Tolerance & Awkward Boners

Now that you feel empowered... check out these awkward boners.

Asian Americans in Entertainment

I love that shit.

My number 1 blog reader invited me to go to the International Secret Agents Concert sponsored by Wong Fu productions in San Francisco.


I was in love, empowered and moved.




Passion
Paul Dateh
Far East Movement
Jin the MC

I didn't feel like waiting in line to meet them, seeing them perform live was good enough!
I wanted to buy Paul Dateh's CD, but I didn't have enough cash. He was particularly inspiring, adorable and talented. I loved him so much.

Hip-hop Violin and pure vocals. I heart you.


==

And of course Asian talent trying to penetrate the western market (instead of the reverse).
Utada - Come Back to Me is a great ballad (she's actually Asian Am with 3 American albums)
Boa - Improved her accent, but some songs are like pouring acid into your ear to hear (oh well)
Se7en - Who I think is too Asian metro to be popular among westerners.

Keep it up!!

Carl reminded me about Utada's Devil Inside song that hit the charts back in 2004. YAY! And Girls on the Dance floor by Far East Movement is #4 club hit in LA? Pretty sweet if you ask me.

Other interesting things stolen from a friends blog:

The first Asian artists ever to have a number one US single, was Jpop singer was Koda Kumi, with, Trust Your Love, in 2001. She was followed by Jpop singer Utada with, Devil Inside, in 2004, and then Korean Jpop singer Mink in 2006 with her single, Glory To Life. Though these females did have number one singles, their singles only reached number one on the US Billboard Hot Club Charts. They never managed to cross over into mainstream American radio. Jpop singer, Tanaka Roma, also released an English language single stateside titled, Addicted.

==

Tonight I'm going to see Fruit Fly which is an independent musical about a fag hag. The movie is based in the bay and is a part of a film festival that's going on.

Empowered to the MAX!

Proud.

Quest Crew - orQUESTstra

I get teary eyed when I watch this. And Fuck yeah, Ryan jams on the piano!
Notice the headspin on the piano speeds up and slows down with the music.

I had a dream that I was in my Asian American Studies class and the professor asked, "how are Asians portrayed on television?"

As students raised their hand, their answers knocked the professor to the ground because the answers he was expecting were clearly from another generation.

Asians in the media are portrayed as...

...BAD ASS Dancers! Did you guys see ABDC?! All three seasons?!
...Sexy and strategic, Yul Kwon totally kicked ass on Survivor cook island
...great Chefs! Man Hung deserved to win!
...brilliant singers! My favorite singers on Youtube are all Asian! <-- we are working on this.
...hilarious! I can't get enough of KevJumba, HappySlip, nigahiga

And the professor responds, "oh I was actually looking for nerdy, submissive, desexualized men, hypersexualized women, passive, karate experts, bad drivers, nail saloon, laundry mats, convenience stores... but I guess times have changed."

That's right they have MOTHA FUCKING CHANGED... well, we still have a ways to go.. but at least we are FIGHTING to get there.

It's a good time to Asian.

Can I be your first Asian boy?
A video that doesn't make me embarrassed.

==

And here is me and my friends trying to do the Table Trick. LOL

Asian American Youth Market Brilliantly Penetrated, Thank You JC Penny

I am empowered and getting chills up and down my arm.
JC Penny recognizes Asian American Youth is as an important niche market at least for back-to-school clothing.

Challenge: Reach Asian American Youth

Brainstorm: Where are Asian American Youth?

Answer: Youtube and Xanga

Wow. So JC Penny contacted the stars of Youtube: Comedians Kevjumba & Natalie and Musicians David Choi and Kina Grannis and had them create videos to promote their JC Penny back-to-school line by integrating a contest into their usually hilarious/awesome videos. And it's brilliant because hundreds of thousands (practically millions) of young youtubers view these clips.

When you visit http://www.jcpvote.com/ to vote for your "favorite outfit" that these youtubers are wearing, you are actually taken to http://www.xanga.com/GetThatLook. A XANGA SITE! Not a professional site, but a VERY popular blog that MANY Asian Americans are attached to.

How does that make me feel? Like an empowered Asian American who is recognized. Hey look at me, I am Asian American and JC Penny takes note that I have value as a consumer and as a worthwhile market to tap.

GOD it feels so good to be a victum of consumerism and advertising!
============================================
And you might be thinking.. youtube? xanga? Man... lame.. but check these people out, they are genuinely talented if you ask me. And if mainstream media won't recognize Asian Americans as regular people with something interesting to say/sing, then we will continue to fight for fame and glory via the Internet. (And reality TV aka, Hung Huynh from Top Chef, Kim Vo from Sheer Genius, and.... ......Tila Tequlia... damn it.)

