Rise Up Hawaii Promo

Be sure to mark November 20th in your calendars, this will be Rise Up Hawaii's next benefit concert at Fresh Cafe. There's an amazing line-up of talent which will be announced SOON! In the mean time, please help promote Rise Up Hawaii's upcoming benefit concert by printing, distributing and promoting this flyer. Rise Up Hawaii thrives on people's involvement, help make this event a huge success. Remember the more people that attend the benefit concert = bigger difference for the cause.

For more info visit the following:
Facebook: Rise Up Hawaii
Twitter: @RiseUpHawaii
Website: http://www.riseuphawaii.org

Taryn Wright: Share the Road Memorial

While driving to work this morning, an orange car on the left merged into my lane without looking. I'm not sure why the driver didn't take a few seconds, to look behind & check their blindspot, if I wasn't paying attention something horrible might have happened.

For the past three hours, I've thought about how precious life truly is & how a few seconds can make a world of difference. Earlier this month, University of Hawaii art student, Taryn Wright died after being hit by a Roberts Hawaii tour bus. Although, I've never met Taryn, it breaks my heart knowing that her death could have been prevented.

Rob Belgrod, Illana Nimz and Sau Hsu organized a memorial bike ride on September 11th, to honor Taryn Wright. There were 62 bicyclists who met at the University of Hawaii's Art Building, rode through the busy streets of Honolulu & Kalihi; where they finished at the site of the crash. A ghost bike was locked on a utility pole, accompanied by a small plaque that reads: "Taryn Wright. September 3, 2010. Killed here by a motor vehicle. Her death was preventable. Save lives: Drive safely."

Whenever you pass Taryn Wright's ghost bike, please use it as an opportunity to make small changes that will make our roads safer. Share the road, whether you bike or drive & remember it only takes a few seconds to save a life.

62 bicyclist met at the University of Hawaii art building

Ghost bike for Taryn Wright

"Memory is a way of holding on to the things you love, the things you are, and the things you never want to lose" - Kevin Arnold

Vote for University of Hawaii's Hawaii Five-0!!!

Vote for Hawaii Marching Band playing Hawaii Five-O! You can vote once per day until October 4th.

Click on the link below, find the University of Hawaii's video and press vote. Be sure to fill out the required information on the next page.

http://promotions.mardenkane.com/cbs/marchingbandmania/videovoting.cfm?vid=8

For more info visit the following:

Facebook: Vote for University of Hawaii's Hawaii Five-O!!!

Upcoming Show: The Devil Wears Prada

The Devil Wears Prada is coming to Hawaii!!! They're going to perform on October 5th at 4play nightclub, Aiea. Be sure to get your tickets in advance. Also the opening bands for The Devil Wears Prada: The Welschly Arms & Corrupt Absolute.

Doors open @ 6:30/6:45. Presale tickets $18, $25 at the door.

For more info visit the following:
Facebook: The Devil Wears Prada
Tickets: http://www.808shows.com/
Twitter: @tdwpband
Website: http://www.tdwpband.com/

Art & Flea: September 23rd

Have you ever been some place that you absolutely LOVED & thought, "Why didn't I come here sooner?!" That's exactly how I felt when I attended September's Art & Flea event at Fresh Cafe. I've seen flyers for previous events, but I was never able to attend because something always came up. But everything changed last week Thursday, when I FINALLY had the opportunity to attend with my lovely co-worker Stef. With the wide variety of vendors, there's literally something for everyone. KTUH & SICK TYTE did an awesome job spinning music that made me wanna bust a move, every time I bought something. The only thing that would've made this event, even better is if I brought more money.

I love supporting local businesses & buying something cute at the same time, that's why I plan on attending as many upcoming Art & Flea events possible.

Here's some pictures from September's Art & Flea event.

For more info visit the following:

Email: contact@artandflea.com

Facebook: ArtandFlea Hawaii

Twitter: @ArtandFlea

Website: artandflea.com

We Value Hawaii

On September 25th, I attended the "We Value Hawaii" event at Fresh Cafe. Before I was able to grab free posters, I had to answer the following question, "What do you value about Hawaii?" After standing at the booth for a couple minutes, I finally came up with my answer,"I value the Aloha Spirit & how there's acceptance despite one's race or color." Almost four years ago, I temporarily lived on the mainland & I experienced culture shock. It was the first time in my life that I was in the minority (because Asians make up a large population in the Hawaiian Islands). I knew that I looked different from everyone else & some people made it a point to remind me that I was different. I'm not going to stereotype everyone that lives on the mainland based on my short-term experience living there, but it made me realize how much I appreciate & missed being home.

I value the fact that I grew up in Hawaii, because when I look at people I don't judge them based on the color of their skin or race. Hawaii is a melting pot of various ethnicities & cultures, I believe that our rich history enables us to accept everyone despite our differences in opinion. Even though, I haven't had the opportunity to fully experience the rest of the world, there aren't enough words to describe how lucky I feel to live in Hawaii. It was a nice experience to hear what other people valued & learn how their values shaped them into the person they are today. If someone asked, "What do you value?" What would you say?

