It's a Wrap

...folks.

The first year of college is finally over and Memorial Day Weekend was by far.. memorable.

May 22 (Friday) Location: Independence Park, Fullerton
Another day, another jam. This time, Justroc had been preparing for an exhibition battle, which he did quite well at. Mucho props to Justroc. Anyways, this jam, also known as Rock City 3, was one of the hypest jams I have been to. The energy stayed above average at all times. It was crazy. I even met a dope new b-girl named Kena. She is so good. We were able to converse and get to know each other. Everything was good at the jam except when I felt awkward at times for reasons I really cannot talk about, but I dealt with it. I ended up racing around Fullerton, which was classic. Oh, the good 'ol days. I have one disgustingly, sugary word for you: Sonic's.


Yuck.

May 23 (Saturday) Location: Carlsbad, San Diego
I have another adorable, hybrid niece. A white, filipina baby with hazel eyes. Hybrid babies are in.

May 24 (Sunday) Location: Los Angeles
This day was by far one of the coolest days of my life. MEMORABLE. I had the opportunity to work on a set for a new-in-the-works television show. The show touches on a new concept (which I cannot disclose), and it was exciting to see it undergo the process of becoming real.No way... daaawwg. I met a ton of new people and just had fun. Shout Outs to: Dae, Luis S, D-Wreck, Valara, Ian, and Sam. I wish I had pictures, but.. naaay.

Duck-E.

ABDC Tapings

are ridiculously intense.

Did you watch the episode last Thursday?
Did you see the audience dancing?
Holy Crap.
Intense audience dancing takes so much effort; however, my best friend and I made the best of it. We went against the crowd by taking our dancing to the next level. Forget that sexy stuff. We were popping, locking, and being as unfeminine as possible. It's how we roll.

It was a long wait to get inside; however, Soleil and I kept ourselves entertained by talking to the people around us. We met a lot of crazy fans. It was kind of scary. We sat in the front row towards the back of the stage where we were able to talk and shake hands with some of the dancers. Our view of the performances was not satisfying, but talking to those dancers was definitely worth the crappy view.

It was a typical kind of show biz. They tape. The host or a judge messes up. They re-tape. We stand. We clap. We re-tape. We sit. We watch. We re-tape. It was a little bit annoying. I did enjoy it though. I mean, the experience was definitely priceless.

Throughout the show, Soleil and I supported our favorite crews.
They have my 100% support.
They had Soleil's 100% support.

It was definitely an experience that was worth ... experiencing. LOL.
I do not think I would ever do it again, unless I was a guest on that show and guaranteed a good seat or.. actually on the show (like that could ever happen...)
Anyways, we shall see who wins this week.
It's going to be Quest. It just has to be.

Duck-E.

A Short and to the Point

Valentine's Day.



Probably one of the best and most unique V-days I have ever had.

Duck-E.

The Management of Time

does not exist.

Today I realized that time cannot be managed. When you're late, it says, "fuck you" and keeps on going. When you have a test the next day, it says, "prepare yourself, bitch." You know that question: If you could have any superhero power, what would it be?

-To stop time.

Yes, I said it. Screw invisibility, teleportation, mind control, and animal communication.
All you need is to stop time.

I wish I could have stopped time this weekend. I would have better prepared myself for my Biology test. Instead, I decided to spend my Sunday night driving to Walnut. That was the best decision I had ever made.

Feb. 8 (Sunday) Location: Walnut
The night began with a fast car ride. Soleil, Katie, and I were late to a music video shoot for FM (Far East Movement). We were super late. My driving was like...


It was scary, and I try to be a careful driver (at times).

It was a 42 minute drive. I got there in 30.
We were the last group to get onto the shoot.
The music started playing, and we were off. I found it weird just bouncing to the music instead of dancing. Sometimes there wasn't even any music playing (haha). Nevertheless, it was ridiculously fun. After 9-10 takes, we were done. They led us to this small room where we got to eat and chill with the guys from FM. We couldn't miss the opportunity of taking a picture with them.

Soon afterwards, we were shaking their hands. I introduced myself saying, "Yo, I'm Duck-E." All three of them looked at me and said, "Oh! You're Duck-E?" I was standing there like WTF.

That night was tight...

Duck-E.

An Epic Week

in 2009.

Epic is such a strange word. The dictionary definition can't give this word justice; however, the last week of January most definitely can. Where do I even begin?

Jan. 24 (Saturday) Location: Six Flags Magic Mountain

It was my very first visit. Only pictures can describe this.

Jan.25 (Sunday) Location: Los Angeles Convention Center
It was American Street Dance Champions V. (Little did I know that Vibe 14 was taking place in Irvine). I was pretty excited. Looking at the flier, I saw some interesting crews, especially Underground Flow and Killa4nia. I thought it was going to be a typical jam, but when we got there, things were crazy. The event was actually one of those big swap meet looking places. I just followed the music, and suddenly, I was face to face with a bunch of bboys and bgirls. I was mad excited. The actual show wasn't too great, but the day was only beginning. Let it be known though that Killa4nia killed the compeition. Anyways, I was standing, talking to Soleil, my best friend, when suddenly a woman in a blue bball jersey came walking by. She was no ordinary woman... She was Asia One. I was thinking to myself, "maaannn, I gotta talk to her." And so I did. I tapped her on the shoulder, introduced myself, and soon we were conversing. (I have this special notebook that is all about hip hop and breakdancing. Recently, it has become my bboy and bgirl autograph book. Poe One had signed it, and I couldn't resist asking Asia One.) She said of course she would, and we also ended up taking a picture.

