Here's what happened at the first-ever podcast festival in the Philippines

The podcast craze continues to grow, and 'Heart for It' became the perfect opportunity to discover, learn, and exchange ideas about this fast-growing medium


In the fast-evolving world of digital media, podcasting has emerged as a powerful and accessible platform for content creators to share their stories, knowledge, and passions. 

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Mel Lozano-Alcaraz, Head of ANIMA Podcasts

In the Philippines, the podcast craze continues to grow, and "Heart for It" became the perfect opportunity to discover, learn, and exchange ideas about this fast-growing medium. 

Last Friday, Oct. 20, KROMA Entertainment and ANIMA Pods organized its first-ever podcast festival in the Philippines, with Manila Bulletin serving as a media partner for the event at the Glorietta Palm Drive Activity Center in Makati.

With its focus on redefining storytelling, the festival empowered individuals to establish connections with fellow enthusiasts, creators, and industry experts, enabling them to forge relationships within the podcast community.

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Boy Abunda, Bianca Gonzales, Jim Baccaro and Saab Magalona

The lineup consists of Pinoy podcasters who are deeply committed to promoting the medium in the Philippines. Bianca Gonzalez of “Paano Ba 'To” with special guest Boy Abunda, directors Antoinette Jadaone and JP Habac of “Ang Walang Kwentang Podcast” with special guest Inah Evans, real-life couple Jim Baccaro and Saab Magalona of “Wake Up with Jim & Saab,” Victor Anastacio of “Intellectwalwal,” and creative Ali Sangalang of” The Linya-Linya Show.”

When asked for advice to those who are feeling discouraged about starting a podcast, one of the podcaster, JP Habac shared, "They shouldn't overthink it. If they want to start a podcast, they should just post it. There's no other day but today."

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Ali Sangalang

Joining them are also GB Labrador, James Caraan, Nonong Ballinan of “The Kool Pals,” DJ Joelle of “Paano Kung...,” Roanne and Tina of “Queertuhan,” Kristel Fulgar, and Moy Esguerra of “Anyare Saeyo?”

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Moy Esguerra and Kristel Fulgar

Kristel Fulgar and Moy Esguerra share what inspires them to do podcasts because they have the same interests. “The conversation and content of our podcast are very genuine, spontaneous, and natural. That's why I enjoy it.”

Moy also shared that it’s the same for her. But aside from that, what's important to them is being able to share their experiences and learnings from both of them, from the challenges of living in Korea."

The Philippines' first-ever Podcast Festival was a fun and unforgettable celebration of the country's podcasting community, showcasing the passion, creativity, and potential of Filipino podcasters. 

The festival plays an essential role in fostering a vibrant and diverse community of content creators, ensuring that the medium remains a dominant force in the digital landscape.