mikeelwincorpuz

I know I'm biting of Mindy Kaling blog, but I'm going to do a blog on stuff I love right now. From grooming, food, movies, fashion, celebrities, and etc... I don't feel like writing about graduation because I'm kinda over it already and all the excitement has gone down. All you need to know is that it was great. The ceremony was not that long and my family from San Diego and 29 Palms came over. Ate a bunch of food and drank some wine (finally!). Although, my brother did get into a skateboarding accident while I was at the ceremony (the ceremony was at the 9 AM, his ass and half of my family didn't wake up!) it kinda put a damper and rained on my parade. He was rushed to the ER, my parents were freaking out. I ended up picking up the food and my cake. Whatever. I just wanted to drink and celebrate. Anyway back to the list...

If you have lips as big as mine, then you understand the importance of lip care. Have you seen my lips up close? They're are plump and big. I used to be ashamed of these Angelina Jolie-esque lips. In seventh grade, some asshole name Cesar asked why my lips were like that and stuck out his own lips to mimick them. Now I'm like fuck it, my lips are gorgeous and ladies get lip injections just to have my lips. I see MAC lip plumpers and shit. They're beautiful until they start to dry, crack, and worst, bleed! I hate having cracked lips. So what's a fat-lip dude to do? I've tried chapstick brand and carmex. Those work ok. Carmex leaves some white shit after a while. The dollar chapstick works for 2 hours then it's dryer than desert. So what I've found is Nivea's A Kiss of Moisture. My lips are never crackin'. Where to buy? I'm guessing anywhere that sells your basic necessities. I buy mine at Target. The price is about $2.79 for a tube. I don't know about you guys, but I'm used to paying $1 for just lip care. So this might seem a bit pricey, but if you compare it to like products from Kiehls or Sephora, this is a bargain!

I've talked about my skin extensively on this blog for years. And I have weird skin, some parts are sensitive, some are oily, some are normal. It took me forever to find a cleanser, moisturizer and a daily regiment to keep my skin in okay shape. But I still had dark spots and blotching on my face. My skin tone looked uneven and dull. I've been hesistant to discuss this because every time I blog about a product that works, the next day it stabs me in the back and my skin turns to Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hide. My tender soul and self-esteem reflects those of Quasimodo and the Elephant man. But I'm feeling this product and I'm tired of being too superstitious. I'm Filipino and you know about them Filipino moms. They are crazy superstitious. My mom once said you can't spend money of Mondays because it's bad luck. Also, I can't have my bed facing the opening of my bedroom door because that was bad luck too.

Anyway, the product is Neutrogena's Visibly Even Tone Moisturizer. I think it's working. I've been using it for more than a month. Some spots really faded away and some haven't. It's not working as fast as I would have hoped but nontheless, it has improved my complexion. Plus, they put some ingredient that makes your skin glow and it's fabulous. I get mine at Target and the cost is around $11-14 for a 1.7oz tube. Plus, it has SPF in it to protect you from those skin damaging rays. I don't care if I am brown-skinned, I'm protecting my skin. And you've probably heard it everywhere, and I'll say it here. You must wear your SPF, especially when you're outside.
Since I saw the trailer to Star Trek, my interest to this movie has reached a point where five years ago, I would would not give a damn. Back in the day, I was never really into Star Trek. I remember it playing after "California Dreams" on channel 14, then "Matlock" would follow right after. But now that the franchised has been revamped and recharged with a face lift, special affects, and sexy-ass actors and actresses. One of those actresses is Zoe Saldana who plays Lt. Uhura. Maybe it's all those Sociology classes I took and especially that Race and Ethnic Relations class, but it's refreshing to a see a woman of color to play a leading lady in a big movie. Anyway, what I love is Saldana's style. She's ripping up the red carpet with great looks. 
My favorite look is the red number at the Berlin premiere. She obviously knows grey is totally in this season and it's a great color for her. But I wanna see her in brighter colors though, it's summer, girl! Taste your inner rainbow. Check out those killer heels in the last two pictures. Amazing. She knows she has great legs and she's flaunting them. If you got them, show them right?

 I haven't done a style post in a while, so I found this chick on my favorite street style site: Stockholm Street Style. I love the Sargent Pepper, circus jacket. The colors, the embellishments, and the overall craftsmanship is stunning.

The main reason I chose this person is because of the hat. You know me and hats, we are like this- crosses middle and pointy finger.  I saw a hat like that in a store, and I wanted it but I resisted because I thought it would look weird on me. Now that I see it on her, I want to at least try it on and see how it looks.


