Upcoming Event: KICKS/HI 10 Year Annivesary + Reebok Court Victory Pump Launch Party

Attention sneaker heads! Help KICKS/HI celebrate their 10 year anniversary + Reebok Court Victory Pump Launch Party. Event takes place this Saturday (2/5) at The Manifest.

This is a 21+ event with NO COVER!

For more info visit the following:
Address: 32 N Street. Honolulu, HI
Email: kicks.hawaii@yahoo.com
Facebook: Kicks Hawaii
Myspace: myspace.com/KICKSHAWAII
Twitter: @KICKSHI
Website: www.KICKSHAWAII.com

Special Edition: Birthday Post

Today's special for two reasons: 1) It's my 23rd birthday & 2) I'm dedicating today's blog post to someone whose been supportive of my "Sweet Lychee Productions" dreams since the very beginning.

In each of our lives there's someone who will always hold a special place in your heart for various reasons: They keep you grounded, gently remind you to find balance in your life & celebrate your accomplishments: big & small. The biggest reason they'll always be special is their continuous faith in your dreams, especially when you're blindsided by haters.

For me, this person is my {simply*awesome} sister Ashley. She was the first person I confided to about my decision to major in business; without hesitation she immediately suggested I create a blog. She's also become my personal Yoda: helped me come up with my business name, encouraged me to get a twitter account, informed me where to get business cards & told me about the job opportunity at Aloha Update.

I'm very blessed to experience love in my life & having an older sister has made this journey worthwhile. Thank you for all of your love, encouragement & support which has been the best birthday present & it's also one of the reasons I'm fiercely passionate about actively pursuing my dreams!

Love,
Sweet Lychee aka baby sis

Here's my older sister

I Love Chinatown Festival + Chinatown Get Down

The "I Love Chinatown Festival" + "Chinatown Get Down" happened to fall on the weekend of birthday & I couldn't resist attending those events! After all we're celebrating the return of the Pro Bowl & the year of the rabbit; which also happens to be one of my favorite animals. This was the best weekend of 2011 so far!

Do you have a friend, where no matter how hard you both try, there's always something that comes up & you never get to hangout? I was SOOO happy when I finally got to hangout with my friend Michelle, outside of class. The main reason we attended was to ride the mechanical bull (Thanks Michelle for paying :) When I rode the mechanical bull, I didn't feel sexy like how the movies portray the girls; I was terrified that I would fly outside of the enclosed safety zone. After wards, we tried the mechanical surf ride & I actually got injured from that bad boy; when I fell my knee hit the board, ripped my jeans & cut my knee (I'll always have a battle scar to remember this night).

We stood in the corner of North Hotel Street as the fireworks exploded, watched Chinese lion dancing at its finest, ventured into hole-in-the-wall places, ran back & forth into different clubs & danced until our feet hurt. Its moments like this which make me think of Eve 6 lyrics, "Here's to the nights we felt alive."

Hawaii definitely needs to have more events like this; which helps to bring a sense of community to the island & reminds us to appreciate the richness of culture & ethnicities we have in this melting pot, we call home.

Here's some of my favorite pictures from the event:

For more info visit the following:
Pictures: www.AlohaUpdate.com/2011/01/31/photos-from-i-love-chinatown-weekend/
Website: www.ilovechinatownfestival.com

I Love Chinatown Festival + Chinatown Get Down Teaser

Chinese New Year's year of the rabbit has officially started & I'm SUPER happy that I got to celebrate with "I Love Chinatown Festival" + Chinatown Get Down. Its a great way to kick off my birthday weekend celebration!

Here's a little teaser from the events; more pictures & reviews will be up soon. If you didn't make it to Friday's event, you better go tomorrow!

Here's some of my favorite pictures of the events:

For more info visit the following:
Address: 888 Nuuanu Ave. Honolulu, HI
Blog: ilovechinatownfestival.blogspot.com
Email: James.tennant@hotmail.com
Facebook: I Love Chinatown Festival Block Party! & Chinatown Get Down 2 Nights!
Website: www.ilovechinatownfestival.com

Eat The Street Food Truck Rally

First of all, Poni aka Street Grindz deserves a BIG SHOUT OUT for putting together the, "Eat the Street" event. Hawaii's first food truck food rally was a huge success because of all your hard work!

