Not every anime fan gets the chance to host a podcast that influences listeners across two continents. But for a marketing professional and a creative freelancer living in the UAE, what started as a shared love for anime has grown into something much bigger than either of them ever expected. Together, they are the force behind The Ara Ara Channel—a podcast that has become a cultural bridge for Filipino and international fans alike.
Vivz and Amy—real names Iveth Solevilla and Ameera Teano—are the co-hosts of The Ara Ara Channel, the UAE’s first and leading anime podcast. Since its launch in 2022, the channel has risen to the top of Apple Podcasts’ Animation & Manga category in both the UAE and the Philippines. What sets them apart is not just their in-depth conversations about anime and gaming, but how they fuse their Filipino identity and international upbringing into every episode, creating a uniquely inclusive space for fans across the globe.
Bringing anime to the heart of the UAE
For Iveth, known as Vivz, the journey into anime content creation was born out of personal nostalgia. “As a ‘90s kid born in the Philippines, I grew up watching a lot of anime and playing video games,” she shares with TGFM. “I never imagined it would become a top-ranked podcast, but maybe that’s what makes it special. It was rooted in genuine love for anime and gaming that other people resonated with.”
Vivz, who currently works as a marketing manager in real estate, moved to the UAE six years ago. Like many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), she carried her childhood memories and passions into adulthood—and eventually onto the mic. Initially envisioned as an audio-only platform, The Ara Ara Channel evolved into a full video podcast after early discussions with Amy, her soon-to-be co-host.
Amy’s connection to the UAE runs deeper. Born and raised in the country to Filipino parents, she spent her university years in the Philippines before returning home to Dubai. “The UAE is a cosmopolitan hub,” she says. “I’m deeply influenced by a blend of not just Filipino culture, but a piece of all the different cultures in this country.” That multicultural exposure gave her a unique lens through which to approach content creation, allowing her to craft messages that resonate with diverse audiences while staying rooted in Filipino values.
Although it was Vivz’s idea to launch the podcast, Amy was quickly drawn in—not just by the subject matter, but by her trust in her co-host. “I was initially meant to be a guest,” Amy recalls. “But after some conversations with her, she thought of making me a co-host instead. I joined in on this project because I believe in Vivz and how passionate she is as a person.” Together, they agreed to make the podcast in English to be more accessible to international viewers.
That small adjustment, along with their deeply human and relatable content, helped them grow a loyal following not just in the UAE and the Philippines, but in the U.S., Canada, India, and Saudi Arabia. Today, The Ara Ara Channel is known for more than just podcasts. Their YouTube features include cosplay trials, reaction videos, unboxings, and event coverage. Their social media feeds highlight anime moments, fan interactions, and behind-the-scenes peeks into the community they’ve helped build.
Celebrating culture, breaking stereotypes
Anime, while Japanese in origin, holds a universal appeal—something both hosts strongly believe in. “Anime may be Japanese, but the emotions are universal,” Vivz explains. “Whether it’s the themes, the music, the art, or the life lessons, it transcends language and culture.”
Amy agrees but frames it from an artistic perspective. “Anime is one of those things that transcends where it originated from because of its universal themes like family, friendship, and perseverance. And it’s also art. It’s just another medium of communicating through film and shows.”
While they don’t feel the need to “localize” anime in the traditional sense, they do bring their own experiences and cultural lens to the conversations. It’s that personal touch—balancing Filipino storytelling, global perspective, and emotional honesty—that has helped The Ara Ara Channel build trust and engagement.
Their hard work and authenticity have opened doors to high-profile opportunities. In 2024, they interviewed Captain Tsubasa creator Yoichi Takahashi during MEFCC (Middle East Film & Comic Con). In 2025, they scored another major milestone: an exclusive post-performance interview with J-Rock band ASH DA HERO, known for their hit Blue Lock opening “JUDGEMENT.”
“Honestly? We were starstruck,” says Vivz. “I still can’t believe we shared the same stage as them.” Amy echoes the sentiment: “Definitely in awe and extremely grateful. The opportunities came through building strong relationships within the anime community, both locally and internationally.”
They credit the UAE’s fast-growing pop culture scene as a key factor in their visibility. “We’re lucky that it opens doors not just for big names but also for creators like us to step in and represent our audience,” Vivz says.
Still, being Filipinas in the Middle East content space comes with its own challenges. “There are misconceptions about what Filipinos can achieve,” Amy points out. “But through hard work, authenticity, and a focus on quality content, we’ve been able to break through those barriers.”
Vivz shares a similar reflection. “Even now, we’re proud to say that Ara Ara The Weeb Podcast remains the first and only English-language anime podcast in the region. There were moments of doubt—wondering if anyone was even listening or if what we were doing mattered. But we stayed true to ourselves and focused on the content we loved.”
Beyond fandom: Building community and inspiring creatives
More than anything, both creators see their platform as a home for connection—a digital space that sparks friendships, conversations, and community. For Amy, that sense of impact came full circle during a collaboration with OtakuME, the largest plastic model hobby shop in the GCC. “We were going up against big creators,” she shares, referring to their participation in the Influencer Showdown. “For the store to generate the most sales because of us, means we have a reach that is loyal to what we’re trying to create. It’s an affirmation that when you’re passionate and true to your craft, people will take notice.”
For Vivz, her proudest moment was more intimate: their first anime meetup. “Seeing people show up and walk away with new friends—that’s priceless,” she says. “It reminded me of the main reason why I started the podcast—to find friends and connect with people who share the same passion.”
That mission continues to evolve. Today, both hosts are more than just voices on a podcast. Amy is a Golden Visa holder as a Creative, with an impressive resume that includes being a film director, social media producer for top brands and influencers, video editor, presenter, and actress in both theater and film. “I wanted to showcase that as Filipinos, we deserve to take center stage,” she says. “We are creative, and there are a lot of things we can do—we should show the world that.”
Balancing fan life with the responsibilities of being event hosts and community representatives isn’t easy, but both embrace it. “We’re fans first,” says Vivz, “but we’ve also become a voice and representative for others, so there’s pressure to show up, plan, and create content. But being Filipino gives us that natural resilience and sense of community. We’re used to adapting, wearing many hats, and still doing things with heart.”
For Amy, it comes down to discipline. “It’s about passion, focus, and professionalism,” she says. “Representing the Filipino community abroad is something we take seriously, so we always strive to be authentic, grounded, and true to our roots.”
A message for dreamers: Your passion has a place
When asked what advice they have for fellow Filipinos, especially OFWs, who want to turn their passions into something meaningful abroad, both hosts don’t hold back.
“Never underestimate your passion,” says Vivz. “It may seem silly to others, but if it brings you joy, it’s worth pursuing. You don’t need to be perfect to start. Start small and be consistent. And if there’s one thing we learned from anime, it’s that growth takes time, effort, and resilience.”
Amy offers a similar message, with an added challenge: “Don’t let fear hold you back. Pursue your passion relentlessly, and don’t be afraid to dip your toes into the unknown. Surround yourself with people who support you, and stay true to your Filipino roots. You never know where it will take you.”
