Happy 2026, Adobo Yarn Fam! 🥂

We are kicking off the year with our very first episode of 2026, and we’re diving straight into the New Year headspace. Are you the type to write a list of resolutions on January 1st, or are you playing the long game with strategic goals?

In this episode, Razel and Anna break down the nuances between the two. Is there actually a difference, or is it all just semantics? We also talk about the side quests of life - those unexpected detours that might actually be more important than the main mission.

Plus, we tackle a phrase that’s currently taking Filipino circles by storm, well usually during the new year at least - #balik alindog. Whether you're reclaiming your glow, your health, or your confidence, this is the unique Filipino pursuit of "maintaining the fire" and returning to our best selves. We chat about what this term means and does it remind you of anyone? Hint hint for those of a certain age and generation.

Join the Conversation! We don’t want to do 2026 alone. What are your big goals (or fun side quests) for the year? Share them with us on our socials or leave a comment on the Spotify poll! Let’s partner up and make this our best year yet!

#adoboyarn #adoboyarnpodcast #pinoypodcast #balikalindog2026 #goalsetting #newyear2026 #filipinoaustralians

Friendly Disclaimer: We’re here to hype you up for 2026, but please take our "side quests" with a grain of salt! Adobo Yarn is for entertainment. Our advice on "balik alindog" comes from the heart, not a textbook. Proceed with curiosity and a sense of humour!

Adobo Yarn is our story as Filipinos, navigating the migrant life in Australia. Here, we share stories that resonate. Middle-age (Gen X) wisdom, perimeno episodes, parenting hacks, unfiltered conversations, hilarious experiences, anecdotes and recipes that brought us comfort when we needed it. From raising babies to now young adults, and navigating the labyrinth that is Australia. Join the conversation!

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Music: Bass and Claps by Anastacia Chubarova from Pixabay

We’re ending 2025 with a major milestone: pull up a chair and join us at Taguan Cafe in Sydney because Episode 25 is officially our very first video episode! Amidst the buzz of the brunch crowd and the aroma of ube lattes, we’re looking back at the wild, transformative journey this year has been.

You'll see the ube latte, the calamantea and the laughs in person as we dive into our own version of a "Spotify Wrapped." Between bites of brunch, we’re looking back at the moments that defined our year, from the technical glitches to the conversations that changed our perspective.

In this special year-end reflection, Anna takes us all the way back to the beginning, picking Episode 1 as her top choice for its raw, "leap of faith" energy and the nostalgia of just starting out - the crappy audio, the long stretch of chats that resulted in two episodes!

Meanwhile, Razel reflects on the powerful impact of Episode 15, where we had that incredibly raw and real conversation about menopause. It was a standout moment that reminded us how much we all crave unfiltered honesty about the transitions women go through but rarely discuss openly.

Beyond our favourite episodes, from the lessons we learned creating this podcast and community, to the listener messages that kept us going, this episode is a celebration of the community we’ve built together.

As we look ahead to 2026, we’re sharing a few hints of what’s to come—whether you’re watching us on screen for the first time or listening on your commute! Whether you’ve been with us since Episode 1 or just joined the family today, thank you for being part of our 2025.

We are looking forward to sharing more relatable huntahang adobo topics with you all! And of course, we'd love to hear from YOU! Slide us a DM, or add a comment in our social media pages!

Disclaimer: This episode was recorded live at Taguan Cafe. Please excuse any background ambiance as we enjoy the café atmosphere! Additionally, any health-related topics discussed, or opinions raised are based on personal experience and should not be taken as medical advice.

Adobo Yarn is our story as Filipinos, navigating the migrant life in Australia. Here, we share stories that resonate. Middle-age (Gen X) wisdom, perimeno episodes, parenting hacks, unfiltered conversations, hilarious experiences, anecdotes and recipes that brought us comfort when we needed it. From raising babies to now young adults, and navigating the labyrinth that is Australia. Join the conversation!

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook - Adobo Yarn Podcast

Follow Anna on Instagram Adobo Down Under

Follow Razel on Instagram In Season Today

Music: Bass and Claps by Anastacia Chubarova from Pixabay

Before the busyness of December take over, get ready for a holiday episode that's as rich and complex as a slice of Queso de Bola paired with sweet and ripe Australian mangoes! Hosts Anna and Razel discuss the the beautiful, messy, and often hilarious (but interesting) reality of celebrating Christmas as Filipino migrants and modern matriarchs in Australia.

In the Philippines, Christmas is the longest celebration in the world, marked by cool "Ber Months" and devotion. Anna and Razel share their fondest childhood memories, from Razel's family tradition of warm, savoury Arroz Valenciana to Anna's Papa's famous Chicken Pork Menudo. They remember the intense community feel of the early morning Simbang Gabi masses, followed by street-side treats like Puto Bumbóng and Bibingka.

But here in Australia, everything changes. The cozy cold is replaced by the scorching sun, and Noche Buena gives way to the backyard Christmas lunch. Anna and Razel chat about learning new traditions—becoming "Sunshine Santas" for their own kids, mastering the art of hosting, and embracing Aussie staples like exploding Christmas bonbons, refreshing cold prawns, and the essential summer dessert, Pavlova.

This episode is a celebration of the traditions kept, the new ones adopted, and the perfect hybrid Christmas they've created—a delicious, sometimes chaotic, blend of two homes!

Join the conversation! What are your Christmas and holiday traditions you enjoyed as a child which you brought with you in your new home? Share with us your experiences, your joys, the laughs, even the sad moments - because to be honest, this is what migrant life is all about. Shifting, navigating and creating new traditions to keep the culture alive! We'd love to hear from you! Comment here on Spotify, or in our social media channels! We love a good Christmas yarn!

⚠️ A Note from Anna & Razel: This episode is a personal and highly subjective account of our individual experiences as Filipinas celebrating Christmas in the Philippines and Australia. We are sharing our family’s specific journey of blending traditions (like Papa's Menudo with Aussie Pavlova), not representing every migrant or Filipino Christmas experience. Thank you for listening to our heart-felt, hybrid story!

Adobo Yarn is our story as Filipinos, navigating the migrant life in Australia. Here, we share stories that resonate. Middle-age (Gen X) wisdom, perimeno episodes, parenting hacks, unfiltered conversations, hilarious experiences, anecdotes and recipes that brought us comfort when we needed it. From raising babies to now young adults, and navigating the labyrinth that is Australia. Join the conversation!

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook - Adobo Yarn Podcast

Follow Anna on Instagram Adobo Down Under

Follow Razel on Instagram In Season Today

Music: Bass and Claps by Anastacia Chubarova from Pixabay