The weeks leading up to the "Eat the Street" food truck rally, I studied food reviews & drooled over pictures from the various food trucks that would participate in this event. I also decided not to eat anything to day of the event, that way I'd be sure my stomach had plenty of room to devour delicious food. As brilliant as that idea sounded, it turned out to be the dumbest thing I did in a long time; I almost fainted because I only drank water & survived on pieces of candy.

When I finally got something to eat & my friends bought their food, it was nearly impossible to find a table to seat all of us; & when we did found one it felt liking winning the lottery. If you were brave enough to walk around to the other food trucks, you know that it was inevitable to rub elbows with people passing by; because the amount of people packed in the parking lot could make anyone feel claustrophobic.

"Eat the Street" food truck rally was a huge success because: Melt's line wrapped around itself twice & the wait was more than an hour, Let Them Eat Cupcakes booth sold out in record time & Dixie Grill was forced to close for a food run. If that doesn't convince you how amazing this event was, believe me when I tell you that a sweaty man who came from a strenuous workout, couldn't resist eating all of the calories he just burnt off.

If you missed this event, don't worry Street Grindz is in the process of planning her next BIG event!

Here's some of favorite pictures from the event:

For more info visit the following:
Email: streetgrindz@gmail.com
Facebook: Street Grindz
Photos: www.alohaupdate.com/2011/01/29/photos-from-street-grindz-food-truck-rally/
Twitter: @streetgrindz
Website: www.streetgrindz.com

Mahalo from Rise Up Hawaii

As a member of the non-profit organization: Rise Up Hawaii, I'd like to extend a BIG MAHALO to everyone that participated & helped with our last benefit concert: Rise Up Hawaii for Hawaii's Homeless. This event was a tremendous success, it's because of your donations we were able to raise close to $700 & items were purchased to create care packages for families in desperate need of supplies.

Thank you for your support & we'll inform you about upcoming events!

For more info visit the following:
Email: riseuphawaii@gmail.com
Facebook: Rise Up Hawaii
Twitter: @RiseUpHawaii
Website: www.riseuphawaii.org

Streetgrindz "Eat the Street" Food Truck Rally Teaser

Hawaii's first EVER food truck rally: "Eat The Street" presented by Street Grindz was a HUGE success! Here's a little teaser of pictures from the event, more pictures & reviews will be up soon. Congratulations Poni for putting together such an amazing event. CAN'T wait for the next one ;D

Here's some of my favorite pictures of the event:

For more info visit the following:
Email: streetgrindz@gmail.com
Facebook: Street Grindz
Twitter: @streetgrindz
Website: www.streetgrindz.com

Upcoming Event: February Fresh Market

February's Fresh Market theme: I LOVE Hawaii! With Valentine's Day right around the corner, it's the perfect event to make your own recycled valentines! It's a great opportunity to pick up gifts for that special someone in your life.

The cover is $1 & children under 12 are FREE! Don't forget to do you part & B.Y.O. Bag!


For more info visit the following:
Address: 831 Queen Street. Honolulu, HI 96817
Facebook: February Fresh Market 0 LOVE H.I.!!
Twitter: @artandflea & @twitter
Website: www.artandflea.com & www.freshcafehi.com

Upcoming Event: I Love Chinatown Festival

This Friday & Saturday (1/28 - 1/29) is the I Love Chinatown Festival which celebrates the return of Pro Bowl & Chinese New Years. This is a FREE Concert & Festival that will held in the heart of Chinatown.

Friday's festivities begin 4 - 10 pm & continue Saturday from noon - 10 pm. There's gonna be over 20 bands & DJs, mechanical bull, foam tent party, custom bike exhibit & much more.

You don't want to miss this event!

For more info visit the following:
Address: 888 Nuuanu Ave. Honolulu, HI
Blog: ilovechinatownfestival.blogspot.com
Email: James.tennant@hotmail.com
Facebook: I Love Chinatown Festival Block Party!
Website: www.chinatowngetdown.com & www.ilovechinatownfestival.com

Upcoming Event: San Lorenzo Bikinis Sidewalk Sale

San Lorenzo Bikinis is having HUGE sidewalk sale this Saturday & Sunday (1/29-1/30). The event will take place at their Pucks Alley location. Don't miss out on their tops & bottoms as low as $10, up to 80% off select items, bikini starting at $20 for a set & FREE bikini piece with $100 purchase.


