Outcasts the Podcast Explores What Macanese Identity Means
Macau/ Vibe/ Pop Culture

Outcasts the Podcast Introduces Canto Humour, Macau Identity to the World

Outcasts the Podcast Introduces Canto Humour Macau Identity to the World

Can you find two women who fit the classic third-culture kid stereotype better than Iasmin Lumibao and Fathima Mohamed?

Both born and raised in Macau with matriarchal Filipino roots, Iasmin and Fathima, who have Brazilian and Sri Lankan roots respectively, speak Cantonese, Mandarin, Portuguese, Tagalog, and English—all with an American accent.

The cultural identities of the best friend duo confused nearly everyone outside of Macau, inspiring the pair to educate the world about how multicultural Macau is, what Cantonese culture means, and how to explain Hong Kong and Macau history to a five-year-old with their online chat show, Outcasts the Podcast.

“It’s a village with a city feel,” explains Iasmin of Macau’s vibe on a Zoom call based in New Jersey. “Our parents came as foreign skilled workers,” Fathima says from Florida, “many Filipinos would look for work outside the country and towards Macau for opportunity.”

“We went to local Chinese schools, just two foreigners trying to fit in. We had to be translators for our parents, being forced to learn Cantonese and Portuguese to get them around,” Fathima says.

“I felt that I was more of a foreigner when I left Macau, and people would ask us, where's that (Macau), near Hong Kong? That’s when I felt more Macanese.”

Life in Macau—a city that’s just 50% bigger than Hong Kong Island and home to about 690,000 people— is intimate and close-knit. With Cantonese culture in Macau uniquely similar to Hong Kong and neighbouring Guangdong province, the city shares a connection with its Chinese cousins in identity, language, and nationality.

After studying in Macau during their teenage years, both Macanese women fell in love with American men and travelled west to the States. “We did our own thing and only realised we both lived in America after a long while. We visited each other, and only after a year living in America did we begin the podcast,” says Fathima.

Creating the podcast was natural, Fathima says. With Subtle Cantonese Traits Facebook group catalysing the accessibility of online discourse about Cantonese identity, it is hard not to find Instagram Reels, TikToks, or Facebook videos of Hong Kongers abroad or at home mock and joke about the idiosyncratic Cantonese ways of living and breathing.

“I began the podcast on YouTube and began ranting in a video about weird Cantonese traditions. Iasmin offered herself to guest present with me, and I said yes!”

“We initially only wanted to explore conversations about how we felt like a foreigner here in America and the different culture shocks we had. However, thinking about our Macanese identity, we wanted to create this safe space where third-culture kids can bond and relate.”

On YouTube and through their Instagram, both Fathima and Iasmin chat nostalgia with Hong Kong and Macanese childhood snacks, clever swear words in Cantonese, what’s it like explaining Cantonese identity to a layman, life as third-culture kids, and culture shock as Macanese in the big world.

The pair commented that they found a good reaction from a Cantonese diaspora of second-generation Hong Kongers, largely living in the West, with identity issues of their own.

“We didn't think we would have such a big Cantonese following. We didn't think this language, that we can't even speak it with our family, could find us people that would relate to us. The internet surprised us,” says Fathima.

“Equally, our podcast is a space for Cantonese diaspora kids to learn Cantonese and connect with Macau and Hong Kong away from home,” Iasmin follows up.

As the podcast name details, they are “outcasts wherever we go.”

When asked why anyone should travel to Macau, “food and less walking” than Hong Kong is the answer Fathima shouts out on our Zoom call. “Hong Kong has a lot of food and great things to see, but there’s too much walking. Call me lazy because I am from Macau, even going to Lan Kwai Fong is an uphill battle!”

Iasmin says, “You'll never get lost in Macau. If you come for one or two days, you can see everything and absorb all the food and culture, because there are so many cuisines in one place.”

Beyond visiting Macau, which Iasmin recently did after three years away from home, both podcast hosts want to make the podcast a full-time job. “It’s a place where we want to relate to people that feel out of place all the time, because that's literally how we feel. Our identity crisis is no joke.”

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This Week's Event In Macau View more

This Week's Event In Macau

Macau/ The List/ What's On
Boom and Bloom Exhibition in Galaxy Macau Celebrates Spring Festival
Spring festival 1 Photo by Galaxy Macau

Art enthusiasts and creatives, stay tuned! This Spring Festival, Galaxy Macau is bringing the season to life with the vibrant Boom and Bloom exhibition at GalaxyArt, running until Mar. 9, 2025.

Curated by renowned Hong Kong art advocate Gary Mok, this display showcases celebrated artistic talents from the Greater Bay Area, headlined by the creative collaboration between Ray Chan, a Shenzhen-based artist, and Sanchia Lau, a Macau-based artist.

