🎙️ Season 3, Episode 3 - Tessie Tomas: Queen of Comedy, Champion of Reinvention

In this episode of The Loida Lewis Podcast, we sit down with the iconic Tessie Tomas - trailblazing actress, creative powerhouse, and one of the Philippines’ most beloved comedians.

Tessie shares her inspiring journey from humble beginnings as a radio voice talent at just 10 years old to becoming the first Filipina creative director of McCann Philippines. She opens up about her rise to fame through unforgettable impersonations and live performances, and her fearless transition to drama in Dirty Linen and FPJ’s Batang Quiapo as Senyora Bettina.

Now living in the Isle of Man with her husband, British marine biologist Roger Pullin, PhD, Tessie reflects on a life well-lived, and the joy of watching her son, Robin, transition from fashion to stand-up comedy in New York City.

With wit, wisdom, and warmth, Tessie reminds us that reinvention has no age limit - and authenticity is always in style.

Watch or listen now:

📺 YouTube: / @theloidalewispodcast

🎧 Spotify: tinyurl.com/TheLoidaLewisPodcast

🍏 Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/apple-TheLoidaLewisPod

📩 Email us your thoughts and reviews: askloidalewis@gmail.com

#LoidaLewis #TessieTomas #DirtyLinen #BatangQuiapo #QueenOfComedy #FilipinoIcon #PhilippineTV #McCannPhilippines #TheLoidaLewisPodcast

🎙️ Season 3, Episode 2 - Leila de Lima: A Fight for Justice and Freedom

In this episode of The Loida Lewis Podcast, we sit down with former Senator and former Secretary of Justice Leila de Lima, a human rights champion and staunch advocate for justice. She opens up about her years in detention, the political persecution she endured, and how she maintained her resolve despite adversity.

Leila shares that she communicated with the International Criminal Court (ICC) during her time in the Philippine Senate, shedding light on her role in seeking accountability for human rights abuses. She also recalls a terrifying moment inside Camp Crame, where she was taken hostage by an Abu Sayyaf detainee—a harrowing experience that tested her strength and resilience.

Now, as the lead nominee of Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Party-list (#6 on the ballot), Leila de Lima continues her mission to fight for justice, human rights, and democratic freedoms.

Tune in for a powerful conversation with a woman who refused to be silenced.

Watch or listen now:

📺 YouTube: / @theloidalewispodcast

🎧 Spotify: tinyurl.com/TheLoidaLewisPodcast

🍏 Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/apple-TheLoidaLewisPod

📩 Email us your thoughts and reviews: askloidalewis@gmail.com

#LoidaLewis #LeiladeLima #HumanRights #Justice #PoliticalPrisoner #Freedom #MLPartyList #CampCrame #ICC #TheLoidaLewisPodcast

🎙️ Season 3 Opener: Maica Teves - Empowering Women and Advocating for Change Across the Globe

To close out Women's Month and kick off Season 3, The Loida Lewis Podcast welcomes the incredible Maica Teves, Executive Director of SPARK Philippines. In this episode, Maica shares her inspiring journey and deep commitment to women’s empowerment, human rights, and sustainable development.

Maica takes us through her impactful work with SPARK Philippines, a leading NGO dedicated to advancing gender equality and economic empowerment for women across the Philippines. From advocating for women’s rights in the Philippines Congress and Senate, to her work with women in detention at the Quezon City Jail, Maica is at the forefront of creating spaces for women to thrive, even in the most challenging circumstances.

She also shares her profound experience as a lawyer from Silliman University and her postgraduate studies in sustainability at the Swedish Institute, where she learned new tools to address the intersection of global challenges like sustainable development and gender equity.

Maica’s vision for the future is clear: she wants to help more people in need and to continue fighting for gender equality through SPARK. With her unwavering passion and dedication, Maica is determined to empower more women and ensure their voices are heard—both in the Philippines and around the world.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation with a true champion of change. Maica’s story is one of resilience, passion, and the power of leadership to create a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

Learn more about SPARK Philippines:

Instagram: @sparkphilippines

Website: https://sparkphilippines.org/

Loida Nicolas Lewis’s memoir, Why Should Guys Have All the Fun?

Available now:

https://www.amazon.com/Should-Guys-Ha...

Watch or listen now:

YouTube: / @theloidalewispodcast

Spotify: tinyurl.com/TheLoidaLewisPodcast

Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/apple-TheLoidaLewisPod

📩 Email us your thoughts and reviews: askloidalewis@gmail.com

#LoidaLewis #MaicaTeves #SPARKPhilippines #WomenEmpowerment #GenderEquality #UNGA #Sustainability #HumanRights #Leadership #TheLoidaLewisPodcast #WomensMonth

🎙️ Season 2 Finale: Boy Abunda – The King of Talk Shares His Story

In this special season closer, Loida Nicolas Lewis welcomes the one and only Boy Abunda, Asia’s King of Talk, esteemed TV host, LGBTQ advocate, and Doctor of Philosophy in Social Development Education. As the final guest of Season 2, Tito Boy shares an unforgettable conversation filled with wisdom, passion, and heartfelt moments.

