The Filipino American

December 2011 The Filipino-American Story: Oishi Media Editor/Director Dj Duel

2011-12-27T23:04:00.000-08:00

Visiting Oishi Media and reading from my (twitter) timeline almost daily I can feel DJ Duel's passion for his work, the fire that burns within him reaches you! What is even better is this young Filam also supports our community!

Recently, Oishi Media just released a beautiful production for Christmas, Fall Out of Love by Krystle Cruz a San Diego Filam talent that we featured also here at The Filipino-American...

Dj Duel, Director/Editor Oishi Media

Dj Duel, what is your full name? Marvin DjDueL Suerto

Where were you born? I was born in Quezon City, Philippines

You are currently based in LA, correct? Thats absolutely correct! Northeast Los Angeles

Your first passion, is being a Scratch DJ, can you tell us what that is? I originally broke into the industry as a Battle DJ. With my crew, "SpinCycleLA - Dj's Rever, War, WreckStyle, Hectik and Eri" Going from competition to competition, then later working with Artists. Recording on albums scratching on turntables adding accents and flavor to HipHop songs.

When did you start doing this? I started DJ'ing in 1996 and went on all the way through 2010.

You are now the Editor/Director of Oishi Media, tell us what is Oishi Media about? OISHIMEDIA is a group of guys that started off as friends, a DJ (DjDuel, that's me), an MC (Bong), a BreakDancer (B-Boy Starskee), and a Video Game designer (CJ), that entered a commercial contest for a cereal company for fun. We had so much fun doing it, that we decided to make more videos. And now, almost 2 years later, we've worked with a lot of influential artists that we've always looked up to.

How many members does Oishi Media have and who are they? There are four of us. Starskee is our primary videographer, he takes all of my Direction and captures them on film exactly as I envision them. He also, assists in the editing and coloring of the film. CJ is our Visual FX Guru. Being professionally trained in the field of video game design, he takes his knowledge and uses it for all our Special FX needs. Bong is our technical adviser and helps us with photography. He creates the tools, and sets we need behind the scenes. Then there's me, I direct and do most of the editing. We usually come up with the storyline's and general creative ideas and present them to the Artist. We take the meaning of their work and translate it Visually.

OISHI MEDIA Bong, Starskee, CJ, and DjDueL

You develop/promote talent, how do you choose your projects? We look for Artists that mean something to us. People with Art that contribute to the community. We look for artists that have good heads on their shoulders, and promote real life goodness.
Krystle Cruz of San Diego, aside from the obvious that she is very talented, tell us the story... how did Fall Out of Love happen? We had been working at the Festival of Philippine Arts & Culture (FPAC) for 2 years. We filmed the event, edited and created their first DVD for FPAC 19 & 20. This year at the 20th Anniversary of FPAC, we saw Krystle on stage for the 2nd year in a row. We caught up with her after her set, and interviewed her. Something about her (Krystle Cruz) felt comfortable with us. So a few months later, while editing the DVD project, we decided to reach out to her about working together. It just happened to be that she was close to our friends at, "Pnoy Apparel Clothing," and they vouched for her.

Great thing is that she already had plans to do this video, but fell through. and it happened to be the song that we chose. So we met with her, we wrote a treatment, and set a date to film. We casted Keiante Glover as the male lead, and Carlena Britch as her best friend.

How did Oishi Media start? It's a pretty wild story. Unfortunately a really close friend of ours passed away, Armando Flores Jr. and a group of us that were really close fell into a deep depression. One of our youngest friends Starskee, was hurting really bad from this loss. It seemed the only thing that gets his mind off of things, was wanting to Film and Edit (what he did in high school). So one day while browsing Facebook, I saw an ad for a Video Contest by a Cereal Company. I asked Starskee, and CJ if they wanted to join (the competition), and we did. We had such a great time doing this, that we decided to keep making videos. Eventually our name started to spread really fast, and we started working with popular artists such as, "Bambu, the Rhythm Natives, Chicharon Adventures....etc" and that led us to the opportunity to film a promo video for Joe Bataan, that then led to the Festival of Philippines Arts & Culture.

Why Oishi Media? We thought of Video, and making video being so addictive that you'll be hungry for it. So we decided on the phrase, "Deliciousness for your Eyes and Ears." and OISHI meant delicious. Plus at that time, Sarap Media was taken by a myspace user. hahahaha

The Oishi Media Booth @ Festival of Philippines Arts & Culture 2011

Tell us what were some of your favorite Filam Projects and why? Our favorite projects are working with Community Members. Such as the, "Neri's Curbside Cravings" food truck. and "Bambu" Both have great messages in their work, whether it be Filipino Pride in our Food and Culture, or a musical interpretation of having Filipino Pride in your community through the struggles of Street Life.

What challenges do you most have being the director of Oishi Media? The hardest part, is working with people that already have worked with other directors in the Hollywood circle. Only because they expect a lot more leniency, and more of a relaxed environment. When I direct, it's more emotional and personal. I try to get Actors and Actresses to feel what the character is feeling by using stronger words. Sometimes even having to offend them. But thats my job. To make sure that we capture your feelings and share them with the world.

What is Oishi Media's latest project? That would have to be Krystle Cruz's Video, "Fall out of Love." But we have more projects lined up for this first quarter of 2012 that should keep us on edge.

Dj Duel at the Roxy, Hollywood, Ca

Your support to the Filam talents are overwhelming, what do you like the most about the Filams? Filipinos in general are hardworking and amazingly talented people. Its our duty to showcase those who don't have the means to do so. I mean talent is a God Given gift, wouldn't it be irresponsible to not show this gift to the World? I mean, show that you appreciate the talent that God has given you.

What do you like the most about the Filipino Culture? Mannerisms. We are very mannered people. We have respect, loyalty, and Love for our family, friends, and kababayan.
Do you still visit Philippines? I haven't been there in so long. The last time I was in the Philippines we visited our family in Quezon City, and my mother's hometown, "Santa Cruz, Zambales."

What is your favorite Filipino Dish? This sounds crazy but I love a good Lechon. Nothing beats the taste of Filipino-cooked baboy. Especially if it's whole. If not that, then Laing. You can taste the flavor of the Philippines in every bite. from the Coconut milk, to the Taro leaves, to the signature chili. it's wonderful.

Success with Oishi Media is... showing that not all Filipinos need to be bound to traditional occupations. We showcase Filipino artists to prove that with hardwork, your talents can help your goals become achievable. And at the same time showing that we are a media group making it in the business.

Happiness to you is... finding inspiration in everything. It helps you find that Drive in your heart to chase the things you love.
Working, what is your biggest pet peeve? Tardiness. I have a thing about being on time, and when people are late, it really urks me. LOL
Did you have anyone that inspire you become who you are now? My Mother. She raised my sister and I on her own, and always believed in us. She never pressured me to be anyone else but myself.
To the young FilAms who want to make it in the industry what advise do you have for them? Work hard. If it was easy, it wouldn't be fun...!!!!--MaG
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Like Oishi Media Follow @oishimedia

Follow @DjDuel
Return to http://www.thefilipinoamerican.com/

November 2011 The Filipino-American Story: Rimel aka @Limer35 a Foodie at Heart

2011-11-25T22:43:00.000-08:00

Rimel in front of M. Wells, New York

@Limer35 caught my eye a year ago when I was still tweeting via @buyfilipino for my former magazine publication, Filipino Classifieds in Sacramento. He was tweeting a picture of rows and rows of puto (filipino ricecakes) that he just finished cooking! They looked so inviting! So I started looking at his timeline and saw more and more tweets about food!

Of course I had to follow him!

I moved here in San Diego and sold the Filipino Classifieds Magazine and started the The Filipino-American Website and of course first thing I thought when I created the twitter for @thefilam was to follow my favorite tweeters and of top the list was @Limer35.

@Limer35 though has never admitted it, is a foodie at heart!

It is about time that we get to know better the man behind this mouth watering tweets and blogs!

Do you mind telling us your name?

My name is Remil. It’s Limer backwards.

You are currently living in LA, where you born in Manila?

I currently live in West Covina, CA. It has a very large Filipino population, so I feel very much at home. I was born in Malabon, just north of Manila. My family and I moved to California when I was 9 years old.

Your blog is called Pinoy Panda...where did it come from?

It was actually given to me by other food bloggers who have become real good friends of mine. There are several "panda" bloggers out there.

You always seem to be twitting about food, are you in the industry or is this just really a hobby or passion of yours?

I’m not in the industry, but I did however cater Filipino food for several years. I stopped about five years ago because it got to be too much. My weekends was spent just cooking & cleaning and I began to miss just spending time with family and friends.

With Chef Eric Ripert at Le Bernardin.

Your blog and tweets have so many good pictures of food, do you always bring a good camera or do you plan your trips?

I don’t have a fancy DSLR like my food blogger friends. I just have my Sony point & shoot and my trusty new iPhone 4S.

How did your interest about food start?

It started about two years ago when I happen upon Jaden Hair’s Steamy Kitchen blog. From there, I began to discover the world of food blogging. This led to twitting and actually meeting the many bloggers who's food blogs I read on a daily basis.

When did you get the idea of blogging about it?

I really didn’t have a desire to start a food blog. But my food blogger friends kept on insisting that I start one. So I experimented with one on Posterous. I have only three blog posts and have been too busy to post more. You’ll find more of my food escapades on my Twitter feed. Eventually I will concentrate on my food blog.

Which came first blogging or the tweeting...

Tweeting came first. Experimental blogging just started in June of this year. I do hope to post more.

If you are not in the food industry what do you do for a living?

I am a contract analyst for the second largest school district in the country. I know…boring right? It pays the bills and my foodie escapades.

When do you find time to go check out all these places, is it a daily, weekly thing or do you just randomly go?

I randomly go after work usually and on the weekends. I check tweets on what's new out there and my friends & I check them out.

Being a foodie, do you still have a favorite food?

I love all foods and it’s hard to pick just one. I’m currently discovering all things Korean food.

What is your ultimate favorite filipino dish, ultimate favorite dessert?

My favorite is actually Torta with Sayote. It’s been my favorite since I was a child when my grandmother would cook it for me. They say that that’s all that I would eat.

Are you cooking Filipino food this thanksgiving?

