The Mystique

Dated April 29, 2010

It's a deep rooted fascination that I myself don't fully understand. It's something so mentally and emotionally embedded in me - that thru time, while the minds and spirits of most people can slowly let feelings like this die, it - on the other hand - is a constant for me - neither festering nor dwindling, but just... there. There like breath, there like sunlight... there like all things natural in this world.

Many years have passed since I've allowed myself to embrace the memories of yesteryear... though each day I've lived in its becoming... so sprouted from a short-lived time in the presence of something so moving, so... perfect... that to this day, I cannot ration myself to move beyond it.

Oh how great things have been since its passing. But even then, it is my constant. Its reminder, both my joy and my sorrow... that even photos, past and present, are capable of producing smiles and inducing tears.

Letters to a Young Poet

"I beg you... to have patience with everything unresolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves as if they were locked rooms or books written in a very foreign language. Don't search for the answers, which could not be given to you now, because you would not be able to live them. and the point is, to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps then, someday far in the future, you will gradually, without even noticing it, live your way into the answer..."

Current Obsession: Heisuke Kitazawa

Also known as PCP: http://www.hypehopewonderland.com/

Strictly illustrations. Strictly colorful. With a pinch of digital editing (on some works).

When perusing through the artist's website, be sure to start from the current goods and work your way backwards. Though every year is consistent in being visually dynamic (and overall impressive), the use of pattern and surrealism is far more apparent in the illustrations dated 2009.

There's an immediate recognition of cultural implementations. The use of Japanese anime inspired creatures and colors is made apparent at initial observation, with no need of further research into the artist's background. It's visually delicious, and one can lose himself/herself in dissecting the intricate details in just one illustration. Totally inspiring.

About A Boy

He sat there like a tethered hummingbird, perched silently on the shoulder of imagination, struggling to sing its lovely song. The soothing lullabies he desired to loudly expel into the recesses of the world were muted by the lack of light and air – but not of audience. He was weighted, bound by the shackles of earthly responsibilities, and a societal pressure to not only consume the bread and butter, but to be consumed by all of the temporary fulfillments it promised to deliver.

He sought spiritual contentment, if only by the means of intellectual dialogue, penned contemplations that guaranteed a peacefully orgasmic release of the pressure and stress that came with earthly riches – material possessions he knew he could do without.

The glass which sat on the sill of his window fell abruptly onto the ground. That damn cat he nurtured playfully - toyed with the concept of gravity – and with one swing of his paw, a majestic array of glass reflected a dozen images of himself and the world around him. With a loud thud and gasp of air, he suddenly felt free. The delightful patterns of a shattered glass reflected the rising sun, and like geneses, the darkness slowly faded, and there were no longer shades of gray to confuse his colorful spirit. Like geneses, there was light. Like geneses, there was a new becoming.

The world was his. He knew it. All things lovely, all things kind, and all things unknown would be his catalyst. He sat there, perched silently on the shoulder of imagination… and began to write again.

Back in Los Angeles

My business trip to San Francisco was one big fiesta. I was able to meet up with so many friends that I've met "along the way" - and each one being so different in personality, has reminded me how beautifully insane our differences can be.

There were nights when I walked up and down Market St., critiqued art at MOMA, and spent hours pub crawling through Northbeach while trying new mom-and-pop joints to eat at. There was Sea Food, Indian food, Italian food, Japanese food, Irish food, food, food, food!

I didn't take very many pictures. I was too busy living life first hand - but all of the images, the scent of the bay, the laughter of friends, the clinking of glasses, the feel of his touch - are with me forever.

San Francisco Night 1

What an amazing start to my business trip. With my flight arriving in SFO at about noon, I was given enough time to paint the town red with one of my best friends from London, Jodi.

Jodi's been living in SF for a few years now, so she was able to show me around town like a true native - and we went from tourist traps to neighborhood pubs, all within a 7-8 hour time span. We walked through Chinatown, had clam chowder and a beer at Fisherman's Wharf, admired the view from Lombard St., and sat and paid our respects to the water. We even rode on the side of a trolley, where she gave me the most amazing play-by-play of all that the city has to offer. What an amazing tour guide.

Everyone has been extremely nice so far. The barista at Peet's Coffee gave me a mocha on the house, and the bartender at a pub gave us several glasses of free beer and cider.

The last 3 hours of the night were spent at the London Black Horse Pub, where we met two extremely amazing blokes - one, who was drop dead effin' gorgeous, was set to sail to the Galapagos Islands the following morning. Good looking, worldly, and 6'3".

We had to cut the night short - considering I am here to work - so I manned up and bussed it back to my suite.

I love you Jodi. I love you San Francisco.

Has it REALLY been 6 months?

I'm still alive!

Having absolutely zero access to the internet outside of work hasn't allowed for much leisure surfing, but it has saved me from a lot of wasted hours stalking celebrities online - and consequently, has also cut back on my ability to blog about life and all its quirks!

