewis Podcast to share the story of how perseverance, discipline, and service shaped his journey from a young immigrant to a leader in the American judiciary.
In this conversation, Judge Ramos reflects on his upbringing in Florida and Georgia, the grit it took to succeed in college and law school, and how his career of more than 20 years in litigation prepared him for the bench. As President of the National Filipino American Lawyers Association (NFALA), he also champions justice, equal opportunity, and representation for the Filipino American community nationwide.
In a memorable twist, Judge Ramos turns the tables and interviews Miss Loida Lewis - who shares how the law became the foundation of her life and how it guided her in leading TLC Beatrice after the untimely passing of her husband, Reginald F. Lewis. Her story of resilience and legal grounding offers timeless lessons in leadership, legacy, and courage.
✨ A powerful dialogue on justice, identity, and the responsibility of trailblazers to pave the way for others.
🎧 Listen and watch now:
📺 YouTube: @theloidalewispodcast
🎧 Spotify: tinyurl.com/TheLoidaLewisPodcast
🍏 Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/apple-TheLoidaLewisPod
📩 Got questions or reflections? Email us: askloidalewis@gmail.com
#LoidaLewis #JudgeBryanRamos #TheLoidaLewisPodcast #Season4 #NFALA #FilipinoAmerican #Trailblazer #FilipinoExcellence #JusticeAndEquity #RepresentationMatters #FilAmLeadership #LoidaLewisPodcast
🌟 Season 4, Episode 1 – Lea Salonga: A Voice That Shaped Generations
We’re opening Season 4 of The Loida Lewis Podcast with none other than Lea Salonga - the global icon whose voice, artistry, and trailblazing career have inspired millions.
In this conversation, Lea reflects on her beginnings in the Philippines and the pivotal moment she was cast as Kim in Miss Saigon, a role that earned her a Tony, an Olivier, and a place in theater history. She also shares stories about being the singing voice behind beloved Disney heroines Princess Jasmine in Aladdin and in Mulan, and what those opportunities have meant in her journey.
Lea talks about her current Broadway run in Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends, her upcoming shows in the Philippines, and her highly anticipated concert at The Town Hall in New York (tour dates at leasalonga.com). She also shines a light on the incredible wave of Filipino talent on Broadway today, from Eva Noblezada and Darren Criss to Nicole Scherzinger and many others carrying the torch forward.
✨ From stage to screen, from sold-out concerts to inspiring the next generation, Lea Salonga continues to embody excellence, resilience, and artistry at the highest level.
🎧 Listen and watch now:
📺 YouTube: @theloidalewispodcast
🎧 Spotify: tinyurl.com/TheLoidaLewisPodcast
🍏 Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/apple-TheLoidaLewisPod
📩 Got questions or reflections? Email us: askloidalewis@gmail.com
#LoidaLewis #LeaSalonga #TheLoidaLewisPodcast #Season4Premiere #DisneyLegend #MissSaigon #BroadwayIcon #OldFriends #FilipinoExcellence #EvaNoblezada #DarrenCriss #NicoleScherzinger #FilipinosOnBroadway #TonyAwardWinner #Trailblazer #VoiceOfJasmine #VoiceOfMulan #LegacyAndLeadership
🎙️ Season 3, Episode 14 - Reginald F. Lewis: Legacy, Love, and the Power to Carry On
A Fireside Chat About Reginald F. Lewis Featuring Diana Lee and Lucian Stout, Moderated By Loida Nicolas Lewis @ The Reginald F. Lewis Museum.
For the season finale of The Loida Lewis Podcast, we take you to a powerful and emotional gathering at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum in Baltimore, where Miss Loida Lewis and a circle of close friends, colleagues, and admirers came together to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of the man behind the name.
In this special episode, we share highlights from a deeply moving Fireside Chat featuring Diana Lee, former secretary to the late Reginald F. Lewis, and Lucian Stout, the Lewis family’s longtime butler and trusted confidant - moderated by Miss Loida herself. Together, they share rare and personal stories about the visionary who became the first African American to build a billion-dollar business empire.