Funny you ask that question really. Thanksgiving is the only holiday that I prefer that Filipino food not be served. This is my only qwirk. It (Filipino food) somehow does not match with the holiday. On the complete opposite side of the spectrum, I love all the traditional Filipino foods to be served during Christmas. On our Noche Buena table, the following must be included: Jamon China, Queso de Bola, Pan de Sal, Sopas, Ube Halaya, Kutsinta and Suman.

What are your top Filipino places to eat in your area?

Pondahan Fusion Restaurant Café & Bar in West Covina is my favorite Filipino restaurant. It’s not a “turo-turo” type restaurant. You can sit, place your order and enjoy the company of your friends and family. It’s somewhere you can bring non-Filipinos to and not have it feel like a cafeteria. If I had to go to a “turo-turo” type of restaurant, I would chose Ito Ay Atin Restaurant in West Covina. They have the best selection around and they open early at 6:45 am for that early Kare-Kare fix.

Do you still visit Philippines?

I try to visit the Philippines on a yearly basis. But with my work schedule lately, I haven’t been able to visit since 2009.

What part of being Filipino are most proud of?

I am very proud of my Filipino heritage. Our hospitality to one another and to others is unmatched. This is the feeling I get whenever I travel back home to Manila. No matter who you encounter, their first greeting to you is “have you eaten?”

What do you like the most about being Filipino-American?

It has definitly broaden my horizon. I am thankful of the many opportunities that I have been given.

Do you have any tips for all the food bloggers out there?

I’m new at blogging. But I feel that pictures say a thousand words. That’s what grabs me into reading any blog.--MaG
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The Filipino-American contact us to list your Fil-Am business, events or classifieds free.

October 2011 The Filipino-American Story: FilAm Fest Chair Dennis-Michael Broussard

2011-10-24T23:02:00.000-07:00

Dennis-Michael Broussard, Event Producer,
Speaker, MC, Coach & Trainer

Congratulations Dennis-Michael on another successful year of the FilAm Fest! It looks like it just keep getting better and bigger! I heard last year attracted 12 thousand people but this year, 20 thousand people, is this correct? What do you think made this event so huge and much better this year?

This year, FilAmFest estimated attendance is somewhere around 17,000, but we don't have the final tally. Could be a little more, maybe a little less, but let's just say it was about that. This keeps getting bigger every year because every year we expand our marketing and outreach and having COX as a sponsor really helped in that effort, too, as they were playing our commercials. Additionally, the event was better because of a few reasons - our committee is getting better with experience and the planning process is getting smoother and easier every year. There are the hitches and bumps every year, but that comes with events on this size and scale. We also shifted the focus to be greater on traditional and cultural aspects and I think that was cause for greater interest and participation from the community.

Being the Chair of the FilAmFest, how long does it take to prepare this size of an event?

We start planning for the following year almost immediately after the event happens. We do a wrap up meeting and discuss the good and the bad, what went right and what went wrong and how we can make it better next year. The first year I was a FilAmFest director, we did the event in four months. Now as chair, the committee knows that we need much more time than four months, so we start by the end of October of the previous year.

How did you become the Chair of FilAmFest?

I became Chair of FilAmFest after serving as a director of the event for a few years. My relationship with the the special events department in the City of San Diego as well as my personal contacts with sponsors is what puts me as chair for the event. I am less involved with the operations as I once was, as I let the very capable committee deal with that, while I oversee the major decisions of the festival and help guide them in some areas where their expertise might be somewhat limited.

Chair Dennis-Michael at the Organizing Committee Meeting of FilAm Fest 2011

What do you want to do differently, if anything for next year's FilAmFest?

Differently? I would like to see FilAmFest continue its increasing focus on traditional and cultural facets. We are going to build on our relationships with the mainstream media, to reach out to more non-Filipinos, while at the same time, increase our outreach to other Filipino groups who we have not yet had a part of the FilAmFest. There is talk and interest in bringing carnival rides into the event, but we will see if that actually happens.

FilAm Fest 2011 Organizing Committee Meeting

I have learned you are really active in the FilAm Community, what are your other projects this year?

I am extremely active, not just in the Filipino community, but in the Asian American community in general. This fall season has been one of my busiest falls ever. My team did the Filipino Cultural Night Pre-Game Entertainment with the San Diego Padres; we created the AMP Music Festival (which is an Asian American out door music festival); I just came from San Francisco last weekend where I was directing an Economic Development Conference; I just completed some events with the San Diego Asian Film Festival; and my team is doing the Asian Business Association's Annual Dinner Gala Fund Raiser in November. There are several other projects that happened this fall, but these were our biggest ones. I also created the Asian Cultural Festival, which we do in May, for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

Filipino Food at FilAm Fest 2011

With a busy life in America how do you find time to all of this?

Well, this all why I am busy. It's finding the time to do other things that is the problem...like having a normal life! ;-)

You are the owner of Silk Road Productions? Tell us about it?

Silk Road Productions is my event management and production firm. I started it as a side project when I was completing my second graduate program. I've been doing all of my events and projects under this banner and in the years that have passed, I have been able to expand and build a team of the most talented, capable, intelligent, and attractive team. Megia Chou, Cynthia Francisco, and Ruriko Sato have been instrumental in all of our major productions. We do it all. Festivals, conferences, parades, concerts, networking mixers, fund raisers, dinner galas, conventions, art shows, whatever the project is, we produce it. And we do it on two fronts, either for hire, or we create them ourselves.

Are you born here in America?

I was born in the USA, but before I can remember, we moved to the Asia-Pacific area. My father was in the US Navy so we bounced around quite a bit. I lived in the Philippines for a total of about six years. But I was very young.

Where are your parents coming from in the Philippines?

My mother currently lives in Olongapo City. I have visited her there twice recently. My last visit was in March of this year and I got scuba certified while I was there - there isn't much to do in her town, so I was happy to have that experience there.

I am sure you speak tagalog, do you also speak another dialect?

I actually do not speak tagalog anymore. I forgot it all while living in the United States. My family here didn't really encourage foreign languages, but I developed a penchant for exactly that - so I ended up studying Japanese, German, Spanish, Mandarin, and my current language fascination is with French. I don't speak any of those fluently, but I can get around well enough.

What is your favorite Filipino Food?

I like chicken adobo and I think it is called Nilaga(?). The beef stew. I like a good pansit, but not the type with the thick egg noodles. And lechon. Gotta love a good lechon!

What is your favorite Filipino Restaurant here in San Diego?

There are a lot of good ones. Can't say I have a favorite yet!

Being a FilAm, what part of our culture or traits are you most proud of?

Filipinos are a proud people. And Filipinos are a caring, open, and hospitable people. I didn't really identify with being Filipino when I was living and being raised in New Orleans. It was not until very recently, after living in San Diego for a few years that I could identify and really feel as a part of the community. Their openness and friendliness is something I value.
Did you have anyone that you consider as the main reason you are where you are now?

There are any number of people who have been an influence on me that helped get me to where I am and to where I am going. Too many people to mention and I don't want to forget anyone. I'll just say there are many people who have been inspirational, influential, and motivational, and I appreciate them all.

Do you still visit Philippines?

I do. I went for the first time in 20 years in 2009, and went again earlier this year. I plan on going again sometime in 2012.

If there is one thing you want to say to our FilAm brothers and sisters who are trying to be successful here in America as well, what would it be?

Pursue an education. Work hard. Network with and learn from people who do what you want to do. Don't let failure get you down. And always do the right thing. --MaG

FilAm Fest 2011 Organizing Committee, photo courtesy of FilAm Fest

Contact us to list your FilAm business, events or classifieds free www.thefilipinoamerican.com
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Dennis-Michael Broussard Homepage

Silk Road Productions
FilAm Fest Homepage

REVIEW: Tita's Kitchenette-The Best Filipino Food Value in San Diego

2011-10-15T23:44:00.000-07:00

Tita's Kitchenette is a place where my teller (at the bank), Earlicia usually brings food for lunch and shares with me. She brings huge portions of bistek (beef with soy-sauce and onions) with rice and complimentary chicken soup.

I always enjoyed them and been wanting to go there especially also because this was the first place recommended to me when I just moved here from Sacramento in November last year.

So, last Friday at 1pm I headed there with another co-worker. The place was not hard to find and when we got there the huge parking lot was filled with cars. Thank God, we went there to order to go!

This place is what we categorize in Philippines as Carenderia. You go there and there is a line of steaming hot entrees that you pick from and a staff will place them for you in a styrofore and at the end of the line you in pay. In cash! There must be at least a dozen entrees and the staff were very fast and all business, no smiles or welcome just straight to taking orders. No one complains because the service is quick, the place is really clean and mostly people go there just to pick up their food. Don't get me wrong this place was still filled with diners.

Since one of my staff back at work requested for pork adobo, that automatically was my first pick. I had to

Rice and Pork Adobo

pick my choices quick because the staff that was serving me definitely had that sense of urgency in her face.

They had beef caldereta that day, bopis (diced pork liver, lung & heart with spices), roasted chicken which was being done in open fire right there, fried tilapia (fish) and dinuguan (pork's blood with vinegar) among other stuff.

I picked the grilled squid, bihon (chow mien) and they offered to give me complimentary chicken soup!

At the end of the line is another dozen or more of already packed different kinds of desserts and delicacies to choose from.

I asked the cashier if they indeed sell lechon (roasted pork) in this place and she said they do during weekends starting at noon. She said I could even call ahead so they may put aside for me since it runs out really quick. They also accept orders of whole lechon just like they accomodate orders for party trays of entrees for your special occassion.

Grilled Squid with Vinegar and Diced Fresh Green Onions

For everything that I ordered, I only paid $10.45. I think it was considered a 2 entree plate with steamed rice (being the huge portion of pork adobo as 1 side and the squid as the other) and bihon (chow mien) as an extra order.

The food definitely didn't disappoint me or my co-worker. He loved the pork adobo so much and I loved the squid. Everything tasted just like home cooked meal straight from a family kitchen in the Philippines.

Tita's Kitchenette's Menu

With this kind of price and quality of food it looks like I may hardly want to go through all that trouble of cooking Filipino Food especially when there is only me who will eat at home. Service is very quick too!