H&M look book Spring 2009



Here are only a few pictures from the look book. H&m cleansed their design look with fresh colors. When I was at their store, I noticed that H&M don't really dabble in outrageous prints, and only sometimes do they play with bright and bold colors. It's pretty much black, grey, and white. Instead of playing with several colors, they played with the proportions of the clothing. Look at outfit number one, those khaki trousers are folded up just past the ankle, the overall fit of the pant is loose. The upper-half of the outfit is layered and deconstructed; notice the billowy, pleated, forearm sleeves. I really love it, it looked as if she went into her boyfriends closet and changed it too fit her.

I noticed that at Stockholm and Copenhagen Street style, the majority of people are in solid colored clothes, but to keep it interesting they change the texture and volume of fabric. So I'm guessing people in Denmark and Sweden play with proportions a lot. I haven't been to Northern Europe, so I can't generalize the entire area, but you do start to see overlapping similarities.

What a statement, it reminds me of Harry Potter. That massive, brown-orange (?) cape is loud, is she hiding a flying broom under there?

I'll admit that I'm a bit biased when it comes to international style. I really gravitate towards the Northern Europe aesthetic; I think it's so effortless and pleasing to the eye: clean lines, basic colors, a cup of deconstruction and glamour, and a tablespoon of edge. I do like the sexiness of Milan, Barcelona, Paris, and even LA. New York is a little bit of everything in my opinion. Tokyo is just a hyperbole of insanity. But Stockholm, Copenhagen, and London will always be go to places for inspiration.
 
Maybe it's because I live in Las Vegas that makes this part of the world so much cooler. I'm not sure how to describe Las Vegas style, this city is all about being extravagant and sexiness. People want to be flashy and show what they got. People wear brands such as Ed Hardy, Abercrombie, Hollister from head to toe. There are tanning salons everywhere. The brilliant Dr. David Dickens from the UNLV Sociology Dept said it best, "People with no class come here and feel it's the classiest place on Earth. They get big suites with jumbo televisions." So true. He also said, "Las Vegas is a wannabe L.A." So true. I don't hate Las Vegas, it's just not my scene. It is a fantastic weekend getaway or site for a bachelor/ette party but living here? Not for me.

I changed the layout. My ex-layout was too drab, old, and dark; especially nowadays. Spring is rearing it's pretty head in a couple weeks, so why not cleanse my blog palette with fresh, new colors? I must admit, it's a little feminine and a little different from my personal taste. I'm usually all about the black, greys, and deep reds, purples and blues.

I feel like this blog has been on hold far too long. But really, I'm just at school and work. I got a job at the Law Library on campus and it has been okay so far. The pay is okay and the work is really chill. I still work at Jockey (going on my third year!?) and I'm still slingin' underwear at customers. So I'm working two jobs, working 4-5 days a week, 3-4 days at school. It took me a while to get used to. Sundays and Mondays are my worst days because I have work 7-11 pm on Sunday. School 10-5 then 6-11 at work on Mondays. And I'm like totally exhausted at Monday nights. It really makes me appreciate what my parents even more. They've been doing this for years and I've only been doing this two months. I was a little upset that I was getting so tired after only three weeks into the semester. 

My classes have been alright. Compared to the last three semesters, this one is the worst. I feel disappointed in my classes because they're not as satisfying as my previous semesters. Especially my Sociology classes. I have this inept, clueless professor who really can't control this class and goes off on her own tangents. Class discussions have been insane and explosive (in a bad way) in my Race and Ethnic class. Everybody has an opinion and they believe they're always right. People get offended all the time. And a fight almost broke because of an argument. The way we delve into topics doesn't accomplish anything, and it just makes people mad. I feel like I'm on Oprah because people are constantly telling there life stories and I sometimes it can be too overwhelming. It's just jibberish. I just want my A+. 

The tail-end of February was Fall 2009 New York Fashion Week. I was very eager to see how designers would respond to the crumbling world economy. Would designers dive into safe, versatile clothes? Or would they forge the escapist route? From my perspective, it was both and some in the gray area. Designers such as Donna Karen, Michael Kors, Calvin Klein went the classic, wearable, muted route. I appreciate this the most because they really had to think what people will want to wear. They understand that people want clothes that will give them the most mileage (i.e. classic white button, black dress). At the same time, they kept this interesting and beautiful not boring.
Top= Bottom: Donna Karen & Michael Kors.

