Found in virtually every Filipino bathroom from the humblest provincial home to the most luxurious Manila condo, the tabo—that simple plastic water dipper—carries far more cultural weight than its unassuming appearance suggests. In this episode, we trace the tabo's fascinating journey from coconut shell origins in pre-colonial times to its status as a powerful marker of Filipino identity worldwide. Why do overseas Filipinos pack tabos in their luggage? How did this humble dipper spark "hygiene wars" on social media? And what did early Spanish missionaries really think about Filipino bathing habits? From ancient hospitality rituals to modern environmental concerns, we explore how a simple household object became both a symbol of cultural resilience and a source of unexpected controversy. Whether you're a lifelong tabo user or someone who's always wondered about that mysterious plastic cup in Filipino bathrooms, this episode dips into the surprising depth behind one of the Philippines' most ubiquitous yet overlooked cultural artifacts.

In this episode, we bridge the gap between myth and reality as we explore the history and infamy of the San Juanico Bridge. Often romanticized as Ferdinand Marcos’s “gift of love” to Imelda, this iconic structure connecting Leyte and Samar is also a concrete symbol of the Marcos regime’s controversial “edifice complex,” cronyism, and international scandal. From its politically charged origins and its dark association with a Martial Law torture method to its crucial role as a lifeline during disasters like Super Typhoon Yolanda, we unpack the complicated legacy of an engineering marvel. How can a single object represent both national pride and national shame, and how do we remember a past built in steel and stone? Listen now to find out.

Join us as we peel back the layers on a beloved Filipino condiment staple: banana ketchup. We trace the surprising history of this sweet and tangy red condiment, from its ingenious creation by food scientist and war hero María Orosa during a time of scarcity to its status as a global symbol of Filipino resourcefulness and cultural identity. Discover how a wartime substitute for tomato ketchup became a fixture in Filipino households and a nostalgic taste of home for the diaspora. We also interrogate into the condiment's cultural significance, its role in iconic dishes like Filipino spaghetti, and the contemporary debates surrounding its authenticity and global expansion. This episode explores how an everyday object can tell a profound story of innovation, resilience, and the complex flavors of Filipino history.