Good Days

I had an awesome week. I'm learning a lot in my new internship and I'm meeting a lot of dope people.  I've been blessed to be surrounded by great writers, dancers, film makers, stylists, and so on. They let me know that a creative career is possible. I continue to live on a prayer.

When I have a good day... I try to look like this.....



 But inside I feel like this.....


By the way. I've submitted my FINAL grad school application. I'm relieved and exhausted at the same time.

It's Called a Funeral

E's mentee/little brother/collaborating artist Jo Ill shared E's voice message that he left on his phone. He put a beat to it... and there you go... E's a star :)

My Theme Song

My two good friends Anthem and Ann made a theme song for my blog. It's pretty hilarious, but I couldn't figure out how to get audio on my blog until Soundcloud.

Peep the themesong. LOL

Boo the bootch by cying689

Reinventing Feminism: OWN's Miss Representation

I absolutely loved this documentary. Miss Representation was featured on the OWN network this past weekend, and I was sincerely moved and inspired.

When I was interviewed for The Pioneer Online one of the questions that was asked was "Why do you feel like PMSTA's work is important?"

My answer was, because if you look at the media, the message that is out there is that women are to be marketed for sex only.

Miss Representation gives a very well researched answer of why that is. The choices of the modern day woman is being shaped by media and television, and unfortunately young girls are falling victim to more exploitation that the generation before.

It's still widely believed that there is no longer a glass ceiling for women. This is a horrible misperception, and it makes me depressed that we have a long way to go.

Before the men decide to clutch their balls, I encourage them to watch this. We are a world that is expanding and not shrinking, and a woman's safety and healthy continues to be compromised. Women in leadership have not been embraced. This makes me very sad.

Newest Miss Representation Trailer (2011 Sundance Film Festival Official Selection) from Miss Representation on Vimeo.

Enjoying the Success

Aureen Almario in "The Word of Oprah"

There couldn't have been a harder time for us to open this show. For the first time in my life I had to write a tribute for a friend that passed, and include it into our program.  

The title "Death of a Player" brought a lot of irony, but E. wouldn't mind :) I think he liked the title.

The show is getting a lot of positive reviews. Our artistic peers and new folks coming to the theater for the first time, have given us outstanding feedback on the writing and acting. I couldn't be any happier. 

When other writers come up to me telling me they loved my piece, it's a strange feeling. Most of my fellow artists at Bindlestiff know me as a dancer, and now some want to collaborate on future writing projects.  WOW! 

It's flattering yet humbling... I'm still chasing a dream, but at least with this production I'm having a taste of it.  I've established myself as a writer. As I approach 30, my identity is finally coming full circle. I'm grateful. 

Below is the list of people that have reviewed and promoted our show.  Thank you... all of you. 

SF GATE: Home of the San Francisco Chronicle

PMSTA on APEX Express 94.1

The Daily Californian

The Reluctant Reviewer: Live SOMA

The Pioneer Online: CSUEB

Hyphen Magazine Thanks Theresa :D 

Plastic Alto with Mark Weiss 

Flip Fob!

The Adventures of Yoshi 

"Handstand" - Nicki Minaj...Kumari Suraj's introduction of her "Franki...

I took Kumari Suraj's class last night. This chick is so dope. I would drink her bath water and swim in her hammer pants. I need a little more practice in waacking, but I'm kind of hooked. I can't stop practicing in my bathroom.

PMSTA's "Death of a Player"