Then there was Lil Rock of Killa4nia. He was really nice. I asked him to sign my book, and then I got most of the Killa4nia crew to sign it, including Lil Bob, Steelo, Ronnie Ruen, Frankie Flav, and Energetic. It was crazy. Things were happening so fast. Suddenly, I was taking a picture with Shane Sparks (wtf). That day couldn't have gotten any better.
Jan. 26 (Monday) Location: LMU
I had a workshop-slash-audition thing for a dance team on campus called Radix. I've heard of them but I never really thought I would be auditioning for their team. Lacey, my bgirl partner, told me about free dance workshops, and I practically jumped at the chance. Personally, being on a dance team isn't my "steeze." I enjoy dancing solo, where I can practice on the way I dance, making it ever so unique. Being on a team means learning another person's style. Don't get me wrong, it is better to try to dance other people's dances in order to gain more experience and even add to your way of dancing, but it still isn't my thing. I enjoyed it though, especially since there was a bit of popping. (:

Jan. 27 (Tuesday) Location: Burns Rec Center Studio 1
This was the day to remember.
Lacey and I had planned on competing that coming Sunday (Feb. 1) at the Sweet n' Lowdown Jam. We were hesitant at first; however, Marks the Spot signed us up. During the session, we were practicing and perfecting our routines. I was also modifying my sets and freestyling. Lacey and I were practicing our flipping set, and everything was going well. We both landed on point, and a few of them bboys in the building were like "Damn." That's besides the point. After landing, I quickly turned my upper body, and in doing so, I heard a loud rip. Suddenly, I was on the floor, trying to breath. At first, I didn't think much about what happened. I thought I was out of breath because of dancing; however, as I kept breathing, I could feel a sharp pain around the left area of my rib. I tried getting up, but it was too much. They called over an athletic trainer, who called LMU EMS. They checked my vital signs, and everything was ok except for that pain. They weren't sure what it was, but they gave me the option of calling an ambulance if I couldn't get up. Guess what... I couldn't get up. Soon, the amublance arrived. Two firefighters walked in and again checked if everything else was ok. During this entire time, I was cracking jokes from left to right. Oh man did it hurt to laugh, but I didn't want to portray myself as that poor injured person. At least I was vibing with the firefighters and EMS. Since I was in a happy mood, everyone else was too. And that's how it should be. Anyways, the ride was fun, with the exception of those bumps. Justroc accompanied me on this crazy ride. Thank God. When we arrived at the hospital, the nurse gave me a strong dose of muscle relaxant and some painkillers. The doctor said I couldn't dance for a week. By the way, muscle relaxant is bomb. I was out of there in at least 2 hours and was prescribed the ultimate Ibuprofen pills (aka horse pills). I find that ironic. My Chinese zodiac is a Horse.

Jan. 28 (Wednesday) Location: Apartment
I slept like a beast and missed all my classes. woo!

Jan. 29 (Thursday) Location: LMU
I was back on campus ready for action (not really). I was drowsy and groggy like no other. Those horse pills can really knock you out. The highlight of my day: sleeping.

Jan. 30 (Friday) Location: Fox Hills Mall
I met the Jabbawockeez on that day. It was a scintillating experience. It's really tough to get to actually meet them through a "Meet and Greet." I didn't feel comfortable at all. I would rather meet them in a dancing environment, for example, randomly meeting at a jam. That's perfect. I went anyways to be with Soleil, and I tried to make some conversation with them bboys. I think the most exciting part came right after I met them. I was walking towards the exit, when a guy handed me a WOD flier. I immediately exclaimed, "Oh! I'm promoting that already. I got some fliers in my bag. Thanks!" The guy asked, "Are you really?" I said,"Yep." He replied, "Oh, well, I'm the guy in charge. My name is Myron." That's when my jaw dropped. I've heard about him, and I couldn't comprehend the fact that we were face to face. I started saying stuff like "OH what?? really? no wayy!" I bet I made a fool of myself (haha). We conversed a bit more, and then I was out of there.

Jan. 31 (Saturday) Location: San Diego
This was the most random day. I somehow ended up in San Diego, shopping for shoes. Actually, I was there for a surprise birthday dinner party. Olive Garden is the ish, and so are these shoes...






