Kollaboration 9: Empowerment Through Entertainment

A little over a week ago, I went to watch Kollaboration at the Shrine Theater on the USC campus. My first exposure to Kollaboration was through videos online and then through Youtube. They had videos of the infamous freestyle dance competition at Kollaboaration. Kollaboration originated as a Korean American talent show, providing an outlet for aspiring artists to sing, dance, and perform. This being the 9th year since it’s start back in 2000; the show has transcended its Korean American roots and now encourages and supports Asian Americans as a group. I always wanted to attend the show, but there were never shows in NorCal/ Bay Area.
Having moved temporarily to Southern California for school has given me the opportunity to experience this performing arts talent competition. Sitting through the whole experience reinvigorated my passion for the equality and expression of the Asian American experience. From hearing the MC crack jokes about his Korean culture and the stereotypes, and seeing the commercials with Asian American actors representing Asian products and films was encouraging.
Seeing the individual performers on stage performing their craft reminded me of my own desire to make films. Though my personality would not fit in well with the cheek-kissing, fashion saavy world of Hollywood, I could probably fit in well with the grind of the indy film-maker. Nonetheless , either path would be difficult, but to see dreams being worked for was an inspiration.
I also purchased the HK shorts from Wongfu Productions , which I watched this past week, while I was home. The quality of the picture was ok, similar to the quality of my own amateur short films; but to dedicate and commit the time to develop and film ideas – is something I have yet to do. I hope that I do end up reaching the end of the creative tunnel and do make some short films that will affect people. Because I would definitely regret following through my desires and using the talent that God has given me.
Aside from my passion for making movies and bringing life to characters through engaging stories, I enjoyed Kollaboration a lot. Kaba Modern, video above, was spectacular and very well polished in their dance routine. Joe Koy was hilarious, and I wish him the best of success in the future. It was sad that the competitors only were allowed one performance each, but also good since some of them did not really connect with the crowd. Boa was a nice surprise, but as great as a performer and chart-topper she is in Asia, I do not think that will translate well in the U.S. She has that Britney-esqe vocals and musicality, but I am not sure if that’s what the U.S. market is looking for or expecting from a Korean pop star.

Top 10 Cities I'd Visit in the U.S.

1. Seattle, WA
2. New York, NY
3. Chicago, IL
4. New Orleans, LA
5. Boston, MA
6. Miami, FL
7. Portland, OR
8. Honolulu, HI
9. Phoenix, AZ
10. Providence, RI

A bit disappointed

There is a scholarship available to optometry students through the Transitions photosensitive lens technology company. They encourage applicants to create projects centers on vision care and the importance of healthy vision. I was hoping to start and finish it over the break.

However, looking at past winners' projects, they have been very large undertakings, such as illustrated books, music videos, etc. That's all and good, but I don't think I have enough time to do that, and plus I'm not quite sure what my project would focus on.

Crossing the Finish Line

Reading the title of this entry, it would seem more suited for an entry about graduating or finishing something. Unfortunately this entry isn’t on that scale, but still significant enough to be qualified as such. At about 2:15 PM, I stepped out of the lecture hall having finished my 2nd Quarter at SCCO. It was an end to the intense finals week. The finals schedule was brutal; it didn’t show any mercy. There were 5 finals in 5 days, with the two most comprehensive and difficult classes coming first. Prior to finals, we had 2 weeks with 5 exams. This quarter has been especially difficult because of the break that we were given resulting in a compacted testing schedule.

Aside from the merciless finals schedule, I was living on my friend’s futon. Two and half weeks before the end of the quarter, I decided to leave my relatives’ residence, where I had been living since the start of the school year. An incident the night before I moved out, startled me and made me uncomfortable about living there anymore. It’s difficult staying, when you know that they expect you to move out, they do not communicate with you, and you think that your actions maybe the cause of the harrowing incident. I’ve never been in a position where I was that scared. I did not want to stay another night, because of the uncertainty of when a similar incident would occur. I packed my things the following night, and moved to Tustin.

Adapting to Tustin was rocky in the beginning. Luckily, it was at the end of the quarter. I actually grew to like Tustin a lot, despite the big commercial shopping plazas. Old Tustin is what I came to enjoy. In the same way that I explored La Mirada, and Fullerton, I searched for restaurants in Tustin. I explored and tried coffee shops and bakeries, sipping and snacking on tasty treats. The difficult part was not to get distracted living with my friend.

In desperation, I called my friend asking if I could crash at his place, and he said okay after checking with his housemates. I will be forever grateful for my friend’s hospitality. It was hard trying to study when my friend was trying to persuade me to play video games or watch movies. I know I study a lot, and was grateful that he helped me relax a bit. Though I did not necessarily change my study habits, I did not stress about the finals that were coming the following week.

Even with the looming need to study for the next final, after finishing each one, I was still able to enjoy my finals week. I went out to explore and try restaurants that I’ve been hearing about or meaning to try. The finals week was grueling though. Long hours at school just reading and reading over material. Testing my classmates with questions and studying every last detail because we did not want to underestimate the test. I was just waiting for the opportunity to sit back and let my brain rot. Praise God for His grace, and creating me the way He did. From what I know, I did well on my finals.

This whole experience has reminded me that God is in control, that He may all of sudden turn our life upside down within 24 hours. It was like God took my life, a snow globe, and shook it up. I had to wait and see where all the snowflakes would end up landing. I learned to appreciate my friends. I shared with some of the brothers in church the details of my situation, and why it has been difficult to feed my faith during this transitional period. My high school friend stepped up in a big way, and I will never forget that. I know that I only keep in touch with a few of my high school friends, and he is one that no matter when your last conversation was, there is no awkwardness when we see each other again.

Thank you, God for your sovereignty and omniscience in getting me through period of time in my life.

Mr. Right (in front of you)

This is my post about people not seeing what's right in front of them. My thoughts now are that sometimes the best people are the ones close to you, but often times people don't recognize that or they take it for granted and look else where for potential relationships.

Beat Freaks

Best Show on TV: Friday Night Lights

This is probably the best drama on television right now. It's the drama surrounding the life and football culture in Dillon, Texas, and how the culture affects the lives of the individuals deeply involved. Each character has been well developed, and you feel attached to all their stories and situations.

This show reminds me of the "core" values that contribute to a stable, fundamental life. Seeing the coach value the strength of his family. Things aren't happy go lucky, which if it were wouldn't make for good television, but you see how they get through the tough times. You see how they balance the pressures of life decisions and moral values. Despite all the drama, the heart and moral character is revealed through their relationships with people and decisions they make.

I'm not saying this show is the ideal way to live your life or make decisions, but it reminds me of how sticking to your values is where your foundation is. The foundation of your character should be rooted in what is right and true. That for me would be the Word of God, keeping that in sight is important, though you may stray from it once in a while.

In the hard times, relish and pray for the strength of patience, to ask God what the right decision is. It only leads to a better ending, His ending.

Valentine's Day

People claim Valentine's Day is over-rated, and that there shouldn't be just one day set aside to show your love for your significant other, and that you should love them every day or more often. I'm thinking the statistics in the U.S. are willing to disagree, but that's not the point of my post. How can Valentine's Day be over-rated if you haven't had the chance to participate in the hoopla that is filled with chocolate, red hearts, and gifts.

I don't want to be emo or chummy, but it's tough accepting God's timing and being obedient to His will when you think you're ready for something.