Behind the Music, Cycle 5 "Quaalude19

Originally published December 2006

"Quaalude19"
Artwork courtesy of www.coolnurse.com

1.) Missing by Beck
2.) Speak Low (Bent Remix) by Bent & Billie Holiday
3.) Walk Into the Sun by Weekend Players
4.) Distance by Editors
5.) Downhill Racer (Kenny Dope Remix/2004) by Everything But the Girl
6.) On the Mend by Foo Fighters
7.) Virgina Moon by Foo Fighters
8.) Light my Fire by Jose Feliciano
9.) Toxic Girl (String Arrangement) by Kings of Convenience
10.) Soverato by Mins 8
11.) Familiar Feeling (Timo Maas Mix) by Moloko
12.) In Your Eyes by Peter Gabriel
13.) Twenty Years by Placebo
14.) Feeling Good by Quantic Soul Orchestra
15.) Wonderwall by Ryan Adams
16.) Tear You Apart by She Wants Revenge
17.) Beyond Outside by Si*Se
18.) Heidi Bruehl by Tosca
19.) Jericho by Weekend Players

Behind the Music, Cycle 4 "Mork and Indie"

Originally published February 2007

"Mork and Indie"
Artwork courtesy of www.epguides.com

1.) In the Morning by Razorlight
2.) I Understand what you Want, but I Just Don’t Agree by The Sleepy Jackson
3.) Horse and I by Bat for Lashes
4.) Satellite by Guster
5.) Hang Me Up to Dry by Cold War Kids
6.) Herculean by The Good, The Bad & the Queen
7.) Boyz in the Hood by Dynamite Hack
8.) Lovestain by Jose Gonzalez
9.) Borders by The Whitest Boy Alive
10.) Erase/Rewind by The Cardigans
11.) Love Show by Skye
12.) Here Comes the Sun by Nina Simone
13.) Crosses by Jose Gonzalez
14.) Boston by Augustana
15.) Lazy Eye by Silversun Pickups
16.) Phantom Limb by The Shins
17.) Hotel Roosevelt by Augustana
18.) Feel Good Inc. by Skye

Behind the Music, Cycle 3 “Wish You Were Here”

Originally published August, 2007

“Wish You Were Here”
Artwork borrowed from: www.legendsofamerica.com

Playlist
1.) L.A. by Kyle Jester
2.) Bottle Rocket by The Go! Team
3.) In the Clouds by Under the Influence of Giants
4.) Waiting by The Rentals
5.) Bubbly by Colbie Caillat (Foundation Track)
6.) West Coast by Coconut Records
7.) Let 'em In by Paul McCartney
8.) 1234 by Feist
9.) Honey and the Moon by Joseph Arthur
10.) California by Phantom Planet
11.) A-Punk by Vampire Weekend
12.) Our Swords by Band of Horses
13.) We Don't by Mezzanine Owls
14.) I'd Rather Dance with You by Kings of Convenience
15.) Hotel California by The Eagles
16.) The Ocean by The Bravery
17.) California Girls by The Beach Boys
18.) I Love L.A. by Randy Newman (Secret track)

What started out simply as another fun-filled mixed CD actually turned out to be my homage to the great SoCal town of L.A. Over the years I’ve fallen in love with this place, as plastic and mundane as it can be at times. What can I say? It’s home.

"Ma-arts*Major": An evening with the Bascos, the movie biz and brotherhood

"Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate,
but that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us.
We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous,
handsome, talented and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be? Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking
so that other people won't feel insecure around you.
And, as we let our own light shine,
we consciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

--Nelson Mandela

There are few things in this world more gratifying than professional and cultural solidarity.

Tonight I attended a panel at LMU, discussing the growing presence of Filipino-Americans in the media. The event was part of the Filipino-American Experience course led by Dr. Florante Ibanez, professor of Asian Pacific American Studies.



Prof. Ibanez, Maria Quiban, Winston Emano and Denise Dador



Well-known members of the Filipino community were invited to speak, including Eyewitness News Health Specialist Denise Dador of ABC7; Meteorologist Maria Quiban of Fox11 and My13 news; Writer/Director Patricio Ginelsa, Jr.; Reporter for the Asian Journal and correspondent of The Filipino Channel's ABS-CBN news, Joseph Pimentel; Accredited Celebrity/Events photographer, Sthanlee Mirador and the 2008 Miss LA Galaxy First Runner Up and rising star, Audrey Ronquillo.



