BakitWhy | Pilipin@ American Lifestyle

BakitWhy Shut Down for BlackOut & Vlogger Contest!

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 16:54:56 -0800

There's a rumor that BakitWhy.com will shut down tomorrow... and that rumor is true. Yes, BakitWhy.com will shut down and black out its pages on Thursday, October 16, 2008.

But it's not what you think...

Starting tomorrow, BakitWhy.com will transition into an upcoming re-launch of our beloved online community. Scared you for a bit there? Sorry, we didn't mean to do that. We're cranking out an awesome re-design and prepping ourselves for a ton of new features. We're laying down the foundation of what will be an even better online experience for our Pilipino American community. But, the re-launch won't happen until October 23rd.

So what's going on in that 7 day time frame? BlackOut. We're launching a cool (and temporary) mini-site for you to enjoy--chock full of cool things to do and watch. What's more is that you'll be able to join your favorite BakitWhy.com vloggers in our "7 Days, 7 Vloggers Video Trivia Contest" for awesome prizes! You'll play along with NinjaDrops, natztheflip, infused08, tsud123, LionGali, ilikejoaquin, and GenTosMenTos in daily PAHM-related trivia!

There will be a new question every day of the BlackOut. If you miss one, then you're out of luck! So make sure to stop by every day! Gather all your answers and come back to BakitWhy.com between October 23 and October 25 to submit them to us. Out of all the correct entries, five (5) lucky Bakit-eers will be chosen at random to recieve a BakitWhy.com T-Shirt (as seen on HappySlip & NDTitanLady) and a spotlight on our new site. More will also win other awesome "surprise" prizes...

So don't forget:

1. BlackOut tomorrow.
2. Come back every day to play the Vlogger Trivia Game.
3. Submit your 7 answers on the NEW BakitWhy.com on October 23rd-25th.
4. Spread the word and tell your friends!

[wehartu]

Establishing Los Angeles

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 00:08:57 -0800

"Our city's links with Asia are deep and old-as old as the city itself. Our region's first residents were Asian immigrants, most likely from Siberia. In 1781, a Spanish subject of Pilipino heritage, Antonio Miranda Rodriguez, joined 43 other pobladores to trek to the area that became El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora, la Reina de los Angeles."
-Eric Garcetti, "Our Pacific Destiny"

Long before Los Angeles became synonymous with the word "multiethnic," the Californian megalopolis had already been multiethnic from its very first encampment in 1781.

Antonio Miranda Rodriguez, a fifty year old Pilipino, along with forty-three individuals were sent by the Spanish government from Mexico, to establish what is now known as the city of Los Angeles in 1781. He was a poblador (meaning settler) and traveled with his eleven- year old daughter Juana Maria. He began the expedition to Los Angeles with other pobladores, but had to delay his plans when his daughter became sick with smallpox. They remained in Baja, California for an extended time to recuperate. Antonio Miranda Rodriguez's name does appear in the first and second census for Los Angeles but in 1783 his name was dropped and his allotment was re-assigned to someone else. His daughter eventually died of her illness before he arrived in Los Angeles. Upon arriving in Los Angeles, he was informed that the presidio (a military post and Spanish settlement) in Santa Barbara wanted a man of his skills.

Generation Next In Pilipino American Talent: Anjelo aka Little Demon

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 22:55:16 -0800

At the age of 6, I was only just learning how to perfect the art of walking - on my legs and feet.
At the age of 6, Pilipino-American bboy Anjelo, aka Little Demon, has long perfected the art of walking - on his hands, elbows, and head!

Don't be sad and discouraged that even after 6 years, you still can't land that baby freeze (I still can't). In reality, few bboys can pull off Anjelo's insanely difficult power moves and stunts while still maintaining the cuteness level of a fluffy, little bunny stroking its fluffy bunny hair. Just in the past year, 'Little Demon' has slowly begun to make quite a name for himself, gaining national recognition through the Adam Chu Dance Crew (popularized by his dance battles with Miley Cyrus on youtube) and Fox's So You Think You Can Dance, which have highlighted him as a young bboy prodigy and showcased his uncanny ability for the nation to see. Below is a promo reel of Anjelo in action, as well as his So You Think You Can Dance performance. Just some breaking news (cracked a joke there) - don't try this at home.

