with electric love

....gailsfknawesome

Nov 1, 2009

Deadbeats @ Jazzminds

Hawaii's music culture has grown remarkably over past few years. On this past Hawaii vacation, I explored my first visit to Jazzminds Art & Cafe and it was amazing! Being a lover of Jazz music and its culture, I automatically fell in love with this underground grimy-like environment. Jazz Minds provides live Jazz entertainment 6 nights a week ranging from artist and groups performing local vocal jazz to R&B jazz to Hip Hop jazz. The exterior part of Jazzminds is pretty intimidating as it sits next to dirty strip bars along Kapi'olani Blvd. But as you walk in, it's a whole different world. The brick walls are covered with a variety of local urban paintings and pictures. There are more red love seats and wooden coffee tables than there are chairs and stools. The stage is only about a foot high with a small dance floor in front of it. Alcohol and pupus are served all night. The setting's quite intimate and you seem more attentive to the band as compared to Mai Tais. Most people are sitting or standing against the walls as the set up of the place is more like a concert than a lounge. I love it there.

I went to Jazzminds was on a Wednesday night.  Deadbeats is their weekly featured group. Deadbeats, a Hip Hop Jazz and Funk band that started in 2007, was voted for Hawaii's Best Underground Hip Hop Group in 2009. They write their own music and they do covers while adding their style to it. They are siiiick! They're become one of my new favorite bands added to my list. I'm so proud of Hawaii's music.
"The Deadbeats have opened for The Elevaters, Eric Hutchinson , Mos Def, and soon to open for Blue Scholars. They've rocked faces in various venues such as Jazzminds, Element Lounge, Indigo, Bar 35, Mercury Bar, 39 Hotel, Ong King, Nextdoor, The Loft, Pipeline Cafe, Honolulu Academy of Arts, and an occasional house party rager here and there. When it's all said and boiled down, The Deadbeats are here to entertain..."




[Thanks to rymiya for this awesome video, which was shot with a Canon 5d. Isn't it sick?!]
For more videos, check out Deadbeats' myspace music and youtube channel, DBTV. Don't sleep on this.

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Oct 13, 2009

Surfing. check.

For some people, Hawaii may seem so foreign to them. And just because we have an ocean in between the islands and the mainland, some people still think only indigenous people live out there. Whenever I tell someone I'm from Hawaii, I'm always ready for the same questions asked by so many. Here are the top 3 and their answers:

1. Oh , so you're Hawaiian! Can you speak it? -- I'm not Hawaiian. Hawaiian is its own race so I can't claim I'm Hawaiian or else I'm gonna have Hawaiian Sovereignty organizations come knocking on my door. I'm 2nd generation 100% Filipino, born and raised in Hawaii. I know a few Hawaiian words and phrases. If Pidgin counts, I'm fluent.

2. Do you live in grass huts? -- No, unless you live on the indigenous island of Ni'ihau. But on O'ahu and the rest of islands, we have houses, apartments, hotels, and buildings. I live in a house that used to be a plantation style house until we jacked it up in the early '90s. Many houses are still the plantation style houses.

3. Do you surf? -- I can finally say YES.

Up until my most recent trip to Hawaii, I never surfed. I tired and I failed. It's hard and I ain't gonna lie. Standing was the hardest part for me so I bodyboard. I'm not that great at it either but I can do it and I love it. This time, the BF and I took surfing lessons on Waikiki. I learned the proper technique of standing. After the 3rd attempt, I finally got on the board and stayed there. Riding a wave was absolutely INCREDIBLE!! It's one of the most exciting things I've ever experienced! I rode about 5 more waves in one hour. I was beat. Paddling out was the hardest. I understand why most surfers have hot bods. It's a freakin workout but all soooo worth it.

Mission accomplised! I can finally check that off my Bucket List. Can't wait 'til the next surfing session. Next time, I'm wearing a rash gaurd cuz tummy hurt like hell for days.

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Oct 12, 2009

Alohaaaaaa

This would probably the longest post I'll ever write but it was hard to leave anything out from my 10-day Hawaiian vacation. This vacation was like chicken soup for my soul after suffering weeks of homesick-ness. I had the best time as always!! My vacation was filled with beaches, fam, my girls, the bf, friends, food, fun, football, hella babies, and a wedding.