Death of A Player Press Release

After a 3 year break and with a few new cast mates, Filipina American Women’s theater group, PMSTA (Pinays Maintaining Sisterhood Through Art) is coming back in full force with a new show, DEATH OF A PLAYER. Written by Aureen Almario, Andrea Almario, Shannon Pacaoan, Ava Tong, and Christina Ying, DEATH OF A PLAYER pushes the idea that in living life to the fullest, one must die to fully live. Initially conceived as a show that lamented loss of youth and innocence, it has since then evolved into a thoughtful, provocative look into the phases of womanhood, decisions made at each intersection, and living and dying with chosen life paths. With a live band incorporating indie, hip-hop, show tunes, and everything in between, the show is sure to provoke with the absurd truths of larger than life theater. Stories include a mail-order-bride game show that shouldn’t be so funny, but is; a murder mystery of a cheating lover, where there is no mystery as to who done it; a look at dying early – or wishing one could to hear heartfelt eulogies of one’s greatness; the undoing of a family when someone discovers a hole and an electronic eye in the bathroom; a woman’s search in finding herself, but is sidetracked by an old lover that returns; and finally three different women are trapped in a apocalyptic zombie era, to find out that one holds a deep secret; how will they survive and will they survive? Directed by A. Fajilan; writing facilitation by Gayle Romasanta; and produced by Maggie Suarez-Calixton. This production is not to be missed! DEATH OF A PLAYER will be presented in October 2011 at the newly reconstructed Bindlestiff Studio, 185 Sixth Street in the South of Market Area, SF.

WHEN: October 13-16, 20-22 and 27-29 Thursdays through Saturdays, 800PM Matinees (October 15-16, 22, and 29), 200PM

WHERE: Bindlestiff Studio 185 Sixth Street, San Francisco, CA 94103

ABOUT PMSTA Pinays Maintaining Sisterhood Through Art (PMSTA), was founded in November 2007 by a group of former cast mates from the Women’s Show called, The Fountain of Youth is a 16 oz Jar of Vaseline, directed by Gayle Romasanta. With much inspiration, the cast mates, Andrea Almario, Aureen Almario, Ann Borja, Kat Evasco, Nicole Maxali, Jamie Nallas, Gayle Romasanta, Tonilyn Sideco, Maggie Suarez-Calixton, and Ava Tong, decided to open new doors for other women who can voice out their struggles and accomplishments. Pinays Maintaining Sisterhood Through Art (PMSTA) strives to foster and develop strong, creative expressions and increased visibility of Filipino American women through theater, performance, literature, visual art, and music. WEBSITE: http://pmsta.wordpress.com/

ABOUT BINDLESTIFF STUDIO Established in 1989, Bindlestiff Studio is the only permanent, community-based performing arts venue in the nation dedicated to showcasing emerging Filipino American and Pilipino artists. Bindlestiff Studio provides the often under-served Filipino American community access to diverse offerings in theatrical productions, music and film festivals, workshops in directing, production, acting, stand-up comedy, and writing, as well as a children and youth theater program. More info and tickets at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/194248

Contact Us
pmsthruart@gmail.com
facebook us!

PMSTA Artists
Andrea Almario
Aureen Almario
Ann Borja
Shannon Pacaoan
Gayle Romasanta
Tonilyn Sideco
Maggie Suarez-Calixton
Ava Tong
Christina Ying
Banner and Facebook Image by
Eunice Nuval
Website created by
Shannon Lee L. Pacaoan

My First Theater Review

Last month I was in the bay area to watch my piece performed at Cal State East Bay called Secrets EXposed.

It was the first time that I've seen anything I've written performed on stage. I took a huge chance writing a murderous tale. It felt crazy writing it, but seeing it on stage was like experiencing brief schizophrenia.

For a second I thought to invite my mom to come with me to show, but once I told her what the piece was about she was already squeamish.

Just as she was giving me a side eye, she asked me, "What the hell is going through my daughter's head?"

Never mind. I'll go by myself. LOL

I wrote the piece for the upcoming Bindlestiff Production "Death of a Player", and I was more than flattered when director Ann Fajilan asked if she could use my piece for her college production at CSUEB.

The actress, Teresita Brown, who played the main character in my piece did exceptionally well. I was blown away when I found out it was her first time on stage, and she's going to be part of the PMSTA show in October and I couldn't be happier to have her with us!

To read the review click here. Or just read MY part :D

"One of the most surprising and delightful performances was Teresita Brown’s performance of “The Word of Oprah,” written by Christina Ying.

The piece explored madness and crime, as well as a fanatical obsession with a woman so many people revere and look to for guidance in their daily lives.

Brown gave an outstanding performance as she perfectly embodied a maniac with an intense enactment that kept the viewer hanging on her every word.

It is not easy to play a fanatical person without looking over-the-top or tacky, but Brown was thoroughly convincing and Ying’s strong story telling provided her with a variety of qualities and components to the story."

