Filipina on the Rise

Hosted by Krystl Fabella

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Episodes

112

Latest episode

Sep 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Welcome to Filipina on the Rise Podcast! This podcast aims to promote Filipina excellence world wide by elevating Filipinas in every industry who are doing big things and making an impact! Together, we learn about their journey, tackle some cultural topics as related to being Filipino in the modern day, and give advice to someone pursuing their own excellence. highlight Filipino culture in modern day successes and celebrate what it means to be a Filipina.

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60 recent

September 4, 202658 min

Asking the audience: What are you building and why? (LIVE Call-in!)

A live "radio" show! Where I ask the audience questions. Host Krystl brings back the cozy vibes of old-school call-in radio with a live episode of Filipina on the Rise . She shares how her podcast evolved into IRL meetups across multiple cities, why she had to pause the in-person chapter program after leadership and operations challenges, and what she’s now building: a community tech product designed to make it radically simple for women—especially Filipinas and anyone feeling lonely—to find local community and monthly gatherings in just a few clicks. Inspired by Canva founder Melanie Perkins and her mission to “make complex things simple,” Krystl is applying that same philosophy to community-building. Then, three callers share what they’re building and why: Leonie (New York) talks about Pop Syrup Popcorn , a Filipino-inspired small batch popcorn company born from her time in “corn country” Iowa and her longing for Filipino flavors. She shares moving into her own popcorn facility, launching a Kickstarter to fund custom packaging and limited-edition Filipino-designed stickers, and learning the ropes of capital, QuickBooks, and scaling a food brand while being buoyed by strong community support. Misa (South Pasadena / LA), founder of Authentic Asian , dives into building a paid community for Asian women in the workplace across the U.S. and London. She unpacks three big challenges: scarcity mindset around investing in joy and community, discoverability of such a niche space, and early algorithm issues where her content was served to men searching “Asian female.” She and Krystl reflect on breaking cultural cycles, redefining success, and holding space for high-achieving Asian women to grow and heal together. Michelle (Long Island), a social worker and founder of Thriving Asian , shares how burnout in international social work and public health led her to center the mental health of Asian and Filipino leaders and high achievers . She explains why mental health must be seen as a foundation (not an afterthought) and how she creates culturally relevant workshops and conversations that go beyond “Western” mental health language. Michelle also opens up about the challenge of shifting from traditional nonprofit funding to building a more sustainable, community-powered model. Across the episode, you’ll hear real-time stories of Filipina and Asian women turning online connection into offline community, wrestling with funding and visibility, and reimagining what success, leadership, and mental health can look like for our communities. Would you like a one-paragraph, under-500-character version of this specifically for Apple/Spotify episode descriptions?

June 18, 202648 min

When 10 Years of Trust Building Takes Off | Jelynn Malone, Award Winning Coffee cofounder and Lead Actress of Hollywood Dramedy

