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- How to rev your way to gender equality
Women are changing the face of motorcycle racing in Malaysia — a sport that was previously seen as solely for men. Female-only motorcycle clubs and individual women are proving that whatever guys can do, girls can do too. Although the women still do face criticism from society, successful female riders like Siti Fatimah Husna are inspiring more and more young women to follow their passions.
Coconuts TV on iflix: Episode 3, “Needles N’ Knives”
- Permanent blessings
In Thailand, “sak yant” tattoos are not merely a display of body art; the culture of sak yant is steeped in spirituality and history. Many believe that getting a sak yant from a skilled master can imbue their bodies with special abilities. Nowadays, travelers come to Bangkok from all over the planet to get powerful sak yant and receive blessings in an effort to become wiser, luckier, and more influential. Some even ask for a sak yant to improve their chances of finding a spouse!
Coconuts TV on iflix: Episode 4, “Animals and Us”
- Would you risk your life for man’s best friend?
Volcanoes don’t discriminate at all when it comes to who they’ll rain lava and ash down upon; neither wildlife, humans, nor vegetation get a free pass. Locals living close to Mount Agung in Bali evacuated as soon as the government issued impending eruption warnings for the volcano, but the beloved dogs who live in harmony with the locals were left behind. Did you know that these Bali dogs are actually the oldest purebred dogs in the world? Watch the brave animal activists of BAWA (Bali Animal Welfare Association) put themselves in immediate danger every day to feed these cherished dogs.
Coconuts TV on iflix: Episode 3, “Needles N’ Knives”
- Thrill-seeking at sea
Imagine being on a boat for two weeks in the open sea with a few friends, and your mission is to catch enough fish to make a profit in the market — about US$12,000 worth of fish. Between that and sleeping, there’s very little else to do, and you haven’t seen solid land in a week. The circumstances make it pretty easy to try drugs out to pass the time, but some of those drugs are incredibly addictive — paired with a government-enforced lack of education concerning needle-sharing and the spread of HIV, these fishermen have fallen victim to a rise in HIV rates.
Coconuts TV on iflix: Episode 4, “Animals and Us”
- Saving horses from the slaughterhouse and people from drug addiction
A Thai monk, Phra Kru Ba, is an ex-soldier, champion Muay Thai fighter, and now, the spiritual leader of a campaign to alleviate drug addiction in Thailand’s Golden Triangle. Part of his program at the Golden Horse Temple is for people to donate their large animals, such as cows, buffaloes, and horses to the temple instead of sending them to slaughter. Saving these animals’ lives increases the donators’ karma, which is believed to lengthen their lives. See why exactly Phra Kru Ba gifts the donated animals to people in the Golden Triangle region to change their lives here.
- Little people who are making a big difference in Manila
Life is difficult for people with dwarfism in the Philippines. They have a substantially harder time finding stable careers and are marginalized in society due to their short stature. In fact, it’s common for little people to be featured on television shows and nightlife establishments for the purpose of being gawked at. Nonetheless, activists are fighting for the welfare and equal treatment of little people, with the hopes of having little people being treated with the same respect and dignity as other people.
- Erotisma in Indonesia’s favorite music genre
What happens when an iconic genre held in the heart of a nation starts evolving with the times? This is exactly what’s happening with dangdut in Indonesia. The classic genre was created during the 1960s, but recently, a subgenre called dangdut koplo has been on the rise, and seems to be the more modern, albeit more sensual, take on the style.
Coconuts TV on iflix: Episode 4, “Animals And Us”
- The future of cockfighting
Does cockfighting have a place in the 21st century? Whether you think so or not, the 21st century has inevitably started changing the sport, with websites and apps being created that are dedicated to betting on the fighting birds. Here’s another race between people, animals and technology (insert link to segment) for you.
- Bug grub
What’s the future of mass-produced protein? It’s bugs! Farming bugs to eat is not only good for people, but good for the planet, as raising bugs is much less harsh on the environment and has a much lighter carbon footprint than traditional meat-raising options, like pork and beef. Why not make the switch? Watch the segment to see for yourself how tasty the bugs really are.
- Balisong Knives and Blade Fighting in Batangas
The Philippines is deeply rooted in a long history of knifesmithing, with Batangas being the birthplace of the famous balisong knife. Also known as the “butterfly knife”, the balisong has a distinct design that allows wielders to freely maneuver the knife in an intricate way. Although people seldom settle their disputes with balisong duels anymore, local knife enthusiasts are proud that the vibrant tradition of blade-based martial arts remain as a cultural heritage for the Philippines. Watch the full episode “Needles N’ Knives” on iflix.
Coconuts TV on iflix: Episode 5, “Wheels Of Change”
- Demise of jeepney
The Filipino government is trying to modernize the jeepney, a relic made from old US military jeeps, and one of the main transport options in Metro Manila. This phase-out is being called ‘fake modernization’ by protesters in the city. Find out why (insert link) jeepneys are so iconic to Filipino culture and why protesters are fighting so hard to keep them around.
- Winning acceptance in society
Did you know that one of the most exciting trans beauty pageants in the world is right here in Thailand? Miss Tiffany’s Universe is more than just a beauty contest for some of the hopeful contenders. For the beauty queens, the pageant represents a path to acceptance in a society that still doesn’t completely acknowledge trans women.
Coconuts TV on iflix: Episode 1, “Sexy Time”
- Sugar Baby in Malaysia
The SugarBook is a new popular website that strives to bring together women interested in the sugar baby lifestyle with men who have the means. The founder and CEO, Darren C., tells Coconuts TV that he merely “did a favor” to SugarBook’s members by providing them with a platform to do what they were already doing: searching for a life of luxury.
- Birdsong in Jakarta
Endangered species of birds are bought for traditional Indonesian songbird competitions. The black market in Jakarta is flourishing, thriving off of on this illegal wildlife trade of endangered species of songbirds, among many other animals. Breeders at the market think that they are doing crucial work to save the songbirds from extinction — what do you think? Watch Episode 6: “Birds and Bugs” on iflix.
- Weightlifting with polio
Widiasih is affected by polio—a disease that has left her unable to walk. Throughout her childhood, people told her that she wouldn’t amount to anything great. Now, she is a champion powerlifter, a paralympic medalist, and an inspiration to others afflicted with polio. She has now set her eyes on a gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Paralympics, and is currently preparing to take on the world stage once more.
Eager to see these stories come to life? Then watch the entire series (for free!) on iflix now.
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