Shoes...Let's get some shoes.

I neeeeed money to buy new KICKS. The heck?!

Here's my kicklist (haha get it? it's like wishlist, but not):


1) Nike Air Trainer III - They remind me of old school Optimus Prime from the cartoon. DOPE!



2) Puma First Round High - Yellow. Always gonna be a fan of the yellow and black together.


3)Nike Dunks SB High - There's a green and black version and that looks alrite, but for some reason the black and blue are really pulling me. And I still need a nice pair of black sneakers.


4)Vans Rowley "Shambles" High - Gotta love that belt strap over the shoe. Awesome.


If you'd like to contribute to the Jeffrey New Kicks Fund feel free to! =)

I'm back...after a month hiatus.

I should probably actually title this a month of chaos. It's been hella crazy.

I've gone back and forth with summer plans, scared about internships, about moving to the bay for the summer to pursue and internship, coming back home to Mundelein in the summer and going to the community college here and working and also launching ManilaStar Events. Let me tell you how much of a rollercoaster i have been on this past month. Different love and personal hurdles that keep pulling at me as I try and walk away and leave them in the past and also different career paths that I'm trying to find. Sooo...to go back to this rollercoaster idea I make some many personal gains and then my emo-i miss you side comes in again and sneaks in. Granted I'm not as sad and down as I was before back in January. But in all honestly (i don't care how desperate this looks) but there honestly isn't a day that I look back or remember something you said or something we did. And it doesn't even matter how far away you are, it feels like you always right here next to me. I just hate how this all ended, honestly it hurts at times especially when I listen to a song that pulls these emotions out of me. Or if I'm walking from the subway to my apartment and I'm alone and I start to hella think about everything....It'll take some time before I just look at you and can be chill with stuff. It's gettin there, you're just so damn cute....lol. Naw though forreal, you're an awesome person, who is so hella dope and funny. I appreciate you forreal.

So This Little Thing Called Love...

Hmmmm...

Valentine's Day. I've always liked it ever since I was young. I've had girlfriends here and there, but nothing for the longest time. So with that said, I guess I'm somewhat used to spending it alone or just with homies and stuff. Of course, I would love to have found that special someone, you know who I'd be willing to go all out and give her a really amazing Valentine's Day. But, it's alrite I am jobless right now so it wouldn't be much of a material Valentine's Day. I guess as I look back I've had the chance to be in a good amount of relationships. There were girls that liked me and whatever and friends with that mutual attraction, but I made the choice to just wait it out cause I want to make sure that I go into a relationship to be forreal and really put myself into it. At the same time though, I've also been at the real bad end. Like where the only thing that is preventing the relationship from happening is distance. It's like "DAMN!" I meet someone who's truly dope, can finish my sentences, make me smile and have this connection like they've known me forever. And I can't have that cause you're far away. It sucks and in the end it is what it is. I just feel like I'm way too young to do the whole long distance thing and it's just different when there isn't physical interaction.

Maybe I have high standards but I really don't. I'd like a chill girl, with morals, who's comfortable with herself, with great eyes and beautiful smile. I want a girl who still feels like she owns the fucking place even if she's just rockin sweats with no make-up. Obviously there are whole lot of different pluses that she can have, but if she really has those other basics it's all good. I guess right now, I'm somewhat glad I am single. I'm hella busy with school in an academic and social viewpoint. But at the same time, it would be soooo nice if I had someone to call or come home to and just see and relax with on that kinda romantic level. It'd just be realll nice.

Can't go looking for Love...Gotta let it find you.



PS. I am soooo cheesy X)

She's Just Being Miley...

Image Courtesy of AngryAsianMan.com


Let me tell why this is racist.

It makes fun of an attribute that is selective to an ethnic group. In this case, the "shape" of Asian eyes. Most of you have probably seen my Facebook status. I never said Miley Cyrus was racist. I said that the picture was and that the gesture is. And I apologize for getting all intense and angry when I would explain myself. I get really passionate about Racism on all fronts, not just Asian American.

I've heard all the same stuff about this picture.
"It's funny."
"What's wrong with it?"
"It's in the privacy of her own home and it leaked."
"Why do you worry about something like this?"
"It's not THAT bad."

It might be funny in their circle of friends, but that doesn't make it okay. I know I've said somethings among my friends that did have racial connotations. I guess to say I haven't said anything recently might be some b.s. too. Looking back at it, I look hella stupid for saying that stuff. I'm embarrassed because I've decided before to let ignorance and stupidity be a core for jokes.