Pork Menudo

Tita's Kitchenette's take away menu says it is known for best barbecue chicken or pork and toron (banana wrapped with lumpia wrappers and glazed with sugar) and I believe it! Toron is one of my favorite delicacy from Philippines and theirs is really crispy and just has the perfect taste!

Tita's Kitchenette's Selection for the day

And if you want a formal place to eat with the same quality of food, Tita's has branched out and opened also T2 Filipino Fusion which I should be putting a review up soon!--MaG

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Tita's Kitchenette

2720 E Plaza Blvd Suite E

National City Ca 91950

tel 619-472-5801

September 2011 The Filipino-American Story:Singer/Songwriter and Producer Jesse Barrera

2011-09-29T19:08:00.000-07:00

Finally! The Filipino-American Story is featuring an artist from San Diego! Thanks a lot to Gracienne who introduced me to the young yet very talented Jesse Barrera!

Congratulations Jesse on your latest EP that was out just this September 23rd!

So tell me how did you come up with the title, You'll Feel Alive?
Well to make it short, The EP I wanted to put out was a fun, upbeat summer album. An album you could listen to on the freeway with the windows rolled down. I had written a summer anthem which had the lyrics "You'll Feel Alive" in them and felt that it represented the overall vibe of the record. So I went with it. It's pretty self explanatory. I want listeners to FEEL alive, and feel their spirits lifted after listening to the tunes.

How did this EP start?
Whenever I write songs.. It's usually an impromptu experience. Usually happens late at night when most of the creative events in my life occur. So at a certain point I had realized that I was coming up on a good amount of songs I wanted to put out. It had been about a year since I had released a record so I was definitely DUE for a release. So I picked a few songs I thought were worthy to share with the world and decided to start tracking the disc.

You'll Feel Alive Single

How long did it take you complete the whole thing, from writing the songs to recording, engineering and putting the packages together? About a year to write and 3 months to track. I produce records as
well, so any down time I had, I spent tracking the record. As forputting the packages together. I just slaved in my room with a printer and a bunch of shipping packages for two days. Definitely beats an office job or a regular 9-5.. Just knowing that people appreciate what I do.

I have lot of respect for artists like you. When did you actually realize that you were going to be a singer and songwriter? Did one come first? I started writing songs when I was about 15. Most of the songs I had written were for a band that I played in for about seven years called My American Heart. There was just a moment that I realized I was kind of good at it when people started telling me they enjoyed what I was writing. I'd definitely say that I'm a songwriter, before I say that I'm a singer.

I have also learned, that you were a part of a band before under a label can you tell us about it?

I could honestly write a novel about this. But to keep it short. It has shaped the person I am today. I have experienced things lots of people could never experience their entire lives and I'm incredibly humbled and blessed by everything we had accomplished. We were shelved near the end of our recording contract and reached a stalemate with our label owner. So we disbanded not because we couldn't stand each other but we just had no hope in our career together after that.

As an artist, tell me what are some of the accomplishments that you are really and happy and proud of?
Being able to tour the world for several years and obviously being able to work with amazing artists every day of my life.

If you don't mind my asking, and your fans - How old are you?
Just turned 24 in August.

In performing, what kind of events do you love to perform the most?
I love playing in small intimate venues with my band. 300-500 cap rooms.

You are producing for some young Filipino-American talents recently is
this true?

This is true. But not just Fil-AM's. I produce EVERY KIND of human. Haha.
I'm currently working on Jeremy Manongdo's (aka Passion) record. It's scheduled for a Winter release.

What are your future plans?

Make records for as long as I live. Simple as that.

Do you have any intentions of just focusing one (producing or singing)?

I definitely don't see myself performing with my guitar when I'm 40. That's for sure. Producing and making records is definitely where my
heart is.

What made you choose this path?When I realized it's the only thing I'm really good at.

Do you still speak tagalog?Sadly I don't, mainly because when I was younger my parents had split
up and my step dad was italian. Tagalog was never really spoken in my
house.

Where are your parents from in the Philippines?

Cavite

You are born here in San Diego, correct?

Yes.

Have you been to the Philippines?

Yes. I went once when I was about 5 or 6. No one ever explained the
concept of JET LAG to me. So I ended up waking at odd times and crying
everyday. But I mean.. I was a crybaby in general when I was a kid.

At home is it more Filipino Food or American?

Both. I love all kinds of food.

What is your favorite Filipino dish?

I'm gonna go with the standard and say Chicken Adobo. But I DO love
filipino breakfast. (tosilog, tapsilog, etc)

As a Filipino-American, what is that you love most about our culture or you can say, this is why I am proud to be Filam! ?

One thing I noticed about our culture is that were all very supportive of each other. If one person is making it, we all are. We always root for each other and want our brothers and sisters to
succeed.

As an independent and yet really popular FilAm talent, who can you say you are most grateful to?

My mom and my older sister. They both are registered nurses but have supported me 110% with my decision to pursue music as a career.

Is there anyone look up to and say...that is my nemesis or that is who
I hope to be?

No nemesis here. I love everybody. But I do look up to lots of my
musicians who are friends that are making a big and positive impact to
the music industry.

As a very young artist, what advice can you give for the young FilAms with talents who are also trying to make a name of their own out there?

There are no guidelines in life and if you really want something, go and get it. Doesn't matter HOW you get there, as long as you know you're giving it your all - don't quit. Constantly work hard, keep your eye on the prize and the rest will come. Don't conform to what society asks of you. Be yourself and make it happen. Oh, and SMILE.

Thank you Jesse for my signed album I enjoy listening to it everyday in my car, good luck and wish you all the best!!!--MaG

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Official Jesse Barrera
Jesse Barrera on Facebook
Follow Jesse on Twitter
Jesse Barrera on YOUTUBE

TheFilAm Answers: Studying in the Philippines to Avoid Getting Into Debt

2011-09-07T19:48:00.000-07:00

A young FilAm wrote us a question....and so I will try my best to answer it and if you feel you a feedback as well to share please do!

"I'm a Filipino high school student here in CA and I'm on my senior year. I just have a question regarding going back to school in the Philippines to study nursing there. Can I go to the Philippines and study nursing there as opposed to studying in here? I don't want to have a 50k debt once I finish nursing here that's why I'm considering studying in the Philippines.
Thanks"- MC

I think it is a very smart move to go to Philippines and study nursing! As far as I know the education from the Philippines is recognized here ( I know mine is), the only thing that you need to do (after finishing Bachelor of Science in Nursing) is pass the test here in America called I believe CGFNS. This test will validate that your knowledge learned in the Philippines passed the criteria here in America.

If you are American Citizen then you need a student visa to go to the Philippines and study. This allows you to stay for longer period of times without being required to leave the country. To apply for a visa to the Philippines, please contact/visit the Philippine Consular Office for details.

I also suggest asking Registered Nurses that recently migrated here from the Philippines I am sure they will have more accurate answers for you on what to to do!

I hope that helps, Good Luck!--MaG

August 2011 The Filipino-American Story: Hollywood Celebrity Photographer Sthanlee B. Mirador

2011-08-17T23:48:00.000-07:00

Sthanlee B. Mirador-August 2o11 The Filipino-American Story

Patricio Ginelsa (July 2011's The Filipino-American Story) was not wrong in nominating you. Reading about you I find very much a Filipino in the sense that you are so multi-talented!

So acting, dancing, directing, creating short films, and photography, which one came to you first?

Well, growing up I went to a performing arts school in San Diego called San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts Mabel E. O’Farrell.

There I was exposed to acting and dancing. We didn’t have Physical Education so Dance was our PE. And yes, I had to learn tap, jazz, ballet, and hip hop back then. A lot of my friends including my teacher at SDCPA Mabel E. O’Farrell were actors and were in movies and TV shows. Because of that I became interested in the entertainment industry. I wanted to be in movies and TV too.

In high school, I was involved with theater and performed a lot at the Poway Center of the Performing Arts. Growing up I realized that acting wasn’t my thing. I was doing it because my friends were doing it and actually it was making me popular. I then became more interested in the production side of it whether it was film or theater. I watched a lot of Steven Spielberg films growing up and he inspired me to want to make films.

In high school I took my very first video production class. I started making short films with my relatives and for my video class. I wanted to go to UCLA for film school, but since I got rejected from UCLA and got accepted to UC Irvine I had to take a different route in what I wanted to do in life and later found my passion into photography.

How did you find your way to Hollywood?

Ha! ha! I went through many obstacles to get where I want to be (Hollywood).

Growing up I've always wanted to work in the Entertainment Industry doing anything whether it was working in production or directing.

First year in college, I never really had any guidance or knew anyone to look up to that will help me break into the industry. So what I would do on my spare time, is do some research on what is being filmed in the Orange County and Long Beach area by looking in the production section of the Hollywood Reporter and find out where TV and movies are being filmed at. And what I would do is sneak into the sets to learn the process of filmmaking, watch behind the scenes and network.

Since I was UCLA reject for film school, and UC Irvine I never really had a good Film Production program, sneaking on the sets was a way for me to learn and educate myself in film production.

The first set I snuck onto was a TV show called "Melrose Place" filmed in Long Beach at a hotel. I pretended I was a hotel guest and walked around the set when the crew was on their lunch break. An AD (Assistant Director) came up to me asking if I was an extra and I said no and the AD asked if I wanted to become an extra for the day. So I said YES and became part of a wedding scene that took place in the show.

Melrose Place-Sthanlee's first extra role

Being on the set gave me the opportunity to network and ask crew questions on how things work and what their position is. At the end of the day, I was given a Non-Union voucher so I can be paid and they told me that I should sign up with a Background Talent agency so I can work on other sets. So I did, and started becoming a Background Talent for Movies and TV Shows.

Being on the set I became interested in the Still Photographer’s job. During my freshman year in college I started photographing and documenting college events. Since I wanted to stick into the whole entertainment industry and wanting to photograph celebrities I started doing my research and finding out where Hollywood event and premieres are being held at.

Again I relied on the Hollywood Reporter to provide me info on upcoming Hollywood events and a contact number to where I can book myself into these events. Back then I had no clue on how I would get into events and that I needed a publication or assignment to cover the premieres. So what I did was I lied my way into these events and pretend I work for a certain publication that never existed and got myself booked into photographing Hollywood Events.

