Marisa

And a home video of my Christmas in the Bay Area ...

OK, so it's not an actual home video from Christmas, but actually the overture to Jesus Christ Superstar. Close enough.

Christmas in the Bay Area/Sacramento was lovely. It was cold enough to wear everything in my suitcase at once, but it was worth it.

While times are hard, my family decided to be a little more innovative with their gift giving. For instance, Auntie Beth stitched up some amazing stuffed dolls from old sweaters and blankets. Tita Mynna and Dawn treated the family to sushi. Auntie Des and Brice managed to challenge the entire family to a walk-off. My mother, though, probably wins the award for strangest presents given this Christmas.

Some of her notable gifts:
• "potato battery" for my Uncle Les - My uncle has a knack for gadgets and manages to have latest and coolest toys before anyone else. As a joke, his wife/my aunt suggested that what he needed was electricity. To which my mom responded confidently, "I can make that!" And packed a potato (on which I drew his face) and a couple copper wires creating a working potato battery.

• Polveron and Food For the Gods for Auntie Des and Auntie Risa - Favorite Filipino snacks packed to perfection by my dad.

• Doily for my Auntie Beth - My mother told my aunt, "For you, I'm going to make a doily!" Doubtful, yet nicely, my aunt replied "Really?". My mother actually made one.

• Beibi Brews Beer for Uncle Brice - When asked what he liked, Uncle Brice answered, "I like beer". So my mom said, "I can make that." And on Christmas, Uncle Brice unwrapped 3 bottles of Blue Moon re-labeled by my mother. The sharpie and masking tape labels read "Beibi Brews" (Beibi = her nickname) and taped them all over the bottle.

• "Super Titi" and Jello Shots for Uncle Monch - Who knew that there were Shrimp chip snacks called Super Titi? My mother apparently. She only bought these because "Titi" was in the name. To those who aren't familiar with Filipino slang, "titi" refers to a penis. Well to go further with this elaborate filthy joke present, her jello shots were made in her easter egg jello molds. So when anyone looked at the present, my mother helpfully reminded, "SEE, THEY'RE EGGS!" to make the ultimate phallic experience.

So afterwards we make hot chocolate and churros (from scratch-- we wouldn't have it any other way!) shaped like sperm and crucifixes (for Grandma). Played with Kristen's batwings, nerf guns and r/c tarantula (Yes, that was from us) Watched more Mamma Mia Sing A Long and Jesus Christ Superstar. (My father proudly reminds me that he was a priest in his high school production of the rock opera. This is evident in his memorization of EVERY LYRIC) Gotta love my family! (The only people reading this...)

Cher Draws Little Anne

By the very talented Cher Grepo

Wild Eyed

Because my good friend, Eric, is visiting from Tokyo. I'm paying tribute to one of the phrases he says a lot- "wild eyed". For most part, describes most homeless and/or drunk hooligans who are ready to give a pounding. So here is a collection of people with wild eyes.

Because Everyone Loves Poo

The Sprinkle Brigade is here to provide you with the true definition of street art: dog poop sculptures. While we may just dismiss these abandoned terds, the Sprinkles see art.

Thanks, B

Love By Mail

Petition for Sustainable Agriculture

Now that President Obama has been elected, it's time to let him know that it's important to choose someone competent in sustainable ecological and agricultural principles as his Secretary of Agriculture.

Sign the petition here.

Happy Birthday, Supergirl!

Happy 45th Birthday, Helen Slater!

Note: Supergirl was one of my obsessions when I was younger and I still came out alright. Sort of.

Another cool house

"Shell House" by Kotaro Ide

Nate's bad day

Pigeons hate Nate.

An Assistant's Fantasy

This is a picture of Claire and her boss as a bee.

A cool illustration frm Rome, Italy

Assorted Illustrator and Photoshop Fun

Mike at his best

Last resort for art school application


A tribute to San Francisco
A reminder to Cher that I'm waiting for her to draw me...