From his most memorable interviews with iconic personalities to his inspiring pursuit of a Master’s and Doctorate degree, Tito Boy proves that there’s no limit to personal growth and reinvention. His tireless advocacy for the LGBTQ community showcases his unwavering commitment to inclusion and equality.

The episode also takes a heartfelt turn as Tito Boy reflects on his late mother’s profound influence on his life and shares about his enduring relationship with his partner, Bong. To cap it off, don’t miss the special Fast Talk segment, where Miss Loida asks Tito Boy rapid-fire questions in classic Abunda style.

This season finale is a powerful and inspiring conversation with a true media icon, wrapping up Season 2 with a celebration of resilience, advocacy, and authenticity.

Learn more about Boy Abunda:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therealboyabunda

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBoyAbundaTalkChannel

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ZxAeoRys6jiUu9QN6ZdGP?si=a943a723d3464da9

Loida Nicolas Lewis’s memoir, Why Should Guys Have All the Fun?

Available now:

https://www.amazon.com/Should-Guys-Have-Asian-American-Billion-Dollar/dp/1119989833

Watch or listen now:

YouTube: youtube.com/@TheLoidaLewisPodcast

Spotify: tinyurl.com/TheLoidaLewisPodcast

Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/apple-TheLoidaLewisPod

Email us your thoughts and reviews: askloidalewis@gmail.com

#LoidaLewis #BoyAbunda #KingOfTalk #LGBTQAdvocate #FastTalk #PhilippineMedia #Season2Finale #TheLoidaLewisPodcast

🎙️ Season 2, Episode 13: Dr. Calvin Sun – Healing and Exploring the World

In this episode, Loida Nicolas Lewis sits down with Dr. Calvin Sun, a trailblazing emergency medicine physician, founder and CEO of The Monsoon Diaries, author, speaker, and advocate for social justice. Dr. Sun’s incredible journey has taken him from the bustling emergency rooms of New York City to the far corners of the globe, inspiring countless individuals along the way.

A lifelong New Yorker and cancer survivor, Dr. Sun shares his profound insights on resilience, inclusivity, and community empowerment. From his courageous service on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic to his candidacy for New York City Public Advocate, Dr. Sun has committed his life to making a difference.

Beyond his medical career, Dr. Sun has redefined travel with The Monsoon Diaries, a platform that encourages spontaneous, immersive, and affordable global adventures. Through over 240 countries and territories, he’s empowered travelers to embrace the chaos of the unknown while building a global community of adventurers.

Tune in as we explore how Dr. Sun bridges his personal experiences, professional expertise, and wanderlust to champion a better future for New York City and beyond.

Learn more about Dr. Calvin Sun:

Instagram: instagram.com/monsoondiaries

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CalvinDSun

Website: monsoondiaries.com

https://sunfornyc.com/

Loida Nicolas Lewis’s memoir, Why Should Guys Have All the Fun?

Available now:

https://www.amazon.com/Should-Guys-Have-Asian-American-Billion-Dollar/dp/1119989833

Watch or listen now:

YouTube: youtube.com/@TheLoidaLewisPodcast

Spotify: tinyurl.com/TheLoidaLewisPodcast

Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/apple-TheLoidaLewisPod

Email us your thoughts and reviews: askloidalewis@gmail.com

#LoidaLewis #DrCalvinSun #TheMonsoonDiaries #GlobalHealthcare #TravelMedicine #EmergencyRoomStories #NYCPublicAdvocate2024 #WanderlustWithPurpose #TheLoidaLewisPodcast #SunForNYC

🎙️ Season 2, Episode 12: Bessie Besana – Crafting Dreams in Fashion

In this episode, Loida Nicolas Lewis speaks with Bessie Besana, a remarkable Filipino entrepreneur whose inspiring journey took him from civil engineering to becoming a celebrated fashion designer and a multi-faceted visionary.

Bessie’s career began with a degree in Civil Engineering, but his passion for creativity led him to pivot into the world of fashion, where he built a name for himself designing elegant and empowering pieces for women. Beyond fashion, Bessie’s entrepreneurial spirit has flourished through ventures like Kalye-Rivington, a Filipino restaurant celebrating the flavors and culture of the Philippines in the heart of New York, and Filipinxt, a brand that champions Filipino talent and pride on the global stage.

