bookmark_borderDrawing: L.A. Ace of Pentacles

I don’t know why I prefer to share my drawings here instead of IG.

I guess I just don’t care for likes or to be seen anymore. I think “creating for the gram” or social media in general tends to dampen ones creative spirit…I know it does for me.

A part of you is creating based on the possibility of getting more “likes”…it’s a trap that everyone falls into.

Stop giving a fuck about it.

Create because you want to.

Create because it what drives you to be.

I pulled the Ace of Pentacles today, along with 5 of Wands and The Empress.

I felt compelled to draw it, it’s one of my favorite cards. Whenever I pull it it always screams ‘Money Out of Nowhere’ to me. And that’s always a good thing because I.love.money.

Edit: I took the photo in the daytime so it looks closer though not as pastel-y in real life.

bookmark_borderTaking Part in Your Community

It would be easier to say ‘fuck LA, it’s gentrified. I’m moving the fuck out.’

Yes, easy right?

But much harder and more of a challenge to actually stick around and take up space in your own community.

Let’s be real here, do you really want to move; especially if you’ve lived in LA for so long? I’ve thought about the logistics of getting a house that I can actually afford…in the desert, but financially it would still cost the same. And besides, why the hell should you move just because some out-of-towners are taking over your neighborhood. Fight back!

So the question is, how do you fight back, then?

By supporting local businesses, supporting your friends who are all grown up now and have started opening up their own businesses; supporting small mom and pop shops who have become a fixture in the neighborhood. Support them by buying something, don’t ask for free stuff; understand that they have to make money and have bills to pay too.

Fight back by taking up space, why not start your own small business if you have an idea that you think people would love? This is your city, too!

Most of us have gone beyond the self-centered mentality – when you were young all you cared about was yourself. There was a time when it served you well.

Now is the time to give back and help out.

I hope this puts things into perspective a little bit. Here is an excellent read: 9 Tried & True Methods for Fighting Back Against Gentrification

bookmark_borderMixed Media Drawing * Lost in Time * 2008

Title: Lost in Time
Description: Framed 11″x14″ black & white, mixed media drawing

If you grew up sometime between the 1980’s and 1990’s, were influenced by gang culture and watched “Mi Vida Loca”, then this mixed media drawing would be the end result. This is pretty much a throwback to those times.

Echo Park wasn’t a safe place back then. I’m sort of amazed at how much the city of Los Angeles has changed, for better or for worse.

Price: $250




bookmark_borderHiking Around Los Angeles, CA

[At the time this was written] I was forced to make a lifestyle change 4 months ago – I went and got a physical and was told that I was prediabetic and had high blood pressure too. Fuckin a, bummer. Being Filipino doesn’t help, either.

If I was still a few years younger, I would’ve probably ignored it and kept on eating the way I did (I did ignore my first warning actually). But this time around, it was different. I paid attention this time and commited myself to reversing this.

So long story short, I’ve been eating better. I’ve also been exercising and exploring LA like I never have before. I am learning to appreciate nature a whole lot more. Admittedly I’ve lived in LA for a long time now, but never explored it’s natural environment.

Here is a list of places I have hiked at so far, this list is just for my own record.

Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook

Cahuenga Peak

Coldwater Canyon Park

Eaton Canyon

O’Melveny Park

Runyon Canyon

Stough Canyon Nature Center

Temescal Canyon Gateway Park

Wildwood Canyon Park

Stough Canyon Nature Center

Wilacre Park