Thursday, November 25, 2010

Upcoming Event: Paparazzi Music Festival

Join Nemesis Productions for their Paparazzi Music Festival happening this Friday (12/10) @ Paparazzi located in Ward Warehouse. The outdoor pavillion will have acoustic performances by: NightBloom, Brittney Mendoza, Alexia Ongie & more. Indoor entertainment will include performances by: My Sleep Therapy, Deep Throat, Affront the Weak & more.

This will be an 18+ event. Doors open at 7pm. Cover is $5.

For more info visit the following:
Address: 1200 Ala Moana Blvd. Suite 380
Facebook: Nemesis Productions
Myspace: myspace.com/nemesisproductionteam
Twitter: @NemesisProdTeam

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Upcoming Post: The Organik

If you absolutely LOVE The Organik be sure to check out the Smart Deals Hawaii website on December 20th. They're gonna have a deal on The Organik, whose clothing is eco-friendly, recycled, sustainable & not to mention super cute!

For more info visit the following:
Email: edorganik@gmail.com
Facebook: Organik Hawaii
Myspace: myspace.com/TheOrganik
Twitter: @TheOrganik
Website: www.OrganikClothing.com & www.TheOrganik.com

Nemesis Productions November Acoustic Night

Even though I've never performed at an acoustic show (let alone any show), it seems really intimidating. After all the only thing standing between you & the audience is the musical instrument of your choice & a microphone. Personally, I believe it takes a talented individual/band to perform an acoustic show, since one of your die hard fans might notice if you "messed up". Just thinking about that kind of pressure makes my heart race.

It's a struggle to get your music heard especially if you're just starting out as an artist, which is why I think it's wonderful that Nemesis Productions hosts an acoustic show once a month. They showcase local artists that have been in the scene for awhile & new musicians giving them an opportunity to perform at venues like: 4play Nightclub, Paparazzi & Blue Ocean Thai.

Unfortunately, I didn't stay for the entire night since I could no longer fight sleep's gentle calling. With the soothing voices of the male & female solo artists' songs still in my head, I had no trouble falling asleep when I got home. The next morning I woke up well-rested & was very disappointed to learn it was Friday. I think my only "problem" with the acoustic night being on a Thursday night, is waking up the next day & realizing that your weekend is one more day away.

If you're a musician or music lover be sure to "friend" Nemesis Productions on facebook to stay up to date with openings to perform in their upcoming shows & where to find out where your favorite local band/artist will play next.

Upcoming Nemesis Productions shows:
-Paparazzi Music Festival (12/10) which will take place at Paparazzi in Ward Warehouse & features Acoustic Performances & Full Bands. This will be an 18+ show. $5 cover.

-Auditory Juggernauts III (12/19) going down at Pipeline Cafe featuring Upon Golgotha, Affront the Weak, Public Opinion & much more. This is an all ages show. $7 presale & $11 at the door.

Here's some of my favorite pictures from Nemesis Productions November Acoustic Night






For more info visit the following:
Facebook: Nemesis Productions
Twitter: @NemesisProdTeam

You can also check out my review + more pictures via Aloha Update

Down to Earth: Rio Acai Bowl

Sometimes I can't stop thinking about an idea & I'm unable to concentrate on anything else until that idea is manifested. For instance, this morning all I could think about was eating an acai bowl. I was surprised because a few months ago was the first time I tried this delicious confection. Since there's a million things that need to get done, I immediately tweeted asking for suggestions on where I could find an acai bowl & within minutes @downtoearthfood responded. They described their Rio Bowl which consists of acai, bananas, apple juice & French Vanilla Granola. After reading that tweet I found my wallet + keys & made my way to Down to Earth Pearlridge.

I drizzled Lehua Honey on my Rio Bowl, which is the most delicious honey I've ever tasted in my life & it should be since it's 100% raw certified organic Hawaiian honey. I figured since I'm already out that I should enjoy the acai bowl on the tables located outside of the store, which turned out to be the best idea I had so far. As soon as I had my first bite, I forgot about my gigantic to-do list & realized I'm constantly doing things or planning what I'm gonna do next. Down to Earth's Rio Bowl was the perfect excuse to savor "me" time & truly embrace what's happening in the moment.