Gotta Love Cats

From I Can Haz Cheezbuger

Manny Pacquiao vs Oscar De La Hoya: The Pride Tenderizer

I'm no boxing fan. In fact, if it weren't for some of my friends' excitement, I wouldn't have even known about this fight.

De La Hoya vs Pacquiao. A dream fight, as some described. But why? Oh I see now-- it gets pretty exciting watching people get punched and sweat and bleed.

That little guy sure knows how to punch.

My favorite line came from announcer Jim Lampley (I think) "Pacquiao has now re-arranged De La Hoya's once beautiful face"

Scariest sound in the world

A ticking clock

I don't understand

by Antonio Berardi

Thanks, Cher

Instant Architect

"Found"

16 x 20 acrylic on canvas

For newlyweds, Auntie Des and Uncle Brice

The Birthday Boys

Mike, Jeff and Chris work with me and are 3/5 of the sketch comedy group,the Birthday Boys. So last night, I went to the Upright Citizens Brigade theater to see what people were talking about. And guess what? They were actually funny.

An interesting fact about the Birthday Boys is that they all live together in one big sized house of brainstorm. This is evident in their sketches through their themes of insecurity, groupthink, and absurdity. Most importantly it shows that they like what they're doing and in result, we like them and their work too.

See them every 1st Wednesday of the month at the UCB Theater in Hollywood. Or here: The Birthday Boys

Happy Birthday, Mom!

My mom with her pet basil plant, Basilio.

Movie Review: No Country For Old Men

No Country For Old Men, 2007
dir. Ethan and Joel Coen
Drama, 122 mins

Unbelievably well executed.


I was late to see this Oscar flick because everyone had already seen it before me.

Frank Sinatra's Twin Palms

Another dreamy Palm Springs getaway by architect E Stewart Williams, but this time Frank Sinatra lived in it so the demand is much higher. Personally I would prefer the Kaufman House over this house any day, but I most certainly wouldn't complain about this one. On the market now for $3.25 mil/$14000 a month to rent.

Learn more here: Twin Palms

Movie Review: Slumdog Millionaire

Slumdog Millionaire
dir. Danny Boyle and Loveleen Tandan
comedy/crime/drama/romance, 120 mins.


Slumdog Millionaire was the feel good movie of the year. The story takes the audience on a crowd pleasing and emotional trip through modern India. Boyle/Tandan seamlessly go through time and space romancing the story in order to keep us hungry for more plot. Perfect pacing for a very full romance. The performances were convincing and there wasn't a dull moment.

Go watch it.

How was Thanksgiving, Anne?

My mother (as mentioned in a previous post) hosted this year's Thanksgiving. She hurdled up about 40 of our closest relatives into our home despite the fact that we owned maybe 10 chairs altogether.In true Filipino tradition, everyone brought something to consume. From mashed potatoes and salad to bibinka (a dessert made with coconut milk) and lengua (beef tongue), our Thanksgiving meal spanned continents. The food probably took up about 3 normal length dining room tables.

Uncle Ed, an old white uncle, managed to bring Balut. Surely from the outside it appears to be a normal egg. However, once the eggshell is cracked, your dinner is revealed: an "almost" baby chick. This, to me, has always been the most horrifying of Filipino cuisine. It's difficult for me even to be in the same room with someone eating it. So leave it to my mother to torment our "non-Filipino" relatives and loved ones and force them to eat it. (Yes, we are a very diverse family) My mother's method of psychological hazing almost appears to be a "welcome" to the family or just a joke at their expense. I'm still not quite sure. Loud laughter from our doors could be heard blocks away.

After I had caught up with my relatives, some of us explored the world of Rockband. (My father would like to add the disclaimer that Rockband is NOT a performance art and that he has the REAL thing in his office.) Yes even my grandma played the guitar to Ballroom Blitz. Or was it Gimme Shelter? I can't remember.

