I tube, he tube, she tube– we all YouTube

http://youtube.com/erikadavid

With SO MUCH talent out there, folks no longer half to pass their demo packages around via snail-mail or out of their trunk. Just post it! YouTube.com has been a hub for unsigned talent, especially singers and musicians to post dozens of homemade videos. Erika David is one unsigned artist I’d like share with you. She is a young Pop/ R&B singer out of Las Vegas. Self-taught, she has LOTS of potential with a need of professional development. You judge for yourself. (that David last name is cool too)

Paint By Word

This is one of the coolest things I’ve seen in a while. This is Paint By Word from Bay Area (LA based) artist Allison Torneros. According to Torneros, the concept is “Every two days I make an illustration based on a word or phrase that you give me. [via e-mail]” What you see above is Torneros’ illustration for the word frottage [1. a technique in the visual arts of obtaining textural effects or images by rubbing lead, chalk, charcoal, etc., over paper laid on a granular or relieflike surface. 2. the practice of getting sexual stimulation and satisfaction by rubbing against something, esp. another person.]. So you can use “frottage” to be artistic and sexual at the same time– as demonstrated. Nice.

Anyhow, Allison Torneros is definitely an artist to look out for. Truly versatile and sharp. Now to find a word to send to Allison.

Max Roach 1924-2007

As Peter Keepnews of the NY times puts it, “Mr. Roach, a percussion virtuoso capable of playing at the most brutal tempos with subtlety as well as power, was an important architect of this musical revolution. He remained adventurous, and modern, to the end.” There’s not much else to say about to say about this Modern Jazz Master– you just have to listen. I’ve always been a fan of the percussions and when it came to learning jazz, Max Roach was one of the first names I was introduced to.

Now playing (at home): Duke Ellington’s Money Jungle (featuring Mingus and Roach).

Calling all Niner fans, I smell Football Season

NFL Preseason has begun (and so has Fantasy Football). Unfortunately, my Niners lost on Monday Night’s exhibition to the Denver Broncos, 17-13, at Monster Park… err Bill Walsh Field (amen). They sure looked pretty good despite the small loss. Many will agree that Alex Smith performed with improved confidence– helping the Niners score on back-to-back drives early in the game. We got a long way to go, but with new additions like WRs Darrell Jackson, Ashley Lelie, and defenders like Nate Clements, Tully Banta-Cain, and Michael Lewis, expect the Niners to be a major threat to the NFC West bar none (Bar None like William Floyd). I’m looking forward to faves Vernon Davis, Arnaz Battle, and Frank Gore this season as well. Props to WR Jason Hill, San Francisco native and Sacred Heart College Prep HS alumni– welcome home.

Philippines Wins World Cup of Boxing!!!

I couldn’t make it to this event- luckily I have some family that watched it live. I’ve been keeping track online for the results. Here it is… 5-1, Philippines defeats Mexico in the 2007 World Cup of Boxing! Unfortunately, my favorite Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista got knocked the heck out in Round One. Much props to 35 year-old Gerry Penalosa taking the WBO Bantamweight Title from 25 year-old Jhonny Gonzales. According to CBS Sportsline, they predicted a 3-3 draw. I can’t imagine what kind of wagers were happening, especially in Vegas, but if you took Philippines as the favorite… you got yourself some good dough. As a longtime boxing (overall sports) fan, I can tell you that the lighter weight divisions are the most exciting to watch. I respect both Mexico and the Philippines for having the best fighters all-around, pound for pound, throughout history. With the rising popularity of MMA (which I enjoy as well), there has been some declined interests in boxing. Rest assured, boxing is not dead- the future is here with those 12 amazing young fighters (well, except for Penalosa) who battled today at Arco Arena in Sacramento, CA.

PILIPINAS KONG MAHAL!!! PILIPINAS KONG MAHAL!!! PILIPINAS KONG MAHAL!!!

Philippines vs. Mexico

No not in Basketball, Soccer, Baseball, Track & Field, nor even Billiards. We’re talking about BOXING! The Boxing World Cup will take place tomorrow night, Saturday, August 11th at Arco Arena in Sacramento, CA. HBO’s Boxing After Dark will televise the fights. The headliner: Mexico’s Daniel Ponce de Leon will defend his Super Bantamweight Championship Belt against Philippine’s Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista! 6 Mexicans and 6 Filipinos. We’re looking at the best fighters, pound for pound, and the biggest rivals in the boxing world.

