Do you remember the time? When we fell in love… with Michael Jackson.

Michael Jackson's "Thriller"

It is unfortunate that my latest post is another memorial to someone that has been an influence in my life. Michael Jackson died Thursday afternoon on June 25th. There’s no need to compare my previous post of Manong Al Robles to this one.  Many of my peers, fellow 80s kids, and millions worldwide will agree that the King of Pop has been a major part of our daily lives. When I was a kid, I sang to his music. I thought his music videos were phenomenal, and freaky all at the same time- i.e. “Thriller.” Speaking of “Thriller”, I wanted the red leather jacket or anything that looked like it. I wore one glove. I tried to Moonwalk. I own all of his albums- CD and cassette. I can honestly say that I fell in love with Michael Jackson.

Yes, there were his eccentricities, the ridicules, questionable relationships, and legal issues. “Wacko Jacko” is what the tabloids call him. A friend of mine responded on Facebook saying, “Not sure if I would pray for an accused child molester.” Ok, I get the point and many will concur. How can you admire someone with that kind of reputation? Honestly, it’s absolutely hard to accept, but it is reality because it was everywhere on the news. Michael Jackson’s entire life was in the spotlight. Was it the fame that caused his eccentricities? The lack of a “normal” childhood upbringing? Does it matter what the truth is? Then you might want to see Michael Jackson’s song and video “Childhood”, which he claims is his most honest song.

Many of our pop culture icons had their issues out in public- from Frank Sinatra, Elvis, Madonna, etc. No matter how much controversy Michael Jackson was drowned in, it was his music that elevated above all. The numbers speak for themselves- over 750 million sold worldwide and counting. The entire world was affected by his music. He also broke color barriers in entertainment. His music had heart and soul. Many of today’s music artists have been influenced by Michael Jackson. Let’s not forget the “We Are the World” project which brought the top artists of the 80s and raised millions of dollars for aid in Africa. Michael Jackson was compassionate and a very charitable person. Yes, I know there are other important news issues other than the death of a celebrity. Many are very cynical about Michael Jackson’s death. Regardless whether you hate him, love him, or don’t care- you can’t deny that Michael Jackson was influential worldwide.

We were all looking forward to his comeback next month. There were reports of Michael Jackson recording new music. Unfortunately, he never had a chance to complete that. I believe, despite his passing, Michael will still make a comeback. As we speak, Michael Jackson’s music sales have spiked incredibly (digital and retail) since his death yesterday. It’s funny in some ways how we take music for granted until the artist is gone, but that’s how life goes. I believe all the Jacksons, whom I admired over the years, will continue Michael’s legacy. Though little is known about Michael Jackson’s children, we’ll all be watching for years to come. Will they too, continue their father’s legacy? I myself, plan to continue his legacy by introducing his music and videos to my children.

There is so much to talk about, but it comes down to this… Michael Jackson will live definitely forever and I’m still in love.

Favorite songs: “Rock Wit U”, “Don’t Stop till You Get Enough”, “Man in the Mirror”, “Billie Jean”, “Butterflies”

Favorite videos: “Thriller”, “The Way You Make Me Feel”, “Do You Remember”, “Beat It”, “Smooth Criminal”

Memorable MJ Moments: The Jackson 5 (Thank you Motown), Michael Jackson introducing his nephews “3T” (I had so much hope for them), MJ and Lisa Marie Presley at the MTV Music Awards (What the heck?), Bubbles the monkey (hello there monkey), “The Wiz” (pre-plastic surgery), MJ and James Brown at the 2003 BET Music Awards (legendary).

Rest in Power… Manong Al Robles

Al Robles (Source: Leland Wong Photography/ www.lwongphoto.com)

While millions of Filipinos worldwide celebrated Manny Pacquiao’s knock out victory over Ricky Hatton on Saturday May 2nd, many here in the SF Bay Area Filipino community were mourning the loss of another Filipino fighter, Al Robles. It was a passing that was absolutely “so sudden, so fast.”

