Kiss My Mike

Check out this new podcast episode featuring Writer/Filmmaker: KRISTINE GEROLAGA!Kristine Gerolaga is a Filipina American filmmaker and actor. Her work has been featured on ATTN:, Amazon Fire TV, ALTER, Shudder, Fangoria, Rappler, and Vulture. Her short films were finalists for the TIFFxInstagram Shorts Fest and Justin Lin's Interpretations 2.0 Asian American Filmmaker Initiative. She is a 2023 grant recipient of The Future of Film is Female's Short Film Fund. She is also a Sundance Institute supported artist: She was a 2022 Uprise Grantee, a 2023 TAAF Collab Scholar, and most recently, a 2024 January Screenwriters Lab Fellow and recipient of the Horror Fellowship in support of her feature film LAMOK. Her latest short film MOSQUITO LADY, the proof of concept for LAMOK, premiered at the 2023 Beyond Fest and is on the festival circuit now.#filipina #writer #filmmaker #sundance

Check out this new episode with LA-based actor and writer, ROMMEL ROJAS!Rommel was born and raised in Davao, Philippines. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication and pursued a career in advertising. When the opportunity arose, he moved to the US in 2004. When his corporate stint ended in 2014, he rediscovered his passion in storytelling and attended both UCB and Elizabeth Mestnik Acting Studio for his training. He is a Meisner trained actor and a member of the Company of Angels theater group. His experience in film includes a short film, entitled Centerpiece, wherein, he co-wrote, produced and acted in, garnering selections in various film festivals. He loves hiking. He has hiked the Half Dome twice and did notable trails in Japan, South Korea, and Spain. He aims to hike Patagonia soon. His favorite color is green. #kissmymike #podcast #filipino #filipinoamerican #rommelrojas #naughtymaids #lgbtq

Check out this new 'Kiss My Mike' podcast episode featuring ACHIM MENDOZA.Achim is queer ex-Filipino-soap-opera-translator-turned-filmmaker, Achim’s passion for film started in his teens, when Marilou Diaz-Abaya, a renown Filipino director and National Artist, offered to mentor him. As a teenager, Achim would fly back and forth between his hometown of Davao and Manila to attend her classes. Back in the Philippines, he helped create “Stages Sessions,” a YouTube channel that focuses on indie Filipino musicians and poets. His 2021 musical short “Connection” was screened at the 38th Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival and was nominated for Best Short at the 2023 FilAm Creative Film Festival. His next short “A Karaoke Space Odyssey” is a sci-fi rom-com karaoke musical that recently had its world premiere at the LA Shorts International Film Fest. He is also the editor of “ALOK,” a short documentary on queer and gender- nonconforming artist Alok Vaid-Menon, which premiered at Sundance Film Festival 2024. Achim’s works focus on the radical power of joy to change the world, especially the joy experienced by his fellow Filipinos and queer persons of color. In his spare time, Achim likes to perfect his family’s longsilog recipe.Only on Kiss My Mike!

Happy New Year Everyone!Check out this latest podcast episode to kickoff Season 5. In this episode, I share my thoughts on what's in and what's out in 2024!Hope you all enjoy it!

Check out this brand new podcast episode featuring CARLIN JAMES.Carlin is an LA-based, Filipino-American actor who has appeared in shows like Better Call Saul, American Crime Story, and It's always sunny in Philadelphia.Carlin's new short film "A Sweet Tooth" will have its premiere at FilmQuest on November 3rd and FilAm Creative Film Festival on November 4th.About A Sweet ToothLogline: An overachieving Analyst will do whatever it takes to win a coveted promotion until he's confronted by a hammer-wielding assailant.CAST: Carlin James, Lee Donoghue, Ashley Undercuffler, Frankie D'Alessandro, RD Mower, Laura Dromerick, Kevin Caliber, Mike Talplacido, and James Lontayao.Executive Producer: Mike Talplacido & Joe DalyDirector/DP: Presley ParasEditor: Jason DalyWriters: Presley Paras & Jason DalyProducer: Russell Whaley and AJ CalomayFor more info, check out IG @asweettoothfilm or www.filmquestfest.com