But if anything, I've always stood strong for equality. I've defended the belittlement of Mexicans and Mexcian Americans when they were all blamed for immigration, I've stood by the kids who were targeted during the Jena-6 and also I've stood by LGBQT community as well.

I'm not going to lie and say that I haven't made a joke or funny comment. Do I get special permission for that? Hell no, it's just as wrong and ignorant as anyone else.

Regardless of the intent (whether or not it's a joke or whatever else), she (and her friends) still did the gesture. The pulling of the eyes back mocks the shape of Asian eyes. It's racist because, it's racially connected. It's also very ignorant and offensive.

She needs to apologize for this because it sets a very bad example to her fans and non-fans for that matter. And it also impacts the Asian American community. Miley Cyrus, carries a lot of influence and if kids or whoever else sees this, it begins to look okay to do this. Not only does this ostricize the Asian American kids, but who knows what this can lead too. It can lead to deeper racism, ignorance and hate crimes. Her actions are encouraging taunting and OK-ed doing this. And just because there's an Asian in this picture, doesn't make it okay by any means. And just because Miley is 16 or whatever doesn't excuse it either. She's in an industry that deals with different people of different races and also lives in a city that is pretty diverse as well.

Right now this targets Asian Americans. In the future who is next to be targeted? It could be Black, hispanics, gays. Any act of this shouldn't be tolerated.

If you're not called out, told about your mistakes or told about your offensive comments how can one learn and grow from that? People (as well as Miley) need to realize the fault in their lapse of judgement and see the effects that their actions can have.

Finally, to say that there are bigger things to worry about is false. Racism is not a small issue and it is not gone. Sure this Miley Cyrus pic is just a snippet of it, but racism, sexism and ignorace is still around and very much prevalant. I feel like Americans are just fed this crap that if it's not violent then it's not racism, but what many fail to see is that one small thing can set someone off to be full of hate and you never know what kind of actions can spring off that.

What if I just turned my head to every "small" ignorant thing that happened? How can we achieve a better society and world peace if we okay ignorance and racism?


Spanish Olympic Basketball Team -- "showing love" to their Chinese sponsor and the Olympic Commitee

Drunken Negro Cookies -- Sold By A French Bakery in New York, inspired by Barack Obama


This stuff isn't any different. Google it.

Hmmm...so I got this idea.

One thing that I've been getting into this past couple of months was dancing. Especially with the 3 season of America's Best Dance Crew. I've been in love with Kaba Modern, Fanny Pak, SoRealCru, Jobbawockeez, Supreme Soul, Boxcuttuhz, Team Millenia and Beat Freaks. And that's only from ABDC. I've actually been hella YouTubing and I've immersed myself in this stuff. The dance community, especially on the West Coast, is SICK SICK SICK. You see the passion the dancers have to be the best, they're hungry to win and they're loving what they're doing. I have that sense that they live to dance. So put that with the artists and bands over there and you have my eyes opening up, jaw dropping and kinda some tears in my eyes. To see these kids chasing their dreams and living their lives through their passion is inspirational. I really want to start a crew out here in Chicago, I'm just having a hard time finding people who have time and all that. We'll see where this all goes...I really miss dancing and I know I'm hella rusty and all that shit, but I will work hard and will anchor this crew to be one of the best and hardest working. Anyway...let me shout out some other crews who definitely deserve the love. Sheroes, Boxcutters (the entire crew not just ABDC), ProjectEm, FunkanotmetrySF, The Lost Kids, Choreo Cookies, The Company, CADC, Essence, PAC Modern, 220, FORMALity, Breed and Mayvn. I love this stuff sooo much.

Gotta PEEP these vids!

ProjectEM @ VibeXIV 2009


Team Millenia @ VibeXIV 2009 --On of my Favorite sets, they placed 3rd at Vibe.


Boxcutterz @ Body Rock 2008 -- Soooo goood. Try and find Lydia Paek! haha


Choreo Cookies @ Body Rock 2008 -- Damnnn.


Pac Modern @ Body Rock 2008 -- Love that steez and check that swagg.


FunkanometrySF @ Body Rock 2007 -- One of my favorite crews ever.


More solo choreo vids and more crew vids to come in future posts.
Stay positive beautiful people =]

It Is What It Is.

