Wicked Thoughts with Fleire Castro

Join us for a discussion about AI's potential in marketing as host Fleire Castro, founder of DashoContent, brings together industry leaders to explore what it takes to stay competitive in an AI-driven world. Featuring expert insights from Penn Lat (Virtua Solutions), Sal Saqeb (SCI Capital), Mykee Dizon (MetroMart), and Miko David (David & Golyat), this episode covers everything from AI's benefits and ethical concerns to practical strategies for utilizing AI responsibly. The panel dives deep into the evolving landscape of AI in marketing, from its transformative impact on creative processes to addressing challenges like maintaining brand alignment and navigating ethical considerations. They share actionable insights into how brands can harness AI while keeping their unique identity intact. KEY TOPICS • How AI streamlines tasks like market research and creative content generation. • Ethical implications: Ensuring authenticity and avoiding deceptive practices with AI. • Balancing the speed of AI with the creativity of human input. • Preparing teams and fostering a culture of innovation before adopting AI tools. • Real-world success stories and strategies for integrating AI effectively. Practical Takeaways AI is a powerful tool, but successful adoption starts with clear objectives, an innovative mindset, and a commitment to ethical practices. This episode provides valuable tips for brand owners, marketers, and entrepreneurs aiming to stay ahead in an AI-powered marketplace. RESOURCES & LINKS • Fleire Castro LinkedIn: Fleire Castro LinkedIn • DashoContent: dashocontent.com • Supported by: Common Ground, DashoWork, Dasho AI Is your brand ready to embrace the AI future? Tune in for real-world examples, best practices, and valuable takeaways to help you thrive in a rapidly evolving marketing landscape. Visit dashocontent.com for updates and resources!

Welcome to an engaging episode of Wicked Thoughts, hosted by Fleire Castro, founder and CEO of DashoContent as she and co-host and Chief of Staff, Charlene Virlouvet, sits down with Monica Ortega of Women in AI PH. From teaching herself to code as a kid to becoming a powerhouse in tech marketing, Monica shares what it really takes to make AI work for growing businesses. They dive into the good stuff: How startups can punch above their weight using AI, what happens when companies lean too hard on automation, and why building inclusive tech communities matters. Plus, Monica gets real about avoiding the common pitfalls of AI tools while keeping your brand's unique voice intact. KEY TOPICS Monica's career journey: From coding at 11 to AI-focused marketing The role of AI in streamlining and scaling marketing for startups Challenges in over-reliance on AI tools and maintaining branding control Building inclusive AI-driven communities through Women in AI Practical tips on integrating AI into marketing workflows effectively Monica also shares actionable advice on using AI tools responsibly and the importance of fundamentals—like understanding your ICP and strategy—before implementing AI. Discover how startups can leverage AI to compete with enterprise-level players without losing control over branding and messaging. RESOURCES & LINKS Monica Ortega LinkedIn: Monica Ortega LinkedIn Fleire Castro LinkedIn: Fleire Castro LinkedIn Event Organizer: DashoContent Supported by: The Company Cebu, Third Team Media, DashWork, Dasho AI Catch the latest insights and strategies from industry experts to stay ahead in the AI-powered marketing landscape. Visit dashocontent.com for more resources and updates!

Welcome to an insightful episode of Wicked Thoughts, hosted by Fleire Castro, founder and CEO of DashoContent. In this episode, we explore how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the marketing landscape in Southeast Asia. Our special guest, Doc Ligot, a data analyst, software developer, entrepreneur, and technologist—often referred to as the "AI Messiah of the Philippines"—shares his expertise on content operations, deep fakes, and the transformative power of AI in marketing. KEY TOPICS The Evolution of AI and Its Impact on Marketing Enhancing Content Operations with AI Understanding and Combating Deep Fakes Challenges and Opportunities in AI Adoption for Businesses Learn how to supercharge your brand's storytelling using AI. Visit dashocontent.com for resources, events, and insights! RESOURCES & LINKS Doc Ligot LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/docligot/  Fleire Castro LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fleirecastro/ Event Organizer: DashoContent Supported by: The Company Cebu, Third Team Media, DashoWork, Dasho AI

