oblivious nerd girl
hood chronicles

I met Candace when she was a volunteer for Tuesday Night Cafe.  I love that Tuesday Night Cafe is such an awesome space that connects folks with each other! At one Tuesday Night show, she was teaching folks how to create their own Zine's with one sheet of 8 x 11.5 paper. It was so neat and we got to create our own mini zine's to share with each other. I eventually took that new zine making skill and used it for promotional materials for work! I also created a Zine/business card for Oblivious Nerd Girl when it was in it's infancy. In other words, Candace is rad! She is so rad that she will be Oregon's representative for the Western States Arts Federation's Emerging Leaders of Color Program.  She also co-manages this really dope blog called Asians Doing Everything,  I can't wait for you all to find out more about Candace!

Oblivious meets Candace Kita. 

Name(s): Candace Kita, Candance, Candita

Affiliations (arts org, fun things you do, etc): 
By day, I work in development at the Portland Art Museum. By night, I co-chair an arts and media group for the Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon, co-manage a renegade little blog called Asians Doing Everything, volunteer with Portland Emerging Arts Leaders, and spend every remaining spare moment attending local arts and community events.

What's the one word you are guilty of using too much?
Formerly "pretentious," currently "nutty."

How did you end up doing what you are doing now?
I've always surrounded myself with art, beginning as a wee toddler taking park district ceramics classes and drawing on every piece of blank paper available. A studio art degree from Scripps College and two Getty Multicultural Internships later, I found myself as a nonprofit arts administrator wearing various hats, including curation, marketing, graphic design, event production, community engagement, and most recently, development (a.k.a. fundraising). I also have a particular passion for community organizing, especially within Asian American communities, and my side gigs tend to combine art and activism. 

Which member of the Wu-Tang Clan best describes your personality?
I have no idea of the Wu-Tang Clan's current or past membership, so I sadly have to decline this question. If there is a artsy, bookish member, I'd be that one. (Editor's note: I would say she's more like GZA then. He's the bookish one!) 

Dogs or Cats, who wins? Why?
Cats. I respect their love for solitude, and they respect mine. I am also enamored by how cats always land on their feet, reflecting a constant, internal grace that I only wish I could achieve. Once, I saw someone accidentally drop their dog--who crashed on its back on the floor--and that scared the living daylights out of me.

What is the best part of any given day for you?
I love breakfast. It is a ritualistic time of reflection for me. Most mornings, I prepare coffee and something delicious (usually oatmeal) and cozy up with a book for half an hour or so. Then, I'm ready to take on the day. 

In a zombie apocalypse who would you want on your survival team?
Harry Potter seems to be a good choice, because he has that nifty invisibility cloak. And magical powers, of course.

What is the last thing you searched for on google?
The last thing that I searched was "work backpack," because my current purse is getting way too heavy to cart around every day, especially since I take public transit. Part of me knows that I should buy something that is somewhat professional, but part of me also wants to feel like I'm heading off to school every day, sack lunch in hand.

If you could talk to your high school self, what would say?
Don't be so antisocial! Also, get a haircut.

What is the best thing or meal you ever ate?
Goodness, that is a tough question. I'm a foodie of sorts, so I'm always on the prowl for the next best meal. Most recently, I had vegan dim sum on a trip to Vancouver, which was a "too delicious for conversation" kind of meal. As a vegan, dim sum is almost always impossible for me to partake in. This meal was also served by someone who could only be described as an Asian American Jon Hamm. He could have recommended anything, and I would have ordered it. 

What is a memorable project that you are working on or have worked on?
Two of my best college friends and I started a blog this past year called  Asians Doing Everything. All of us are involved in Asian and Asian American communities in some way, and we were all tired of seeing the same old representations and stereotypes in mainstream media. So we decided to create a submission-based platform that features Asians and Pacific Islanders involved in all kinds of jobs and hobbies, from dog sledding to reiki healing to backwoods cooking. We were even featured on NBC News! The blog still growing--if you identify as API and do something, please submit!--and it has been truly wonderful to collaborate with two women who I love dearly.

