mixtapes

Brick Toast is the Best Breakfast Dessert

2011-02-15T01:09:00.000-08:00

Last week I was at Guppy Teahouse with some friends and we ordered the Brick Toast. It was super good. It seemed simple, but I had no idea how it was made. That night I looked up some recipes on it. Since then I've been eating it everyday.

I found this recipe via sinosoul.com

The basic recipe for the mix is

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup powdered milk

1/3 cup butter

half an egg yolk

1. Make the mix

2. Score the toast with a # symbol. This allows the mix to melt into the toast.

3. Evenly spread mix onto toast

4. Toast it for 5-6 minutes or until lightly brown

5. Add condense milk to taste

I love using the cow condense milk. My uncle says it's the best. I don't question it.

The first attempt was using the French Bread Toast from Ranch 99. Only problem was it was only .5" thick. I wanted to get the 1.5" thick toast. I couldn't find it at the local Asian bakery. I ended up going to Pavilions and got the French Bread Loaf. I had them cut it to 1.2" slices. Final product with condense milk at the top. Please donate some 1.5" thick French toast, and I'll make it for you.

Squeeze Inn

2011-02-10T01:23:00.000-08:00

Squeeze Inn is one of my favorite burger places in Sacramento. Actually, it's probably one of my favorite burger places in the world. Basically, what makes their burgers unique is the cheese skirt. I don't know the exact process in which they make it, but it ends up tasting delicious. It used to be in a small shack (hence the name squeeze inn because you had to "squeeze in" to the restaurant.

They actually got sued by some dumb person who said they weren't disable-friendly. They almost had to close down forever. Luckily, the worst that happened was they moved to a bigger spot down the street. They kept the shack front entrance, and dropped it into the new place. I always gotta make a stop when I'm back in Sacramento. If you ever come visit me while I'm in Sacramento, we will go here.

Volleyball x Watermarks

2011-02-08T02:10:00.001-08:00

So I don't play volleyball. I took a class in high school, but it was actually a tennis and volleyball class. I wasn't planning on being here, and I always feel weird going to an event where everyone else is participating and I'm not. So I brought the good ol 5d and took some pics.

I've also been experimenting with watermarks. I'm really unnatural to graphic design, so all you designers need to send me your best designs. And the winner gets to have their design in all my pictures. HAHA. Don't you just love those contest? It's hard because I haven't quite developed my own brand identity either. Lots of ideas still brewing. For more pics.

Overdrive Time

2011-01-20T02:12:00.001-08:00

What is an artist? Hopefully I'm not some pretentious, emotional elitist hipster who only talks about existential philosophy with no relevance to reality.

Confession: When I see bad videos - want to throw up. When I see good videos - I get jealous.

I guess it comes from an internal lack of self confidence. Maybe it's the Chinese side or something. But I decided, I have to start somewhere. And so I'm gonna take pictures of whatever. And post them up. Maybe one day I'll even have a whole Billy Bronze Series. Props to Sam Flores!

Also what do you guys thinks about watermarks? Facebook is cool because it doesn't have ads. Ads aren't cool. Is a watermark like an ad? Thoughts?

BroBible x SkullyCandy

2010-12-17T17:08:00.000-08:00

I got my photos into the BroBible!

Red Bull x Cashmere

2010-12-04T17:31:00.000-08:00

Awesome night at the Red Bull Music Academy Culture Clash in downtown LA. People were going bananas. I got to create the trailer for the event.

here's the video I made

Blue Like Jazz is Saved!

2010-10-25T11:21:00.000-07:00

Was I surprised when I found "Save Blue Like Jazz" in my RSS news feed? Yes, I was like huh Christian content in a business/creative blog?? But it was there. Blue Like Jazz was gonna be made into a movie. Then the funds ran out and production had to stop. Some fans of the book stated raising funds through a site called kickstarter.com. Since the campaign began last month, it has well exceeded the amount needed! I'm happy when people can make films. I'm gonna have to go see it.

Here the story:
http://blog.kickstarter.com/post/1399220509/saving-blue-like-jazz

Saving Blue Like Jazz
Posted by Yancey Strickler

“The hero of this story is you.” — Don Miller, The Story of Blue Like Jazz the Movie

On September 16th, Don Miller, author of the bestselling novel Blue Like Jazz, announced on his blog that the film adaptation he had spent four years working on was dead. Funding had been lost, and the movie could not be finished.

Or could it?

A week later, two fans of the book, Jonathan Frazier and Zach Prichard, decided to take things into their own hands. They convinced Miller and director Steve Taylor to let them launch a Kickstarter project to raise $125,000 — the minimum needed to complete the film — with a bold campaign: Save Blue Like Jazz.

The project launched on September 24th. After three days they had a measly $300. On September 29th Miller blogged about the effort, and the internet woke up. Within a week the project had astonishingly raised its full $125,000 — Blue Like Jazz was saved.