Then we had the escapist route. In where the designers were like, "What recession? Give me a yellow Hummer with a full tank of gas, big-screen tv, and while you're at it, install a hot tub inside too! Thanks!". It was like, why give people clothes they already have? They don't want to be reminded that they're in a recession and they just want to have fun. Marc Jacobs really expressed that with his collection. It had crazy colors and hair. And very eighties too. Big shoulders, neon colors and big hair. Donna Karen even had some distinct shoulder look. Michael Kors had some neon in there as well. So if you love looking like a linebacker and some bright colors, this fall is your season.

Marc Jacobs

Neon/ Super bright colors
T-B: Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Isaac Mizrahi, and Y-3

Big emphasis on shoulders

 

There also seems to be a shift towards looser, baggy, pants (men and women). The I can imagine all those people who despise that skinny trend, high-fiving each other and doing the happy dance; which is completely understandable. The skinny jean trend is totally divisive and not inclusive at all. Not everybody is blessed with the genes to squeeze into those damn jeans. Even myself, who likes that look, is fine about the shift to looser pants.

 The country in that slippery-slope towards collapse, and we need to loosen up and shit. But lets not get carried away people. I do not want to see the jean trend go to the extreme wide-leg, baggy insanity of the 1990’s. Some trends just need to stay in the past, people. A trend that was completely rampant in my middle school. The females had the extreme flared jean trend. A trend of baggy extreme that I cannot believe swept teens everywhere. I even got caught up in that baggy wave. If it looks like you can fit an entire family, Michael Moore, and a Volkswagen Beetle into your jeans; then we have motherfuckin’ problem.  Hello! We have present day evidence to see this insanity, just walk over to your local Hot Topic and stare at those pseudo-goths. You know what I am talking about. The people who wear those extreme black baggy jeans, with a million chains on the side.; they might also wear Twighlight, Harry Potter, Tim Burton, Slipknot, or Insane Clown Posse tees, plus some black mascara (guys and girls). Why do they need so many chains? Do they beat each other with it? Do they use those chains to hunt pigeons and squirrels? Are they part of some underground goth gang? Their calves and thigh muscles must be totally toned for carrying so much chain weight around.

The Y-3 show how baggy/looser fit can be done right. You don't have to look so damn sloppy if you're wearing baggy jeans and pants. The third picture is MK.



I think the baggy look can be pulled off, but you need the right body proportions. If you're petite, especially in the bottom half, then perhaps baggy isn't right for you. There are exceptions though. I think the reason we're going in this looser path is because, the past several years, the skinny, very fitted, feminized look that Men's wear has embraced is experiencing a backlash. I think the return to masculinity started with the lumber jack plaid resurgence.  I'm predicting looser fitted jeans will start to pop all over within next year. That doesn't mean I'll trade my skinnies for some 501's. I've learned I should just stick to what I like and what works for me. That's why I'm cringing over the neon colors. I don't do that. Maybe a little red and blue. But orange and neon? I'm not so sure.

Lately, I've been in a Yeah Yeah Yeahs phase and it's amazing.

Ode to YYY
by Mike Elwin Corpuz

Oh Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Especially you Karen O.
Oh, your voice makes me glow
From Maps, Cheated Hearts and Turn Into
Nobody can do it quite like you

From the amazing guitar
Which can be heard wide and far
From the beats and hits of the drums
Oh I have so much fun
To Karen O's crazy dance tricks
It's their albums that I pick

Oh gosh, I want to see you in Coachella in Indio, California
So I can rock out in the blazing sun, palm trees and all that mania.
Alas, there is no money, which mean my broke-ass can't get there
But wait, there is layaway, so perhaps I can get there, If I dare

God, I need to work on my poetry skillz.

I just came home from work. So I must hit the sack and bid farewell to ya'll. Ew, I turn 23 next week. Almost a quarter to 100! Yikes!

Last month my family and I were totally obsessed at old photo albums and home videos. For about two weeks, my siblings and I searched high and low in our garage for every family album and laughed for hours when looking at them. Then my parents joined in on the action and offered some background in the pictures because we were too young to remember them.

My dad says, "I remember that picture! My gosh look how thin I was back then."
Then my mom chimes in and says, "You had so much hair too! Now look, you issa bald headed now!"

It still amazes me that my parents were so diligent at taking hundreds of pictures and storing them in these big-ass albums. Looking back, the pictures I remember most vividly are of my first real home in San Diego: 151 Henson St. It was these pictures that I enjoyed the most. It was the first home my parents purchased when they moved to the America. Previously, we've always lived on the military base, apartments or rented a house in Chula Vista. It was this house, that my parents worked extremely hard for and where I grew up. I faintly remember first looking at the house with them. I was running around the massive backyard with my sister and the previous owner built a little house for his kids to play in, and they left it there for us. And I remember it being pink and torquoise and it was the coolest thing I ever did see. I remember trying to be King Kong and attempting to climb that little house until my parents nagged me to stop.
 