Welcome to our in-depth discussion on the impact of AI in marketing and business, featuring insights from industry experts Bo, Eugene, and Wilson. This podcast episode explores the tools, trends, and truths shaping the AI landscape today and how they can transform various sectors. KEY TOPICS Trends and Tools in AI Real-World Applications and Challenges The Rules and Roadmap for AI Learn more about The AI Gold Rush: Tools, Trends, & Truth - visit dashocontent.com to access our blog, free tools, and training! RESOURCES & LINKS Bo Discarga https://www.linkedin.com/in/domindis/ Betterteem https://www.betterteem.com/ Eugene Fedorchenko https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugenefedorchenko/ Intfinite https://intfinite.com.au/ Wilson Lee Chua https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilsonchua/ FUTUREGEN SG https://futuregen.sg/

In this insightful episode, we welcome Bo Discarga, the Founder/CEO of Betterteem, to discuss the transformative impact of AI on business operations, HR functions, and the future of work. Bo explains the practical applications of AI, shares his thoughts on overhyped trends, and provides valuable advice for startup founders, HR professionals, and business leaders. KEY TOPICS The Unique Human Touch AI Tools for Business and HR The Future of HR and AI Integration Global and Borderless Work Environments Learn more about Content Creation for Human Resources - visit dashocontent.com to access our blog, free tools, and training!

In this episode of the DashED and Wicked Thoughts podcast series, we delve into AI, marketing, and creativity with Jaiun Roa, a marketing and event specialist. Jayen shares her journey from the creative industry to the tech sector, sharing how AI has transformed her approach to marketing and event planning. KEY TOPICS Transitioning from Creative Fields to Tech AI's Role in Modern Marketing Adapting to Rapid Changes in Social Media Creative Strategies in a Tech-Driven World Tools for Effective Prompt Engineering Balancing Creativity with Technical Skills Listen to this episode on creativity and technology. Visit dashocontent.com for more insights, resources, and community support.

In this episode of the DashED and Wicked Thoughts podcast series, we discuss AI, entrepreneurship, and thought leadership with Kate Hancock, a notable business advisor and serial entrepreneur. Kate shares her inspirational journey from running her first ventures to becoming a renowned entrepreneur in the U.S. She discusses her early exposure to entrepreneurship, the challenges of a family business, and her leap into creating and scaling her own ventures using AI. KEY TOPICS From Family Business to E-commerce Empire: Kate's Entrepreneurial Beginnings Strategic Uses of AI in Building Top-Ranked Businesses The Power of Influencer Marketing in Hospitality Ethical AI and Global Leadership: Insights from the Global AI Council Practical Tips for Entrepreneurs: Leveraging AI at Different Business Scales Building Thought Leadership through Listening and Creating Value Explore more about thought leadership and AI - visit dashocontent.com for access to our extensive resources, educational content, and community support!

In this episode, we discussed the fascinating world of creativity and technology with Ms. Kia Abrera, the founder of Brave Works Inc. Ms. Kia shares her journey from being apprehensive about facing the camera to becoming a successful TikTok content creator and educator in video marketing. Throughout the episode, Ms. Kia provides valuable insights into utilizing AI in video marketing, the importance of human creativity, and the evolution of personal branding. KEY TOPICS Overcoming Shyness on Camera and Nailing it on TikTok How Brave Creators Lab Helps You Speak Up Practical Advice for Authentic Video Marketing AI's Role in Video Marketing Complementing Human Creativity Creating a Team That's Ready for Anything with AI Quick Takeaways: What's Hot, What You Need to Know, and What to Watch Learn more about Video Marketing - visit dashocontent.com to access our blog, free tools, and training!

In this dynamic episode, we welcomed three exceptional women from diverse industries to discuss their experiences and insights as Women in AI and Marketing. Ms. February, Ms. Joy, and Ms. Connie shared candid reflections on navigating professional challenges, the impact of AI on their work, and their sources of inspiration. KEY TOPICS Navigating professional challenges with resilience Balancing work and personal life: Strategies and realities The evolving role of AI in the workplace Sources of inspiration: From family to influential figures Overhyped trends in various industries The importance of community and collaboration in achieving success Learn more about Women in AI and Marketing - visit dashocontent.com to access our blog, free tools and training! Meet our inspiring guests: Joy Garingo Workspaces + Community at The Company Cebu Co-working Space Creator, Build-to-suit Spaces, & Employer-of-Record Services Connie Barrientos Carey Recruitment and Human Resources Head at Aleph Talent Solutions Corporation February Canoy Operations Manager at 10YellowMilk Co-Founder at ARKA.Asia-Ph

