A podcast focused on Filipino American culture and identity. Hosted by Balay Kreative Program Manager and community creative, Nicole Salaver, the podcast features interviews with Filipino American thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and artists who are making a positive impact in their respective fields. Through engaging conversations, the podcast aims to showcase the diversity and richness of the Filipino American experience, while inspiring listeners to explore and celebrate their own cultural heritage. Whether discussing the challenges and triumphs of being a Filipino American in the United States, or highlighting the latest trends and innovations in Filipino American culture, "Cultural Kultivators" is a must-listen for anyone interested in the dynamic and evolving Filipino American community.

CULTURAL KULTIVATORS: A Balay Kreative Podcast

Listen and learn from Filipino American thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and artists who are making a positive impact in their respective fields. Embark on this enriching journey by clicking the streaming platform links below and immerse yourself in the diverse stories we're excited to share.

Available now on the Following platforms:

Booking guest: iggy@kultivatelabs.org
Press inquiries: paloma@papalodown.com

EP 1: Kathryn Serrano |  March 20, 2024

Kathryn Serrano, author of "Kalayaan Filipina Heroines of World War 2," co-host of "Future Ancestors" podcast, and director of "A Passage to Hope," channels her spirituality, womanhood, and motherhood into creating art that inspires and empowers. By sharing stories that resonate with diverse audiences, she hopes to spread positivity and inspire change.

EP 4: Jenn Ban |  May 1, 2024

Join us this week as we explore Jenn Ban’s journey as a queer, Filipinx-American multidisciplinary artist whose work lies at the intersection of healing and artistic living. 

Learn how Jenn lives and breathes Reiki into her tattoo sessions as a powerful modality of healing and intention. From spiritual hygiene practices and the origins of her Dito Lang exhibit, to working with street based artists in Manila, listen in to find out how Jenn made the shifts from her pre-med path to the artist we see today.

EP 7: Kevin Camia |  June 12, 2024

This week on Cultural Kultivators, we sit down with comedian and writer Kevin Camia, who is currently on tour with Sheng Wang. From his early influences of comedy legends like Andy Kaufman and Martin Lawrence to the serious undertones of historical research and personal resilience, Kevin opens up about the complexity of his craft and his approach to life's challenges.

EP 10: Abi Balingit |  July 24, 2024

In this week’s episode we are honored to welcome Abi Balingit! As the 2024 James Beard Emerging Voice Award Winner, Abi opens up about the success of her first book, Mayumu: Filipino American Desserts Remixed. 

For creatives struggling with self-sabotaging perfectionism, Abi encourages us to build habit based strategies and to courageously “own your work.” She also gets candid on the transition from hobbyist to winning career-defining awards and the industry’s commodification of art. 

EP 13: Dr. Robyn Magalit Rodriquez |  September 4, 2024

In this conversation, Dr. Rodriguez shares with us how the origins of the Reimagination Farm located in Lake County, California were inspired by her late son, Amado Khaya, her transition away from academia, and realizations brought on by the pandemic. For many, the pandemic posed a time of great loss as well as a reckoning of the old systems designed for social inequalities and ecological destruction. In a radical approach to a more authentic way of living, Dr. Rodriguez talks about embracing the end of these systems, not with fear, but with excitement as an “invitation to get back to the land.” 

EP 16: Joe Bataan |  October 16, 2024

In this week’s episode, we’re honored to sit down with special co-host, Luna Salaver and the King of Latin Soul, Joe Bataan!  As the first recording artist to create Latin Soul music, Joe has made a lasting impact through his innovative combination of genres, including Boogaloo, Salsa, and Disco, leading to hits like “Gypsy Woman” and “Young Gifted & Brown.”  

Joe Bataan’s stories beautifully illustrate lessons that tie right into the 2024 Filipino American History Month theme of "Struggle, Resistance, Solidarity, and Resilience." His origins of growing up in Spanish Harlem, New York amidst crime and incarceration shows that resilience is about continually adapting and finding ways to stay true to your path, no matter the obstacles. In embracing his identity as an Afro-Filipino musician, singer, songwriter, and producer, Joe shares his journey of peddling his music from coast to coast, gaining a grassroots following of not only Filipinos, but people of color from all walks of life. 

EP 2: Michael Villanueva |  April 3, 2024

Michael Villanueva, Filipino-American hip-hop artist/producer from Daly City, rebranded as Mikey Vee after a stint with Fil-Am rap group, Doyen, beginning his solo career. Influenced by artists like Mos Def, Andre 3000, J Cole, Kendrick, Drake, Smino, and JID, Mikey differentiates himself from the typical Bay Area sound with unique wordplay, impactful lyrics, catchy hooks, and versatility. With his recently released debut album based on the paintings of Rembrandt, titled, REM, Mikey promises to solidify himself as a limitless talent with mastery of his craft. Mikey Vee is also a 2022 Kreative Growth Program Artist of Balay Kreative and I’m honored to have a quick cameo on his recently released album REM.