When I was twelve I remembered hating it because it was so small for my family to live in. It had two bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a big-ass loft (which we did turn into a small third bedroom). I think I should clarify something, when my family was still living in Chula Vista, my grandparents also first came to America to help raise us, while my dad was touring around the world with the navy. So my "family" wasn't a normal nuclear family, but my grandparents as well. Then my mom's sisters and their families came from the Philippines to move in with us between 1999-2001. So imagine there being 15+ people in this house. I hated the lack of privacy and the constant noise. But at least it was never lonely; my cousins and I totally utilized our massive backyard and made up games to play for hours.

Fast forward to now, now we live somewhat apart. My adorable grandma/pa take care of my youngest cousins in San Diego. And some of my extended family finally accomplished that dream of owning a house in America. My cousins are soon finishing high school. My aunts and uncles all have steady jobs. All of them live in San Diego. My parents accomplished that dream of getting that coveted Spanish tile, suburban house with a swimming pool and three car garage. In 2002-2003 my parents realized that with four kids, we could no longer live in our Henson house with living in San Diego getting expensive and my parents soon wanting to follow other filipino families who also moved out of Southeast San Diego and moved to Eastlake, Temecula, Inland and Riverside area of California. They marveled at how beautiful and big those houses were and they wanted a piece of that. They searched high and low and alas, couldn't afford or couldn't find a home to fit our needs. In late 2003, my parents searched in Las Vegas. It was far more cheaper to live there than in San Diego. They quickly got a house that wasn't even built yet, it was still on paper. So they waited about a year for it to get built. That's how crazy it was back then. Now I think a few houses on my street are foreclosed and thank God they didn't buy a house in the Inland Empire because it's worse there.  

Anyway, I've noticed a long time ago, since we've moved here, that my parents seem less mobile and energetic. Perhaps it's just age kicking in but I think getting this house, apart of their identity and spirit stayed in San Diego. One thing I remember and miss most about my old house is the massive garden we had. Prior to our move in, the backyard was barren, brown and had weeds all over. Over the years my parents and grandparents planted calamansi trees, guavas, limes, tomatoes, squash, bitter melon, egg plant, flowers and trees. My father, grandpa, and their friends built the patio themselves. Along with our neighbors we fixed that ugly old fence and replaced it with something better. Almost everyday my grandparents woke up at the crack of dawn to water plants or cut fruit from the trees. My dad worked endlessly in that garden; bought manure, seeds, plants, shovels, barrels, and any other thing needed for gardening. They used the fruit and vegetables to cook our meals. And I never really appreciated it back then, I would whine about wanting fast food instead of the squash soup my grandma had made. During the summers, my dad would make me and my sister pick calamansi and limes under the blazing sun and terrible humidity. Plus all the bugs and needles in those trees didn't help either. I liked it though, because we would fill basket after basket with fruit; as if we had our own little farm. 

It was nice to know our neighbors as well. When I was younger my grandparents would make friends all over the neighborhood. I remember one morning my Grandma came home after her morning walk with a bag of oranges and fish. And I was like, where did you get that? She replied that her friends down the street gave her some. I swear, my grandma started some trading business in the 'hood because she was always getting stuff like candy, fruit, veggies, longonisa, and even clothes. My Grandparents mingled with anybody in our neighborhood, especially the Filipinos. Shit, I think that's how we knew all the Filipinos up in there. If you're Filipino, you probably know what I'm talking about. And every other week somebody was having a party, and my gp/parents had to make an appearance because they said it was rude it we didn't come. I knew they just loved to dress up and interact with all the other Filipinos and eat pansit, lumpia, and glutinous rice desserts.

It's weird how segregated Filipino parties are (gender wise). The men would be in one area (mostly the backyard, from what I've seen) and they would have their beer, barbeque, and some type of gambling going on; cards, mah-jong or pool. Then they would blast some Filipino music and probably talk about how great the Philippines is or talk about the military. The women we be near the kitchen and the food. And made sure the food was stocked. All the older Filipinas usually sticked together, and the moms would be together and totally gossip with one plate of food or drink in one hand. The kids who most hung out together. If you were lucky, the family ordered a bouncy air houses for the kids. So the parents really didn't have to watch them. The kids and including myself, would go absolutely crazy over that shit. After you were done bouncing and being all sweaty, you'd grab a cup of soda and some food. Rest. And repeat that again until your parents were done chatting with their friends- that could take forever! I could write forever about the America Filipino culture, specifically in the San Diego area but I just wanted to point out that leaving San Diego meant leaving a life by my family's garden, friends my family has made throughout the city, and most of all, the strong family support system.

