Out of the Boondocks

Family is as central to Filipino culture as the ensemble is to the theatre. Casting director, Kim Heil, and actor, Angelo Gonzales, show how their arts-loving families have been their biggest supporters.

Two Filipino leaders and lovers of surfing and skateboarding inspire younger generations to get back up on the board despite the obstacles. Dario Villa, a surfer and retired educator, and Willy Santos, a professional skateboarder and advocate, tell their stories.

Jessica Mercado practices eskrima, a traditional martial art from the Philippines. She talks about the history and importance of self-defense and awareness. Tha Kuya is a tribal tattooer, an older brother figure to many, and formerly incarcerated. While gradually learning more about being Filipino, he uncovered his passion through his creativity.

Developing a strong sense of identity and purpose can come through self-exploration and communal guidance. Guests Dr. Cat, giver of the traditional healing art of hilot, and Jaime Estepa, queer spoken word poet discuss how honing their art and sharing it with others has unearthed their purpose.

A Mexipino duo has covered San Diego in murals and a pair of filmmakers have come to see life as cinematic. GroundFloor Mural’s Signe Ditona and Paul Jimenez and San Diego Filipino Cinema’s Benito Bautista and Emma Francisco talk about the intersection of art and their pursuits.

Out of the Boondocks’ hosts recap the season, talk about their experience with Filipino culture and customs, and share their personal journeys as San Diego Filipino creatives.