In this episode of the Wicked Thoughts Podcast, we are thrilled to have Ms. Le-an Lai Lacaba, Co-Founder of 2xYou, an innovative remote executive assistant service company. Le-an, a distinguished entrepreneur, delves into the transformative world of remote executive assistance and personal branding. She brings a wealth of experience and shares her unique perspective on leading a business that harmonizes AI technology with human-centric services. Listen in as Le-an discusses the pivotal role of consistency and effective systems in entrepreneurship and how 2xYou differentiates itself in the competitive landscape. She provides practical advice on balancing professional and personal life and reveals her approach to prolific video content creation. Le-an also touches on the crucial human element integration with AI, especially for remote executive assistance. This episode is an essential listen for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone interested in the intersection of technology and human-centric services. Don't miss this enlightening conversation with Le-an Lai Lacaba on the Wicked Thoughts Podcast.

In this episode of the Wicked Thoughts Podcast, we're excited to welcome Ms. Celine Bernadette Francisco, a versatile professional wearing multiple hats as a Content Marketer, Educator, and Wellness Advocate. As the founder of On the Dot Media, Celine leads a team of writers and virtual professionals, while also teaching Multimedia Arts at De La Salle Lipa. With her rich background, including co-authoring a book on online entrepreneurship, Celine offers a deep dive into the intricacies of content strategy in the AI age. Tune in as Celine unravels the layers behind effective content strategy, discussing its critical role in aligning messaging with customer journeys across various platforms. From the nuances of AI-driven content ideation to the importance of understanding audience psychology, Celine's insights are a goldmine for marketers and business owners alike. Whether you're a seasoned strategist or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable tips and thought-provoking discussions that will elevate your approach to content marketing in today's digital landscape. Join us for an enriching session with Celine Francisco on the Wicked Thoughts Podcast.

In this episode, we have the privilege of hosting Francis Plaza, co-founder of PayMongo, an online payments processing platform based in the Philippines. Having secured an impressive $2.7 million in seed funding from notable investors like Peter Thiel, Founders Fund, and Stripe, Francis's entrepreneurial journey is truly extraordinary. With a background in software engineering, including experience at Oracle and co-founding an online marketplace, Francis brings a wealth of knowledge to our conversation. Join us as we explore Francis's insights on building a startup, transitioning from engineering to the business side, and embracing the intersections of technology, finance, and life. With three years of leading PayMongo and now venturing into angel investing and advisory roles, Francis shares invaluable wisdom that will inspire entrepreneurs and technology enthusiasts alike. Don't miss this highly anticipated episode as we delve into the dynamic world of startups and beyond with Francis Plaza.

In this exciting episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Kimberly Damlani, a remarkable co-founder, business consultant, aspiring social-entrepreneur, and a self-proclaimed work in progress minimalist. Kim's passions lie at the intersection of tech, science, and sustainability, adding a unique flair to our discussion. Together, we dive deep into the art of branding, unveiling powerful strategies to build strong customer relationships through the dynamic realm of social media. With Kim's expertise as a business consultant and unwavering commitment to exceptional customer care, this episode is a treasure trove of insights for entrepreneurs and professionals seeking to enhance their brand presence. Get ready to be inspired as Kim shares her wisdom and equips you with the tools to elevate your brand, foster meaningful connections with your audience, and leave a lasting impact. Join us for a captivating conversation with a great giver and hustler Kimberly Damlani.

In this episode, we have the incredible privilege of welcoming Gian Paulo dela Rama, the co-founder and CEO of Aiah.ai, as our esteemed guest. Aiah.ai is shaking up the business landscape with its groundbreaking AI natural-language assistant, inspired by the legendary Jarvis from the Iron Man series. Gian's expertise and experience as a serial entrepreneur, coupled with his deep understanding of systems integration, digital media delivery, and software development, make this conversation a true gem. During our discussion, we explored the challenges and opportunities that confront startup founders. Gian's wealth of knowledge, acquired from his tenure at global powerhouses like Hewlett-Packard and Unilever, illuminates the transformative potential of AI and its profound impact on various industries. Moreover, as an active mentor and contributor to the Philippine startup community, Gian generously imparts invaluable insights into the realms of entrepreneurship, automation, and AI. Join us as we dive into the world of AI and draw inspiration from Gian's remarkable journey as an entrepreneur-mentor in this captivating episode.