In the two and a half weeks since, the project has gone on to double that total. It ends at midnight tonight, and it’s rapidly closing in on an astonishing $300,000 — the largest amount raised in Kickstarter’s history, and the largest crowdfunding total ever for a US film. Not bad for two fans with a crazy idea.

In the past fans have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars buying billboards, full-page ads, and other public pronouncements to save their favorite shows. The results have been mixed. Hapless executives are hardwired to value dollars over fans, and these fan-funding campaigns have traditionally fallen on intentionally deaf ears.

But to see fans use their voices and dollars to make the thing happen on their own is a whole other thing. If fans are willing to pony up for the production, what recourse do executives have? What’s there to say if fans declare they want to see the thing so badly that they will pay for it?

Where Hollywood has failed we fans can step in. We know what we want to see, we know what we want to exist. Blue Like Jazz spectacularly demonstrates that we can, in fact, do something about it. Congratulations to the filmmakers and — most of all — to the fans. Now what are we saving next?

Celebrities x more videos

2010-10-22T12:13:00.000-07:00

Marques Houston - Ghetto Angel Exclusive from Jason Poon on Vimeo.

Twista, Chris Brown - Make a Movie Exclusive from Jason Poon on Vimeo.

Skeetox with Xzibit Exclusive from Jason Poon on Vimeo.

Ignite 2010 Recap from Jason Poon on Vimeo.

Meeting celebrities is a strange thing. Some people are starstruck, some people want to get their in, and some people just don't care. It's been said many times, but they are just people. They are exceptional in their craft, but nonetheless, still just people. At the core they have the basic needs we all have.

One of my favorite r&b songs was Marques Houston's "That Girl". It's fun, up beat, and it feels good. I finally got to meet the man who recorded it. It was a cool looking set, but it was a not-so-cool experience. I mean I had fun shooting, but the boat got a little rocky and I got motion sickness. So did one of the girls. All in all I like the end product.

Who is Chris Brown? He seems like a fun/cool/chill guy, but he is definitely a superstar. He does what he wants, and he gets what he wants. I felt a similar experience when I met Kid Cudi. He was so cool when I experienced him through his music, interviews, and commentary, but there was an empty feeling when I finally meet him in person. I think disappointment is a good way to sum it. As much as their work affects your life, there really is not personal connection when it comes to the person. Strange yet sobering realization. On the film/video side of things, props to Director Collin Tilley for doing it big. Much respect.

Jason's Videos x Cali Swag District x Marques Houston

2010-08-30T23:42:00.000-07:00

Work is not cool when everyone else is taking summer trips. But it's all steps towards the bigger picture. Here's a video update!

Marques Houston Noize Exclusive Behind the Scenes from Jason Poon on Vimeo.

Behind the scenes at Marques Houston's music video shoot "Noize".

DJ Event from Jason Poon on Vimeo.

Numark V7 DJ Event in LA.

Cali Swag + Urban Ink from Jason Poon on Vimeo.

Cali Swag District getting tattoos.

A life of critical moments + Adulthood

2010-07-26T22:17:00.000-07:00

Maybe I'm dramatic and I bring it upon myself, but does it feel like life is a series of critical moments and decisions?

I remember feeling extremely stressed out my junior year of high school because I wasn't doing well academically. There was a test coming up, and I felt that if I did not pass this test, I would irrevocably ruin my future. Being that junior year is the most important academic year in high school, I would destroy my changes of getting into a good college, thus ruining my chances of getting a job, thus ruining the rest of my life. I remember that same feeling during city college (I guess I didn't pass that test). I had a variation of that moment before the DTR. But it was more like, I don't want to make the mistake of ruining another person's life if it doesn't work out. On the other hand if I don't do it I may miss out on the opportunity of a life time and then die with regret.

I realized a couple months ago that I'm actually an adult. And time doesn't stop for no body. I been wondering...can one achieve their dreams if they work hard and smart or is it only a myth told by Presidents to motivate children? I'm sure the answer is somewhere in the middle, but I'm asking myself... Can I do it?

As Jagged as said , "We ain't getting younger, we must as well do it." I wonder if pursuing my dreams is just a way of delaying responsibility and reality. I don't want to be the uncle in Napoleon Dynamite who has lost touch with reality. But I don't want to die with regret either... I'm twenty-three now, will I ever live to see twenty-four, The way things is going I don't know. Let me know, do I still got time to grow.

On another note sharing some more video projects...

Jay Rock Nightmare on Elm Street Behind the Scenes from Jason Poon on Vimeo.

Satisfied Series + 500 days of LA

2010-06-15T11:44:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1A-0PymhfgE

I been in Southern California for 5 years now. It's really unbelieveable when I think about it. Times passes by so quickly. Things change and rearrange, friends aren't friends anymore, people go behind your back. I have come to appreciate the many elements of socal. Don't get me wrong, I still hate the traffic, but there are many pluses too.