Now, more than ever, I fully appreciate the life I had in San Diego. The culture that my family has taught me, indirectly and directly. Also, experiencing what it's like to live with 15+ people in a three bedroom house. Learning how to be frugal from my momma. Understanding my family's love for gardening. Growing up what was considered a poor and ghetto neighborhood. I think all of that helped prepare me for the world. Seeing my trajectory from a teen who denounced TFC, Filipino culture to my present self, who wants to learn more about my native country, especially the cuisine, was unprecedented and amazing. I'm asking my parents how to cook Filipino cuisine and I'm planning to cook a full on Filipino dinner for them. Ya'll heard it. My new found ambition to garden is growing more and more everyday. I want to someday have my own garden, just like the one in my old house. Now, with college coming to a close, somewhat scared and excited. I want to forge my own path, and get this shit together.

Whether or not you voted for Mr.Obama, you must admit that his wife Michelle brings a different flavor in terms of style. What I mean by flavor is sass, young, and elegance. For the past eight years, we've had to endure the boring doldrums of former first lady, Laura Bush. The lady had oven baking, quilting, former librarian look down to her skin. Not that baking, quilting and libraries aren't cool. It's just we needed a style upgrade, and that is where Ms.Obama comes sashaying down in her Jimmy Choos. Just like my previous entry, this one will be about style too. It's also nice to see the media call her a style icon instead of like you know, celebrities like Jenifer Lopez and Heidi Klum.


I'm gonna post some pics of people who I think dress great. I know this is cheating because I'm getting it from other sites. I don't care, I'll credit the site anyway.


I love how she is wearing a muted, textured, and ensemble underneath that bold red and black coat. She could have worn another black coat but instead, she took a risk with plaid and she pulled it off. The coat was the perfect length and size. It could have gone wrong if it was too big and small. I also love her curly, strawberry blonde hair and that pop of red on her lips. And how it mixes so well with her outfit.

I really, really love the bronze and brown plaid suit this guy is wearing. The way it's tailored and fitting his body is perfection.  I love how he kept it interesting with an orange tie and that adorable pink and black brioche(?) or is it a pin? And it looks like there are butterflies or petals on his suit. I want that so I could wear it to graduation! If anybody knows where I can get a pin like that or something similar, by all means, tell me!

She looks like a cute porcelain doll and I just want to carry her! Okay, that was too enthusiastic but seriously she reminds me of Hello Kitty! The print of the dress is gorgeous and I love how it reflects on her pale white skin, and with matching heels. The length is right, any longer it would have made her looks shorter. Thank God she did not get a matching hot pink purse or else it would have been too much. Also, to balance the crazy print and colors, she kept her hair simple and plain. Maybe a little too drab, perhaps a side tail or a bang at least? Regardless, it looks good.

Pictures courtesy of Stockholm Street Style, The Sartorialist, and Hi Styley.

If there is one thing that has changed about me since last year, it's that I've taken more time and pride in dressing up and taking better care of myself. "Dressing up" and "putting on clothes" are not interchangeable, putting on clothes means to put on whatever is in your closet, regardless if it barely fits your body and if there are food stains from last night; as opposed to dressing up means to take that little extra time to make sure the fit is right and it does not make you look sloppy. You brush that hair and floss your mouth. You make sure you moisturize and smell hella good. I know I'm not a famous stylist nor the editor of a major fashion magazine, and who the fuck am I to tell people how to dress and live? Girl, please I ain't Oprah or Carson Kressley. I am simply just giving tips.

I had this entire paragraph complaining how people in America are on that slippery-slope towards hobo and trailer trash couture. And how we're getting fatter and fatter. Don't believe me? www.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUSTRE50863H20090109 Click on that shit foreal. Isn't that sad? But I think standing on that soapbox and just complaining would be tasteless in my part, especially during these economic times when trends and clothing are the least of worries for most Americans; when millions of Americans are without homes and jobs. I do want to point out that you don't have to spend your entire bank account to look like a motherfuckin showstopper, simply put, just make sure your clothes fit your body and clean up a little bit. That's not important you say? Well, since millions of Americans are out of work, job hunting has been cut-throat. If you secure that job interview, you better look good. Are you going to have bed hair, wear flip-flops and not brush your teeth before a crucial interview? You better fucking not, asshole! You better have your best and professional clothes, brush that grill till it's blinding white and always have a firm handshake. (You learn a lot when you've gone through so many interviews).