In this episode, we sit down with Olivia Escartin, a practical visionary and ethical design thinking advocate who is using sustainable technology and businesses to make a positive impact on the world. Olivia shares her insights on the importance of ethical design thinking in business and how sustainable technology can be used to promote positive change. She also discusses her experience working with various startups and the challenges and opportunities that arise in the world of entrepreneurship. Later in the episode, we dive into the world of Insurtech with a focus on her new venture -- Oseas, an insurance tech startup based in the Philippines. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a tech enthusiast, or simply interested in the intersection of sustainability and business, this episode is for you.

In this episode of podcast, we speak with Jonecca San Pascual, Founder and CEO of Pieza PH, a digital marketplace for automotive retail businesses in the Philippines. Jonecca shares her entrepreneurial journey and how she utilized technology to grow her business. From her challenges personally to delving into business ownership to being a startup founder in the Philippines, Jonecca shares her war stories. We also explore the intersection of entrepreneurship and technology and gain valuable insights from Jonecca's experiences. Get ready for a deep dive into the mind of a successful entrepreneur who has leveraged technology to take her business to the next level in this episode with Jonecca San Pascual.

In this episode of our podcast, we delve into the world of logistics and automation with special guest Enrique San Juan of Oh My Genie! Ultra Fast. Learn about how this AI technology is solving major challenges in e-commerce and saving the Philippines billions of losses. Enrique will also share his vision for the future of urban design and the role of startups in shaping it. Join us for an insightful conversation that explores the intersection of technology and society, and why supporting the startup scene in the Philippines is crucial. Tune in now!

In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Gillian Santos, the co-founder and CEO of AniTech. AniTech is a deep-tech supply chain startup that is on a mission to solve the global food loss problem. They provide agribusinesses with actionable data on spoilage and storage quality using remote sensor systems. Gillian shares her background and how she got started in the tech industry, including her work on government research grants under Nano Solutions at De LaSalle University. She also talks about how AniTech is helping to reduce the risk of food contamination due to heat and environmental stress. Join us for an enlightening conversation about how AniTech is making a real impact in the agtech space.

In this episode, we sit down with Kennette Canales, the founder of Jiph, a cutting-edge fintech app that aims to make remittances from abroad to the Philippines - instant, cheaper and convenient Since the recording of this episode, Kennette and the Jiph team has recently raising $500k from private investors for the seed round and has rebranded the app from Payhiram to Jiph. He also talks about the company's plans to expand operations and how Jiph is poised to disrupt the industry. Join us for an exciting conversation with an entrepreneur at the forefront of innovation in the fintech space.

Here's our last episode to wrap up Season 4 for Dash of Social.   Jennibeth Paglinawan is a proud career shifter - from Food Tech to Digital Marketing Agency owner.   In this episode, she shares how she worked with sustainability companies, tech startups, and media companies. She also cemented her experience with NGOs, innovative companies, the academe, and the food industry.   After her career shift, she found herself bringing her expertise and creative ideas to help organizations. Jennibeth helped develop and implement digital marketing strategies to achieve marketing and business goals through her agency Growth Holistics.

For this special episode, we ask the question -- Are you ready for digital marketing for 2022? Together with our champions for DashoContent, Ian Bert Tusil, and Charlene Virlouvet, we discuss these and more. Those who have messaged with questions/concerns like: HOW MUCH? CAN I CONSULT? I HAVE AN ENQUIRY... Now is the best time. We discussed trends for 2022 and other FAQs about digital marketing.   Ian Bert Tusil is the CTO of ContentDash. He has 15 years of B2B software engineering experience across several brands and organizations.   Charlene Virlouvet is the brand evangelist of ContentDash. She has 8 years of experience in social media content creation and project management experience across various industries including education, commerce, and entertainment.   This is from your crew at DashoContent -- Check us out at https://dashocontent.com/

Finally! Back from the Big O's of 2022 to my podcast Season 4 on a Dash of Social. On the Wicked Thoughts Podcast, I'm talking to not just one but TWO performance marketers. Floyd Surban is a Creative Digital Marketer for SMEs, eCommerce, and Financial Institutions with a focus on Facebook Ads and Social Media. He manages a small team of freelancers with expertise in design, development, and marketing. Lean is a social media marketing specialist with a focus on local lead generation, marketing automation, copywriting for social media, and strategy. She has worked with various small businesses, as well as global brands such as F45, Anytime Fitness, Orange Theory, among others. We discuss various things including the sales funnel - brand awareness for SMEs, prospecting, local lead generation, and remarketing.

