37 arrested at Boston tea-m Party

Congrats to the Boston Red Sox for their 4-game [yawn] sweepage over the Colorado Rockies at the 2007 World Series. Meanwhile, Bonds and A.Rod are up for grabs.

Hayward Comic-Con for one day only!

Hey Bay Area folks, if you’re not doing anything this Sunday, November 4th, check this out:

HAYWARD COMIC-CON
COMIC BOOK AND FANTASY CONVENTION
CENTENNIAL HALL
22292 Foothill Blvd., Hayward, CA
Bringing Back the Future!

SUNDAY. November 4th, 2007
Sun. 10:00am TO 4:30pm

Admission is Only $5.00
(Children under 8yrs are Free)

And for you komikero fans, Alex Nino, Tony DeZuniga, and Ernie Chan are confirmed guests. Don’t miss you’re chance to get some holiday comic book and art shopping! I’m hoping to check this out myself…

Thinking about Southern California

The news throughout this entire week has been emotionally draining as reports of the wildfire devastation continues to take over Southern California. Fortunately as we speak, friends’ and even family’s homes have been spared by the fires, despite only being less than a mile away from the danger. While speaking to family early on Monday during their evacuation (they live near the Rancho Bernardo area in San Diego), I could hear and even feel their emotions. It was unbearable at times because after getting off the phone, I would momentarily break down. I wished I could just reach out physically from here in the Bay Area down to SoCal. I have followed every single update, almost every hour since Monday morning. Like I said earlier, their homes have been spared, but it’s still a recovery that affects everyone down there. And as we still speak, some of the fires have not been contained and continue to threaten more homes.

For those reading this post, please keep the people of Southern California in your thoughts and prayers. Disasters like this, Hurricane Katrina, and around the world remind us that life and the precious things we own (like our homes) can be taken away at any given moment. I’m looking to donate some clothes and other necessities and I hope you can do the same.

Himalayan Project remains in Hip-Hop’s “Broken World”

For music artists, releasing a 3rd full length album in 8 years is considered a respectable and awesome feat– especially when you’re independent. This is the case for Bay Area’s own Himalayan Project. HP’s Rainman and Chee Malabar have been in the rap game for over 10 years. They’re not mainstream, but rather a mainstay in Hip-Hop. They’re known for their political and social consciousness topped witty rhymes and rapid delivery– just listen to their last two releases The Middle Passage and Wince at the Sun. But with their 3rd album Broken World, they let it all out and let us into their personal trials and tribulations (like girls and poker)… and whatever’s raw on their mind (including today’s politics). Production is solid (no dance club beats here), thanks to longtime producers Soulful MPs. Fave tracks include “Manchild” and yes “About a Girl.” Drop by their site online and take a minute or two to hear what they have to say.

As the world grows so will these “Guerilla Wordsmiths” who will continue to forge their names in the game.

* Artist: Himalayan Project

* Title: Broken World (Red Bench)

* 5 out of 5

San Francisco Forty None-O

Niner is more like None-O. None as in None. O as in Offense. Whatever. You get what I mean. And no offense to my Niner family, but c’mon now. Thank you Bye week…

Another victory for the Filipinos

No we’re not talking about ABC’s recent apology to the Filipino community, we’re talking about Manny Pacquiao’s decision victory over the much respected Marco Antonio Barrera on Saturday, Oct. 6th, 2007. This was a fight that required no medical diploma… unless you were checking out Barrera’s fat cut below his right eye (ouch). Another terrific boxing battle all the way, but of course, I’m sure many of us were looking for KOs before the 12th. This match totally makes up for that other PPV with… you know with Mayweather aka Dancing with the Stars and De La Hoya aka Fishnets (whatever I’m sure it’s fake).

Anyhow, Berrera still has it I think. The man has an extraordinary career (and record) and to see him duke it out for 12 full rounds shows no signs of retirement. So props to all my Mexican boxing fans to your living legend. What’s the next bout for Pacquiao? We’ll soon find out according to Philboxing.com. And with another victory for Pacquiao, that means “media galore” for the 28 year-old champ. More movies, more TV, more music (did someone say rap album?), more endorsements, more Manny 24/7 in the Philippines and on your favorite Filipino channel. Incredible I tell you- it’s Manny Mania in the islands. And did you see Manny’s NEW Nike gear?! He is the first Filipino athlete to ever be endorsed by the mega worldwide sports apparel and lifestyle brand! That’s no bootleg, that’s the real deal. Awesome design Nike, can’t wait to sport it myself.

