Back To Reality (04.02.16)

A DAZZLING Reality

Why DAZZLING is so important to me:

It’s never easy for females to jump to the top of their industry. Now, to add the Asian oppressive culture on top of that, not to mention their age, school work, and physical limitations, I have come to respect those who fight to support those they love even though they may never be recognized by their idols. Personally, I’m in the same boat, thus I have more sympathy for like minds. Which is why, I think, DAZZLING is unique, special, and I’m a fan of theirs.

If you claim that you’ve never been a fan of a fan, you’re lying. Our idols today are fans of others. DAZZLING came together because they were fans of Shinee and then stayed together because they found friendship and comfort in like minded companions. Their story may be common but it is one often untold and should be. So, in a year, I’m hoping to shoot a film of their story and struggles, because I find them inspiring and, of course, because I am their fan.

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On my recent trip to Taiwan, on the last day, I had the opportunity to meet and hang out with DAZZLING from Taiwan!! They're a group of dancers, predominantly girls, who do cover dances of popular K-pop songs they like. They got more famous because of their enthusiastic and energetically manly styled dances despite being women. As of right now, the are all female, but they do have one male member who recently moved to the LA area because of reasons. He's the one I met first and I grew the connection to their team leader. After miscommunicating a lot because her English and my Chinese was not up to par, we finally managed to meet and talk and come to a conclusion!!

Here are the DAZZLING ladies minus Rita!

It is my honor to let anyone who reads my blog know that I am going to shoot my debut feature film in Taiwan... and DAZZLING will be my actors and subject. This film explores the reality of the dance community (or the lack there of) in Taiwan. It will bring to light how different it is compared to what we, here, in America, know and understand. It will explore the  mindset and issues these young people face. And, of course, though the film will be a story, there will be a behind the scenes documentary that goes into the truth of what is going on and how things work in Taiwan. There will be interviews, footages, and the like! So, I'm very excited and starting to figure things out is all the more exciting... YAY!!

The biggest issue I have right now is getting the music licensing rights for "Danger" by BTS. So, if you have any suggestions or advice, please leave it in the comments section!! For those of you who don't know who BTS or Bangtan Boys or care about k-pop... here's their MV of the song I want to use!! And HERE it is DAZZLING dancing to it. ... Not so bad, eh??

A Queen and A Treat (03.21.16)

Still in Taiwan but now in Taipei, the hub of culture where the traditional meets the modern. Home of the Taipei 101 building and famed foods with flavors that can only be experienced here. Blessed to live close to the Botanical Gardens, my family welcomed me to their home, and here I lay to rest before venturing out for hours at a time, via a super efficient and convenient subway system. Have I complimented this city enough? Well, it's white a whopper of a place, let me tell you!

I saw a temple and then another. So many foreigners in Taipei, not many in PingTung, but I think that's about right, right? Anyways, there was lots of food and my Aunt chose a place off of the ZhongHe-XinLu Line (#4)! The place was called ShiBaFan and it was hidden in a nook. But I'm so thankful I had the chance to experience it!

One must remove their shoes and place it in the cubbies outside first, before entering! The hostess is older but very respectful and nice! The place setting is clean and there is the option of the chair or bench! After ordering, there is a side bar of vegetarian options, which makes it easier for those of a vegetarian diet! The sour radish is okay, the bitter melon was later replaced with broccoli, and the soup was WONDERFUL!! My TonKatsu came and it was like eating lightly battered and fried steak-like pork! It was so juicy and filling, I didn't finish all my rice! The sweetness of the oranges after was a great dessert and the tea really helped make the meal complete! Overall, I rate this a firm 4 of 5 Stars!!

Why "A Queen", you may ask? Well, I was treated to a flower candy that is made with part of actual flowers. It was, apparently, a favorite treat of Sissi, Empress Elisabeth of Austria. Before she was assassinated, she claimed her favorite candies were the sugared flowers. They're very sweet and tasted like flowers! I really liked it! Research her for more information about her tragic life!