Yay Vietnamese on TV

=======================

Kim Vo

So Kim Vo is Britney's personal hair stylist and judge panelist on Sheer Genius. He got so much plastic surgery that he looks completely white. I was a bit ashamed that he was hiding his Vietnamese features.... but if he really was ashamed he would have legally changed his name since... "Kim Vo" is as Vietnamese as you're going to get. Plus a lot of Vietnamese people get work done... so maybe he's actually becoming MORE Vietnamese in that sense!

I wonder what goes on in his head... maybe he convinced Britney to shave it all off!! Sneaky Vietnamese... sneaky.

Empowered and Embarassed by Asians

18 Year Old Park Tae-hwan Win's Korea's FIRST Gold in Swimming (400M Freestyle)
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/sports/2008/08/253_29077.html

I was rooting really hard for this kid. Especially when he got DQed in Athens for an embarrassing false start that sent him "hiding in the bathroom for hours." He had one goal in mind: Win Gold in 2008.

Look at this image. Pure victory. It must feel so good to accomplish something that you have dedicated your life to. There's an image of his parents jumping for joy and crying. This medal was redemption and pride.

I'm going to pretend I'm him for a second winning for Vietnam.. God, it feels good.
Gosh, my arms are so muscular. I'm just a sexy beast of an Asian swimmer yes, I am. Ohhh yeah.

====================================

41 year old Xing Almost Loses His Penis Humping a Steel Bench
http://www.weirdasianews.com/2008/08/07/man-almost-loses-penis-humping-steel-bench/




Damn it, WHY? Look at those holes!!! OMG! HOW?! God, it must feel so bad.

=================================
Sexy Singing Asian Boys On Youtube

Paul Dateh


He also plays the Violin


MoAny's Favorite: blinktwice4y



Arnel Pineda was discovered over Youtube and is now the new singer for Journey



=================

It's like a bad news sandwich: I like your dress, you're fired, you're hair looks good too.
You're a hot Asian swimmer that just kicked US and Australian Butt, you caught your penis in a steel bench, YOU CAN SING!!!!

Forbidden Fruit

I haven't seen Smyr in a long ass time.

Smyr is my one straight guy friend. I am one of his millions of gay friends. But I get first priority because I've known him the longest.

We hung out in Little Saigon and caught up. We talked about shiesty behavior as it seemed to be the theme of the season. We talked about nothing and everything until we ended up downtown to meet with Mony, gay friends... and A GIRL! Athena! YES!

A Girl: is our ticket to having fun at straight clubs. Granted we have to share her, but it's always a good time with a girl in downtown San Jose. Plus, Athena is awesomely fun! I love her! MoAny knew that so he brought her along! Nice

We got an AMF, a sake cocktail at a sake bar, a mojito, a hazel nut drink, i shared another AMF. Somehow my $50 cash back disappeared and my credit card felt warm. We went in search of a dance floor. But even Mission Ale failed us (especially now that there is a 3 dollar cover. FACK that SHIT) the music was great, but NO ONE was dancing. BAH.

I noticed that all the hot girls were in the street, but all the... *cough* gross ones were at the bars we were hitting. WTF mate. .. and we just ended up at Hunters. Walking there I noticed a hotdog stand. Like the one outside dragon, but ironically this one was cleaner. I asked them when they closed shop, they said 2am. Good, I may crave one later.

Smyr seemed to have a good time. I feel bad cuz he always ends up doing something Gay when he hangs with me, he was a good sport even though his ass got pinched 5 times. HAHAHAHAH! And Mony had his fuck-me face turned on. The DJ was compromising the hip hop and electronic dance music and played an interesting dance version of Low. it was doable.

I spotted Joe who was on a "date," so I did was a good friend is supposed to do: I snuck up behind him and kissed him on the neck and poked his sides. He totally freaked out and didn't know it was me, I laugh.

Mony was talking to this cute boy and I interjected to say hi. He was my size, cute smile, short hair, cute Hawaiian accent. The guy whispered in my ear, "You're CUTE!" And smiled. He was from Hawaii, he was on a business trip... he told us that his job was a secret. He left and I followed him outside. Through the gates I asked him for his phone and punched in my number. "You're not sober." I wasn't. He smiled his gorgeous smile.

I headed back to the group until the music died down. I got a text message from him, "you are cute :o)." I was really flattered. I've never been hit on like that before. My group walked outside and by the hotdog stand was the boy eating an apple.