My first stop off the plane was none other than Zippys! This spot has been a local favorite for years and it never fails. Also, it's open 24 hours a day everyday of week so it's the place to be after a night of drinking and dancing!! I had to get my grind on with the Zip Pac (a bento - derived from the Japanese culture - that comes with the tastiest fried chicken, fried mahi mahi, teri beef, spam, and furikake sprinkled over white rice). I devoured this meal in minutes!!


Friends. Some of us have them. I have the best of them.


The best thing to do in Hawaii other than EAT ... getting sun-kissed next to a clear blue ocean hearing nothing but the water slowly hitting the shore. Tranquility at its finest.


Back to FOOD. On this vakay, I discovered Pa'ina Cafe. It was originally on the other side of town but now it's only a few steps from in4mation at Ward. They're known for their poke bowls. Lemme say that again... POKE BOWLS. The was probably the most simple and greatest food invention since the Zip Pac! You can order a pre-made Hawaiian Poke Bowl which comes with rice, kalua pork, lomi salmon, and poke. Or you have the option to create your own! Here's how: 1. Pick your bowl size (small or large). 2. Pick your rice (white or brown). 3. Pick your sauce (hot or mild). 4. Choose your poke (shoyu ahi, spicy shoyu ahi, and my fave spicy tuna). 5. Pick your toppings (kimchee, natto, takuan, fukujinzuke, shredded nori, pickled onions, green onions, and my faves seaweed salad, furikake, and teagu). Tada! That's it! 5 easy steps to a party in your mouth!! And let's just say, I've been to this party more than twice on this vacation.

I was honored to witness my two great friends make a vow.


Weddings = High School friends + College friends = A Big Ass Reunion


Had lunch with and old friend, Kel at Goma Tei Ramen Restaurant. This restaurant is fairly new and located at Ward Centers. I've also heard news that they've opened another location at Ala Moana Shopping Center. They're known for their tan tan ramen, a slightly thick soup made with a spicy sesame seed flavor. I usually order the Char Siu Tan Tan Ramen and it never fails. It's ramen is on a whole other level. Check out these positive reviews and tips of Goma Tei on Yelp or Ono Kine Grindz.


Enjoyed dinner with a couple high school friends that I still keep in touch with. Phuket Thai. Yes, the name of this restaurant is hilarious but the food is no joke. They've won numerous awards across the board for being the best! I was fortunate that this was the first Thai restaurant I've ever ate in 1999. It's been my fave ever since.


Another dinner with some of my other girls. Being friends with these lovely ladies were the only good thing that came outta dating my ex (aside from learning that I deserve a man and not a boy). It was definitely a gossip girl night. We ate a local favorite, Ryan's Grill, which features pacific fusion entrees. This is like the Elephant Bar or BJs of Hawaii. I can't leave out that they have a full bar with almost every kind of beer. Some nights, they have live local bands that provide awesome entertainment while eating your mango papaya salsa over steamed pacific halibut and drinking your lava flow.


I love saimin more than ramen. What's the difference? Ramen is strictly a Japanese style noodle soup. Saimin was born in Hawaii during the years of when plantation workers arrived to the islands. It's noodle soup inspired by the Japanese, Chinese, and Filipino. As you can see in saimin, we add spam, char siu, egg, and green onions. Sometimes we also add buk choy, steamed wontons, or shirmp tempura like how Zippy's do it. Shiro's Saimin Haven, in ghetto part of Pearl City I like tos ay, is my favorite saimin cafe! It's a cheap mom and pop restaurant. They have more than just 100 choices of saimin. They also have sides like teri beef sticks, shumai, and plate lunches. A great post-hungover meal ... or not.


This is what I miss the most at 7-Eleven. Only on the islands!! A great snack to pick up on the way to the beach or after a drunk night out. Jack-n-the-Box who?!


More food. Had dinner with some of my other high school friends at Casablanca in Kailua. My first ever Moroccan ecperience of my life. It was so interesting eating with your hands on authentic Moroccan dishes all while sitting on a huge bean bag. Of course I had lamb, which was good. But by the main entrie I was already full eating the appetizers and bread. It was well worth our money. Plus, this spot is BYOB.