Winston moderates the evening's panelists on Fil-Ams in the media




John Manal Castro, writer/producer of The Debut, being interviewed by Asian Journal reporter, Joseph Pimentel


Also in attendance were various cast members of the internationally recognized Fil-Am film, The Debut, including Joy Bisco, Basco brothers, Dion, Derek and Darion and the film's Writer/Producer, John Manal Castro. I, too, had the unforeseen luck of being introduced to the crowd. Being recognized for my work was the last thing I expected, but an honor, nonetheless.




The Cast of The Debut








Aside from the inherent fascination of meeting such talented people, my intrigue dwelled on a deeper level. I have long been searching for an opportunity to connect with others who share my professional interests and passion for diversity. In the last few years of working as a writer, I have slowly realized my dream of being published. I have also been fortunate enough to have doors open along the way, giving me access to different worlds rife with color and soul.

It was nice to be part of a family again, one brought together with the same ideals and dreams. Tonight I was able to recapture that, even to the extent that Professor Ibanez introduced me as his "cousin" while his Uncle Marci offered to buy me coffee. A warm reception, to say the least, but then again, hospitality is second nature to Pinoys.















Many years ago, a good friend of mine at the time, Garret M., spoke of the irony in the Filipino experience, one also shared by other ethnicities. He was frustrated that our stories had been chronicled by historians who were, well, NOT of the culture they were writing about. The same point was also emphasized by Mr. Winston Emano, whose purpose seems to be fueled by changing this very fact. Expression and accuracy in reporting is (ideally) expected in journalism, which, I believe makes it that much more essential for us to tell our story ourselves. I've been hearing the phrase "own it" a lot lately, and I can't help but notice the weight of that statement now.





with Joseph Pimentel of the Asian Journal







On the surface, this may all come across as ethnocentric, but there lies a deeper purpose in our actions. Many of us who are working in, or toward, careers in the media do so with the intention of making our voices heard—accurately. Shortly after attending the panel, I was talking on the phone with another close friend, Arvin A., whom I credit as being a catalyst for this epiphany I had. I realize that while my initial goal is promoting the Asian image in American media, it is only a small part of a bigger picture. Arvin made the astute observation that, "we are constituents to a larger, more important Universal purpose." When I zoom out of my occasional tunnel vision, I see there is a loftier goal we could be working toward, something not exclusive to journalism, industrial design, filmmaking, clinical psychology, carwashing ... anything really. I have yet to determine exactly what that goal is, but maybe it is something too great to limit or quantify in words. All I know is, my work is no longer defined solely by endorsing a particular image. It is not just about the Fil- or Asian-Ams or any specific group. Rather, the movement goes beyond that, encompassing a more Universal arena celebrating the beauty of diversity—on many levels not exclusive to race.

I'm not one to go out and preach. If anything, this manifesto is meant as a reminder for myself. The fact that it's public only holds me to it. But if any of you ever feel the need to express yourselves in any capacity and for whatever purpose, please consider this your invitation.

Maraming salamat to Winston for again inviting me to another enlightening experience. Also, congratulations on winning the Audience Award at AFI.

Until next time,
aCg




with Darion Basco, Joy Bisco and Dion Basco (no, we're not really throwing signs) =D




*Footnote: The term "ma-arts major" was a key phrase in college created by my close friend (and fellow artist) Cheryl A. It refers to students majoring in the arts, usu. dramatic, and stems from the Tagalog slang word "maarte" which basically means to be overdramatic.

Speaking with Seraph

There are days when I love my job. And then there are days when I can't believe how lucky I am that I get to do what I do for a living.

Yesterday I was invited to the Pacific Media Expo, held at the LAX Hilton, just down the street from the airport. Thanks to a chance meeting with Mr. Winston Emano, a seasoned and celebrated figure in the Filipino-American community, I was given the opportunity to meet with Collin Chou, best known (at this point anyway) for his role as Seraph in the Matrix films.