Ever since my last post, more than a month ago, I've had some crazy ups and downs. I took one long ride on the life roller coaster. I had some real real lows that actually caused me to have some of the worst stomachaches in my life. And to get even more graphic for one entire week it was straight up diarrhea. I'm not saying this to gross anyone out, but just to show the severity of the stress and pain I felt. I haven't been that stressed or upset in about 8 years or so. School started and my mind was going in between these thoughts of school and the stuff that caused that stress. I slowly started to get back into school mode and started to find happiness in planning Asian American Awareness month and seeing all my buddies at school. In a weird way, that hurdle I had to jump and climb over made me appreciate all the good things in my life and gave me a new lease on life. What I can honestly say, is my stress level and worry level have dropped a lot. I guess you could say I've somewhat adopted a "west coast chill mindset". I'm learning to just stay organized and just to stay on my shit and to just go with the flow. The phrase I use over and over is "It is what it is." To elaborate more on this, it's just that I can't control things that are out of my hands. I can't stress about an upcoming test or other things, I just need to deal with the issue and work through it and do the best I can. I'm getting back into my spoken word and singing and all that stuff and it's feeling really good. Of course, that center of stress is just in my head. I don't look at it as stress or as something bad, it's something that was real good. Anyway, I have a new lease on life. I'm determined to do so many things this year and I'm going to reach the top. I just gotta ride the roller coaster and see my life through.

My Thanks for 2008

I can't believe another year has passed. Like damnnn, haha. I keep getting older and I keep growing and learning. Most people that know me, know that I'm so appreciative of good and supportive people in my life. I've been through ups and downs with "friends" who I thought were the real deal and I let myself open and up and get too close to. The thing that I realized is you don't know what a good and caring person is until you meet the people who really fuck you over. This post is about me giving thanks, showing appreciation and showing some love for a lot you and also giving thanks for the help this year. I've hella grown this last Fall semester, I've been given so many more opportunities and have been through the ringer, but overall that struggle was worth it cause I look back and I'm such a different person. Someone who is stronger, resilient, more determined, more goal oriented and more outgoing. I'm thankful for all of you. And I re-discovered my love for MUSIC. =]




Justin DeGuia: My little brother who is actually 6'1'' and taller than me now. Damn you! I remember when I was always taller than you and then my Senior year in high school you started to catch up like crazy. Anyway, for most of 2008, I haven't lived at home. First part I was in the dorms and the part after summer I was in the city at my apartment. I must say one of the HARDEST things is for me to be away from you. I gotta be real. You're one of my best friends, you got my back even though you always wanna pick fights and say shit to me. But I know we laugh more than we have our little stupid bitch fights. haha. It really does suck being away from you for too long. You listen to me vent about my problems, we go cook chicken nuggets from scratch at 1am and I drive you to get your Baconator or your Spicy Chicken Crisp. How the fuck you stay so skinny is amazing to me; damn Fast Food Junkie. I still say we move out to Cali when I get done at UIC and then you can go play ball for CSU Fullerton. haha. I don't know why I always say that school. Anyway, I love you little brudder, road dogs -- holllaa

Ballerz: 2008 was the first year we weren't together anytime besides summer. Kinda sucks huh? I think it does! You guys remember always being together the end of Senior year? I remember April and Justin would come to my tennis matches and April always had a sign to rock. Love that shit, forreal. It's hard that we're basically all on our own away at school, but I know we're all busting our asses trying to get those degrees. It'll pay off guys! The only one that really far is April. Damn you and your 4 hour drive to Western Ill. I still say consider Columbia. haha. I'm glad I have you guys to talk to when I'm feeling like shit, but also just to laugh and make fun of people from high school who fucked us over and now have fucked themselves over. GOOD SHIT! Justin, FACT was hella fun! I can't wait for MAFA. AshTAN, you've been invisible...well kinda. You're still my buddy for scary movies and eating. Of course...eating. haha. And April, my sister, friends since we were three...I'm glad you're always willing to listen to me cry or vent. How can I forget to mention the car rides when you get all buckwild and crazy to the music. Damn...I'm gonna miss that stuff when you go back! Ballerz Forever...you got my back, I got yours'.