💬 One unforgettable moment comes during the audience Q&A, when Miss Loida opens up about the pain of losing her husband — and the strength it took to carry on. She reflects on the decision to step in, save the company from bankruptcy, and lead it to even greater success — all while staying true to his legacy.
🎯 Don’t miss the chance to experience TITAN: The Legacy of Reginald F. Lewis - a powerful, limited-time exhibition filled with never-before-seen artifacts, rare photos, and the untold story of a man who broke every barrier and inspired generations.
📍 Now showing at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum in Downtown Baltimore - a Smithsonian Affiliate and a vital home for Black history and excellence.
🎟️ Plan your visit today: lewismuseum.org
Watch or listen now:
📺 YouTube: @theloidalewispodcast
🎧 Spotify: tinyurl.com/TheLoidaLewisPodcast
🍏 Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/apple-TheLoidaLewisPod
📩 Share your thoughts or stories with us: askloidalewis@gmail.com
#LoidaLewis #ReginaldFLewis #TITAN #TheLoidaLewisPodcast #LegacyAndLeadership #KeepGoingNoMatterWhat #BlackExcellence #FilipinoVoices #WomenWhoLead #SeasonFinale #LewisMuseum #VisitBaltimore #RFL #RFLMuseum #DianaLee #LucianStout #Inspiration #Trailblazers #PowerCouple #Resilience #BreakingBarriers #TitanLegacy #ImpactAndEmpowerment
🎙️ Season 3, Episode 13 - Alex Calleja: The Power of Punchlines and Real Talk
In this laugh-out-loud episode of The Loida Lewis Podcast, we sit down with beloved Filipino comedian Alex Calleja to talk about his journey from writing for TV shows like Usapang Lalaki and Goin' Bulilit to performing on global stages - and now, topping Netflix charts with his hit stand-up special Tamang Panahon (The Right Time).
Alex opens up about his humble beginnings, the role of women in shaping his comedic voice, and why he believes funny is funny - no matter who’s in the crowd. With plenty of laughs and a whole lot of heart, this conversation proves that comedy can connect us all.
Check out Alex’s live shows and tour schedule at:
alexcalleja.com | thecomedycrew.com
Watch or listen now:
📺 YouTube: @theloidalewispodcast
🎧 Spotify: tinyurl.com/TheLoidaLewisPodcast
🍏 Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/apple-TheLoidaLewisPod
📩 Email us your thoughts and reviews: askloidalewis@gmail.com
#LoidaLewis #AlexCalleja #TamangPanahon #NetflixPH #FilipinoComedy #TheComedyCrew #FilipinoVoices #FilipinoExcellence #StandupComedy #FunnyIsFunny #ComedyWithoutBorders #TheLoidaLewisPodcast #LaughOutLoud #Trailblazers #FilipinoHumor #FilipinoStandUpComedy
🎙️ Season 3, Episode 12 - Rajo Laurel: Fashioning Identity, Purpose, and Legacy
In this episode of The Loida Lewis Podcast, we sit down with the iconic Rajo Laurel, one of the Philippines’ most influential fashion designers, to talk about his journey from childhood sketches to global runways.
Rajo opens up about his inspirations, his training in New York, building the House of Laurel, and his vision for the future of Filipino fashion. Beyond couture, we chat about what a simple day in his life looks like, his longtime partner, and so much more.
Follow Rajo on Instagram: @rajolaurel
Explore his collections: rajolaurel.com
Watch or listen now:
📺 YouTube: @theloidalewispodcast
🎧 Spotify: tinyurl.com/TheLoidaLewisPodcast
🍏 Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/apple-TheLoidaLewisPod
📩 Email us your thoughts and reviews: askloidalewis@gmail.com
#LoidaLewis #RajoLaurel #HouseOfLaurel #FilipinoFashion #AsiaMostInfluential #FashionWithPurpose #DesignForImpact #FilipinoVoices #FilipinoExcellence #LGBTQChampions #SustainableFashion #TheLoidaLewisPodcast #CreativeLegacy #RAJO #Trailblazers #FilipinoPride #CoutureAndCulture
🎙️ Season 3, Episode 11 - BD Wong: Legacy, Identity, and the Power of Visibility
In this episode of The Loida Lewis Podcast, we sit down with the legendary BD Wong - Tony Award-winning actor, director, activist, and pioneer for Asian American visibility in Hollywood.