My friends kept walking, I started to make conversation. I asked him where he got the apple from and he said he was carrying it this entire time. He got up and we walked together until we reach a corner and he headed left. I didn't follow him because I was going to LaVics with my friends. He came back to me leaned in and kissed me very sensually. VERY sensually. VERY VERY VERY. And told me that he had an apple for me in his hotel room. It was one of the best kisses I have ever received. Ever. It was wasn't a peck, it wasn't a make out... it was one of those in betweens. His lips were perfect.

I caught up to my friends and told them what happened. The boy gave me a call. "Are you coming over?" He was playful, adorable... I was in ecstasy. I told him I would AFTER I get a quesidella. He gave me his room number.
...................

Oh shit, i gotta go, I'm going to the Art Festival with Eric. More soon.
...................
Part II

After thinking about it for two seconds, I decided to go to the hotel room and figure the how-do-I-get-home part after. I said good bye and ThE said "you're going to meet up with him!?! Wear a condom!" He said this four times.... when I actually started to walk away he said, "fine, be a stereotype!!" He genuinely disapproved. I didn't care about MY morals at the time. I had hot a boy waiting for me. Smyr patted me on my back, "we're just kidding, go have fun!"

I jogged to the Marriot, thinking about what ThE said, am I a stereotype? Why was this boy so alluring? I shoved my proclaimed morals aside. I got a text message from Smyr, "HIT THAT SHIT," I was thankful Smyr was there that night to be a "guy friend." I made it to his floor and and knocked on his door. He opened it and with his cute Hawaiian smile stands there .... shirtless. Well, I guess that's how Hawaiian boys do it: they START off shirtless. He was thin and confident.
"why are you so cute?" he said to me... with his slight Hawaiian accent.
"No.. YOU are cute"
"No, you are drunk..."
"Yes, but you are still cute" I was not doing a good job at playing it cool.
"Is this for me?" There was an apple neatly placed next his watch and wallet. He nodded his head and I started to eat it.

We made conversation, and kiss.
"You're a good kisser"
"You are too" He really was... I haven't kissed like that in so long. No mess... just kisses. No tongue... just lips.
"I'm going back to Hawaii tomorrow." That didn't concern me at that moment. I continued to caress his shirtless chest, self conscious about my own nasty fat body.
"How old are you?"
"26"
"Perfect... i'm 23... so what do you do that SO secret... are you a cop?" I was hoping he had handcuffs.
"Actually, I'm a flight attendant and I'm going to Honolulu tomorrow."
"That's cool. I was in Hawaii ... Are you from Hilo? It always rains there!"
"Yes!" The fact that I knew something Hawaii made him really excited. His cuteness grew with everything he said.

"You could be Hawaiian" he told me... I was reminded of how much I enjoyed being mistaken for being Hawaiian. I straddled him.
"Oh you Cali boys... so easy." He could be telling yo'mama jokes, he would still be so cute. And nothing he could say could stop me from wanting to kiss him all night until he asked...
"So is MoAny your bf? You guys would make a cute couple."
"No... we are good friends.....do you have a boyfriend?"
"....yes.."
"Since how long?"
"Since December."
"Does he know you do this?"
"...no..." he didn't look like he felt guilty AT ALL... his cute smile became goofy. He was sober, I was drunk.

I got up off him, grabbed my wallet, my phone and got back on top of him.

"Then I should go." I kissed his no so perfect big island lips one last time. .. got off the bed, looked back at him for a little bit smiled and left... his temping offer began to rot. (yes, I was a bit melodramatic)

Outside the hotel, I called Smyr. They just finished LaVics and he picked me up near the hotel. I was in a situation too familiar, except now instead of being an outsider looking in I was in someone else's shoes. I was impressed with my drunken self, I held true to what I believe in. Smyr drove me home.

Perfect timing. Perfect Everything.

The next day he apologized for being disrespectful, I told him not to hurt people he loved. I don't feel regretful about anything... after all I got a long awaited hot kiss and a free apple to match my shirt.

My Ass is Sore

Last week my close friend from Middle School invited me to try capoeira, Brazilian Martial Arts! I figure, at this point of my life, I should accept ALL invitations I receive especially since my social network is dwindling. She warned me that I will be sore for weeks. I did NOT know what to expect.

I didn't have white pants so I just wore black sweats and a wife-beater as recommended so that when I'm upside down I don't have any "accidental exposure." Kinky.

http://www.capoeirasj.com/

I drove to the Studio, Dojo, large room? In downtown San Jose by myself because none of my friends were available. Sigh. There I met up with an eclectic crowd. Tall, short, old, young, muscular GI Janes to over weight Joe ShMos. The one thing they all had in common was they were SO friendly.