This week on the Wicked Thoughts Podcast, I'm talking to Lee O'Brian - Founder of PokLee Food Products, media talent and actor in the Philippines, and now a startup food business founder. We discuss how to move from the physical space to the online space, how to maintain and reinvent your business and offerings through the pandemic time, and of course, about work-life balance.

This week on the Wicked Thoughts Podcast, I'm talking to Reinart Bacalso - CEO of Augmen Digital, avid learner, and all-around numbers geek. We catch up on what's changed since we last spoke - from growing his team to delving into the local marketing scene and overcoming challenges. "Part of business is trying to find creative solutions to get through these challenges," he shares. We take it back to his college days and why today, transparency is a core value at Augmen Digital (it's a fun story). After discussing the future of social media, the Shopee/Lazada phenomenon, and the challenge of Facebook ads, Reinart takes it full-circle with his wicked thought: transparency wins over everything. Enjoy the episode!

This week, I'm catching up with my good friend Mr. Nas Arcayan, founder of Mothership and cognitive branding specialist. We start things off with what it means to build a "cognitive brand" and how one can connect with customers in the deepest, most meaningful ways. "Branding is not about connecting with the eyes it's about connecting with the mind," Nas shares. Nas drops some valuable knowledge for our MSME friends - the 3 most important facets of your business: your category, your customer, and your company. Using case studies and relating concepts to real-life situations, even first-time entrepreneurs can easily grasp these nuggets of wisdom. There's just so much to learn in this episode!

This week on the Wicked Thoughts Podcast, we're learning a whole lot from Jason Cruz - communication and brand strategist, business coach, and content creator. As a guest lecturer for various academic institutions, Jason has a unique perspective on teaching digital marketing, drawing from his past and ongoing experiences in the space. We talk a little about the importance of keeping up to date with trends and choosing to learn from people who are in the thick of things. We cover the boom of the creator economy, the value of GenZ customers, the Facebook outage, and how you don't have to be on every social media platform. The secret is in understanding your target market and using platforms to reach them. And as if he hasn't spoiled us enough with all his knowledge, Jason breaks things down for all our MSMEs out there looking to thrive in the digital space - a framework that also, somehow, applies to dating. So if you're gunning for a strong digital presence (and a life partner), have a listen!

This week on the Wicked Thoughts Podcast, it's S4E4 and I'm talking to Javier Lorenzana, co-founder, and CEO of Up Next, a platform that offers cohort-based programs to help accelerate professionals for the digital age. To begin, Javier shares how Up Next came to be -- how it was born out of a hunger for community and a need to learn beyond the four walls of a classroom. Today, Up Next stands at the forefront of modern education infrastructure in South East Asia, where connection and community are of the utmost importance. And of course... Is an episode even complete without me geeking out with a guest about social media? We discuss planning vs. over-planning, the importance of a strong strategy, and balancing that with the ability to rethink and adjust. But in the end, we come full circle with a Wicked Thought that brought us here, to begin with: the value of community.

This week on the Wicked Thoughts Podcast, I talk to social media specialist and digital leadership coach -- Ms. Janette Toral! In keeping with the season 4 theme, we get into a dash of social and discuss how e-commerce businesses can use social media to their advantage. Where does one even start? Ms. Janette advises it's important to establish fundamentals and invest in relationship building. After all, no one wants to do business with someone they don't like! We get into the specifics with a rundown of the different social media platforms and how helpful each can be -- from Twitter to Tiktok. It can all get a little overwhelming. But take it from Ms. Janette -- decide who you want to serve and how you can best add value to that market.

This week on Episode 2, I talk to social media strategist, community organizer, blogger, opinion columnist, Mr. Tonyo Cruz. We take it back to a time when blogging was just beginning to gain popularity. We reflect on how the times have changed, how going digital has evolved from a nice-to-have to a must-have, and how the pandemic has forced many sectors to take the digital space seriously. Then, things get political as Tonyo shares his thoughts on how digital will play a key role in the upcoming PH elections. He leaves us with the compelling reminder that before anything else, we are Filipinos. And when it comes down to it, we have more in common than we realize. Now that's a wicked thought if I ever heard one.

