April 2002

April 2002 News

April 30 2002
I stayed pretty busy this past weekend. I'm going to post pictures shortly, I'm just having some problems uploading them. I'm warning you, this may be a long update because it was a busy weekend.

Saturday I went to an engagement party for Mike Gines & Ivy Agbanglo. They are both close friends of mine and I've been chosen to be a groomsman at their wedding in November. As I stated in a previous post, I'm not to crazy about all these parties before the wedding (engagement party, showers, etc.) since I've got to buy presents for each occasion. I wouldn't have bought anything this time, but as a member of the wedding party I feel I'm obligated to get a little something. I think that's why they have several members of the bridal party, for the better presents. It's not like we have any actual duty aside from dressing up and walking up and down the aisle.

(This is just the beginning, this is going to be so long, but stick with me) On Saturday night I went to something really cool. It was the AllSkool Concert at ODU. It was a huge event where they opened up all of Webb Center (the student union building) and they had several performances from several genres of music on 5 different stages. It was put together by a good friend of mine, Eric Green. He's usually involved in ODU's annual year-end concert and since he's graduating, this was his last so he made it BIG. First I saw Cody ChesnuTT. He's an amazing performer. He's about to release an album, and he's causing a buzz around the industry. The Roots have snatched him up for a guest appearance on their upcoming album, Nelly Furtado has given him praise on TV, and the Strokes had him dance on stage with them in one of their videos. His sound is hard to classify because it's not R&B and it's not exactly rock. Some have described his sound as a cross between Al Green and Lenny Kravitz. I can't really describe so I won't try, it's good - just take my word for it. I even got to meet him shortly after he finished his set.
I missed Blackbird Pond's performance, sorry guys, buy I did speak to Luisa (the singer) and Mark(the keyboardist) afterwards. I heard their set was good. I did get caught by surprise by another local band, Straight Bent. They're mostly filipino, but they have a sort of 311/reggae sound. It's fronted by Eric Untalan. I've known him since high school and never knew there was anything musical about him. Really a big surprise, I'm going to try to catch them again .
Rahzel, the human beatbox, the godfather of noyze, from the Legendary Roots Crew was next on the venue for me. I've been a Rahzel fan for years and was glad to finally catch him live. His performance is like nothing else. Most people will say, "Why do I want to watch anyone just beat box for 45 minutes?" But he seems to have revolutionized the art. He not only beat boxes, but he simulates the bass guitar and sings, all AT THE SAME TIME. Again, I can't describe it, it's good - just take my word for it. He started off at the Apollo and went undefeated on Amateur Night. He used to do a lot with the Roots, but now he's solo.
(I told you this was going to be long) Finally, I closed the night with Seed Is..., one of my favorite local bands. They are a go-go,hip-hop, jazz fusion. Their set was cut short because the event had to end at 1am and due to the numerous number of performers, their set was stopped by the cops.
All the music was good, but the best part of the night was running into so many people. I don't want to name them all but I do want to note those from out of town. Ben Gunter was the big surprise - a black guy who won the award as best filipino in FASA one year. He came from Ohio and has been MIA for several years. Leonard Pascual was there, visiting from San Diego. And several people from Northern Virginia/D.C., again, too many to name. (okay that's it for Saturday) Sunday, I started the day off by going to the baptism for the child of Eric & B. Alegre, two of my friends since childhood. Releina Alegre's baptism was at St. Matthew's Church, and as I walked in, I had seen SEVERAL people I knew but I didn't associate with the Alegre's. It turns out that another friend of mind, Liza (Dismaya) Malinis (I think that's her name now?), now has a new child and was also being baptized. Wow, I get 2 for the price of one.
Afterwards I hit up the reception at San Lorenzo and I ate ALOT. Again, too many people there to name.
Finally, after the reception, I headed to Arnold Lapid's house for a little barbecue, but I didn't eat since I ate SO MUCH at the baptism party. But it was nice to relax there after the busy weekend.