The first event I ever covered was the Re-mastered "Star Wars" Premiere in Westwood. From then on I started getting myself cleared into more and more Premieres, award shows and Hollywood parties. From all the events I covered I was building my portfolio. At the same time I was doing Background Talent work and working as a Production Assistant on sets. As a freshman in college I would do anything, whether it is sneaking or lying my way into the entertainment industry.

As years passed by and concentrating with school at the same time, I've learned a lot from being on the set and kept in contact with certain people I've worked with and built my celebrity photo portfolio.

When I graduated from college in 2001, I wanted to take the Celebrity Photography to a higher level and wanted to see my work published in magazines and books. It took me 3 years for someone to notice my work.

In 2003, a photo editor on the line who happens to be Fil-Am named Michael Anthony Hermogeno have seen my work and told me to sign up with the photo agency he works for. So I applied for a photographer position at a photo agency called Shooting Star International Photo Agency, which is one of the oldest Celebrity Photo Agency in Hollywood and got the job on spot because they were really impressed with my portfolio.

At that time, agencies were in that transition from switching from film cameras to digital cameras. Since I knew Adobe photoshop and worked with a lot of digital images in college, transforming into digital photoragphy became easy to me. Photographers who were working for Shooting Star for years had a hard time transitioning themselves into the digital world because they didn’t know how to use photoshop and work on the computer when they were so used to having their film being developed and working on their slides.

Black Eyed Peas: Bebot Production

Because of my skills, I moved my way to the top in a matter of weeks and was assigned to covering more big Hollywood Events. The photographers who worked for Shooting Star for years end up leaving because I was given the better events and they felt they were in competition with me. I felt bad because I was taking over their position and I respected them for being in the business for so long. But it wasn’t up to me in what events I cover, it was up to the assignment editor and the head of the agency, so ever since till this day, I’ve been covering all the major Award Shows, movie premieres to major Hollywood Celebrity events.

My work can be seen published in magazines domestically and internationally. My work has graced the covers of magazines, to books, posters and can also be seen in the Entertainment News Channels. On the side I still do a little production work with friends who are aspiring Directors, Producers and Artists and build this big relationship with those I’ve became good friends with.

From time to time I would do Still Photography on some independent film sets and music videos. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Director Patricio Ginelsa on a couple of music video shoots especially the 2 Black Eyed Peas Music Videos The Apl Song and Bebot as a Still Photographer. I hope to someday work as a Still Photographer on major film sets and be able to travel all over the world during filming.

Working with Black Eyed Peas

Are you born here in America?

I was actually born at the Subic Bay Naval Base in the Philippines in 1978 and a year later came to America and settled in San Diego, CA.

Are your parents both from Philippines? Which part of the Philippines?

Yes both of my parents are from the Philippines. They are from Alaminos, Pangasinan.

I saw that you are an alumni of Poway High School, is that here in San Diego?

Yes I'm a Poway High School Alumni. Go Titans!

When did you move to LA?

After I graduated from High School, I went to college at UC Irvine from 1996-2001. Moved out of Orange County after I graduated from college and settled in the Hollywood area.

Do you speak tagalog still?

I don’t speak tagalog fluently but I can speak a little. But I do understand it though.

Have you been to the Philippines, do you still visit Philippines?

Yes I’ve been to the Philippines. The last time I was there was back in 2006 I believe.

What is your favorite Filipino dish?

I love adobo, pork or chicken. Kare Kare, Pork Sinigang and Pinakbet.

How did you find your passion in Photography?

As a freshman in college I was taking pictures for fun but then I realized the passion for it was when I realized that photographers can make a good living working on movie and TV sets.

It sounds silly but how did you decide it’s going to be taking pictures of celebrities?

I realized I love photographing people. I loved photographing and documenting Fil-Am artists who were up and coming back then such as One Voice, Kai, DnH, Premiere and many others. Then I started taking pictures of other Asian American artists and started getting my photos published in 2 big Asian-American magazines back then, A Magazine & Yolk. After covering my first Hollywood premiere which was the Re-Mastered Star Wars Premiere I became more interested in celebrities. The fact of them being in front of you posing for you was so surreal for me at the time. I was like whoah it’s the real Han Solo, Princess Lea and Luke Skywalker.

What is a day like of a celebrity photographer?

Oh man it’s a lot of waiting around till an event starts ha ha. An event usually starts in the late afternoon depending what event it is. Shooting a movie premiere would last around 3-4 hours. An award Show usually starts mid-day and end later in the evening. It all depends what the event is. After an event I’de usually grab something to eat for dinner and end up working all night till the later morning editing photos to meet morning deadlines. I end up sleeping around 6am in the morning and waking up at 12 noon the next day and prepare for that day's assignment. I’m usually working on other projects and assignments at the same time besides that one event. Everyday is a non-stop working day catching up on a lot of work and projects that pile up as the week goes by.

Sthanlee at work

My job as a celebrity photographer is to document and photograph Hollywood events. Not only moments are to be captured at these events, but also headshots and the fashion of what they wear. Mind you I do not do any paparazzi work which is stalking and following celebrities. I get invited to cover red carpet events where we’re hired to photograph the talent up close and personal.

Do you have a favorite celebrity or celebrities to photograph?

Oh man umm Jessica Alba and Janet Jackson are still favorites. They always give me the photos I wanted. Lately it’s the cast of Glee that are my favorites. I know a few of them that are on the show so it’s easy for me to photograph them. But my favorite out of the cast to photograph are Heather Morris and Naya Rivera. There are others that are favorites but too many to name and there are some that are my least favorite and hard to work with. Ha ha

Did you ever get star struck? If so, with whom and why?

When I first started in the indsutry I was actually a little star struck but never acted crazy or anything. I was really more excited and a bit nervous at first to be working and photographing these big Hollywood celebrities. Everything at the time was so surreal for me and I couldnt believe that I was actually up close and personal with these celebrities. I remember the first time I covered a Hollywood event was the World Premiere of the Re-mastered version of "Star Wars" in Westwood, CA back in 1996. I was excited to see the cast from the film because I grew up watching "Star Wars" and to actually see them up close was like "Wow" for me. As months and years go by covering so many events, I don’t really get that much excited in seeing a celebrity. I'm just there to do my job, get the job done and head back to the office and work on the images. There are times when I will get star struck and excited when I meet an old timer celebrity like Jimmy Stewart, Milton Berle, Bob Hope, Shirley Temple Black, Elizabeth Taylor to name a few. I'll admit I'll get excited to meet and photograph some Pop Icons like Michael Jackson and Madonna, celebrities I hardly see and are hard to photograph unless you are working as a Paparazzi.

Even with all the stuff that goes on in Hollywood I see you have not forgotten your roots and still find the time to cover FILAM events, how do you balance it all?

It’s by making time for my people. A lot of my friends have been there since the beginning and always been supporting me. And when they have a Fil-AM event it’s my turn to give back in return for all their support and believing in me. Sometimes I just want to cover Fil-AM events because I miss it. I sometimes want to get away from the whole Hollywood scene and just be around people I admire and inspire me, doing coverage for the FilAM community and or the dance community.

You worked for different movies as an actor, which one was your favorite experience, why?

I would have to say working on the set of Crazy/Beautiful with Jay Hernandez and Kirsten Dunst because it was the first film I actually worked on the longest. I was on that set for 3 months and the cast and crew were all amazing. I was actually working on that set as a Production Assistant, but thanks to director John Stockwell who thought I was Mexican gave me various small roles to play in the film. From a student to football player and my first small talking part.

If it was all up to you and money is not a factor, what is your dream job?

To be a Set Photographer for one of the biggest Hollywood directors.

Being a very young Fil-Am who has done so much what do you advise another Fil-Am who would also want to work in Hollywood?

KababayanLA

It is to never give up! Keep moving forward and put yourself out there. Patience is a key to this business because things don't happen overnight in Hollywood. It takes time. And ALWAYS SUPPORT other aspiring Fil-Am artirts.

What is the best part about being a Fil-Am?

Is being proud of who I am and being able to represent in what I do in the entertainment industry that will inspire other Fil-Ams out there who want to work in Hollywood as well.

How was it starting as a Filipino-American working in Hollywood? What were the challenges that you encountered and how did you deal with them?

As a Filipino-American working in Hollywood as a Celebrity photographer, I thought it was going to be difficult because majority of the Hollywood photographers are Caucasian and I'd feel like the outcast. Majority of the photographers I work with are in their late 30s-60s. These photographers actually treat me with respect as being the youngest and only Fil-Am Hollywood Photographer out there. They know that I’m there at an event to work, do my assignment and get the work done. They know that I never get into their business. A lot of people thinks it’s glamorous in what we do but if they only knew the drama and politics that goes on between photo agencies and other photographers… When working in the field, race never became an issue. Majority of the photographers are white and there are few minorities.

What is your ultimate goal in your career?

My ultimate goal in my career is to be successful in what I do and keep moving to the top. I want to be the next Annie Lebowitz or David La Chapelle, Celebrity photographer. And with my success I want to be able to give back to the Fil-Am Community and help out other young aspiring Fil-Am artists who want to be photographers. Since I cover a lot of mainstream events, once in a while I will cover Filipino Events and Concerts when in town. I hope to gain more respect from the Filipino Community and be more exposed to photographing Celebrities from the Philippines.

Please tell us a funny or memorable experience you had in your job and why you will never forget that incident.

My memorable experience for me was back in 2006 when I covered the Academy Awards and Golden Globe Awards for the very first time. Just being there was so surreal. As a little kid watching the Academy Awards, I would tell myself someday I will be there on that red carpet. And now I’m actually there working on the red carpet. The whole first experience of just being there and actually working the event is one in my lifetime I will never forget.--MaG

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July 2011 The Filipino-American Story: Patricio Ginelsa

2011-07-06T22:25:00.000-07:00

Taking a break between takes on the upcoming music video
for Native Elements "Bigger They Come"

Filmmaker, Director, Founder of Kid Heroes Productions Patricio Ginelsa aka PG is our July 2011's The Filipino-American Story.

This month's The Filipino-American Story is worth the wait! PG is one of those very hard working people and just don't easily give up. The saying "when the going get's tough the tough gets going" is how I imagine PG except that he also gets better! So go ahead enjoy, be inspired but don't forget to leave your comments and shout outs!

