oblivious nerd girl
hood chronicles

October is Filipino American History Month. Oblivious Interviews will feature Filipino-Americans doing kick ass things. This interview is with Janice Sapigao. I met Janice when she was organizing with Justice for Filipino American Veterans. Mike had been a part of the JFAV Steering Committee that planned the annual Veteran's Day Rally/Parade through Historic-Filipinotown. Janice was a part of the new leadership that continued to do the important advocacy work for Filipino American Veterans.

Throughout her time in Los Angeles, Janice founded Sunday Jump, a monthly community open mic series in Historic-Filipinotown. Sunday Jump takes place at Kapistahan Grill (1925 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90026). Sunday Jump is a space for storytelling, good food, and good vibes. Thank you for the Sunday Jump family for this Oblivious Interview!

​Oblivious meets Janice Sapigao

​Affiliations (arts org, fun things you do, etc) : 
I work at Skyline College/San Jose City College. I co-advise the Filipino Student Union, teach in a hip hop learning community, and co-coordinate the Puente program. My community organizing is in and out of the classroom now. I'm also an editor for TAYO Literary Magazine (buy our mag at Barnes & Noble!). Oh, and I write things. 

What's the one word you are guilty of using too much? 
Uhhhh...

How did you end up doing what you are doing now? 
Hard work and luck. Timing and goal-setting. Hyper-empathy and love.  Community and writing. For real. All of these things found their ways into some formula that allowed me to teach, write, and read.

Which member of the Wu-Tang Clan best describes your personality? 
Probs RZA. He has books and bars!

Dogs or Cats, who wins? Why? 
Cats! They're spiritual and live forever beyond their nine lives with us.

What is the best part of any given day for you? 
I can't choose between these two kinds of glorious times: 1) When the streets are dark and I'm inside my apartment, and the whole world has finally come to a standstill that allows me to sleep, or, 2) When I get home from a long ass day of work and can finally kick off my heels, unbutton my collar shirt, and take off/unzip my pants. 

​In a zombie apocalypse who would you want on your survival team? 
Fuckin' Eddy. He would probably sacrifice himself so that the rest of us can live. He'd also document everything so that we can celebrate and honor his life as a result.

What is the last thing you searched for on google? 
"How to cite rap songs in paragraphs." Thank you, Purdue Online Writing Lab, for the answer to my students' questions.

If you could talk to your high school self, what would you say? 
Thank you. I wrote about this on a recent blog post. I'd say, "She helped me get here. Her bravery and choice to love and move away from home to appreciate, sacrifice, and struggle through its distance makes me myself."

What is the best thing or meal you ever ate? 
Vietnamese Fish Sauce Wings from Pok Pok in Portland, OR. 

What is a memorable project that you are working on or have worked on? 
I'm working on what will hopefully be my life's work, a book about my father who passed away when I was six. The manuscript is tentatively titled you don't know what you don't know. 

​

Steph Cariaga is an amazing teacher, friend, mother, woman extraordinaire. When she was a teacher at Locke high school she invited me to be a mentor to a student in a mentorship group that she had developed with a fellow teacher.  Props to the high school teachers who create space for their students. Steph is definitely one of those teachers.  

She's now on that grad student grind. Surprisingly I haven't run into her at work, but hopefully we'll run into each other more often! Steph is also a part of the People's Education Movement. Their mission is "Educators seeking to create sustainable liberatory spaces inside and beyond the classroom, to promote growth, healing, and transformation."  People's Ed is hosting an event: Self-care for SistarMaestras on Sunday, October 4th, 2-5pm.  Self care is something we all should practice, especially the teachers who give so much of themselves through their work. Space is limited so RSVP right away!  Enjoy this excellent interview with Steph: Oblivious meets Steph Cariaga

Name(s): Steph Cariaga

Affiliations (arts org, fun things you do, etc) : Laila bear's mama, grad student at UCLA, People's Education Movement 

What's the one word you are guilty of using too much?  
Hmm... As a mom, the word "shit" comes to mind - I realized this after my daughter's been copying the things I say and thinking it's funny, so I gotta be careful of that!  I think I also say "sorry" too much. I'm trying to find a balance between being accountable for actual mistakes I make, and not saying "sorry" as a perception, or habit, of thinking I'm at fault all the time. 

How did you end up doing what you are doing now? 
Well, being a mom and a grad student are in some ways connected to me burning out and feeling pushed out of teaching. I was teaching high school English for several years, particularly in Watts, South LA, and while I was developing really significant relationships with like-minded teachers and my students, I also lost my passion after hustling so hard against unsupportive administration and dehumanizing schooling practices. I also realized that I wasn't equipped to truly support students who were opening up to me about really challenging experiences at home and in their community, or students who just couldn't balance the demands of the work they were expected to do at school and the burdens they faced through violence, poverty, and other issues beyond their control. I think I and a few other folks were on our way towards figuring out how to better meet these students' needs, but grinding within systems that didn't allow for that kind of work to be valued nor supported, I just couldn't keep going. And it was taking a toll on my personal health and relationships. 