I met Marcela when I was doing an internship at CalPolyPomona in 2007-2008. We were both in the early stages of our student affairs careers. The beauty of this field is that you will run into someone you met when you were a "baby" professional at various conferences and you can still feel the same vibe that you did with them when your first met them! Marcela's path in higher ed is quite inspiring. As a PhD student she was also the Founding Director of the Middle Eastern Student Center at the University of California, Riverside. This center is the first of it's kind in the UC system and in California. Seeing her updates on Facebook, I would wonder how does she manage grad school life, work, and have fun? She somehow does it and does it well! For more a more detailed bio on Marcela you can check out her about.me. Follow Marcela on twitter @marcelaspeaks. You can also follow her UC Regents adventures on Marcela Ramirez - UC Student Regent Designate. I love her hashtag #RegencyRealness. She spits truth!

Oblivious meets Marcela Ramirez

Affiliations (arts org, fun things you do, etc) :
Paint, Netflix, Hulu do those count as organizations? I'm part of professional organizations but that's work. Fun things would include cooking at home and trying out buzzfeed recipes while listening to my jams and dancing in the kitchen. 

What's the one word you are guilty of using too much?
I have a series of words: race and racism, fighting white supremacist ideologies and taking down the patriarchal capitalist establishment. I say this multiple times throughout the day. I think about how race has shaped this country ALOT these days. I'm a PhD student so the nerd life is real. 

How did you end up doing what you are doing now?
I got fed up of being in a low mid-level job and wanted to do more. I knew I could do so much more with continued training so I went back to school. While in the program I applied for the highest position in the land that a student leader could aspire to and I got it. I'm now Regent-Designate Ramirez and serve the people of California and represent over 260,000 students on the UC Board of Regents. 

Which member of the Wu-Tang Clan best describes your personality?
Ok so I know some of their songs but have no idea what their personalities are like. I must have missed the fanfare growing up. I mostly listened to Spanish music and had my own rock, pop and rap all stars. Consciousness raising Spanish rock is my kind of music. 

Dogs or Cats, who wins? Why?
I'm allergic to cats so maybe dogs but only small ones. I don't like to clean up after them and overall I'm not a pet person. I know I'm breaking people's hearts right now. 

What is the best part of any given day for you?
Sleeping in whenever possible and lazy Sunday's. I thoroughly enjoy slow mornings with a cup of coffee and the latest Facebook news updates. I follow a lot of news organizations, culture critics, and national movements or campaigns across this country. I like to be informed and know what is going on in my world. I have been writing and journaling a lot more so that's been fun. 

In a zombie apocalypse who would you want on your survival team?
The Rock, A sniper, A bomb maker, A scientist and my Girlfriend 

What is the last thing you searched for on google?
Janet Jackson songs 

If you could talk to your high school self, what would say?
Don't be afraid. Don't doubt yourself. You are smart. Keep investing in your learning and you will make it to the top. Stay creative and stay engaged with your academics. It will pay off in the future. Don't listen to the haters, ha! Listen to grandma and grandpa and hang out with them as much as possible. 

What is the best thing or meal you ever ate?
Pretty much anything ever made by grandma. The most complex and simplest things cooked by her hand are so tasty. 

​What is a memorable project that you are working on or have worked on? 
I like to paint and recycle wood for pallet projects. I have a pallet coat and purse rack hanging in living room. I'm working my way towards pallet patio furniture. 

Audrey is one of my favorite cat people. I am always envious of cat people because I am deathly allergic to cats and cannot have one. I would be the bestest cat lady too. Audrey also is an amazing bread maker. They make awesome breads. If I had a bajillion dollars I would have a bakery in my home. I would have my own bread maker on staff. It would be carbolicious. 

When Audrey isn't baking bread or herding cats. Audrey is also a writer who writes at audreykuo.wordpress.com. Audrey is also a community organizer who can help you raise money if your organization needs money. Besides baking bread and writing, Audrey also has a talent for holding animals, both baby animals and adult animals. That is a super awesome talent as well.  Enjoy this Oblivious Interview! 