I've read and heard that values on fashion and grooming are shallow, inane and frivolous. I've noticed over the years that I've increasingly  search online for grooming products and clothes. My daily online routine involves looking at international street style sites and looking at Fashion Show photos from around the world. I look at model portfolios and runway shows on Youtube. A part of me thinks they're right. Who needs extravagant fashion shows and or just "fashion" (as opposed to just clothes) in general? But if I can find something enjoyable in fashion, grooming and style amid the grim state of our nation, well, why not? In a time where it seems everybody is losing, people need to look forward to something. Simply put, it's my escapism- to be clear, it's not entirely my escapism, vinyl collecting, watching "The Office" and guilty pleasure trash television and daily music listening are apart of it too. Some people play an instrument; some people cook, sew, chat, run, dance, watch t.v., shop or play video games. Do they need to play an instrument, video games or sew like their life depends on it? Maybe not, but doing those things act as a stress reliever, provide stability and most of all, add some joy to a persons life.

I'm not going to do a Favorite Things of 2008 in movies, music, books, television because I haven't seen or heard enough to make a list. But I think you know my favorite show of the year. So instead, I'll do a style inspiration post. To me personally, these people have charm and flair in the way that they dress and present themselves. And I have look to them for guidance and inspiration.

1. The Killers, most notably Brandon Flowers-
Prior to The Killers and hipster explosion, late 90's and early 2000's, rock bands such as System of the Down, Korn and Rage against the machine were clad in baggy jeans laced with metallic chains, messy hair and ripped shirts. An overall deconstructed and intoxicated look for teens who loved Hot Topic and rocking out to their music. For me, I never fully understood the appeal to that. There was many extremes in the late 1990's and early 2000's in teen pop music. I wasn't really into pop music of Britney Spears or into Korn. There were bands such as Blink-182 and Jimmy Eat World. I was into Weezer too, Brian Bell provided inspiration as well, with his whimsical and fresh look.

In my opinion, it was The Killers that brought chic and dressing up look cool (in 2004) without looking too square. In their first music videos (Somebody Told Me and Mr.Brightside), the quartet are rocking in suits with popping  colors of red, gold, white and so much more. The video for "Mr.Brightside" is one of the most beautiful and best directed video in my view. The costumes and the bands suits would make the late Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior and Karl Lagerfeld proud. In later years, they've continued to showcase their talents and style through music videos and performances. I recently saw on Youtube a live performance of "Spaceman" in where Flowers is rocking with this lioness-esque shoulder pads and a massive golden feather lapel (?) He also rocks the same piece in the "Human" music video. I'm not sure whether Flowers is an avid safari hunter but he somehow manages to pull it off.




2. Beyonce Knowles-
Beyonce is an unlikely choice for me, what inspiration can I get from this voluptuous diva? A lot. What I find very refreshing and inspiring is that amid the graveyard of skinny thin models and actresses; cracked out musicians (Britney Spears, Amy Winehouse, Lily Allen, Courtney Love); Beyonce stands out among them because she hasn't succomb to being stick thin, she yanks out hit after hit and it seems she has good on head on her shoulders. With this, she still manages to look stunning, from everyday shopping to red carpet. I will give this girl snaps. The media keeps talking about how Britney is making a comeback and MTV literally just handed her awards. While Beyonce has been on her game for years. "Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)" is far more superior than Spear's "Womanizer" (I'll admit, it is catchy. But I like "Toxic" better). The style I get from Ms.Knowles isn't her curvy hips, plunging neck lines or her clothes really; it's the way she carries herself in person. This lady bleeds confidence, look at the way she's standing in the red carpet picture below in that stunning white and torquoise beaded gown. She got her hand on her hips and a little leg out, showing her heel. Even that lady in the sparkly blue gown is mezmerized by her. Dayum.

It seems to me there are two camps when it comes to Beyonce, you either hate her or love her. I used to be apart of the former but I've recently grown towards the latter. I think it was since Dreamgirls and "Check on it" and "Freakum Dress" that I really started to like her. Also, I've been wanting to get my bling-bling on, so Beyonce has influenced some of that. But hold up, wait a minute, lets get one thing straight, I won't look like Queen Elizabeth up in this dojo. I'm keeping it simple and one neck chain at a time, please.