For more info visit the following:
Address: 2600 South King Street. Suite #104 Honolulu, HI 96826
Email: sanlorenzobikinis@yahoo.com
Facebook: San Lorenzo Bikinis & Sidewalk Sale at Pucks Alley Location
Phone Number: 808.955.3200
Website: www.sanlorenzobikinis.com & www.sanlorenzohawaii.com

EK aka Everybody Knows

Twitter has transformed the way people socialize; whether it's receiving information at lighting fast speeds, spreading the word about upcoming events or tweeting about your life. Twitter has become one of the best ways for me to communicate with a wider audience & opened doors for various "Sweet Lychee Productions" opportunities. Last month @jamesbarrie contacted me about local artist EK aka Everybody Knows: an emcee, producer, visual artist & Los Feo Records owner. We had a long discussion about local artists & immediately set up a blog interview for this quadruple threat.

Alex Samori is known by his stage name: EK aka Everybody Knows. This 21 year old was born & raised in Kapahulu, HI & his interest in rap started in high school. Even though EK was underage he showed up at 21+ events & competed in freestyle battles; these experiences inspired him to continue in the music industry.

Although EK doesn't have an official album, he heavily relies on YouTube to broadcast his name. In the summer of 2010, he traveled across the country with Canada's Josh Martinez & Portland's Sleep of Strange famous records on the "Swine & Dash Tour"; this tour consisted of 45 shows in 48 days. After the "Swine & Dash Tour", EK made his way to New York City where he won the one-on-one Body Bag Session battle against Dutch Vega. Since his return to the Hawaiian Islands, EK is working hard to complete projects & plans to release them later this year.

Some of EK's goals include: Consistently putting out products that keep Los Feo Faces artists relevant. Living comfortably doing what he loves, despite the hard-work & setbacks. Also being a historian of his era, attempting to document an accurate representation of his generation through music.

If you're interested in seeing EK perform, be sure to check out his Facebook page for upcoming battles. EK is currently finishing his "rich.happy& famous" mixtape + Los Feo Faces Records will release EK's solo project produced by DJ Oliver Twist (Le Feelings) & expected to drop this summer. Another project in the works is making music available for download via iTunes; until then fans can pick up merchandise at shows.

Here's some pictures from our interview:

"Success (to me) is being able to live comfortably off doing something you actually enjoy." - EK

For more info visit the following:
Email: eksonaplane@gmail.com
Facebook: Alex Samori, Los Feos Records & Triangular Circle Records
Myspace: myspace.com/losfeo
Website: www.triangularcircle.com

Upcoming Event: KTUH Radiothon Kickoff Party

Help KTUH with their Radiothon Kick-off Party happening this Saturday (1/22) at Thirtyninehotel. The Radiothon fundraiser for KTUH 90.3 FM takes place from 1/22 - 1/28. Join the celebration with live music from Theme Parks & The Shopping List. As well as KTUH DJS: Cookiehead Jenkins, Kaz, Ryan, Saki, Timo & Zilla.

All proceeds with go towards improvements for this non-profit radio station & say goodbye to DK Kaz.


For more info visit the following:
Address: 43 N. Hotel Street, Honolulu Hawaii 96817
Email: vip@thirtyninehotel.com
Facebook: KTUH Radiothon Kickoff Party & Thirtyninehotel & i love thirtyninehotel
Twitter: @thirtyninehotel
Website: www.thirtyninehotel
Wordpress: www.thirtyninehoteltoday.wordpress.com

Upcoming Event: Spring 2011 Collection Launch

Check out the Crooks & Castles Official Spring 2011 Collection Launch event this Saturday (1/22) from 12 - 4pm. There's gonna be food, drinks, music! Also the first 100 customers get a FREE gift bag.


For more info visit the following:
Address: 641 Keeamoku Street Suite 1. Honolulu, HI 96814
Facebook: Crooks & Castles + SPRING 2011 COLLECTION LAUNCH
Phone Number: 808.955.7007
Twitter: @crooks_castles
Website: www.crooksncastles.com

Upcoming Post: EK aka Everybody Knows

Until EK's post is published, please enjoy this video of Osna & Everybody Knows Vs Timmeh & Jordan Depanty 2on2 Mc Battle. By the way EK is the one in the bright yellow shirt.