From his early days in high school and college theater, to his groundbreaking Broadway debut in M. Butterfly, and iconic roles in Law & Order: SVU, Jurassic Park, Mr. Robot, and more - BD opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped his career. We also talk about his activism, his journey as a writer and director, and why representation matters now more than ever.
💬 “You can’t be what you can’t see.”
💡 An inspiring conversation about purpose, courage, and what it means to build a life that uplifts others.
Watch or listen now:
📺 YouTube: @theloidalewispodcast
🎧 Spotify: tinyurl.com/TheLoidaLewisPodcast
🍏 Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/apple-TheLoidaLewisPod
📩 Email us your thoughts and reviews: askloidalewis@gmail.com
#LoidaLewis #BDWong #AsianAmericanVoices #RepresentationMatters #TonyAwardWinner #LawAndOrderSVU #JurassicPark #MrRobot #AAPIVoices #HollywoodTrailblazer #AAPIExcellence #TheLoidaLewisPodcast #VisibilityMatters #BroadwayLegend #ActivismThroughArt #LegacyAndLeadership
🎙️ Season 3, Episode 10 - Gregory Ho: Investing in a Better World, One Step at a Time
In this episode of The Loida Lewis Podcast, we sit down with Gregory Ho, founding partner of Spring Mountain Capital, to explore what it really means to make a social impact.
Greg shares how his career began at McKinsey and how he later helped launch Spring Mountain Capital to fund mission-driven ventures. But beyond the boardroom, we also dive into his personal discipline and endurance - like running full marathons well into his 70s - showing that purpose and perseverance truly go hand in hand.
💡 This one will inspire you to think bigger, run farther, and live more intentionally.
Watch or listen now:
📺 YouTube: @theloidalewispodcast
🎧 Spotify: tinyurl.com/TheLoidaLewisPodcast
🍏 Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/apple-TheLoidaLewisPod
📩 Email us your thoughts and reviews: askloidalewis@gmail.com
#LoidaLewis #GregoryHo #SpringMountainCapital #SocialImpact #AAPILeaders #PurposeDriven #MarathonMindset #McKinsey #TheLoidaLewisPodcast #ImpactInvesting #Trailblazers #AAPIVoices #RunWithPurpose
🎙️ Season 3, Episode 9 - Sofronio Vasquez III: From Small-Town Dreamer to The Voice Winner
In this episode of The Loida Lewis Podcast, we’re joined by Sofronio Vasquez III, the groundbreaking Filipino-American artist who won Season 26 of The Voice, making history as the first Filipino and Asian male to win a major American singing competition.
We talk about his journey - from humble beginnings to standing ovations - and how his voice, mentorship with Michael Bublé, and sheer perseverance brought him to the world stage. He opens up about the people who shaped his path, the emotional moments behind the spotlight, and what’s next.
💬 “Every note I sing carries a piece of my story - the struggle, the gratitude, the dream.”
💡 Warning: this one’s a tearjerker. You might want to have some tissues nearby.
🎤 Don’t miss Sofronio live in NYC!