If you're an acai bowl lover or you never had one in your life, I suggest you make your way to Down to Earth Pearlridge & try their heavenly Rio Bowl. I loved it so much, I already made plans with one of my best friends to get another the Rio Bowl tomorrow.

Here's pictures from my Rio Bowl adventure:

Rio Acai Bowl drizzled with Lehua honey ;D
After I devoured everything


For more info visit the following:
Address: 98-129 Kaonohi Street. Aiea, HI 96701
Facebook: Down to Earth ALL VEGETARIAN Organic & Natural
Phone Number: 808.488.1375
Twitter: @downtoearthfoods

Monday, November 22, 2010

MenageA3: Naughty & Nice Fantasy

A few months ago, I took my friend to Apartment3 for an early birthday dinner, it happened to fall on September's MenageA3 Moloko Plus. All of the Apartment3 employees were dressed up, the movie A Clockwork Orange was played on all the flat screen TVs & everyone anxiously anticipated the arrival of the Cherry Blossom Cabaret (CBC). Unfortunately, since I had another event to attend & we weren't able to see the peepshow. I wasn't worried about missing out cause once a month Apartment3 tag teams with the seductive Cherry Blossom ladies to host MenageA3. There's a different theme every month, take November Leather & Lace: a nice & naugthy fantasty themed party.

After I attended Rise Up Hawaii: A Benefit Concert for HI's Homeless, I made my way to Apartment3 to do media coverage of the event. I wasn't surprised that I needed to use the valet, cause when I got inside Apartment3 it was packed. As I walked around, I was literally sandwiched between people, but I didn't mind because it was the perfect excuse to "bump" into & talk with super handsome fellas. When the stunning CBC ladies walked out of their private dressing room, I noticed that majority of the crowd immediately whipped out their smart phones to immortalize the seductive peepshow. I was so hypnotized by the CBC performances that I almost forgot to take pictures of these lovely ladies.

If it's been awhile since you had a date night with your sweet, I suggest you make reservations on December 18th at Apartment3. You can get dressed up in holiday-inspired attire, enjoy super yummy food & watch the sexy peepshow that will take place in the main room. Jumpstart your holiday festivities with MenageA3's Sugar & Spice themed party.

Here's some of my favorite pictures from November's MenageA3

Preview of the peepshow

People enjoying MenageA3

Sexy Apartment3 employees

Some of HI's socialites

Audience hypnotized by Cherry Blossom dancer


For more info visit the following:
Facebook: Cherry Blossom Cabaret & Saturday, Dec 18: CBC Presents... MenageA3: Sugar & Spice at Apartment3
Phone Number: 808.955.9300
Twitter: @apartm3nt, @cherrybl0ss0m

You can also check out my review + more pictures via Aloha Update:

www.alohaupdate.com/2010/11/26/recap-of-menagea3-with-cbcs-leather-lace-at-apartment3/

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Upcoming Event: Munch

Munch features a premiere three course dinner menu created exclusively by Apartment3's new Executive Chef James Lewis. Each course will then be creatively paired with mouth-watering specialty cocktail by Better Brands Master Mixologist Joey Gottesman.

This month's featured liquor will be Gin, a much maligned, misunderstood spirit that is in the midst of making a big comeback. Come educate your senses & your palate with this exquisite delectable pairing.

Reserve your spot for this exclusive dining experience call Apartment3 at 808.955.9330 The cost is $45 per person + tax & includes 20% gratuity totaling $56 per person. This exclusive dinner is limited to 30 seats, so make your reservations soon. 48 hour cancellation notice is required & 50% no show fee will apply. Credit card information is required with each reservation.

In the month of December, Munch will be dark for the holidays but will start back up in the last Thursday of January (1/27).

For more info visit the following:
Email: hello@aparmentthree.com
Facebook: MUNCH Gin a monthly pairing experience
Phone Number: 808.955.9300
Twitter: @apartm3nt
Website: www.apartmentthree.com

Monday, November 15, 2010

Upcoming Event: Acoustic Night

Check out Nemesis Production Acoustic Night this Thursday (11/18) at 4play Nightclub. Featuring performances by: Alexia Ongie, Frank Bressi, Beverly Ann, Justin Williams & more.