Transforming GalaxyArt’s 6500-square-foot space into a lush traditional Chinese garden, the exhibition merges cultural heritage with contemporary creativity. Vibrant blooms, architectural details, and the debut of the artists’ iconic IPs — Ray Chan’s Shake Money Tree and Sanchia Lau’s Wishing Doll — create an enchanting blend of pop art and traditional Chinese New Year blessings.

spring festival exhibition
Courtesy of Galaxy Macau

Visitors can explore three specially commissioned pieces making their debut in Macau, and highlights from the interactive Shake Money Tree series, which invites guests to shake the golden tree to release symbolic gold ingots.

This experience extends to an art boutique featuring limited-edition collectibles and merchandise inspired by the artists’ work, making it the perfect spot for unique festival keepsakes. The exhibition also includes fun photo zones and engaging workshops, offering something for all ages.

Location: GalaxyArt, 1/F Galaxy Promenade, Galaxy Macau

Opening Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM

For more information, visit Galaxy Macau on their website, or follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

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Macau/ Vibe/ Happenings
FORTUNE REALMS: Art and Culture Museum Opens at Grand Lisboa Palace
Untitled design 2024 12 23 T122846 575 Photo by Facebook/ Grand Lisboa Palace

Calling all art enthusiasts and culture seekers — Macau’s Grand Lisboa Palace is now home to the FORTUNE REALMS: Pop-Up Museum of Chinese Culture & Arts (Macau Station).

This immersive exhibition runs until Feb. 9, 2025, offering a vibrant celebration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the 25th anniversary of Macau's return to China.

Set on Level 1 of the iconic Grand Lisboa Palace Resort — known for its East-meets-West flair with landmarks like The Karl Lagerfeld Macau and Palazzo Versace Macau — the exhibition invites visitors to explore Chinese traditions through bold, innovative art. Enter a meticulously crafted entrance archway, setting the stage for a cultural journey.

Museum interior
Facebook/Grand Lisboa Palace

Curated by the celebrated Chinese artist Michael Yip, FORTUNE REALMS blends intricate patterns, bold colors, and cutting-edge displays to showcase the evolution of Chinese culture.

Yip, a multiple award-winning artist renowned for harmonizing heritage with modern design, has created an experience that’s both timeless and forward-thinking. His work serves as a bridge between generations, making this exhibition as engaging for traditional art lovers as it is for fans of contemporary art.

Backed by the Macao Government Tourism Office, this exhibition is part of an ambitious global series spanning 30 global exhibitions from 2024 to 2027, aimed at spotlighting the intersection of tradition and innovation.

Whether you’re an art aficionado or just looking for your next inspiring day out, FORTUNE REALMS promises a dazzling journey through Chinese culture. Don’t miss your chance to experience this cross-generational masterpiece!

To find out more, visit Grand Lisboa Palace on their website, or follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

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Macau/ Vibe/ Happenings
Cai Guo-Qiang’s Solo Exhibition of Cai's AI Model in Macau
Untitled design 2024 12 03 T113824 752 Photo by Courtesy of MGM

Here’s something you can’t miss! MGM and world-renowned artist Cai Guo-Qiang have teamed up to debut a groundbreaking solo exhibition! Featuring Cai’s special AI creation, cAI™ at the historic Navy Yard No.1 in Macau’s Barra district, this exhibition promises to connect the younger generation to future insights and perspectives.

Running until June 1, 2025, the exhibition, "cAI™: Soul Scan," invites locals and visitors to explore the intersection of technology, creativity, and spirituality. Cai’s AI model, cAI™, takes center stage, presenting 20 stunning new works crafted specifically for Macau under Cai’s guidance.

Visitors can immerse themselves in a truly interactive journey. Start with an AI-generated self-introduction from cAI™, then marvel at its debut “painting exhibition,” inspired by Cai’s signature gunpowder art. Feeling creative? Design your own digital fireworks with the “fireworks master cAI™!” Wrap up your visit in the Divination Room, where cAI™’s robotic arms deliver an engaging and thought-provoking experience.

After the interaction with the robotic arms of the “diviner cAI™”, it will generate a fortune-telling slip.
Courtesy of MGM

The exhibit also draws inspiration from Macau’s 400-year-old Mazu traditions, as well as Cai’s hometown of Quanzhou, blending cultural history with cutting-edge technology. Nestled near the UNESCO-listed A-Ma Temple, Navy Yard No.1 transforms into a welcoming creative hub, inviting the community to co-create and connect with art.

Whether you're a tech enthusiast, an art lover, or just curious, this exhibition offers something truly unique.

For more information, visit MGM on their website, or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

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Macau/ Vibe/ Happenings
Zhang Yimou’s Residency “MACAU 2049” To Premiere Dec. 15
Untitled design 2024 10 29 T120952 481 Photo by Instagram/ mgm.mo

After a 7 year wait, MGM’s brand-new residency, Macau 2049, is set to premiere on Dec. 15 at the MGM Theatre.

This highly anticipated production is directed by the acclaimed Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou, known for his legendary wuxia films such as Hero, and Curse of the Golden Flower, and Raise the Red Lantern.

