One of my top performing reels on Instagram and TikTok is called “Hiya: Malaking Hadlang sa Pag-Asenso” or “Big Obstacle to Success.” It resonated with so many, and I was particularly struck by one comment that read, “Opo, mas takot pa kong mamatay sa kahihiyan kaysa mamatay mismo” or  “I’m more afraid of dying of shame than dying itself!” So when I came across an Instagram post on @‌_sikodiwa_ discussing the concept and manifestations of Hiya, I knew it definitely merited an episode and sought out the expert behind the account.

Carl Cervantes is a psychologist and researcher focusing on transpersonal and indigenous psychology. He has a master’s degree from the Ateneo de Manila University, where his research focus was inspired mainly by the psychospiritual studies of Fr. Jaime C. Bulatao. He is currently a senior lecturer at UP Diliman. Sikodiwa (from Sikolohiya, or Psychology, and Diwa, or Consciousness) is the name of his blog, podcast, and Instagram account where he shares his research and insights.