oblivious nerd girl
hood chronicles

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.   

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!

I have been a fan of Genevieve Santos for years. There was a really cool boutique in Chinatown called Flock Shop that would sell her work. She made these Valentine's day cards that I picked up and had them framed. Through random USC connections we were able to connect and I commissioned her to do a piece as my wedding gift to Mike.  

I explained that we loved the movie Ponyo. In our relationship Mike is Sosuke and I'm Ponyo. The fact that she would yell out "HAM!" had us rolling in our seats because when I get hangry, I can do that in real life.  Mike and I are Disney geeks so I asked that Genevieve include the balloon element from Up plus a Mickey balloon. She also included our favorite animals. Mike's favorite animal is a sea otter and one of my favorite animals is the narwhal. What was awesome about our piece was that she not only created what I wanted, but since the characters in the piece were taking a selfie, she included the selife! It's so cool. Mike totally loved my surprise gift to him. These pieces have never really left us either! My icon when folk gchat me is actually the selfie pic. And Mike's image on his gchat is the group picture.  

Genevieve does this really great calendars every year. I try my best to pick one up annually. I love seeing her adventures on instagram (@lepetitelefant) Her work has a whimsical feel to it. When it comes to art, I am usually drawn to things that make me happy. Genevieve's art totally doees that. I can't wait for you all to meet her!

​Oblivious meets Genevieve Santos ​

 Affiliations
I’m part of the SJMade CreateSpace in San Jose, where I have my studio-retail space. I take classes at Animation Collaborative, learning from artists I look up to (they work at Pixar). I love long bike rides, being pushed to go camping by my more outdoorsy friends, and meeting my crafty colleagues to talk shop, always over ice cream.
 
What's the one word you are guilty of using too much?
I use the phrase “I’m so sorry for the delayed response” in emails too often. My schedule has me traveling everywhere so it’s rather difficult keeping on top of my inboxes.  I will try to be better!!
 
How did you end up doing what you are doing now?
​ I draw because I love animation, and it’s always been that way.  As a kid, I taped my favorite cartoons onto VHS tapes, and rewatched episodes frame by frame to study how it worked. I never stopped drawing. After graduating from USC, I worked at New Line Cinema for two years. The company was absorbed by Warner Bros. but luckily and thankfully, I had money saved and a plan to start my business. It was the perfect kick in the butt. I moved to NYC, and traveled around Southeast Asia, all the while building the foundation of my business.

Which member of the Wu-Tang Clan best describes your personality?
GZA, in the way he is with words, I aspire to be with drawing.
 
Dogs or Cats, who wins? Why?
I used to hate cats until I had one. I love their independent spirit, sassiness, and the fact that you have to earn their affection.
 
What is the best part of any given day for you?
Hands down the best part of my day is when I get to draw. I try to draw 2-4 hours a day. It’s tough to find the time sometimes but it’s important, and you can only get better by putting in the mileage.
 
In a zombie apocalypse who would you want on your survival team?
For the zombie apocalypse, I’d pick Ronda Rousey, the muscle, my boyfriend Kevin because you always need someone who’s got your back, The Doctor from Doctor Who as the getaway/brains, and Mindy Kaling because I so much want to be her friend!

​What is the last thing you searched for on google?
An episode of Doctor Who featuring 2-dimensional aliens. GENIUS IDEA! I had to know who wrote it.
 
If you could talk to your high school self, what would say?
You got it good, and don’t be so scared. You’ll regret nothing.
 
What is the best thing or meal you ever ate?
Two things: Hokkaido ice cream in Sapporo, and sushi at Jiro’s. In the US, I love The Girl and The Goat. I go multiple nights in a row whenever I’m in Chicago. Yes, it’s that good.
 
What is a memorable project that you are working on or have worked on?
I recently wrapped my Advanced Character Design class with Chris Sasaki (!!!). We had 8 weeks to research, design, and model packet a character. I’ve never worked so hard, invested so much time to a single project, but I loved every moment. I drew until the wee hours, did my homework at hostels, in the car during road trips, and even visited a Taxidermy studio for research. I fell in love with drawing again, and it was the happiest I’d been. It helped me realize that I want to switch gears a bit and go back to school for animation. So right now, the big project on my plate is my portfolio & application. YIKES!

Genevieve also shared about her experience living in the Philippines:
I am so incredibly proud to be a Filipino American. I've visited the Philippines twice for several months at a time, and have filled piles of sketchbooks inspired by my time there. I have a Halo Halo print series, Maligayang Pasko and Maraming Salamat cards, and touch on other Asian cuisines like boba and ramen. Growing up, I noticed that the children's books, dolls, and commercials featured girls who, well, didn't look like me. So in my illustrations, I try to draw my own life and the rich diversity I grew up in the Bay Area. It's very important to me.