Nate Tano: Nate Fucking Tano. Dude who woulda thought after all that confusion that we'd still end up living together? haha you almost going to Arizona and then me supposedly just living with my Ate Heather only. I'm glad we found a 3 bedroom. You always got my back dude and I'm glad that I still have you as one of my boys. Damn, can you believe friends since we were like 6? I must say getting hella wasted before we go out to Target on the subway or whatever is some of the best times. You really are a brother to me. People like you, don't come around often and I'm glad we've still remained close after all this time. Let's go buy some of those dope ass sneakers...well when I get a job cause my broke ass is still looking for one! haha. It's been a great time living with you dude, here's to the next couple of months till our lease runs up!

Ate Heather & Rampelle: Ate Heather, I can't really say how happy I am more so now than before that you asked me to be your roommate. I think it was the best choice! haha. I really like living with you. And I'm really glad we've gotten a lot closer. Ever since you started working at UIC, I feel like we have. You're always an open ear and we joke about the stupidest shit. Oh yea, and your Sinigang is off the hook. Wayy better than my mom's. I'm just really happy I have a good influence in my life like you, there basically 24/7. I really look up to you, all the AACC stuff and all the personal things you've accomplished. You've helped sculpt me into a more vocal and confident person, especially with all the Asian American/Filipino American advocacy stuff. Just wanna say thanks and again here's to the next couple months till our lease is up! Rampelle, dude the food you cook is fucking tasty as hell. I can tell you and my Ate are hella in love. I've never really seen her interact with a boyfriend, but I can tell how happy you make her. I don't know what it is, but it's like you two are really meant for one another. You're humor is the same and you two just hella click and it just works really well.

Ate Vanessa: I like being in the city now, because I get to see a lot more of you. I appreciate all the stuff you do for me. Whether its the guidance and examples you've set for me or the countless miles driven for cousin time. I wanna say thanks for all the things you've given me and all the "younger" cousins. The America's Best Dance Crew Tour was one of the highlights for me. And 2nd row...like holy shit...you don't understand how much you mean to me, Ate. I don't think I'd be as powerful or determined to change the world if I didn't have you pulling for me as I was growing up.

Meg and Chels: I don't wanna favorite cousins, but how can I not, when it's always been you two and my brother and me. I love you guys so much and we're all growing up so fast. At times when we're together, it feels like I'm still 13 and in 8th grade. Cousin time was well deserved this week. I hope you two know that if you need anything I'm here for you and so is Justin. Megan, I'm glad how close we've gotten this year. Our paths have met up again, after being kinda shaky before. I hope you know that I believe in you and want you to be successful and happy in anything situation or pursuit. Chelsea, I'm here for you if you ever need anything, if you need to getaway from Streamwood we can go to Boston Market and cop some cornbread. haha. But honestly, you ever get too stressed out or anything, you know my number. I'm glad we've gotten closer too. To both of you, finish your respective schools with a lot of effort cause next year both of you will be in a different school. Good luck with the rest of the year.

Kuya Christian & Sherille: Kuya Christian, what can I say except for thank you. You've made these past years fun with all the time you've spent creating family moments with us little cousins. Really stuff like that has left memories that I can never forget. All the miles driven and the laughs mean the world to me. Sherille, haha I love playing that Jeopardy game we'd all play after Kuya Christian would cut my hair, even though you always won. haha. You make my Kuya Christian so happy. And all us younger cousins can genuinely see that. I'm so glad to see him so happy. It's like he glows when he's with you. And he did paint his toe nails red cause of you right? Or what that on his own? hahaha just kidding. More sweet potato fries!

Sabrina & Val Tatunay: I'm glad we've all gotten close this year. I feel really close to both of you now. I wish you guys didn't live so far away in Chula Vista, California. I know me and my brother were supposed to come down for winter break, but it didn't work out. Hopefully we can be reunited soon. I really wanna try and get down there for your graduation, Val. Val, I wish I coulda seen you dance with Intrace, who knows maybe you'll be in another crew the next time I see you. Keep having fun with Spotlight and hopefully you're last part of high school is fun and memorable. Sabs, haha what can I really say? I've known you for the past 3 years. And damn isn't it kinda like a roller coaster? I don't know, we're weird haha. I hope you still pursue culinary school. I can tell you really love cooking and all that. Gotta chase that dream! Hopefully a San Diego - Chicago reunion soon. =]