3. I originally wanted to choose three inspirations of 2008, The Killers (most notably Brandon Flowers) and Beyonce were my choices. But finding that elusive third person or group was difficult. I, being super indecisive, couldn't choose; there was the cast of The Graduate, "Gossip Girl" (I don't watch the show but I've seen clips and they do dress impeccably.), Glenn O'Brien and his infinite wisdom of all things style. Alas, I'm left confused, frustrated, and empty handed. But then I noticed the regular people I see at UNLV, Las Vegas,  San Diego and all those people who are photographed in those amazing street style sites give me the most inspiration. Just the regular people who don't have the millions of dollars and a stylist to dress them. Most likely they don't have the resources to buy and wear Hermes, Varvatos,  YSL, Chanel, Jimmy Choo, and Marc Jacobs. I wish I had a camera and could just ask people who I thought dressed amazing and take their pictures. Maybe I should start at Las Vegas/ San Diego street style site? Not sure, I've thought about it though. So here's to the nameless, stylish people of UNLV, Las Vegas (sometimes), and street style sites.

And with that, I'm done. Took forever to finish this.

This survey blog was one my favorites when I was in high school and had a Xanga. Too bad I deleted that blog, I wished I could look back and see what I put. It took a long time to do this (a few days), I either got too lazy and I was really indecisive. But it was fun.

Soundtrack of My Life

Opening Credits: "Turn on Me"- The Shins

Waking-Up Scene: "L.E.S. Artistes'" - Santogold
Spring Scene: "Put Your Records On"- Corrine Bailey Rae
Average-Day Scene: "Disconnect the Dots"- Of Montreal
Best-Friend Scene: "Keep Fishin'"- Weezer

First-Date Scene: "Grace Kelly"- MIKA
Falling-In-Love Scene: "Teenage Love Affair"- Alicia Keys
Love Scene: "Running"- No Doubt
High Scene: “Hash Pipe"- Weezer
Hook up Scene: "Lucky"- Jason Mraz ft. Colbie Caillat

Sex Scene: "Until the End of Time"- Justin Timberlake Ft. Beyonce
Summer Scene: "Grey in LA"- Loudon Wainwright III
Fight-With-Friend Scene: "Lex"- Ratatat
Break Up Scene: "Bakit?"- Imelda Papin
Get-Back-Together Scene: "Halo"- Beyonce

Life's Okay' Scene: "Time to Pretend"- MGMT
Fall Scene: "Phantom Limb"- The Shins
Heartbreak Scene: "Love is a Losing Game"- Amy Winehouse
Mental-Breakdown Scene: "Llorando"- Rebekah Del Rio
Driving Scene: "Maps"- Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Winter Scene: "White Winter Hymnal"- Fleet Foxes
Lesson-Learning Scene: "Ripchord" -  Rilo Kiley
Falling Asleep Scene: "Like a Star"- Corrine Bailey Rae
Deep-Thought Scene: "Acid Tongue"- Jenny Lewis
Flashback Scene: "La La"- Sam Phillips (The la la cues from the Gilmore Girls)

Party Scene: "Just Dance"- Lady Gaga
Regret Scene: "Greetings in Braille"- The Elected
Happy-Dance Scene: "Spaceman"- The Killers
Long-Night-Alone Scene: "Goodbye, Yellow Brick Road"- Elton John
Spiritual Scene: "Dock of the Bay"- Otis Redding

Closing Credits: "Across the Sea"- Weezer

Happy Winter Solstice!

In the words of Michael Scott:

             "Bros before hoes. Why? Because your bros are always there for you. They got your back after your ho rips your heart out for no good reason. And you were nothing but great to your ho, and you told her that she was the only ho for you. And that she was better than all the other hoes in the world. And then suddenly...she's not yo' ho no mo."

That quote has no relevance to anything right now, no hos recently kicked me to the curb or inflicted some STD on my ass. No, I just thought that scene was ridiculous and downright hilarious. As you may know, I've been watching "The Office" like crazy since school is on break and it's one of the best shows, ever! It's safe to say the show is rubbing off on me...in a good way. In a quick recap, the fall semester was incredibly smooth and nice. Most of my classes were fulfilling (with the exception of my disastrous Theory professor). That's not to say there were no bumps along the way, I had the occasional last minute papers and projects that caused stress acne (Blasphemous!). I had a minor meltdown in the beginning of the semester because I got a C- on my Theory midterm (There are only two exams, each worth 50% of the final grade) but I did manage to pull off a B+ in that class. My research assistant gig was alright and a bit boring though, but I need to network so I'm continuing next semester. And I'm finally entering my last semester at UNLV. Who would of thunk? I didn't. 