Overall, an exhausting and rewarding holiday. Typically unorthodox, just like my unbelievably cool family. Maybe you'll be invited next year.

Aspirational

From Ricky Gervais Obviously

Movie Review: Twilight

Bad story only leads to a bad movie. Even Catherine Hardwicke's indie style couldn't save this sinking ship. I enjoyed the young girls screaming for America's new undead dreamboat, Robert Pattinson. That and all the ridiculously portrayed vampire scenes at which Grace and I couldn't resist laughing wholeheartedly. It was a disaster waiting to happen, but at least we came out with a new arsenal of badly written script to repeat at parties.

Cher Draws Little Cher

By Cher Grepo

Don't you hate it

when you're full and angry at the same time?

Thanks, Girl at Work

Who Is You? #13

I like you.




You = air

Twilight Mania :: A Fight Within

Only because I wanted Grace to stop reading passages of Twilight on my voicemail, did I decide to appease her and start reading the book. That's when I became entranced. Poorly written page after poorly written page, I kept on reading until I had finished the 4 book series.

I'm so weak.

Anyway, it was a good replacement guilty pleasure since Sex and the City made its departure.

This weekend, Grace and I will brave the crowds to watch the movie and like others swoon during the teen vampire romance. I was even tempted to join the others who swarmed Ryan Seacrest's radio studio during a Pattinson interview. (Seacrest's studio is across the street from mine) Thank god, I got a grip and realized that would be CRAZY.

So I'm with you, you love-lorn Twilight fans. We all can use some vampire escapism to get away from the actual reality that romance is fictional.

Countdown to Cousin Day

My cousins, Marisa, Christian, and I have made our own post Thanksgiving ritual- COUSIN DAY! On this day, our like minds work together to cause havoc all over the Bay Area. This year, we're thinking of getting something brought to us. Like a moon bounce or bouncy boxing! Any suggestions are welcome!

Congratulations, UCSC!

On being the #1 Surfing College in the nation. What you lack in conservative high caliber higher education, you make up in lifestyle and extreme sports.

Note: My beloved alma mater.

Fancy Cars

Isn't it odd that we would spend a lot of money on fast cars so that ideally we would sit in them less?

Las Vegas :: Fremont St.

For Mike's birthday, our little group packed a car and drove to Vegas with the promise that we would not visit the oh-so-popular Strip for most reasons involving impoverished wallets and an overall distaste for the popular. With such strict ruling, we were left to Las Vegas' grungy Fremont Street experience.

On Fremont St, you see all the classic electric signage that you see in Vegas movies and commercials. This is the land of overstuffed capri pants, one-toothed wonders and $8.99 prime rib. We managed to experience some of the quintessential ridiculous treats like deep fried twinkies. Mmm tasty.

This is not a place of disappointment, but more or less, acceptance. The people here were friendly and asked no questions except those pertaining to alcohol. I have to admit that I am not one to really describe Las Vegas as a vacation destination, but my good times would prove that Fremont St. is definitely a good place to get away from the mainstream.

Who is you? #12

Good luck to you and your ventures.



You = Shaggy Venice Beach man and his two-headed turtle. With the help of his two-headed turtle (who is wading in a tupperware tub full of Aquafina), he hopes to lure on-coming tourists into his House of Freaks to see his two-headed cat.

Dear Aspiring Actor/Stuntman who Started His Own Fan Club

Good for you, guy! Congratulations on getting your myspace page together! Truly clever to take your name and add "fanclub" to the end for your website. Easy to find! It's so admirable to take your best shirtless photos and write brilliant captions like "5 years of devoted exercise" and "working out done right." I don't know how you do it. Not to mention, that any cyberspace pedestrian will appreciate that Linkin Park hit of 1998. Everyone LOVES that song! Not to mention those YouTube clips of you as a non-speaking paramedic, or fireman, or mechanic. Good job! Giving the fans, all 8 of them including Tom, your girlfriend, Tila Tequila, your little sister, your old high school, Linkin Park, HIV, and your parents, what they want.