No, Manong Al Robles was not a fighter in the ring, but in the San Francisco community. He was an acclaimed poet and activist for the elderly at the I-Hotel in San Francisco. He is also one of the Board of Directors for the Manilatown Heritage Foundation. I first met Manong Al many years ago through my friend Jeff Trinidad (RIP), also a community activist. Through Jeff and Manong Al, that is how I learned about the I-Hotel and the Manilatown Heritage Foundation.

Though Manong Al has a face you cannot forget, it’s his words I will always remember. His collection of poetry can be found in Rappin’ With Ten Thousand Carabaos in the Dark, which was published in the late 90’s (hard to find by the way).  Another gem I recommend is a recorded spoken word piece titled “All The Things He Was (a poem for Flip Nunez)”, accompanied by Theo Gonzalves on piano from Gonzalves’ album Novemberly (2002).

Those who never got to know Manong Al, should see this recent documentary called “Manilatown Is In The Heart (Time Travel with Al Robles)” directed by Curtis Choy. It’s currently screening at various film festivals, but is now available on Choy’s website.

A memorial for Manong Al is planned for Sunday, May 17th at SOMArts (934 Brannan St.) in San Francisco. For updates and more information, please check out Hyphen Magazine’s blog.

Manny Pacquiao is…

“just doing his job.”

Congrats Manny! Bring on Mayweather!

Mo’ Manny Mo’ Money

Manny Pacquiao x Nike Air Trainer 1

As Filipinos and boxing fans prepare for the May 2nd fight, the Pac Man merch frenzy has been blazing since the Dela Hoya months ago. Btw, best to your retirement Golden Boy. So if you haven’t picked them up already, Niketown San Francisco and Las Vegas are selling limited-edition Official Manny Pacquiao Nike shirts in SF Giants colors (retail $22). Why the SF Giants colors? This past April 21st, the SF Giants hosted “Filipino Heritage Night” where 10,000 Manny Pacquiao bobbleheads were given out. Guest of honor, Manny Pacquiao threw the first pitch to none other than SF Giants’ ace Tim Lincecum, who is also part-Filipino. That’s a milestone in Filipino American history no?

If you’re still not satisfied, on the day of the Hatton fight, May 2nd, Nike will be releasing very limited numbers of Manny Pacquiao Nike Air Trainers (see photo). 100 pairs will be distributed to Niketown San Francisco and Las Vegas along with a couple more accounts. This was probably a long time coming- I’m sure fans were expecting a Pac Man shoe since Manny signed onto Nike in 2006.The odds of getting a pair of those Air Trainers? Hmmm… let’s say you may have to line up a night or two early.

Wait there’s more Manny merch… Franco Shade has created a limited-edition Pac Man Foundation shirts, where all proceeds benefit the Manny Pacquiao Foundation for underpriviledged children in the Philippines.

Oh yeah, those Franco Shade shirts are sold out. I just checked. For a great shirt that’s going to a great cause, hopefully they’ll produce a few more. Only 500 shirts made?

However, if you’re still in the Bay Area, head over to Fatlace, for your Official Nike Team Pacquiao shirts! Black and white tees from what I’ve seen. They should be in stock still.

And let’s say after the May 2nd fight, you’re still hungry for some Pinoy Pride merchandise, the SF Giants are hosting “Filipino Heritage Night II” on Wednesday, September 16th. No bobbleheads here, but the t-shirt giveaway is pretty awesome. Props to the designer.

Despite harsh times in our economy, this is Pinoy Pride at its finest ya’ll, and to many (or Manny I should say), it’s worth every penny!

Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Here’s something I would like to share from Wikipedia: Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is “an autoimmune disease affecting the peripheral nervous system, usually triggered by an acute infectious process. It is frequently severe and usually exhibits as an ascending paralysis noted by weakness in the legs that spreads to the upper limbs and the face along with complete loss of deep tendon reflexes. With prompt treatment by plasmapheresis or intravenous immunoglobulins and supportive care, the majority of patients will regain full functional capacity…”

My reason for sharing information about GBS is because one of my best friends has been diagnosed with the disease last week. A couple weeks prior, he complained about headaches, nausea, and weakness in the legs. His wife took him to the ER twice and went back home after each visit. Then last Saturday, he couldn’t move. He collapsed as his wife tried to help him off of bed. So an ambulance was called and he was taken to the ER. He was later admitted to intensive care, where he still remains.

Just to keep this brief, the news was completely shocking and frightening all at once because many of us have never heard about GBS. This disease can happen to anyone at anytime. He is currently intubated as we speak and may be at the peak of highest weakness. I’ve finally got a chance to see him a couple nights ago and it’s been absolutely heartbreaking. Can’t find any more words to describe. Plus there’s not much more to say at this time. The disease is running its course day by day. We’re constantly reminded that “majority of patients will regain full functional capacity.” All we can do is pray- for his wife, his 4-month old baby girl, family, and friends.

So many thoughts continue to race through my mind. I’ve been sharing them with other friends and family as means of mental therapy. I want to also share this with anyone reading my blogs as well. Remember to please value your life and the ones you love- because you never know. I’ll continue to keep posted…

Thank you for supporting Bastard & Friends at WonderCon!

With the Bastard & Friends fam, Sharon and Jonathan

Although I’ve only attended 1 out of 3 days, I must say that this year’s WonderCon was the best yet! Thank you to all who came and supported Bastard & Friends at booth 547! This was our first-ever tradeshow. According to Sharon and Jonathan from Bastard & Friends, WonderCon went “EXTREMELY well.” We’re definitely looking forward to WonderCon 2010. Big thanks to my friends at Dragatomi.com for their awesome toy giveaways and overall family support!  

Don’t be a B*stard at WonderCon!

The second largest comics convention in the West Coast is coming this weekend to San Francisco- the one and only WonderCon! This annual gathering is not for just the comic book geeks, it’s for fans of anything really, like toys, movies, TV, and pop culture. I’ve been a loyal attendee for many years and the Con never ceases to amaze me. I enjoy meeting my favorite comic book artists and writers, buying new comics and toys, seeing people in costume, and attending the talk panels with celebrities galore. Of course, the mother of all conventions is Comic-Con International (same folks that produce WonderCon too), but what makes WonderCon special is that it’s here at home!

This year, I am definitely proud to say that I will be featured at WonderCon. As a creative designer and artist for Bastard & Friends, a Bay Area-based apparel company, I was asked to design an exclusive t-shirt for this event. Bastard & Friends is making their exhibitor debut (Booth 547- between Halo-8 and Suicide Girls) at the Con! So I decided to come up with, of course, a comic book theme featuring Bastard & Friends characters.

This is it! What do ya think?! This is definitely a dream come true- as an artist and comic book geek- just like Lumpia! So for those who are going to WonderCon this weekend, drop by and say to the Bastard & Friends family! I know we’re in tough economic times, which is why all items will be on sale for 30%- 50% off the regular website price! Hope to see you there!!!

Patricio Ginelsa’s Lincoln MKS commercial video tonight at the Grammy’s!

EXTRA! EXTRA! My dear friend and indie filmmaker, Patricio Ginelsa, has won a nationwide car commercial contest for the Lincoln MKS! He is one of five Grand Prize winners whose videos will be shown (in a 30-sec. format) tonight during “music’s biggest night”- the Grammy’s! However, you can view the commercial in its entirety online NOW! Go to CBS Online to view videos from the finalists! The song selected for the video is “Love” by Greyboy feat. Nino Moschella.

Congrats to Patricio Ginelsa! Most of all, big kudos to the cast and crew (too many to name) behind this project! You are all winners! For behind the scenes, check out http://www.kidheroes.net/love/.