Oblivious meets Audrey Kuo

It's 2016 and I am so happy to share this Oblivious Interview with folks. I have been a fan of the Passion Planner story and the woman behind the planner for quite some time. When I first saw the videos about how Passion Planner came to fruition I thought to myself "It's a small Filipino world out there. There's got to be a way I could connect with her." And low and behold, through the magic of Facebook I was proved right.  Many thanks to Lily Prijoles, a previous Oblivious Interview, for the introduction!

As a stationary fiend, the Passion Planner pulled at my heartstrings. I rely on my Google Calendar to organize my life, but it has not motivated me in my passion pursuits. When the Kickstarter campaign for Passion Planner launched for 2016 planners, I put my money where my mouth is and reserved the special edition blue cover. Why this special edition and not the gold one? Honestly I don't think I could handle a gold planner. Plus blue is my favorite color. And the etching artwork on the cover reminded me of Doctor Who! 

2016 is a new year for Oblivious Nerd Girl and Angelia Trinidad's story is an inspiration for me and hopefully for you too!

​Oblivious meets Passion Planner's Angelia Trinidad. 

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

Although I relate to RZA because he is multi-talented, being an author, rapper, director and composer, among many other things, I think GZA is someone I relate to more. He is a very spiritual person who is also multi-layered. Not only can he produce amazing music, but he is also deep into science. He helps teen science programs and has done TEDx.

Dogs or Cats, who wins? Why?

Dogs and cats are both hilarious and can both make good pets! But I have to side with team dogs because I love my dog.

What is the best part of any given day for you?

The best part of my day is when I have a moment where I can just be and not worry about the past or the future, or when I hear about how Passion Planner has really helped someone’s life.

In a zombie apocalypse who would you want on your survival team?

My Passion Planner Team. They’re a bunch of dedicated people, who are funny, trustworthy and have a lot of heart.


What is the last thing you searched for on google?

"Passion Planner" I love seeing what new articles or blog posts come up about the company.

If you could talk to your high school self, what would say?


Keep doing what you love and stay true to yourself. Everything will work out in the end.

What is the best thing or meal you ever ate?

My mom's Filipino spaghetti. It's a food coma classic.

What is a memorable project that you are working on or have worked on?

I have worked on a lot of art projects, but the most memorable project has been Passion Planner. It is an idea I had in my head for so long, that I had always put off. When I finally took the real steps to move forward and make it happen, everything changed. Sure I can talk about any one of my sculptures that I have made, or how running my own Macaron business was both a stressful yet great learning experience, but really it all led to this. But who knows, maybe Passion Planner is just another piece of the bigger picture. I just know that good or bad, I'm enjoying every step of this journey. ​

In 2007 I was starting my 2nd and final year of grad school. It was also the year I met Tani Ikeda. If memory serves me right, Tani was one of Tuesday Night Cafe's first interns.  Since then Tani has gone on to found imMEDIAte Justice, a non-profit agency that puts cameras in the hands of girls and women to tell their own stories. Tani is also an amazingly talented director and photographer. 

For Sexual Assault Awareness month this past April, Tani created #SurvivorLoveLetter.  A truly inspiring campaign and practice in self love for all those who are survivors of sexual assault. Tani's father wrote her a letter and it was so touching and beautiful that it brought me and others to tears. 

Tani is rad. She is doing amazing things and I can't wait for you all to check out her Oblivious Interview!

Oblivious meets Tani Ikeda. 

Name:
​Tani Ikeda

Affiliations (arts org, fun things you do, etc) :
Filmmaker, imMEDIAte Justice nonprofit founder, novice surfer

What's the one word you are guilty of using too much?
I'm guilty of being incredibly enthusiastic in emails and tend to over use words like "Amazing!" But I do in fact think a lot of things are amazing. . .  

How did you end up doing what you are doing now?
I grew up in a political Seattle community of activists and artists. In high school, I wrote my senior thesis about Asian-American women and how we are negatively affected by the media. The conclusion of my essay was, "I know that no one in Hollywood is going to create strong, positive stories about Asian-American women, so I'm going to do it myself!" It was at that point that a lot of my ideas and political framework started to build, and I realized some kind of revolution was necessary. That's how I decided I wanted to become a filmmaker. 

