🎙️ 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

📩 Email us your thoughts and reviews: askloidalewis@gmail.com

#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.

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 #TessieTomas #DirtyLinen #BatangQuiapo #QueenOfComedy #FilipinoIcon #PhilippineTV #McCannPhilippines #TheLoidaLewisPodcast

🎙️ Season 3, Episode 2 - Leila de Lima: A Fight for Justice and Freedom

In this episode of The Loida Lewis Podcast, we sit down with former Senator and former Secretary of Justice Leila de Lima, a human rights champion and staunch advocate for justice. She opens up about her years in detention, the political persecution she endured, and how she maintained her resolve despite adversity.

Leila shares that she communicated with the International Criminal Court (ICC) during her time in the Philippine Senate, shedding light on her role in seeking accountability for human rights abuses. She also recalls a terrifying moment inside Camp Crame, where she was taken hostage by an Abu Sayyaf detainee—a harrowing experience that tested her strength and resilience.

Now, as the lead nominee of Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Party-list (#6 on the ballot), Leila de Lima continues her mission to fight for justice, human rights, and democratic freedoms.

Tune in for a powerful conversation with a woman who refused to be silenced.

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 #LeiladeLima #HumanRights #Justice #PoliticalPrisoner #Freedom #MLPartyList #CampCrame #ICC #TheLoidaLewisPodcast

🎙️ Season 3 Opener: Maica Teves - Empowering Women and Advocating for Change Across the Globe

To close out Women's Month and kick off Season 3, The Loida Lewis Podcast welcomes the incredible Maica Teves, Executive Director of SPARK Philippines. In this episode, Maica shares her inspiring journey and deep commitment to women’s empowerment, human rights, and sustainable development.

Maica takes us through her impactful work with SPARK Philippines, a leading NGO dedicated to advancing gender equality and economic empowerment for women across the Philippines. From advocating for women’s rights in the Philippines Congress and Senate, to her work with women in detention at the Quezon City Jail, Maica is at the forefront of creating spaces for women to thrive, even in the most challenging circumstances.

She also shares her profound experience as a lawyer from Silliman University and her postgraduate studies in sustainability at the Swedish Institute, where she learned new tools to address the intersection of global challenges like sustainable development and gender equity.

Maica’s vision for the future is clear: she wants to help more people in need and to continue fighting for gender equality through SPARK. With her unwavering passion and dedication, Maica is determined to empower more women and ensure their voices are heard—both in the Philippines and around the world.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation with a true champion of change. Maica’s story is one of resilience, passion, and the power of leadership to create a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

Learn more about SPARK Philippines:

Instagram: @sparkphilippines

Website: https://sparkphilippines.org/

Loida Nicolas Lewis’s memoir, Why Should Guys Have All the Fun?

Available now:

https://www.amazon.com/Should-Guys-Ha...

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 #MaicaTeves #SPARKPhilippines #WomenEmpowerment #GenderEquality #UNGA #Sustainability #HumanRights #Leadership #TheLoidaLewisPodcast #WomensMonth

🎙️ Season 2 Finale: Boy Abunda – The King of Talk Shares His Story

In this special season closer, Loida Nicolas Lewis welcomes the one and only Boy Abunda, Asia’s King of Talk, esteemed TV host, LGBTQ advocate, and Doctor of Philosophy in Social Development Education. As the final guest of Season 2, Tito Boy shares an unforgettable conversation filled with wisdom, passion, and heartfelt moments.

From his most memorable interviews with iconic personalities to his inspiring pursuit of a Master’s and Doctorate degree, Tito Boy proves that there’s no limit to personal growth and reinvention. His tireless advocacy for the LGBTQ community showcases his unwavering commitment to inclusion and equality.

The episode also takes a heartfelt turn as Tito Boy reflects on his late mother’s profound influence on his life and shares about his enduring relationship with his partner, Bong. To cap it off, don’t miss the special Fast Talk segment, where Miss Loida asks Tito Boy rapid-fire questions in classic Abunda style.

This season finale is a powerful and inspiring conversation with a true media icon, wrapping up Season 2 with a celebration of resilience, advocacy, and authenticity.

Learn more about Boy Abunda:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therealboyabunda

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBoyAbundaTalkChannel

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ZxAeoRys6jiUu9QN6ZdGP?si=a943a723d3464da9

Loida Nicolas Lewis’s memoir, Why Should Guys Have All the Fun?

Available now:

https://www.amazon.com/Should-Guys-Have-Asian-American-Billion-Dollar/dp/1119989833

Watch or listen now:

YouTube: youtube.com/@TheLoidaLewisPodcast

Spotify: tinyurl.com/TheLoidaLewisPodcast

Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/apple-TheLoidaLewisPod

Email us your thoughts and reviews: askloidalewis@gmail.com

#LoidaLewis #BoyAbunda #KingOfTalk #LGBTQAdvocate #FastTalk #PhilippineMedia #Season2Finale #TheLoidaLewisPodcast