Filipina-American actress, host, and award-winning entrepreneur Jelynn Malone is on a mission to put the Philippines on the global stage—from Hollywood sets to specialty coffee farms. As Co-Founder and Chief Brand & Marketing Officer of Mostra Coffee and the lead of the new medical dramedy Nurse the Dead, Jelynn shows what it looks like when a Filipina builds her own lane at the intersection of culture, creativity, and impact. This episode dives into how she turned her family legacy, cultural pride, and a clear sense of purpose into platforms that uplift Filipino stories and livelihoods worldwide. In this episode we’ll cover… - How growing up in a family of Filipino entertainers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders in San Diego shaped Jelynn’s vision for her life - The identity journey from being the only Filipina in a predominantly white neighborhood—and feeling shame about her roots—to claiming her Filipina identity as her superpower - The pivotal moment seeing her tita star in Miss Saigon and realizing Filipinas could be leading women in media, not just side characters - Jelynn’s path from professional dancer in Hollywood to actress and host, and why she felt called to use media as a tool for representation - The origin story of Mostra Coffee: a trip to the Philippines, witnessing deep poverty, and the decision to build a business that creates jobs and champions Philippine specialty coffee - What it means to lead a purpose-driven brand that supports Filipino coffee farming communities while also stepping into a major acting role as a Filipina nurse in Nurse the Dead 🧭 Timestamps: 00:00 Intro bloopers, host welcome & who is Jelynn? 02:01 How Crystal & Jelynn met + the power of Filipina community 03:21 Growing up Filipina in San Diego: family legacy, arts & identity 07:20 From Hollywood dancer to media representation advocate 09:04 Trip to the Philippines, Gawad Kalinga & the seed for Mostra Coffee 11:10 Choosing coffee to uplift the Philippines & create jobs 13:18 What makes Philippine specialty coffee special (and why it matters) 15:23 Paying farmers fairly, partnering with big brands & staying true to the mission 17:52 Defining your bigger why & keeping the doors open in a crisis 19:12 Trust, values & what makes strong co‑founder relationships 22:30 Scaling Mostra, returning to acting & leading as a multipassionate Filipina 31:45 Landing “Nurse the Dead” & Filipina representation on screen 40:30 Advice for Filipinas carving their own path + closing reflections Importance of Episode: For Filipinas who are the “firsts” in their families, Jelynn’s story is a powerful reminder that you’re allowed to be many things at once—artist, entrepreneur, cultural advocate, and leader. This conversation offers a real-life example of how to turn cultural pride into concrete impact, from economic empowerment in the homeland to authentic representation on screen. If you’ve ever felt torn between your ambition and your roots, this episode will show you how they can actually fuel each other. ✨ CONNECT WITH JELYNN: * Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1650175/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jelynnmalone * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jelynn.sophia/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jelynn-malone-969357209/ 📣 FOLLOW US: Instagram: https://instagram.com/filipinaontherise TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@filipinaontherise Website & newsletter: https://filipinaontherise.com #FilipinaOnTheRise #JelynnMalone #MostraCoffee #FilipinaExcellence #FilipinaLeadership #FilipinaEntrepreneurs #AAPIWomen #RepresentationMatters #PhilippineCoffee #PinayPower Brought to you by OptiNizers, a remote talent agency that connects businesses with highly skilled Filipino remote professionals who help entrepreneurs delegate smarter, reclaim time, and stay focused on what truly drives growth. As a business owner, podcaster, and multi-business owner, I’ve learned that real progress doesn’t come from doing more — it comes from building the right partnerships. OptiNizers matches you with carefully vetted, continuously trained remote talent aligned with your goals, so you can scale with confidence. 👉 Book a free call with OptiNizers and mention KRYSTL https://www.optinizers.com/contact

May 10, 202651 min

Filipino Virtual Professionals are powering businesses worldwide... but at what cost?

This episode is brought to you by our sponsor, Optinizers (https://www.optinizers.com/) — helping entrepreneurs scale smarter with world-class virtual support. Andy Cheng is an entrepreneur, business strategist, and former President of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) Los Angeles Chapter who has built and scaled multiple multi‑million dollar businesses. In this episode, he’s joined by Trisha, a Filipina operator and Head of Recruitment at OptiNizers, to break down how scrappy founders can stop doing everything alone and finally build the right support around them. If you’ve ever felt stuck at the same level—working nonstop but not really moving forward—this conversation will show you a different way to grow. In this episode we’ll cover… - The moment you know you can’t “DIY” your business anymore and what to do instead - Why Andy believes your first hire should usually be an executive assistant—and how that unlocks both your business and personal life - The difference between “connecting the dots” and truly empowering remote talent, especially Filipino professionals - How Trisha went from BPO employee to a founder’s right-hand operator helping scale a team from 2 to 20 - The most common mindset blocks founders have around delegating, and practical shifts to start letting go - Real examples of what Filipino remote talent can own for you—EA, operations, bookkeeping, video editing, and more 🧭 Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome & why this convo matters for every kind of builder 01:30 Meeting Andy & Trisha + how OptiNizers supports this podcast 03:26 Trisha’s journey from BPO to right-hand operator & Head of Recruitment 06:46 If you feel stuck and keep “starting over” every year… 10:25 Who OptiNizers serves and the most common roles to hire first 13:40 Two types of clients & getting honest about what you really need 19:25 Discovering exploitation in the VA industry 20:45 Starting OptiNizers with a more ethical, balanced model 25:06 When is it actually time to hire support? (Effective hourly rate) 30:40 What to delegate first as a scrappy founder 36:10 How to build healthy relationships with Filipino remote talent 42:00 Letting go of control & focusing on your zone of genius 47:30 Final advice for Filipinas redefining leadership and success ✨ CONNECT WITH ANDY Instagram (OptiNizers): @optinizers Website: https://chengandy.com/ 📣 Follow Filipina on the Rise Instagram: https://instagram.com/filipinaontherise TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@filipinaontherise Website & newsletter: https://filipinaontherise.com #FilipinaOnTheRise #AndyCheng #OptiNizers #FilipinaLeadership #FilipinaEntrepreneur #FilipinoTalent #AAPIWomen #FilipinaExcellence #VirtualAssistant #RemoteWork #Delegation #WomenInBusiness As a business owner, podcaster, and multi-business owner, I’ve learned that real progress doesn’t come from doing more — it comes from building the right partnerships. OptiNizers matches you with carefully vetted, continuously trained remote talent aligned with your goals, so you can scale with confidence. 👉 Book a free call with OptiNizers and mention KRYSTL https://www.optinizers.com/contact