Which member of the Wu-Tang Clan best describes your personality?
Ha. Maybe RZA because he keeps pushing his creative vision forward and isn't afraid to work in different artistic mediums. 

Dogs or Cats, who wins? Why?
I've had both dogs and cats so don't make me choose! It would be like picking a favorite child. If you asked me that question when I was younger I would have told you I was a bunny person. I went through a phase when I was 7 where I only ate carrots and used to sign my name in cursive with a small rabbit attached to the end of my last name. 

What is the best part of any given day for you?
I love coming home to my adorable little pitbull Yuki and partner. We become one big pile of cuddles! Also, my favorite time of day is night. I love doing creative work late at night because people stop needing your immediate attention and you can just sit with your thoughts. I've always been a night owl. 

In a zombie apocalypse who would you want on your survival team?
I would want my whole Fam to be on my team. We would definitely hit up costco to get supplies, drive up to the mountains where the zombies would freeze or at least be slower moving targets in the snow, and spend a lot of time telling stories next to a fire in a cabin. Strong and smart people are good assets to have around, but I think if you are actually going to survive a zombie apocalypse you need people who can make you laugh and feel human again.      

What is the last thing you searched for on google? Pizza Rat

If you could talk to your high school self, what would say?
I would tell my high school self to remember that it will all get better from here.     

What is the best thing or meal you ever ate? 
The one thing that I love is dried mangos. I fiend for them on my period and gobble them up like candy. I even would ask for dried mangos for Christmas as a kid and once got bunches of them in my stocking! 

What is a memorable project that you are working on or have worked on? 
I just got back from shooting a documentary in Japan about 80-year-old Ama free divers. I got to scuba dive with them underwater and ate fresh abalone with them on the beach. They rode around town on motorcycles and are the coolest gang of grandmas I've ever met.   

I watch a lot of tv. Thankfully there are other nerds out there who watch tv too. We've found each other on twitter and it makes me feel like I'm not alone when I'm consuming massive amounts of pop culture. Alice Wong aka @SFdirewolf live tweets and covers several tv shows for @NerdsOfColor. Whenever I'm watching The Walking Dead I use the AMC hashtags as well as the Nerds of Color hashtags. I'm looking forward to this fall so I can rejoin the Nerds of Color pop culture conversations! 

Beyond pop culture talk and tweets, Alice is founded the Disability Visibility Project which works with StoryCorps to take down the oral histories of folks of various backgrounds with disabilities. Many thanks to Alice for doing this Oblivious Interview!

Oblivious meets Alice Wong

Name(s)
Alice Wong, a.k.a. @SFdirewolf

Affiliations (arts org, fun things you do, etc) :
Founder/Project Coordinator of the Disability Visibility Project, Volunteer, 18millionrising.org, Contributor/Live-Tweeter, The Nerds of Color.

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

How did you end up doing what you are doing now?
One thing just fell into another...funny how that happens! In terms of my social media life, being on Twitter led me to all sorts of opportunities. The folks at 18MR noticed my tweets on the Asian American vote in the 2012 election, through 18MR and Facebook friends, I got involved with The Nerds of Color, sharing various stories about POC culture and that led me to live-tweeting for them with some of my favorite shows such as Game of Thrones and The Walking Dead and so on and so forth...
  
Which member of the Wu-Tang Clan best describes your personality?
Ol' Dirty Bastard...purely because I love the name

Dogs or Cats, who wins? Why?
Cats--always cats. Cats have a wider range of personality compared to dogs. Cats can be as affectionate and needy as dogs, BUT they can be as selfish, asshole-y, and smug like any other human. Also, cats don't need humans, unlike dogs.

What is the best part of any given day for you?
The first long sip of my hot coffee w/ milk and sugar.