Were you born at Daly City or in the Philippines?
I was born in San Francisco and then moved to Daly City where I grew up my entire childhood until I left for college.

Where are your parents from the Philippines?
My mom is from Cebu. My dad was born in Hawaii but his family are all from Cebu also.

Are your parents or any of your family here in America?
My mother and brother still live in Daly City while my sister lives in Vacaville. My dad passed away in 2003.

Do you still speak Filipino or Tagalog?
I don't speak Filipino but I can understand my family dialect Visaya

Your interest in making movies, how did it all start?
I started making movies with my dad's Video 8 camcorder when I was 12 years old. My younger brother Dar and I would shoot these short films with the neighborhood kids afterschool. It slowly grew to feature length movies every summer which we called Kid Heroes. We would hold a world premiere at my living room. The kids would pass the VHS tape to other kids throughout the year. This would attract other neighbors who wanted to participate in the next movie. After 3 straight summers, we had completed a whole trilogy that could probably rival the new Star Wars prequels in story and plot *haha*.

Learning in school in Cinema Production, did you encounter any obstacles? What were some of them and how did you manage to overcome them?
Getting into the film production program at USC was a big enough obstacle. Only a few students each semester were accepted. I applied twice a year starting with my senior year in high school and got rejected 6 times before I finally got accepted late junior year in college. So by the time I had started the program, I never took my experience for granted. The rejections probably humbled me enough not to act like a film school snob who thought he was the next Spielberg. The whole school program is built in a way to prepare you for the Hollywood experience. Being one of the top student directors to pitch in front of the board for the final thesis films was an all-time high. However, my presentation skills weren't great back then and I choked during my pitch. Not being chosen was a hard experience to swallow but an experience I really needed to learn from.

Directing will.i.am and taboo of the Black Eyed Peas on the set of "Bebot"

When did Kid Heroes Production start?
It started when I completed my neighborhood reunion movie LUMPIA in 2003. I decided to name my production company after my past neighborhood movies. It was only fitting since my passion for filmmaking is fueled by my childhood. I made it into an official business and LLC starting in 2004 for the DVD release.

Tell us about it?
Kid Heroes Productions is basically a full service production company that my wife and I manage. Depending on the client's and project's needs, we hire a lot of talented freelance artists from our network. Most of our music videos we collaborate with Xylophone Films, our post-production partner. A lot of our clients range from independent musicians to businesses in need of a commercial. What makes us unique is that we add a community component to all our projects, whether it's recruiting aspiring filmmakers to help out or collaborating with a community partner. We try to provide a platform in which other can experience a real set and learn from it. You can see our full list of projects at: Kid Heroes or my directors website PatricioGinelsa.com .

I learned you wrote and directed 3 music videos for Black Eyed Peas, tell us about it? What was it like working with them?In 2004 I wrote and directed THE APL SONG music video off the Black Eyed Peas ELEPHUNK album. The success of that video led to them hiring me once again for BEBOT in 2006, in which I wrote/directed 2 different versions for that song. Both were 2 different experiences as I had the unique opportunity to work with the band at different stages in their career. When we did THE APL SONG, the Peas had just added Fergie, and it all added to a family vibe on set. Between that and BEBOT, they exploded as world-wide superstars. On the BEBOT set, each of them had a bigger entourage and a bigger team. It was hard to get intimate on that huge of a set with an enormous cast/crew. But overall, it all added to my growth as a filmmaker.

With Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas during "The Apl Song" shoot

Was Black Eyed Peas how you met Leroid David (our June The FilAm Story)?

No, I met first met LeRoid David back in 2001. I was one of the associate producers of the film THE DEBUT. One of my duties included recruiting volunteers for the theatre screenings. LeRoid was one of my first volunteers for the San Francisco portion of the tour. I just admired his undying love for the community and we both shared a common love for comic books. I found out he was a talented illustrator and so he came onboard as the artist for my movie LUMPIA. That naturally led to me recruiting him once again to draw for my APL SONG music video.

Who was your favorite among the Black Eyed Peas crew?If I had to choose a favorite, it would have to be their manager Polo Molina. He was the man who plucked me from obscurity and hired me to direct the APL SONG based on a treatment I had wrote for fun. He went outside the traditional channels and gave me my first big gig. When the label didn't initially hire me for BEBOT, he was the one who came back and made sure I directed it. He's also the first guy to really yell at me but in the end, the guy looked out for me. I don't forget stuff like that.

Geeking out with comic book artist Whilce Portacio on the "Your Power" PSA shoot

You also do commercial advertisements and have done short movies, what is your favorite thing to do and why?

I always prefer to tell a good story. Doesn't matter if the platform is a music video, commercial, or a short film. If I'm able to tell an engaging story within all the restrictions and politics, then I consider that the best thing I've ever done. The APL SONG music video, BAMBU "Old Man Raps" music video, PEPSI video, and DIRECTV "Digital Family" short are probably some of my favorites.

In all the projects you have done, which was the most fun and which one was the most rewarding?

The APL SONG was the most fun to make but my short film BEING REEL was the most rewarding. BEING REEL was a short film I had created for the 2008 Los Angeles Film Festival 72 Hour competition. So I wrote, shot, and edited that all in 3 days AND I won the competition. I was going through a rough creative slump and year long depression after finishing BEBOT and I had lost all motivation at that time. My girlfriend (now wife) convinces me to join this contest. All I had was excuses but I labored through it despite all the obstacles (I caught a fever, suffered through a hot summer heat wave). Though the prize was a free HD camera, the real reward was rediscovering my creative "mojo" and my passion for filmmaking.

Directing a USC Credit Union commercial
with the famous USC Trojan Marching Band

Is it true that you also have a "daytime" job?

Yes, my current dayjob is being a technical coordinator at a learning center/studio at the USC Marshall School of Business. I've worked there for 8 years now after my stint with the DEBUT tour ended. Instead of returning to the Hollywood studio, I ended back here to give me more free mental time to focus on directing. It's worked so far with the wealth of projects I've created the past decade. It also helps when you're surrounded by all these ambitious students with positive energy. They help keep me going and avoid apathy.

How do you balance everything?

Staying grounded with the best friends and family i could ever ask for. I have a network of colleagues who are not only super talented, but are genuinely good people. My long term ambitions as a filmmaker have never stopped me from accomplishing the other important goals in my life. I think my marriage last year to my long time girlfriend keeps me balanced and focused. I'll always be at peace with whatever happens in the future.

On the set of "Old Man Raps" with rapper Bambu

Going back to our roots...what is your favorite filipino food?
Chicken Adobo and Chicken Inasal

Do you know how to cook any filipino dish?
No, unless Spam, Vienna Sausage, and Corned Beef counts...

Is there anything about being a Filipino of origin that you are really proud of?
Sense of community is most important. Having traveled around the U.S. with THE DEBUT tour introduced me to each city's community leaders. Doesn't matter what city I'm in, there's always this common theme of wanting to help and empower our community that really inspires me and makes me proud to be Filipino. I see a lot of community heroes who do a lot of work that goes unnoticed and yet they keep fighting. That fight is what embodies the Filipino.

What advice do you give if any to our Filam brothers and sisters out there to be successful in their endeavor?
Simple. Never give up. Be the best you can be in your field and people will notice.

Finally, where can I get the movie LUMPIA? I am really curious and want to watch and own one!

LUMPIA is on NETFLIX and on AMAZON. LoveThatLumpia.com --MaG

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Follow PG:

Twitter : @kidheroes

Facebook: Kidheroes
or visit the director's website at http://www.patricioginelsa.com/

113th Philippine Independence,

2011-06-12T09:37:00.000-07:00

June 12, 2011 today is the 113th anniversary of the Philippines. As a Filipino-American how much do you know of your homeland, the Philippines...

Here are some facts that might help us all get closer to where we came from and tell us more who we are.

Philippines is officially called the Republic of the Philippines
An archipelago comprising 7,107 islands

Capital City: Manila
Divided into 3 major areas, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao

Population: 94 million, considered the 12th most populated land area in the world

Filipinos living abroad: 11 million

First Discovered: Ferdinand Magelland in 1521

Native languages: tagalog, cebuano, ilocano, hiligaynon, waray-warayReligion: 90% christian, 80% Roman Catholic

Literacy rate: 93.4%

Declared independence: June 12, 1898

National Motto: "Maka-Diyos, Maka-Tao, Makakalikasan, at Makabansa" ("For God, People, Nature, and Country")

National Hero: Jose P. Rizal
National Anthem: Lupang Hinirang
National Sport: Arnis
National tree: Narra
National bird: Philippine Eagle
National Dance: Carinosa
National Animal: Carabao
National Fish: bangus (milk fish)
National Flower: Sampaguita
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references: Wilkipedia
photo credit: divergent's blog

June 2011 THE FILIPINO AMERICAN STORY: LeRoid David

2011-06-02T21:16:00.000-07:00

An artist who has worked with Black Eyed Peas ...

"Family guy. Artist guy. Food guy. Former Tower Records guy. Loves to geek out kinda guy." LeRoid David of San Francisco is our June 2011's The Filipino-American Story!

1) Born and raised in San Francisco, CA, were both your parents Filipino?
Yes both of my parents are Filipino. I was actually born in Mountain View, CA. My parents divorced when I was very young and my Mom raised me in San Francisco.

2) Where are they from in the Philippines?
My Mom is from Baguio, Benguet and my Dad is from Angeles City, Pampanga.

3) Do you still speak Filipino/Tagalog?
Kunti lang po. I was raised in the English language throughout childhood, but was well aware of my family's culture. I was sometimes teased by my peers because I couldn't understand Filipino/Tagalog. So in high school I was compelled to more learn about Filipino language through movies and books

4) You finished Cum Laude, BA in Industrial Arts with Graphic Communications emphasis at SFSU, really impressive. What made you choose this course?
I began drawing at an early age- mostly cartoons and comic books. As my skills developed, I was introduced to graphic design in high school where I learned the concept of visual communication. Despite having interest in other fields, I was really more passionate about learning graphic design over other art subjects.