March 26, 20261 hr 14 min

Being Underestimated is your Biggest Advantage | First Filipina Winner of Survivor, Erika Casupana

This episode is brought to you by our sponsor, Optinizers (https://www.optinizers.com/) — helping entrepreneurs scale smarter with world-class virtual support. Erika Casupanan made history as the first Canadian — and first Filipina — to win American Survivor, breaking a seven-season streak of male winners with her quiet, strategic game. A proud Filipina Canadian with roots in Manila and a background in tech and communications, Erika turned a lifetime of being underestimated into her greatest competitive advantage. In this episode, she shows us how the skills many Filipinas develop just to survive and succeed in Western systems are the same skills that can make us powerful leaders, strategists, and game-changers. In this episode we’ll cover… - Growing up in a multigenerational Filipino household in Canada and watching her parents navigate “survival mode” - How being the child of immigrants shaped Erika’s resourcefulness, ambition, and belief that she could “figure it out” no matter the hand she was dealt - The story of how Survivor became her childhood dream after the loss of her grandfather — and why representation and resilience were at the heart of it - The real skills that helped her win Survivor: emotional intelligence, reading people, communications savvy, and navigating male-dominated spaces like tech - How Erika strategically leveraged being underestimated — her size, her identity, her persona — into a winning advantage - What it means to step into your power as a Filipina, own your story, and see that you already have what it takes to “win” in your own life 🧭 Timestamps: 00:00:00 Breaking Survivor history & Erika’s many “firsts” 00:03:12 From tech & comms to the Survivor island 00:04:53 Growing up Filipina Canadian in survival mode 00:07:41 Discovering Survivor at 11 & dreaming of winning 00:10:07 Noticing privilege, power & being “different” 00:10:36 The high school TV show story & losing an opportunity 00:18:24 Invisible strings, bias & trusting your gut 00:21:26 Overachieving, people-pleasing & career beginnings 00:30:00 Turning being underestimated into a winning Survivor strategy 00:42:00 Emotional intelligence, alliances & making bold moves 00:54:00 Life after Survivor: speaking, media & owning your identity 01:04:00 Creating “Happy to See Me” + advice for underestimated Filipinas ✨ CONNECT WITH ERIKA: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erika_cas Website: https://www.erikacasupanan.com/ Podcast: “Happy to See Me!” (available on all major podcast platforms) 📣 Follow Filipina on the Rise Instagram: https://instagram.com/filipinaontherise TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@filipinaontherise Website & newsletter: https://filipinaontherise.com This podcast episode is brought to you by OptiNizers, a remote talent agency that connects businesses with highly skilled Filipino remote professionals who help entrepreneurs delegate smarter, reclaim time, and stay focused on what truly drives growth. 👉 Book a free call with OptiNizers and mention KRYSTL https://www.optinizers.com/contact

March 19, 202640 min

Why Filipinas Need to Be in the AI Conversation | Replay with Dr. Kristine, Founder & former Director of AI

This episode features Dr. Khristine Gloria, a cognitive scientist and AI ethics expert, discussing the importance of diversity, representation, and ethical considerations in AI development. We explore how biases in AI reflect societal stereotypes, the role of community input, and strategies for responsible AI use, especially for marginalized communities. keywords AI ethics, diversity in AI, representation, biases, responsible AI, Filipino community, media representation, technology for good key topics AI biases and stereotypes Representation of marginalized communities in AI Ethical data collection and consent Diversity in AI development teams Community engagement in AI design titles AI and Cultural Representation: Addressing Biases and Stereotypes The Future of AI: Diversity, Ethics, and Community Impact Sound Bites "Bias is exponential in AI decision making" "Humans have qualities AI cannot replicate" "Diverse teams create better AI products" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Christine Gloria and AI ethics 01:14 The Filipino Barbie AI-generated controversy 02:59 Media representation and stereotypes in AI 07:55 Critical thinking about AI and cultural biases 11:23 Human bias in AI training data 12:58 Ethical data collection and regulation 15:24 Diversity in AI teams and decision-making 18:33 Approaching AI with curiosity and responsibility 20:06 Common misconceptions about AI and fears 23:38 Humans' unique qualities in the age of AI 25:04 Connecting with community and upskilling in AI 27:05 The art of articulating AI prompts 27:52 Learning Filipino history through innovative courses 29:54 Cultural adoption of technology in the Philippines 30:36 Diversity and representation in AI development 32:58 Final thoughts and resources for further learning 33:43 Fun with AI: Creating song lyrics Resources Dr. Christine Gloria on LinkedIn AI Bias and Fairness - MIT Technology Review