Doors open 7 pm. $5 cover, be sure to bring ID.

For more info visit the following:

Address: 4play Nightclub 99-016 Kamehameha Highway. Aiea, HI 96701

Facebook: Nemesis Productions & 4play nightclub

Myspace: www.myspace.com/nemesisproductionteam
Phone Number: 808.485.8226
Twitter: @NemesisProdTeam

Upcoming Event: popCloth Special Edition

Tomorrow night at the Honolulu Design Center Ice Bar get your holiday shopping started with the special edition of popCLOTH from 5 - 9pm. Racks of vintage apparel priced at $10 - $20 clothes for men & women will be on sale. These selected vintage treasures will add style to your holiday season.
  1. "Dress for a reason, not the season." - CLOTH
For more info visit the following:
Etsy: CLOTHhawaii
Facebook: Cloth Hawaii
Twitter: @CLOTHhawaii

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Upcoming Event: MURS

MURS will be live in concert for one night ONLY 11/18 at Nextdoor HNL. Featuring performances by Creed Chamelelon (Flip the Bird Entertainment) w/ DJ Packo & Golden Era Resident DJs Coop D'Ville & Durtie Rice.


Pre-sale tickets: 21+ $20/$30 limited pre-sale tickets available @ Too Gruz, Prototype & In4mation or online www.nextdoorhnl.com



For more info visit the following:

Address: 43 North Hotel Street. Honolulu, HI 96817

Facebook: MURS & Nextdoor Hnl

Twitter: @nextdoorhnl

Website: http://www.nextdoorhnl.com/

Rise Up Hawaii: A Benefit Concert for HI's Homeless

I think it's absolutely crazy how meeting one person can drastically turn things around & have a snowball effect in other areas of your life. I'm extremely grateful that I met Joel Gaspar, one of the co-founders of Rise Up Hawaii because amazing experiences have happened since I've known him, as well as numerous friendships that I've developed. Rise Up Hawaii is a non-profit organization that's close to my heart. After helping to organize their first benefit concert: Rise Up for Haiti & Chile, I fell head over heels in love with marketing & promotion. If I wasn't given the opportunity to work with this organization, I never would've found what I'm passionate about.

There's so much negativity in the world which makes me hesitant to open the newspaper & watch the news. Lately it seems that people are only looking out for themselves, that's why it warmed my heart to see the amount of people who participated in this benefit concert & those that attended. Despite the way the economy has been these past few years, people donated what they could & it just goes to show that the human heart is still filled with kindness.

(All donations will be used to create care packages for the homeless located on the Waianae coast).

Here are some of my favorite pictures from the "Rise Up Hawaii: A Benefit for HI's Homeless" event

Good-looking crowd
Talented 4nTongues members
Jasmin & myself at Rise Up Hawaii photo booth
Rise Up Hawaii V-necks
Gorgeous girls

For more info visit the following:
Email: Riseuphawaii@gmail.com
Facebook: Rise Up Hawaii
Twitter: @RiseUpHawaii

You can check out more photos I took via Aloha Update: www.alohaupdate.com/2010/11/22/photos-from-rise-up-hawaii-event-at-fresh-cafe/

Upcoming Event: MenageA3 Leather & Lace

This month's MenageA3 theme: Leather & Lace. Leather & Lace is a naughty & playful event inspired by the darker tastes. No whips & chains, or anything strange, but maybe a spanking or two! Dress to impress in your most fashionable interpretation of this naughty, but nice fantasy theme party.

This sexy chic event will offer entertainment by Honolulu's hottest pin-up deejay, DJ Kitty Lee along with the ladies of Cherry Blossom Cabaret performing a sexy peepshow in the main room. A retro photobooth will offer guests a chance to immortalize themselves on this glamourous night.

Cover charge is $10 after 9 pm. For bottle service or dinner reservations please contact hello@apartmentthree.com or 808.955.9300. FREE entry with bottle service, make sure to mention you're there for Cherry Blossom Cabaret.

