Thanks, Kuya Phill

as you might know, Phill Ozaki (my future husband and past FIA cultural awareness chair) is moving to D.C. next week. i am currently in the process of mourning and cannot get out of my bed . . .

well, that's not completely true - i'm not in soo much mourning because I know that Phill will be going on to bigger and better things! he's gunna be helping me out with some cultural stuff (i had really big shoes to fill, you guys), and he's sent me this in hopes that all of you reading this might enjoy it:

p.s. michael copon is hott.

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Michael Copon - An Exclusive Interview in Chicago

Posted Fri, 09/04/2009 - 14:03 by Ryne Register or login to comment

Average:

5

Whenever recess hit in the 5th grade, or while I was at my family friends' playing outside, there was always one show my friends and I would want to emulate: Power Rangers. The Ninja Turtles had run their course, and Dragonball Z had yet to hit our shores. While we had the imagination to pretend we were superhero martial artists, we never considered acting on the show as one. Michael Copon, a Pilipino from Virginia, actually got to live the life as the Blue Time Force Power Ranger, which began his career as a television and film actor. BakitWhy.com had the chance to meet up with Michael during a recent weekend trip he had to Chicago.

Following his stint as a time traveling teenager with attitude, he held a recurring role on "One Tree Hill" playing Felix Taggaro, along with cameos on "Scrubs", "Greek", and "CSI: Miami". He also starred in leading roles in the movies Bring It On: In It to Win It and The Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warrior. As for what he's doing currently and in the future…well, check out our exclusive interview:

Follow Michael on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/michaelcopon

Follow Michael on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mcopon

Follow Michael on MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/copon8

Many special thanks to Stephanie Gonzales, Jacklyn-Nicole Mandera and Bboy Mangubat for setting up the interview, Mike Maravilla of Unscene Media Group for taping and editing, Filipiniana Restaurant, and Michael Copon!

What is Culture?

Hello everybody! I just got back from Passport to the Philippines at Navy Pier - where FIA Cultural took part in the parade (fully adored in tinikling gear) and then afterward performed 2 dances along with several other dance troupes in the area. While the sticks may have gotten a little unruly during that last performance, FIA did represent very very well.

I also stole a couple of the event's programs while we were waiting to line up for the parade. Okay, maybe they were free, but I think I took 2 or 3 more than I should have. I skimmed through the program and read this section, one that is describing Filipino culture:

Filipino culture is a fusion of pre-Hispanic indigenous Austronesian civilizations of the Philippines mixed with Hispanic and American. The Hispanic influences in Filipino culture are largely derived from the culture of Spain and Mexico as a result of over three centuries of Spanish colonial rule through Mexico. These Hispanic influences are most evident in literature, folk music, folk dance, language, food, art and religion, such as Roman Catholic Church religious festivals. Filipinos hold major festivities known as barrio fiestas to commemorate their patron saints. One of the most visible Hispanic legacies is the prevalence of Spanish surnames among Filipinos.

I mean, don't get me wrong, there's absolutely nothing wrong with this description - it's just a little too cookie-cutter for my taste. I think that culture is a lot more than the countries where we originated from or the food we eat or the dances we dance or the religion we choose to abide by. Culture is a fluid process; it's this incredibly complex entity that influences who we are as people. Many may claim that there culture does not impact the person that they have become - but these people are simply blind to the fact that culture plays a HUGE role in the way they think and act and make decisions. Why do you have that rosary on your rear-view mirror? Why do you frequently burst into song? Why do you feel the necessity to greet your elders - even if they're not closely related to you?

Don't be afraid to embrace your culture. And don't be afraid to embrace other cultures too. I have a feeling you'll enjoy learning the differences.

I, on the other hand, am out! Super exhausting (but great) day. More posts to come laterr. <3

Heroes and Icons

05/30/09

So, I was skimming through Time Magazine's 100 Most Influencial People Issue, and whose deep-set eyes do I find staring me down? I shouldn't be surprised, Manny had swept the world off its feet and placed it in a boxing ring (of all the places!). He brought to the world a new love for the sport and an even greater respect for his people. I could not imagine any athlete - Filipino or otherwise - who deserves this honor more than Mr. Pacquiao. I was filled with an insane sense of pride as I read this article, so i'd like to share i'd with you in teh hopes that you might feel the same way- let's see what Lennox Lewis had to say:

Manny Pacquiao
By Lennox Lewis

Pound for pound, Manny Pacquiao is the best boxer in the world. But even more important than holding that distinction, Manny has connected with the people of his home country, the Philippines, to the point where he's almost like a god. The people have rallied behind him and feel like they're a part of him, because they can see his talent, his dedication, his grace and his class. The grip he holds over the Philippines is similar to Nelson Mandela's influence in South Africa. I can surely see Manny becoming the Philippine President one day.

In fact, he already ran for Congress in the Philippines but lost, in part because voters thought he could do more for the country as an inspirational champion boxer. I agree with the Filipino people. Manny, 30, already has a true global reach, and his influence will only expand as he gets better. Manny is from the Muhammad Ali school. He's a boxer, a puncher and a mover — a champion in four weight divisions. He doesn't stand there and take shots. He throws that wicked jab and is so quick to dodge trouble.

Boxing needs a guy like Manny. Too often, when something positive develops, the sport takes two steps backward; you never know where the black eye is going to come from. With Manny, you don't have to worry about that. He just loves the sport and knows he's carrying the hopes of his country in the ring.

Lewis, the former world heavyweight champion, is a boxing commentator for HBO Sports

Fast Fact: Pacquiao is the first athlete the Philippine Postal Corp. has honored with his own stamp