As 2008 is coming to a close, it's hard not to reflect on such a eventful, chaotic and bizarre year. Has it not? I'm not going to delve into the election, recession and overall sorrowful mood of the nation because I think we (and myself) have heard enough. So instead, lets discuss snow. Yes, that white powdery shit that falls from the sky. I heard prior to the snowstorm that Las Vegas was going to experience snow in the coming week. I was thinking light flurries that would instantly melt once they hit the pavement. Nope. The amount of sheer snow that fell was unprecedented and amazing. Winter Wonderland in Alcudia Bay Ave.

The first picture is of my street in the middle of the snow storm. The street today still has patches of snow but nonetheless it is dry and nice. The second is of my family's home and it's basking in the snow fall. It looks like I'm living in the Midwest or one of the New England states- minus the Spanish tiles and palm trees. I know I'm getting totally giddy and straight up crazy over some damn snow, but ya'll must understand a brother. I was born in tropical countryside of the Philippines and grew up in San Diego, CA. All my life I've been surrounded by sunshine, beaches and flip-flops. Not that it's bad or anything, it was actually quite nice. But the closest thing we had to snow in San Diego was Mount Palmoar, ice cream trucks and ashes that fell during the insance wild fires. To see heavy snow fall seven hours straight was felt so appropriate in this Holiday season and it brought out not only my good side but it elevated the moods of my entire family. You better believe we took pictures all up in this business, fasho.

 

Above are my awesome and beautiful parents. Love you guys! On a amusing note, as me and brother were watching "The Office" my brother says that the character Stanley looks like dad. I instantly laughed out loud. Yes, I spelled out LOL. But that's not the point, the point is do ya'll agree? I do. Judge for yourself, below is a picture of the character Stanley, played by Leslie David Baker. Another picture of my dad and I. And yes, he is wearing flip-flops in the snow.


I'm finally going to start this trade thing, something that is long overdue. The trade will start off small, only three items for now. I want to test this out first and go from there. As I was looking through my closet, I was feeling deep remorse and turncoat, I coudn't give away some of these things. So the items I'll be putting up may not be everybodys taste, lets get this started. Also, this trade is open to people I know. Sorry, during hard economic times, I can't risk losing my hard earned items. If you like the item, e-mail by maikyyo@aol.com or comment on this Livejournal and tell me what you got and I'll consider promptly.

1. Clerks DVD X: Tenth Anniversary Edition- The dvd is in excellent condition and I've watched it a couple times. The reason I'm giving it away is simply because I'm not that into it. To be blunt, I loved the second one better, I know many will disagree with that assertion but I'll stand by it. So if you love this movie and contact me.




2. Vans, white-light green prison shoes. It's in alright condition, I've worn them a few times. Size 10.5



3. River's Edge- It's pretty much a biography on the band Weezer, I already have one copy, Amazon accidently sent me another copy.


Well there you go. If you have any questions, by all means, comment me on this livejournal or e-mail me. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

I know it's almost December and no, I haven't started that trade blog extravaganza yet. Even though I said I would start it months ago, recent events have deterred me from doing so. The apocalypse that is Black Friday was actually quite calm and nice. Only a few bitchass customers up in the mofo. The decrease in traffic scared my boss. Who's going to buy discounted (but still a little overpriced) underwear and pajama sets at 4 am? What are people going to do without those hideous faux fur gloves and matching scarves? I simply didn't give a damn what are our sales were, I just wanted to fold tanks, stock and drink some Coca-cola to keep me awake. I haven't drank coca-cola in years! The mall was still packed and I quickly left that shithole and went straight to Target to partake in the celebration. ha! I quickly grabbed $13.98 (!!!!) "The Office" season's 2 & 3 dvds and face moisturizer. Slam, wham, thank you ma'am! I was out of there.

This week is my last week of real class and then I have finals the following week. Furthermore, I still have to do a research paper, study, data entry for Dr.B., volunteering, talk to adviser, charity walk, work (!), looking for Christmas and New Years ideas, and still look for a J-O-B. And about 78% of that list will be done this week! After it is all said and done, I'm am going to feverishly try to start that trade thang and finish "The Office"-my new favorite show! Also, drink some sangria, wine, eat some rice krispies and start up that exercise regiment again. Ugh.

Happy Belated Thanksgiving and Happy Holidays!