Check out my latest podcast episode with the Executive Producer of the movie 1521, FRANCIS B. LARA HO.Francis is born in the Philippines famous City of Love, Iloilo City. His father, Anotnio L. Ho was both a businessman and a statesman. His mother, Nenita L. Balaran was a teacher. Francis was raised and trained in a Filipino-Chinese family of entrepreneurs, military, educators, and politicians. He first ventured as an entrepreneur in the United States in 2011 and was honored as one of the top entrepreneurs in Forbes Magazine (Nov 2013) and in Fortune Magazine (July 2016).In 2018, Francis pioneered Inspire Studios in California, USA with the compelling vision of winning the first Oscars for the Philippines. His ultimate mission is to uplift and transform the international image of the Filipino by producing history-in-the-making Hollywood-Philippines global-audience, worldwide-release movies based on incredibly inspiring true to life stories of ordinary people who lived extraordinary lives. About 1521"1521,” a global feature film that showcases Filipino-American talent, is finally premiering across the United States on Oct. 2.Shot completely in the Philippines with a predominantly Filipino production team, “1521” brings the history and heritage of the Philippines to life on the big screen. The Philippines’ Bea Alonzo stars as princess-seer Diwata alongside Hollywood legend Danny Trejo (Ferdinand Magellan), Filipino-American actor Michael Copon (who you may remember from “One Tree Hill” and “Power Rangers Time Force”), and Hector David Jr. (who also actually starred in a couple “Power Rangers” TV series).The film will premiere in nearly 700 theaters across the United States, making it the most distributed Fil-Am-produced film in the US. That said, it’s not without its fair share of criticisms when its trailer dropped in June, prompting netizens to point out “historical inaccuracies” and concerns over “casting decisions.”

Check out my interview with the lead cast of "Asian Persuasion," DANTE BASCO and KC CONCEPCION at the movie's WORLD PREMIERE at Soho International Film Festival in New York City.About Asian PersuasionWritten by Mike Ang and Directed by Jhett Tolentino, the film tells the story of a down-on-his-luck Chef, Mickey de Los Santos, who cooks up a crazy scheme to marry off his ex-wife, Avery Chua, by creating a fake online dating profile for her, to avoid his substantial alimony obligations.Dante Basco plays the role of Mickey de Los Santos while KC Concepcion plays the role of Avery Chua. For more info about the movie, please check out their IG page @asianpersuasionfilm.

Check out this latest podcast episode featuring Filmmaker JUSTIN QUIZON. Justin is a FilAm Writer and Director based in LA. HE's the host of "Nothing New Podcast" with co-host Andrew Linde where they talk about their thoughts and opinions on film remakes. Justin's also a Writer and Associate Producer for "LUMPIA with a VENGEANCE," a film about a LUMPIA-armed superhero that reappears in Fogtown and teams up with high school student Rachel to prevent a mysterious crime syndicate from destroying their town.Check out Justin's IG page @justinquiz

Check out this latest podcast episode featuring FilAm actor, JULIAN BATACLAN.Julian is a jack of all trades who is just beginning to emerge in the Entertainment scene as an actor. Already equipped with an engineering degree from USC, he has most recently cultivated and developed his craft under the direction of renowned acting coach John Kirby in Hollywood. Among Julian's recent credits include: The Perfect Couple (lead), Good Filipino Kids (supporting) and #DONT on stage (supporting).Check out Julian's IG page @julbata

Here's a quick excerpt (audio) recording from my book, Kiss My Mike!I made this podcast recording since it's summertime here in the US right now!  The excerpt appears in Chapter 3 of my memoir where I wrote about my summer memories as a "promdi kid" in the 90s. Back then, I used to spend my summer vacationing at my cousins' house in Manila.  I always enjoyed staying at their house because they had so much stuff that we didn't have in the province-- things like a family computer, airconditioned rooms, a VHS player, and others.  Later in the book's chapter, I talked specifically about one summer experience that completely changed the trajectory of my life.  Hint: it was about an experience that catapulted my sexual awakening and had marked the beginning of my journey towards finding my sexual identity.If you would like to get a copy of my book, go to Amazon and search for "Kiss My Mike book" - it's available in both print and ebook formats!

Welcome to another episode of KISS MY MIKE and HAPPY 125th PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY!Check out this new podcast episode featuring Therese Miu!Therese is a FIERCE leader in the AAPI community. She is the founder and leader of RISING FILIPINAS, an organization that aims to equip the next generation leaders by providing educational, relational, and financial resources to members of the community. She's a champion of women and mothers, a community cultivator, an entrepreneur.In this episode, I talked to Therese about how she founded Rising Filipiinas, as well as FireDash media, a company that she founded. Learn about what made her start these organizations, what was her mission, and how she thinks we can develop more Filipino leaders!This is a perfect episode to commemorate the Philippines Independence from Spain. #risingfilipinas #philippines #independenceday #philippinesindependenceday #kissmymike #podcast

Check out this brand new podcast episode featuring ACTOR/WRITER/PRODUCER and PODCAST HOST: Alejandro Valtierra.Alejandro is the host of "DAMSELS in the DMS" podcast with Aash Patel and Lauren Harris.  He plays the role of "NICO" in the upcoming short film "To Ken With LOVE" Directed by yours truly, premiering at the New Filmmakers LA Festival in JUNE 2023.In addition, Alejandro also appeared in the series "UnDocumented Tales" which premiered at Outfest Fusion in 2023,  ARENA House Musical (stage production) at the LA LGBT Center, and Defining Dodo.Follow Alejandro on IG @alejandro.valtierraaaOnly on Kiss My Mike!#lgbtpride #actor #podcast #kissmymike #damselsintheDMs