Lisa and Alice are both locals to socal, and they have found that treating yourself as a tourist in your hometown can be very enriching. We miss the beauty in the things around us when we forget to slow down and "smell the flowers." This is their satisfied story.

This is where it all began

Xzibit + Industry Integration

2010-06-12T13:07:00.000-07:00

Xzibit Phenom Release Party from Jason Poon on Vimeo.

http://www.vimeo.com/12502115

Xzibit just released a new single Phenom on itunes along with his music video (plug plug), and I was able to go to the release party in Hollywood. Here's a video I put together for the event.

If someone were to predict my future 8 years ago and tell me what I did, I wouldn't believe it. Coming from my Southern Baptist, Chinese, conservative background I didn't expect this to happen. I don't work with Christians. I haven't been trained in how to operate in this environment. Ironically, these people who seem so different than me are probably very much the same. At the core of us all, aren't we all beings trying to find out "why"?

The more I get to know my co workers I realize how little I understand about life. Some of my co-workers have so much knowledge and experience. Yet I feel I have been placed here for a reason. I mean beyond doing my job as a employee, I feel like God desires to see the restoration of humanity closer to its intended image. But how do I do that? I really feel blessed I am here. And I hope I can really add to the kingdom.

Satisfied Series + Poetry

2010-06-01T23:46:00.000-07:00

Cliff is pretty good at telling stories. He's pretty articulate and blogs well. He also has an appreciation for rap. I once asked him who his favorite rapper was and without hesitation he said Eminem. Thank God he didn't say soulja boy. There are these moments in rap songs that are so intense it just hits you in the gut. And I remember we shared about those moments and how they are almost even spiritual. Anyways, this is Cliff's story for satisfied.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opcS8qi1PsY

This is where it all began.

Satisfied Series + Church Visit

2010-06-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxhRQmKj0iQ

My home church, Laguna Chinese Baptist Church (originally called Sacramento Chinese Baptist Church, was actually a church plant by a church from Los Angeles. Growing up I always wanted to visit the "mother" church. And when I moved to Long Beach for school I met many people who went to First Chinese Baptist Church in LA. Come Passion's first event met at FCBC LA. And here is the story that Youth Pastor John Ng shared.

This is where it all began.

Satisfied Series + Live for God

2010-05-29T23:53:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLHUfujXVzc

Phil asked me to join him on his journey to discover on how to live for God. Sometimes we find that as much as we desire to live for God, there are some areas in our life that don't really translate that idea in a satisfying way. Phil is a pharmacist technician, and he told me that as much as he tried to live for God with his job... he couldn't see how he, as a pharmacist technician, could be for God. And so he decided instead of trying to focus on living for God through his job he would try his best at every other area in his life. And that mindset began to open doors.

Enter "Come Passion"

Phil realized he had a lot of talented friends and he brought some of them together to do an event. By no means am I saying that events are the end all externalization of living for God, but I feel that a praise night is a non threatening way to invite people and spark interest. As we brain stormed we decided that we wanted to theme the evening around the question "Are you satisfied?"

In this video Ashley is a high school senior (now graduated), and she shared some of her journey with us. She reminds me that living for God can be an active, and that through trusting in Christ we can develop confidence.

Tribute to Matt Asami + New Track

2010-05-25T21:14:00.000-07:00

Matt is so awesome we hate him. A Jeff, Jay, Jason, and Bryce Track featuring the man himself, Matt Asami. Enjoy!

http://virb.com/jaycemusic/audio/477714

Walk as One - New Track

2010-05-24T21:47:00.001-07:00

Recorded this for the AACF Banquet Team last week.

http://virb.com/jaycemusic/audio/476792

Boondocks + Far East Movement

2010-05-19T00:30:00.000-07:00

I saw far east movement while they were at their music video shoot for like a g6. That song is pretty bumping, so I can't wait to see it.

But the cool thing is I made it to their blog!! Whoo!

http://www.fareastmovement.com/st/boondocks-soapbox/

Internship Happenings + hip hop rappers

2010-04-04T00:05:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a grind but very enjoyable. I thank God for all the doors he has opened. I been shooting and editing video. Sometimes with known or lesser known celebrities, but it's definitely a unique experience. Here is something that they just put online.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vcYN8MEiCo

The psychological struggle between feeling satisfied and unsatisfied has been a constant for me. I understand the importance of having a humble attitude of thanksgiving. But at the same time we should also desire more for our life. We should strive for better, and not be complacent in our current situation. So what's next? Happy Easter!

Aspirations + Kid Cudi + Snoop

2010-03-10T02:01:00.000-08:00

I feel real tired. And it's not the sleepy or weak tired. But it's the I feel emotionally and psychologically drained tired. And to be honest, I can't put my finger on why. It's about 2:30am, and I just got back from a music video shoot with Snoop and Kid Cudi. How cool is that? Not gonna lie, it's pretty cool. Considering I idolized Kid Cudi last year, and Snoop Dogg is basically the uncle of west coast rap, it's pretty dang cool. I got to shoot some behind the scenes stuff and got to see them just chillin. But why is it that I don't feel the hype? Why is it I feel unsatisfied, anxious, and tired?