Tower Records moment: hosting an outdoor concert with legendary Filipino American metal band, Death Angel, in San Francisco

5) Was this always what you wanted?
Great question. Yes, I wanted to earn a degree in a subject I love. Career-wise, I haven't settled in one industry yet. As I mentioned earlier, I had interest in other fields- this included film, music, business, computer technology, culinary, and even Asian American studies. Having worked in a variety of jobs, I consider myself a "jack of all trades" and a "geek" for all things. One of my favorite jobs was working for Tower Records as the Bay Area Event Coordinator. For years I hosted events promoting major/independent label music artists and film. I gained a passion for music, media, and marketing. Unfortunately, Tower Records went out of business in 2006. I was also active in the Asian American community, working for local events such as Pistahan, Fiesta Filipina, and the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival. I'm currently working two jobs in the food/restaurant industry- one of them as an Assistant Manager for Attic Restaurant in San Mateo, CA. Luckily, I've been able to contribute some of my design skills in all of my jobs.

With Black Eyed Peas' Apl.de.ap on the set of "The Apl Song" music video (2004)

6) You now have 10 years of experience in logo designs, illustrations and storyboards. Do you prefer one over the other?
I was very fortunate to work on some fun and amazing projects over the years. However, I lean more towards logo design and illustration because I'm still learning how to storyboard. LOGO DESIGNS: One of my all-time favorite projects was creating a logo for longtime SF Bay Area radio deejay, Chuy Gomez. In 2006, my logo design was chosen by the Smithsonian APA Committee to represent The Filipino American Centennial Celebration. ILLUSTRATIONS: My comic art was featured in the cult-fave independent film, "Lumpia" directed by Patricio Ginelsa. I also contributed artwork for the Black Eyed Peas' "The Apl Song" music video, another project directed by Ginelsa. STORYBOARD: In 2009, I entered my first-ever storyboard commercial contest for Skinit.com where I was tied for 1st Place!

Lumpia Movie Logo

Greatest Phil Boxers

7) I have noticed that you've branched out to fashion/ apparel. One of your projects is "Bastard & Friends", can you tell us about it?
Bastard & Friends is a character-based apparel company that started on the basis of addressing reality with a comical and twisted sense of humor. The idea began in 2007 by a SF Bay Area couple (Filipino American by the way). I was hired to design their logo and some of their apparel. The company grew a strong fanbase thanks to support from YouTube celebrities such as Timothy DelaGhetto, Erika David (my half-sister), Joey Diamond, PeeDeeFlo, and much more. To date, Bastard & Friends is on hiatus with a brand relaunch scheduled for later this year.

Bastard & Friends "Nosey Trucker" Hat modeled by Joey Diamond

8) What are your current projects?
My latest project is a t-shirt design for the upcoming "Rizal150: Celebrating the Birth of a Philippine Polymath" event in Oakland, CA- June 18th. I've also just completed some logos for a couple of non-profit organizations, martial art schools, and independent recording artists. I'm hoping to get back into storyboarding sometime. Besides that, I still have yet to complete a documentary film project on Filipino comic book artists in America, which I started in 2007. My current portfolio can be found online.

9) To date, please share with us your best accomplishment just yet.
My best accomplishment to date is being a family man! Hello to my wife Fatima and children Yasmin and Diorel!

It's a family affair: Fatima (wife), Yasmin (daughter), Diorel (son)

10) Being a Fil Am, do you have a favorite Filipino dish?My all-time favorite Filipino dish is Adobong Manok (Chicken Adobo). I also love that Lumpia!

11) Do you also know how to cook a Filipino dish?Absolutely. The one Filipino dish I personally enjoy cooking is Adobong Manok Sa Gata (Coconut Milk Chicken Adobo). Now that I'm working in the food/restaurant industry, I have much greater interest in learning to cook more! Some say it comes from my Kapampangan side! Although I do miss my Lola's cooking (she passed away in 2007) and I wish I learned her recipes.

Singin' sisters: Erika (left) and Krystle (right)

12) Have you been to the Philippines?
Wala pa. I haven't been to the Philippines yet. I'm really hoping to visit in the near future!

13) What do you like about being a Fil Am the most?
I'm grateful of our Philippine legacy. We come from a culture and history truly rich and diverse. I'm definitely still learning. The Filipino American story continues to fascinate. One current example is the entertainment industry. Back at Tower Records, I've proudly hosted and promoted dozens of Filipino American music artists beginning with Jocelyn Enriquez, KAI, Pinay and One Vo1ce to Apl.de.ap (Black Eyed Peas), DJ Q-Bert, Jasmine Trias, and more. Since then, a new generation of artists have emerged- some of whom are on television, movies, theater, and online. I have to plug that my own family is in the industry as well. My wife, Fatima, is a longtime recording artist who has made it twice as a Hollywood Finalist for "American Idol"! There are also my younger half-sisters, Krystle Jong and Erika David. Krystle is a Theater major and spoken word artist in Sacramento whose performances have won critical acclaim! Erika is an up and coming recording artist with over 190,000 YouTube subscribers!
It's really great to see Filipino Americans getting more mainstream recognition in all industries- arts, music, fashion, sports, culinary, technology, and politics! So many to name and the list keeps growing!

14) Do you have any words of wisdom for our brothers and sisters that are trying to be successful here in America?
Find balance and passion in what you do in life. Juggling two jobs with family life is a challenge I embrace. Yet, I still try to make time for design gigs, community, recreation, and even random hobbies. Most of all, I enjoy sharing these passions with my friends and family.

More of Leroid David:
Website
LeRoid.com
Twitter

Email us to nominate the next THE FILIPINO-AMERICAN STORY
http://www.thefilipinoamerican.com/

May 2011 THE FILIPINO-AMERICAN STORY: Jo Boston is a Foodie

2011-05-01T12:06:00.000-07:00

Jo Boston of San Francisco is our May 2011's The Filipino-American Story. She was nominated by no other than our first and April 2011's The Filipino-American Story, Albert Balbutin AKA Filipeanut for her big heart by making sure the Fil-Ams at the Bay Area had always something going on when it comes to food. I found Jo through twitter last year and have been reading all her delicious tweets about food and drooling at the pictures of the food she often posts....

1) I learned from your blog that you are born in San Francisco, where is your Mom's origin in the Philippines? My mom is from Umingan, Pangasinan…it’s about 4-6 hours north of Manila.

2) How did you become a foodie? I think I became a foodie when I first learned how to eat. I was blessed to have my grandma (who we call Inang) take care of me while mom worked during the day. Everyday she would cook for the family and I’d stand in the kitchen watching her.

The process of creating dishes interested me to the point that she would let me help in her kusina (kitchen). My mom works in culinary in San Francisco. While food at home was stellar and authentically-Filipino, my mom also introduced me to the American restaurant scene here in the City. I took what they both taught me and it naturally became a passion. In addition, Saturday mornings were my favorite time of the weekend. I sat in front of the TV, not watching cartoons, but cooking shows on PBS. I was not your typical kid. I loved high school because of “Foods” class and competing in FHA-HERO. College was great because of the food sales we’d host for my college’s Filipino club. Basically every phase of my life had something “food-centric.” I suppose you can’t get away from something you love.

3) What do you do when you are not cooking food? When I am not cooking, I am eating. =) When I am not eating, you will find me at my day job as an office assistant at an oncology practice in San Francisco.

4) Albert was telling me that you are constantly organizing food trips if not cooking to feed them, tell me about it?

I like eating out. A lot. Collaborating with a start-up called Dishcrawl, I was given the opportunity to host monthly “Filipino Dishcrawl” dinners. A different Filipino restaurant is chosen each month and the public can purchase tickets to the dinners. There are usually 15-25 people at each dinner. It’s a great way to meet new people, enjoy the food that the restaurant has to offer, and experience a cuisine that I feel is very underrated in the Bay Area. Our goal is to promote Filipino food and introduce it to those who are not familiar with it.

5) How long have you been a foodie?
I want to say since I was born, but I started my blog as “Jo Boston is a Foodie” in 2007.

Mom, Inang, My Sister Sherri, Tatay, and Myself
at Inang and Tatay's 83rd Birthday in the Philippines 2007

6) How do you find time to blog amidst the crazy schedule of a Filipino-American? It’s really tough these days, honestly. I try to balance my day job, time with my husband and family, all the while keeping my eyes peeled for good eats. While I don’t post on my blog as often as I’d like, I do more “micro-blogging” as in updating my Twitter at @joanneisafoodie and my Facebook all the time with food pictures and everything delicious in 140 characters or less. My phone is always within 5 feet of me just in case there is something to cover. If I do find time to sit down and compose, it is usually late night or a weekend where nothing is happening so I can totally devote my time to writing and editing pictures. My husband is the best because he supports my passion and gives me time to myself when he knows I am driven to write.

7) Do you also still do the typical things that Filipino-Americans do as in, send money to Philippines, or send a balikbayan box? Yes, my mom especially. She sends money every paycheck to my Inang who is currently living there and to fund a new home she is building on the same property she grew up on. Mom tries to go to the Philippines every year or every other year. The Balikbayan boxes we pack usually have SPAM, corned beef, coffee, and assorted chocolate bars. We have a lot of nieces and nephews in the Philippines, and it’s so cute when my mom buys on impulse and purchases Disney or Sanrio backpacks and clothes for them. My mom works so hard, and always thinks of others.

8) When was the last time you have been to Philippines? The last time I went to the Philippines was in 2009 with my then-fiancé. Prior to that was 2007. Prior to that was 1996. I let lots of time pass by, which I regret. Now that I am older and establishing myself as an adult - a Filipina adult - I felt the need to go back and reconnect since I felt detached for a long time.

9) Do you plan on going to visit Philippines soon? My now-husband and I are flying out May 31! I cannot wait! Counting down the days!

10) Being a foodie, what is your favorite food?
My favorite food will always be chicken adobo and steamed rice. Inang spoiled me with incredible food growing up, but it was her chicken adobo that transports me to another place and time - home. It’s like a big hug from the inside out. I also love my mom’s balatong aka mungo. Though she taught me how to make it, it tastes better when she cooks it. It’s the mother’s touch. Inang's pinapaitan is also up there in the ranks! It's an acquired taste because of the bitter bile, but I grew up with it and I love it.

