SEASON 1: THE FILIPINOS
The theme for Season 1 is about immigration and titled “The Filipinos.” Gaemer Gutierrez interviews members of his own family and friends. Although they were all from the same country, sometimes from the same family, they had very different experiences. He talks to them about how they came to America, and the experiences along the way that changed them.
S1 E12
PART 2: TRAUMA & TRANSFORMATION
Dr. Beth Leilani Mercado she talks about life in America and her long road to recovery after suffering a stroke. Her life reads like a best selling novel. She was born into poverty, began a thriving career, endured an emotionally destructive marriage, embarked on a spiritual journey, and suffered a stroke that left her paralyzed when she was only 42. Her recovery back to health was long and arduous but, she triumphantly earned a doctorate degree in psychology and followed it up by writing 2 books.
Dr. Beth Leilani Mercado taken at her home in Pampanga Philippines.
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PART 1: TRAUMA & TRANSFORMATION
Dr. Beth Leilani Mercado’s life reads like a best selling novel. She was born into poverty, began a thriving career, endured an emotionally destructive marriage, embarked on a spiritual journey, and suffered a stroke that left her paralyzed when she was only 42. Her recovery back to health was long and arduous but, she triumphantly earned a doctorate degree in psychology and followed it up by writing 2 books.
Dr. Beth Leilani Mercado during her late teens in the Philippines.
S1 E10
PART 2:
THE HIDDEN BEAUTY OF FILIPINO CUISINE
Nicole Ponseca explains the fundamentals of Filipino cuisine and talks about one of her life’s most memorable adventures. As part of doing research for her book, she traveled extensively through parts of the Philippines that even most Filipinos have never visited.
Photograph by Marts Romero
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PART 1:
THE HIDDEN BEAUTY OF FILIPINO CUISINE
Nicole Ponseca talks about her mission to put Filipino food on the map. She is one of the pioneers of Filipino food in New York City. She’s opened 2 highly acclaimed restaurants and recently published a cookbook that was a James Beard Award finalist.
“Nikki is a good student, but is loud and can’t sit still after recess.”
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PART 2:
HOW ASTROLOGY EXPLAINS THE PANDEMIC
Within the Astrological community, there is an enormous buzz about the pandemic. This is having a huge impact on organizations, leadership, and individuals. In part 2 of my interview with Yumin, will provide some fascinating insight into what’s happening from that perspective.
Yumin Tan is a psychotherapist and Evolutionary Astrologer based in Rhode Island. This portrait was taken in New York City.
S1 E7
PART 1 :
SELF CARE DURING THE PANDEMIC
This is a pause on the usual interview for season 1 for a special 2 part episode. In this episode Gaemer sits down with his wife, Yumin, who is a psychotherapist. They talk about the importance of self care and she provides ideas on how people can take care of themselves during this very stressful time.
Yumin Tan is a psychotherapist and Evolutionary Astrologer based in Rhode Island. This portrait was taken in New York City.
S1 E6
I WAS LEFT BEHIND
Antonio Enriquez was the eldest grandson of a large, wealthy family. He talks about what happened when most of them left for America.
Antonio Enriquez taken in 1961 with his grandmother and grandfather.
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WHERE I BELONG
Maria Johnson tells her story about coming to America in 1971. The voyage to a new life took her away from her parents along with the security of 5 brothers. What happens next is truly heartwarming.
Maria Johnson in 1966 when she was 6 years old in Mandaluyong, Philippines. It was taken on front of the Aurea Building that was named after her grandmother.
S1 E4
BORN INTO CHAOS
Fenella Mallari tells her incredible story about being born into a state of chaos, family tragedy, and seeing Japanese planes conducting bomb runs in Manila as World War 2 began.
Fenella Mallari taken in 1956 when she was 20 years old during the courtship with her husband.
S1 E3
THE BULLY
Joe Gutierrez still gets moved when he tells the story about a racist incident in the 6th grade. It inspired him to become, a weightlifter, a varsity wrestler, and a black belt in martial arts.
Joe Gutierrez practicing a flying side kick in 1982.
S1 E2
ON MY OWN
Ruth Hafoka talks about the cultural differences she found as a young immigrant and how a tragic event changed her life forever.
Ruth Hafoka’s passport photo used to enter the US in 1972 when she was 7 years old.
S1 E1
LIKE A HIT OF HEROIN
Gaemer Gutierrez talks about the inspiration behind Invisible Culture and introduces Season 1, titled "The Filipinos."
Gaemer Gutierrez (bottom) with his grandmother and cousin in Manila airport as they board a flight to the USA in 1971.