Feb. 1 (Sunday) Location: A Warehouse in East LA
The Sweet n' Lowdown Jam was probably the best jam I've ever been to. Even though it was located in the sketchiest place ever, it turned out to be awesome. During the jam, they began playing House music. I couldn't help myself, and I started dancing. Bad decision. I hurt it again and must take another week off. Anyways, the jam was hype. It looked like something from the 90s. It was so old school and ridiculous. Free food and beer too...
At the jam, an interesting battle took place: Milita v. Boogie Brats. Terry and Humberto were stepping up their game while Papa Smurf and Casper were killing their rounds. It was ridiculously intense... to the point where Casper shoved Terry down and Lil Bob pushed Casper all the way to China. Chaos broke out. However, no fists flew. K-mel and Casper apologized on the microphone and shook hands with Terry and Lil Bob, which definitely shows how organized bboys can be when things hit the roof. That officially was the first bboy fight I have seen, and I wouldn't trade it for another.
The jam was off the charts. I've never seen hip hop in its rawest form before, and after that jam, I understood what the hip hop scene is really about. It isn't what you see on television. MTV creates an alternative view of hip hop that centers on success, fame, and wealth. But that's not what it's really about. The hip hop scene in its most purest form embodies passion, respect, dedication, creativity, and especially a never-ending love for dancing (not to mention mad beats). Despite my inability to battle at that jam, I am grateful to have gone anyways.
Duck-E.

A Break Dancing Tragedy

is always tragic.

My friends and I were in Korea town in L.A. (K-town for short). We came from another break dancing competition a few blocks away. This event was the second one of the night, and I believed in a secure win. We felt it in our blood, as graphic as that may seem. The prize: $1000 split between five. Money is money.

When we arrived, we surveyed the competitors:
-a group of Asian, dwarf-sized kids
-a group with ONE SuperCr3w bboy
AND
-a group of Mexicans.

In my head, I thought in my most African American slang, "Damn, we got dis shiet."

ROUND 1
-Mexicans v. Dwarf kids-
The two groups stepped onto the linoleum. On my left were the geeky Asian dwarfs who probably had some very disappointed parents. On my right were the Mexicans, who looked like they had been breaking for a long time. The Mexican crew had really good moves. Those kids...well, they were beginners. But it's ok. As I watched them get on the mat, I already knew who was going to be the victor: Asian pride.

In no time at all, the music began to blast all those crazy beats. The crowd was bobbing their heads to the music. Excited Asians began to cheer and shout. A small kid wearing glasses and a skating helmet stepped onto the dance floor. He jumped around a little bit. I wouldn't call it dancing per se, but hey, whatever makes him happy. Although I must admit, his jumping was probably the best jumping I had seen in a while. He abruptly stopped and placed his head on the floor. This kid meant business. He was going to headspin those Mexicans out of there. He executed the move perfectly, and soon, his opponent stepped onto the floor.

[I don't even know how to describe how a person breakdances. It really is a visual thing. I could be technical and describe it this way: "He switched his legs. He then took his right hand, grabbed his left leg, and jumped over it with his right leg. Then he touched his crotch." Or I could simply say: "He did well."]

He did well.

Each crew took turns. I can't recall details of what happened after that first round. However, the last round I remember clearly. A fat guy was dancing. Don't doubt fat bboys. Some really got talent. Others should just stick to eating. He was doing headspins, windmills, and weird things with his body. I was quite entranced by his fat, which was emphasizing his movements.

[When one break dances, there is a certain structure you tend to follow. It's not set, but it's standard. You dance upright, hit the floor, and then pose or freeze. There is a particular freeze you may want to keep in mind, and that is the air chair.]Back to the story, the fat guy started dancing upright. He then hit the floor and was doing crazy things. I was watching him transition into his freeze, an air chair, when suddenly, his arm snapped in half. Parents were screaming and pushing their kids out of there, while people were rushing to his side. It was chaos. They called 911, and finally, the host settled everyone down. Here was a fat dude lying in the middle of the dance floor. However, we still had a competition to finish. The DJ started up the music once again. It was roasting time.

Round 2
-Our Crew v. Crew with ONE SuperCr3w bboy-
This crew was probably the one that worried us the most, especially since they were mainly comprised of Koreans. We didn't worry too much since they had the fat guy on their side of the dance floor. The other team went first, but having such a huge obstacle on the floor hindered their performance. The first guy tripped over the fat man. The second guy accidentally stepped on him. It was intense. Then it was my turn. As I stepped onto the dance floor, I couldn't stop staring at the fat man. I pitied him but not too much. Just enough to feel bad for a second. Then, I came up with a great idea.

I began toprocking to the music ever so aggressively. I hit the floor with crazy six-steps, three-steps, grapevines, russian kicks, and threads. People could feel the wind. I was inching closer to the fat man. I told myself, "I can do it." I got up and flipped over the fat man right into the opponents' faces. I smiled and quickly hit the ground once again. I started going backwards, again inching towards the huge mass on the dance floor. As I got closer, I quickly got on top of him. Here was my chance...
I focused all my energy on the next move...
I turned left then right... then...
BAM!

He wasn't such a detriment after all.


That sealed the deal. They were probably the hardest crew of the bunch, and we beat them. As we received our money, I walked over to the fat man, shook his hand, and said, "Thank you." We left content, with money in our pockets and an awesome bedtime story....thanks to the fat man.


Duck-E.

(Most of the content in this story is strictly made up. Any similarities between the characters and those you know are purely coincidental.)