I didn't recognize his name right away, as he was credited under a different one in the movie. It took only mere seconds of research, however, for me to realize that in less than 24 hours, I would be interviewing the man who played my favorite character in the trilogy.



At the risk of sounding cheesy, it was as if this meeting was meant to happen. During my research, I found out that Collin is married to Wanda Yung, a fashion model from Hong Kong whom I had seen, and was most impressed by, on "Fashion Television" 10 years ago. I never forgot about her, and often wondered what became of her career. A decade later, and here I am interviewing her husband.

My longtime close friend and colleague, Cheryl A., (an amazing artist herself), came with me and put on her photographer hat for the day.

When we arrive, we grab our press passes and head downstairs to eat. Not even five minutes after sitting down, I turn to my left only to see Collin Chou himself sitting on the other side of the room. What are the odds? As tempted as I am to walk over and introduce myself, I hold back knowing I would have my chance to speak with him during our one-on-one meeting later that afternoon. Instead, I concentrate on my angel hair pomodoro and try to ignore the adolescent screaming from the rambunctious cosplayers outside.

After lunch, Cheryl and I attend the panel where the audience have the opportunity to interact with Collin. I have no idea what to expect. Is he as quiet and reserved as his guardian alter ego or as serious and intimidating as Yuanjia's father in Fearless? Neither. Turns out, Collin is as much of a joker as he is a passionate artist. He is warm and accommodating, and even naughty, on occasion, demonstrating some impressive hip action in humorous response to a fan's question about his steamy love scene in American Fusion. He apparently performs in a harness. Collin is simply a balanced guy, equally composed of charm, sophistication and playful vulgarity.


Earlier that day, we are instructed to meet with the publicist at 4 p.m., and would then be personally escorted to meet with Mr. Chou. We hop in the elevator and head for the top floor. When I jokingly inquire if we are going to the Presidential Suite, the publicist confidently affirms my derision.

A few deep breaths and the door opens up to a comfy living room with an impressive view of the airport. We are met by Winston, whom I am as equally excited to meet. We introduce ourselves and sit down to wait our turn with the Jade War Lord. Turns out Winston and I went to the same high school, a fact he doesn't believe until I divulge my knowledge of our football team, who hadn't won a Homecoming game for nearly 20 years (a sad and widely known fact about our alma mater).

I've been waiting a long time to meet someone like Winston. Having entered the industry through the back door, I've been in much need of a mentor, and I believe that Winston would be the perfect person to help me discover my role in the Asian-American movement. When he tells me I am already in a good position to influence others, I feel a surge of energy go through me in such a reassuring way that I know I am in the right place.

And then it's time for the interview.

Collin comes out and immediately starts joking around, by which I am immediately put at ease. As Winston introduces me and Cheryl, Collin comes over with a sincere smile and bone-crushing handshake (probably useful when you're protecting the Oracle). A few more exchanges, and it's off to the bedroom with Mr. Chou, my questions, a camera and great anticipation.

As he stretches out on the bed, Cheryl casually presses her foot against the back of Collin's and asks what shoe size he is. I nearly drop my recorder, unsure of what would happen next. After he obliges us with his response of "Size 9...no, I swear," I go ahead and put my own coy-garbed foot against his leather boot. "Wow, looks bigger than size 9," I say, to which he winks and responds with "You knoowww."

We finally start the interview, while I try to conjure up a mixture of Barbara Walters and Sam Rubin to get into the proper mode. (I'm still a rookie at the whole "just a conversation with a movie star" process).



I won't go into details here about what we talked about (you'll just have to wait for the whole conversation to be published), but it went very well and thankfully I didn't lose my head. It also helps that I wasn't entirely starstruck, despite my fascination with Seraph. Overall, not bad for my first time interviewing a celebrity.

Cheryl and I had an amazing time, and I am extremely happy to have shared the experience with her. I couldn't have asked for a better person to accompany me. Even now the excitement hasn't worn off. I won't get too philosophical, but I will say that because of this encounter, I now realize something about my career, something to do with that which matters most. Maybe all I needed was a little nudge from a guardian angel, someone who helped me remember the importance of focus, of diversity, of expression, of passion.

The interview is slated to appear early next year (I'll reveal the mystery publications at a later date). In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this sneak peek.