Wow... Speechless.

I'm also eternally grateful for Ann Fajilan for getting my work out there. Her students put on a great show. When I met them afterwards some of the cast gasped as she introduced me as the writer for "The Word of Oprah." It must be because I look so sweet, and you would never suspect that I would write a story about a murdering psycho ;)

Here are some more shots from the show.

The Cast for "The Word of Oprah" (I'm glad they didn't run away from me)

Me and the awesome Teresita Brown
The dead body in my piece

Yep. There's a dead body. If wanna see why check out our show, "Death of a Player"

WHERE: Bindlestiff Studio 185 Sixth Street, San Francisco, CA 94103

WHEN: October 13-16, 20-22 and 27-29 Thursdays through Saturdays, 800PM Matinees (October 15-16, 22, and 29), 200PM

NYC 08-2011

I love going to New York to recharge. I have really dope friends who are willing to host me, even if it means sharing a bed with them for a week. My twin from another coast Michelle did just that. Before I left my goal was to walk around New York and be cute, eat a lot, dance like fairy, be drunk like pirate, and do some hipster shit.

Well... all of those things were accomplished except for being cute. We ate and drank so much that I went to NYC with one chin and came back with like five. Which is why there are barely and pictures of me! I took pictures of only the food and below is everything I ate in NYC. Enjoy!

My favorite NYC Italian place Celeste is Michelle's pride and joy. You can find her enthusiastic review on the yelp page.

Linguine Vongole: Celeste

Penne with tomato sauce and mozzerella: Celeste

Tiramisu: Celeste
I had a ravenous craving for an NYC slice and I didn't care where. I apologize I can't remember the name.

Random Pizza Place by Radio City Music Hall

It was a Filipino Fat ass night. We went to a BBQ buffet that scrumptious enough to get the most committed of dieters to leave weight watchers. I'm lucky that none of my friends are on a diet!

Brisket, BBQ Chicken, Corn Bread, Macaroni and Cheese, Green beans: Hill Country BBQ

The owner chatted up with me and Chelle the day before. We stopped by for some wine and key lime pie!

Key Lime Pie: Brooklyn Public House
There was a post on Vashtie that got me super obsessed with trying Trini food. I couldn't freaking find it, but Chelle found Sugar Cane. Although it was pretty pricey, I suppose it was a good introduction to Trini food for this Asian girl from the bay.

West Indian Honey drizzled Fried Chicken with plantains and red rice: Sugar Cane

Chicken Roti: Sugar Cane
Fiore is Celeste's more expensive cousin. If you are in the Brooklyn area this is a great place to eat.
Vongole and Penne Carbonara: Fiore (Boobs not included)

Burrata Salad: Fiore
Eataly is a super duper Italian market place that is the brain child of Mario Batali, Lidia Bastianich, and her son Joe Bastianich. Inside is a my fantasy wet dream of cured meats, cheeses, and pastas that will surely fill my tomb when I meet the inevitable. Surrounded by posh dresses and suited stockbrokers, I felt a little out of my element until I started to eat. If you are in Soho and do not have the time to make it to Little Italy. This is definitely a good stop.

Cheese and Antipasto: Eataly

Lasagna and Cacio y Pepe Pasta: Eataly

Me in the midst of a wet dream

Smorgasburg Food Market in Brooklyn: This day was awesome. It was super pricey, but I felt that all of the food that we ate was great quality. It's a foodie's fantasy to be around so much yumness. Warning if you hate Hipsters, yeah, just look at the food. Keep your eyes on the food.

Noodles with peanut sauce, Lobster roll, and Chorizo sandwich: Smorgisburg food market

I am not a sports girl. I know like the minimal... if that. I had a tomboy phase where I wanted to play in little league so I know SOME of how baseball is supposed to work. My high school friend Mikey had an extra ticket and the day off, so I decided to visit the new Yankee Stadium.

I am a Giants fan, and it hurts me to say this, but the Yankees are a fucking magnificent team. I witnessed my first live grand slam. It was awesome. The fans are super loyal and fun to be around. Mikey had a bunch of useful bla bla bla about the Yankees being the oldest team, the most expensive team, and yadda yadda.... omg I just ate the best freaking philly cheese steak sandwich of my life....