Little Demon's Promotional Reel:

Campaign Launched to Get BBC Apology

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 10:28:04 -0800

Our Pilipino family "across the pond" in the United Kingdom also experiences prejudice and stereotyping in popular entertainment like we do in the United States. (Remember Desperate Housewives and its comment about the quality of Pilipino healthcare workers?) Check out this release about a UK show that plays off the stereotypes of Pilipina women. Let us know what you think of the issue.

Campaign Launched to Get BBC Apology [Inquirer]

By Veronica Uy
INQUIRER.net

Posted date: October 07, 2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Filipino and women's organizations in the United Kingdom are campaigning against the British Broadcasting Co. comedy "Harry and Paul Show" for degrading Filipino women and domestic workers in its September 29 episode.

In an exchange of e-mail with INQUIRER.net, Loline Lualhati Reed, who heads the Overseas Women's Club, and Michael Duque, who heads the Philippine Nurses Association in UK, are campaigning to get the BBC to issue a public apology.

"I have been sending e-mails to all the eminent people I know from the House of Lords, Parliament, the Women's National Commission, etc.," Reed said.

Beyond Iraq: Candidates' Views on Military Issues

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 17:20:40 -0800

The general understanding of the military views of presidential candidates Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain is that the former advocates immediate withdrawal of troops from Iraq, while the latter opposes it. However, how do the candidates feel about general military issues? And how does this relate to the Pilipin@ American community?

Troop Funding
Both candidates support continued funding of troops in Iraq, though Senator Obama feels "we owe them something more" by bringing our troops back home. A study in 1992 showed that 12,625 Pilipin@s were a member of the US military (not including civilian personnel, such as military nurses), and it is safe to say that Pilipin@s remain a strong presence in the US military. Despite a 2004 ban of deployment of OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) to Iraq by the Philippine government, it was estimated that about 7,000 Pilipin@s were working in Iraq in 2006.

The Rights and Lives of Military Personnel
Obama supports boosting foreign language and nation-building training for all troops. He opposes the "don't ask, don't tell" policy, whereas McCain opposes allowing openly gay military personnel to serve. Obama advocates making abortions available for overseas military personnel and their dependents, while McCain is against this. Both candidates believe in the importance of the quality of life of military families, but McCain elaborates by stating that competitive pay and benefits packages are the best way to go about this.

Igorots in the United States

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 14:46:51 -0800

The testimonials in Yen Le Espiritu's study on second-generation Pilipin@-Americans revealed that these Pin@ys often felt unexposed to Pilipin@ culture and history while growing up. While I generally felt this way as well, the few times I was exposed to this was when my parents attending BIBAK outtings.

BIBAK (Benguet, Ifugao, Bontoc, Apayao, Kalinga) stands for the provinces in the northern region of Luzon, inhabited by indigenous peoples known as Igorots. They are one the many "Cultural Minorities" of the Philippines, like the Muslims of the southern Philippines and the Aetas (also called the "Negritos") of eastern Luzon.

With an Ifugao father and a Bontoc mother, I often heard about the racism they faced from fellow Pilipin@s, both in the United States and at home. Igorots have been negatively stigmatized with the image of the savage headhunter, with my parents often hearing comments like, "So where's your tail?" Some even prefer the term Cordillerano over Igorot because of all of the negative connotations attached with the latter term.

Seattle Pilipino American Students Get College-Prep

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 18:53:31 -0800

To ease the stresses of high school seniors when applying to colleges and universities, the Filipino Community of Seattle (FCS) hosted a college-prep workshop on Saturday, October 11 at the newly renovated Filipino Community Center (FCC).

The college-prep workshop highlighted latent talents in each student and to emphasize that no goal was "unrealistic." Speakers encouraged students to be serious and to have a strong will when considering post-high school plans. Even if a student has a low GPA, the strength of a student's testament and work ethic can be shown through the personal statement portion of college applications. Volunteers also handed out information packets about the University of Washington (UW) admissions process and answered several questions about application deadlines, personal statements, and financial aid. Information packets for Seattle University (SU) were also available

Nolette Serra, educator/organizer and member of the FCS board, promised students that help is available through the community when they need it. She also attributed the success of the workshop with the commitment of the volunteers. "I am happy to see different groups and volunteers coming together to help," she said.

Guest Contribution: First Pilipino Colony in the United States

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 16:16:59 -0800

Photo by androog

What metropolitan area strikes you as the location of the first Pilipino colony in the United States? Near downtown Los Angeles? Daly City near San Francisco? How about over in the New York City/New Jersey area? Many are surprised that the first Pilipino colony was formed not on the East or West coasts, but in New Orleans, Louisiana!