On another note,(I'll keep this short) It's Tuesday, new CD's - Blazing Arrow from Blackalicious (one of my favorite Rap Groups). Their first full length album, Nia, was okay to me at first listen, but it grew on me, so much that it is one of my favorite albums of last year. Positivity in their lyrics.
Also, filipino dj Babu, from Dilated Peoples and The Beat Junkies, is releasing a mixtape, Duck Season Vol.1 . See him in action here - BABU video.
On the DVD side: Friends - the entire first season, Ali (with Will Smith), and Jerry Maguire: SE.

I have more to say, but that's enough for now.

April 26 2002

R.I.P Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes

Left Eye was killed late last night in a car crash in Honduras. TLC was working on their album to be released this summer and she had just signed with Death Row Records for her solo career. She was just 30. God rest her soul.
Her brother had just died recently from a drowning at a pool party thrown by Lisa Lopes. She is also featured in this months XXL as her solo alias N.I.N.A. talking about her album. Her official website Eyenetics.com shows her schedule and this vacation to Honduras was supposed to happen last month, but got delayed until now.

April 25 2002
Yesterday, I picked up the new Dance Dance Revolution game Konamix. It's the latest in the line of several Dance Dance Revolution games for the playstation. For those of you who don't know, this is a game played on a dance pad as your controller. The screen flashes arrows which correspond to steps on the dance pad. The arrows move at a pace to make you dance, well sort of.
For some reason, the game is a huge success with asians. I'll admit, I've been addicted for a year and a half - I'm just a DDRfreak.

Only 2 more months until June 25 (hopefully) - WARCRAFT III . YES, MY LORD. Probably the most anticipated game of all time. After seeing the preview movie for this, I have been craving for it like a fiend on crack. I've been waiting 7 years for this. Damn, I should have been a beta tester.

April 24 2002
Musical production team and Virginia Beach natives, The Neptunes have started up their own record company and has signed on as a division of Arista Records. Star Trak Entertainment can now be found on the web here. Several future music stars have or will have albums released by Star Trak. N.E.R.D., Kelis, and rap group (also Va Beach natives) the Clipse are a few examples. In fact, the current single from the Clipse, "Grindin'" is getting heavy rotation in clubs and several radio stations here in Hampton Roads, and I may just proclaim this song my official summer banger.

While I'm on the topic of local music, local DJ/production crew Kuya Tribe Productions have also opened up their new website. NY2VA is all about Kuya Tribe and SkyHigh 7. Some of you may know Kuya Tribe from DJ Kuya Dee. He's a staple at several clubs on the beach as well as all the big parties in Va Beach.

Lastly, on the rock side of music, Blackbird Pond recently opened their website. They also just released their album and aptly named it www.blackbirdpond.com (to help promote the website, duh). They have been getting lots of buzz in the Hampton Roads area and are popular on several mp3 sites. They are all filipino and feature Luisa Gonzales on vocals. Also, one of my foosball counterparts, Mark Gecolea, mans the keyboards.

April 23 2002
Check out the winner of this weekend's LPGA golf tournament, or even if you don't like golf, click on this and tell me - what's wrong with this picture?

I've added most of the links on this news page to the links page. I'm still working on that page, but if you'd like to revisit something that you've seen here, you'll probably be able to find it there.
This past weekend I checked out the Culture Night put together by FASA at ODU. It was a good show and everyone involved seemed to have a really good time, and that's the important part. Being a "veteran" of SO MANY of these shows, I can be the severely critical about the night, as I know every single aspect of the evening, but in the end, it's all about the group's effort and making it through the night without killing each other. This was such a young group this year also that I understand the monumental task of putting it all together. I'll post some pictures soon.
For you animation geeks, two DVD's come out today that might interest you.
First (children of the 80's take note)is the Transformers: Complete season one. Lots of features, and it is Transformers.
Second is Metropolis. This is a remake of an old classic movie and many critics believe it is one of the most beautiful animes created. Lots of praise was given to this film that was mostly touted as an art-house flick.