Maybe, I need a break. One of my favorite movies of all time is Collateral. In the film Jamie Foxx is a taxi driver, and he gives a ride to the stressed out lawyer played by Jada Pinkett Smith. In one scene Jamie's character tells Jada that she needs a break. He tells her that she is going to go crazy if she doesn't just relax and do nothing. It's hard to ask for a break when you just had a year long break which only ended three weeks ago. I feel guilty just considering it. But maybe I need to take a psychological break. I do feel like my desires or aspiration create certain expectations which I place on myself. And maybe those expectations are just squeezing me dry. I wonder if this the path that God wanted me to take. It seems like He closed certain doors, and He opened this door. I believe in the sovereignty of God, and I would like to think that I have given Jesus Lordship over my life. I don't feel like I am consciously disobeying him or rebelling against his will. But why don't I feel satisfied?

My friend told me I need to have more faith. I think he is right. I do need more faith. And maybe through more faith I will experience more peace. But the journey continues, and the grind doesn't stop. When I step back, I do see the many blessings in my life. That should be enough proof for me to believe that God has a plan for me. I still do believe, but I really want to see how this all pans out. Sorry, no pics on this post. I'll be adding a lot more stuff in the future. Also check out Snoop Dogg featuring Kid Cudi's new track "that tree." It's about remember where you came from, remembering your family.

internship and ness

2010-02-17T00:51:00.000-08:00

So I just got an internship this week. It's with this marketing agency called cashmere agency. I start next week, and it feels weird because I won't have the freedom that I have now. I'll be tied to a workday. It's been roller coaster journey but hopefully, this will help me on my next course of life. Also my doppelgänger is Ness! Happy Chinese new year!

The twins - introducing kyler and asher

2010-02-15T02:50:00.001-08:00

These two little guys are too awesome. Though they are fraternal twins, they still look very similar. Asher was expected to be the first born, but Kyler somehow snuck out first. Asher means church, and Kyler means blessing. Kyler is the generally more reserved one. He is more contemplative and calculative. Asher is more outgoing, and he gets loud. He likes to point at things and yell out words. They both love running around and screaming. It's great.

It's interesting how people develop. It's even more interesting how people change. What makes people change? What factors attribute to a paradigm shift within someone? How do these things happen? I had several conversations this past week concerning this issue. Specifically, we discussed the idea of how one becomes a Christian... What occurs internally for one to believe? The obvious answer is God/Holy Spirit changes the heart. But my question is what is my role within this process.

New Demo!

2010-02-10T01:58:00.000-08:00

Vegas at night.

http://virb.com/jaycemusic/audio/468054

New track is out today! Ryo is actually doing a whole compilation for Vday, and I was asked to be part of the project. I will be submitting at least 2 tracks. But this is a new track. I will post the Vday project when it is released.

I decided to go with a pop sound for this track. A couple of the samples have a pulsating sound. This track is also special because it's my first track where I actually recorded myself on rhythm guitar. I always associated that sound with praise style music, but I was able to work out the sound. Bryce helped me get a rap verse in the middle. It was a lot of fun as usual, and I hope you guys enjoy it.

http://virb.com/jaycemusic/audio/442326

Here is the other track

Twins first time at Snow

2010-02-02T15:41:00.000-08:00

Our church went on a field trip to Palm Springs. We went on the Aerial Tramway to the mountains to see the snow. It was the first time the boys experienced snow.

Group picture with part of the church.

Amos and Tammy Engagement photos

2010-01-28T14:53:00.001-08:00

Amos is a good friend of mine. We have known each other since we were both little. I had the pleasure of doing his and Tammy's engagement photos. They are a very private couple, but in those rare moments where you actually see them for who they are, you see something very special. Congrats on your marriage. Keep me posted when wally pops out.

Amos getting married?! + Engagement Video

2010-01-21T05:01:00.001-08:00

It's hard for me to believe Amos is getting married. I remember when he first told me he had a girlfriend. I was so shocked. Everyone was shocked. Now he is putting the ring on it, and he won't be single no more.

Amos + Tammy from Jason Poon on Vimeo.

This project started as engagement photos. It was actually much first time do something like this. By the end of the night I felt like it was a total fail, so I turned back to my bread and butter... video. Congrats man!

Gai Dan Jai and Da Been Lo (Egg puff and Hot pot)

2010-01-13T13:41:00.000-08:00

Karen, Caleb, and Lydia prepare. Me and Enoch eat.

One of my favorite Hong Kong snacks! Slightly crunchy on the outside, and moist and chewy on the inside. It's such a nostalgic snack.

Da been lo is so much fun. Eating becomes an experience. You must get into it or else you will leave hungry. I like the options. I like the variety. It's fun with family too. God is good.