We're kicking off season 4 of the Wicked Thoughts Podcast with a well-known figure in the Philippines startup space, a content creator, podcaster, live streamer, and startup mentor -- Mr. Christopher Star. We talk about all things social media, why he considers himself an "accidental content creator", and his thoughts on social media vs. traditional media. Unless you've been living under a rock, maybe you've heard that there's this new, extraordinarily popular video app that is “a refreshing outlier in the social media universe” that's “genuinely fun to use.” Christopher explains the enigma that is Tiktok and how businesses can use the platform to their advantage. The secret, it turns out, is in the planning. Maybe that's where ContentDash can come in :D We discuss the uprising of creatorship, the future of content creation in the Philippines, and Christopher's mission to empower and uplift content creators because it's an actual job now.

Fleire Castro interviews Andy Graziosi for this season's Creators and Creatives. Andy Graziosi helps men unleash their confidence and reach their fullest potential so that they can date their dream woman. His goal is for men to overcome insecurities & become a force to be reckoned with. He wrote the book "Unleash The King Within: Dating & relationships for men: Learn how to be confident and understand women better".

Fleire Castro chats with her son, David Castro, for her birthday episode. Millennial mother and Gen Z son discuss NFTs, book writing, creativity, public speaking, his internship in a startup here in Cebu, scifi stuff, and other GenZ things.  Twenty questions (and more) were also asked to know the mother-son duo in this episode. Bonus: Singing an earworm cringe to close the episode.

Fleire Castro interviews AJ Dimarucot for this season's Creators and Creatives. AJ is a self-taught graphic designer, art director, and illustrator who has worked on experiential, digital, web/mobile, and integrated campaigns for brands all over the world. He has designed for and collaborated with brands like Nike, Jordan Brand, Adidas, to a multitude of smaller independent brands. He has recently collaborated with apl.de.ap, a Filipino-American rapper, singer, and record producer, to create an NFT drop. 

Fleire Castro interviews three women creatives in Cebu for this season's Creators and Creatives. February Ann Canoy - Super Human of 10 Yellow Milk Govinda Trazo - mother of 4 boys - creative director - small biz owner of Wudiis Cheryl “tambolbee” Villarino - designer & illustrator - owner & creator of The Grumpy Girls

Fleire Castro interviews Ace Gapuz for this season's Creators and Creatives. Ace Gapuz is an influencer marketing entrepreneur and the current Chief Executive Officer of Blogapalooza, the Philippines' premier influencer marketing company. Having been in the digital marketing and public relations space for almost two decades now, she is the pioneer of influencer marketing in the Philippines and a sought-after thought leader and speaker in industry events.

Fleire Castro interviews Mike Unson for this season's Creators and Creatives. Mike Unson is a stand-up comedian and host. He is an 18-year veteran of Philippine POV stand-up comedy. Mike also does hosting and runs his own shows on Kumu and IGTV.

Fleire Castro interviews Veronica Chiongbian for this season's Creators and Creatives. Veronica Chiongbian is a Cebu-based voice actor. She was a radio DJ and currently a digital marketer and co-founder of Cebooze.

Fleire Castro interviews Skye Nicolas for this season's Creators and Creatives. Skye Nicolas is a Manila-born, New York-based post-conceptual artist. His work ranges from large format paintings, filmmaking, photography, video installation, public space interventions, sculpture, and street wear design. He's currently dropping cryptoart where he recently became the #1 top-trending artist on KnownOrigin on SuperRare. As far as we know, he is the first Filipino NFT artist listed on SuperRare, one of the top platforms for collecting and trading unique, single-edition digital artworks.

Fleire Castro interviews Gama Rae a.k.a Paeijwei for this season's Creators and Creatives. Paeijwei is a former professional gamer who collaborates with publishers, media companies, and ecommerce brands to promote video games through live streaming and content. She is currently engaged in freelance content creation services for local and international clients. She hopes to someday create a platform to share stories of freelance journeys to promote a freelancing community.

Fleire Castro interviews Marvin Viagedor for this season's Creators and Creatives. Marvin is the band vocalist for the reggae band Big Marvin and the Wigiws since 2002. Expert branding specialist. Busking Advocate.