Asian American Coalition Committee - Joyce & Brandon & Rhonda - Nightvision: I love you guys. Really, the tangents we would get on during our E-board meetings haha. I feel like a big happy AACC family with you guys and the youngsters. I love the Meli's breakfast outings in Greektown and that one dollar store trip when Vicky was going ape shit. Brandon, thanks for all the backstage work you put into Nightvistion, I know it was hella hard and I appreciate you getting it all done. Joyce, thanks for keeping AACC up and going and making this year a lot of fun. Ate Rhonda, thanks for being so supportive and helpful with everything, all my questions and concerns. I don't know what I'm gonna do next year when Brandon and Joyce leave. It's gonna be so different and I'll have to step it up and be more organized and stuff. I can do it! It's just weird to think about. Nightvision was so pivotal for me. It was my chance to step out into the Asian American Org scene at UIC. Even though the highlight of my hosting might have been my Otso Otso it meant so much to be up there. Here's to AACC and the rest of the year. Let's keep it going guys, we're doing so good!

Filipinos in Alliance - Melissa Gaba - Phill Ozaki - Filipinos in Media Workshop: I just wanna say thanks to Filipinos in Alliance for being so supportive and receptive of the workshop back in November. You guys are really doing some big things. MAFA is here this year and you guys are doing a lot of good community outreach as well. I'll be more involved this semester, if I'm not too busy with AACC! Melissa, thanks for letting the collabo between AACC and FIA happen. I must say, I might not be an avid FIA member but from I can see, you're a good president who stays on her shit and who's really helpful too! Definitely a lot better than what I've seen in the past. Keep it up. Phill Ozaki, my Kuya, dude we worked our asses off on that workshop and it turned out to be one hella dope experience. I can't believe you didn't know Vanessa and Heather were my cousins. haha. Anyway, thanks for making the workshop a good experience. I felt like a lot of people walked away a lot more knowledgeable on a topic that usually brushed under the rug. Get more involved with AACC!

Chris and Steven Cole: I'm so glad that, one night in the spring that I got bored and went on YouTube and was looking for singers just singing. Little did I know, that clicking a video titled "Tamia's Officially Missing You" would lead to a lot of change. Chris, your talent is admirable. Your voice is hella versatile and the emotion you put into songs can be heard every time you sing. I gotta say thanks for after all that Nightvision confusion that you still came through and killed the performance. I remember when Nate, Megan and I picked you up from the Airport and when were chillin in your hotel room for a little bit. Not only was that hella fun, but shit the advice you gave me about school is something that made me re-think my own college path. I finally have a good idea of what I want to do. I know I for sure want to work with Music and more importantly with Fil-Am artists. Like forreal, without some of the things you said I'd be stuck fully committed to a major in Kinesiolgy with not even looking to minor in Communications. I plan to intern my ass off and network my ass off. Gotta say thanks for keeping up with the texts that one night, I got hella sick and was drunk off my ass. You're definitely like a Kuya to me. I look up to you and the determination you have to pursue your dream. Good Luck with the Kumbia Kings, I know you'll be a great lead singer for them. Keep it up! And again, if you need any street team things I'm here. Steven, KUYA! haha, dude your guitar playing is sick and your talent is also really admirable like Chris'. I'm really glad you guys ended up coming out to Chicago for the performance. It would have been so much cooler if I could have shown you guys around the city more. But next time you come down here I for sure will show around. And more pizza for sure. Again, thanks for texting me and helping me get through my one crazy and sick Friday night. haha. Like I said to Chris, I definitely look up to you. You're mad talented and a Kinesiology major too. You got my support out here in Chicago. Anything you need I got you and Chris.

Future Plans: I want to create a stronger Fil-Am music scene here in Chicago. Something that is close to that of the West Coast. I want to be able to connect Fil-Am youth through a creative spectrum. I feel like music is the best way to do that. I know there are hella talented Fil-Ams out here and I want to give them a stage to do that they love and perform. If anyone is on board to help me create a showcase this summer, definitely get at me on here. We need to start working on it soon. Especially since I'm aiming for an August date. That's the immediate future. As for long term, I plan to move out to California after I'm all done with college here in Chicago. I don't know where exactly. Maybe the Bay Area where I know Fil-Am music is booming, Los Angeles where the industry is obviously so strong, and of course SoCal to be close to my Tatunay girls. I'd have to be looking towards the first 2 in a career sense. Wish me the best of luck, I'm gonna be making a lot of strides for Fil-Ams. We're a race that's neglected and I'm gonna help keep some of this momentum that we got this year going. Just look out, I know this is what God wants me to do, my parents might not now, but I know in my heart I want this really bad.