After learning the basic step, I was thrown into the rink to practice and imitate what I just learned. EVERYONE wanted to be my partner... well, that's what it felt like. They all wanted to teach me something and they were all so very patient. I tumbled, and kicked. I was not graceful and I was sweating up a storm.

At one point they had me do headstands and one arm cartwheels while emphasizing eye contact. The moves had Brazilian names and the art of martial dancing had a huge cultural history. I was immersed in a cultural experience. At the end of the session, the Master and three others played instruments whiled the rest started to "play." He told us to stay low and take our time, communicate to our partner and read body movements. I could not stop smiling. I really did have trouble with kicking. This double kick thing made me feel pretty embarrassed, I was so ugly.

The night was concluded with respectful acknowledgment of my attendance. I was the ONLY new student. Everyone clapped and cheered. The master responded, "oh, that's enough, he wasn't THAT good!" Everyone chucked and asked if I will return. I responded, HELL YEAH!

And I drove away feeling like experienced something different. Something not Gay, not Asian, not American, not College... but another community that I did not know existed.

Yes to Brazilian culture and body movement through martial arts!
============================================================
Register your Bone Marrow, it's really easy! http://www.projectmichelle.com

Don't Ask. Don't Tell. Save a Life.

After reading Huy's comment regarding restrictions on donating blood vs. donating bone marrow/stem cells, I realized that I needed to educate myself before I make such outlandish accusations to society.

I called the Asian American Donor Program (AADP) at 510-568-3700 and asked them what the policy is on gay donors. The pleasant lady informed me that when asked sexuality questions I can choose to "defer" my answers. She also continued to say that there have been many gay donors.

So... the "loop hole" so to speak is NOT to lie, but rather defer the question all together. I have that choice. She clarified, like Huy clarified, that there are different policies for donating blood and donating bone marrow/stem cells, especially with its urgency.

Well then. I registered and my home test kit is being sent tomorrow. And you should too my gay gay gay gay readers.

Save a life with your gay bone marrow. Please.
==================================================================



http://www.projectmichelle.com





==================================================================
Driving to work I day dreamed of being back at Berkeley among my peers on Sproul during Noon. I imagined myself wearing a giant sign: SAVE A LIFE and yelling through a megaphone:
"PLEASE REGISTER!"

I would do cartwheels and flyer everyone on campus. Email all the listservs that I belong to. Post flyers in Dwinelle, Wheeler, the dorms, the FRATs and replace them the second they get torn down. And educate people... on why registering is SO important.

And at the same time, I wonder what type of person I am because I say I want to do these great things for people I love... but ONLY when I'm asked to. ONLY when I am in a situation where it is necessary that I take action otherwise, my heart will suffer. What type of person am I?

And I understand people, who don't donate. Who recycle (I hope RECYCLE) my flyer because registering is NOT important to them because... it doesn't affect them. Because the people that they love are NOT on the clock. I understand you... because I am you. But please be better than me. Please consider registering. Please consider caring about strangers.

Please.

TGIF Indeed

I had very good week.

I submitted my resume to some companies thanks to the help of my cousins who made me realize that I have a lot to learn.

I sold a service contract worth 25K. Yes!

Organized all the blogs I read using google.com/reader

And... Shrugs.

I had this convo with Joe over GCHAT:

Joe: im still amazed that you are not out with your family
me: im very straight acting contrary to your belief
Joe: HAHAHAHA
Joe: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
::breathe::
Joe: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

me: horrible

Joe: oh chris. out of all of us...you are the most comfortable with yourself.
me: please
Joe: and i admire that a lot. NO you are
me: how do I seem most comfortable?

Joe: you fart, burp, wear whatever whenever, talk about anything anywhere.... you're crazy open-minded.

me: that's disgusting I'm disgusting!!

Joe: and thats why i like talking to you about personal stuff
me: aww
Joe: because not enough bugs you

me: a lot of things bug me!
Joe: but not about yourself

Joe: so anyway thats what surprises me because my parents do
know about me, but im surprised you havent and you talk to your
parents a lot more than i do

Heh. I never really thought about.
But I really don't think I'm that comfortable with myself.

Regarding my family. Everyone knows except my dad, sort of. I wrote about it here.

I know my dad knows. But maybe it makes him happy to have hope and coming out and confirming that I am queer will crush all the dreams he had for me: getting married, having kids, passing on the lineage, being a perfect puzzle piece of
society. So I stay silent so that he can pretend that I just haven't found the
right girl...

I stay silent so that he doesn't have to cry because I'm not
the perfect son that I wish I was...