In the early 2000s Jenn and I were Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture community builders who put a lot of time, energy, and sometimes tears (on my end, not sure about hers) into the festival!  Besides her work with FPAC and FilAm Arts she is also blogs at A Bite of Soul where she shares about her delicious foodie and travel adventures! In honor of FPAC coming up this Saturday, I'm excited to share this interview with Jenn!

Oblivious meets Jenn Santos Estacio

Name(s)
​Jenn Santos Estacio

Affiliations (arts org, fun things you do, etc) :
FilAM ARTS
Kappa Psi Epsilon
A Bite of Soul

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

How did you end up doing what you are doing now?
I've always been involved with my Filipino American community and the work I do with FilAM Arts is a stress reliever for me. It's actually fun work (challenging at times) but the pay off is worth it. 

Growing up, my parents loved to cook and I never understood why until I lived on my own and learned how to cook. I'm a wannabe chef and I love to eat at the hottest new restaurant, but also finding those hole in the wall places too! 

Which member of the Wu-Tang Clan best describes your personality?
Method Man

Dogs or Cats, who wins? Why?
Dogs! They are just too cute! 

What is the best part of any given day for you?
Cooking in the kitchen and testing new recipes. Also a good workout that makes me sweat

In a zombie apocalypse who would you want on your survival team?
Darryl (duh!)

What is the last thing you searched for on google?
How to make Thai Food

If you could talk to your high school self, what would say?
Do what you are passionate about and who cares what other's think as long as you are happy

What is the best thing or meal you ever ate?
A fusion take on Asian and French cuisine: Cassia in Santa Monica, CA

What is a memorable project that you are working on or have worked on?
Right now, I'm in heavy planning for the Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture and just seeing fresh new faces taking on a tradition here in the LA area is so refreshing. 

Also, I finally get to use all my Pinterest boards to figure out how to DIY some new home decor at my new house. ​

When I was in college I did an internship with TeAda Productions. Kristina Wong was one of the people who supervised me. I was a wide eyed college student taking in all I could at this arts organization. As years progressed I would run into Kristina at Tuesday Night Cafe and other Asian American events around Los Angeles. Her work always wows me. I am so honored that she did this Oblivious Interview. And I'll give her a pass for her answer to the Wu-Tang question!  

You can check out Kristina in action in her show 'Wong Street Journal' at REDCAT running from Nov 12-15th. Buy Tix Here: Wong Street Journal at REDCAT

Follow Kristina Wong on Facebook (iloveKristinaWong), Twitter (@mskristinawong), and Instagram (@mskristinawong).  Check out her website for more info on her shows and dates! (KristinaWong.com).

Name(s)
Kristina Wong

Affiliations (arts org, fun things you do, etc) :
I'm a performance artist, comedian and writer.  I make solo theater shows, write plays, make Youtube videos and write essays.  I am also teaching performance at Cal Arts this Fall in the MFA for Creative Writers program this Fall.  And for those who don't ever leave their TV screen to watch live work, I also have been on Comedy Central, FXX, and General Hospital.
 
My new show is The Wong Street Journal and it is at the REDCAT November 12-15.  
Here is the link... http://www.redcat.org/event/kristina-wong-wong-street-journal

What's the one word you are guilty of using too much?
"YaknowwhatImsaying?"
 
How did you end up doing what you are doing now?
As a teenager, I didn't know what I do now could actually be a career.  I thought there were actors and writers but not people who did both and wrote one woman shows.  I always assumed that as a performer, you had to wait for someone to write you a role.  Before college, I pretty much was only exposed to plays and musicals written by white men and thought that if I were to pursue the arts as a career that I'd be at the mercy of "colorblind casting."  I didn't know that humor or performance could be political, feminist or subversive.  I didn't even know what "feminist" was.  When I was at UCLA, I was introduced to the Chicano Theater Movement and theater artists of color making interdisciplinary performance work that was relevant and important.  I was totally into it and convinced it would be my life. 

