Sunday Spotlight: Ekolu

This post is hella long over due but it does not matter!

You guys!!

One of my bucket list/concert dreams came true for my birthday last May, making it even more special!

My favorite Hawaiian band Ekolu came to Hermosa Beach here in Southern California to perform. They typically have their gigs out in the islands of Hawaii and so coming to the mainland is not as frequent. And what joy that they come during my birth month. Yeyeahh.

They came last May and my two besties accompanied me to the concert as part of the birthday celebration and oh my gosh! I was smiling so big from ear to ear the whole night.

 

The moment I walked in, I was greeted by a woman and it took me a second to recognize her but when I did, I shrieked, "BUBS!" She is the lead singer's wife and if you follow Ekolu on Instagram, you know she the QUEEN of his life. And how awesome she was greeting guests. She went around the podium to give me a hug and take a picture with me. Such a sweetheart! No wonder Ekolu adores the floor she walks. They are definitely couple goals, ya'll.

Here are some snippets from the night. Definitely one of my favorite concerts ever...ever!

 

 

 Writing this post 5 months later just gives me the feels all over again. LOVE THEM.

 

 

<3<3<3

 

My Summer Fashion Essentials

Summer is in full swing here in Los Angeles. Though this weekend, we experienced some weird tropical weather reminiscent of the Philippines and Hawaii: extremely hot one day and thunderstorms and rain the next. I'm not complaining :) A break from the scorching heat is happily welcomed!

This summer, I've been grabbing certain pieces from my wardrobe that have become my summer essentials of 2015. These are my go-to, I-don't-care-how-many-times-I-wore-it pieces.

CLOTHING: Long Draping Cardigans 

Forever 21 Kimono

Pink Melo Cardigan (purchased from Ross)

FOOTWEAR: Flip flops

Dollhouse (purchased from Ross)

Mossimo (purchased from Target)

ACCESSORIES

Floral Sunglasses (purchased from Ross)

Target Earrings 

What have been your summer essentials?


<3<3<3

TBT: I Left My Heart In Hawaii

There is not a day that goes by that I do NOT think about Hawaii. I've been missing the island tenfold these last few weeks.

The summer after college graduation in 2008, I had the opportunity to finish one more class in Hawaii. I studied at the University of Hawaii, Manoa, for 5 weeks.

Hands down, those 5 weeks were the best 5 weeks of my life.

You know that song my Tony Bennett, "I Left My Heart In San Francisco"? Well, I left mine in Hawaii. Tony Bennett, I know what you mean.

I know it's different to have visited Hawaii and to actually live in Hawaii.

There is just something about that island that makes me feel at peace...

Perhaps it's the only place in the United States that is somewhat closest to the Philippines in essence?

I am an island girl. It is in my blood, it is in my heart, it is in my soul.

The Philippines is a slower-paced country. Hawaii is slower paced than Los Angeles where I live, but not as slow as the Philippines. And I love it. And I want it.

I contemplated applying for a job in Maui, but it's Maui. I want to live in Oahu. I need to think about my health. I have lupus. Most of the doctors, and probably "best" doctors are on Oahu and I need to be around them. Gahh...but that's a whole different discussion.

Enjoy the still moments that have captured not only my heart, but my soul and my being. I probably sound dramatic, but I just really long for this place...

Probably one of most photographed scenes: Hanauma Bay

A field where we helped with crops

I think this is Pearl Harbor? Or a place we went to before going to Pearl Harbor?

The loi'i on campus

A sacred site

Ala Moana - my favorite beach because the water was so calm it was like a pool

Waimea Falls - there was no waterfall when we got there :(

What's Hawaii without a luau?

Taro bread - something I miss and have been searching for here

My dorm

Pearl Harbor I think?

My class at PCC - Polynesian Cultural Center

Our last brunch 

The last picture I took as I arrived at the airport around 5:30am

How do I go back in time?

Oh Hawaii, I miss you dearly. 

<3<3<3

Song of the Moment: Hawaiian Reggae

                            Rebel Souljahz - "Nothing to Hide"

In college, I was able to take my very last class through a travel study program. I spent 5 unforgettable weeks studying in Hawaii (sounds like heaven, right? It was!) During my time there, I fell in love with a whole new genre of music I did not know existed: Hawaiian reggae.

Yes, yes, most, if not all, of us have heard of reggae. The first thing we think of when we hear "reggae" is Bob Marley. This isn't a bad thing at all. He's a legend, no doubt. There is definitely different styles of reggae which is influenced from the region it stems from and of course by the inspiration of other artists. 

Hawaiian reggae incorporates the Hawaiian instrument the ukelele. Just like the Hawaiian dance the hula, Hawaiian reggae tells a story. It is soft. It is sweet. It is romantic. It is laid back and easygoing. It celebrates a real love for the people, for the land and the culture. Their love songs celebrate love of the soul, the person, the natural beauty and not just the physical - sex, boobs, and booty which are go-to topics for mainstream hits in America.

Hawaiian reggae is the true definition of "feel good music." You cannot help but sway to the rhythm, singing and humming along. It's beautiful music. And it's actually about the music. The artists do not have the typical appearance of mainstream stars. But in this genre, it doesn't matter what you look like. It's about the music, the words, the story, the talent.

Rebel Souljahz's song is my current song of the moment. The piano in the beginning is just beautiful. The lyrics even more sweet. Give it a chance and tell me if you found yourself grooving to the beat.

If you want to hear a song that incorporates ukelele, listen to the song below. It's a bit more fast-paced and upbeat. Definitely a beautiful song and one of my favorites.

Three Plus - "Honey Baby"

I definitely hope you enjoyed the songs above. Please let me know what songs you are loving at the moment. 

Mahalo <3

<3<3<3