Here's an article about a positive stereotypes of Asians. It's also a stereotype that many of my friends have figured out how to break. Why Asian Children Do So Well in School?

April 19 2002 (very late in the day for an update, but it's Friday, I had other things to do - like sleep)
Tomorrow is a sort of unofficial holiday for some of you. April 20 is National Light Up a Fatty Day (or however else you want to call it - but you get the idea). No I didn't make that up, and for you who already knew that, I'm sure you've already begun the celebration. Here's one story of how the occasion started. Actually Here's a whole bunch of stories. I guess a bunch of guys on pot have a hard time agreeing, I wonder why?

April 18 2002
Let's take a look at your personality by taking a couple of those internet quizzes.
First quiz: Which Muppet are you? Take the Muppet test.
I turned out to be the Swedish Chef.
Second quiz: Which WWF wrestler are you? Take the Wrestler test.
I turned out as Mick Foley/ Mankind.
What are your results. Let me know.

April 16 2002
I posted more pictures in my Yahoo photo album. These include a whole folder for Mike & Rachel's Wedding shower, Mason's baptism, and this weekends events highlighted by Esther's Birthday. There are also a few more miscellaneous pictures in the album that have yet to be renamed. These include Ron Villanueva's Birthday party at Excess and other nights out on the town. I may rename all the pictures when I get the chance but for now just use the Thumbnail view to see the pictures.

Now when I post these pictures up, I compress the files to conserve space on the server. This results in a loss of quality and makes the size much smaller. Now if you want the original copy of the picture or want to make a gift that Yahoo offers, send me a note and I'll hook you up with the better resolution picture. I'll be happy to give it out.

April 15 2002
It's tax day. For you late filers, try doing it online. It'll cost about $20, but it's April 15, and sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.

April 12 2002
This past Tuesday, April 9, marked the 60th Anniversary of the Battle of Bataan. This World War II battle resulted in the "Death March" in which thousands of American and Filipino soldiers died as they were led to concentration camps, prisoners of the Japanese. Read more about the Battle of Bataan. The Philippines was very crucial in the events of WWII and the Battle of Bataan is a poignant moment in the country's history.
Right now floating around the internet, there is a picture of a filipino general who appears to be afraid to get wet has someone carry him piggy back. I don't know the true story, but many people are joking the hell out of him. This gives filipinos a bad name. This cowardly act surely doesn't do justice for the courageous acts of 60 years ago.
Well if you don't know, now you know.

April 10 2002

Happy Birthday Esther!!

Today is Esther Lapid's Birthday. She's my homegirl, my partner-in-crime. She's turning 25 today. We'll probably celebrate this weekend.

April 9 2002
I will be posting pictures from this weekends events shortly (Mike & Rachel's Wedding Shower, Mason's Christianing).
I believe today is the Anniversary of Andy and Kathy Pilar. If anyone knows their whereabouts let me know. I haven't seen them in a while.
Ron Villanueva's campaign page is now up and running. See what he's all about and why you should vote for him for Virginia Beach City Council.
Yesterday, April 8, was the anniversary of the death of legendary singer Kurt Cobain .
Remember, Only 6 days left to file taxes.
Just found out that the live-action "Fat Albert" movie that was scheduled to be released this Christmas has been shelved. The director, Forest Whitaker, and the big guy in charge, Bill Cosby, have creative differences about the direction of the movie. Cos is now looking for a new director.
New on DVD today, Mulholland Drive. Also, Serendipity - don't know anything about this movie, but some people liked it. And for you asian action flick fans Shiri makes its US debut on DVD. This is a Korean flick set in the future very akin to a John Woo movie. The DVD is different from the one that was released in Asia.
Bored? See how fast you can spank this monkey.
Stay tuned for an announcement for my very first contest, and it'll have a pretty decent prize.