==================================================================
This weekend is already PPS. There are no plans and I don't feel like making any. What I want to do is go shopping, replace outdated clothes with new. And spend some time on my April recap. BTW. Does anyone want to dress me?

My Heart is Doused in Sriracha Sauce

Sriracha is Cal VSA's HOT SAUCE Hip Hop Team.
Year after year, the team incorporates hip hip into the culture show story line resulting in a powerful, not-your-average-hip hop routine. Simply amazing.

In 2005, I tried out for the team, but didn't make it..
In 2006, I tried out and made it! Check it out: "Thizzin' in September"


It was silly, but it was fun. Cal VSA worked Hip Hop into the general story line of the culture show, Viet Nam Ten Goi. Thizzin' sort of fit. The main character just got into an argument with her roommates so she took a walk. Unexpectedly HOODLUMS try to hit on her, but then a troupe of hotties, booty shakes the boys away. HAHA, brilliant right?

It worked well because the show was took place during the present. And in the present.. hoodlums always break out in dance right?!

In 2007, Team Sriracha took a more serious approach to incorporating Hip Hop in to the show. The piece unofficially was called "Change of Heart."



There's a better version I have to find.
The piece was an interpretive depiction of inner turmoil during a period when communism was beginning to take over the minds of youth. The red bands represent communism... and at the end of the piece you can see that its ideology consumed the mass. This dance for Sai Gon Trang Mo, The Veiled Moon took place during a period before the war.

This year, 2008 as an audience member, I was on the edge of my seat; beyond jealous..heart skipping beats to match the powerful music. During Petals in the Wind, Canh Hong Trong Gio, the Hip Hop choreographers PUSHED their dancers to the limit. This year's piece displays the maturity of the team, the skills of the dancers and the artistic capability of the CAL VSA.



This year's hip hop piece took a more literal approach to the Communist attack in South Vietnam. Framed years after the hip hop piece from last year, this piece demonstrated communist enslavement of Vietnam toward the end of war. Bombs dropping and a literal, "Fall of Sai Gon" can be seen in the background. 6 Civilians and South Vietnam soldiers running and hopefulessly fighting against the attack until the end when the country was brought to its knees. It was a display of a struggle that hits home for my parents who experienced it first hand. What's more powerful is the use of imagery. This one image taken by Pulitzer Prize-winning war photographer Eddie Adams was brilliantly placed in the dance still gives me chills. WATCH FOR IT. Only at Berkeley.

It's seriously an Art. Down to the music, the lyrics: "i'm gonna keep this secret." And each movement with a difficultly level of 10 that... dare I say it? Yes, would make Pilipinos go, "OH SHIT!!!": hands over the mouth, Violin strumming, Kaba Moderneque "Isolations," hands tied behind their back like captives. Break dance combat moves... powerful, intense.... brilliant.

My heart belongs to Sriracha. I love it so much; amazing. I am tearing up.

I Found My Inspiration: Brian Tong

I was scoping out CNET as usual and I came across a video with Brian Tong and I thought to myself: NO WAY! He has my dream job!

http://www.cnettv.com/9742-1_53-29234.html

Consumer Product Reviewer Broadcast Personality!
And SHIT he looks like he's my age, please say he's older, do I have time?!

Fortunately he has a website that he's maintain since 2000, so I decided to stalk, read up on him for a couple of hours.. on my spare time.

Wow.

After graduating from San Jose State majoring in Broadcast Journalism/ Business Marketing, he hosted a show on Stir, an Asian American Youth based network. There he interviewed a handful of stars and traveled the globe, he was also a poster boy for apple... from there he continued to pursue his dreams of being on TV.

I highly recommend reading his blog because it highlights his accomplishments for the passed 5 years. I really think it's interesting to see his growth, and it's a quick read... (compared to mine -.-) just skip the entries about basketball. Yuck.

In September last year, he landed a gig with CNET and I discovered that he's 28! Okay. I am 22. I have 6 years to be where he is, do amazing things, represent the Asian American community... something. Work not to just make money, but work and love with what I am doing. As I delve deeper into his blog, I also discover that he is an extreme consumer and dreams to have his own television show. Good lord. He's so ambitious, he tried out for American Idol, maintains a hot body and developed an impressive network... etc. etc.

Though my dreams aren't exactly like his, he inspires me to follow a dream and accomplish things that I can be proud of. I am empowered to reach for my full potential and do amazing things while in my 20s!! And that means... I need to actually work hard instead of doing the bare minimum!!!! That means, I should do the best work that I can!! That means that I need to step away from "safe" and bungee jump into adventure!!

Let's make something of myself!!!!!!!!

(Head vs. Heart editorial found on Brian's site)

Passing By.

