Breaking Barriers in 2025: MJ Racadio’s Year of Resilience, Rise, and Representation | BlogTalk

MJ Racadio in 2025 had a breakout year of Filipino-American representation across journalism, music, film, and advocacy.

As Hollywood welcomed the first week of 2025 with fireworks and celebration, my year began not with glitz—but with grit.

January opened with one of Southern California’s most devastating disasters. The Los Angeles fires tore through areas from the Palisades to Altadena’s Eaton Canyon. On assignment for NET25, I was on the frontlines, documenting loss, fear, and resilience.

“I felt numb and sad after interviewing the victims who lost everything,” I shared. “Only by Sunday night, watching my playback, did the emotions hit me—seeing the community unite through tragedy was powerful.”

That global field report reaffirmed my purpose—not only as a host, but as a journalist with responsibility to tell stories that matter.

By February, the pace shifted. BlogTalk with MJ Racadio moved into travel specials, taking me from Seattle to Vancouver. March became a global sprint—Tokyo, Manila’s McKinley Hill, Singapore, Sydney, and Seoul—bringing Filipino-American stories to the world.

Spring and summer brought personal and professional milestones. April marked the 11th anniversary of BlogTalk, celebrating “11 Years of Inspiring Stories.” On May 10, I married the love of my life. June became even more meaningful—hosting the Los Angeles Kids Fashion Show on June 7, becoming a father on Father’s Day, June 15, and serving as media partner for the Filipino Hollywood Actors Panel on June 18 organized by FilAm Creative.

That panel featured voices shaping global entertainment—from Eric Bauza, a three-time Emmy-winning voice actor, to Eugene Cordero, alongside Abby Espiritu and Becca Q Co. The conversations affirmed why representation matters.

July delivered a breakthrough in music. My dance-pop single “Never Be Like That,” produced by the Klubjumpers, entered U.S. Top 40 radio. It aired alongside tracks by Sabrina Carpenter, Ariana Grande, Miley Cyrus, and Bieber—an important moment for Filipino-American artists on mainstream airwaves.

From August to October, BlogTalk Hollywood surged with content. I sat down with Emmy winner Lisa Lew Brennan, Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer, “The Cleaning Lady” showrunner Miranda Kwok, and Grammy winner Septimius the Great. The show also reached a historic milestone—becoming the only Filipino podcast on U.S. Top 40 radio. Through a new partnership with IGMP TV, BlogTalk expanded to Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV.

The year also stayed rooted in community and culture. I covered the FilAm Creative Film Festival in Los Angeles, Filipino filmmakers in New York, TOFA red carpet interviews in Las Vegas, and the 17th Philippine SME Business Expo at the World Trade Center as media partner. Advocacy remained central through the 75 Most Influential Filipino-Americans 2025 selections and BlogTalk Hall of Fame honors.

In October, I launched my debut biography, Breaking Barriers: The Legacy of MJ Racadio — From Humble Beginnings to Global Influence, now available through Barnes & Noble. The book documents my journey as a Filipino-American media trailblazer.

November carried me through awards season—from screenings hosted by the American Cinematheque and the Asian World Film Festival, to Bangkok for BlogTalk’s seventh Miss Universe media coverage. I also appeared on NET25’s Kada Umaga to discuss the Miss Universe controversy.

December closed the year at the highest levels of global media. I covered restored Filipino classics at The Academy Museum, reported on Golden Globe nominations, moderated Grammy nominee panels in Hollywood, tracked the 98th Oscars shortlists, and reported on the Miss Universe Organization’s headquarters return to New York. I also participated in final Grammy voting—bringing journalism, music, film, and cultural advocacy full circle.

2025 was the year BlogTalk with MJ Racadio evolved from a pioneering Filipino-American podcast into a global multimedia platform—spanning radio, television, streaming, music, books, and international advocacy.

From wildfires to world stages, I told stories of resilience, representation, and rising together.

Follow BlogTalk with MJ Racadio on GoodNewsPilipinas.com and continue supporting Filipino stories that inspire, empower, and represent our community on the global stage.