Join us as Bessie shares how his unique journey shaped his perspective on blending artistry, culture, and business. Discover his vision for amplifying Filipino excellence worldwide and how he continues to inspire others to follow their dreams, no matter where they begin.

Learn more about Bessie Besana:

Instagram: instagram.com/bessiebesana

Facebook: facebook.com/besanabessie

Website: bessiebesana.com

Kalye-Rivington: kalye.com

Filipinxt: filipinxt.com

Loida Nicolas Lewis’s memoir, Why Should Guys Have All the Fun?

Available now:

https://www.amazon.com/Should-Guys-Have-Asian-American-Billion-Dollar/dp/1119989833

Watch or listen now:

YouTube: youtube.com/@TheLoidaLewisPodcast

Spotify: tinyurl.com/TheLoidaLewisPodcast

Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/apple-TheLoidaLewisPod

Email us your thoughts and reviews: askloidalewis@gmail.com

#LoidaLewis #BessieBesana #FilipinoFashion #FilipinoEntrepreneurship #KalyeRivington #Filipinxt #FilipinoPride #TheLoidaLewisPodcast #FromManilaToManhattan

🎙️ Season 2, Episode 11: Chynna Mamawal – Redefining Global Fashion with Filipino Excellence

In this episode, Loida Nicolas Lewis speaks with Chynna Mamawal, an inspiring Filipina fashion designer who has taken her craft from the Philippines to the global stage.

Chynna shares how her career journey started with corporate experience at SM, where she honed her skills in marketing, before pursuing her passion for fashion full-time. Today, she is known for creating exquisite wedding gowns through Chynna Mamawal Atelier and launching Wear Casa, a stylish clothing line that brings elegance and comfort to everyday living.

This year, Chynna marked a major milestone with her debut at New York Fashion Week. Her designs, celebrated for their opulence and innovation, have graced celebrities like Lovi Poe, Pia Wurtzbach, and Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel, who modeled the finale look at NYFW.

Join us as Chynna shares her creative inspirations, her vision for Filipino fashion on the global stage, and how she continues to build a legacy of excellence.

Learn more about Chynna Mamawal:

Website: chynnamamawal.com

Instagram: instagram.com/chynnamamawal

Loida Nicolas Lewis’s memoir, Why Should Guys Have All the Fun?

Available now:

https://www.amazon.com/Should-Guys-Have-Asian-American-Billion-Dollar/dp/1119989833

Watch or listen now:

YouTube: youtube.com/@TheLoidaLewisPodcast

Spotify: tinyurl.com/TheLoidaLewisPodcast

Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/apple-TheLoidaLewisPod

Email us your thoughts and reviews: askloidalewis@gmail.com

#LoidaLewis #ChynnaMamawal #NYFW #FilipinoPride #WearCasa #FilipinoFashion #TheLoidaLewisPodcast #FromManilaToManhattan #Filipinxt

🎙️ Season 2, Episode 10: Bing Chen – Building a New World for Multicultural Communities

In this episode, Loida Nicolas Lewis speaks with Bing Chen, the visionary CEO and Co-Founder of Gold House, about his extraordinary journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most influential multicultural leaders today.

Bing shares his dream of becoming the next Walt Disney and his decade-long project developing an IP like Marvel or Star Wars that reflects his creative vision. Starting as an intern at Disney with the team that created Frozen, Bing's career skyrocketed when he joined YouTube. As the Global Head of Creator Development and Management, his team helped coin the term "creator economy." He was one of the original and principal architects of the multi-billion-dollar influencer ecosystem that supports 300 million creators worldwide and was part of the team behind the iconic Gold Play Button award.

He also dives deep into Gold House, the premier collective he co-founded to unlock socioeconomic equity for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) and other multicultural communities. Gold House creates a rallying cry for unity, driving representation and collaboration across film, media, advertising, gaming, business, and the corporate world. Bing highlights how Gold House's initiatives are reshaping industries, breaking barriers, and fostering a new era of multicultural leadership.

Learn more about Bing Chen and Gold House:

Gold House: https://goldhouse.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bingchen

Loida Nicolas Lewis’s memoir, Why Should Guys Have All the Fun?

Available now:

https://www.amazon.com/Should-Guys-Have-Asian-American-Billion-Dollar/dp/1119989833

Tune in now:

YouTube: youtube.com/@TheLoidaLewisPodcast

Spotify: tinyurl.com/TheLoidaLewisPodcast

Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/apple-TheLoidaLewisPod

Email us your thoughts and reviews: askloidalewis@gmail.com

#LoidaLewis #BingChen #GoldHouse #CreatorEconomy #AAPIPride #MulticulturalLeadership #TheLoidaLewisPodcast #RepresentationMatters #BuildingANewWorld