April 6 2002
Okay, it's official, I'm sick. I'm not sure what did it, but the fact that Wednesday was like 80 degrees and thursday was 50 degrees may just be the factor. Yesterday my chest just wanted to explode. I had aches all in my shoulders and I was blowing my nose profusely. I can't take this. I'm on some Formula 44D right now. It says 1 dose every six hours, I've been doing about 1 every 3. My heads been spinning for hours and I've been too sick to eat. Even a Peanut Butter Jelly with a Baseball Bat.
This weekend is a busy one for me. Saturday is Mike & Rachel's Wedding Shower. Now when has this become a trend. I understand bridal showers, but Wedding Showers? What's the difference with that and the actual wedding? At least they didn't have an engagement party. Also on Saturday is the first birthday for Grace (Alegre) Medina and Chris Medina's kid. Then on Sunday is the christianing of Mason Marcelo (my nephew). Gifts, gifts, and more gifts - except for the Wedding shower, Mike & rachel - you're getting a wedding present and that should suffice.
Comic fans or Transformer fans take note. A new Transformer comic was just released. It's selling out everywhere so snatch one if you can. It looks really sweet. The arts really nice. For those of you with more abstract minds, this gem of an artist may just be the future of Disney artists, and a revamped Donald Duck.
Another reminder - Daylight Savings Time begins this weekend.

April 4 2002
Sad news for those of you who follow filipino entertainment. One of the most popular young actors in the Philippines died last week. Rico Yan was a huge star in the Philippines. To put this in perspective for those who did not know him, Rico Yan (in my opinion) is the filipino equivalent of a Tom Cruise or Brad Pitt or Justin Timberlake. He was Mega-Huge. Reports show that he died from pancreatitus. He just turned 27 last month and was in the middle of a much publicized break up with Claudine Barreto, another superstar in the industry.

April 3 2002
This past weekend I attended Ron Villanueva's Birthday party. This was also the kickoff to his campaign for a seat on Virginia Beach's City Council. I'm not into the politics thing, but I do stay informed. Normally I couldn't give an ish about voting and I'm not one to tell anyone else who to vote for, but this is different. Ron's a friend who I've seen do lots with his life. For those of you in Virginia Beach, the City Council election is May 7 but you must be registered and deadline for registration is April 8.

April 2 2002
March Madness is over (congrats to the mighty Maryland Turtles) . It's now April. Yesterday was April Fool's Day . I had contemplated some joke I could put up, but I figured half of you would just say "that's really dumb" and the other half just wouldn't care. Let me remind everyone that Daylight Savings Time is coming up this weekend. We lose an hour of sleep Saturday night, but that's alright because the sun will set later now, around 7:30pm. I hate it when it gets dark at 6pm.
It's Tuesday, new music day. For those of you who care, J-Live comes out today. He's a gifted and well versed underground rapper that's been so underappreciated. On the rock side, the White Stripes are now out. They're a brother and sister duo from Detroit that have a really raw sound. They are a true garage band that is on the verge of popularity. They now have a video on MTV that is entirely animated by LEGO. Also, The Apex Theory comes out today. I haven't heard much about them, but what I have heard I like. Another notable rock albums I've been listening to is John Mayer (not really rock, but really good). Ashanti comes out today, and she seems alright, but I'm already tired of her. I'm sick of JaRule's "Always on Time", Fat Joe's song is ehh, and her song on the radio right now is just a bite off of Biggie's "One More Chance" (which is already a sample). If you're going to sample a song, don't take something that's already a sample (take note R.Kelly & Mary J.).
Attn: Superman afficionados. A couple years ago, a new revamped Superman movie was in the works. The legendary comic writer (and movie director) Kevin Smith had written a script true to the original comics and unlike the campy Superman movies of the 80's. This was supposed to revitalize the character the way the Batman movies did. The movie never came to fruition as Miramax pulled the plug on the idea. The movie may someday be made, but I found the whole script of the movie (the whole screenplay , meaning hundreds of pages) and I have linked to it here. Enjoy. Superman Lives!

Hosted by www.Geocities.ws