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Tagalog is a language that requires proper diction and stress to be understood. (If you don’t believe me, try saying bukas and bukás. Sure, they look the same, but they’ve got completely different meanings!)
One way to practice your pronunciation is by listening to the language—and here is where Tagalog podcasts come in.
Why are podcasts important for learning Tagalog?
Quit getting tongue-tied and start studying from native speakers!
Hearing podcasts in Tagalog won’t just help you understand basic words and phrases, but they’ll also help you recognize its uses in real-life situations. What’s more, you can also imitate and replay your lessons!
From academic tutorials to entertainment shows, there are plenty of Filipino podcasts to get you started. Let’s take a closer look, shall we?
Tagalog podcasts for all levels
1. FilipinoPod101
FilipinoPod101 is the place to find the best Tagalog podcasts. (It’s in the name, after all!)
Designed for different skill levels, the platform features a wide array of audio and video lessons, covering topics such as vocabulary, conversational phrases, and pronunciation. Episodes can be downloaded or streamed to your heart’s content!
Upon getting a subscription, you can also access additional educational tools, such as their Filipino-English dictionary, flashcards, ebooks, blogs, and more!
What I like about FilipinoPod101:
- Podcasts recorded by native speakers
- Includes option to slow down audio or get line-by-line breakdowns
- Made for beginners and up
Price: Most of FilipinoPod101’s content requires a paid subscription, starting with their 12-month Premium plan for $180. They also offer a Premium PLUS plan for $316, which includes 1-on-1 lessons.
2. Pimsleur
Pimsleur is an audio-based course determined to polish your conversation skills. Though it isn’t exactly a podcast, it currently offers two Tagalog levels that can help you read, speak, and understand the language fast!
Based on the proven Pimsleur Method, its core audio lessons are built around consistent immersion and context-based learning. Apart from this, there are digital flashcards and speed round games to reinforce your memory!
What I like about Pimsleur:
- Daily 30-minute audio lessons
- Courses for all fluency levels
- Uses the scientifically-backed Pimsleur Method
Price: Pimsleur subscription is $14.95/month for Audio-Only, $19.95/month for Premium (with Bonus Materials), or $20.95/month for All Access. Try it now for FREE!
Tagalog podcasts for beginners
3. No Borders Tagalog
Learn without borders, indeed!
This podcast is a basic Tagalog course. So, whether you’re an absolute beginner or a native speaker, this eight-episode tutorial will make you feel just at home!
Though it was last updated in 2016, its lessons on Filipino vocabulary, grammar, and common expressions are still pretty useful.
What I like about No Borders Tagalog:
- Easy lessons for study and travel
- Builds vocabulary and grammar
Price: Listen to No Borders Tagalog for free on PodBean.
4. Learn Tagalog Filipino
Learning conversational Tagalog is very important, for you won’t find many these expressions in standard academic text.
Learn Tagalog Filipino offers a clear guide to colloquial Filipino words and phrases to get you speaking in no time! On top of that, this platform offers additional lessons, chat sessions, and personal tutoring upon payment.
What I like about Learn Tagalog Filipino:
- Focused on conversational Tagalog
- Teaches common words and phrases
Price: Most episodes are free on Spotify. Additional lessons can be bought on Patreon for $5/month.
5. Go Filipino: Let’s Learn Tagalog
Produced by writer Kris Andres, Go Filipino is a stellar academic podcast that’s perfect for absolute beginners!
Through its lessons and exercises, travelers and students alike will benefit from its organized lesson plan and have no trouble catching up.
As of this writing, 49 episodes have been published, tackling subjects like nouns, verbs, adjectives, pronouns, and more!
What I like about Go Filipino:
- Episodes detail a specific topic (eg. vocabulary and grammar)
- Quickly improves your understanding and pronunciation
Price: It’s available for free on PodBean, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.
6. Learn Tagalog with TagalogJuan
Juan does not simply learn Tagalog without grasping the basics!
In just 20 episodes, TagalogJuan wastes no time in teaching you Filipino vocabulary and grammar. Charming and casual, the podcast is inviting for learners new and old.
Although there hasn’t been a new episode since 2010, rest assured, all materials are ready to stream and remain as informative as ever!
What I like about TagalogJuan:
- Introduces Tagalog words and phrases
- Short 7-12 minute episodes
Price: Stream it for free on PodBean, and Apple Podcasts.
Tagalog podcasts for intermediate learners
7. Remembering the Tagalog: A Filipino Learning Podcast
Remembering the Tagalog shares an interesting Filipino-American approach to teaching the language. Using mnemonic devices, this podcast will build your vocabulary as promised.
Most episodes are recorded in English (and are largely based on the hosts’ anecdotes); So if you’re still easing into the language, this show will greatly complement your academics—or perhaps, get you to fall in love with Tagalog even more!
What I like about Remembering the Tagalog:
- Reinforces words and phrases using mnemonics
- Fun stories about Filipino culture
Price: It’s free! Check it out on Audible, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.
8. Talk Tagalog
Simple yet substantial, Talk Tagalog covers basic vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation in its light, fun-filled show.
Depending on the topic, episodes either incorporate key expressions or use dialogues to teach the language. This will be helpful as you advance to entertainment podcasts, where Tagalog conversations are more fast-paced and casual!
What I like about Talk Tagalog:
- Focus on listening comprehension skills
- Teaches basic vocabulary and grammar
Price: Listen to episodes free on their website or Spotify.