Learn about how casting for TV and Movie works!Check out my brand new podcast episode featuring four-tome EMMY award-winning Casting Director: JOHN FRANK LEVEY.John has cast such iconic television shows as China Beach, ER, The West Wing, Shameless, as well as dozens of other television series and movies.In this episode, John talks about how the beginning of his career was somewhat of a "Happy Accident" eventually finding the right role for him in Entertainment.Learn about his thoughts on the industry including:How actors get castWhat the difference is between a good casting director and a GREAT casting directorHow the industry has changed in terms of representationAnd much more!Lastly, hear more about John's new book "RIGHT FOR THE ROLE" and what the readers can expect from his book.RIGHT FOR THE ROLE is perfect for any aspiring casting professional, actors, or students of Hollywood!Only on Kiss My Mike!

Learn about TV writing!In this episode, I interviewed Mike Gemballa. Mike is currently the Supervising Producer at the CBS hit show S.W.A.T.Learn about Mike's background, starting with his interest in the gritty crime genre, his experience as a skateboarder, and how he started his writing journey including being part of the CBS Writers Program and writing for other shows like Beauty and the Beast and NCIS New Orleans.Mike shared a lot of useful insights about navigating the Entertainment industry! If you are a writer or an aspiring writer, this podcast episode is for you! Available now on Spotify, Apple, or any of your favorite apps!Only on Kiss My Mike!

The OSCARS is almost here!Check out this podcast episode with my good friend and LA-based filmmaker: Charles J. Gray!In this episode, we talked about our thoughts on the ten-nominated movies this year!Find out which ones are our favorites, which ones we think will win based on the voting body's preferences, and hear about our specific commentaries on each of the movies!

Welcome to a brand new season of KISS MY MIKE!I am devoting this season to talk about something that I have always been passioante about: MOVIES and TELEVISION!In this episode, I shared my thoughts on the brand new HBO show called "The Last of US," based on a playstation game of the same title that was developed by Naughty Dogs and published in 2013.Hear about my thoughts on the new series including my reaction to how the show was created by Craig Mazin (showrunner of HBO's Chernobyl) and Neil Drucker (original game developer) and the casting of Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey as Joel and Ellie respectively.What are you waiting for? Stream now and let me what you think of this episode and the show "The Last of Us!"

It's time for Miss Universe baby!!!Oh boy, I'm supposed to be on my winter hiatus but since it is Miss Universe, I decided to record a special Winter 2023 podcast episode to talk about THE most important competition of the year, the MISS UNIVERSE PAGEANT!Alright, so this year marks the 71st year of the pageant... and the venue is so close to home, it will be held in Louisiana!Check out this episode to hear about my EARLY FAVORITES so far based on the preliminaries that happened recently. Find out some highlights from the candidate intros, evening gown and swimsuit events, and hear about who I think will win this year!Enjoy everyone! Happy Miss Universe!!!

Oh boy, this episode is unlike ALL my other episodes in the past! I decided to lay it all on the table, like an up close and personal with ME!I dunno, I just wanted to share all my thoughts in the most honest and unfiltered way as possible.  In this episode, I talked about my key takeaways for the year. I talked a lot about my creative projects (e.g., I worked on three short films this year), my fulltime job, my recent trip to the Philippines, my getting into an accident in CA while filming "To Ken With Love," and the importance of family and finding the people that you can truly count on. So take a listen, or not - I don't care, but either way, don't forget to just be you. Merry Fucking Christmas! HOHOHO!

NEW PODCAST SERIES FOR NOVEMBER: Filipinx in Business & MediaHonoring trailblazers who are making an impact in the fields of business, entrepreneurship, and media.Part 3 of the series features MJ Racadio.MJ is the host of BlogTalk with MJ Racadio. HE started his career in business management and now works in Public and Media Relations, interviewing celebrities on red carpet events including the Golden Globes and Miss Universe.In this episode, learn more about MJ's background as a host and how his career grow throughout time. In addition, find out about his music background as a singer and how we started the 75 Most Influential Filipino Americans list.Available in all podcast platforms!

NEW PODCAST SERIES FOR NOVEMBER: Filipinx in Business & MediaHonoring trailblazers who are making an impact in the fields of business, entrepreneurship, and media.Part 2 of the series features Entrepreneur and Marketing expert, JOYCELYN DAVID.Joycelyn is currently the CEO and Owner of AV Communications, a full-service multicultural marketing agency based in Toronto.In this episode, learn more about Joycelyn's background as an Entrepreneur and Community advocate.  Learn more about how she is supporting the  Filipino-American community through her company and what some of her tips are for a successful marketing strategy.Available in all podcast platforms!