Speaking of the real deal… let’s not forget our other Pinoy boxing winner from that Saturday event, featherweight Michael Farenas over Arturo Valenzuela. Unfortunately, it was not televised on the domestic end, but I was definitely aware of the undercard. Just to add from Philboxing.com: Two bouts involving Filipino boxers were canceled in Saturday’s “Will to Win” card. Vernie Torres was scheduled to face Mexico’s Manuel Sarabia in a six-round superbantamweight encounter while US-born Filipina Ana “Hurricane” Julaton was supposed to fight Hondi Hernandez in a four-round battle of female boxers. The bouts were cooled off because of the disparity of the weight between Julaton and Hernandez and the overweight of Torres…

Too bad for Bay Area’s own Hurricane- who was supposed to make her pro-boxing debut. Julaton is another real deal and I’ve actually witnessed a few of her amateur fights here in San Francisco throughout the past. We’ll continue to stay posted and hope to see her pro debut happen very soon. Pinay pride right there! And the pride continues folks… on Saturday, Oct. 20th, 2007- Brandon “The Truth” Vera vs. Tim Sylvia at UFC 77. 

Filipinos are not a laughing matter… unless you’re “Desperate”

<<In the season premiere of Desperate Housewives that aired this past Sunday on ABC, Teri Hatcher’s character, Susan, goes in for a medical checkup and is shocked when the doctor (played by the awesome Nathan Fillion… Firefly anyone?) suggests she may be going through menopause. Here’s what happened…

Gynecologist: Listen, Susan, I know for a lot of women the word `menopause’ has negative connotations. You hear `aging,’ `brittle bones,’ `loss of sexual desire…’

Susan: [visibly offended] OK, before we go any further, can I check these diplomas? Just to make sure they aren’t, like, from some med school in the Philippines?>>

Yes, I was one of the many million viewers that tuned in to ABC last Sunday watching Desperate Housewives. I enjoy the show too (um, for the writing). As for that scene, I admit (and I’m not the only one) that snickered at the “med school” line. Hey, the remark came out of left field, especially since Susan is known to talk non-sense out of her butt. Seconds after, I already knew that the line would not go well with my people. Yes, I said my people, my Filipino people. I’m aware that in today’s world of fiction and comedy, all is “fair game.” C’mon folks, just tune in to Comedy Central. But in a mainstream TV network that’s also connected to the Disney Channel (hello Vanessa Hudgens) and other diverse programs like Dancing with the Stars (hello Cheryl Burke), a poke-fun line at the Philippines or rather Filipinos is actually a no-no. Yeah, I’ve read the comments posted on this issue and majority say: It’s just a joke– get over it! You “Philippinos” are too sensitive. blah, blah, blah. I’m sure someone out there is probably asking… Where’s the Philippines?

Here’s why that line was a no-no: There’s been enough “Filipino mail-order bride” jokes and references in television over the years (just ask my friend Patricio Ginelsa). Now you’re joking about “Filipino med schools”? C’mon now. Of course, ABC apologized and responded that there was “no intent no intent to disparage the integrity of any aspect of the medical community in the Philippines…” So the Desperate writers must of thought… hey let’s use the “Philippines” as a med school reference, because it’s a poor country right? And a diploma from a Philippine med school must be invalid right? And I’m sure Filipinos don’t know anything about menopause? And I’m sure Filipinos don’t watch Desperate Housewives (let alone live on Wisteria Lane)? har har har. Well sure folks, it’s just a “little” one-liner joke (like I said, I snickered) and you just move on. But in a world that’s “fair game,” minorities like us Filipinos also have the right to be fairly offended. It is fair to respond… especially with a signed petition by 30,000 and counting (props to Kevin Nadal). For years, Filipinos and many other minorities, have been pushing for more positive representation in the mainstream media and entertainment (still pushing). Plus, it’s Desperate Housewives after all– a mainstream show on a mainstream network! Fun fact: Filipinos are the second largest immigrant population in the United States, with many entering the U.S. (and successfully passing their U.S. licensing boards!) as doctors, nurses, and medical technicians. In fact, the Philippines produces more U.S. nurses than any other country in the world. So there’s your “med school” reference there.

In a span of two to three days, most of mainstream America, I’m sure, has heard the news and are Googling: Filipinos, Philippines med school or maybe just Teri Hatcher (don’t blame her please). It’s unfortunate that issues like this is the only way to fight for that proper representation.

So how long is this issue going to last? Maybe not for too long (there are other important issues at hand). But this response is a sign of our representation and Filipinos will not let issues go unheard (just watch TFC), even if we never went to med school.