I had the honor and opportunity to cover and record the 32 Anniversary Commemoration of Manilatown Heritage Foundation’s I-Hotel. You can learn more about them here: www.manilatown.org

Today was the 32nd Anniversary of the Manilatown Heritage Foundation Commemoration at the International Hotel on Kearney San Fancisco. Over 100 people came and to support the fight for the struggle that happened decades ago against the City of San Francisco’s violent and degrading acts against Filipinos and other Asians who were thrown out of their homes involuntarily in order to build a new parking structure which was never built. Tonight people of all ages from young ones to elders came and voiced out their thoughts through speeches, songs and even poetry to celebrated the 32 years of fighting. As a tradition, everyone walked a peaceful march around the city block holding up lit candle cups. At the end, Emil DeGuzman, President of MHF, spoke about his experience being one of the individuals dragged down the stairway by SFPD 32 years ago. Other organizations also contributed to make the event inspiring and successful. The entire staff of Manilatown were all very nice and encouraging of the cause in spreading stories of the long time struggle of the manongs. Manong Al Robles was honored that night in rejoicing his success and contribution during his time here on earth. It was an evening of celebration of all ages. I’m glad to be part of it.

Muzzy being Muzzy. Lazy, sweet, ugly and cute.

So my brother and I took it and bit the bullet by getting ourselves each a Canon 5D Mark II. We both got a pretty good deal and we are very happy with our decisions. Though the Mark I is not as special anymore, but looking back to from when I first got it, it gave me a long and great run. With the Mark I, it got me to where I am right now and still striving to be a better and more comfortable photographer.

Today I had a session at the Eye Eighty’s Studio in Napa, Ca. Here I did a documentary of the band for a project that I’m doing about Filipino with in the Bay Area called, “My Story As A Filipino.” Coming into the studio today was a trek to drive from the East Bay to Napa, but I almost made there without getting lost. Thanks to Rhes, who was able to get me good directions and got me to the studio a little late rather than being hours late. The entire experience with the band was awesome and a bag of chips. Everyone one of them were very down to Earth and ready to do anything to make good music. I want to thank them all including the manager and promoter for taking time to let me document them. It’s really a different feeling when you meet a good band in person than just sitting at home listening to them on an mp3 player. You get to see who they are and what they are all about. The individual stories that they shared were all touching and show s why they are doing music and pushing through.

By meeting Eye Eighty in person, I became more of a fan not just through their music but as good people who are willing to help a person like me and their community. As much as they want it or not, making music takes on the responsibility of being a roll model to the ones that will look up to them. That their actions will be highly looked upon from my eyes of the public. They are doing an amazing job in staying true to their music and being the best roll models they can be.

It was my first time going to the Academy of Science and tonight was one of the Night Life Events only for $10. Though I didn’t get to see all of the sections because they became off limits and we also missed areas for taking our time walking around. It was a really nice place to be taken to and to take someone. I will definitely come back here again for it’s Day Life, but gotta take time and spend the extra dollar haha.