Attic

11) Top recommends for Filipino Places to visit in San Francisco?
My favorite spots for Filipino food in the Bay Area are Attic in San Mateo, Patio Filipino in San Bruno, Intramuros in South San Francisco, and Sinugba in Daly City. I could as might as well live in some of those places. There are not many [good] Filipino restaurants in San Francisco proper, unfortunately, but Mercury Lounge in the SOMA district is awesome for brunch and happy hour/late night eats. If you are vegan, No Worries Filipino Cuisine in Oakland is out of this world.

12) Food for thought to all our kababayans here in America? Stay connected.

Even though I was born and raised here, I was fortunate that my family instilled culture in me through song, household practices, and the fundamentals of Filipino cooking. I regret losing my Ilocano tongue as a child; therefore, I think it is important for those in my generation to consciously seek out their Filipino roots, whether you know the language or not. Know where you came from. Know where your parents and your family came from. I am planning on raising a family in the United States, and I hope to one day show them how my Inang, Tatay (grandpa) and mom sacrificed so much for us.

I love having dinners with my Filipino and Filipino-American friends. Each of us comes from a different part of the US and of the Philippines, but when we get together, we’re just one family sharing experiences and common bonds - our love of being Filipino…and the food, of course. =) --MaG

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REVIEW: Zarlito's Family Restaurant

2011-04-24T21:04:00.000-07:00

Zarlitos like most of the Filipino Restaurants in San Diego is in National City. This place is actually a real restaurant, with right furnitures and really roomy. It is very clean and the servers are all in black T-shirt uniforms. The service was very good and quick.

The price is not bad either. They have a lot of combination meals with every Filipino food you can think of except for chop suey. They also accept debit or credit purchase.

We visited for lunch today and I ordered, lechon kawali combo, my mother inlaw ordered camaron rebosado (deep fried shrimp) and the husband ordered tocino.

I don't know if it was because it was lunch or was it just today but the lechon kawali as well as the camaron rebosado looked liked it was refried. The lechon kawali was crispy though but the camaron rebosado was chewy and looked burnt.

The tocino did not taste like tocino. It was not even sweet. But the bihon and the lumpia shanghai tasted okay.

I should have asked what the specialty of the place is or maybe try visiting for dinner and see if the food would be better. --MaG

Visit Zarlitos' Website

April 2011 THE FILIPINO-AMERICAN STORY: Albert Balbutin Jr. Aka Filipeanut

2011-04-10T16:05:00.000-07:00

Albert's Family Hometown, Bohol Philippines

You probably have noticed by now that The Filipino-American is sporting a brand new logo.

Of course when it comes to important stuff like this, it is important that we go to a Filipino! So when the logo was done I decided to get to know our man as our very first THE FILIPINO-AMERICAN STORY. [April 2011]

1) Where is your hometown in the Philippines?

Daly City, California. It isn't in the Philippines but in terms of distance and population it is as close as I can get =). (Well, aside from Hawaii). I was born in San Francisco.

2) Do you still speak Tagalog, how about bisaya?

I'm currently learning how to speak Bisaya and Tagalog. Pero mas fluent ko sa bisaya kay bisaya man si mama ug si papa. (But im more fluent with Bisaya since my parents were Bisaya speakers.) Gusto ako mag aaral Tagalog kasi national language ito. (I want to study Tagalog because it is the national language) lol. Eventually, I'd like to learn Ilokano.

When I started getting better at speaking Bisaya, I used it during a trip to Mindanao in 2004. I noticed a great change in my experience. I was no longer an outsider, but an insider. "Small talk" with a random person on the street revealed more to me than I could get through a 10 hour interview in english with a Filipino.
It was then that I learned that I didn't really know what "Filipino culture" was. If I learn Tagalog and Ilokano, I'll know more.

3) What do you currently do?

Freelance web designer.

4) How did you get into wed developing and designing?I was in my 2nd year of high school when I found out about the internet. I think around 1997. My friend Steve told me about Geocities, Yahoo's free website service open to the public. As well as a few lines of html code. My cousin Paul introduced me to Photoshop. Together with my desire for attention and childhood love of drawing I learned how to code and design.

5) What is your favorite Filipino dish?

I have more than one, but i'll rank them!

1) Lechon manok

2) Tosilog/longsilog

3) Crispy kang-kong

Lechon Manok

4) Anything with bagoong (kare-kare, pinakbet, mangoes)

5) Pinoy fish escabeche (sweet and sour fish)

6) What are you most proud about being Filipino?
The country's insular makeup and marine life. And everything that comes with that. Our love for new and novel things. As a foreign-born english-speaking Filipino, the fragmented geography plus the different colonial and cultural influences make up for a never-ending ride of discovery.

7) Do you know how to cook a Filipino dish?

Adobo. And I lost my mom's Binangkal recipe! But when I have free access to a kitchen, my "pinoy cuisine repertoire" will expand dramatically :).

Fish Escabeche

What are you passionate about?

My mom and Filipino culture.

If you have to have 3 things in a bucket list (things to do before you die) what would it look like?

1. Backpack the Philippines with a video camera.
2. Take my mom to Rome and/or Jerusalem.
3. Own a chicken isaw catering service.
10) What is your ultimate dream in life?
To get paid to travel the Philippines. I call it my "Filipino-American Dream" lol.

How do you get by between the visits to Philippines and living here in America?

I shop at Goodwill once every 6 months for clothes that cost $4 each. I live with my aunt which comes with a roof over my head and free food. I spend most of my money on learning more about Filipino culture while I work in the US, and gifts for my mom and her family. Because of the real estate bust a few years ago, the rest of the money goes to debts I pay. The money I have left over is enough for one Philippine trip per year.

Once I have my debts paid in a few years, depending on my life situation then, I plan to stay in the Philippines for 6 months. If I survive culture shock, I hope to stay longer.

Boracay, Philippines

What are you most proud about being Filipino?

The country's insular make-up and marine life. And everything that comes with that. Our love for new and novel things. As a foreign-born english-speaking Filipino, the fragmented geography plus the different colonial and cultural influences make up for a never-ending ride of discovery.

If there is any wisdom you want to share for our kapatids (brothers and sisters) FilAm what would it be?

That's a tough one. Since im living a rather frugal life at the moment, I guess I'd tell them "bisag gamay, basta kanunay!" =) (Bisaya for "regardless of how small, do so always.").

Below is something that I plucked from Alberto's Blog Page, Filipenut.com and it just tells you that this one, though born in Daly City is definitely a Filipino at heart.

Albert on right with his Mom a month after the stroke

On August 10, 2005 my mom had a stroke. To say it changed our lives is an understatement.

For me, blogging seemed to be the best way to cope, giving me a convenient distraction from the day-to-day job of caring for my mom. On October of that same year this blog was born. I wish I could have blogged more about the caregiving, but I took the selfish route and blogged more about the 2nd thing I loved in my life next to my mom... the Philippines.

Alberto and his Mom in the Philippines

In 2007 my mom's family in the Philippines and I decided it was best for her to stay with them so she could be around more people who could care for her, eat better food, and spend less money on health care. For me, it provided me the opportunity to take another shot and building on my own life and career where I grew up, in the Bay Area of California.

Being an only son to a single mother makes that difficult, so I promised her that i'd visit her every year to make the distance just a bit easier to cope with. I was doing this for myself just as much as I was doing it for her. It was "two birds with one stone," I got to visit my favorite person in the world, at my favorite place in the world.

I guess im just a nut for the Philippines. But I have my mom to thank for that.

Albert Balbutin is currently living in San Francisco. You may visit his website for web design and development projects at Filipeanut.com--MaG

All Photos Courtesy of Filipeanut.Com

Tax Savings Tips for 2011

2011-03-26T09:19:00.000-07:00

CONTRIBUTE TO RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS
If you haven’t already funded your retirement account for 2010, do so by April 18, 2011. That’s the deadline for contributions to a traditional IRA, deductible or not, and to a Roth IRA. --Turbo Tax

KNOW THE DEADLINE
April 18, 2011 is the deadline for filing tax returns. Schedule an appointment with your tax preparer way ahead of time. Tax preparers usually get really busy towards the deadline because so many of us procastinate. When that happens there is a chance your tax may not be prepared as deligently as if it was there was enough time. Filing late may cost you a late-filing penalty of 4.5 per cent per month of the tax amount you owe and a late-payment penalty of .5 per cent a month of the tax due.

HAVE ALL YOUR STUFF READY
When you visit your tax preparer be sure to have all the social security numbers of your dependents, have all receipts alread listed and totalled in a sheet so are the income for your business if you had one. Don't forget to mention all office fixtures acquired for your business as depreciation expense can be allocated for those.

FILE ELECTRONICALLY
Electronic filing is processed faster because IRS processes them faster than paper ones. You will get your refund a lot sooner.

DECLINE OFFERS OF MONEY ADVANCE OR QUICK CASH
When you file taxes, your tax preparer may offer you to get your cash immediately instead of waiting for the IRS to mail you the check. This will cost you a lot and rates are ridiculously high. Not mention hidden fees. So say "No"

LINKS that also provide really smart Tax Saving Tips:
Pine Tree Legal
Bank Rate - 10 Tasty Tax Tips for 2011
IRS - Tax Tips for 2011
SF Gate -Simple Last Minute Tax Tips

Visit The Filipino American: http://www.thefilipinoamerican.com/

Living Abroad & Family at Home:One Way Street?

2011-02-23T08:41:00.000-08:00

Christmas, New Year and Valentines just finished so I know that most of our Filipino-Americans has sent a lot of gifts through balikbayan boxes, sent money by remittance and even spent quiet a bit of money on long distance calling.

This is our culture. Our family in the Philippines think that we are living abroad and it doesn't matter where, America, Japan, Hong Kong or Middle East, they think that we have more. That is the common perception back home. Except for those who has been abroad and went back, they surely know what it is like to live abroad.

Sadly, most families at home also think that we got it easy here. I mean, I hear it. An uncle asking money from a relative here in America to pay for his kid's tuition in the Philippines. A retired grandparents here in America that is getting pension from Social Security paying for their grandkids' schooling, house maids and apartment rental in Manila. This one is crazy, her grandmother who lives with her in America sneaks there soap bars and other grocery supplies to send in a box back to the Philippines. That is just how we are. Whatever we have, we have to share to our family and love ones back in the Philippines.