In Chinatown, I had a few drinks and listened to great music at Manifest Hawaii. A low key underground venue where only the best Djs spin. The vibe is pretty chill with only a small space for a dance floor if needed. The art work is amazing against the brick wall.


Pre-beach brunch with my loves at Boots & Kimos. A must try while you're headed to Kailua Beach, Kalamas, or Lanikai. Banana mac nut pancakes. I DIE.


The lovely Windward side.


Laying out with the BF at my favorite beach, Lanikai. Velvet sands, warm calm waters, and a spectacular view. Photos can never do any justice on its beauty.


Just around the corner from Ala Moana, Taiyo Ramen Noodle has been one of my fave hole in the wall, late night eateries since 1998. They've also received positive tips and reviews on Yelp so you know it's not a disappointment. I cannot not be in the Hawaii without indulging their famous kim chee fried rice with a side of extra kim chee!


Just one of the boys at Mai Tai's. Live local Hawaiian bands, good music, $5 pitchers, tasty pupus, no cover, no dresscode, good vibes, and having fun with some of my favorite guys.


Tailgated at Aloha Stadium for the UH Football game against Fresno State. Party in the parking lot, BBQ everything, poke, and Heineken. Had up close end zone seats. Twas fun even in the rain! Lost the game real bad. Quarterback sucked.


Partied so hard with my girls that I couldn't get outta bed the next morning for Romy's Shrimp. Oh, just like he good 'ol days! haha. And only in Hawaii, hurricane popcorn & pretzels are served with your bottle at the club! haha



Making my rounds to visit the little ones. Boy, we're getting old.


Had dinner with my main at my favorite Filipino Restaurant, used to be called Elena. Ever since I was young, every special occasion my family and I had was held at Elena. Besides the walls and it's owners, it has never changed. The usual family menu: Sari sari (mixed veggie soup), pancit bihon, lechon kawali, and squid. mmMMmmMmm



Last meal of my Hawaiian vacation was their award winning tasty chicken from The Alley, which is a restaurant in a bowling alley. Yep, a bowling alley!! It's secret recipe will get you hooked.


10 days at home may seem long but it's always never enough time. I still wanted to eat more, see more people, and do more things. But, I'll be back in May '10 for another tropical vacation. Can't wait already.


Aloha a hui hou, Hawaii!

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Sep 17, 2009

Hawaii Bound!!


I was indeed homesick. I miss my parents, my brother, my cousins, my girls, my friends, and the BF.

The cure: buying a round trip ticket to Hawaii! It's official and I've never felt sooooo damm good!! After almost a whole year, I'm going back home for a vacation!

Finally!

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Aug 5, 2009

Blue Scholars - "HI-808"

I remember seeing and talking to Blue Scholars at a show here in Vegas and telling me about how they did a show in Hawaii and how they were surprised they got hella love there. With Geo's motivational, political, and cultural lyrics behind Sabzi's tight head-nodding beats and not mention these chill cats are down to earth, it never surpirsed me that they had a huge fan base in Hawaii. So I'm fkn glad they showed 808 what they got. But, at the same time, 808 also showed Blue Scholars what we're all about. Which then inspired Blue Scholars' upcoming EP,"OoF!" which will be released on August 25, 2009. Being that they are one of my favorite two-man groups connecting with the culture of the state I was born and raised in ...I'm damn proud and excited!!

[Album art by: Aaron Yoshino aka Honozooloo]
"Oof! is the story about the Hawaii that you don’t see on TV: fish-fry BBQs in Waianae, native Hawaiians struggling for sovereignty, house parties on the Leeward side, uncles playing mah-jong on a lanai in Waipahu, a thriving independent hip-hop and fashion scene, on-air ciphers at KTUH, a room full of folks vibin’ to a mean reggae song, young poets spitting fire into mics, grubbing on poke in the Foodland parking lot, whole neighborhoods leveled by the ice epidemic."
Check out their track/video,"HI-808", off the "OoF!" EP. I fkn love it! The first few seconds plays a high-pitched drum beat which initially reminds me of drum beats used for hula dancers to sway their hips to. Very clever. Sabzi never lets me down with his producing. And just listen to the lyrics! I think you'd have to know about Hawaii or at least been there to understand what he's spitting. Geo's brillant, smooth skills on the mic seriously makes me stand up and yell "hana hou" (aka "encore" or "do it again" in hawaiian)!
" ...Breathing the breeze when I ease way back/
in a jeep with the top and the seats lay flat/
Yeah I got heat cuz every time I speak/
I keep burning like a hoale on the beach, why/
It's the 808 love/
Like 88 playing tapes base in the trunk/
It's the 808 kick/
That shit's so sick it makes your heart beat skip like this..."