U.S. Cities I Want To Visit in 2009 (Random Order):
Seattle, WA
New York City, NY
Miami, FL
San Francisco, CA
Atlanta, GA
San Diego, CA

Places outside of U.S. I want to Visit in 2009 (Random Order):
Greece
Phillippines
Japan
Puerto Rico
Dubai
London, England (Wimbledon)
Paris (French Open)

Top Songs of 2008 (Random Order):
Rihanna - Disturbia
Ne-Yo - Closer
Danity Kane - Damaged
Chris Brown - Forever
Beyonce - If I Were A Boy
Leona Lewis - Bleeding Love
Lil Wayne - A Milli
T.I. - Whatever You Like
Kanye West - Love Lockdown
Lupe Fiasco - Hip Hop Saved My Live
chrisCole - Perfect
N.E.R.D. - Everyone Nose
Britney Spears - Womanizer
Usher - Love In This Club
Jazmine Sullivan - Need U Bad
Trey Songz - Missin' You

I really wanna travel, but yea right like I can afford the out of country trips. Well I can dream!




I hope you guys know how much you guys have shaped me. It was a great year and I hope I can make 2009 just as good. Peace and Love.

Music Recap of 2008

My Top Artists of 2008

Rihanna: I used to love Rihanna when she was all about Dancehall and Reggae inspired songs. I’ll admit that I was hella dreary when she came out with “Umbrella”. I remember I heard that song a couple of months in advance and I was like “What is she thinking with this song?” Little did I know, I’d turn around and really be digging her new sound. I soon got her album on my ipod and I was putting her CD on repeat on the way to work. She’s an artist who might not have the best voice, but her stage presence and hunger for success is what makes her a standout. Favorite 2008 Singles: Disturbia, Take a Bow, Rehab

Leona Lewis: Leona Lewis was all over the UIC cafeteria when I still lived back in the dorms. I remember I’d look at the TV’s and wonder “Who the fuck is this girl?” Finally got around to looking her up on YouTube and shit, the rest is history. Her voice is one of the greatest I’ve heard and I definitely see the comparison to Mariah Carey. Not only is this girl beautiful her talent seems to be limitless. She’s one of the greatest imports from the UK since the Spice Girls. Haha. Favorite 2008 Singles: Bleeding Love, Footprints in the Sand

Beyonce: Where do I start? Sasha Fierce. Her album is sick. It’s fire. I’ve been listening to it on crazy repeat for the last week. I’ve become a huge ass fan of hers because one of my friends helllllllllla loves her. And I guess my friend’s love, rubbed off on me and I find myself listening to Bee anytime I can. I always just liked Beyonce as an artist, but now I find myself wanting to go see her live and catch anytime she performs. I appreciate her hard work and the journey she’s had to endure in order for her dreams to come true. I don’t see many other artists who dance and REALLY sing at the same time. And she dances hard. She’s definitely an artist who will have a long career and she’ll be known for as on the greats. Favorite 2008 Singles: If I Were A Boy, Diva

Britney Spears: Let’s talk about the comeback girl herself. Miss Britney Spears. She’s been through hell the last couple of years: Kids, Divorce, Death Scares and a reemergence on the music scene. I’ve always believed in Britney. I’ve liked her ever since those “Baby One More Time” days and I’m not afraid to admit it either. She’s a girl who was crafted to be multimillion dollar machine, and that obviously had a tremendous impact on the type of adult she’s become. But even at 27, she’s back, healthy and doing her thing. She’s moving in the right direction and I hope that with the success of Blackout and Circus she can move forward and have a more positive life. Favorite 2008 Singles: Break the Ice, Circus

Ne-Yo: Always going to be a fan of this guy. His writing skills are amazing and his voice is just as good. You can hear the emotion in his voice and that’s a main reason why Ne-Yo made my top artists of 2008. Not many artists can have the power to write such great songs, but also have the talent to perform. He’s been on a lot of tracks this year either as a solo or being featured alongside another artist. Either way, he’s still shining on every track he’s on. Favorite 2008 Singles: Closer, Mad, Bust it Baby Pt. 2 (Plies Feat. Ne-Yo), Single (NKOTB Feat. Ne-Yo)