Check out Genevieve at these upcoming shows:
•    The Urban Epicurean Festival, Nov. 7-8 at Fort Mason in San Francisco, CA
•    "Dreams" group art show at Leanna Lin's Wonderland, Eagle Rock, CA. Show opens Nov. 7. Runs Nov. 7-Dec. 24
•    Pop-Up Shop at Leanna Lin's Wonderland for Small BusinessSaturday, Nov. 28.
​
And she also has her new studio/shop which is open by appointment only. If you are in the San Jose area I totally recommend you check it out! It’s at the SJMade CreateSpace, 1020 The Alameda, San Jose, CA

Name(s)
Kyle Harumi Mizono
 
Affiliations (arts org, fun things you do, etc):
I perform stand-up, sometimes act and like making things.
Here are two of my favorite comedy shows you should check out:
http://www.superseriousshow.com
https://www.facebook.com/sleepawaycampcomedy

What's the one word you are guilty of using too much?
I say “gosh” a whole lot.

How did you end up doing what you are doing now?
I started going to comedy shows and the comedians I saw had huge impact on me. I eventually asked one if I could be his intern, he was like “ you should just do it” and I tried it, radiating fear and very sweaty.

Which member of the Wu-Tang Clan best describes your personality
I really enjoy the musical stylings of Ghostface Killah.

Dogs or Cats, who wins? Why?
Dogs because I just took a nap with a dog and overall it was a great experience.

In a zombie apocalypse who would you want on your survival team?
Definitely some buff dudes.

What is the best part of any given day for you
The beginning of the day is the best. Waking up in the morning, flexing your muscles and drinking a high-protein low-calorie shake. 

What is the last thing you searched for on google?
It was something about bug bites. I’ve been struggling with the summertime bugs and to be honest, it’s been giving me the summertime blues.   

If you could talk to your high school self, what would say?
One day you’ll get really into using sunscreen because a friend tells you about the spray-on kind. 

What is the best thing or meal you ever ate?
Tofu bahn mi from Saigon Sandwich in San Francisco. I wish I could keep those things in my pockets! 

What is a memorable project that you are working on or have worked on? 
A few months ago, I attended the Bridgetown comedy festival and came up with the idea of selling random found items at the official merch table. I asked a few friends to contribute stuff and we were open for business. Imagine festival t-shirts, posters, comedy albums and then a decorated rock with a sign “Not for sale” (the only thing not for sale). For sale merch included pair of turquoise sandals, baby owl figurine, expired Costco card and unopened bottle of Vitamin D. Everything was priced at “pay as you feel.” 

Kyle will be doing a set at Cherry Poppins: First-Timer Stand Up Comedy at Comedy Comedy Fest on Friday, August 28th. You should totally check her out. She is hilarious! 

On this edition of Oblivious Interviews, I am happy to have my good friend Ish aka 1belle aka world traveler do one of these things. Random fact about Ish, she has touched down on almost every continent in the world. I think that's pretty amazing. 

I think we first met when I was in grad school at USC and she was in undergrad, but we didn't become friends until she worked at SIPA with Mike. It was obvious we'd become friends because a) she loves food, as she states in her interview, b) she loves the Dodgers and Disneyland as much as me and Strawberry Farm Boy, c) she's my Baby-Sitters Club buddy! I don't know how we started talking about BSC, but we nerded out over the books and how she identified with Stacey and I connected with Claudia and our nicknames for each other were formed. 

Ish would talk about how she wanted to work somewhere that changed the world. She's a smarty pants grad student at Columbia's SIPA program (ironically another SIPA). This summer she's working as an intern for the UN Environment Assembly, which is the area that focuses on on climate change policy. The internship takes place in Nairobi, so she's going on safaris and random bush parties. 

I could go on more, but check out her interview and meet this funny gal yourself! Follow her on tumblr at 1belle.tumblr.com!

Name(s): 
Isabelle Lacson, online identity: 1belle (I'm Filipino-American so 1=isa, thus 1belle. Does anyone understand me yet...)

Affiliations (arts org, fun things you do, etc) : 
Currently: Columbia SIPA, the United Nations and the City Government of New York. Formerly, I was in the Philippine government. And I'm a Trojan for life! I'm currently in Nairobi, Kenya, working with the UN on a project on improving early warning systems for climate change hazards in Africa.

I travel, eat, talk too much, read, do yoga and play with my iPad on quieter days.

I also have a blog because I lack attention. http://1belle.tumblr.com

What's the one word you are guilty of using too much?
"Text." I have started to replace normal "goodbye" with "text me" or "I'll text you." And sadly, in my texts, "LOLZ" is too common.