But it's autumn now - the best of 4 seasons - and there's no better time for me to give a quick hello!

SO MUCH has happened in 6 months that it feels as though everything has come into full circle... Lakers season came and went - and voila, it's here again! I already have the 08-09 schedule pinned up in my humbly decorated cubicle... My apartment is as comfortable as can be, and its awesome location has catered to my pallet, and has given me the pleasure of entertaining a handful of overnight guests... Work is still exciting, and my commute is still the best part of my day (weird, right?)... I still haven't figured out how a man's mind works, but in my mind, I HAVE figured out what kind of man I want... I've been responsibly green for 6 months, and I plan on sharing A LOT of what I've learned about this amazing lifestyle over my next couple of posts (hopefully that will be soon)...

But I suppose that the best and biggest changes stemming from the fruits of spring and summer, are the awakening fruitions I have come to know about myself, my relationship with God, and of those I hold in the deepest recesses of my heart. I have never been this satisfied with life, as I am during this very moment (even with the lack of all my wants). And though I've always appreciated my loved ones, I have never been so aware of how amazing my family and best friends are, and how precious my relationships are with them. How important it is to nurture and give selflessly to these relationships. It's all been so spiritual and so moving.

Until next time...

This Admition is Backdated

I've been consistent in my efforts to downplay your affect on my life. Maybe it's because you hurt me. Maybe it's because of the way things ended. Maybe it's simply because until now, I truly believed it.

But in retrospect, I must concede that you have had more impact on my life than I've ever wanted or will ever want to admit.

MVP, No Contest

Postscript: I was on the list for Lakers pre-sale tickets on April 4th. I spent 4 hours just trying to access the Ticketmaster website. It kept giving me an error message after typing in my pre-sale password. No go. Bummer.

April Milestones

The last month has been exciting… and exhausting! So much change and evolution is taking place in my simple little life, I can't even begin to take it all in! The earlier half of March was in itself, quite uneventful. The weekdays were spent working and commuting, and I've officially begun an overtime routine at work. Speaking of which - I've been at my new job exactly four months now, and I'm still trying to balance myself on the frighteningly steep learning curve. But overall, the entire experience has been a huge breath of fresh air, and I enjoy coming into work each and every morning (the hot boys in the area make that a little bit easier). In passing, my very powerful boss provided some very positive and reassuring feedback on my performance – and there have been talks of elevating my responsibilities. If you knew the kinds of duties involved, that's a HUGE deal. So I'm pretty stoked about that. My goal is to be promoted in 2-3 years, and so far, that's looking feasible.

In other very big news – I'm moving! After nearly one month of sacrificing my weekends to search for a new apartment, I've finally found a place to call my own. And let me tell you, it hasn't been easy. Finding an apartment in the greater Los Angeles area has been a pill. A huge, throat-clinching pill. Los Angeles is huge, so the chances you'll accidentally end up in the ghetto are pretty darn good. After searching through the highs and lows of Koreatown, Glendale, etc. – I decided that my best bet was to venture off into the burbs. And just when I came close to a mental and physical breakdown, I found a charming little place in the city I originally wanted to live in. SCORE! But I tell you, my best girl and I ended my search with a handful of stories about crazy leasing officers who made us take our shoes off and walk in straight lines on new carpet. It was coextensively hilarious and creepy. Thinking about the ajima now still gives me the heeby jeebies.

In equally huge news – my $3K smile has made its debut! That's right ladies and gents, I am metal-mouth and bracey-face no more! As of April 1st, I'm flossin' the smile I've wanted all my life! Unfortch, because I haven't seen my brace-less teeth for almost 2 years, they look a bit horse-like and off-white. Not cool homies. Not cool. So now that I'm obsessed with oral… healthcare, I'm looking into some cosmetic whitening procedures. Any recommendations? On the up-and-up, it feels amazing just to be able to floss my teeth like a human being. I'm completely obsessed with dental floss – and have officially started a "teeth fetish".

Well that covers all the major stuff – lots of funny, small tidbits to share… and hopefully I'll get around to posting a pic and story here and there. Stay tuned!

Another NBA Post, I Love This Game

First things first, how amazing was the Lakers v. Mavs game today? I tell you, the boys had me on the edge of my seat the entire game! I wasn't too worried with the 7-0 run in the beginning, and I thought that set a really good tone for what was to come. Both teams definitely brought it, and I've gotta give big ups to Dirk - homeboy can shoot for a big guy. The game's MVP was definitely Kobe Bryant, scoring a season high of 52 points (the early missed free throw shots were forgivable). He definitely brought it today - and how cute was he when he was cradling his two daughters during a post game interview. Gigi and Natalia are delicious. Contrary to my last mention of him, Luke Walton played decent ball today - especially earlier on in the game. The entire team still needs to work on their D, but I thought they fought really hard today. Honorable mentions to Sasha and Lamar. And of course, how can I not mention Jordy's career high of 24 points against the Heat last Thursday. Boyfriend has game.