Three pending facebook friend requests:

Brandon
David
Shannon

I messaged Brandon in November to congratulate him on an impressive spoken word piece he did for the NSU Culture show. I don't recall ever being introduced or seeing at the potluck or afterparty. If I were to see him on the street, I'd recognize him, but I doubt I'd stop to say hello. But I guess, it depends on my mood. We have 32 friends in common, all from NSU. He seems nice, but once again, I've never talked to him face to face. His request pends...

I THINK I met David at Dragon or something gay. I THINK. We have 9 mutual friends and all of them... are gay. Hmm. If I were to see him on the street, I would sort of recognize him. Maybe. I'd have a.. I've met you before.. maybe, from that website? moment. His request... hmm... will be ignored...for now.

I recently got a request from Shannon, I THINK we went to middle school together. But I don't think I have EVER spoken to her... ever... or even had a class with her. She's practically a stranger. If I saw her on the street, I wouldn't even think to look twice.. in fact, I'd probably dismiss her completely unless her hair was on fire. She looks homophobic, but I'm probably wrong. I wonder what Tila Tequila motive she has to request my "friendship."
Her request will be denied aggressively.

My Roommate
William was my roommate for a year.
William impresses me with what he does with his life.
But not a single tear was shed when he moved out and I only have a handful of fond memories with him... Halloween as 3 Blind Mice and going out to Fenton's... just us two. I remember studying with him at at the Free Speech Movement Cafe and telling him a lot of personal things while he protected his personal thoughts.

He launched the HIV Youth Project and poured his heart into it. He's speaking up where people are silent and I claim proudly that I shared a nasty kitchen with him. That I lived with him...

And it's sad because our lives no longer conveniently collide... so all I can do is admire from far away.

My Aunt Passed Away...
And all of her 7 brothers and sisters (my uncles and aunts) participate in virtual mourning. They send long emails and pictures and videos about her... and of course, I am on that list of recipients.

"I am mad at myself for not spending enough time with her when she was still around, and I am mad at myself for not giving her enough love, like she has given me..."

"I should be glad that she's no longer in pain & on the way the heaven joying our father & other relatives."

I stay silent.

Along with e-mails is a facebook group dedicated to her. And I shake my head in amazement...and I'm sure you do too.

My dad came up to me and said, "you did everything you could for her right?"
"yeah... she didn't ask for much, but I did."
"Good. I am really glad I bought that chair that she wanted. I'm really glad."
When my Aunt asked my Dad to pick up a chair, he was tired from work, but went to get it anyway.
"I'm really glad," he was so thankful.

Apparently she had made a giant impact on his life... and many others.

NSU Voices Melts My Heart

While driving to work, I looked over the NSU Program that I didn't get a chance to read.

I absolutely loved the show. Every second I was squealing. I felt bad for the people sitting around me because I had to fan myself down after every skit/dance/monologue.

I love culture shows.

Why? Because it's an opportunity for people who have talent to showcase it. I was blown away by people who seemed shy and reserved, but on stage spoke with power and pristine.
And I was so proud and amazed.

I was sad though because everyone from my generation was in Japan. There were some people here and there: Azusa on stage, Amy with her boyfriend. But the two most important people to me in my class were not: Tofu and Vanessa. But yes, their love was in spirit.

If Chris were there he would have two things to say: 1. the program was on glossy paper. When he suggested it our year, I said NO because I thought it looked tacky. Well, they did it this year and damn, it looks so good. Sorry Tofu, my bad! And 2. They did sort of an Iron Chef Skit, which was Chris' idea, but left out one main point: The traditional group was supposed to FAN their rice, while the modern group used an electric fan! LOL! But of course it wasn't Chris' skit, because if it was, there would have been a Baachan in drag! :D

But from that skit I could not stop laughing at these lines that the Iron Chef said when she was judging the Spam Musubi made by the more assimilated group:

The spam tastes of the salty winds of the camps...Yet the rice is like the soft cushion of the future!& the seaweed reminds me of the vaaaaaast Pacific, dividing the Issei from their families in Japan.So much HISTORY and DEPTH!This is the MOST delicious dish I have tasted in ALL my years!It brings tears to my eyes.

What stood out the most were the Monologues. Sally moved me as she is "NOT satisfied with the NOW that she sees." Jaclyn & Keisuke touched my heart when they shared their origins. I remember last semester declaring Jaclyn's unique background! You guys! She's from Peru! This is IMPORTANT!!! And Lyell made me melt when he said, "Being Japanese American does NOT make me less Queer.. and Being Queer does NOT make me less Japanese American." His words hit me like a ton of bricks and his sexy points grew 10 fold.