Carl's Steaks Yankee Stadium: Philly Cheese Steak with onions and White Wiz

Photo from the web (cuz I ate all of it before I thought of taking a picture)

The Yankees played a great game that day. Ironically they were playing the LA Angels. I'm not sure if this was a sign of my future plans, but all I could think about was that damn Philly Cheesesteak sandwich! I loved it so much I took a picture at the stand. I have a feeling these dudes are used to random Asian chicks wanting to take pics, so they hammed it up for the shot. LOL.

I think it's safe to say David Chang is responsible for the pork bun fad. I've eaten at two of his restaurants Milk Bar and Momofuku Noodle Bar. David Chang's creations have popped up in all sorts of magazines and the young chef has even made an appearance on Anthony Bordain's No Reservations. His pastries and noodle dishes are scrumptious and familiar enough for the Asian palate. His legacy is in the buns. Pork buns that is. They will make you quiver.
You know I was dreaming about some Shake Shack. I had it last year and I couldn't stop thinking about their burger. I had it this time around and I didn't feel the amaze balls. It could be I had a week of eating and fatness and I just didn't care anymore. I would rate Shake Shack as the NYC equivalent to In and Out. Yeah..... eat here when you haven't eaten for like three days.

I saw my brother and his best friend while I was in NYC and I was about to jump both of them to get their take out dumplings. It was stuck in my head so I begged Mikey to take me to Chinatown. He had Vanessa's Dumplings on his Yelp Bookmarks and geez oh my... it was great! Mikey and I spent ten dollars for 16 dumplings, 1 sandwich, and two cokes. Fatness I tell you! Fatness on a budget is the way to go.

Sesame Pancake Sandwich with Pork Belly: Vanessa's Dumplings
Shrimp Dumplings: Vanessa's Dumplings
Pork and Chive Dumplings drowning in Siracha and Sexy dumpling sauce: Vanessa's dumplings
I've been following Chef Eddie Huang's blog Fresh Off the Boat and was excited to try his restaurant Bao Haus. He was featured in the Paper Tigers story that I mentioned earlier this year, and you know, I just dig it when Asian Americans challenge this whole ching chong ling long ting tong business. His Baos were omg... hella good. Don't be fooled they will fill you up.

And I hella forget everything we ordered.Whatever had fried chicken and pork belly will do you just fine: Bao Haus

Playing Ketchup

I've spent the past two days catching up on my writing for The Undeniables. If it weren't for my helpful guide "The Writers Block book" I'm not sure if this would have been possible. Fortunately, it's therapeutic to write fiction and rewrite reality to fiction ;)

My brain feels really spent. I'm going do some editing later. It just feels good to be creating stuff again.

Of course like the rest of the world. I'm consumed with the foreseen death of Amy Winehouse. Her second album Back to Black was the only pop album that I bought in 2006, and at the time I hadn't felt that awakened since The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. Of course the rest of the world embraced her musical genius, and like I, was unable to fathom why this beautiful girl would squander all of her success on drugs.

It's not that simple. I've avoided reading anything about her in recent years. It was just so sad to see pictures of bloodied fights with her husband and those damn ballet slippers. I remember running into a picture of her walking around the streets on London with nothing but a bra and jeans in tears.

The whole world is speculating on these reasons, and dissecting every possible angle. I can't help, but listen to her albums and get the chills.

Shabazz Palaces – Belhaven Meridian, directed by Kahlil Joseph

I've been carrying a lot of negativity lately. The triple threat enemies are defensiveness, vulnerability, and self-criticism. On the way to anger-ville, I came across this video via Em C for MISS Crew. Ishmael “Butterfly” Butler, who was 1/3 of the poetically and highly revered Digible Planets, expressed my current emotions so eloquently and unintentionally connected with my inner emo.

"That's what's up."

Shabazz Palaces - Belhaven Meridian from Sub Pop Records on Vimeo.

Thao and Mirah

UGH.... I hate the fat head in this picture, but I couldn't crop it out.

Thao and Mirah performed at the Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles last night.

I've been itching to see some live music, and when I got the invite I bolted out the door.

Los Angeles has plenty of great music, and Thao and Mirah did not disappoint.