So with Friday nights loss and today's amazing win, tomorrow won't be black Monday in downtown L.A. Sigh of relief! I think it's fair to say that for the rest of the season, you can pretty much turn the TV on and find a decent game. Everyone in the Western Conference is playing with such energy and gusto, making for a playoff-like atmosphere at almost every game. And if today's game provides any insight as to what the playoffs are going to be like, then wow, we're in for an amazing post-season.

To all the true Laker fans: say no to the bandwagon!

On a side note, here are photos of me with two of my closest friends at last week's Clippers' game. We had my company suite all to ourselves (courtesy of my boss)! A 12 person booth just for the three of us. Free food, free drinks, free everything.

And yes, it's the same suite as last year's Laker game - only this time, I was the invitee and not the invited. Holla!


Photo: Ayana!


Photo: Switch sides.


Photo: With my only Filipino friend, Andrew.


Photo: Suite life.


Photo: Photogen.


Photo: Can you zoom out a little?


Photo: Buffet.


Photo: Clipper nation, my ass. But it's the NBA, so I loved it.

The Shoe Show

Photo: Feb 9, 2008 - The Shoe Show (Pomona Arts Colony)

Boleyn Promos Begin!

Photo: Natty makes Scarlet look like a dog. No offense.


Photo: Why does Scarlet look so creepy?


Photo: My girl! So hot.


Photo: Not hot. But a great actress. No offense.

Staples Center Post Grammys

I walked over to the Staples Center on my lunch break to take a quick peak at the Grammys Aftermath... It was pretty cool seeing them take the Foo Fighters stage down, and even cooler seeing all the goodies they're building for L.A. Live. But then I saw something that really got my blood boiling. Some homeboy/cholo wearing a Celtics jersey. Heck no. You don't do that in L.A. Had it not been for the time my brother lectured me on "representing the Lakers with some class," I probably would've mumbled some bitter remark. But instead, we'll just bring it during playoffs.

Lakers 104 - Heat 94

I love this game.

Vanity Fair Cover is Gold

Slow Me Down

Every morning I find myself wrapped up in the push-and-shove of the busy work day. I often find myself having to take a step back to let others pass, who might be in a bigger rush than myself. I sometimes want to give someone the finger, or tell them straight-up to "watch where the f* they're going." But instead I say a quick prayer for patience, and remind myself that we're all just trying to make a living.

He's someone's dad. She's someone's mom. We're all just trying to get to work to make it happen. And everyone just needs to chill out. Even me.

Spellman Sisters

These chicks are dope.

John Mayer

...is off the hook. See if you can recognize the song.

A Very Late "Happy New Year"

2008 is in full swing, and I'm still coping with the shock that 2007 is long gone. The last year has been, without a doubt, the fastest year of my entire life! I suppose it's true what they say, the speed of time is directly proportional to your age - in that the older you become, the faster time seems to go by. Truth!

As I reflect on the last year, I can't help but be grateful for all of the blessings (both expected and unexpected) that came my way. It was a fast but fruitful year; filled with an abundance of spiritual growth and self improvement. I continued to develop my strong relationship with God; and continuing to put God first has given me the wisdom to learn and accept how other things in my life fall into place. It's changed my outlook, mentality, and coping mechanisms, ultimately allowing me to be both joyful with everything I have, and content with all that I lack. Coextensively, it's opened my eyes to the areas of my life that need improvement - all of which are a work in progress. Trust! 2007 was very eventful - in every sense of the word - and amongst the dozens of stories I've shared and haven't shared, my favorite events of the year include:

01. My trip to Canada and Seattle with Lisa.
02. Being maid of honor at my cousin Angel's wedding.
03. Skydiving with my friends.
04. Buying my dream car.
05. Getting the job I've been dreaming of all year.
06. Being a bridesmaid at my best friend's wedding.
07. Going to 2 different Laker games (1 & 2).
08. My 24th Birthdaypalooza.
09. Dressing up as Jelly Beans for Halloween.

While I accomplished a large portion of the goals I set for myself in 2007, there are some goals that are still in progress, and that I've carried over into the New Year. And the goals which were out of my own control were at least attempted, and are still things I wish to pursue. My goals for 2008 include:

Continue to grow really long and healthy hair.
Lower my cholesterol, and improve my overall health.
Master the processes of my new job.

I know I say this every year (and every year it's true), but 2008 is going to be a BIG year. I will hit the milestone of turning 25 - and for the first time in my entire life, I honestly feel matured. Some would say old, I say matured - and I welcome all that it entails. My hope for you is that you have an amazing 2008; filled with love, excitement, and new opportunities beyond your wildest dreams.