Chris Brown: C-Breezy! I’ve been a Chris Brown fan since he came out when I was back in high school. He’s consistently put out great singles and his CD is great as well. He definitely is an all around artists and on top of everything a great performer. Might I add that his style is dope as hell? Haha. I find myself using him as inspiration when buying new clothes and trying to dress myself. He’s definitely the face of R&B and I expect huge things out of him in the future. Favorite 2008 Singles: Superhuman (Feat. Keri Hilson), Freeze (T-Pain Feat. Chris Brown)

Keri Hilson: One of my top top top favorite artists of 2008. Keri Hilson first made huge strides with her collabo with Timbaland on his track “The Way I Are”. She wrote Britney Spears’ “Gimme More”. She is hella talented and her voice is different. I remember hearing her song with Timbaland and I was wondering who the hell this girl was. I kept up with news on Keri Hilson and made sure I caught her singles and CD information. Unfortunately her album was pushed back to 2009, but she’s definitely made great impact this year. She is one of those artists who’s an individual and who’s distinctive and has immense talent. Her style is so fresh and so is she. Favorite 2008 Singles: Energy, Turn Off (Feat. Lil Wayne)

Craig David: I’ll always be a fan of this British R&B sensation. His smoothness on his tracks and the emotion in his voice is what keeps me a fan. Not only really till last year was when I became a huge fan. I realized he had a follow up to his first album and this year he released his third studio album “Trust Me”. I definitely will always be a fan of his. His music is upbeat and can either start to get you pumped or can help you get through some rough times. I hope he can pull some more momentum back here in the U.S. I think he’s too talented to not be recognized anymore here. Favorite 2008 Singles: 6 of 1 Thing, Insomnia, Let’s Dance

T-Pain: I feel like T-Pain currently has like 12 tracks that he’s featured on or has released on his own. I think I may be right. He’s distinctive cause of his kind of auto tone voice. I feel as in many of his songs, it’s a guaranteed hit. It’s like you collabo with T-Pain and you’re guaranteed a top 10 hit. He makes hip hop translatable to a more pop music crowd. He might not be a conscious rapper, but his material is about having a good time and letting loose and there’s nothing wrong with that. Favorite 2008 Singles: Chopped ‘N’ Screwed, Go Girl (Ciara Feat. T-Pain)

T.I.: One of my favorite rappers. His swag is sick and his material is even sicker. I won’t lie that I haven’t really looked into much of his other non-released material. But I’ve always liked T.I. even before this year. Again his style is dope! Not much else to say, I also expect a lot out of him. He’s too talented to not have a long career. Favorite 2008 Singles: Swagger Like Us, Live Your Life (Feat. Rihanna)

Lil Wayne: Used to a Weezy F Baby Haterrrrr, but now converted thanks to my brother. Enough said. Favorite 2008 Singles: A Milli, Got Money (T-Pain Feat. Lil Wayne)

Honorable Mention: Janet Jackson, Lupe Fiasco, Usher, Jordin Sparks, The Dream, Brandy, John Legend, Keyshia Cole, Common

Who To Look Out for In 2009: Jazmine Sullivan, Karina Paisan, David Archuleta, Jennifer Hudson, Janelle Monae, Colby O'Donis, Kid Sister, Kid Cudi

Who Needs to Stop: Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus

Gettin All Creative and Shitt...

A big thing for me this year was cell phones. I went through 4 this year. I lost my Samsung in the UIC Cafeteria. Then I extended my contract and got the Nokia Music Xpress Phone. Then that phone screen got hella cracked and then I got an old school Motorola Silver Razor V3. Then that phone got messed up, cause I think I left it in the sun while I played tennis...oops. Finally and hopefully for the next 2 years or so I have my Sidekick 2008. One of the main reasons that pulled me into this phone was the ability to have changeable shells. This shells can be personalized to fit your own tastes but also there are tons available at sidekickshells.com. It's definitely a good phone, would be better with an Internet plan but that will soon come. I got hella bored within the last couple months and I've used all my creative juices the right way and created a few shells. Check 'em out and tell me what you think...=]

All these are just kinda inspired by different things. A lot of work but also kinda just going with the flow and making those small changes. As you can tell, I like to incorporate a lot of things that I either like or find important. Philippine Flag Sun, Japanese Naval Ensign, Music, Venus & Serena and the city of Chicago. The Panda one was kinda inspired by Ate Heather and Nate cause I totally remembered they had panda shirts and also Pandas are just pretty sweet. haha. The "Smiley Star" was inspired by a Tee I saw online. Tell me what you think!