PS. Oh my, Sabzi really IS eating poke (mmMMmm) outside Foodland ... that's sooo local!! Oh how I miss my home.

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Jul 6, 2009

SoulMates

It's been 1 week since the bff moved here to Vegas and I must say, I am quite happy!!

However, I know as for the rest of the girls back home, they probably hate Vegas by now for taking another one of us. And after last week, we are officially cut in half. Half of us here on the mainland (in SF & Vegas) and the other half back on the rock.

I've met a lot of people and I've deepened many friendships here at my home in the city of sin. And I am beyond grateful for everything and everyone. But, of course it's just not the same. The chemistry and the love just isn't the same. They aren't "my girls!" They aren't the girls who you call at 3am just to vent or laugh for whatever reason. They aren't the girls who you can have weekly Starbucks sessions to "talk stories" even if we've seen each other over the week and spent the entire weekend together! They aren't the girls who you can go over to their house, lay on the bed, and not say a word just because you love their company. They aren't the girls who make you their guinea pig when they learn how to make outfits outta shirts, or sew halloween costumes, or wax your pits/pubes, or curl your lashes. They aren't the girls who can out drink most of the guys at the bar. They aren't the girls that spend the whole night on the dance floor forgetting that they're not the only ones who loves the song, "Happy People". They aren't the girls who tell you straight up if your outfit or the guy you're checking out is hot or not. They aren't the girls who wipe you up when you're wasted in the restroom stall or make sure you got a plastic bag in the car before they dine in Zippys. They aren't the girls who aren't afraid to go in breakdance/house circles to battle. They aren't the girls who are the most fun and most loud in the car on the way to the club. They aren't the girls who would go on random nature adventures regardless if it's day or night. They aren't the girls who are down for whatever, whenever. They aren't the girls who you have an argument with, talk about it, solve the issue/misunderstanding, forgive, move on without grudges or talking shit, and be back to their normal fun selves by the time Grey's Anatomy gets back from commercial.

Because of this, I'm sometimes homesick and wish my closet can teleport me to them anytime I want. But regardless of the distance between us, we still remain close. And when we reunite, it feels as if none of us never even left.



Just like how Carrie Bradshaw in an episode of Sex and the City said it, I don't have 1 soulmate ... I have 9.

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May 1, 2009

Toyose (SF) & Taiyo Noodles (HNL)

The one thing these 2 spots have in common is their specialty... KIM CHEE FRIED RICE! It's SO FKN GOOD, it should be illegal! Unfortunately, living in Vegas and without this crack to feed my cravings, I learned to make it on my own!! And the best part, it's so easy!

Ingredients:

  1. Fresh jar of kim chee
  2. Rice (cold rice or old rice is the best)
  3. 1 can of Spam/luncheon meat or 1 portuguese sausage
  4. A few tablespoons of sesame seed oil
  5. Vegetable oil/butter
  6. Nori &/or furikake
  7. A few tablespoons of oyster sauce
  8. Eggs
  9. Medium onion
  10. Lots of green onions
  11. Optional: Sciracha Sauce (to taste)
Directions:
  1. In a wok (or large frying pan), saute the onions and cubed spam/luncheon meat/portuguese sausage in a bit of butter.


  2. Add the kim chee, sesame seed oil, sciracha, green onions, and oyster sauce. Mix well.

  3. Let simmer.

  4. Add cooked rice into wok. Mix well.

  5. Cook eggs (preferred over easy).
  6. Add strips of nori and sprinkle with furikake.

The end product should look like this... orgasm on a plate (or bowl; whatever you wish)!!! This is one of my favorite dishes inspired by some of my favorite places!

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