Until next time,
aCg

Behind the Music, Cycle 2 "Altered States"

Originally published July, 2007

“Altered States”
Artwork done by Lane McCorquodale

Playlist:

1.) "Feelin' Good" by Nina Simone
2.) "Let's Go to Bed" by Ivy
3.) "Strangelove Addiction" by Supreme Beings of Leisure
4.) "Kodo-Inside the Sun Remix" by Yoshida Brothers
5.) "Tomorrow Never Knows" by The Beatles
6.) "Soft Power" by Ladytron
7.) "Crush" by Natalie Walker
8.) "Sleeping Lessons" by The Shins
9.) "Someone Great" by LCD Soundsystem
10.) "Publish my Love" by Rogue Wave
11.) "I Can't Believe It's Over" by Bent
12.) "Alberto Balsalm" by Aphex Twin
13.) "Through with You (Jazakallah mix)" by Anchors
14.) "Just Ain't Me" by Tommy Guerrero
15.) "Sensing Owls" by Jose Gonzalez
16.) "Love Show" by Skye
17.) "Single" by Everything but the Girl
18.) "Night after Night (acoustic) by The Sounds

In addition to creating mixed cds on my own, my friends and I have also formed a music-sharing club. The first round of CDs followed a theme—“States.”

At the outset, I knew I wanted to publish a collection of ethereal-sounding tracks and title my release “Altered States,” with songs conveying a dreamlike state of being. The idea later developed into a metaphor for relationships. Often, when we are romantically involved with someone, the process tends to feel like we're in a dream, which can shift in either direction—it can continue like a dream or quickly turn into a nightmare. The songs represent various stages of coupledom.

Behind the Music, Cycle 1: The Prince of Pentecula

Originally Published December, 2006

“The Prince of Pentecula”

Playlist:

1.) "Chocolate" by Snow Patrol
2.) "Burning" by The Whitest Boy Alive
3.) "Remind Me" by Royksopp
4.) "Pulling our Weight" by The Radio Dept.
5.) "Sweet Sweet Heartkiller" by Say Hi to your Mom
6.) "Love is an Arrow" by Aberfeldy
7.) "Spectacle" by Sean Lennon
8.) "Sympathy" (Acoustic) by Goo Goo Dolls
9.) "Take a Picture" (TPOP *foundation track*) by Filter
10.) "Young Folks" by Peter, Bjorn and John
11.) "No One Else" by Natalie Walker
12.) "Would I Be the One" by Sean Lennon
13.) "Fools Rush In" by Bow Wow Wow
14.) "Right Here" by Natalie Walker
15.) "The Soundtrack of your Life" by A Girl Called Eddy
16.) "Square One" by Tom Petty
17.) "The Frog Prince" by Keane
18.) "Transatlanticism" (TPOP *secret bonus track*) by Death Cab for Cutie

The title for this compilation came to me unexpectedly on a day when I wasn’t really thinking about or doing anything creative; literally came out of nowhere, as do many things originating from the Divine.

As the CD started coming together, I realized that I was actually creating a story about a young man ironically lost on an already formed path. The Pentecula collection was to be the soundtrack to this coming-of-age tale, a movie that I hope to, one day, produce (with Orlando Bloom starring as my leading man—no, really). =-)

The songs reflect the prince’s journey, a realization that harkens to the necessity of self-awareness and finishes with a most paradoxical ending.

Mabuhay * Welcome!

Hello and Welcome to Esoterica Incantatum. Engineered by the imagination of a little girl with a big vision, here you will find her creative power manifest in a variety of ways: playlists of mixed CDs, blogs and whatever else feels right at the moment.

The goal of Esoterica Incantatum, on the surface, is to cater to the intellectual's refined taste in pop culture by showcasing the work of different artists—musical, visual, even literary. On a more profound level, Esoterica's mission is to collaborate with artists from different media who are genuinely driven by passion, community, diversity and interconnectedness.

Every month I hope to post a new playlist, complete with my own Behind the Music blurb and the visual artistry of various designers working on the CD covers. In the spirit of broadening horizons, I am always open to suggestions. If you're ever inspired to share your vision, please send in your submissions.

Enjoy yourselves and, as always, feed your inner artist!

-aCg