For more info visit the following:
Address: 3rd floor of Century Center. 1750 Kalakaua Avenue at the corner of Kapiolani Blvd. Honolulu, HI 96826
Email: hello@apartmentthree.com & cherryblossomcabaret@gmail.com
Facebook: Saturday, Nov. 20: CBC Presents...MenageA3: Leather & Lace at Apartment3
Phone Number: 808.955.9300
Twitter: @apartm3nt & @cherryblOssOm

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Honolulu Pulse Official Kick-off Party

First of all, I’d like to give a very BIG SHOUT OUT to Jason Genegabus (@PulseHNL) for hooking my friend Jasmin & me up with access to the VIP portion of the Honolulu Pulse’s Official Launch Party.

As soon as we checked in, we received raffle tickets to win awesome prizes like gift certificates to restuarants, tickets to the Broadway musical: CATS, movie tickets, Bruno Mars tickets, Band Camp 8 tickets & more. Jasmin & I quickly made our way to the table with delicious food, maybe it’s cause we were starving but J.J. Dolan’s pizza never tasted so good.

The atmosphere in Next Door was full of conversation, good food & people enjoying themselves especially since the next day was a holiday. Almost every flat surface was covered with HNL Pulse stickers & pins that guests were highly encouraged to wear.

I still can’t get over the fact that Honolulu Pulse has only been around for one month, it feels like they’ve been around for years. After all there was a larger than life slideshow featuring countless pictures of events they attended, I found myself completely mesmerized & saying, “I know that person” out loud to no one in particular.

At one point Jasmin & I used our raffle tickets to satisfy our Red Bull fix, while waiting in line Lacy Matsumoto of The Hot Muffins played, “Don’t Stop Believin’” - Journey. Sorry Jasmin for singing really loud & off-key, but there’s something magical about this Journey song that guarantees whatever you’re doing is about to get even better.

Before local band Tavana started their set, DJ Maleko announced raffle numbers, maybe I was hyper from the Red Bull but when he announced Jasmin’s number I screamed & ran to claim her prize. Thanks for sharing the movie tickets with me!

If Honolulu Pulse celebrated their launch of being an entertainment website like this, I can’t wait to see how they celebrate their first birthday. Congratulations Honolulu Pulse for making one month!

Here's some of my favorite pictures from HNL Pulse Party:





For more info visit the following:
Address: 500 Ala Moana Blvd. Suite 7-210. Honolulu, HI 96813Facebook: Honolulu PulsePhone Number: 808.529.4700Twitter: @HonoluluPulseWebsite: http://www.honolulupulse.com/

Upcoming Event: Sparkle

Ryanjacobie wants you to celebrate the holiday season, they wanna help you "SPARKLE" at your holiday events. Nothing like a chic up-do & sultry make-up by ryanjacobie stylists to make you even more fabulous. This holiday special is only $75! Make your reservations early.


  1. For more info visit the following:
  2. Address: 918 Smith Street. Honolulu, HI 96817
  3. Facebook: Ryanjacobie
  4. Phone Number: 808.543.5900
  5. Twitter: @ryanjacobie
  6. Website: www.ryanjacobie.tumblr.com/

Friday, November 12, 2010

Friends & Family Sale

This weekend ONLY is House of Aria's FIRST ever, "Friends & Family Sale." Enjoy 20% off all regular priced items, you MUST mention the, "Friends & Family" promotion when you check out to receive this discount.

For more info visit the following:
Address: 98-450 Kamehameha Highway. Pearl City, HI 96872
Facebook: House of Aria
Phone Number: 808.626.5982
Twitter: @houseofaria
Website: www.houseofaria.net

First Lady's Official Launch + Expo

The First Lady's Official Launch + Expo (11/4) was a night of many firsts: my first event with Aloha Update, first time using a new camera, first time going in the Honolulu Design Center & the first time I felt nervous while attending an event. I was nervous for a couple of reasons: Donna Mae Rizando founder of First Lady: The Movement, asked me to do media coverage of the event & I was having wardrobe malfunction with the dress I originally wore. I'd like to give a BIG SHOUT OUT to Split Obsession for coming to my rescue & saving my night!