Furry Creature Light by Supakitch

From Wooster Collective

I am obsessed

My Mother's Thanksgiving

This year, my mother has decided on hosting Thanksgiving. Her hyper-organization is just reflective of her excitement for the upcoming American feeding frenzy. Note: Thanksgiving is not celebrated in the Philippines, where my family is from. This is their interpretation.

Here was this morning's email:

Mi Familia,

Please see the attached spreadsheet, items which we recommend. You will notice that there are many non-food items. You are free to substitute any of the items. Dawn has the first choice for dessert. Phil, I think you will have to coordinate with the parents of minor children with regards to entertainment. Also, we need drivers for carpooling (save the environment) - you will get preferred parking and Mama's lengua.


Call me at XXX-XXX-XXXX or XXX-XXX-XXXX for special needs.


Shelagh asked what is the meaning of life? The answer is on page 42.



Beibi

Here is the aforementioned spreadsheet: (Note option 22: Outdoor heaters/fireplace)

New Hobby: Skateboarding

Venice's compact geography makes getting around fairly easy. Just enough for me to become curious about other convenient modes of transportation: like walking, biking and now, a skateboard.

Mike was inspired to skate again. So he put me on one of his old trick boards and oh dear, was that a horrid sight. Since I hadn't ridden a skateboard for almost 2 years, I needed some time to re-learn how to ride. It took nearly 35 mins for me to go to the bank only 2 blocks away. Thank you, lack of coordination and fear of falling. While I trailed behind, Mike was up ahead hearing my girlish screams as I made my way.

With the trick board not being so successful, he got me the board above. Something small and user-friendly. Just for going places. Lorenzo got a mini longboard one! The three of us skated on our new boards in a parking lot until it was already dark out. I managed to be the only one who took a spill, but that was predictable to anyone who knows me. Looks like we have a new obsession.

Michelle Obama: Fashion Icon?

So Anna Wintour, Vogue's Editor in Chief, has invited Future First Lady, Michelle Obama, to pose on the cover of Vogue. It's been a tradition for the fashion publication to feature first ladies.

I think she's a remarkable woman. She's the tops! I just fantasize that she embraces her inner Wilhemina Slater and becomes a fierce fashion icon. Lord knows that the JCrew ensemble from the Tonight Show won't cut it. Does she want to be a Jackie O or a Jackie No?! This is her time to shine! Oscar De La Renta! Something! I hope she does the cover of Vogue. I'd love to have a fashionable first lady. Of course I want her to maintain her integrity, but who doesn't want to see her wearing couture? The other first ladies all wore De La Renta...but that's because they had to counter their unattractiveness. Michelle would certainly work it.

Bridal Battery : Monique Lhuillier Sample Sale

Carb up and get a good night's rest. It's time for the Monique Lhuillier Sample Sale! My last memory of this sale is dodging concussions among flying silk dresses and nearly nude brides to be. Exciting times! But my boss did score a deal on a lovely gown that made for those elegant and fashion-like wedding photos...

Monique Lhuillier Sample Sale
Sunday 10a-5p
1201 S. Grand Ave, 2nd Floor
Los Angeles, CA
323 655 1088

President Barack Obama

Sounds good, huh?

Our New First Family

Los Angeles and Richard Wagner

So the LA Opera Director, Placido Domingo (who knew?!) just announced that there will be a 10 week art festival celebrating The Ring by Richard Wagner. The big guys in charge want to put us through a 10-week cultural bootcamp so we can become a "cultural mecca." Exciting.

America and our Gluttocracy

Does anyone find it funny that we get free gluttony with our right to vote? Free coffee. Free donut. Free ice cream. I do. I think it's great! Next, I'd like some free sloth. For instance, maybe a free carwash or pedicure with my ballot stub and empowered "I Voted" sticker.

More Election Fun

By artist Patrick Moberg

Thanks, Lorenzo