Geek things for 2009

Aside from continuing to raise my kids and spend precious time with family and friends, what else would I look forward to in the New Year? Why, it would be the things I “geek” out for. Yes I said geek. For those unfamiliar with the term geek, Wikipedia says, “A person with a devotion to something in a way that places him or her outside the mainstream. This could be due to the intensity, depth, or subject of their interest… ” Some of the top things I am devoted to- comic books and movies- will certainly be a highlight for 2009:

• WonderCon: From February 27th through March 1st, tens of thousands will make their way to San Francisco’ s Moscone Center to geek out on their favorite comic books, toys, artists, celebrities, films, and other geeks wearing superhero costumes. What’s different about this year’s convention is that I myself will be exhibiting and not just attending. Bay Area’s own up and coming apparel line, Bastard & Friends, will be making their convention debut! B&F doesn’t produce comic-books, however, they do produce character-based apparel. I’m happy to say that as one of their creative designers, I have designed a special B&F t-shirt that will be exclusively sold at WonderCon! Come by WonderCon and look for us listed under “B&F.”
• The Watchmen: One of the most popular graphic novels of all-time makes its way to the big screen, directed by Zack Snyder (300). What’s even cooler is that the film is co-written by San Francisco’s own Alex Tse. For those unfamilar with Tse, he collaborated with director Spike Lee on a Showtime pilot called Sucker Free City a few years ago. Unfortunately, Showtime didn’t pick up the pilot for a series, but at least you can pick it up on DVD.
• 27th San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival (SFIAAFF): This is the nation’s largest showcase for new Asian American and Asian films. One the biggest events I look forward to every year, I’m happy to be back working for them- this time as their Volunteer Coordinator (you can e-mail me at: ldavid@asianamericanmedia.org). I can’t unveil the program yet, so you’ll have to stay tuned!
• “X-Men Origins: Wolverine”: What’s more to say?! Wolverine is the most kick-@$$ heroes in comic book history (thank you Marvel) and he finally gets his own solo film! Well not quite solo, since the film also features other characters like Deadpool, Gambit, Sabretooth, and Silver Fox. I’ll be seeing you at the theaters, May 1st… bub.
• “Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen”: What else could be better than Wolverine?! Something that’s more than meets the eye. Optimus Prime and company are back on screen June 26th! Rumor is that a teaser trailer will be unveiled on Superbowl Sunday- Feb. 1st! You can browse the net for on-set photos and other sneaky video clips, but it’s just not enough. Michael Bay is slick when it comes creating buzz and this sequel has been buzzin’ since the first film!
• Dragatomi.com: Despite current nationwide financial woes, there are some things that can still bring joy to your home… like toys. I’ve mentioned them before and I’ll say it again- Dragatomi.com! This family-owned and operated site continues to bring the latest in designer vinyl toys and then some. Selection is top-notch especially if you’re looking for limited and rare pieces. Prices are fair and customer service is the best. I just picked up a couple of Headphonies- mini speaker toys with superior volume!

Quannum Projects x Shoebiz SF x Reebok release on December 26th!

Quannum Projects, the Bay Area based Hip-Hop collective and indie record label has teamed up with San Francisco’s Shoebiz and Reebok to release a set of limited-edition Ventilators inspired by DJ Shadow, Latyrx, and Blackalicious. Check out ShoebizSF’s product page for a closer look at these kicks. This is an exciting collab, speaking for myself as a fan of Quannum and avid Ventilator collector. Reebok Ventilators are absolutely classic and underappreciated in the game- as much as Bay Area independent Hip-Hop if I may add.

So for those in the Bay Area, if you’re in town after Christmas, come and check out the Office Release Event at ShoeBiz SF (Dino Shop/ 1553 Haight St.) on Friday, December 26th, 4pm. See the flyer above for more details. Look for Eddie from Quannum Projects and tell him that LeRoid sent you!