wuttsthis?! New Year means to me…

Taking my blog categories, here’s what I look forward to for the New Year:

1. american komikeros- This is a personal documentary project I’m working on. Since learning about Filipinos in the American comic book industry early last year, I’ve been fascinated by the pages of work these artists have produced in the past 30+ years. Some of today’s hottest comic book artists have been influenced by Filipinos from back in the 1970s. There’s so much to say about them, and I’ve only filmed just a thumbnail-ful of interviews and footage. For 2008, I’m looking to cut a trailer and possibly a short clip, some fundraising, and more filming.
2. art- I was unemployed for all of 2007- though it didn’t mean I was unproductive. After years of working in music retail, I went back to what I love the most… ART. I’ve reworked my leroid.com site with an updated resume and portfolio. Not very “flashy,” but rather simple and effective. For 2008, I will continue to rework the site and add more illustrative and graphic work that I’ve been doing in 2007. Also, collecting original art is a new passion- from comic book to mixed media. I browse through sites like Coroflot and Talent Database every week to check out portfolios. Then I’ll browse through eBay here and there. There are so many artists I enjoy today (can’t list them all really) and I plan to check out more next year.
3. asian americana- I will continue to monitor what’s happening in the Asian American community, especially in entertainment, from film to music. I love hearing about new artists and seeing new films. Websites like Angryasianman.com and Aarisings continue to be my daily reads, even if they’re not updated on a daily.
4. bay area- I love my community, but outside of that, I love where I live. The Bay Area continues to grow with more events, businesses, housing, and people. Go Giants, go Niners, go Warriors, and go Sharks. Last place or not, these teams will always be my favorite pro teams… for life.
5. comic books- 2007 was an awesome year for comics. I’ve attended my first-ever Comic-Con in San Diego (though it was mostly for my documentary filming). I’ve read some great story lines from Marvel’s “Civil War” to DC’s “52.” I wasn’t too affected by Captain America’s death, but you got to move on (Go Bucky). Aside from the majors, I’ve also attended APE (Alternative Press Expo) in San Francisco for the first time as well- I love my indie comics. I’ve spent more money at APE than any other convention. I can’t wait to read more in 2008.
6. Daily Links- I’m surfing everyday and every week I always find a new website I enjoy (no not the nasty stuff). I’ll be adding more “Daily Links” to my site as time goes by.
7. etc.-It’s the randomness of life that makes good conversation. Whether if it’s personal or the local news, if it’s on my mind, I definitely want to share it. More etc. for 2008!
8. mabuhay- I’m proud of my roots and proud of my people. I’m always looking for more Filipinos to represent- art, film, music, dance, politics, literature, science, sports, etc.
9. movies- Yay! Transformers was awesome. The Namesake was heartfelt. Knocked Up was hella funny. Spider-Man 3 was just ok. I’m looking forward to 2008 and more SFX galore… Iron Man, Speed Racer, Hulk 2, and The Dark Knight on my watch list. Can’t forget the indies too. March 13-23, 2008 is the 26th annual San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival- the largest Asian American film event in the nation. If you live in the Bay Area, add this event to your calendar.
10. music- I’ve spent over 8 years in music retail. Of course, I miss the perks of the industry from free promos to free concerts. I still have some friends in the industry and they are sure counting their blessings. Since Tower Records went out of business late 2006, thousands of people have been laid off from retail stores to record labels. CD sales continue to drop every quarter. No one is really making money, unless you’re iTunes. As much as I miss retail outlets, the next step in distribution is digital. Hence, there’s been a rise in “artists” online, from Myspace to YouTube. Everyone wants their 15 minutes of fame… or downloads for that matter. I’m not ready to make the full transition to digital just yet. I still enjoy buying my CDs in person or online (CDBaby still rocks!). And I still own a CD Walkman. There’s something special about holding the actual product and reading the liner notes.
11. sneakers- Wow, I’ve seen my closet almost double in the past 12 months. Though in recent months, I’ve been holding back on buying a pair of fancy limited editions. I love sneakers no doubt and I love checking out Hypebeast and Nice Kicks online for the latest news. But I’ve been seeing way too many shoes coming out at the same time- hybrids, colorways, brands, and retros. I want to be more selective and critical this time around. The Jordan XXIIIs are coming out in 2008. It’s going to be the Jordan of all Jordans… for now. Do I plan on camping in front of Niketown? No thanks. I’m sure there’s a more convenient way and I’ll sure find it. Also, I look forward to more sample and warehouse sales- that’s the best way to go.
    
12. toys- This is my very first hobby- that’s what my Mom said. I think my toys outnumber everything else I own. The new Transformers toys are great, but not as cool as the Generation 1 series. Die cast rocks! Another toy hobby I enjoy are designer vinyl toys. Thanks to stores like Super 7, Kidrobot, Giant Robot, and Double Punch, my collection has tripled and then some. Vinyl Pulse is my breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I love that site and it’s been a great resource overall. Just like sneakers, toys are everywhere so I’m going to be more selective next year.

Whew. There you have it. This is what I’m looking forward to via my “blog categories.” Though this blog is fairly new, I’ve noticed that I’ve already received thousands of hits. That’s a good thing right? Well, if you’re reading this in its entirety, I have a “wuttsthis?!” gift for you my reader friend. Post a comment… like a real one, not the junkie ones about male enhancement or profit sharing. I’ll then hit you up on your blog or whatever, ask for your mailing address, and send you a gift package (could be a toy, shirt, or CD). It’ll be something that pertains to one of my blog categories. Free “wuttsthis?!” gift offer ends Friday, January 4th, 2008. One gift package per comment, per owner, per household, per address. Family and friends are not eligible. Sure I’ll send it international. Of course, if no one posts anything… then oh well.

Happy New Years everyone! And remember for 2008… Don’t be a Bastard!