Photobooth with the Family for Christmas

2010-01-08T03:45:00.001-08:00

Photobooths are the new must-haves for weddings. I setup my camera on a tripod and set the timer for 2 seconds. We all started behind the camera and ran to the couch. It was pretty fun.

Even my uncle got into it.

Family portrait for Christmas 2009 with "the Chinese Pose."

AACF Winter Banquet + Gingerbread Houses

2010-01-07T01:08:00.000-08:00

Happy New Years! This is our gingerbread house we made from an assortment of candies. This scene was inspired by StarCraft 2.

Every new beginning comes from some other beginnings end.

Storyboards and tilt shift

2009-12-05T15:49:00.000-08:00

While back at home I was experimenting on different visual compositions for film. I took a few photos and made a little storyboard.

A bay bay thanksgiving

2009-12-04T21:52:00.000-08:00

A true man cuts the turkey.

Auntie waiting for the turkey

Thanksgiving was a great time to just relax and chill with family. Black Friday at Gilroy was pretty fail, and I got sick the night we got back to Sacramento. But other than that it was a pretty awesome break.

For the first time in as long as I can remember, we had thanksgiving at my cousins place in Millbrae, California. Traditionally we would celebrate it at my house because my Grandma lived at our house, and it was too hard for her to travel. But since she passed away in the summer of 08 we have been changing it up. I miss my Mom and Grandma, but it's cool. Family is tight.

Enoch doing "hw" while we wait for dinner.

Jon takes a pic with his ipod of the Pacific Ocean from the SF bay.

And finally... Caleb Dances to Jai Ho.

Sterling and Tilt shift lenses

2009-11-24T16:08:00.000-08:00

Sterling is back in the US for a only a few more days. Me, Enoch, and David got to chill with him in Alhambra, CA. That same day I got my tilt shift lens.

Michael Mann is the master of night photography.

Here are some two shots.

24$hk harmonica from Tom Lee! what a steal!

Cool hole in the wall chinese restaurant. I love that background/window shade thing. It gives it a real retro look. A cool little spot to shoot a film.

i feel so superhuman

2009-11-16T19:58:00.000-08:00

So 2 weeks ago I was able to get on the show Heroes as an extra. It was my first time, and I had to drive out to Hollywood by 5 am for the shoot. But it was well worth the experience.

My officially title was Japanese background B. My job - walk to point A and then back. I also rode a bike. For those of you who are familiar with the show, you know that Hiro is from Japan. The scene that I was in was some sort of market place/flea market area in Tokyo. I don't watch the show enough to know where this is in line with the current season. But if there is some scene with Hiro saving a lady getting robbed with a butcher knife... Tell me! You might see my elbow or shoulder in the scene. We are instructed specifically not to talk with the actors, but during one break Masi Oka and Greg Grunberg were just chillin right in front of me. I was a little starstruck, but all in all they are just people like me and you. It's cool that they seem to enjoy their job. I really took notice to the production side of the show. The AD as usual is the mean person who gets the show on the road. And the director was chillin in video village most of the time. It was huge production. The set was so sweet. So much detail was put into it. There was fog machines and all kinds of props. It was a two cameras shoot. In total I think there were over 80 extras.

This gig just came out of the blue. Sometimes I think my life is ruled completely by my own power, but I forget there are greater forces which affect it. God's provisions shows its face once again. I really hope to do it again.

My business cards came in today!! Thanks to dan for designing it. Thanks for david with hooking me up on an online coupon. I got tons of em if you want one.

enables me to go on the heights

2009-11-10T17:01:00.000-08:00

You ever been in that moment where you see a great movie, and it makes you want to shoot a film. Or maybe you heard this sick song, and it takes you straight to the piano or guitar? Or maybe you eat this tasty hot plate, and immediately it brings you to the kitchen to cookin something up? Well, maybe not. But it's a crazy feeling. It's the constant calling of inspiration. It's something from within which drives someone forward or crazy.

One of my big struggles is being able to do many things above average but unable to do any of these things great. I can't help it. I have too many interest. I really like film and music and photography and krumping and eating. Maybe its what takes me to the fringe or maybe it's what keeps me from getting anywhere. I don't know. I asked God to lead the way, and this is where I'm at right now. Only time will tell.

But I am happy to share that one of my friends from high school is doing his thing. I remember he used to freestyle at school. He did some battles at our rallys. Check out his tracks. Especially tape rock. It samples biggie's juicy.

You know who's back in this

2009-11-08T22:25:00.001-08:00

http://virb.com/jaycemusic/audio/452146
This song goes out to those Asian Christian girls who want to date Jesus, but in reality are actually freaked out by the idea of relationship and are too scared to take a risk.
just kidding mofos. The song started when my bryce wanted to do a parody of a song (originally by Elliott Yamin). But he couldn't find an instrumental. So he asked me to put something together, so i made a remake on reason. Then he got Jeff and Matt to do rap verses, and i sung the hook. And there you have it. It was a lot of fun.

new demo!