After editing the pictures from this event & further researching First Lady: The Movement's background, I felt like I got my second wind. I'm aware that I'm living in a "man's world", but that's never hindered me from pursuing my dreams, no matter how far-fetched they seem. I realize that my income will be significantly less than a man, but at the end of the day money isn't the most important thing. The fact that I get to do what I'm passionate about & what makes me happy is priceless. No amount of money can satisfy the feeling I get when I talk to people who sincerely love what they do, their drive inspires me to achieve my goals. So thank you First Lady: The Movement, for reminding me that all it's more than okay to be aggressive when following your dreams.

Here's some of my favorite pictures from the "First Lady's Official Launch + Expo" event.

ikandy

@streetgrindz & her hubby

House of Aria

The ladies behind The Movement

SUPER cute cake by My Lil Cupcake


For more info visit the following:
Facebook: First Lady
Twitter: @FirstLadyTM

Upcoming Event: GRLFRNDS Kickstart Promotion Show

FREE GRLFRNDS show tomorrow night (11/13) at Lulu's Waikiki (2586 Kalakaua Avenue) to promote their Kickstart fundraising project. Your chance to pledge & receive cool GRLFRNDS merch, as well as listen to GRLFRNDS perform two 45 minute sets with special guests: ALT/AIR & Aesthete.

If you're unable to attend tomorrow night, GRLFRNDS will have another FREE show the day after their Kickstart promotion ends at Lulu's Waikiki.

For more info visit the following:
Email: grlfrnds@gmail.com
Facebook: GRLFRNDS
Kickstart: www.kickstart.com/projects/grlfrnds/grlfrnds-debut-lp-prod-manny-nieto
Myspace: www.myspace.com/grlfrnds
Twitter: @GRLFRNDS
Website: www.submersivemediagroup.org

Monday, November 1, 2010

Upcoming Event: Fight the Good Fight

If you're aren't doing anything tonight & think nothing is FREE!! Check out Fight the Good Fight Concert at Koinonia Road (behind Haleiwa Post Office). Live music by Alexia Ongie, Define the Word, Prevail & Saving the Orphan. Also a very special guest speaker Miss Hawaii 2010 Jalee Fuselier.

This is an all ages show that starts at 6:30.


For more info visit the following:
Email: weareprevail@gmail.com
Facebook: Prevail & Prevail Inthehouse
Myspace: _prevail@myspace.com
Twitter: @prevail_
Website: www.weprevail.tumblr.com

2010 Manifest Man Challenge

The Manifest is looking for men capable of growing facial hair & to take a stand against testicular cancer. Today is the last day (11/2) to pledge $15 for "Manifest Man Challenge" & not to shave, trim or alter facial hair from November 2nd - November 30th.

If you're interested in participating stop by The Manifest (32 North Hotel Street. Honolulu, HI 96817) today, turn in the application available on their website & take a "before" polaroid picture that will be posted on an art board in Manifest.

On November 30th, there will be a party to celebrate manhood & all pledges will take an "after" polaroid picture. Also a "Best in Show" competition will be held where guys compete for the best facial hair & the winner gets the privilege of taking their picture in "Brawny Photo Booth".

All proceeds with go to the American Cancer Society & their efforts to help everyone stay well, get well, find cures & fight back.

For more info visit the following:
Facebook: Manifest Hawaii
Twitter: @TheManifest
Website: http://www.manifesthawaii.com/

Lightsleepers Pop Up Show

There's something very appealing about individuals who go after what they want & never apologize for continuing to progress. On the Lightsleepers website they end their bio with the phrase, "The Lightsleepers; never sleep, don't sleep & won't sleep." This phrase speaks to me in a number of different ways: 1) When an idea forms in my mind, I can't stop thinking about it & I don't sleep until I've figured out a way to execute that idea. 2) Whenever I reach a goal, I always make sure to create another one, that way I'm always working towards something. 3) Hardwork & being persistent pays off eventually.

After talking with K.T. Catalyst, I found out that from his KTUH radio show was when he firsted started to make shirts & stickers for promotions, he even released music under the Lightsleepers name. Which led to K.T. Catalyst doing art shows, BBoy Battles & DJ Battles. With every music release there was a shirt & every shirt release he gave away a mixed CD or sticker. Eventually everything fell into place, making what everyone has come to know & love about the Lightsleepers: a manifestation of natural progression.