How did you end up doing what you are doing now?
Hustling hard? Haha, but, fine, seriously. My career goal has always been "to help people." So, I've always kind of done that! I never had a private sector job as a result, and have been happily hopping around the public sector for 8 years. It was 3 years ago when I was typhoon-soaked in Metro Manila, feeding an equally soaked little girl hot soup in a makeshift tent that I started focusing my life on natural disasters, disaster risk reduction and climate change. I also recognize that I had a lot of help along the way to end up here: teachers, mentors, supervisors, family and friends who acted as cheerleaders, colleagues, staff members, people who challenged me, people who abandoned me, people who dissed me online, people who lied, cheated, stole, lovers, haters... they all made up part of my story.

Which member of the Wu-Tang Clan best describes your personality?
I like that one Method Man + Mary J. Blige mix of  "You're All I Need To Get By"... it makes me do small dances. So, Method Man. 

Dogs or Cats, who wins? Why?
Not because I own 2 dogs (Lucy and Linus), but because I really hate cats and their ugly faces, and want to punt all of them off a bridge, DOGS4EVER.

What is the best part of any given day for you?
After I take a shower at night, I have my "me time." I let myself do whatever I want - sometimes, I catch up on TV, pop in a movie, read articles on my phone (despite what everyone says), blog or start overthinking for the next day/the rest of my life.

Favorite Buzzfeed list or quiz? Why?
This one is quite old, but it made me laugh the hardest.
Case in point: 

In a zombie apocalypse who would you want on your survival team?
I heard somewhere that a dentist is essential, so I would probably bring my lady dentist. She's tiny too, so I would eat more of her rationed food (because I LOVE food and would need more of it because I'd be capping zombies 24/7 and we'd just keep her alive for dental benefits). I'd also have a metallurgist to keep making bullets or fashioning metal weapons (in his spare time, he can make me some nice apocalyptic-era jewelry). I'd also take Anthony Bourdain because he could cook faster than me and keep me entertained with his stories. Also, from his Instagram he does some martial arts, so that would be helpful. Lastly, I would take myself, because I practiced surviving an apocalypse during Manila's first zombie run. Practice makes perfect!

What is the last thing you searched for on google?
Been going over the Philippine government's situation reports for the latest typhoon, Rammasun/Glenda for a report. I know. I'm lame. 

If you could talk to your high school self, what would say?
You will gain weight and live away from your high school city for 6 years, but that doesn't mean that people will forget you and not recognize you in the mall. This is what growing up together means.

What is the best thing or meal you ever ate?
It has a great story, actually. I went whitewater rafting in Cagayan de Oro, Mindanao, for the third time, I think. I was 15 or 16. I didn't feel like having breakfast, which turned out to be one of the biggest mistakes of my life. After 3 hours and 7 huge rapids, I semi-fainted in the raft because I was so weak from the paddling and life-saving swimming. They hauled me to land, where I threw up nothing but water (most likely injested from going down the rapids). A few meters from where I liqui-barfed, my family had lunch brought down the ravine. There was rice, liempo (grilled porkchop), grilled eggplant and tomatoes, bagoong, green mangoes, fried fish, grilled prawns and of course, my favorite sauces suka (vinegar) and patis (fish sauce). We ate classic Filipino-style-no utensils and on plates lined with banana leaves. I guess you can say it was a typical Filipino meal, but to me, it was the best meal, ever.

Now, I know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

What is a memorable project that you are working on or have worked on?
In my previous job in government, I wrote a lot of speeches for my boss. Each one was memorable for me, even the bad ones. I enjoyed watching and listening my words comes alive - I would feel sort of like a movie director or a composer. Though I never memorized my speeches on purpose, I would always know what rhythm, tone or feeling I was going for with every word. I would listen for the pauses, watch the reactions and hope that my message resonated somehow. And when I would write in Tagalog, it was like writing my own poetry. I would always request to watch the speech delivered live - it became like my requirement because I was obsessed with orchestrating the perfect delivery. I started writing speeches again a few months ago for the Philippine Ambassador to the UN, and it's still like making magic.

I'm totally excited for my cousin Tony's Patao Pop Up coming up this Saturday. The menu looks delicious and amazing! To be honest I can't believe my cousin is now getting his PhD and is also super tall. I still remember when he was a little munchkin when we would visit him at his parents house in North Hollywood. Many thanks to him for doing this Oblivious Interview. It was neat learning more about him!  If you are free this Saturday and want to try his delicious menu, you can still get tickets here!