Fleire Castro interviews Ara Chawdhury for this season's Creators and Creatives. Ara Chawdhury is a Filipina filmmaker, human rights activist, and tarot reader who takes her comedy seriously. She produced a stoner film, SUPERPSYCHOCEBU with prize money she won for her short film, OPERATION PRUTAS at the Sinulog Film Festival, during Duterte's bloody drug war and is currently seeking political asylum in Northern California. Her directorial debut, MISS BULALACAO, won YCC best first feature and best screenplay at the Cinemaone Originals Film festival.

A chat with Dominic Dosdos of the local Cebu band Forgetful Bob. The Cebu punk + hardcore band shaped their music with a fresh new sound that echoes to every listener no matter the genre they prefer.  They have a single released soon called "Days". Days is an unapologetic love letter to your significant other who is far away. It's about reminiscing the days when you were right beside each other and how you took that for granted because you never knew you'd ever be apart. It's about longing for that person to come home. When the pandemic hit last year, the song suddenly perfectly reflected the situation of most people dealing with the quarantine, not just people going through LDR. It will resonate with you.

To wrap up the season and Women's Month, host Fleire Castro and co-host Connie Barrientos-Carey talk about the topics of Season 2 and the highlights of the conversations from our guests from Sutukil Valley and the Humans of Cebu.

This interview was done by David Alfonso Castro, my son, with my mom, Fely Bation in Cebu, Philippines. The recording was supposedly for  StoryCorps but reviving it here on the podcast as one of our Wicked Thoughts special episodes. We interviewed her days before the pandemic quarantine and travel lockdown. This was when we realized that her trip back to Los Angeles was not going to happen anymore. She had to stay in our tiny unit in Cebu City, Philippines together with my aunt for three months after this interview. My mother is a senior residing in LA and working as a nursing assistant to elders. She left the Philippines around 2001 leaving her husband and four young children to look for work and greener pastures in America. Here she shares her story on how she survived being an immigrant and eventually a resident in the USA away from home and family. She was able to go home to Los Angeles, USA after the March 2020 lockdown in the PH. She plans to retire and travel soon.

How is the Cebu startup community doing? What are the challenges and opportunities in running a co-working space in Cebu? What are the trends in community management and education as advocacy? Fleire Castro and co-host Ms. Connie Barrientos-Carey interview guest Ms. Joy Garingo, the General Manager of The Company's two co-working spaces in Cebu. In this episode, she shares her joy in being immersed in the community and spills some more tea in the recent challenges in running a co-working space.

How do you navigate your career and life as a working single mom? What are the things to note in the dynamics between men and women in the workplace? What are some tips for positioning yourself to win? Fleire Castro and co-host Connie Barrientos-Carey interview guest Ms. Rica Serenio, Digital Marketing Consultant, food content creator, and endurance athlete. In this episode, she shares her journey as a working single mom and the challenges she faces in the workplace, and the solutions.

Are social enterprises finding tech valuable? How does a working woman do career transitions? Where does data fit in various industries? Fleire Castro and co-host Connie Barrientos-Carey interview guest Ms. Hannah Amora, co-Founder of NGO Let it ECHO and logical empath. In this episode, she shares her journey from corporate to social enterprises, all the while keeping data and tech insights applied in her work.

Can you use design to bring about the value in business? How do you use it to validate ideas for startups and businesses? How does community building help? Fleire Castro and co-host Connie Barrientos-Carey interview guest Mr. Francis Alturas, Co-founder and Chief Design Officer of Abstract Digital. In this episode, he shares about his entrepreneurship journey, his design agency helping venture-backed startups, and the challenges of managing a team in the middle of a global crisis.

Is it possible to diversify your portfolio as an entrepreneur beyond creating startups and doing software development? Fleire Castro and co-host Connie Barrientos-Carey interview our guest Mr. Ian Bert Tusil, Founder of GrowLibro, to share his journey into software development, dropping off from college, winning the Startup Weekend, building business software, and diversifying into other businesses on the side.

How are the employers holding it out during a global pandemic? Fleire Castro and co-host Connie Barrientos-Carey interview our guest Ms. Timmy de Jesus, COO of Payruler to discuss their pivot to work-from-home, assisting their clientele to do the same, challenges of entrepreneurship, bee-keeping, and more!