"Coincidentally, in 1763 (right at the end of the Great Upheaval of the Acadians) the first Filipinos to settle in Louisiana established a small fishing village known as St. Malo in what is now St. Bernard Parish. These Filipinos deserted and escaped Spanish ships that were crossing the Pacific for the Manila-Acapulco Galleon trade. St. Malo was only the first of many Filipino communities that would soon sprout all around the Mississippi Delta.
The Filipino fisherman of St. Malo became known as "Manilamen" and began to make their living on shrimp boats. As such, these Manilamen introduced their Filipino methods of drying shrimp to the local Cajuns, methods that Cajuns still use today. And, like the Acadians before them, these Filipinos eventually intermarried with the local populace and a community of "Filipino Cajuns" arose.
Therefore, the arrival of Filipinos in Louisiana coincided with the arrival of the Acadians in Louisiana. Filipinos made their living on shrimp boats, introduced dried shrimp to the area, and became a large part of Lousiana's shrimping industry. Filipinos eventually intermarried with locals and became further entrenched in Louisiana society."

Check out the rest of Marvin G's article, Filipino Americans and Gumbo on his food blog Burnt Lumpia. Learn about the unique flavor that Pilipinos have been adding to Cajun flavor for decades. Delicious!

New Presidential Face to Your Dollar Bill?

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:49:46 -0800

Last Tuesday, October 7, Presidential hopefuls Senators Barack Obama and John McCain, sparred in the second Presidential debate of this election year. In a town hall-style debate setting, the candidates answered questions from select voters in the audience, as well as questions sent via email. Among the issues discussed in the debate was the economy--Wall Street, the "Rescue" of financial institutions, as well as jobs and wages. Like many of you, I watched in suspense and anticipation: how will Sen. Obama or Sen. McCain handle our economy as President? As Pilipino Americans, what should matter to us?

For Pilipino American families, the financial crises on Wall Street and on the international market may bring up concerns related to jobs and wages. In Hawaii, for example, where many Pilipino Americans work in various service and tourist-based industries, the slump in the economy may result in less people visiting the islands, thus, less hours or no hours at all. Traveling or vacationing, in general, does not seem to be a priority nowadays. The looming threat of a recession have made so many of us holding tightly to our dollar bills.

So what should we hope to see from our next president?

Artist Spotlight: AJ Calomay and John Castro - Film Extraordinaires

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 17:34:01 -0800

John Castro and AJ Calomay with Multimedia Correspondent Joe Gravina

This duo of film artists have produced works about Pilipino Americans that have successfully gone into the mainstream. If you're old school (a teen/college student of the early 2000's), you may remember writer John Castro's movie about Pilipino American life, The Debut. If you've see Lumpia, Speed Racer, or Queen of the Damned, you've seen AJ Calomay's work.

AJ Calomay, Producer and Editor
AJ has held a diverse list of production positions. He mainly focuses on producing and visual effects editing. His work spans from being the Co-Producer of Lumpia to visual effects production of The Core to digital assets management of Speed Racer. He currently runs Xylophone Films, a Los Angeles-based production and editing company.

John Castro, Film Writer
Writer John Castro's film debut was for one the first movies showcasing the lives of Pilipino American youth, well..."The Debut." Much of the movie was influenced by his short film, "Diary of a Gangsta Sucka".

All aspiring Pil-Am film writers/producers/directors need check out their interview:

AJ Calomay [IMDB]
John Castro [IMDB]
Xylophone Films

ELECTION 2008: 5 Reasons to VOTE

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 14:38:35 -0800

The Election season is upon us. Debates are occurring, trash talk is coming from both candidates, and you have four options: To vote for Barack Obama, John McCain, Undecided, or not participate at all. Here in this video, I give you five reasons on why you should vote. Be active in American politics. It is you who is affected in the end.

That "Half Pinoy" Kid,
infused08

Eyes and Ears: A Night of Asian American Hip Hop

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 08:57:52 -0800

A Night of Asian American Hip-Hop

Friday, October 17
9 PM to 1 AM
Performances start at 10 PM

A live show featuring the best of Asian American/Pacific Islander hip-hop music and culture.

This concert features internationally known hip-hop legend Jin the MC from 106 & Park fame, as well as up-and-coming rapper Camino and R&B sensation Sheri. Clothing and lifestyle giants, Teruo Artistry and E.G.R.--EngineeRED by REMY, will also be there for a special once-in-a-life-time hip-hop fashion show! A team of talented DJs will help keep the night popping.