It was pretty frightening when I graduated from UCLA and all my classmates were working for big fancy corporations and I was making $10/hr at part time job with a non profit arts company and trying to make my career happen.  Those were really ugly times.  I was broke, miserable, and easily discouraged.  My first speaking gigs out of college came when I basically forced myself onto college classes that were teaching www.bigbadchinesemama.com (my fake mail order bride website).  Eventually, in these college classroom settings, I'd talk more and more about my performance work and less about the website.  Because my work doesn't fit neatly into the box of stand-up comedy, it was really difficult to get theaters (who'd never heard of me anyway) to take me on in my work.  I was lucky to have people in my life who were people of color who toured their work to theaters and colleges and they helped demystify things for me.

Now I've made five full length solo theater shows, an ensemble play, and a lot of other crazy guerilla performance projects. I haven't had a job working for someone else in ten years. I'm on tour a lot. I'm always working on ten projects t once. I pretty much don't think I can get a straight job at this point because an employer would google me and the jig would be up.  

Which member of the Wu-Tang Clan best describes your personality?
Flavor Flav.  Am I doing this right?

Dogs or Cats, who wins? Why?
I'm a total cat lady.  But dogs are growing on me.  For someone who tours, cats are the better pet to own because you can leave them for a while and feed them at weird times.  

Many thanks to Kristina for this interview! Folks should definitely check out her The Wong Street Journal at REDCAT this November!

Eddy M. Gana Jr is a member of the Sunday Jump family. Eddy and his partner Stephanie Sajor (who is also Sunday Jump family) tour as a spoken word duo called Steady. I can recall seeing Eddy and Stephanie perform at Tuesday Night Cafe when they were a part of a spoken word group that had four members. I wish I could recall the name of that group. But what I can remember is that they represented UC Irvine and Kababayan when they performed. I knew that they were much younger than Mike and I, however I couldn't help but get a little misty eyed to see a new generation of spoken word artists coming out of UCI. Because yes, a long long time ago there were spoken word pieces written by myself and Mike. 

It's an amazing thing to see generation after generation of UCI alum come out and community organize in Los Angeles. Props to Eddy and Stephanie for doing their thing and for organizing Sunday Jump every month in Historic-Filipinotown. I hope you all enjoy this Oblivious Interview!

​Oblivious meets Eddy M. Gana Jr. 

Name(s): 
Eddy M. Gana Jr., Eddy G., Flip Image

Affiliations (arts org, fun things you do, etc) : 
Going into our third year, I am a co-founder and the resident host of Sunday Jump, a Filipino-founded open mic series based in Historic Filipinotown, Los Angeles. Currently, I am the chairperson of Kabataang maka-Bayan or KmB, Pro-People Youth fighting for Pilipin@ Studies and justice and equity for Filipino-American veterans, widows, and their families. As a UCI Anteater alumnus, I joined the USC Trojan family in the Master of Social Work program. I have coined the term, Ante-Jan. Fun things I do? I like words. I like writing words and speaking words. I am a spoken word artist and emcee. Word.

What's the one word you are guilty of using too much?
Word. Just kidding! It's a tie between "stories" and "community.”

How did you end up doing what you are doing now?
It started with Pilipino Youth Coalition (PYC) of South Alameda County. I remember folks my age speaking about it in my Tagalog class. I was a sophomore in high school then, and I wanted to try meeting folks in a club that is not related to school. PYC was it. I didn't only get to make new friends, but also learned about my culture, history, and about myself. Eventually, the friends I made found out that I rapped and invited me to sign up for the open mic at Paddy's, a local coffee chop around the corner. I was nervous. I remember shaking, but with their encouragement, I went on the mic. 

Which member of the Wu-Tang Clan best describes your personality?
Method Man. I love laughing. I love cracking jokes with the homies. I think about his friendship with Redman (although not a member of the Wu-Tang Clan), and how they are always clowning. That's life. There are issues that we have to address seriously, but self-care is important too. Laugh and live to rhyme another day.
 
Dogs or Cats, who wins? Why?
Dogs because they do not break fragile ornaments and I don’t have to take a picture of the cat next to the mess to prove that I didn’t break it, but then look like I did it because I took that picture. My family’s cat, Mellow, is cool though.