Sat / Jul 19 / 7:30 PM
The Townhall, New York, NY
🎟️ Tickets are selling fast - reserve your seat now!
https://tinyurl.com/Sofronio-TownHall
Watch or listen now:
📺 YouTube: @theloidalewispodcast
🎧 Spotify: tinyurl.com/TheLoidaLewisPodcast
🍏 Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/apple-TheLoidaLewisPod
📩 Email us your thoughts and reviews: askloidalewis@gmail.com
#LoidaLewis #SofronioVasquez #TheVoiceWinner #FilipinoPride #FilAmVoices #MichaelBuble #FilipinoExcellence #NYCConcert #TownhallNYC #TheLoidaLewisPodcast #SingingChampion #TrailblazingVoices #VoiceSeason26
🎙️ Season 3, Episode 8 - Chef Cris Comerford: Inside the White House Kitchen
In this episode of The Loida Lewis Podcast, we’re joined by Cris Comerford - the first Asian, first woman, and first Filipina to serve as Executive Chef at the White House, from 2005 to 2024.
She shares stories from nearly two decades of cooking for U.S. presidents, including her final state dinner for the Kenyan delegation - where Barack Obama surprised the kitchen staff with a warm hug and words of praise. We talk about preparing soup, short ribs, and lobster for nearly 200 guests, her humble beginnings as an immigrant chef, how her family shaped her culinary journey, and more.
💬 “Food is not just sustenance - it’s storytelling, diplomacy, and celebration.”
Watch or listen now:
📺 YouTube: @theloidalewispodcast
🎧 Spotify: tinyurl.com/TheLoidaLewisPodcast
🍏 Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/apple-TheLoidaLewisPod
📩 Email us your thoughts and reviews: askloidalewis@gmail.com
#LoidaLewis #CrisComerford #FilipinaChef #WhiteHouseChef #PresidentialMeals #FilipinoExcellence #StateDinners #TheLoidaLewisPodcast #TrailblazingWomen #FilAmVoices
🎙️ Season 3, Episode 7 - Ramona Diaz: Telling Truths Through Film
In this episode of The Loida Lewis Podcast, we sit down with Ramona Diaz, the acclaimed Filipino-American documentary filmmaker behind Imelda, Motherland, A Thousand Cuts, and her latest, And So It Begins.
She talks about the power of storytelling in holding truth to power, the making of And So It Begins - the Philippines’ official Oscar entry - and why she focuses on character-driven narratives that elevate underrepresented voices.
We also touch on her earlier work, including A Thousand Cuts, and how she balances being a filmmaker, activist, and truth-seeker in a complicated world.
💬 “Stories have the power to disrupt and to heal. That’s why I tell them.”
Learn more about Ramona Diaz:
@cinediaz
Watch or listen now:
📺 YouTube: @theloidalewispodcast
🎧 Spotify: tinyurl.com/TheLoidaLewisPodcast
🍏 Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/apple-TheLoidaLewisPod
📩 Email us your thoughts and reviews: askloidalewis@gmail.com
#LoidaLewis #RamonaDiaz #AndSoItBegins #FilipinoFilmmaker #DocumentaryDirector #FilAmVoices #AThousandCuts #ImeldaFilm #MotherlandDoc #TheLoidaLewisPodcast
🎙️ Season 3, Episode 6 - Sandro Roco: Building Sanzo, the First Asian-Inspired Sparkling Water
In this episode of The Loida Lewis Podcast, we sit down with Sandro Roco, the trailblazing Filipino-American entrepreneur behind Sanzo - the first Asian-inspired sparkling water brand made with real fruit and no added sugar.
Sandro shares how his Filipino heritage, Wall Street background, and a chance trip to H Mart inspired the launch of Sanzo. From lychee to calamansi, he talks about honoring Asian flavors while building a fast-growing beverage brand that’s now stocked at Whole Foods, Target, and even featured on Marvel’s Shang-Chi.
We also explore Sandro’s vision for empowering the AAPI community, the challenges of representation in the beverage industry, and what it means to stay rooted while scaling up.
💬 “Our stories and flavors deserve a seat at the table - and on the shelf.”