Here are some of my favorite pictures from the, "We Value Hawaii" event.

Upcoming Event: Munch

Munch features a premiere multi-course dinner menu created exclusively by Apartment3's executive chef Bob McGee. Each course will then be creatively paired with a mouth-watering specialty cocktail by Better Brands Master Mixologist Joey Gottesman.

September features tequila, the national spirit of Mexico. Educate your senses and your palate with this exquiste delectable pairing.

Reserve your spot for this exclusive dining experience; call Apartment3 @ 808.955.9300 today. The cost is $45 per person + tax which includes 20% gratiuity totaling $56 per person. There's a pre-set limit of 25 dinners maximum. 48 hour cancellation notice is required & a 50% no show fee will apply. Credit card information is required with each reservation.

*DON'T be late, there's a one time seating only & it starts promptly at 6:30pm *

For more info visit the following:
Email: hello@apartmentthree.com
Facebook: Munch a monthly dining experience
Phone Number: 808.955.9300
Twitter: @apartm3nt
Webste: apartmentthree.com

Upcoming Event: Artyyy Partyyy

What better way to celebrate art & culture? Throw a party! Be sure to help celebrate National Museum Day with The Hot Muffins at The Contemporary Museum. For more information & to get your ticket to this event, send an email: TheHotMuffins@gmail.com

This is a potluck party, be sure to bring your signature dish & B.Y.O.B

For more info visit the following:
Email: TheHotMuffins@gmail.com
Facebook: The Hot Muffins
Twitter: @TheHotMuffins
Website: www.thehotmuffins.blogspot.com

afterschoolspecial

For years I begged my cousin Keane to describe one of my favorite stories: how San Diego makes carne asada fries. HEY! I love food!

The members of afterschoolspecial (which include bassist Todd Olson, drummer Victor Velasquez, emcee DanAkaDan, guitarist Keane Aranita, keyboardist Brian Figeroua & female vocalist Jaylen Greene) originally met 4 years ago at San Diego State University & the creation of the group started towards the end of their college careers. Since then afterschoolspecial has performed at different universities, talent shows, festivals & venues across the country.

One of the biggest obstacles that afterschoolspecial has faced is crossing over to non-Asian audiences since people are unsure how to address an Asian American emcee. However, this has been a blessing in disguise because of the band's unique ethnic make-up, afterschoolspecial has been able to cross over into various ethnic audiences. Which goes to show music has the ability to create a connection despite the color of your skin, race or age. afterschoolspecial has also been able to connect with fans through their songs whose main themes revolve around human empowerment.

Help afterschoolspecial celebrate their upcoming OFFICIAL full-length CD "IT'S ALL IN YOUR HEAD" & music video release party, an event three years in the making. This is an ALL AGES event which takes places on October 29th at The Loft at UCSD- Price Center East. This will not only be the first time to check out their new t-shirt series but also their new condom tin collaboration as well. More information is available on their facebook page.

---Fun fact about the meaning behind afterschoolspecial's name: Comes from the old, early 90's after school specials that used to run on ABC. "They have this strange vintage look to them, are kind of edgy, very tongue in cheek and in the end they teach you something." - DanAkaDan

For more info visit the following:
Email: info@afterschoolspecial.com & Daniel@sdaff.org
Facebook: afterschoolspecial
Itunes: "Not One For Words" EP
Press Contact: 805.795.9561
Twitter: @DanAkaDan
Website: http://afterschoolspecialmusic.com/
Youtube: afterschoolspeciald

Upcoming Event: We Value Hawai'i

An event that will open a discussion about important topics that concern all of us with subjects such as: the state's funding of the arts & music, the state of education in Hawai'i, civil unions, tourism in Hawai'i, & more.

Activity Booths include: Make a Button, Site-Specific Art Installation & Video Projections, We Value Printed Matter Everyday Biking, What-You-Value Photo Booth, Jan Ken Po Video Installation, Printmaking, FREE "We Value Hawai'i" posters, Voter Reigstration Booths & More!

What Do You Value? Share your two minute video about what you value: thevalueofhawaii.com/stepup
Apply for the new If Not Now When grant for visual arts & music.

For more info visit the following:
Facebook: We Value Hawai'i
Twitter: valuehawaii
Website: http://thevalueofhawaii.com

Upcoming Event: Art & Flea

This month's featured vendors: Reveire Jewelry & Maui Darling Designs, Avy Ra, SUITENUMBER, Amy Carroll, The Starfish Guy, Evert Galisa, Dork, Jozo Prints, Containers Hawaii, Cowrie Flower, Vintage Aloha, Catwings Couture, Panacea, Mish Mash, Kisa Cosmos, Sassy Lassy & more!

Front Valet Parking provided by Fresh Cafe. Additional street parking @: Oku Hara 762 Queen Street, Asylum (across Fresh Cafe), Capones Auto Detail after 6pm 844 Queen Street, WeSellThings4U 839 Queen Street.