EP 5: The Sarap Shop |  May 15, 2024

Happy Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month! This week we are welcoming a triple 

threat- powerhouse team, Sarap Shop restaurant owners: Kristen and James Brillantes and JP Reyes!

Join us as the trio share their journey from a celebrated Bay Area food truck to their brick and mortar grand opening this past March. They dive deep into what it takes to come together as a dream team, which for Sarap Shop, means trailblazing a more inclusive business culture by incorporating our shared humanity and identities rooted in family systems, community networks, and fun.

EP 8: Astralogik |  June 26, 2024

Happy Pride Month! Queer-Pinay duo, AstraLogik, joins us this week to talk all things sound and healing. As the show’s first live recording session, they curated an inclusive soundbath experience with our in-studio audience.

In this episode, the pair share their trajectory of their creative process and how they discovered their “why” in the simplification of their instrumentals. In order to actualize their mission of ultimately resonating with more people, Chen and Charito strive to meet their listeners where they’re at with themselves. 

EP 11: Niki Saludez |  August 7, 2024

Joining us this week is multi-passionate teaching artist and dancer-choreographer, Niki Saludez! As part of the original cast of the newest Broadway musical by Alicia Keys, "Hell's Kitchen,” Niki shares his journey from internet kid studying Lady Gaga music videos to achieving what it takes to dance on a Broadway stage.

EP 14: Desi Danganan |  September 18, 2024

In this week’s episode, we’re honored to sit down with Kultivate Labs’ very own Desi Danganan, Founder/Executive Director of Kultivate Labs, a trailblazing cultural strategist, and human catalyst who is helping revitalize San Francisco’s Filipino Cultural District. With a nearly two-decade career spanning tech, hospitality, branding / marketing, and community organizing– he has dedicated his career to uplifting our local Filipino-American community and empowering the next generation of artists, entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and culture bearers.

EP 17: Sapphire Sandalo |  October 30, 2024

Happy Halloween and upcoming All Souls Day! This Wednesday, we are so excited to host podcaster, animator, and occultist, Sapphire Sandalo! As the host of SpectreVision Radio’s Stories with Sapphire podcast, she is also known for her work on The Ghost Town Terror and Paranormal Caught on Camera.

In today’s conversation, Sapphire delved deep into her unique take on the paranormal, approaching it with culturally inclusive curiosity and the mysterious interplay between intention, intuition, and manifestation. She also shares her views on recontextualizing her experiences of her Catholic upbringing in conversation with the cultural and spiritual practices we observe today.

EP 3: Anthem Salgado |  April 17, 2024

In a metaphorically painted world of tree pruning and sports tournaments, Anthem takes us on a deep dive into his approach to professional development and artistic living. In this info-packed dialogue, he explores the starving artist narrative that many of us are all too familiar with. He advocates for a radical shift in our approach to money as a resource and reclaiming a sense of community in the arts field. Anthem provides valuable lessons on the mindset behind "losing properly" while also responding to the asks of the universe when pursuing your creative endeavors. For budding Fil-Am entrepreneurs, this episode offers essential insights on optimism, effective leadership, and advice rooted in action.

EP 6: Adrienne Esguerra |  May 29, 2024

This week, we are thrilled to welcome mama of 5, educator, and founder of Raising Ancestors: Adrienne Esguerra! 

In this crash course on what it can look like to decolonize and re-indigenize the youth of future generations, Adrienne shows us that it does start with the revolutionary act of parenting. Building in solidarity with other BIPOC scholars and educators, Adrienne’s breakdown of the Raising Ancestors’ frameworks proves that it takes a village.

EP 9: ChiChai |  July 10, 2024

Join us this week as we sit down with Bay Area multidisciplinary artist, ChiChai! As a past Balay Kreative resident artist, she catches us up on her most recent projects, large scale murals in Yerba Buena Gardens and the gateway to the SOMA Pilipinas District, Pagsasama Sama.

For young Pinay creatives, ChiChai shares her impact in uplifting greater visibility for Pinays and the Filipino American Community at large and urges us to follow our guts. Her work echoes ancestral patterns and purposefulness throughout the realms of both public art and fashion, works of both function and heritage.

EP 12: Gelaine Santiago |  August 21, 2024

Join us this week as we sit down with Cambio & Co. co-founder and CEO, Gelaine Santiago! Award-winning social entrepreneur and storyteller, Gelaine shares the inspiration and the journey behind the Toronto and Manila based Filipino jewelry company.    

In this conversation, Gelaine navigates the nuances of entrepreneurship under our capitalist systems and its potential for activism and social change. Embracing the ethos of her work and leadership, Gelaine is on a mission to build more ecosystems and not empires in a radical shift towards more collective wealth and joy.