Learn more about Sandro Roco and Sanzo:
@drinksanzo | @sandro.roco
drinksanzo.com
Watch or listen now:
📺 YouTube: @theloidalewispodcast
🎧 Spotify: tinyurl.com/TheLoidaLewisPodcast
🍏 Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/apple-TheLoidaLewisPod
📩 Email us your thoughts and reviews: askloidalewis@gmail.com
#LoidaLewis #SandroRoco #DrinkSanzo #FilipinoAmerican #AsianFlavors #Entrepreneurship #AAPIRepresentation #ShangChi #SanzoSparklingWater #TheLoidaLewisPodcast
🎙️ Season 3, Episode 5 - Jhett Tolentino: From Iloilo to Broadway and Beyond
In this episode of The Loida Lewis Podcast, we sit down with Jhett Tolentino - a three-time Tony Award-winning Broadway producer, Grammy winner, and proud Filipino creative force.
Jhett opens up about his journey from Iloilo to New York, breaking into the high-stakes world of Broadway and earning three Tonys and a Grammy along the way. He shares how he transitioned into film, producing the acclaimed Lingua Franca and directing his debut feature Asian Persuasion starring KC Concepcion. Now, he's setting his sights on launching his own AAPI production company to amplify Asian-American voices on stage and screen.
In a candid moment, Jhett also discusses why he wasn’t involved in the Broadway run of Here Lies Love, and what that reveals about representation, gatekeeping, and moving the Filipino narrative forward.
Learn more about Jhett Tolentino:
@jhett.tolentino
Watch or listen now:
📺 YouTube: @theloidalewispodcast
🎧 Spotify: tinyurl.com/TheLoidaLewisPodcast
🍏 Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/apple-TheLoidaLewisPod
📩 Email us your thoughts and reviews: askloidalewis@gmail.com
#LoidaLewis #JhettTolentino #BroadwayToFilm #TonyWinner #GrammyWinner #AsianPersuasion #LinguaFranca #FilipinoRepresentation #AAPIVoices #HereLiesLove #TheLoidaLewisPodcast
🎙️ Season 3, Episode 4 – Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel: Fighting for the Filipino Immigrant Dream
In this episode of The Loida Lewis Podcast, we welcome Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel - renowned immigration lawyer, host of Citizen Pinoy on TFC, and one of the most trusted voices in U.S. immigration law for over 40 years.
Atty. Gurfinkel breaks down today’s most urgent immigration issues: the looming threat of mass deportations, the revival of the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, and what every immigrant family needs to know right now. He also walks us through how Filipinos can petition loved ones from abroad—whether through family sponsorship, fiancé visas, or other legal pathways.
Known as the “Attorney of Last Hope,” Gurfinkel brings decades of experience, heartfelt advocacy, and a deep commitment to reuniting families and helping them live the American Dream.
Learn more about Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel:
https://www.youtube.com/@USImmigrationTV
https://www.gurfinkel.com/michael-j-gurfinkel/
https://www.instagram.com/gurfinkellaw
Watch or listen now:
📺 YouTube: @theloidalewispodcast
🎧 Spotify: tinyurl.com/TheLoidaLewisPodcast
🍏 Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/apple-TheLoidaLewisPod
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#LoidaLewis #MichaelGurfinkel #CitizenPinoy #USImmigration #FilipinoImmigrants #AmericanDream #PetitionYourFamily #TheLoidaLewisPodcast
🎙️ Season 3, Episode 3 - Tessie Tomas: Queen of Comedy, Champion of Reinvention
In this episode of The Loida Lewis Podcast, we sit down with the iconic Tessie Tomas - trailblazing actress, creative powerhouse, and one of the Philippines’ most beloved comedians.
Tessie shares her inspiring journey from humble beginnings as a radio voice talent at just 10 years old to becoming the first Filipina creative director of McCann Philippines. She opens up about her rise to fame through unforgettable impersonations and live performances, and her fearless transition to drama in Dirty Linen and FPJ’s Batang Quiapo as Senyora Bettina.
Now living in the Isle of Man with her husband, British marine biologist Roger Pullin, PhD, Tessie reflects on a life well-lived, and the joy of watching her son, Robin, transition from fashion to stand-up comedy in New York City.
With wit, wisdom, and warmth, Tessie reminds us that reinvention has no age limit - and authenticity is always in style.
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