They got a great review in the LA Weekly and apparently their show was not to miss. Both women have their own stylish breathiness to their singing. Thao's is very deep and electric whereas Mirah's is very ethereal. While listening to their set I felt a lot of country and folks influences, and there there were some songs where they rocked the fuck out, and it was awesome.

I even got a picture with them! Oh wait.... woops!


There you go!

Raja - Diamond Crowned Queen [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

For those who watched Rupaul's Drag Race season 3 recap, will recall the hilarious conversation where Manila told Raja that she sounds like James Earl Jones. Well Miss Darth Vader in drag recorded a really catchy dance track, and a music video that will make you blush.

Honestly, this video sounds nothing like Raja. He's on super/hyper-autotune, but I don't really care. He's doing what he does well, which is give good face, with smoldering eyes and a bad girl pout. I love how he challenges gender, sexuality, and fashion, which were qualities that made his win practically a shoe in. In non-drag he's a bit of a hunk, and one of my favorite Asian-American break out stars of this year.

All hail queen Raja! Sex for Dinner!

Jonte Moaning

I ran into a picture of Mr. Moaning on an urban website and they were trying to clown him.

I mean, I did look at the picture, and noticed his white ass eyebrows, but whatever it's Japan.

Hailed as the Lady Gaga of Japan and the go to choreographer for Beyonce, I figured this dude is probably tight.

Once I googled his videos and his dance performances, I was like, Lady Gaga AIN'T SHIT compared to JONTE!

She needs to stop with that Judas silliness, biting off Madonna, and preaching about being Avant Garde, because I'm gonna say it..... she stole her swag from Jonte.

I'm not kidding. I swear to God. This guy can dance and sing circles around Lady Gaga. I have a feeling this guy has been the back bone of so many pop stars and is ready to blow them away.

He refers to himself as an androgynous man, while others have labeled a drag queen. America being its own hater bubble at times, may not be ready for him, but I'M READY! When I watch pop music, I'm drowning in a bunch of boring, and Jonte is a breath of fresh air. It's naughty, sassy, and dangerous. Love him.

Choreo, Swag, SICK!

Bitch, sit down!


I ain't playing with these hoes! Thought you knew but now, ya know!

Accepting Feedback

I read this article today in Pyschology Today about "How to Take Feedback." It made me think about a lot of the inner turmoil I've been experiencing lately, and it gave some very great perspective.

The one that I've learned over the years, and is even mentioned in this article, is to never give feedback when you are mad or in a bad mood. It is guranteed that you will be misunderstood and I learned the hard way. All my life I've been predisposed to criticism, but there are just some years I don't take it well.

Some people never open themselves to feedback, and like sky diving , it's hard to do. Being a dancer, an artist, and now a writer I have to check my emotions all the time.

As I've gotten older I've learned to detach my work from myself. Feedback of my work is not feedback on my character or my integrity, it just allows for more room to grow.

I need to look at life the same way. If I receive feedback from people, take the note and move forward. Lately, receiving feedback has been feeling like open firing ranges towards my gut. I recognize that I'm at a sensitive point in time. It won't always be this way.

There was a great quote that I learned today. Although my roomate laughed when I told him.

"A boat is always safe in the harbor, but that is not where it belongs. It belongs at sea."

January 2011

When I was still in Asia a part of me was eager to get home, because I had a lot of goals that I wanted to accomplish. Now that I'm back here in LA I need to fight laziness and fatigue to get from point A to point B.

I've decided that my phase of intense alone time is over. I'm actually going to find a way to socialize more in Los Angeles. I want to enjoy this city as much as I can, because I don't know where I'm going to be living in the next 6 months.

I'm an adult/kid. I go as I please. I'm here I'm there. Catch me if you can. I'm hardly as glamorous as those Kardashians, but I have a self confidence that I haven't had in a minute. I catch myself playing with hair and feeling cute. Every girl should feel that way, and men get in the way of that sometimes.

As each of my friends are moving up in their careers and having kids, I'm only responsible for myself. I suppose when I'm old I will look on this moment with a lot of relief, that I took this time for myself.