The dances where hot and J.Crew was on fire. The piece had substance as it demonstrated a struggle against Oppression. Man, it was difficult, but it looked really amazing. I love J.Crew.

This year's show really slathered on the question of defining a community. By hearing different Voices it is apparent that the Japanese American community is a home for anyone who excepts it regardless of experiences or background. NSU celebrates diversity. NSU celebrates love for human experiences. NSU sets the standard... for real.

==================================================================
Afterward, I stole one of the props and took pictures with everyone. I felt a bit obnoxious, but I guess that's just me. I was sad there was no large group photo, but being there and remembering is good enough. My girls make me proud: Miwa, Colleen, Sally, Kim, Katie, Hana, Corrie, Jaclyn, Azu, Krystin, Katrina, Amy, Eulanca, Asaki and Sara. NSU is built on STRONG FEMALES. Like Lisa, Kozens, Kim and Lori... and I would have it no other way.

Nick, Haruka, Monyrith, Vince and I had a beer at Blakes like real alumni. I miss it all. I sat next to Dina during the show and we shared mutual amusement. They kept the line, "Do you like movies!" Which made me REALLY happy because it's been a line in the show every year since 2002. But Hiro did not end up with the girl during that skit which surprised me! But also made me happy because.. you know what? It's been done before.

I live for stuff like this. I live for culture, for pride, for awareness. I live to hear other people's stories and be surrounded by people who I love. I feel selfish, because I always want more. I want more culture shows. I want more Monologues. I want you to showcase your talent and blow me away. You may not think you're the best, but everyone has SOMETHING to offer. Live life and share it with others... don't let your story be silent.

Not So Turkey Thanksgiving Happenings

Thursday Night: Failed Shopping
I wanted to experience the madness on Black African American Friday

Monyrith, Huan, my cousin and I headed to the Great Mall that opened at midnight. We didn't even enter the parking lot and already we were accosted by rude people in their vehicles. People are crazy. Instead we went to Quickly's to get a snack. :D ThE and his boy met up with us a little later.

Friday: Ignia Lunch at Pizza Chicago
Diana pointed out that somebody missed being a part of student orgs. That somebody was me because I was planning the Christmas party as if it were some student sponsored event. LOL. Check out Sandy and My love child.

Friday Night: Benefit Concert
My family is impressive. Even though I doubted the event, they managed to fill Milano Night club with 500 Vietnamese people dancing to my family's rendition of CHACHA songs, Disco songs and of course Vietnamese songs. The event was for my Aunt who is in the last stage of cancer. She was a popular singer from Hawaii and in club Lido in San Jose. A famous Vietanmese Radio show guy tried to get in for free. My mom wouldn't let him in because he was so rude and cheap. So he's probably going to shit talk about the band. LOL. Geez. There's my dad rocking out! Maybe YOUR Vietnamese parents were there!

At 11, the cousins headed to VOODOO where they were playing underground hip hop. When we entered, there were ppl battling! OMG! It was tight. Mony and my cousin bar hopped and came back to find my other cousin hunched over. Security asked us to escort her out and she proclaimed that she loved me and that she just wanted me to be happy. After she threw up on my shoes, her boyfriend took her home and she woke up in the car at 6:30AM next to him because he couldn't get her out. Aww.

I think it's hot when straight guys are buddybuddy with each other. After, my cousin's boyfriend helped her in the car, his best friend kissed him on the cheek good-bye. My heart melted. Absolutely adorable. I called my cousin the next day to confirm his sexuality. "Oh they're just really good friends.. they're really comfortable with each other." That sort of affection makes me smile from ear to ear.

I came back to my family's event wasted. I showed pictures of my cousin drunk to her mom and I said... "Your Daughter's a MESS!" To this she responded, "OH MY GOD." I got a good laugh out of embarrassing my cousin. EVIL. I devoured what my mom was eating and spoke bad, gay broken Vietnamese to strangers while cleaning up the place.

Saturday Night: Ignia at Vivid
-Caitlin's dad was our chauffeur

-The DJ was bad

-Cindy gave us VIP passes!

-More pictures here: Part I & Part II

Yes! Another San Jose Bar/Night Club off our list.

Sunday: Church & Shopping

This weekend glass was broken numerous times. I'm scared what that could mean. I broke a wine glass, center pieces shattered because my car was rear ended. A Snapple bottle broke in my kitchen and something else in the hallway. I went to church because my Grandma's name was going to be called to be "prayed for." Once again I questioned the whole process. I remembered Sally going to church for the first time... "it was interesting......it was like a cult." I realized this as I was holding hands with strangers reciting words that I didn't really understand. And these people, were they really going to pray for my grandma that passed away last year? And how does that even mean anything?! Do more prayers mean a better chance youre spirit will be set free? I think it's more for the family/friends to know that they have that support.