I think becoming a mom allowed me to finally put myself first, and understand that self-empathy could allow me to become a better teacher in the long run. I know I didn't want to quit teaching altogether and that I needed space and time to reflect on my experiences working with young folks, so now I'm in grad school trying to figure out how trauma impacts students of color, and how to develop teaching practices that can help students to heal from these challenging experiences. 


Through another class I've taught, called Young Empowered Women, with my friend Denise and another homegirl Amreen, I've come to understand that teaching students how to heal requires us to heal ourselves too. So I've also been working with my brilliant sistar-maestra Amreen on doing these workshops on self-care for teachers.  

Which member of the Wu-Tang Clan best describes your personality?
So... I dunno if Patrick's (my husband and Laila's daddy extraordinaire) will like hearing this, but, I don't really know Wu Tang that well! I guess if I had to choose, I'd pick RZA, cuz I know he wrote The Tao of Wu, on some hip hop-spiritual-philosophical tip. I've always been into learning about different philosophies, and I've come into appreciating the tenets of Buddhism and mindfulness. And I think music can be really dope in enlightening certain things and themes, so yeah... RZA works! 

Dogs or Cats, who wins? Why?
When I was young, hands down, dogs, because I grew up with them. And scruffy dogs will always win my heart. Lately though, I think cats are on some other level - like, they know shit, when they look at you. But then again, cats make me sneeze. Bah. Don't make me pick. 

What is the best part of any given day for you?
Being able to wake up naturally, as Laila wakes up at the same time next to me. I'll ask her what she's dreamt about, because she always has something interesting to say. Like, "Mama moon said 'I love you,'" or "I was swimming with Turtle and shark came, and we're friends." I have no idea if she's really dreaming about these things, but it's cool to see her world. And then follow that with Patrick making breakfast for us and eating together in the morning. It's a privilege and joy to take my time, hanging out with my little family, and ease into the day. 

I'm so excited for this Oblivious Interview. I can't remember how I met Marjorie, but I'm glad I know her. She's a dope ass dj who puts out hot fire mixes. For folks who love to dance you have got to check her out. I am especially stoked to check out her latest EP Tambol. I love when artist infuse Filipino instruments into their music. 

Follow Gingee on Facebook (Gingee),  Twitter (@gingeeworld), and Instagram (@gingeeworld). Check her out on Soundcloud (Gingee). Support her by picking up her music on bandcamp (Gingee)!

Oblivious meets Marjorie Light aka GINGEE

Affiliations (arts org, fun things you do, etc) : Youth Policy Institute (I teach DJing to youth for their afterschool program), and Magic Garage, an art and music show I started a few years ago. 

What's the one word you are guilty of using too much?
Awesome! 

How did you end up doing what you are doing now? I started collecting vinyl from my many thrift shopping excursions in high school. Then I bought turntables and started playing gigs, and started learning how to make beats. From there I just kept playing shows and released a few projects, and kept teaching the DJ program. 

Which member of the Wu-Tang Clan best describes your personality?
ODB? haha

Dogs or Cats, who wins? Why?
Cats. less needy and more chill. 

What is the best part of any given day for you?
When I get into the "zone" 

In a zombie apocalypse who would you want on your survival team?
My uncle who has a ton of weapons. 

What is the last thing you searched for on google?
Custom Spandex. For my hypothetical DJ supergroup. 

If you could talk to your high school self, what would say?
Make Music, Be Happy  

What is the best thing or meal you ever ate?
I recently went to Fisherman's Outlet and had the giant shrimp and scallops. That garlic butter… 

What is a memorable project that you are working on or have worked on?
I'm releasing my "Tambol" EP on Party Time Society. Basically, I sampled/played a bunch of Filipino instruments and mixed them with Global Bass beats and my rapping/poetry.  

Name(s): Justin Quizon 

Affiliations (arts org, fun things you do, etc) : cook, draw, write and trying to make my friends laugh. 

What's the one word you are guilty of using too much? Really (in a high pitch voice.) 

How did you end up doing what you are doing now? Too many years or watching movies and refusing to do anything else.

Which member of the Wu-Tang Clan best describes your personality? Rza, a kung fu movie geek with crazy ideas for film making.

Dogs or Cats, who wins? Why? Dogs got bite...but man cats can be cunning. I give it to the cats. 