March 11, 202650 min

Why Is It So Hard to Ask for What You Need? Achieving Relationship Reciprocity with Lia Mancao, Licensed Therapist (feat. on Vogue, Elle, Oprah Mag)

Many of us grow up learning to take care of everyone else first. For many women — especially Filipina women navigating family expectations, cultural values, and relationships — that can show up as over-functioning, suppressing our needs, and staying in patterns that don’t truly support us. In this episode, therapist and social worker Lia Mancao joins us to talk about the relationship patterns many people don’t realize they’re carrying — and how to start building self-trust, healthier boundaries, and more balanced partnerships. Lia shares insights from her work helping people understand how childhood experiences shape adult relationships , why people often forgive quickly to avoid abandonment , and how we can begin reconnecting with our own needs. This conversation is honest, reflective, and ultimately hopeful — especially if you’ve ever felt responsible for holding everything together. In This Episode We Talk About • how Filipino culture and family dynamics can shape the way many women show up in relationships • the difference between a “proximityship” and a true partnership , and what self-abandonment actually looks like • why many women over-function in relationships and struggle to name their needs • how to start rebuilding self-trust, boundaries, and healthier relationship patterns Listener Reflection Have you ever noticed yourself doing more than your share in relationships — just to keep things working? What might change if you trusted yourself enough to name your needs? Episode Timestamps 00:00 Intro & meet therapist Lia Mancao 02:20 Lia’s background and path into therapy and social work 05:00 Why understanding childhood experiences matters in adult life 09:00 Social justice, advocacy, and mental health work 12:05 The difference between functional rest vs restorative rest 13:55 Why some people struggle to truly relax 23:50 Finding micro-moments of rest in busy lives 24:55 Relationship patterns many Filipina clients experience 26:10 How childhood needs affect adult relationships 27:10 Why some people struggle to even identify their needs 28:10 Forgiving quickly because of fear of abandonment 30:20 How to rebuild self-trust through small actions 32:30 Inner child work and what we needed to hear growing up 34:00 Giving yourself the apology you never received 34:45 The concept of a “proximityship” vs partnership 36:30 What self-abandonment actually looks like 37:55 Understanding social currency and external validation 40:00 The pressure to perform on social media 42:00 Adapting without losing authenticity 44:00 Knowing when to step back from productivity 46:15 Navigating seasons of uncertainty 47:10 An inner child reflection practice Connect with Our Guest Follow Lia and her work: Instagram @alyssamariewellness Website https://www.alyssamariewellness.com/ Connect with Filipina on the Rise Instagram https://www.instagram.com/filipinaontherise Website https://www.filipinaontherise.com If this conversation resonated with you, please consider giving to Filipina on the Rise here: https://www.filipinaontherise.com/donate or leaving a 5-star written review on Apple Podcasts. It helps the show get discovered, allows us to bring on incredible guests, and supports the mission of uplifting Filipina voices and stories. Thank you and Stay Rising!

March 3, 20261 hr 5 min

Why Not You? Martial Artist Nelita Villezon on Building Unshakable Confidence, Reclaiming Mixed Identity & Dreaming Bigger at 40