For more info visit the following:
Email: eksonaplane@gmail.com
Facebook: Alex Samori, Los Feo Faces Records & Triangular Circle Records
Myspace: www.myspace.com/losfeo
Website: www.triangularcircle.com

Upcoming Event: Eat the Street

Check out Hawaii's 1st Food Truck Rally which will take place on January 27th! "Eat The Street" is a FREE event brought to you by StreetGrindz.com, where you'll be able to enjoy food from some of Hawaii's most ono food trucks & street vendors.

StreetGrindz is in the process of planning two more food truck rallies: February West side Food Truck Rally & March Meals on Wheels in collaboration with Lanakila Pacific.

For more info visit the following:
Address: 1637 Kapiolani Blvd. Honolulu, Hawaii 96814
Email: streetgrindz@gmail.com
Facebook: Eat The Street
Twitter: @streetgrindz
Website: www.streetgrindz.com/rally-info

MenageA3 Going Gaga

Going Gaga was one of my favorite MenageA3 events for two reasons: 1) I got to hangout with my BFF, who I rarely see on her bday & 2) We celebrated this joyous occasion with a Lady Gaga themed party at Apartment3.

The gorgeous staff at Apartment3 & fellow party goers dressed in theme + all the TVs played footage of the talented pop singer + songwriter. I didn't think this night could get any better until the always sexy Cherry Blossom Cabaret performed routines to Lady Gaga mash-ups. Their over-the-top costumes pushed me into a Gaga daze & the only thing that would've made this night even better: sky-high heels I wish I bought.

If you missed this past MenageA3 event, make sure you attend their upcoming events which will add sizzle to your weekend. Geek Chic - a party for your inner nerd, poindexter & freak takes place on February 19th & Cirque de Sexy - a circus/sideshow theme party takes place on March 19th.

Here's some of my favorite pictures from MenageA3: Going Gaga event:

For more info visit the following:
Email: cherryblossomcabaret@gmail.com
Facebook: Cherry Blossom Cabaret
Myspace: myspace.com/cherryblossomburlesque
Twitter: @cherrybl0ss0m
Website: www.cherryblossomcabaret.com

For more pictures check out Aloha Update: www.alohaupdate.com/2011/01/25/photos-from-the-lady-gaga-party-at-apartment-3/

Enlight Studios

When it comes to love, I'm a hopeful romantic. I fiercely believe that when you find the love of your life; it's worth every date from hell, painful heartbreak you've experienced, all the horrible kissers (you secretly laugh about with your friends) & those moments you wondered, "Is there someone special meant just for me?" Even though, I haven't found "the one" just yet, I know when it happens, I'll be ready. But for all you lovebirds in the process of planning one of the most important days of your life; I suggest hiring Enlight Studios, a company that will immortalize this joyous day, so you can enjoy those memories years from now.

Enlight Studios is in the early stages of their full-service wedding videography company, which specializes in high-end cinematic videos. This company started two years ago & it's comprised of co-owners: Mikey Inouye, Ben Leong & Jeremiah Tayao + two interns from Moanalua High School. These co-owners ventured into the wedding business fully aware of the struggles they would face as a new company; but they're slowly building their reputation around this simple concept: Making their customers happy. They understand the enormity of a wedding & strive to create an emotionally gratifying product; which is not only aesthetically pleasing but also captures the essence of your love.

Some of Enlight Studios's future goals include: Continuing to increase the amount of referrals they receive. Generating enough income to expand the company. Also surviving during these economic times.

If you know anyone getting married before or on Valentine's Day (of this year) inform them about Enlight Studios, "Valentine's Day Wedding Video Special". This offer is good for $214 off any of their wedding videography packages. However, if you can't wait to see what makes Enlight Studios different from other wedding videography companies, stop by their booth at the upcoming Hawaii Bridal Expo. This event will take place next weekend (1/21 - 1/23) at the Neil S. Blaisdell Exhibition Hall.

"Continue falling in love, so we can keep our day jobs!" - Enlight Studios

For more info visit the following:
Address: 685 Auahi Street Suite 2. Honolulu, Hawaii 96813

Email: enlightstudioshawaii@gmail.com

Facebook: Enlight Studios
Instagram: @enlightstudios
Vimeo: http://vimeo.com/enlightstudios
Website: www.enlight-studios.com

Upcoming Event: MenageA3 Going Gaga

This month's MenageA3 theme: GOING GAGA! The ladies of Cherry Blossom Cabaret are ringing in the New Year with "Going Gaga" a Lady Gaga inspired fashion celebration!