2009-11-01T22:42:00.000-08:00

http://virb.com/jaycemusic/audio/450834

Here's my song about getting money, hoes, and drugs. Just kidding. Sometimes the only way one learns is the hard way. I'll keep ya'll posted on any updates.

Old Journey

2009-10-26T20:23:00.000-07:00

A Jason Poon Short - Don't Stop Believing from Jason Poon on Vimeo.

I been meaning to post this for a long time. Thanks to Allie and Trisha for their patience. Don't Stop Believing featuring Allie and Trisha. BTW check out Trisha's photos! Check out the allie and matt series too (on trisha's site)! Has it been half a year??? Congrats

I hate potatoes

2009-10-25T01:17:00.000-07:00

Last week we were back at Friend's Church in Long Beach to cook and serve dinner. Friend's Church is a church that serves many different people in Long Beach, but one unique things about it is that a part of it's congregation is homeless people.

It's always an honor when CITC gets to serve. Our church serves the meal once a month, but we cook once every other month. This month was our turn to cook, and we made a breakfast meal. So on saturday we prepared the potatoes... They were actually pretty tasty. The first batch came out nicely, and we would taste some. Then we ate some here and some there. Then it started getting nasty. Then my house smelled like potatoes. FML

There were 100 lbs of potatoes. Chop Chop.

Too many potatoes.

We tested out pancakes too.

Things in my Room 1 - hou yau

2009-10-24T17:31:00.000-07:00

If you have been into my room know... I'm super messy. I wouldn't say that I am dirty, but I am messy. You might know other people who have a lot of stuff and are messy, but still they manage to know where everything is within their space. It's weird. I have tried to be more organized in a traditional sense, but it's hard. I'm working on it. So this series of post goes out to all of you OCD-neatfreak-germophobes. Here's a little peak into the stories inside my room.

Lee Kum Kee Oyster Sauce is the best! Even if you go to the wiki sauce it has the picture of Lee Kum Kee. Why do I like it? It's like a premium soy sauce. It doesn't even compare. The flavor is so rich. I grew up eating it in veggies especially kai lan and broccoli. It goes well as a marinate for beef in stir frys. Lately, I have been using it in ha zi mein (shrimp egg noodles). A great late night alternative to instant ramen. Editing some video late at night? Or maybe some dota? Oyster sauce on ha zi mein fasho!

show your moves!

2009-10-22T00:38:00.000-07:00

video!

Here is a follow of the video shoot with chinese church organization dance classes. I assume Josh Yee edited all the video. I'm glad we were able to make use of it. And I'm sure ginger and wendy are glad its done. Enjoy!

I gotta feeling

2009-10-15T19:20:00.000-07:00

Movie making is nothing like how it appears on the silver screen. A lot of work is put into a film before a camera is turned on. People write and rewrite drafts over drafts. Sometimes it's even being changed during the film shoot. People work together to plan shots. Rehearsals with actors. The there's production. 90% of film making on set sometimes feels like nothing time. Not to mention long days/nights wired only by the morning's coffee. The people on set sometimes don't even know the story. For this shoot I didn't even get a script. But after the shooting is done the film is not done. The work is passed to the editor. Editing can be a bleep. It's a tedious job. It can be lonely. I actually like it. But these are the major pieces of film making. And I love this process.

Things at first may seem overwhelming. The pieces may not seem to work together. People flaking. Drama. But when it comes together and people enjoy it. It's the best feeling.

Here are some pics from a film shoot this past weekend. The short film was called "Greatest Adventure" I got brought on by my friend Albert who was the DP for the film. I acted as the "B camera" for the shoot. It was definitely a good experience. It's been a while since I have been on a film shoot.

mashup inspired by Glee

2009-10-13T22:05:00.000-07:00

So I watched glee last week. I know... admitting this kind of stuff is automatic revocation of man card. But none the less, I watched glee, and they did a mashup of its my life and confessions. I actually enjoyed it. It had a distinct pop sound which was different from the original soulful sound of confessions. But I liked the show's rendition anyway. A couple days ago my friend wrote some lyrics to an already produced song. He looked for an instrumental to the song, but he couldn't find one. He asked if I could make an instrumental. I did. And this is what I came up with.

http://virb.com/jaycemusic/audio/448528

Anyone recognize it? As I continued to work on the track, I realized that this iv, v, vi progression is extremely common. And naturally a melody from another song came out from the sound! I never tried doing a mashup, but it looks like this is what it has become. Don't be afraid! Try something new! I'll spread my wings, and I'll learn how to fly.

More dance stuff

2009-10-08T01:19:00.000-07:00

http://vimeo.com/6960084

Checking the lighting/Freestyle Popping from Jason Poon on Vimeo.

