A podcast focused on Filipino American culture and identity. Hosted by Balay Kreative Program Manager and community creative, Nicole Salaver, the podcast features interviews with Filipino American thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and artists who are making a positive impact in their respective fields. Through engaging conversations, the podcast aims to showcase the diversity and richness of the Filipino American experience, while inspiring listeners to explore and celebrate their own cultural heritage. Whether discussing the challenges and triumphs of being a Filipino American in the United States, or highlighting the latest trends and innovations in Filipino American culture, "Cultural Kultivators" is a must-listen for anyone interested in the dynamic and evolving Filipino American community.
CULTURAL KULTIVATORS: A Balay Kreative Podcast
Listen and learn from Filipino American thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and artists who are making a positive impact in their respective fields. Embark on this enriching journey by clicking the streaming platform links below and immerse yourself in the diverse stories we're excited to share.
Available now on the Following platforms:
Booking guest: iggy@kultivatelabs.org
Press inquiries: paloma@papalodown.com
SEASON 2
March 2024 —
EP 1: Kathryn Serrano | March 20, 2024
Kathryn Serrano, author of "Kalayaan Filipina Heroines of World War 2," co-host of "Future Ancestors" podcast, and director of "A Passage to Hope," channels her spirituality, womanhood, and motherhood into creating art that inspires and empowers. By sharing stories that resonate with diverse audiences, she hopes to spread positivity and inspire change.
EP 2: Michael Villanueva | April 3, 2024
Michael Villanueva, Filipino-American hip-hop artist/producer from Daly City, rebranded as Mikey Vee after a stint with Fil-Am rap group, Doyen, beginning his solo career. Influenced by artists like Mos Def, Andre 3000, J Cole, Kendrick, Drake, Smino, and JID, Mikey differentiates himself from the typical Bay Area sound with unique wordplay, impactful lyrics, catchy hooks, and versatility. With his recently released debut album based on the paintings of Rembrandt, titled, REM, Mikey promises to solidify himself as a limitless talent with mastery of his craft. Mikey Vee is also a 2022 Kreative Growth Program Artist of Balay Kreative and I’m honored to have a quick cameo on his recently released album REM.
EP 3: Anthem Salgado | April 17, 2024
In a metaphorically painted world of tree pruning and sports tournaments, Anthem takes us on a deep dive into his approach to professional development and artistic living. In this info-packed dialogue, he explores the starving artist narrative that many of us are all too familiar with. He advocates for a radical shift in our approach to money as a resource and reclaiming a sense of community in the arts field. Anthem provides valuable lessons on the mindset behind "losing properly" while also responding to the asks of the universe when pursuing your creative endeavors. For budding Fil-Am entrepreneurs, this episode offers essential insights on optimism, effective leadership, and advice rooted in action.
SEASON 1
May 2023 — February 2024
EP 1: Allyson Tintiangco-Cubales | May 31st, 2023
Dr. Tintiangco-Cubales: A Filipina/x/o scholar born on Ohlone land, she's an award-winning professor at SFSU, pioneering Ethnic Studies and mentoring countless educators who champion social justice nationwide.
EP 2: Ruby Ibarra | June 14th, 2023
Versatile Artistry: Bay Area's own Ruby Ibarra, rapper, and director, debuted with CIRCA91 in 2017, leaving a trail of performances across the US and Philippines, while co-founding the Pinays Rising Scholarship program.
EP 3: Allison Hueman | June 28th, 2023
Etherealism Unveiled: Oakland's Allison Hueman, a visionary artist, seamlessly blends realism with the ethereal, creating captivating works that explore memory, healing, and time, adorning urban walls and global galleries alike.
EP 4: Nikbo | July 12th, 2023
Healing Through Third Culture Pop: Nikbo's music transcends borders as a Filipinx artist raised in diverse corners of the world, merging emotive melodies, electronic beats, and a dedication to personal wholeness and collective liberation.
EP 5: H.P. Mendoza | July 26, 2023
Cinematic Virtuoso: H.P. Mendoza, acclaimed for films like "Colma: The Musical" and "I Am a Ghost," shines as a Filipino-American filmmaker, composer, and lyricist, while his music and experimental visual albums enrich the artistic landscape.
EP 6: Josh Dela Cruz | August 9, 2023
Joshua Dela Cruz is a Filipino-American actor, dancer, musician, and singer. On September 13, 2018, Nickelodeon announced that Dela Cruz would be Blue's Clues & You!'s host after auditioning over 3,000 actors.
EP 7: Chef Frances | August 23, 2023
Taste Trailblazer: Chef Frances Tariga-Weshnak's trajectory from Dubai's royal family kitchens to NYC's culinary gems, her TV appearances, and Sushi Master victory underline her fusion of authentic Filipino influences with modern culinary art.