What is the best part of any given day for you?
When I get that sudden feeling to write in the middle of the night. Even if I get less sleep, it’s worth it and I actually wake up the next day with more energy because poetry is my therapy.

In a zombie apocalypse who would you want on your survival team?
No matter where we are, Janice will direct us by going straight then making a right to get to safety. Stephanie will prepare our routes and ration our food and supplies as necessary. Xuan will know where to find and how to acquire resources. Vatche will mediate any conflict within the group. In the event of an outbreak, Gwen-Florelei will have the greatest ideas for how to kill the zombies. Gian will document our journey along the way. If we are ever cornered in an alley, JP and Emily will always be down to help. PAF will be everyone’s go-to nap pillow. I’m pretty confident that an open mic will happen during the zombie apocalypse.  

What is the last thing you searched for on google?
“Hunger strikes” because of this: http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/The-Black-Student-Union-at-SFSU-started-it-all-3274175.php?cmpid=fb-desktop. We cannot talk about the Third World Liberation Front without the Black Student Union. We cannot talk about the importance of Pilipin@ Studies without Ethnic Studies. We cannot talk about the Civil Rights Movement without anti-blackness. The histories of our communities are different, but not isolated. Our beliefs align more than you may think.

If you could talk to your high school self, what would you say?
I love time travel films, like Back to the Future and Looper. I believe that it is possible for the future to change so I won’t say anything too specific. What I can say is appreciate the free time you have now.

What is the best thing or meal you ever ate?
Strip House in Las Vegas for Stephanie’s and my 5th anniversary in 2012. Mmmmm, steak.

What is a memorable project that you are working on or have worked on?
During Spring 2012, I requested PTO for one week and used the entire time to write and record songs for my first ever mixtape. I was experimenting with a new name, Double-I (which later I reverted back to Flip Image). The mixtape is called, “Break Time’s Over.” My personal favorite is “Best Day Ever (Best Trip Ever Remix)” because it always brings back memories of the Philippines. In this song, I reflected about my experiences with my Martin and Gana family and used footage from the trip to create this music video: 

On top of my job, grad school, performing, and community organizing, I’ve been contemplating about making another mixtape. Another break time may soon be in order.

Many thanks to Eddy for this interview. Folks should definitely check out Sunday Jump this Sunday, November 1st! You can RSVP here: Sunday Jump. 

AJ Calomay is one of these dudes that I see at film festivals. But before that, he was someone who I would see at Filipino American events. Specifically PCNs. As someone who has done my fair share of PCN (hello five years of college PCNs at UCI) AJ was a frequent guest at these events because UCI normally had PCN filmed. AJ was a part of the company that produced PCN videos!

When I moved back to LA, AJ would be at a lot of the same community events and parties that we would end up at. Beyond the Filipino American connection, I would run into AJ at random shows. Like at Oddball Comedy festival in Irvine or at other shows at the Hollywood Bowl.  I knew AJ worked as an assistant editor and when I asked him what show he worked on he said "Oh this show on USA. It's called Covert Affairs." I freaked out. I was like "I totally know that show! I watch it!!" Which was much to his surprise, because I don't think AJ had met anyone who had seen the show. But as a fan of all things USA Network (Characters Welcome. Yes I know the tagline.) I totally knew Covert Affairs. The show has since been cancelled, but AJ is now an assistant editor with my new favorite USA Network show Mr. Robot. DUDE. GO WATCH IT NOW. Mr. Robot is amazing. It took all my energy not to hit him up for spoilers! (Side note: I can't wait for Season 2!!)

AJ is also an example that your major in college doesn't necessarily lead to your future career. He was a Psychobiology major and now he's an editor. Yeah that path isn't exactly direct. When students would come into my office freaked out about what career they needed to go with, I always though of AJ. 

Hope you all enjoy this interview! Oblivious meets AJ Calomay

​Name 
A.J. Calomay. Arthur, if you know me from high school (because of roll call!)