Vinyl is not dead

2009-10-01T18:46:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I saw this guy live. Last night at 7th and Grand Los Angeles, CA was Freedom of Beats was hosted by 7 Lounge. I haven't heard so many classics in a minute.

It was a good time watching some DJ's do their thing. It was raw. One of the most underplayed elements of hip hop is DJing. Without the DJ you have nothing else. There aint no music; there aint no dancing. I haven't seen someone spin real vinyls since 2000. People have it plugged to their macs and click this and that. One love to all DJs, but it was fresh to see DJ melody doing it with vinyls on the 1s and 2s.

It was also a humbling time. I started getting into hip hop music in middle school, and I feel like I been able to hear a lot. But there's just so much history. The roots of hip hop go deep. It's time for me to go back to school. I need to get acquainted with the og sounds. As for my music, I doubt this experience will make any revolutionary changes to my style. I do hope to obtain an appreciation for the past thus giving me more meaning in my own music creation.

and yes... Pitbull did not invent hotel motel holiday inn

if youre 18-21, you gotta turn this up

2009-09-26T22:25:00.000-07:00

Hip hop has 4 elements. Graffiti, DJs, MCs, and breakers. All these elements work together to create hip hop. In high school I began B-boying. I once got second place in an amateurs b-boy battle at my school's club. I eventually got more into popping and later choreography. I have never taken dance too seriously. Although, it definitely is a good escape for me.

My friend Nate shot a video promo for my friends Ginger and Wendy. The video was used to promote Chinese youth of Los Angeles to participate in a united hip hop dance ministry. This program was created through a network of chinese churches. I helped as a back up DP/Director. It was cool to meet a bunch of breakers, poppers, and lockers.

The location was this cool little warehouse in Santa Ana. It was a fun experience shooting there. Kino flos do magic for lighting.

This was a behind the scenes video shot and directed by Don Le.

Dance Ministry BTS Video from Don Le on Vimeo.

By the way the title was a reference to jagged edge let's get married remix. Congrats to Davey and Risa!

Has it been 14 years?

2009-09-21T16:51:00.001-07:00

Yes. Since it's release in 1995, Toy Story was the beginning of many epic pixar films. I love pixar films. They just bring out so many good feelings. Isn't it every kids dream to have their toys come alive? On October 2nd, 2009 Disney is releasing Toy Story 1 and 2 back in theatres, but in THREE DEE!! Whoo! First off, it's a 3d experience. Second off, it's two for the price of one. No Chinese man can complain about that.

Seems like Disney is gonna be bringing back a lot of oldies. One of my top animated films of all time is also coming back to theatres in 3d. Beauty and the Beast. This movie is so tight! I remember when I was little I watched a live presentation of this film at Disneyland. And when the beast turned into a human I was so amazed. Belle has always been my favorite Disney Princess...(no man card revoking please) Beauty and the Beast is gonna be back February 12, 2010. Just in time for all you guys to make the move on your lady before Valentines.

Matthew 13

2009-09-16T22:57:00.000-07:00

What do you want to be when you grow up? The journey of ones future is filled with twist and turns. Sometimes the outcome is expected. Sometimes it is a complete surprise. Our experiences shape us. The people we meet shape us. But we all become something.

Elliot is growing up, and he is becoming a pastor. During his AACF days, he was a good speaker. I was often moved, encouraged, uplifted, or challenged when he spoke. He is at the early stages of his pastoral ministry, and I'm glad I can support it through doing little videos.

Elliot's Small Group from Jason Poon on Vimeo.

Upper Playground LA

2009-09-12T01:36:00.000-07:00

Dan and I hit up Upper Playground in LA this past thursday to see Patrick Martinez's solo show "You Don't Have To Lie To Kick It."

Little did we know every 2nd thursday of the month it's downtown LA's Art Walk. It was popping! This is real LA art culture. If you are into art or like urban fashion, this is the place to be. We got there around 9:30, but people usually show up around 7. Although we got there later, the street corners were still packed with people. DJs, art, clothes, street food, and krumpers. Dan even got hustled by a bum. Click
http://www.downtownartwalk.com/ for more information.

Got there late, but the streets still popping. Walrus is for upper playground.

Dan in awe of the artwork.

Posing with the art. This piece is sick. Click to take a closer look.

My boy Sam Flores doin it big with the NE caps. Reppin the yay fasho.

Gotta love Sam Flores.

Soulful Commandoe! This store is tight! I'm hecka feeling the logo. I wish I got a shirt now. One of the workers stopped me and gave me props for my shoes! Thank you Radii.

Flossing the free upper playground tote bag.

i cant sing; i produce

2009-09-08T12:56:00.000-07:00

I'm not a singer, but I'd like to produce someone.

The current hip hop music trend looks like a fusion of club and electronica with a bunch of other stuff. I personally love this because I already like electronica. I love clubbing too. I have a bunch of influences that are inspiring my music creation. They might not be no tupac or anything, but I'm grooving to it.