The Lightsleepers have an incredible amount of confidence that shines through in every endeavour they pursue. There's no doubt in my mind that the Lightsleepers have people that hate on them, but those are probably the same people who motivate the Lightsleepers to succeed. By the way, their haters don't appear to be affecting their success.

Lightsleepers would like to extend their thanks to everyone that's ever helped, supported, loved & hated on the Lightsleepers. "If I haven't helped you, one day I will in someway or form." - K.T. Catalyst

Here's some of my favorite pictures from, "The Lightsleepers Pop Up Show" event.
Super gorgeous Split Obsession employees :D

Photographers

Aych Kay 2010: The Lofa Issue

Lightsleeper crew

Live art by K O A K

Lightsleepers merch

For more info visit the following:
Facebook: Lofa Lightsleepers & Lightsleepers
Twitter: @lightsleepers


Upcoming Event: Lightsleepers Pop Up Shop

Get your holiday shopping done early at Lightersleepers Pop Up Shop event this upcoming Saturday (11/6) at Split Obsession located in the Ala Moana Shopping Center. Grand opening ceremony will take place from 5 - 9 pm.

- 6 new shirt designs & color ways
- LS x Katch 1 Toy Trucks by Tyo Toys
- Sticker & pin packs
- LS x Woes x Silent Stage severed panda heads
- Custom printed pillows & tote bags

All items are limited in quantity & exclusive for this time.

Complimentary drinks provided by Wailua Soda Works & music will be provided by KTC, Olivertwist, Vezzen & Observ. There will also be live art by K O A K.

For more info visit the following:
Email: lightsleepers@gmail.com
Facebook: Lightsleepers Pop Up Shop & Lightsleepers
Myspace: www.myspace.com/lspa
Twitter: @lightsleepers
Vimeo: www.vimeo.com/lightsleepers
Website: http://www.lightsleepers.net/
Youtube: www.youtube.com/lightsleepers

House of Aria

The first week of school April Domingo & I paired up for an ice breaker in one of our classes. I found out the top, she wore was an item from House of Aria, a boutique she manages & runs with her sister Melody. April is a walking advertisement for the boutique, there's at least one piece of clothing she wears that I want in my own closet. That's why the night before our blog interview, I frantically raided my dressers to find the perfect outfit, because I knew April would look super cute as always.
My favorite part of conducting a blog interview is seeing someone's face light up as they describe how they discovered their passion. The origins of House of Aria started as a joke between boutique owner Melody & her friends, who suggested she open her own boutique since she frequently shopped in town. April said that she would be 100% behind her sister & since then House of Aria has blossomed from shopping events held at the Neil Blasidell Center to their very own store on the Leeward side of the island.

Every three to four months Melody goes on week-long shopping trips, visiting LA & Vegas wholesalers. Melody times her trips around the Magic Show held in Vegas, where different vendors & wholesalers show their products to boutique owners, they also feature brands found in New York. The fact that House of Aria is exposed to various brands makes it an epicenter of East meets West Coast fashion.
House of Aria updates their Facebook page with new shipment they receive every week.

April mentioned that their customers stalk their Facebook page which was made clear when she updated the boutique's Facebook status, "20% off this weekend" & within thirty minutes people came into the store asking if the discount started. It's evident to see why House of Aria's loyal followers frequent the store on a regular basis, April knows each customer by name & helps navigate them through the store, in order to find what they're looking for.

If you're interested in checking out what House of Aria has to offer, the boutique will participate in the "First Lady's Official Launch + Expo" happening this Thursday (11/4) at the Cupola Theatre located on the 2nd floor in the Honolulu Design Center. Be sure to check out House of Aria's facebook page where they currently have "Deal of the Week" specials, one stylish item will be sold at a reduced price. The deal of the week is only good for one week & lasts until the item is sold.

Here's some of my favorite pictures





"Success is being happy with where you're at, knowing where you're going & knowing that you're gonna get there." - House of Aria



For more info visit the following:
Address: 98-450 Kamehameha Hwy, Suite 3. Pearl City, HI 96872
Facebook: House of Aria
Phone Number: 808.626.5982
Twitter: @houseofaria
Website: http://www.houseofaria.net/