$5.00 for Japanese American National Museum members; $10 for non-members. We recommend purchasing tickets in advance by calling 213.625.0414 or visiting the visitor center at the National Museum.

Please note, on the day of the program tickets can be purchased with cash only.

First Pilipinos in the U.S.

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:22:44 -0800

Many questions may come to mind during this Pilipino American History Month. Perhaps one of the most interesting questions raised would be, "When exactly did Pilipino American history begin?" Surprisingly, Pilipino American history began long before the first English settlement of Jamestown (1607) was established. Pilipinos were the first Asians to cross the Pacific Ocean in 1587--twenty years before Jamestown was established.

Pilipino American history began on October 17, 1587 when Pilipino seamen (referred to as "Luzonians," or "Luzon Indians,") were sent to the California shore by the Spanish king. They arrived in Morro Bay, (near present day San Luis Obispo) California aboard the Manila-built galleon ship called the Nuestra Senora de Esperanza. They were under the command of the Spanish Captain, Pedro de Unamuno. During the Manila- Acapulco Galleon Trade, Pilipinos were forced to work as sailors and navigators on board Spanish galleons from 1565 to 1815.

Research librarian, Eloisa Gomez Borah, further explored the initial encounter between the United States and the Philippines in her publication entitled, "Pilipinos in Unamuno's California Expedition of 1587." Borah draws emphasis on the participation of the "Luzonians" in Unamuno's landing party and expedition. She successfully highlights the roles played by these Pilipinos in the voyage of discovery for new supply ports on the northern coast of California and how they shared similar destinies with the Spanish soldiers they accompanied. Unfortunately, Borah's research leads to conclusions that much of the documented evidence of Pilipino presence in California during the 1500s, disappears in the coverage of the Unamuno voyage account.

Eloisa Gomez Borah's personal website provides more Pilipino and Pilipino American historical facts and current projects.

Climate Change in the Philippines

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:47:59 -0800

Whenever people would ask me what is the best time of the year to visit the Philippines, I would tell them to go during the dry season (roughly from mid-November to mid-May) to avoid the typhoons. Lately, however, I find myself having a difficult time answering this question. My relatives back in the Philippines complain about how typhoons now strike harder and more frequently year round.

In a report titled "Crisis or Opportunity: Climate change impacts and the Philippines," the global environmental organization Greenpeace examines climate change and how it is affecting the Philippines. The report notes increases in:

- Frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones in the last 20 years
- Frequency and intensity of El Nino/La Nina
- Landslides
- Forest fires
- Sea levels

This means a number of things for the Philippines and Pilipin@s. NASA scientist Josefino Comiso says that the depletion of the country's flora and fauna and the destruction of the coral reefs are consequences of global warming. The decrease in fish can heavily impact the Philippine economy, and it also means a depletion of a main Philippine food source. June 2008's Typhoon Fengshen alone affected 2.9 million people in 46 provinces, killed 664 people, injured 291 people, and 942 are missing. It is estimated that the damage cost $22 million in US dollars.

What can be done about this? While some argue that the effects of global warming are irreversible and some claim that this climate change is not man-made, the reality of global warming's existence is apparent enough so that actions to alleviate the problem should be necessary.

Voter Registration Tips

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:08:25 -0800

Here's some useful tips for those of you (hopefully all!) who plan to vote in the United States presidential elections this coming November 4th. Remember, all issues affect Pilipino Americans as much or sometimes more than other groups in the United States. Look out for breakdowns of major election topics such as immigration, war, economy, etc. as they apply to Pil-Ams this month on BakitWhy.com.

Can you vote?
Make sure that you know the voter rules of your state! Some states (*cough* Alabama) have more rules than the basic "over 18, United States citizen, not a felon." Some of them are quite odd!

State By State Info [Declare Yourself]
Register to Vote soon!
Make sure you register to vote by your state's deadline! For many states, the deadline is today (October 6). If you haven't, mail in your registration today!

Election Center [Rock the Vote]
Know the Issues
It's hard to decipher between the pundits and analysts at Fox News, CNN, or MSNBC. Vary your sources and get the ideas straight from each campaign's websites, and then check the facts at factcheck.org

McCain and Obama: Battle Lines Over Policy [WSJ]

Remember to not wear a Obama or McCain shirt on election day! You can get disqualified for "campaigning." Also, make sure that you check up on those state rules--some of you can actually vote before election day! See you in the election lines!