It can be good or it can be bad, this is how we value our family. Our culture. We look back.

The question is, how about us?

When it is our birthday or when it is christmas or valentines, does anyone from the Philippines care to pick up a card from National Bookstore and mail to us? Or does someone care to send us a text to greet us or say "I pray you have good health and I wish you love." Or send an email or snail mail! Surely, that is not much to ask.

Living abroad doesn't change much inside, we are still the same people and that is why we send those boxes still and of course we also appreciate the effort, the thoughtfulness....right?

I know that there is now FACEBOOK and often our family and friends just conveniently greet us in our "walls". I know they put some thought to it of course... but I think it would still be nice if someone took the time to send us a text. Mail a card from Philippines, even home made cards personally, I don't mind actually I love those! Or even take the time to send an ecard. What do you think?

I just feel that Filipino's living abroad lately has it on a "one way street". We are expected to give and give and that we don't need anything.

At one point in my 13 years of living abroad (7 in Japan and 6 now here in America) I wondered if I stopped calling the Philippines, would someone actually write me a letter. If something happened to me, how long would it take for them to find out if no one here cared to let them know?
So if you are in the Philippines and has a relative or friend living abroad, send them a card, email them, text them they will really appreciate it! ---MaG

PHOTO CREDIT:
Lisa Handmade Cards

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http://www.thefilipinoamerican.com/
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Mae Flores as Rachel Lee in Atlantis Down

2011-02-10T12:16:00.000-08:00

February 20, 2011 is a big day for Filipino-American actress Mae Flores as it will be the premier night for her movie, Atlantis Down at the Los Angeles Italia Film Festival in Hollywood.

There will be autograph signings, international media, as well as local Hollywood media there on hand to take part in this event.

My co-stars and friends, Michael Rooker from "The Walkind Dead", "Days of Thunder", "JFK" and "Slither" fame as well as "X-Files", "Lone Gunmen" star Dean Haglund will be there also. Let's not forget another friend and one of the lead actors of the movie, Greg Travis of "Showgirls" and "Starship Troopers" will also be there.

I am especially excited to see my Filipino friends and fans there who have been an inspiration and driving force in helping me achieve the things I have always wanted to do. This is for you.--Mae Flores wrote in her invitation to us for the premier.

Mae Flores (Rachel Lee in Atlantis Down) is born in Quezon City, Philippines. Mae started training for her career as early as 3 years old at the Cultural Center of the Philippines and moved here in America at the age 11 with her family where her mother and aunt "continued nurturing her in performing arts".

Atlantis Down is a SCI-FI futuristic movie in the year 2025...The Shuttle Program has been privatized and the shuttle Atlantis relegated to glorified taxi between space stations. Its crew is on a routine mission, conducting experiments - little do they know - they are the experiment-IMDb.com

To read more about Mae Flores visit:

IMDb-Mae Flores

Mae Flores Official Page

Visiting Conching's Cafe and Ice Cream Parlor at National City

2011-01-30T15:59:00.000-08:00

I was really excited to visit Conching's Cafe and Ice Cream Parlor this weekend as I have been longing for some good halo-halo and a quality filipino place. Looking at their website I was imagining a very nice place to have lunch, something like Max's Fried Chicken, with authentic filipino food and more of an upscale atmosphere. I was very suprised though when I got there because the place looked nothing like the website! I should have known as the discription was "cafe" instead of "restaurant". The cafe and ice cream parlor was in a white really old building with black grills on its door and windows.

It was one of the four all Asian establishments downstairs. The place was really big but really old. The ice cream parlor just made me more worried more than wanting to order. So I skipped the parlor and went in line for the food.

There were a lot of customers today at lunch. There was plenty of choices when it came to food. There was probably at least ten different entree choices, ten different deserts and I picked a two entree with rice combo, menudo and pork barbecue.

My husband has been looking for a pork barbecue that he had tasted a long time ago from a filipino friend's house and he said after tasting the pork that this was the closest one he ever tasted. My daughter enjoyed the sauces of the menudo over her rice. The food was good. They do provide huge servings. They gave me two scoops of rice and filled both parts of the tray for the menudo where usual fastfood or turo-turo places just give you one scoop of rice and just fill one part for the entree. I paid for $7.62 without a drink oh and by the way, THEY ONLY TAKE CASH!

While the whole place was really old, probably around thirty years old or more and the hallways give you the creeps as it just doesn't look sanitary, their kitchen looked really clean, the servers wore hairnets and aprons. The cashier never smiled and was just straight to business but that was my experience too in National City, just like how it is in Philippines. --MaG

Filipina Danica Magpantay is Ford's Supermodel of the World 2011

2011-01-23T10:25:00.000-08:00

The Filipino-American congratulates Danica Magpantay for winning the Ford Supermodel of the World 2011.

Danica, 17 a University of the Philippines Fine Arts student is the the daughter of Supermodel Milagros "Lala" Flores now make up artist. Winning this competition, Danica took home a $250,000 contract with Ford Models.

Congratulations to another great Filipina!

Congratulations Charmaine Clamor

2011-01-17T20:17:00.000-08:00

The Filipino-American congratulates Charmaine Clamor and the rest of the winners to the 2010 Online Music Awards by the Filipino-American Vocal Arts.

Charmaine won Best Female Overall Vocal Performance of the Year "Note to God" and Best Jazz/Blues Performance "Dahil Sa Iyo".

"The Filipino-American Vocal Arts Society is a small group wanting to promote the advancement and acheievement of Filipino-American musicians."

For more information visit: Filipino-American Vocal Arts

Gift Ideas Under $100 for the FilAm Woman Now

2010-12-14T23:52:00.000-08:00

PNOY Apparel Shirt $26.50 for the Tunay na Filipina (True Filipina)

SEPHORA's Make-Up Palette To Go ($50 value) $15 Sephora will donate $1 from the sale of this product to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation

SEPHORA's Color Wand for Lips $10
Six lip glosses joined together in an innovative wand

Yoga Bricks (must get 2!) $10.00 & Yoga Mat $19.99 @ TARGET for the YOGIS, TARGET.COM

14k Gold Fill Necklace for the Twitter Girl $26, ETSY.COM

Bare Tree Messenger Bag $34, ETSY.COM

Crock-Pot Oval Electric Slow Cooker $24.99 for the domesticated and domesticated wanna be TARGET.COM

Cotton Candy Maker $49.99 BESTBUY.COM

PASACAT's 13th Annual Parol Festival

2010-12-04T17:02:00.000-08:00

December 4, 2010, PASACAT's 13th Annual Parol Festival is the first Filipino-American event that I have attended since I moved here from Sacramento on November 1st 2010.

It was actually funny because I absolutely forgot the number 1 rule on Filipino Events, bring cash! So when my daughter and I walked up to the counter to buy our tickets I thought I might not be able to witness and enjoy the event but the PASACAT committee was very nice and said that I could just mail a check for them. Now that's Filipino kindness! We walked in and were welcomed by very nice ladies serving food. I definitely enjoyed the huge pandesal and toron.

After enjoying our merienda (snack) we walked around to visit some booths. I enjoyed the cultural display by PASACAT which consisted of Filipino folk dance dresses, books, clippings about our culture and several cultural dolls that represented our colorful dresses that Filipinas wore then.

My daughter wanted so badly to participate in the lantern workshop but of course with no cash we couldn't (next year we will be sure to bring some!).

We both enjoyed the folk dances performed and my daughter (4) wants now to learn these dances in addition to ballet. There was a good number of people that attended and the location was great, no hassle with parking.

"PASACAT is a Philippine folk dance but in San Diego, it began as an acronym for the Philippine Society and Cultural Arts Troupe. Today, PASACAT's mission is to preserve and promote the Asian Pacific culture through the arts thereby, extending goodwill and enhancing cultural understanding."

PASACAT was originally established in November of 1970. The performing arts company has four performance components, the Senior Company, Junior Dancers, Rondalla & Percussion Instrumentalists and the Harana Singers.

PASACAT is available for workshops, presentations and performances and offers regular classes in traditional Philippine dance and rondalla.

To learn more about the great organization, please visit their website at PASACAT HOME

--MaG, The Filipino-American

Internet or TV?

2010-11-24T22:18:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving Eve and I am really excited because it means I am off tomorrow more than anything.

What to do! What to do!

I mean who am I kidding. I got a whole lot of things to do tomorrow. But I have roughly five (5) hours tonight after the baby goes to bed for me.

But before I know it I already found myself browsing into twitter, reading news around the world online, catching family and friends news via facebook. Wow! I didn't really plan that and yet I find it really relaxing and enjoyable.

And then I thought to myself...How many of us would be in the internet and how many of us are on TV? Ten years ago I would have been reading a book and five years ago I was definitely watching TV mostly dvds and lds. I know you will probably say how about all the other things we do like spending time with family, out partying or the gym.

I am just curious between the two, are we slowly replacing our TV with the Internet or is that just me?

Some interesting statistics about the internet penetration all over the world: Internet World Stats

CORI DIOQUINO Stars in Indie Film She's in the Details

2010-11-16T21:58:00.000-08:00

The Filipino-American is very proud to congratulate Cori Dioquino to star in her first Independent Film, She's in the Details. She's in the Details is the debut presentation film for Snagah Studios.

"Cori Dioquino is excited to be a part of She's in the Details. A graduate of Towson University, she holds a Bachelors in Theater Performance as well as an Associate of Art in Music. Most recently, she was seen in Howard Community College's Student Arts Production of A Chorus Line as the character Connie Wong. Other memorable experiences on the stage include: Karen Hartman's Troy Women as Andromache, Eat the Runt (Audrey Herman's Spotlighters Theater), Noises Off! and an original piece entitled Postmarks in which she portrayed the leading role, Sabine (the piece was based on the popular illustrated book trilogy Griffin and Sabine). In addition to her undergraduate degrees, Cori has also received basic training in musical theater, stage combat (unarmed and rapier) and considers herself a recreational athlete and avid yogini. She hopes to continue her studies as she pursues a professional career in film. She's in the Details is Cori's first full-length feature."-- shesinthedetails.com

Click the widget to support! To learn more about Cori Dioquino, visit: coridioquino home