Exclusive BLOGS
Stories and Lessons about us & for us.
Filipino American Filmmaker Joshua Ortiz Reflects on His Journey and Contributing to the Viral Avengers: Doomsday Countdown Clip
When the Avengers: Doomsday one-year countdown dropped, audiences didn’t just watch. They paused, replayed, shared, and even speculated about hidden messages. A week later, the clip surpassed 14 million views, becoming a viral moment picked up across major media outlets that fueled anticipation for the next chapter of the Marvel Universe.
The countdown video was the result of a collaborative effort led by AGBO and its studio partners. Supporting the marketing team as a contracted editor was Joshua Ortiz (@joshuajortiz), a Filipino American filmmaker whose career has steadily built toward opportunities to contribute to projects of this scale, alongside earlier success with the short films he has written and directed.
Get a taste of home at 10 cozy cafes
Fall is that sweet time of the year when going to a cozy cafe hits the spot. Visiting a place that celebrates Filipino culture makes the stop an experience in itself. While not exhaustive and in no particular order, here's a list of 10 Filipino cafes for an autumnal escape.
When Legacy Finds You | A Conversation with Artist Walter Redondo on Tennis, Creation, and a Life Well Played
What's the protocol when you discover someone with your relatively uncommon last name, "Redondo," whom you've never met? I've always assumed I was acquainted with all my relatives. However, in recent years, I've received inquiries about museum exhibits featuring tennis legends with the Redondo surname, prompting me to wonder about a possible connection.
Azucena | The Filipino-American Poetry Book That Started It All
The first poetry book to be published by a Filipino in the United States, Azucena, was written by Marcelo de Gracia Concepcion. Azucena has been republished this month by Persea Books, a century after its initial release (1925-2025).
10 years strong: LEAD Filipino marks decade of civic leadership with call to action
It all started with a table outside of a Seafood City in 2015.
LEAD Filipino volunteers were on hand with clipboards and flyers for a Filipino voter registration drive. It was an early campaign for the grassroots organization, which grew out of a desire to build Filipino civic voice and representation.
Your 2025 2x Ms. Olympia Bikini Champion, Philippine born, Maureen Blanquisco
On October 11, 2025, Maureen Blanquisco officially carved her name in the Bodybuilding hall of fame with her 1st place victory at the Ms. Olympia Bikini competition. This 2025 win made her a 2x champ in the sport, which is an accomplishment only held by 3 other women in bodybuilding history.
The Making of Jimuel Pacquiao | How His First Night as a Pro Asked More Questions Than It Answered
Jimuel Pacquiao’s pro debut ends in a majority draw, raising big questions about legacy, pressure, and the first steps of his boxing journey.
Is It Time to Stop Blaming Colonial Mentality for Everything Wrong With Us?
Maybe it’s time to stop defining who we are by what we’ve suffered, and start loving who we’ve become.
The Double-Edged Flag: When Filipino Americans Run Against Each Other For the Same Office
For decades, visibility was the dream. Filipino Americans looked at city councils, state legislatures, and Congress and wondered: When will we finally be seen? When will our names, our faces, our accents belong in the political landscape of the country we helped build?
Before I Knew Pride, I Knew His Uniform | Honoring My Filipino American Dad This Veterans Day
In observance and celebration of Veterans Day, I have the special honor of interviewing someone who means the world to me — my dad. He is a proud U.S. Army veteran and a proud Filipino American whose journey reflects both courage in service and strength in identity.
Loving a Homeland From Afar | The Politics of Filipino American Influence
Loving a Country You No Longer Live In: When Filipino American Power Meets Philippine Politics
Rico Hoey’s Baycurrent Classic Finish Marks Another Win for Filipino Representation in Golf
Rico Hoey grew up playing golf and even shared his home course of Goose Creek Golf Club (Mira Loma, CA) with fellow PGA tour member, Sahith Theegala. In an interview with Fore Magazine in 2023, Theegala told Fore Magazine that “Hoey is a genuine person who makes it fun to be around”.
How the Cu Sisters Built a Multi-Million Dollar Brand Reinventing Oral Care with COCOLAB
COCOLAB was founded by sisters Dr. Chrystle Cu and Catherine Cu. Dr. Chrystle Cu, a dentist, is passionate about enhancing oral care products. Catherine Cu, an artist, contributes her design expertise to the business.
Alvin Cailan Is the Reason You’re Obsessed With Breakfast Sandwiches
Known for transforming the simplest ingredient, the egg, into crave-worthy comfort food, Eggslut became phenomenon. And at the center of it all is its founder, Alvin Cailan, a Filipino-American with a vision.
Meet the Creative Force Behind The Lounge Booth | Where Cultural Storytelling Meets the Editorial Experience
In the world of event activations and experiential marketing, standing out is not easy. You’ll find yourself competing against companies that have been operating for years or even small boutique agencies. The Lounge Booth, has quickly become the go-to for brands, celebrities, and influencers seeking an elevated, one-of-a-kind photography experience.
The Sweet Side of Heritage | Chef Danielle Comerford’s Taste of Home in Netflix’s 1 in 7641
Chef Danielle Comerford, explores the rich culinary heritage of the Philippines in Episode #3: Kain Tayo of the Netflix docuseries 1 in 7641. The episode follows Comerford as she journeys through Bacolod, Pampanga, and Ilo-Ilo, sampling diverse local dishes.
The Archipeligo Within | The Uneven Map of Filipino American Identity Across States
Being Filipino American in California is not the same as being Filipino American in Ohio. Identity shifts with geography - and organizing must too.
A City of Hustle, A Culture of Diskarte | How Chicago’s Filipino Community Is Turning Creativity into Collective Power and Keeping the Spirit of FAHM Alive Year-Round
As Filipino American History Month comes to a close, DISKARTE: Coalition reminds us that culture isn’t just something to celebrate — it’s something to build from.
From basketball courts to kitchens, DJ booths to art studios, DISKARTE is turning Filipino creativity into collective power.
Faith, Family, and the Fear of Divorce : Why Filipino Culture Still Treats Divorce as a Family Disgrace
In Filipino culture, a failed marriage is not just heartbreak - it’s treated like a family shame. But silence only deepens the wounds.
How Noise Complaints Makes Staying In Feel Like Going Out
‘Noise Complaints’ has collaborated with artists such as DJ Sparky, RECAP, DJ Jehred, DJ LEX, and Miles Medina, among others. By spotlighting these talents, Noise Complaints not only provides a platform for their creativity.