Introducing: Saving Siargao

Saving Siargao, Part 1: The impact of mass tourism on the paradise island

On part 1 of our three-part series, our assignment is to understand the environmental impact of mass tourism on the island. On this episode, we speak to Analyn Dulpina, Kara Rosas, and Iris Aroa of Lokal Lab, a grassroots NGO focused on sustainability for Siargao. Siargao Island is a tear-drop shaped island in Southern Philippines, widely known around the world for its surfing, beaches, and natural beauty. It's fast becoming one of the most popular islands in Asia, but it’s being touted as the next Bali not just because of its ability to draw international crowds, but because its rapid tourism growth and development have brought significant environmental pressures and sustainability challenges. The island is also facing major environmental issues caused by the climate crisis and corruption, and local communities are sounding the alarm. In this 3-part series, “Saving Siargao” we look at the environmental problems plaguing the paradise island, and speak to the people who are fighting to save and protect it. This series is supported by The Earth Journalism Network.

Introducing: Saving Siargao

Siargao Island is a tear-drop shaped island in Southern Philippines, widely known around the world for its surfing, beaches, and natural beauty. It's fast becoming one of the most popular islands in Asia, but it’s being touted as the next Bali not just because of its ability to draw international crowds, but because its rapid tourism growth and development have brought significant environmental pressures and sustainability challenges.  The island is also facing major environmental issues caused by the climate crisis and corruption, and local communities are sounding the alarm. In this 3-part series, “Saving Siargao” we look at the environmental problems plaguing the paradise island, and speak to the people who are fighting to save and protect it.  This series is supported by The Earth Journalism Network.

Exposing more NYC luxury properties tied to Martin Romualdez

EXCLUSIVE: Our latest investigation reveals two additional New York City properties have links to former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. My assignment today is to investigate how documents, sources and new evidence ties Romualdez and his family to more US properties. Property records show that in 2025, Romualdez's business associate and fraternity brother Andrew Casino was named trustee of three additional properties at the Ritz Tower in Manhattan, just a year after Romualdez acquired a unit on behalf of his father's estate. Casino is the same lawyer who facilitated that acquisition, and another Romualdez property in Massachusetts.  The new units were acquired in a similar manner that match previous luxury properties linked to Romualdez, and taken with additional evidence, raise questions over real ownership.  This latest investigation brings the total number of properties linked to Romualdez, that we've found on this podcast alone, to four. Romualdez is the first cousin of Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos Jr and one of his closest allies. He is one of the top government officials allegedly linked to the flood control corruption scandal, an accusation he denies. The Ombudsman is currently investigating him for money laundering, but no formal charges have been filed. Subscribe to Spotify, Apple Podcasts or via your favorite podcast app: https://onassignmentwithme.transistor.fm Follow @natashya_g on YouTube, Instagram, Tiktok, X and Facebook. Support independent journalism and this podcast: buymeacoffee.com/natashya_g To know more about my work, go to natashyagutierrez.com #nyc #ritztower #martinromualdez #lifestylecheck #philippines #floodcontrolcorruption

I did a week-long leadership course in Harvard: Here's what I learned

I'm back from a bit of a hiatus that included attending a week-long course at Harvard Kennedy School, on Global Leadership and Public Policy for the 21st Century. In this episode, I recap my top three takeaways from the program, reflect on the feeling of being in a classroom again, and talk about why I came out of it feeling surprisingly optimistic about the future. I hope you take something away from my candid reflection about my brief time in Cambridge. On this assignment, I take you with me on my personal journey to become a better journalist and newsroom leader. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or via your favorite podcast app: https://onassignmentwithme.transistor.fm Follow @natashya_g on YouTube for video episodes, and on Instagram, Tiktok, X and Facebook for updates. Support independent journalism and this podcast: buymeacoffee.com/natashya_g To know more about my work, go to natashyagutierrez.com

Maria Ressa: I live a life with no regrets

In this bonus episode, 2021 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa talks about some of her greatest learnings, how she reacts to the criticisms and online hate against her, and gives advice on how to live a life with no regrets. We also talk about the mental health toll of being female journalists under attack. In her most personal interview yet, I speak to my mentor and friend, and one of the most famous journalists of our time. Note: This interview was filmed in August 2025 Listen to Episode 10 and 11 for the full two-part interview. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or via your favorite podcast app: https://onassignmentwithme.transistor.fm Follow @natashya_g on YouTube for video episodes, and on Instagram, Tiktok, X and Facebook for updates. Support independent journalism and this podcast: buymeacoffee.com/natashya_g To know more about my work, go to natashyagutierrez.com #mariaressa #journalism #nobelpeaceprize #corruption #philippines