Okay, first off, I have to apologize for lagging a bit in terms of having some new entries. As we all know, life has a way of getting in the way (as does laziness!). Rest assured though, after a long absence from the blogosphere, you can expect a huge photo post of my recent happenings! And there have been a few.
Let's see, since the last post, I finished another short film with Cold Tofu called "Frothy Sea-Men", which is soon to be released on CTV. I'll leave the explanation to the final product. Good times though, funny stuff.
I "climbed" our local Mt. Wilson, via Angeles Crest on my bicycle. 20 miles one way, uphill ALL THE WAY. Took me two hours to go up, and 45 minutes to go down. Gotta love that gravity!
And then, yesterday, I had the rare opportunity to cover a press conference. Not just any press conference, but for you boxing fans, it was for the big Oscar de la Hoya vs. Manny Pacquiao fight happening in Vegas on Dec. 6, 2008. What a cool gig! My good friend Jenni (of Eventworks fame) asked me to cover the event for her company, and what a treat it was. Smack dab in the middle of East L.A., home to Oscar de la Hoya, and the throngs of de la Hoya boxing fans. Needless to say, I definitely was in the minority of those rooting for the Philippines' national hero, Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, so much so, that I took a photo of all of us, which I believe could be counted on one hand. The de la Hoya fans were cool about it though, and both countries' flags waved side by side (Mexico and the Philippines, and an American flag too).
Throughout the 2 hour press conference, it was interesting to see the pride that the de la Hoya fans had (or East L.A.'ers), for here was their hometown boy, who literally grew up on their streets, went to their schools, ate at their restaurants, who made a name for himself world-wide as one of the most famous boxers of all time. Oscar was definitely proud of his East L.A. heritage, giving "shout-outs" when he could, and even exclaiming how he would "take East L.A. to [his] grave". Now that's loyalty. And to top it all off, when all was said and done, he treated his old neighborhood to free tacos for two hours at a local taco shop called "Porky's". What a guy!
On the other hand, there was the pride of the Philippines, Manny Pacquiao, who, like de la Hoya, came from ultra-modest means, perhaps even living in squalor in the Philippines, to also become a national and international hero. I couldn't help but feel the pride of having a filipino icon in front of me representing the land of my forefathers. Plus, he too was an all around nice guy! Very respectful of the Oscar (and vice-versa) and to the crowd as well. You gotta give it up to my peeps! Besides, he's going to kick Oscar's @$$ come December 6, so too bad de la Hoya fans! Ha!
Okay, so here are a few photos from the event. I've shot more recently, but I thought that these were cool.
There weren't many of us, but my peeps sure do know how to show their pride, even in "hostile" neighborhoods! (Note the non-smiling East L.A.'ers)
This kinda reminded me of one of the "Rocky" movies, where Rocky was full of himself, and totally underestimated his opponent (I think it was "Clubber Lang" - Mr. T. back then)Manny was respectful and friendly to Oscar, but by the expression on his face here, he AIN'T having it!
The Golden Boy working his hometown crowd. Ah, how sweet!
Some guy named George Lopez MC'd the event.Note again how Pacquiao's face is "all business". Yeah boy!
I didn't get this gentleman's name, but after speaking with a few of Pacquiao's fans, it turns out that he's Pacquiao's adopted father. You can see the pride in his face as he watches Manny speak. I like the patriotism in this shot too.
The pride of the Philippines, Manny Pacquiao.
East Los Angeles. 'Nuff said!
I like to use the term "Rock Stars" alot cause it's one of the highest compliments I can give a person, and Jenni (left) and Michelle (right) are definitely that - Rock Stars!!! Thanks Jenni for the opportunity to photograph for you. And hey, all of you who need a BIG time event coordinator, contact Eventworks for the hook up! Aren't these two hot?!
After all was said and done, and I made my way back to my car, I couldn't help but notice this left-over Birthday sign auspiciously greeting me over a concrete wall. Sometimes, you just have to keep your eyes open for the signs that life gives you.
Last but not least, my new piece of speed weaponry, the 2008 Cervelo P2 Carbon - woo hoo!!!Happy Birthday to me, happy birthday to me...!