Keep your eyes peeled out for...

Kid Cudi
His album drops September 15, 2009. This has got to be one of the rawest artist/rappers out there. We all know Day 'n Night, but he got so many other sick songs. One of my favorite tracks is Man on the Moon. It's like Kanye West meets postal service. The song is so unique to the rap world. I feel like I'm on the moon. Cudi almost quit after getting a lot of crap from the online world, but he's not going anywhere. He is currently signed with G.O.O.D Music. THey also have these other guys - Kanye West, John Legend, and Common. His blog is raw. His interviews are raw. He is the man on the moon.

Brian Kennedy
My current favorite producer. This guy produces dope tracks. He has this upbeat/uplifting feel. It's club but still r&b. One thing I like is I feel that there is a high production value to his music. Most of the kids out there making their beats on fruity loops. It doesn't have that phat sound. He got good compositions that really make a full souding track. There is a heavy use of synths and ambient sounds. He does a lot of songs with Jackie Boyz - another dope up and coming duo. Although many of the artist he has produced are still unknown, he will be known.

And Finally! I'm gon be a producer!

Thanks to dan for photoshoping.

new track

2009-09-04T13:36:00.001-07:00

WHat up world.

This is not a new track, but I got this out a couple months ago.

Friendships are such an important thing in my life. We put much time and effort into them. And when it is not reciprocated, there is pain. Maybe they are actually overrated? As for the track I used the minor scale and slower tempo to give that sorrow feel.

Weddings - Joanny and Mike and 5dmk2

2009-08-15T14:22:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Joanny and Mike. I love you guys. Thanks so much for your encouragement over the years. I'm really happy for you too, and I hope you guys have a meaningful marriage. It was tons of fun MCing the wedding.

Mike + Joanny Teaser

I shot this completely with the 5d mark II. CS4 is lagging on support for 5d mark II native footage. And working with proxies isn't that bad.

get something goin

2009-08-06T01:25:00.000-07:00

i been getting involved with a lot of little and big projects here and there. It's real good. But I havent been able to work on any of my own projects. no vids coming out soon, no music coming out soon. I been doing a lot of writing, and i gotta get back into pro tools and reason and put some stuff together.

got back from hk not too long ago. It was tight. cant wait to go back. but that wont be happening soon. pics below for your view pleasure.

i moved into the new place. its real good. maybe post some pics of the place in a bit.

Caleb with egg puffs. homie behind him be staring at sterling. gai dan jai so yummy.

Macau with the fam.

me and homie sterling. 1love fasho international.

Err body geeked up!

2009-06-07T01:21:00.000-07:00

So visual confession also has audio confessions. I been working on a lot of different tracks, and I made this from the jerknn movement. For those of you who aren't familiar with Jerking, it's a dance/hiphop movement that is currently exploding in southern california. It's fun, lighthearted, and it really goes against the traditional gangster grain of hip hop. You might have heard the New Boyz' song "youre a jerk" on the radio. Whether you hate it or love it, I'm love it. It reminds me of the hyphy movement from norcal. Maybe that nostalgia is just creepin into my system. When I hear those beats I just want to get up and dance. So I made a beat. Check it out.

Sometimes it Rains in Vietnam

2009-06-03T20:30:00.000-07:00

These are two pictures I took while I was in Vietnam. This is a microphone stand made from bamboo. They made it on the spot before the event. The people of Vietnam were extremely resourceful. Their ability to adapt to a situation was incredible. As my life changes, I see that I need to also adapt. A friend said to me once, "Adjust, adapt, overcome. That's why I'm still alive." The ability to be flexible becomes so critical within life. Many times I find myself in love with a certain plan (usually my own) and within the process I forget the original objective. I fall in love with an idea, ministry, or event. All of these are only tools to accomplish the original goal. Being flexible means being able to change the plans so that the goal may be accomplished. Adjust, Adapt, Overcome.

photo days gone by

2009-06-02T21:41:00.000-07:00

Went to the 2nd street/Belmont shore with allie, trisha, and natalie, and we took a bunch of pictures. I find myself somewhat self conscious about my photos. I don't think I'm terrible, but I want to have something legit to show. Here's a couple "legit" ones. Check out trisha's stuff. Shes way more legit that me.

and the world just wont let me slow down

2009-04-19T13:23:00.000-07:00

I took a script writing class a couple years ago. One of the in class assignments was to write a 100 word story. It had to have a beginning, middle, and end. I found this while I was cleaning my apartment. It's called Father's Watch.

I’m going to see my dad for the first time in five years, and I can’t find the watch he gave me on my 17th birthday. He left after he cheated on my mom five years ago. It took me four years to forgive him and one year to call him up. Last Father’s Day my co-worker asked me, “How’s your relationship with your father?” I didn’t know what to say. He made a mistake, but I still love him. I’m gonna meet him for dinner in half an hour. I hope I can find the watch in time.