Perturbed, I decided not to accept the body of Christ this Sunday because the "readings" were the same, the discussion about "family" didn't go anywhere and the "words of Christ" escaped me after watching The Mist, but then I realized something. When I drive... I touch the cross that hangs from my rear view mirror. And though I am a horrible driver, I have managed to stay clear from accidents. *knock on wood* I would be a damn hypocrit to turn my back away from the faith that I depend on when I'm scared. So I accepted the bread and this time..... it meant something.

Outside of the church, I noticed a cute boy waiting inside his car with the door open. He caught my eye and did the head nod to acknowledge me. I gave him a half smile and looked down. Was that a sin?

I bought a shirt from Valley Fair that Monyrith "absolutely hates on me." And since EVERYONE says he has style... I need to return it. Bah.

I ran into Justin at In&Out. He was my first crush and he was still cute. In middle school, I was really touchy and he flirted with me back. When he found out I liked him for real, he freaked out. Oops. I was able to hold a conversation with him and wanted to hug him. But instead, I carassed his arm in a very buddy buddy way and headed out the door. Hehe, aww. I wonder if he's messed around with a guy before...

I am Vietnamese and I can't stop Smiling

San Jose's Vietnamese district building a name for itself

This article that Seyron sent was sort of empowering to me.

But what's interesting is the debate over the name of official Vietnamese District in San Jose.
The possible name of the area represents a lot about the community. And apparently, it's important enough that people speak their mind powerfully. Would people really stop supporting our Vietnamese councilwomen because she wants to be as impartial as possible?

Vietnamese extremest have a lot to be extreme about. They lost their home and family to a government that stole it all away. Why wouldn't they speak out passionately about erasing any sign of the old country that betrayed them?

But to me, in order to make things better in Vietnam is to pour knowledge into the country... and hopefully, its corruption would eventual fade as it succeeds in the modern world. Don't you think?

But as long as you don't call it "Little Ho Chi Minh" or "Vietnam War Town" it's cool with me.

===================================================================

Cal VSA Fall Showcase 2007 Trai Tim Mua Thu



This past Thursday I went to see the VSA Fall Showcase and it was brilliant! Cal VSA scrapped the controversial Date Action and brought back the showcase with a silent auction.

The vibe was pleasant and I felt like I was surrounded by family. At the Date Auctions, I felt embarrassed for the individuals "being sold." I felt dirty watching such a spectacle; people bidding on others "for a good cause." People yelling shit like, "take it off!" "check out this honey, she will give you the best massage," or "blah blah, if you know what I'm saying." Disgusting. It's because of the audience and the MCs that the date auction is so.... nasty. Otherwise, it would be a fun event for friends to make fun and donate to the community. But that's hard to manage. This showcase was a guaranteed success and everyone came out feeling proud, NOT EMBARRASSED of Vietnamese people.

Acts worthy of note: A cạo gió Interpretive Dance, Funny commericals, Hot Singing and Christine's spoken word.

If you don't know Christine, you should. Her spoken word: "I am not my hair." Made me realize that I define myself often by physically characteristics. Not to say, I'm going to stop because I love my hair too much. But of course, there's more to me than my sex appeal. HAHA. JK! It made me wish that I had done spoken word for the show about my Grandma and her meals and never appreciating her. Common topics I feel that a lot of people can relate to.. with a slide show! Ah, too late. But Christine told me to just write it down anyway. Spoken word should not be for a show, but for the self; it is important to stay genuine. Good spoken word are pieces written for only one person to hear, and those who experience a piece of someone elses' heart should consider themselves lucky. Yes.

Just to remind you, Vietnamese food is poppin'. (I had some French Vietnamese Fusion Cuisine for Lunch yesterday at ONYX. 5 Stars, people!)

I also love the ManDance, I mean Fan Dance, portion of the fusion hip hop routine. Cute, adorable, wholesome.. good times. And check out those young future leaders. Sexy. At then end was open mic and these kids who looked really shy started to beat box and pop & lock! DAMN. I wish I had a video, it was hot! At the end JV jumped on stage to sing a song. It was wonderfully silly! :D I loved it all.

And of course, there's Huan. I love that picture because he makes them Huan speeches that is appropriately in front of projected clouds. Reach for the SKY! Be proud of your heritage, yeah Huan. Yay VSA. Yeah John Viet. Foster community and remind people that there's A LOT to be proud of.