DJ Mr. Nick will provide music for the Cherry Blossom Cabaret to perform their sexy peepshow in the main room & Firebird Photography offers retro photobooth to immortalize the night.

Cover $10 after 9pm. For bottle service & dinner reservations contact Apartment3 via email or telephone.

For more info visit the following:
Address: 1750 Kalakaua Avenue. Honolulu, Hawaii 96826
Email: cherryblossomcabaret@gmail.com & hello@apartmentthree.com
Facebook: Saturday, January 22: CBC Presents... MenageA3: Going Gaga at Apartment3
Phone Number: 808.955.9330
Twitter: @apartm3nt, @cherrybl0ss0m & @firebirdphoto

Upcoming Event: The Lei Over

Be sure to check out a VERY special Hawaii edition of The Lei-Over which happens this Sunday (1/16) at Thirty Nine Hotel. No excuses because Monday is a holiday! This is a free daytime/night time Sunday jammy complete with booze & BBQ in typical island fashion. There's also an all-star line-up of special mystery guest with hosts Haycock, Jamie Strong & Aloe Blacc.

For more info visit the following:
Address: 43 N Hotel Street. Honolulu, HI 96817
Email: vip@thirtyninehotel.com
Facebook: The Do-Over presents The Lei-Over & Thirtyninehotel
Twitter: @thirtyninehotel
Website: www.thirtyninehotel.com
Wordpress: www.thirtyninehoteltoday.wordpress.com

Upcoming Event: The Big OneFifteenEleven Show

If you're a lover of music, be sure to check out Blue Oceans Thai this Saturday (1/15) for a line-up of pure AWESOME-ness! Doors open at 6pm & show starts at 6:30pm. $6 cover for those who are 18 - 20 years old & $5 cover 21+

For more info visit the following:
Address: 327 Keawe Street. Honolulu, HI 96813
Email: weareprevail@gmail.com
Facebook: The Big OneFifteenEleven Show! & Prevail
Myspace: www.myspace.com/_prevail
Tumblr: weareprevail.tumblr.com
Twitter: @prevail_

Upcoming Event: F&M's Final White Party

This Saturday (1/15) is F&M's Final White Party! Event starts 8pm & goes until 2am with full kitchen available until 11:30 pm. You MUST wear ALL WHITE after 8 pm (no exceptions). Colored accessories: belts, shoes, hats are fine but all white is preferred.

There will also be FREE makeovers by Cherbu Cosmetics & DJ Betty. This event will be hosted by DJ Maleko & Flash

For more info visit the following info:
Address: 3rd Floor of Century Center. 1750 Kalakaua Ave. Honolulu, HI 96817
Email: hello@apartmentthree.com
Facebook: FMs Final White Party
Phone Number: 808.955.9300
Twitter: @apartm3nt
Website: www.apartmentthree.com

Upcoming Event: ALT/AIR CD Release Party

ALT/AIR + Heatery Records Launch Party goes down this Saturday (1/8) at Next Door. Live performances by ALT/AIR + DJs Matt Ratt (Sick Tyte), Delve (Shake & Pop), Kowai Kowai (ALT/AIR) & Kause (Heatery). FREE ALT/AIR Cd with paying admission.

Sponsored by: Better Brands, Contrast Magazine, Fighting Eel, In4mation, Maiden Hell, Pinnacle Vodka, Primo Beer & Tee Tee Bar. This will be a 21+ event with $5 cover.

For more info visit the following:
Address: 43 N. Hotel Street. Honolulu, HI 96817
Facebook: ALT/AIR CD Release Party
Twitter: @Alyyyygator, @BrandonUdani & @nextdoorhnl

Upcoming Event: Pipedreams New Years Jam 2011

Join Pipe Dreams Surf Company celebrate their New Years Jam 2011 event on Saturday (1/8) in front of their Waikiki Store. With live performances by Mike Love Duo, Margot Chock + Chiemi Bryant & more. Music starts at 2pm & continues until 8 pm.

For more info visit the following:
Address: 1811 Ala Moana Blvd. Honolulu, HI 96817
Facebook: Pipedreams Surf
Twitter: @PipeDreamsSurf
Website: www.pipedreamssurfco.com

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Just wanted to wish everyone a, "HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!" May 2011 be filled with love, laughter & happiness. Accept every challenge & obstacle as an opportunity for growth.

Love, Sweet Lychee