EP 15: Sondy Lucille |  October 2, 2024

Kicking off Filipino History Month (FAHM) , we’re honored to spotlight the storytelling journey of documentary filmmaker and video editor, Sondy Lucille! Sondy’s work captures the power of oral and visual storytelling, as well as cultural preservation. With a keen eye for detail and determination to shift the painful narratives embedded in our history, Sondy’s films delve into mixed heritage, Asian diasporic experiences, and how globalization molds identity in multicultural homes and communities.

EP 1: Allyson Tintiangco-Cubales |  May 31st, 2023

Dr. Tintiangco-Cubales: A Filipina/x/o scholar born on Ohlone land, she's an award-winning professor at SFSU, pioneering Ethnic Studies and mentoring countless educators who champion social justice nationwide.

EP 2: Ruby Ibarra |  June 14th, 2023

Versatile Artistry: Bay Area's own Ruby Ibarra, rapper, and director, debuted with CIRCA91 in 2017, leaving a trail of performances across the US and Philippines, while co-founding the Pinays Rising Scholarship program.

EP 3: Allison Hueman | June 28th, 2023

Etherealism Unveiled: Oakland's Allison Hueman, a visionary artist, seamlessly blends realism with the ethereal, creating captivating works that explore memory, healing, and time, adorning urban walls and global galleries alike.

EP 4: Nikbo | July 12th, 2023

Healing Through Third Culture Pop: Nikbo's music transcends borders as a Filipinx artist raised in diverse corners of the world, merging emotive melodies, electronic beats, and a dedication to personal wholeness and collective liberation.

EP 5: H.P. Mendoza | July 26, 2023

Cinematic Virtuoso: H.P. Mendoza, acclaimed for films like "Colma: The Musical" and "I Am a Ghost," shines as a Filipino-American filmmaker, composer, and lyricist, while his music and experimental visual albums enrich the artistic landscape.

EP 6: Josh Dela Cruz | August 9, 2023

Joshua Dela Cruz  is a Filipino-American actor, dancer, musician, and singer. On September 13, 2018, Nickelodeon announced that Dela Cruz would be Blue's Clues & You!'s host after auditioning over 3,000 actors.

EP 7: Chef Frances | August 23, 2023

Taste Trailblazer: Chef Frances Tariga-Weshnak's trajectory from Dubai's royal family kitchens to NYC's culinary gems, her TV appearances, and Sushi Master victory underline her fusion of authentic Filipino influences with modern culinary art.

EP 8: AJ Rafael | September 6, 2023

AJ Rafael, a talented singer-songwriter and a Youtube pioneer who has amassed over 1 million subscribers on YouTube and 1 million monthly listeners on Spotify.

AJ dives deep into his relationship with music and the healing effects music had in processing and honoring his late father’s memory.

EP 9: Sarina Bolden | September 20, 2023

Behind Sarina’s many successes, is her soul searching journey outside of her identity as an athlete, finding that it’s both passion and a growth mindset that will see you through, whether it’s taking a long break, starting a new career, or traveling in order to come back to yourself and your purpose.

EP 10: Gayle Romasanta | October 4, 2023

Happy Filipino-American History Month! We are incredibly honored to welcome Gayle Romasanta as this week’s writer, art-tivist, mother, and executive director of the Filipino-American Development Foundation. Gayle unwraps her process behind her latest work Larry: The Musical about Larry Itliong with us and her decades long experience working in community.

EP 11: Luna Salazer | October 18, 2023

In honor of Filipino-American History Month, we are proud to share space with Luna Salaver!  As the first half of the famous Jose Rizal quote goes,“Know History, Know Self,” Luna brings us home through nearly 100 years of Salaver family history in the Bay Area.

EP 12: Terry Valen | November 1, 2023

As Filipino American History Month comes to end, we are proud to lead with this next episodes’ guest, Terry Valen! Organizer with the Bay Area Seafarers Coalition and Executive Board and International Coordinating Body Member of the International Migrants Alliance (IMA).

EP 13: Rudy Corpuz Jr. | November 15, 2023

This week’s special guest brings decades of experience working with at-risk youth in San Francisco: Rudy Corpuz Jr.! Founder and Executive Director of United Playaz, a violence prevention program that serves the youth, Rudy has dedicated his life to the rehabilitation and development of previously incarcerated folks and our youth as an ex-felon.

EP 17: Ouida | January 10, 2024

Welcome back and Happy New Year to all of our listeners! For our first episode of the year, we are running it back full circle with past Kreative Growth artist, Ouida!
As a SF born and raised singer-songwriter with rising national and international recognition, Ouida gives us an inside scoop on the new Bolo Music Group, Ruby Ibarra and Ian Santillano’s latest project announced last October.