Collaborating with MGM’s chairperson and executive director Ms. Pansy Ho, this show marks Zhang's first residency show in the Greater Bay Area.

2049 Zhang Yimou
Facebook/ MGM

Macau 2049 promises to be a spectacular blend of artistry and cutting-edge technology. Zhang has teamed up with an exceptional group of creatives, including multi-disciplinary musician Wu Tong as Music Director, Sang Jijia from the Hong Kong City Contemporary Dance Company as Chief Choreographer, and British video director Dominic Faraway, who has worked with major pop icons. Notably, Bernard Prentice will bring his expertise in underwater photography to the project.

In 2049, Macau’s unique semi-autonomous status, granted after its handover from Portugal, will conclude. This milestone year will be pivotal for the residency show, serving as a catalyst to enhance the city’s cultural and entertainment industries.

Viewers can expect to see remote-controlled robotic arms, AI-generated visuals, and bionic dirigible performances. Involving a Hollywood-level production crew of 582 people and 237 days of preparation totaling 2,838 hours of intricate craftsmanship, Macau 2049 is set to redefine the perception of Chinese cultural heritage.

Get ready, because tickets for the show go on sale on Nov. 2, 2024 at 11:19 AM.

For more information, visit MGM on their website, or follow them on Instagram, or Facebook.

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Macau/ Vibe/ Sports
It’s Time! Ultimate Fighting Championship Returns to Macau After 10 Years
Its Time UFC to Make Its Return to Macau After 10 Years Photo by Facebook/UFC

Prepare for epic action as the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is returning to Macau with a fight night event this November!

To be held on Nov. 23 at the city’s largest and most advanced indoor venue, the 16,000-seater Galaxy Arena, UFC Fight Night in Macau will see mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters from around the world battling it out for the championship.

Speaking about the announcement, Kevin Chang, UFC's senior vice president and head of Asia, said in a press release, "We are ecstatic to be back at this incredible destination city. We are proud to partner with Galaxy Macau and can't wait to put on an electrifying show at the state-of-the-art Galaxy Arena to the delight of fans across the region.”

The UFC is making its comeback in the city after 10 years, following its last event in Macau in August 2014. This also marks the championships’ return to Greater China, with fight night events previously held in Shanghai, Beijing, Macau, and Shenzhen.

As of this writing, more details, including fighter lineups, are yet to be unveiled. In the meantime, you can get updates and early access to tickets by signing up via UFC's website.

For more information, follow UFC on Facebook, Instagram, or X (formerly Twitter).

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Macau/ Vibe/ Pop Culture
Macao International Queer Film Festival Gears Up for Return This March
Macao International Queer Film Festival Poster Photo by YouTube/Macao International Queer Film Festival

Following its successful launch in February last year, the Macao International Queer Film Festival (MIQFF) is making a comeback for its second edition this month.

Themed “Love is the Answer,” the festival will screen 14 feature films and five short films that showcase the diverse nature of the queer community. These films will be shown from March 22 to April 6 at the Emperor Cinema in Lisboeta Macau.

One of the films to be featured in the festival is the award-winning queer film “Housekeeping for Beginners,” which bagged the Silver Q-Hugo award at the 2023 Chicago International Film Festival and the Queer Lion recognition at the 2023 Venice Film Festival.

Other films to be screened include American production “Mutt,” Japanese film “Kubi,” English independent film “Femme,” Taiwan’s “Murmur of Youth,” and “Blue Gate Crossing,” among others.

Tickets to these films are available via Emperor Cinema’s website. To learn more about the festival, you can visit MIQFF’s website or follow its Facebook and Instagram pages.

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Macau/ Vibe/ Sports
Macau to Host ITTF Men's and Women's World Cup in April 2024
Macau to Host ITTF Mens and Womens World Cup This April Photo by Facebook/International Table Tennis Federation

The games are on! The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) is set to bring the competition to Macau this April, as the city will be hosting its 2024 Men's and Women's World Cup.

In an announcement, ITTF revealed that this year’s Men's and Women's World Cup will take place at the Galaxy Arena from April 15 to 21, in partnership with the Sports Bureau, Galaxy Entertainment Group, and World Table Tennis Management Group Limited (WTMG).

The tournament will see 48 elite players from across the globe competing for the championship title. This includes reigning World U19 champions, with the aim of bringing young athletes’ talents forward to the global stage.

Aside from the most-coveted championship title, the players will also be vying for the US$1 million prize money through a series of breathtaking matches.

In efforts to make innovations with the games, the competition will also have new playing systems in place, including a round-robin tournament and a modified snake grouping system.

In a separate statement, Macau’s Sports Bureau said that the announcement demonstrates ITTF’s trust in the region’s ability to host major international table tennis events.

More details about the ITTF Men's and Women's World Cup will be unveiled soon. In the meantime, you can visit ITTF’s website or follow their Facebook and Instagram pages for more updates.

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