This episode is brought to you by our sponsor, Optinizers (https://www.optinizers.com/) — helping entrepreneurs scale smarter with world-class virtual support. Filipina martial artist, wellness entrepreneur, and digital creator Nelita Villezon has spent her life becoming a “human weapon” — and now she’s using that power to help women feel safer, stronger, and more rooted in who they are. From growing up under the wing of her world-champion martial artist father to navigating health challenges, grief, motherhood, and reinvention, Nelita’s journey is a masterclass in embodied confidence and redefining power as a Filipina. This conversation is for anyone who wants to feel more secure in her body, more honest about her struggles, and more intentional about how she rises. In this episode we’ll cover… - How Nelita’s Filipina upbringing and her dad’s legacy in martial arts shaped her identity, confidence, and career path - What it really means to be a “human weapon” — and how awareness, boundaries, and simple tools (yes, even an umbrella) can radically increase your safety - The behind-the-scenes reality of being a creator, mom, and entrepreneur in her late 30s/40s — and why she’s done performing perfection online - Why she felt called to create women-only self-defense spaces and the emotional shift she witnesses when fear turns into power in her students - How grief, health scares, and life transitions led her to focus on longevity, wellness, and sustainable strength instead of hustle and burnout - Practical ways Filipinas can reclaim power in everyday life: from how you walk into a room to how you advocate for your body, time, and energy ⏱ Timestamps 00:00:00 Welcome, Filipina on the Rise & Nelita’s intro 00:01:21 “Frazzled but here”: real-life chaos & showing up anyway 00:03:06 What it means to be a “human weapon” & her dad’s legacy 00:04:49 Lifelong martial arts, survival, and doors it opened 00:05:56 Situational awareness, travel safety & everyday “weapons” 00:06:52 Why she felt called to train women specifically 00:07:58 The switch that flips when women find their power 00:09:40 Representation, fierceness & being who you never saw growing up 00:11:04 Growing up Black and Filipina, moving from North Carolina to California 00:13:35 “What are you?”: forms, race boxes & early identity confusion 00:18:30 Claiming both cultures & healing the inner child 00:25:10 Entering male-dominated spaces in martial arts and film 00:33:45 Grief, health challenges & rebuilding from rock bottom 00:42:20 Redefining strength: longevity, nervous system & sustainable power 00:51:00 Motherhood, boundaries & designing a values-led career 00:58:30 Practical self-defense tips & how to start training today 01:03:00 Final words for the woman learning to take up space ✨ Connect with Nelita Instagram: https://instagram.com/nelita_v Programs & Offerings: https://stan.store/nelita_v 📣 Follow Filipina on the Rise Instagram: https://instagram.com/filipinaontherise TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@filipinaontherise Website & newsletter: https://filipinaontherise.com This podcast episode is brought to you by OptiNizers, a remote talent agency that connects businesses with highly skilled Filipino remote professionals who help entrepreneurs delegate smarter, reclaim time, and stay focused on what truly drives growth. 👉 Book a free call with OptiNizers and mention KRYSTL https://www.optinizers.com/contact

February 12, 202655 min

A Film Producer Bringing Our Stories to the Big Screen | Hillary Soriano on How to Execute Big Visions on a Budget & Filipina Care as Power

This episode is brought to you by our sponsor, Optinizers — helping entrepreneurs scale smarter with world-class virtual support. Hillary Soriano is a Filipina-American actress and executive producer creating independent films centered on Filipino and immigrant stories. From co-producing their very first film with Manny Pacquiao to releasing their latest project theatrically through Regal Cinemas , Hillary and her husband Chris have built a filmmaking career outside the traditional studio system — on their own terms. What if our cultural traits — our care, service, and resourcefulness — are actually our greatest advantage? Hillary shares what it was like feeling replaceable in LA and the moment she and Chris stopped waiting for permission and built their own projects. We talk about her new film, Red Light Teachers, following a Filipina immigrant forced to make difficult choices to survive — and unpack a familiar tension: being pushed toward “safe” careers, yet discovering that the same caregiving instinct can become real leadership power. ⏱ Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome + Why Filipina Care Is Power 03:16 – Feeding a 15-Hour Film Set & Leadership Through Care 06:58 – Co-Producing Their First Film with Manny Pacquiao 10:32 – Feeling Replaceable in LA & Creating Their Own Opportunities 15:19 – How to Start Producing a Film: Script, Team, Budget 22:16 – The Story Behind Red Light Teachers 26:07 – Immigrant Survival & The Choices We Don’t Talk About 42:17 – Relationships, Business & Why Being Nice Wins 49:54 – “Your Time Will Come” This podcast episode is brought to you by OptiNizers , a remote talent agency that connects businesses with highly skilled Filipino remote professionals who help entrepreneurs delegate smarter, reclaim time, and stay focused on what truly drives growth. As a business owner, podcaster, and multi-business owner, I’ve learned that real progress doesn’t come from doing more — it comes from building the right partnerships. OptiNizers matches you with carefully vetted, continuously trained remote talent aligned with your goals, so you can scale with confidence. 👉 Free up time to focus on the BIG PICTURE, book a complimentary call with OptiNizers and mention KRYSTL

