Bruno Mars cover > Katy Perry's original
umm .... *drrriiippppp*
"It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop."
- Confucius
If you treat LOVE or a relationship as a game, you don't deserve to be in it. Stop playin games 'cuz in the end, ALL players of the game gets played.
"Music" - Talib Kweli feat. Leela James (Remix)
"Music" - Joss Stone feat. Lauryn Hill
i fkn love music.
Lent is over. Easter is here. For the past 40 days and 40 nights, I have kept quiet about what I gave up for Lent. I thought it would be more of challenge to keep it a secret to myself as I was taught to do so anyways. It was a true test.
I gave up alcohol.
Yessir, you heard right and I didn't stutter. Alcohol was by best friend until the night of Fat Tuesday at the Slate Party for M.A.G.I.C. Let it be known I was super floored that night and only remembering bits and pieces. Kris and Abi, the visitors, were the ones taking care of me, the resident, that night! I spent the next day glued to their hotel room bed trying to hold down the crackers and gaterade. I felt miserable. My body and the toilet hated me. From that day forth, I decided to give that up for lent.... and not tell anyone.
I never got to taste the sangria my roomie made for Kazu's Bday party. I never tried the various flavored beers my cousin would bring home from a long days of work. I never toasted a shot for my roomie's 31st Bday. I never drank the free alcohol we got at the VIP table for the Vegas Light Group party. I never drank wine with my romantic French dinner with the BF for our 3 year anniversary. I never not once, drank during spring break in the city of sin.
I gave up alcohol.
Yessir, you heard right and I didn't stutter. Alcohol was by best friend until the night of Fat Tuesday at the Slate Party for M.A.G.I.C. Let it be known I was super floored that night and only remembering bits and pieces. Kris and Abi, the visitors, were the ones taking care of me, the resident, that night! I spent the next day glued to their hotel room bed trying to hold down the crackers and gaterade. I felt miserable. My body and the toilet hated me. From that day forth, I decided to give that up for lent.... and not tell anyone.
I never got to taste the sangria my roomie made for Kazu's Bday party. I never tried the various flavored beers my cousin would bring home from a long days of work. I never toasted a shot for my roomie's 31st Bday. I never drank the free alcohol we got at the VIP table for the Vegas Light Group party. I never drank wine with my romantic French dinner with the BF for our 3 year anniversary. I never not once, drank during spring break in the city of sin.
Let me tell you it was not easy... especially when no one knew about it. The challenge was not only abstaining from it but also having the strength to turn it down on a weekly, sometimes daily basis.
I learned a lot giving up alcohol during lent. I learned that I didn't need alcohol to have fun or to let loose. I learned that I do loose a bit of weight when alcohol is not a part of my food groups. I learned the art of focus, determination, and perseverance. I learned that if I put my mind to it, I can definitely make it happen. I learned about myself and how much I am really capable accomplishing my goals. I felt refreshed and proud.
I learned a lot giving up alcohol during lent. I learned that I didn't need alcohol to have fun or to let loose. I learned that I do loose a bit of weight when alcohol is not a part of my food groups. I learned the art of focus, determination, and perseverance. I learned that if I put my mind to it, I can definitely make it happen. I learned about myself and how much I am really capable accomplishing my goals. I felt refreshed and proud.
With that said, let's go out and celebrate ... Cheeeeers!!!
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.
For more videos, check out Deadbeats' myspace music and youtube channel, DBTV. Don't sleep on this.
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.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.
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!
Aloha a hui hou, Hawaii!
[* All persons' names in this post have NOT been changed.]
At a club in Hawaii, my cousin introduced me to some of his friends and one of them was named *Laura. I'm not even trying to keep this shit a secret and I really don't give a fuck. She was unusually overly, ass-kissin' nice to me in the beginning which I thought was really weird but didn't mind. Then towards the end of the night this was the convo that went down between us:
L: Where's your husband?WTF RIGHT?!
G: Husband? Naw, he's not my husband, he's my boyfriend.
L: Good!! He's ugly!
G: WHAT?! [in complete shock]
L: I mean, you deserve better! You're so pretty!