Many thanks to Justin for this Oblivious Interview! I highly recommend you check out Agent of 

On this edition of Oblivious Interview we have Allan Aquino. I can't recall how I met Allan. I think it was through Tuesday Night Cafe. Later on we would be in a writing group together called The Undeniables. I focused on various different forms of writing: novels, letters, etc. Allan wrote poetry back then and writes poetry now. He also teaches Asian American studies. Props to him for educating the future generation of students on Asian American history!

Name: Allan Aquino

Affiliations (arts org, fun things you do, etc) :
My professional affiliations are with the CSUN Asian American Studies Department and the Filipino American National Historical Society (LA Chapter). To a lesser but equally important degree I'm affiliated with the Tuesday Night Project and Tia Chucha communities. I've also been a published poet for just over twenty years - another key passion of mine.

What's the one word you are guilty of using too much?
I tend to abuse "Batman" and all its affiliated euphemisms. Like Linus, I guess I'll always have a boyish security blanket, albeit figurative. Even if quietly, for instance, when I see something cool or delightful I'll say to myself, "That's fuckin' Bats".

How did you end up doing what you are doing now?
Without revealing TMI, a series of family tragedies beginning in my teens catalyzed the guilt and anger that drove me to become (what I hope is) a socially-conscious educator. Folks who know me intimately know why, ah, here comes that guilty word, Batman is my favorite fictional character. We're not saints or heroes, and we're probably an eyeblink away from crazy, but we're driven to do what we feel we must for a better world.

Which member of the Wu-Tang Clan best describes your personality?
Tough call, but I lean toward RZA. He's best known for his work behind the mike and behind the scenes as a shadow planner and producer. When it comes to group work with students or fellow artists I'd much rather they bring their time and talents into the spotlight, while I'm more than happy to provide ambiance, support, and motivation.
 
Dogs or Cats, who wins? Why?
I love both, but I'm afraid I'd have to say dogs. In my observation most people are fond of (cute and friendly) dogs; I don't know if I've ever known anyone who loves cats but hates dogs though, alas, I've come across those who feel vice versa. Also, sadly, dogs - which still have their hardwired wolfish instincts - are more likely to act aggressively toward cats, while cats are unlikely to ever threaten dogs in that wise. Cats are certainly more self-reliant and independent. And I don't imagine humanity ever turning its back toward dogs' indelible neediness - to crib Jack London, they regard us as their gods. Such an indelible bond.

What is the best part of any given day for you?
For me, the best part of any given day is when I come home at its end. Whether I've had a great or awful day, there's a breeze of peace that comes over me when I pull up to my place, returning to my dogs, my toys, and all my other safeties. To have a home and to return to it alive is a treasure and constant blessing.

In a zombie apocalypse who would you want on your survival team?
Definitely my survivalist and Filipino martial arts-aficionado friends.

What is the last thing you searched for on google?
Oh, I google image-searched a bunch of faces for my course readers, many of whom are scholars and artists connected to the CSUN and TNP communities. A lovely exercise.


If you could talk to your high school self, what would say?
I would tell him/me: "Who you are now is not who you're 'doomed' to be for the rest of your life. Stick around and keep your eyes open. You'll find your way, and when you do everything will make sense. You'll find your place in this world, you'll find your joy, and you'll find what struggles and suffering you'd endured so far have a payoff."

What is the best thing or meal you ever ate?
Ah, amongst countless memorable meals there's one that persistently stands out. When I was in high school I visited an aunt in St. Joseph Missouri, a small midwestern town with rolling hills and farms. The restaurants we frequented had incredible, lush menus built upon local ingredients. There was one place (whose name, alas, I can't recall) specialized in fried chicken. This was a particularly classy joint with a silverware ambiance akin to Lawry's. Their signature chicken, which was served fresh and AYCE (!), along with their requisite comfort food sides  (potatoes, spinach, mac & cheese) were unbelievably heavenly. I remember freezing solid with my first bite. I was literally stunned by a hot, juicy flavor paradise bursting in my mouth. Ask anyone what comprises "perfect" fried chicken, and this meal embodied all those qualities and more. Oh, man. Decades later I find I've never had any permutation of chicken comparable to that experience.

What is a memorable project that you are working on or have worked on?
At the moment my most personally notable projects are reviving CSUN's Filipino American Experience class - so many ideas, so little time, so much fun to be had! - as well as polishing up, finally, my poetry manuscript which, perhaps for the first time, feels satisfying and at least close to complete.

Anyone interested in events coordinated by our CSUN Asian American Studies community can browse our Facebook page and main website:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/333743283338487/
http://www.csun.edu/humanities/asian-american-studies
 
Likewise, anyone curious to browse my writings and other professional info:
https://allanaquino.wordpress.com/