Three years ago I was working full time adult cohabiting with my college boyfriend. I was on top of bills, cooking, and a kick ass credit score. I was in my ultimate adultness. I think all of the girls my age are following an imaginary blueprint, but if the blueprint was enough. I would still be on the wifey track to super adultness

I miss being a hyphey wifey. Although I'm the fun single chick in a sea of couples ALL the time, it sucks to be dancing by yourself when all your girls are dancing with their boyfriends. I can only dance with "George Glass" my imaginary boyfriend for so long. *me doing my awkward robot* However, I've finally broken my pattern of being the serial dater/monogamous.

You know in Eat, Pray, Love when God told Liz to go back to bed. God whispered to me...."You cannot be a hyphey wifey right now." It's a relief to breathe and finally hear myself for once.

Woes aside, dating is not ideal right now. Five months ago it was a choice that I made out of anger from being betrayed. I'm focused on myself to get to where I need to go. I wish I would have taken more risks when I first graduated from college, and I'm doing that right now.

The first step was school. When I got home I immediately enrolled in the UCLA extension writing program. It was recommended by another mentor in Writegirl. It's my first college class in five years, and I'm looking forward to extending my writing community. It will also help me in developing a manuscript for grad school applications.

The second step is an internship, which hasn't been fully executed yet. I'm trying to expand my skill set so I'm looking at different opportunities. If there is an opportunity to follow Lindsey Lohan get her cocaine, and she hires me to brush it off her nose. Then I'll take it!

Bad joke I know. Jokes aside Boothebootch has been a great release to me. I never thought blogging would be therapeutic, but it sure saves a lot of money! The blog has grown with a lot of trial and error, but I think I've found my blogging style. I've been through the self loathing phase, the bitchy phase, the preachy phase, and the silly phase. All these phases have entertained friends, lovahs, and god knows who else.

Happy New Year to Boothebootch and to all you other bootches out there! Lets keep laughing.

The Centerville Junior High Reunion

My Junior high years are probably my favorite. I had really great friends. There was something special about those two years, and our class was really close.

I remember being a social butterfly in Junior High and talking to EVERYONE. I guess not much as changed, but in some weird and Freudian like way Junior High set the tone of what my social personality would be for the rest of my life. In retrospect our class was very non judgemental. I can't explain what the chemistry was. We had our assigned ethnic cliques I suppose, but we all floated around and just kicked it.

Alicia who is sitting to my left in the picture, was our class star and president, but both of us didn't go to high school with the rest of our friends. The power of Facebook brought me and Alicia back together, and we came up with this crazy idea to do a reunion with just our eighth grade class. We both felt weird about actually going through with it, because we didn't want to look like a bunch of desperate people who were trying too hard to be nostalgic.

Then in true Alicia and Christina spirit, we both decided we didn't give a shit, and we went through with it. We got the support of our two other friends Dina and Monique to help us. All four of us were on the step team, and it was great to be working with them again.

I didn't go to the my high school reunion, because I didn't click with my class. I went to a Catholic High School, so naturally I just found folks to be super snooty. Maybe in the back of my mind I just always wanted to be back with my eighth grade class. So naturally I just dove myself into planning our reunion.

We had it at the Centerville Community Center, which is behind our junior high. My very good friend Nicolo spun for us, and I told him that this felt like eighth grade again, except I'm not carrying his crate of records into a house party.

Our DJ even came! DJ Hightop spun at all of our dances and he loved our class so much he wanted to stop by and say hi...... to the girls ;) I had a blast! To me, everyone is still thirteen. We just have adult bodies now. Everyone is still down to earth and open.

I have so much love for these people. Many of them are parents now, and I'm so grateful that they took time out of their busy lives to come out for one night.

I love Alicia for flying out here from Washington D.C. to carry out this crazy idea. I hope we do this every year. It was definitely worth all the trouble! The future has so much anxiety. Sometimes you need to go back in time to remember who you are.

Thank you everyone for the spectacular time!

Brain Fries

To get into grad school you need to write a personal statement and a statement of purpose.

I looked for programs that didn't require GRE. The last time I took the GRE I bombed big time. I Atomic bombed to the point where I left the testing site in tears.

I would rather write for ten hours instead of studying for a test that I don't fucking care about. I suppose this is where my strengths begin and end.