*New vendors, musicians & interested sponsors are always welcome! Please visit http://www.artandflea.com/ & contact us.

For more info visit the following:
Event on fb: art & flea
Facebook: ArtandFlea Hawaii
Twitter: @artandflea
Website: http://www.artandflea.com/

Upcoming Event: FLUX Hawaii ARTee

ARTee
Fusing Art with Cotton
The Venue
1144 Bethel Street (next to Bambu 2.0)
September 18, 2010
21+

In continuing to celebrate and showcase local talent, FLUX will give four up-and-coming Hawai'i artists the opportunity to display their artistic ability on limited edition T-shirts, created exclusively for FLUX. Shirts will be printed in limited edition runs and sold. A portion of the profits will return to the artist and a portion will be donated to the Hawai'i Arts Alliance.

Artists Exhibition 7-9pm by:
Jennifer Yoko Thorbjornsen
Chance Carpenter
Joel Gaspar
Matt Ortiz


Live Perfomances by:
Painted Highways
Clones of the Queen
Jenn Paisley
Stephen Agustin

DJ Capecod
Sick Tyte


For more info visit the following:
Facebook: FLUX Hawaii
Twitter: @FLUXhawaii
Website: http://fluxhawaii.com/

The Analog Sunshine Recorders

My calendar is filled with school, upcoming events, work, blog post interviews & a never-ending to-do list; its been awhile since I enjoyed some "me" time. This afternoon I had the chance to gather my thoughts over an iced chaipuccino & absorbed myself in "The Analog Sunshine Recorders" exhibit at The Manifest. I was happy to witness the hodgepodge of photographic wonderment, especially since the exhibit ends today. It was also a very pleasant coincidence to meet John Hook, one of the featured photographers & someone whose blog I admire.

Whoever said, "A picture is worth a thousand words", would need close to a million to describe the photos strewn across Manifest's brick wall. Every photograph that's displayed was spray-glued & attached to plywood bought from Oregon, this was used to create uniformity when looking at the photos from an angle. "The Analog Sunshine Recorders" is a collection of old & new photographic works of more than ten photographers; most are students enrolled in the Photography program at UH Manoa.

John Hook & I

Featured photographers

Polaroid Collage

Various analogs used to create photographic wonderment
Manifest's wall

Some of my ABSOLUTE favorite photos from The Analog Sunshine Recorders

For more info visit the following:

Address: 32 North Hotel Street. Chinatown, HI 96817

Facebook: The Manifest & Manifest Hawaii

Twitter: @TheManifest

Website: www.manifesthawaii.com

1st Annual Rice Festival

Since I was a little, rice has ALWAYS been a staple in my diet & when I found out the 1st Annual Rice Festival would take place at Aloha Tower; I didn't let the fact that I had work deter me from going. The opportunity to sample the delicious food from numerous vendors was the main reason I attended, but the fact that I could learn more about my Asian ethnicities was a bonus. The 1st Annual Rice Festival was jammed-packed with live entertainment, cooking demonstrations, ricebag fashion show, scavenger hunt/tweet-up, "riceipe" cooking competition among the top chefs around the island & spam musubi eating contest (that I participated in).

Here's some of my favorite pictures from the event. I can't wait to attend the 2nd Annual Rice Festival.

Entrance of the 1st Annual Rice Festival

Performance by the talented Ukulele Hale Keiki

Beautiful 58th Cherry Blossom Festival Court

Winner of the "riceipe" cooking competition

20 lb bags of rice that were given away

Taiko Drum performance by Ryukyukoko Matsuri Daiko Hawaii

SUPER CUTE Rice Fest food scrips

Spam musubis before the eating contest

I participated in the spam musubi eating contest

http://youtube.com/watch?v=k2qaaHBgsbg

Upcoming Post:1st Annual Rice Festival

Save the date for September 11, 2010, a day where rice takes center stage. The 1st Annual Rice Festival, in line with National Rice Month, will celebrate the joy that is rice. This unique one day event will be held at the Waterfront at Aloha Tower from 12 - 8pm and will be packed with family fun, entertainment, food booths, educational activities, rice bag fashion show, spam musubi eating contest, "live tweetup" scavengar hunt and much more.

For more info visit the following:

Facebook: 1st Annual Rice Festival

Phone Number: 808.227.0988

Website: http://www.ricefest.com/

B90x aerobics pool party pt II

For the longest time, I kept the B90x aerobics pool party pt. II flyer in my calendar. I anxiously counted down the days until this event arrived, especially since I missed the first one. Even though, it took me over half an hour to find parking it was definitely worth it. BIG shout out to supercw, contrast magazine & bacardi for putting together the BEST way to end the summer party!!!

Here's some of my favorite pictures from this amazing event. CAN'T wait for the next one.

The lovely Carina accompanied me to the B90x party

The ONLY guy I saw actually doing aerobics... in a blue speedo :D

Our fannypacks brought us together



This guy was super creepy. ALWAYS dancing near my table :C


http://vimeo.com/14913331