G: I'm happy!!!
L: I know you're happy but there's many more fishes in the sea!
I was fkn pissed I wanted to clock her monstrous face but was too appalled by the whole thing. I walked right outta there before I get myself kicked out. This fkn bitch. I mean, how can you or anyone of the matter talk to anyone like that?! I just met this beezy! And isn't she supposed to be nice to me, or at least respect me?... because I'm the cousin of one of her so called "homies?!" Who are YOU to tell me about my life?! She don't know the shit I've been through. And most importantly, she don't know how fkn GREAT the BF and I are! This gold-diggin' bitch needs to shut the fuck up. Some girls are just really dumb. No respect at all! And she complained about not having a boyfriend ... I now know why!! Girls like her have a lot of learning to do and I feel like it's gonna be for a loooooooong time for her.
So what, my boyfriend doesn't look exactly like Brad Pitt, Allen Iverson, LL Cool J, or even Edward Cullen. He is MY Brad, MY Allen, MY LL, and MY Edward all in one. I've learned that it really isn't completely all about the looks! I mean, yes, there HAS to be physical attraction mixed in the chemistry because I personally don't think I can look at Shrek or Shaq every waking day of my life, let alone nekkid. Eww. But if Brad, Allen, LL, or Edward was a cocky self centered jackass that has pleasure being an abuser, then I'd rather live without the blood sucking, hot body, and cute face.
What makes the bf flammin' hot is not only does he have lips like LL or that he IS handsome with the perfect set of "fuck me" pelvic muscles, but he also has a heart of gold. He is the most genuine and sincere person I have ever met. He's polite yet easy and fun to get along with. He makes me laugh until I cry and wipes my tears when I'm sad. I am ME when I'm with him and loves me for me even at my worst. He is a manly man but also the most hopeless romantic. He respects me as well as himself. He's a gentleman and takes care of me even though I am the cougar.
So don't tell me I deserve better... when what I have is THE BEST.
[ps. this beezy's ex was ugly anyway, so her opinion as no credibility. hah.]
[ps. this beezy's ex was ugly anyway, so her opinion as no credibility. hah.]
I was born in '81. I grew up listening to synthesized 80's pop music and dancing with my hair in the srcunchie tied to the side. I have to admit, I love the 80's and the music plays a big part on why. This era was fun, upbeat, and alive to say the least. And I believe only those who really experienced this era would understand. To this day, you can catch me at the gym working out to 80's music for a good sweat session. Every so often the famous artist of the 80's get together to do a national tour. Since I haven't seen them live when I was kid, I felt lucky I had my chance. I couldn't turn this concert down.
Event: Freestyle Jam Concert
Date: May 15, 2009
Location: Planet Hollywood, Las Vegas
Status: General Admission
Price: $40
Location in Crowd: moved from 20th row to 10th row from the stage
Companion: Jae, EJ, Marjorie, Sheryl, Sherry, & Emilio
I went with good company who were of course fellow fans. Considering these artists had their initial music breakthrough over 20 years ago, the concert was a GREAT turn out. The demographics consisted mostly of females who were in their late 20s or older. Once the music started and the lights went on, the teen bopper in me came out.!! I was off my seat, dancing and singing to all the lyrics. It was nostalgic. The crowd moved their bodies and voices to Stevie B, Debbie Deb, Expose, and other artists. I have to say they sounded exactly like how they did 20 years ago!! I was ecstatic to know that I added another "check" to my music bucket list.
"... Party your body I can make you feel like.
Party your body dancing to the morning light..."
"...When I dream about you, that’s when everything’s all right,
You're in my arms here next to me, forever...." - Stevie B
Party your body dancing to the morning light..."
"...When I dream about you, that’s when everything’s all right,
You're in my arms here next to me, forever...." - Stevie B
"...I, I'd like to feel the passion to the point of no returnnnn..." - Expose
"...Jumping music, slick deejays, fog machines and laser rays..." - Debbie Deb 
"...Let the music play. he won't get away..." - Shannon
We were able to meet and greet with the artists, get our albums signed, and even got to kick it with Stevie and his band post show. Totally awesome to the max!!
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