Name(s) Tony Martin
Affiliations (arts org, fun things you do, etc):
PATAO (www.patao.la)
UCLA Science & Food (www.scienceandfooducla.wordpress.com)

What's the one word you are guilty of using too much?
I catch myself saying, "Dannnnnng" quite often. I use it to add emphasis to just about everything. "Dannnnng, this salsa is spicy" "Dannnnng, that movie was so good"

How did you end up doing what you are doing now?
I decided to pursue higher education in the sciences because I was interested in making a contribution to our understanding on human diseases. With that said, being in a Ph.D program is no joke! My mentor often says, "There's a reason why we call it RE-SEARCH". The first thing you come to learn as a graduate student is that experiments WILL and OFTEN fail. So you get used to repeating experiments over and over again. But you make calculated decisions based on your results and try to improve your protocol. It's just like cooking. You decide to make your first batch of homemade chocolate chip cookies. They suck, naturally. But next time you decide to brown the butter or maybe chop a chocolate bar instead of using chips.  Eventually, you get the hang of it and make something you are proud of and want to share.  That's how my love for cooking came into the picture. Cooking is much like working in a lab, except the reagents are different and the product is edible. How could you not like cooking? 

Which member of the Wu-Tang Clan best describes your personality?
Definitely NOT the guy who had a bad run with scissors. Ouch! But I guess he's not a proper member of the Wu-Tang Clan anyway. I'd say Ghostface Killah. I had the privilege of catching him at one of the Boiler Room performances and that guy was so passionate about his performance. I'd like to think that same passion translates to into the work I do too.

Dogs or Cats, who wins? Why?
That's hard. I really think dogs AND cats are so tight. Do you remember Catdog? That things WINS.

What is the best part of any given day for you?
The parts of the day that bring me the most satisfaction include (1) breakfast (2) lunch (3) dinner. Always and forever. 143 637!

In a zombie apocalypse who would you want on your survival team?
I don't know an incredible amount about the X-Men, but in the event of a zombie apocalypse, it's me + them ALL DAY. Shout out Storm aka H.Berry who would just ICE those fools, literally.

What is the last thing you searched for on google?
"Chela - Zero" -- I met Chelsea at a party a couple years ago when she was visiting LA from Melbourne and we've been friends since. I'm so proud of what she's accomplished and can't wait to see where her career takes her next. I've been watching the video for "Zero" non-stop because well, HAVE YOU SEEN HER DANCE MOVES?

If you could talk to your high school self, what would say?
"Dear High School Anthony, TAKE CERAMICS". Better yet, "Dear Current Self, TAKE CERAMICS". 

What is the best thing or meal you ever ate?
I've been privileged to have had some really, incredibly delicious food in my life. So this question is just wrong, Elaine! There's too many to list! But, honestly, Spamsilog just really does it for me. That's my favorite for life. 

What is a memorable project that you are working on or have worked on?
PATAO is the center of everything I do now. It's a project I started to honor the life of my grandmother who passed away many years. Her spirit in life inspired me and even in her absence she continues to do so.

Many thanks to Eric for doing this Oblivious Interview early on when I was getting the ball rolling for this feature.  

Check out Keep It Rooted in the South Bay area!

 Name: Eric Solidum
SGHS Graduation Year: 1998
 
What's the one word you are guilty of using too much?
"Like". I cant help it.. Im like totally from the valley. 

What is a random high school memory that has stuck with you all these years?
Smoking cigarettes on the side of Bryan Pacpaco's house in the morning before school and drowning in Victoria's Secret body spray to cover up the smell. 

How did you end up doing what you are doing now?
I first started out working with an up and coming wristwatch company called MSTR Watches which broke myself into the fashion industry. Since then I have moved on and started my own business w/ my partners called ROOTED - a lifestyle men's boutique located in Artesia. 

If high school is the movie "The Breakfast Club" which one were you? Brain? Athlete? Basket case? Princess? Criminal? Which one are you now?

With the choices available, I would say the athlete since I played sports for SGHS. Currently I would say I am a basket case but that's only because I am working on a few projects at the same time. 

What is the best part of any given day for you?
The beginning of every day is always a blessing. 

Algebra. Did whatever Mr. Van teach you stick? Do you even still use it?
Absolutely.... not. Thankfully, I am in a business where I don't have to apply the Pythagorean theorem in daily life.  

What is the last thing you searched for on google?
Ideas for clothing racks. 

If you could talk to your high school self, what would you say to them?
Enjoy it while it lasts because as you get older, it doesn't get any easier. Stay focused on your studies because it will pave the way for your future. Also, don't let anyone or anything stop you from doing what you want to do or who you want to be in life. 

Can you still sing the Valiant Alma Mater? 
Yes I can but might want to refrain from giving me the mic to sing in public. Ill drive the crowd away. 

If you are in the Artesia area check out Keep It Rooted.  The shop sounds neat! Also follow the shop on facebook, twitter, and instagram.  

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