I have to write a manuscript; a non fiction prose. As I begin to type my mean insecurity takes over me. There are people that enjoy my writing, but I'm not sure if it's worthy of a prestigious MFA program. I still have to google certain words because I don't know how to spell them. Does Columbia have to know this?

As I begin to type I can't breathe because I hate everything that I am typing. Perhaps I hate it because I am typing a memoir. I'm trying to make it funny, but it's actually very painful. I resent the fact that I have to revisit these moments, but if they manage to get me into grad school I will thank my lucky stars that they happened.

I've always wanted to write a book, and my goal was to write one by the time I turned 30. I entered college with the hopes of gaining a writing career out of it, but there were other things that distracted me. Aside from winning an awesome dance competition, writing is my dream. I need to keep doing this and not be discouraged.

No boys or facebooking. Light blogging is allowed. I need to get my brain working and ready to write. It's like a warm up mile before a race.

Chug Chug CHOO CHOO bootch.

Stories From A Haunted Forest: An night of Filipino American experimental theater

Stories From A Haunted Forest: An night of Filipino American experimental theater is the show that I cam back up for.

I've been doing shadow puppetry for the past four years, and I'm happy to be working with one of my artist mentors again Lorna Velasco.

Lorna trained under Larry Reed and has practically mentored every Bindlestiff show that has a shadow puppet piece in it.

Photo by Yael Villafranca

The piece that I'm performing in this show is called Enkanto. It's about a dwende (dwarf) that becomes a giant/human. The whole show is about Filipino mythic characters. Filipinos have all kinds of myths to explain life and tragedy. As we approach Halloween, which practically celebrates the supernatural I'm delighted to take part in all its complexities.

Did I mention that we are performing at the Presidio, which is also haunted?

Come Check it Out!

WHEN: Saturday, October 30th
Doors open 630pm; Show starts at 7pm

WHERE: Presidio's Log Cabin, 1299 Storey Ave. (Fort Scott District of Presidio)
For directions: http://www.presidio.gov/event/rental/logcabin/log.htm

ADMISSION: This event is FREE!

MCHS Home Coming 2010

I have very mixed feelings about high school. I have no idea which of the John Hughes' brat pack archetypes I embodied, but like the movies I went through my own anguish that set the precedence for my now miserable adulthood.

I suppose it would surprise people that I would attend my home coming games as an alumni. I hated my class. In fact, my ten-year reunion just passed, and I have no tears about missing it. I remember the first and last names of maybe ten people from my class. If I could go back maybe I would change that. I didn't hate high school years, but nothing was awesome about it except for Color Guard.

I was a Color guard girl for all four years of high school, but I was previously a punk. I wasn't the cool rocker punk. I was simply a brat. My dance teacher/Color guard coach sniffed out my bullshit from the beginning, and she called me out for the lazy kid that I was. Those first couple of months with her felt like I was working with someone who had a personality that crossed between a drill seargent and Joan Crawford in Mommy Dearest.

She KICKED my ass, and I love her for it. Because of her I grew out of my insecure shell and I became the leader bootch that I am today. She is one of my closest friends and I regard her as one of my most positive mentors.

I can brag that I was a Color Guard captain, because I was good Oh wait, let me rephrase this. As Demi Moore put in Charley's Angels Full Throttle, "I was never good. I was great." (Cue in maniacal laugh).

I guess that's why I so damn power hungry till this day. Despite my King Midas complex, we won like no body's business. The cheer leaders hated us for it because they sucked ass and they knew it. Aside from knowing that they sucked, we were a cuter squad. Yeah I said it. So those bitches can eat it.

They killed the Color Guard program about five years ago at my high school. This move was a huge slap in the face considering that Color Guard won first place for the school in every competition for the past twenty years.

A couple of years ago my teacher called upon the alumni to perform for the Home Coming games to try to revive the program. Well, they haven't revived the program, but we still get together every year.

I recently asked one of my old Color Guard team members, "Who was your best friend in High School?"

"Color Guard," She says.

That about explains it. I love you girls.

Below is the Color Guard Alumnus most recent performance. Because of my new residence in Los Angeles I wasn't able to perform this year, but please check out my most awesome commentary.