GO PHILIPPINES! MABUHAY! MABUHAY!

Mr. J. Medeiros “Constance” raps on Human Trafficking

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqyLRpGgxRs

Mr. J. Medeiros of The Procussions (one of my favorite Hip-Hop groups of today) has just released a powerful music video for his single “Constance” from his solo album of gods and girls (Ruckus). The subject of the song/ video is about a Filipina girl falling victim into human trafficking and sex trade. Thousands of people worldwide are kidnapped and trafficked against their will every day. What’s sad is that majority of the number are children under 18 years old.

According to Mr. J’s MySpace bulletin, MTV refuses to air the video due to the lyrical content and his label wouldn’t back him up. “Lyrical content” eh?! I’m sorry, but some of the music videos we see today on MTV and other major channels already have somewhat “offensive” visual and lyrical content– from sex, to alcohol, smoking, drugs, domestic, and even gang violence… I don’t understand! Oh I see, maybe it’s not “entertaining” like other Hip-Hop videos. It’s too real right? Makes me think of the time we tried to get the Black Eyed Peas’ “Apl Song” video on MTV.

If you’re reading this, please view the video on Mr. J’s YouTube or MySpace page– and lend your comments.

Barry, Barry, Barry

Congratulations Barry Bonds on 756. Whew…

Jose Rizal left his heart in San Francisco?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSYL0auWkyA

Thank you to all who celebrated the I-Hotel 30th Anniversary this past Saturday in San Francisco. It was great to see friends and family– plus old and new school P.E.A.C.E. members from City College of SF. You’re still in our hearts Jeff “Makata” Trinidad! On the subject of Filipino-American history, check out this YouTube link from a recent Balitang America (The Filipino Channel/ ABS-CBN) episode. Learn about some of the “hidden gems” on Filipino history in San Francisco. Shout out to my boy, Steve Angeles of ABS-CBN.

Return from Comic-Con 2007

I can’t fully describe the scale and depth of San Diego Comic-Con. It was just OVERwhelming! Man, I am still pooped and I was only there for 2 days. Imagine if I was there for all 5 days.

Of course, I was mainly there for my American Komikeros project. Matt Abaya and I grinded throughout the weekend getting as many interviews as possible. We talked to some of the biggest names in the comic book industry– which I will keep under wraps for now. Overall, all of our interviewees were terrific and gracious. They openly embraced the American Komikeros project and had a lot to say about Filipino comic book artists. Our documentary featured artists were at Comic-Con as well– Tony DeZuniga, Ernie Chan, Alex Nino, and Philip Tan. Unfortunately, Danny Bulanadi couldn’t make it. Aside from filming our project, Matt and I did our best to enjoy all that is the “Comic-Con Experience.” We bought some merchandise, exclusive toys, and comics. We took some pictures and got some autographs. We also got lots of free stuff (which you can now find on eBay). We missed one thing… the panels. Yes, we missed the movie previews and celebrity interviews. Sorry I have no idea what happened at the Iron Man and Incredible Hulk 2 panel. Boo me. Speaking of celebs, we ran into random ones: Lou Ferrigno, George Takei, Gene Simmons, Feedback (from the Stan Lee reality show) and some of the Battlestar Gallactica cast. But yes, there were plenty more out there- we just didn’t see them (Jessica Alba). Another interesting thing was that Matt and I ran into so many friends especially from the Bay Area. It was like we never left home. Shout out to Bay Area artist Jesse Hernandez representing TFC’s The Nut Shack. Jesse is one helluva artist– he does vinyl toys too. While on the subject of friends, that’s our boy Patricio Ginelsa in the picture above. It was his first Comic-Con too and he “geeked” out to the fullest (ala Transformers). You’re my boy PG, always there for each other when it comes to our “exclusives.” Now we’re really broke. haha.

Comic-Con is one event I suggest visiting sometime in your life. If you’re a fan of anything that’s entertainment and pop culture related, this is the place to be. Although, I suggest going on a weekday than the weekend. So if you’re planning for next year, book your hotel now. Remember that over 100,000 attend Comic-Con. Luckily, I didn’t spend too much money (other than for food) and if you plan right, you can still walk out of Comic-Con with lots of free “costly” goods. While in San Diego, I ate at Christy’s Bakery (9178 Mira Mesa Blvd.). It is really one of the best Filipino bakery/ restaurants. Masarap!