EP 8: AJ Rafael | September 6, 2023
AJ Rafael, a talented singer-songwriter and a Youtube pioneer who has amassed over 1 million subscribers on YouTube and 1 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
AJ dives deep into his relationship with music and the healing effects music had in processing and honoring his late father’s memory.
EP 9: Sarina Bolden | September 20, 2023
Behind Sarina’s many successes, is her soul searching journey outside of her identity as an athlete, finding that it’s both passion and a growth mindset that will see you through, whether it’s taking a long break, starting a new career, or traveling in order to come back to yourself and your purpose.
EP 10: Gayle Romasanta | October 4, 2023
Happy Filipino-American History Month! We are incredibly honored to welcome Gayle Romasanta as this week’s writer, art-tivist, mother, and executive director of the Filipino-American Development Foundation. Gayle unwraps her process behind her latest work Larry: The Musical about Larry Itliong with us and her decades long experience working in community.
EP 11: Luna Salazer | October 18, 2023
In honor of Filipino-American History Month, we are proud to share space with Luna Salaver! As the first half of the famous Jose Rizal quote goes,“Know History, Know Self,” Luna brings us home through nearly 100 years of Salaver family history in the Bay Area.
EP 12: Terry Valen | November 1, 2023
As Filipino American History Month comes to end, we are proud to lead with this next episodes’ guest, Terry Valen! Organizer with the Bay Area Seafarers Coalition and Executive Board and International Coordinating Body Member of the International Migrants Alliance (IMA).
EP 13: Rudy Corpuz Jr. | November 15, 2023
This week’s special guest brings decades of experience working with at-risk youth in San Francisco: Rudy Corpuz Jr.! Founder and Executive Director of United Playaz, a violence prevention program that serves the youth, Rudy has dedicated his life to the rehabilitation and development of previously incarcerated folks and our youth as an ex-felon.
EP 17: Ouida | January 10, 2024
Welcome back and Happy New Year to all of our listeners! For our first episode of the year, we are running it back full circle with past Kreative Growth artist, Ouida!
As a SF born and raised singer-songwriter with rising national and international recognition, Ouida gives us an inside scoop on the new Bolo Music Group, Ruby Ibarra and Ian Santillano’s latest project announced last October.
EP 14: Unsung Heroes: Luci Herrera-Set | November 29, 2023
This week we are kicking off the end of the year with a very special guest host: Luci Herrera-Set! Luci is a local Bay Area highschooler and graduate of our Unsung Heroes youth podcast program. In this student-produced episode, Lucy invites her uncle, Michael Herrera, to talk about his journey as a teacher nurtured by the Pin@y Educational Partnerships program (PEP).
EP 18: Joy Regullano | January 24, 2024
From Sesame Street writer to Modern Family cameos, YouTube sketch artist to creator of Asian American comedy musical, Supportive White Parents, Joy is a multitalented creatrix in the entertainment scene.
This week she speaks with us about her journey as a former pre-med track student at UC Berkeley and her switch to theater while detailing an experience many of us struggle with: bringing our parental figures into the fold of our dreams. She also opens up about the responsibility that comes with screenwriting for children’s shows and raising the next generation as an act of service.
EP 15: Unsung Heroes: Benedict Del Rosario | December 13, 2023
Our next guest host episode for this week features Bay Area high school student, Benedict Del Rosario! Right in time for the holidays, this student-produced episode dives into Filipino cultural celebrations and its role in forming a strong sense of identity, belonging, and community.
EP 19: Ella Jay Basco | February 7, 2024
Niece of Dion and Dante Basco, Ella Jay and her family are no strangers to Hollywood. In 2020 she hit the big screen with her debut film role and gives us a behind the scenes look inside of the set of Birds of Prey and becoming Cassandra Cain.
Ella Jay also takes us back through her childhood of a highly artistic and creative family, from as early as 6 months old starring in numerous commercials to Grey’s Anatomy and narrowing down her talents and passion for acting. Her story illustrates the world of a difference it can make when our parents and families are on board with us, full steam ahead.
EP 16: Unsung Heroes: Rochelle Berdan | December 27, 2023
As we close out 2023, we are proud to welcome our final Unsung Heroes guest host, Rochelle Berdan! This episode features their mentor and friend, Jordan Raye, a queer, non-binary healer whose vulnerability turns out to be their greatest strength. Together, they dive deep into what healing intergenerational trauma looks like as an ongoing, non-linear process.
EP 20: Nicole Salaver | February 21, 2024
This week we are proud to end Season 1 with our very own Nicole Salaver! In this special insider episode, Nicole shares the origin story of Cultural Kultivators, her artistry, and the deeply rooted inspiration behind her creative force: the love and mourning of her late father.