February 5, 202637 min

Krystl Fabella, Founder of Filipina on the Rise: How I am Rebuilding Community Differently

In this solo episode of Filipina on the Rise , Krystl Fabella returns after a year-long pause to share the behind-the-scenes story of burnout, misalignment, and the unexpected season that nearly led her to walk away from everything she built. Krystl reflects on what it looked like to step away from social media, slow down after years of nonstop momentum, and listen to the signals coming from her body, spirit, and intuition. Through deeply personal storytelling—from a car accident and health wake-up calls to returning home and rebuilding real-life community—she unpacks why presence, proximity, and healing became the foundation for the next chapter of Filipina on the Rise. This episode is an honest reframe on growth, leadership, and sustainability for anyone navigating burnout, questioning their path, or feeling called to pause before moving forward again. Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome back & why this episode matters Krystl shares why she took a break from podcasting and what prompted her return. 03:45 – The origin of Filipina on the Rise From recording in a closet to building a global community—and the identity journey that started it all. 07:30 – When momentum stops feeling aligned What it looked like to keep producing externally while burning out internally. 12:40 – Stepping away from social media & visibility Why unplugging felt risky—and what clarity came from the silence. 17:50 – The wake-up calls: burnout, a car accident, and health signals How the body forces pauses the mind tries to avoid. 23:30 – Returning home & getting “rooted in good soil” Why going back to her hometown became a season of healing and rerouting. 30:10 – Presence over performance Letting go of constant productivity and redefining what growth actually means. 36:45 – Rebuilding real-life community The difference between online connection and proximity-based sisterhood. 43:20 – Healing, intuition, and reconnecting with the body Why women’s health, cycles, and intuition are essential to sustainable leadership. 50:10 – The question of walking away Why Krystl considered ending Filipina on the Rise—and what ultimately pulled her back. 55:40 – A new vision for community-led growth How listening to the needs of the audience sparked a reimagined model for sisterhood. 1:01:30 – Closing reflections & what’s next An invitation to honor the unseen seasons that shape who we become.

July 10, 20251 hr 30 min

Claim Your Role: A Filipina Netflix Actress on Rising from Rejection, Becoming the Lead, & the Secret to Securing your Dream Role

What does it take to go from near-constant rejection to becoming the lead actress in rom-coms — in an industry where Filipina faces are still rare? In this inspiring and deeply real episode, Filipina-American actress and comedian Nikki McKenzie joins Filipina on the Rise to share her story of perseverance, identity, and choosing joy in the face of “almosts.” Nikki opens up about the emotional toll of rejection in the acting world, how she found confidence in her voice and culture, and what it meant to finally land a role that was literally rewritten for her as a Filipina lead. This conversation is a masterclass in trusting divine timing, letting go of outcomes, and staying true to who you are — even in industries that try to shape you otherwise. Whether you're chasing a dream, reinventing yourself, or simply want to feel seen — this one is for you. 💡 In this episode, you’ll learn: What it's really like to break into Hollywood as a Filipina actress The emotional journey of handling rejection and redefining success Why representation in romantic films matters more than we realize How Nikki built her career by showing up as her true self Lessons on identity, belonging, and letting go of being “picked” What it means when a role gets rewritten for you 🎬 About Nikki McKenzie: Nikki McKenzie is a Filipina-American actress and comedian known for her blend of comedic charisma and emotional depth. She’s starred in heartfelt TV romances like The Wedding Contest and A Vineyard Christmas , making her one of the few Filipina leads in mainstream romantic film. Her upcoming indie rom-com, A Fantastic Relationship , tells the story of a couple who pretends to be back together at a dinner party — and showcases her signature charm in a refreshingly real story about family, love, and self-respect. 🔗 Connect with Nikki McKenzie (Insert her correct links once confirmed) IG / @nikkitabanana17 IMDb / Nikki Mckenzie Coming soon: A Fantastic Relationship (streaming platform TBA) ✨ Connect with Filipina on the Rise WEB / www.filipinaontherise.com IG / @filipinaontherise YOUTUBE / @filipinaontherise PODCAST / Apple Podcasts ✨ If this episode resonated with you, share it on Instagram and tag us @filipinaontherise — we love seeing how these stories are lighting you up. And don’t forget to rate & review the show — your support helps amplify Filipina voices and bring more empowering stories to the forefront. Until next time, stay rising. 🌿