9. Woke Up PH
A 12-episode legend, Woke Up PH is an insightful podcast that aims to inform listeners about social issues in the Philippines. Specially made for the youth, the show features guest interviews—from political figures to renowned experts.
Empowering and educational, dialogues are primarily set in English (with some Filipino terms mixed in), making this simple enough for beginners to follow!
What I like about Woke Up PH:
- Insightful discussions about social issues
- English with some Filipino (for beginner listeners)
Price: Episodes are available for free on Spotify.
10. PumaPodcast
PumaPodcast can’t be summed up to one genre. Having launched 30 shows (with 500+ episodes), the platform is recognized for its extensive listener library—from news to history, fiction to social issues.
Whether you want a discussion on Original Pinoy Music or a recap of Philippine pop culture, you’ll certainly find something of interest!
What I like about PumaPodcast:
- Multi-genre platformÂ
- Commentary balances English and Tagalog
Price: No price tag included! Check out their shows on their website, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.
Tagalog podcasts for advanced learners
11. ABS-CBN News Flash
Want the latest news? ABS-CBN News Flash records the latest in Philippine public affairs by the day and is free to access online.
Listening to reports can significantly improve your understanding of Tagalog since these routinely expose you to day-to-day scenarios.
What I like about ABS-CBN News Flash:
- Daily news podcast
- Trains your listening comprehension and pronunciation
Price: Listen to all episodes on Spotify.
12. GMA News and Public Affairs Digital
You can find great Filipino news snippets on GMA News and Public Affairs Digital. From local journalism to audio documentaries, its episodes are enlightening, emotional, and hard-hitting altogether.
Last updated in January 2021, you can also view their YouTube channel for complete and timely video episodes.
What I like about GMA News and Public Affairs Digital:
- Philippines journalism sourceÂ
- Uses both formal and colloquial language
Price: Free for public consumption, GMA News podcasts can be found on Spotify.
13. SBS Radio Filipino
SBS Radio Filipino is committed to delivering quick snippets of the latest Philippine news overseas. For Filipino-speaking Australians, this podcast updates by the day, and mostly uses Tagalog in each bite-sized segment.
But don’t worry about the pace—words are pronounced as clearly and carefully as you’d expect from a news program!
What I like about SBS Radio Filipino:
- Filipino and English news podcast
- Helps you understand Tagalog in practical situations
Price: It’s free to listen to on their website or Spotify.
14. Tsaastrology
Love astrology? I do too!
Tsaastrology is the right place to start, as this improv-comedy takes on “anything and everything under the sun, moon, and stars”, as they say.
Come for the daily horoscope, and stay for the dazzling conversation. Combining Filipino and Taglish, this show is packed with great advice, discussions, and good humor to keep you listening!
What I like about Tsaastrology:
- Lively and entertaining astrology podcast
- Uses conversational Tagalog and TaglishÂ
Price: Episodes are free on Anchor.fm or Spotify.
15. The Linya Linya Show
The Linya Linya Show is a charming podcast created by Linya-Linya founder and writer Ali Sangalang and standup comic Victor Anastacio.
Episodes deal with common Filipino experiences in a light-hearted and enjoyable manner—as though you’ve got a barkada or a group of friends by your side!
Filled with laughter, love, and daily wisdom, you’ll surely treasure the life lessons you’ll get out of this.
What I like about The Linya Linya Show:
- Fun anecdotes about Filipino experiences
- Listen to Tagalog jokes and slang
Price: All episodes can be streamed for free on Anchor.fm, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.
16. Ang Walang Kwenta Podcast
Recorded by filmmakers Antoinette Jadaone and JP Habac, Ang Walang Kwentang Podcast tells you all about Filipino pop culture and trends.
Although the title literally translates as “useless”, this show offers way more in terms of thoughtful commentaries, guest interviews, and of course, laughter. Join the tsika session now!
What I like about Ang Walang Kwentang Podcast:
- Great exposure to conversational Tagalog
- Insider to Philippine trends and pop-culture
Price: Ang Walang Kwentang Podcast is a free, Spotify exclusive!
17. Creepsilog
Creepsilog is a show hosted by Gideon Mendoza and Glenn Tabarejos that deals with all things scary! Enter a world of true-crime, paranormal events, and eerie phenomena, as its mood-setting narratives are sure to draw you in.Â
Each story is narrated in Filipino, which is great for improving your listening comprehension skills.
What I like about Creepsilog:
- Horror and true-crime podcast
- Learn Tagalog in story-based contexts
Price: Listen for free on Spotify. They also have a Patreon where you can share your support and get exclusive content!
18. Boiling Waters PH
If you’re into dating and relationship advice, then I’ve got news for you. Boiling Waters PH is a podcast that discusses just that through heart-tugging advice and gut-wrenching humor!Â
Recorded in basic Tagalog, advancing listeners and romance enthusiasts alike will have an easy time following the discussions.
What I like about Boiling Waters PH:
- Love and relationship advice show
- Filipino is simple and understandable for beginners
Price: The podcast has free episodes on Spotify.
There you have it! These are the 18 best Tagalog podcasts for language learners.
Since podcasts generally let you study at your own pace, feel free to repeat, slow down, or bookmark the audio to your liking! And if you need extra resources, do check out our list of Tagalog learning apps and books.