Affiliations (arts org, fun things you do, etc) : 
Xylophone Films (founder) and Kid Heroes Productions (producer). We've been producing and editing music videos, shorts films, commercials, documentaries and features since 2001. Mostly community based projects. But lately with Xylophone I've been working with companies such as Xbox and Fandango, editing content. Other affiliations -- Theta Delta Beta brotherhood, and every Fil-Am based entertainment networking group for the last 15 years, hah. 
 
What's the one word you are guilty of using too much?
"Umm". I was never quite the orator so when I explain things it takes me awhile. Especially when I talk about editing.  A lot of the process can't always be explained clearly. Or when I get asked what I want to eat. LA has too many options. I gotta pause to think about it. 
 

How did you end up doing what you are doing now?
PCN videos! Started editing at UCLA, because of Pilipino Cultural Night videos and videos for other orgs on campus. Shoutout to Bahay Bidyo, Samahang, SPEAR, Theta and Unicamp for letting me edit your projects while I was there as well as the other schools we produced videos for - CSUN, Long Beach St, Cal St Fullerton and UCI. I was able to practice and develop a craft in a comfortable space. But really, before college, my cousins Loyd and BJ Calomay shot home-made thriller movies, skate boarding and travel videos. So I was familiar with the concept of movie making at an early age. And then later on, early in my college years, I was influenced by films such as "Diary of a Gangsta Sucka" by John Castro, "the Debut" by Gene Cajayon, and "The Flip Side" by Rod Pulido. I met Patricio Ginelsa in 2000 and he told me about his movie "Lumpia" that he had shot a few years back. It seemed like a fun project and a good fit. I cut a trailer for the movie that made some rounds on the internet back then and even in the VC Film Fest! That started my journey working with Patricio. About 50-some projects later I'm very proud of the body of work we've produced in the last 15 years, with strong narrative and a variety of styles and genres.

Also, I've been lucky to be steadily working in the post-production industry here in LA for the last 15 years, everything from MTV to Disney to Speed Racer, and now in scripted TV with Covert Affairs and Mr Robot. I've learned so much from all these great producers and editors. Having an outlet for creativity in the "industry" and with my community work is crucial for me, and it enables me to mentor and share what I've learned, which in turn helps Xylophone Films grow and evolve. 

Which member of the Wu-Tang Clan best describes your personality?
The RZA because I like orchestrating and bringing people together
 
Dogs or Cats, who wins? Why?
Dogs all the way, I'm allergic to cats. 
 
What is the best part of any given day for you?
Moments when I can just shut off and not be working or thinking about work. Even when it's stepping away from the editing station during the work week to enjoy a lunch, or hanging with my wife, Anna, on a lazy Sunday morning.
 
In a zombie apocalypse who would you want on your survival team?
Speaking of my wife, I'll want her because she's done the zombie run at Comic-Con a few times, watches "The Walking Dead" with me so she knows the rules. Plus she knows solar. We'll need solar panels to survive. 
 
What is the last thing you searched for on google?
"Lakers training camp 2015". It's been a long summer, I need my fix!

​If you could talk to your high school self, what would say?
"Hang on to those paisley shirts"
 
What is the best thing or meal you ever ate?
Wow, too many. Just check my instagram at @ajxy :)
 
What is a memorable project that you are working on or have worked on?
I just finished up at the tv show Mr Robot on USA Network. It was definitely an exciting ride since people didn't know what it was at first, or even wanted to give it a chance. But the first season has been a hit and people are still discovering it. It's eerily captured the zeitgeist of how we live with technology, sprinkled with themes of dysfunction and disconnect. And there's a good 'ol family drama in there as well. On the Xylophone/Kid Heroes side, "Lumpia 2" is the next big project for us. After the amazing Kickstarter awhile back, where the community came through for us big time, we're still prepping things. It's definitely not an easy process to get a film completely off the ground but we're making progress. It's still happening. Also, with my Xylophone crew, we've been editing featurettes and pieces on upcoming movies at Comic-Con the last several years with Xbox and now Fandango and IMDB. I'm super proud of this crew since they've done a lot of work with the community projects and they've gone into the maelstrom of Comic-Con, and thrived.