8: Sunday Shorty

09.26.2010 - Today, there was a baby shower at church after the service and that could only mean one thing: Potluck! Something I love about going to a Filipino church is they use almost any excuse to throw a party. Really. Pastor's birthday? Party. Church Anniversary? Party. Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Festivus? Ok, maybe not any excuse. But Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, Summer Solstice? Party, party, party, party, party!

Speaking of summer, it's been hot lately. Really. Luckily it's giving me a chance to run through my arsenal of short sleeve button ups one more time before I retire them for the winter. And a little Euro exclusive pair to match? Sure, why not.

posing by the trophy case

The thing I really like about Euro and Japan exclusives is the colorways they come out with. Before the craze really hit the US, most of the best, basic colorways came from Euro and Japan exclusive releases. Plus, you know you'll never see the same shoes on some Randy Random on the street, unless he knew what he was wearing. While this shoe might not look like much, the off color toe-box and swoosh panel combination was the main thing that caught my eye, along with the simple, clean, natural colorway too of course.

Nike Dunk Low - White/White-Baroque Brown [co.euro]

+ Old Navy Short Sleeve Button-up + Levi's 501

Sometimes these parties drag on into the late afternoon. As the girls were attending the baby shower portion of the party, I found my out. I was able to grab a few cookies for the road and ninja out of there unnoticed before anyone offered me a clothespin or asked me to fill in the blank for a nursery rhyme. I got home just in time to see Matt Cain finish his complete game masterpiece, carving through the Rockies like butter. A little nap, an early evening bike ride before dinner and some Sunday Night Football capped off a nice, chill, unfortunately short Sunday before the arduous, mundane, five day rat-race grind ahead. (Really.)

{currently in the speakers: Jay Rock - Thank the Lord}

*Bonus Section*

variety

(Photo Assist Credits: Rholinelle Joy DeTorres -thanks)

7: Back to School

09.25.2010 - Kara's been studying for her CPA for what seems to be over 12 years now (really more like a little over 12 months, but who's counting?). After breakfast she said that she was going to study before date night. I've been meaning to go to the Santa Clara University library to do some research for my business plan, so I proposed that if she were to study there I could join her.

A lot of this...

to get some of this...

to turn it into a "something like this" of my own.

SCU has changed a lot since I've been there, and I'm not just talking about parking. It seems every time I've passed by since I graduated in 2006 they have been doing construction on something; a new building here or there, taking something else down. But the most obvious change is the new library. Nice to see our tuition money being put to use for something... constructive.

To be 100% honest, my experience at SCU wasn't the greatest. The student body while I was there was very, for lack of a better word, segregated. Don't get me wrong, it's not like they had separate drinking fountains or anything like that, but growing up in a melting pot high school like Independence then transferring from a widely diverse public school in UC Riverside, I've never felt like a minority in my life until I went to SCU.

However, it wasn't until after I left that I truly realized the value of social participation -I never went to any parties or social events, never joined any clubs or frats, never really tried to get to know people outside of the people I already knew. And I wondered why I always felt like I was on the outside looking in? I will concede that me feeling out of place during my time there was more my own fault than anything else -lesson learned. Needless to say, if I could do it over again, I have no doubt that I would.

you are here. where do you want to be?

Though I was excited at the opportunity to take a step forward with my business plan, I was tentative at the fact I would be returning to a place of such disinclined memories. Driving to the parking garage was like driving back through time. But once I stepped onto campus, things seemed a little different. I knew I was different, but I got the feeling Santa Clara had changed as well. I don't know if it was just me, or the new library, but everything just seemed a little more... colorful during my visit yesterday.

Nike Blazer Mid - Medium Grey/Orion Blue - White

[Nike x Zoo York collaboration]

+ True "So International" Shirt + Levi's 501 Selvedge STF

It may have just been the weekend crowd or the limited sample size. Still, I don't want to be a skeptic. I'd like to hope things change for the better. With the world the way it is nowadays, you have to hope things change for the better.

I didn't plan to go Day 6: "Professor" and Day 7: "Back to School," I swear it just worked out that way. Life is definitely a learning experience in progress. Just like in class, life is a lot more fun when you participate.

{currently in the speakers: Kanye West - Heard 'Em Say}

*Bonus Section*

the reason we never got anything done while studying together in college...

(yes, Kara made me guess "Jabba the Hutt" in Hangman)

shots of the new library

(Photo Assist Credits: Kara Pacis -thanks)

6: Professor

09.24.2010 - A small part of me has always wanted to be a teacher. I always had that in the back of my mind as my backup career in case everything else fell through, or if I got rich early on, have it as a retirement gig. I feel like opportunity to influence lives is something great that few other professions offer. Some of the most influential people in my life, the people that have had significant impact on who I am today, have been teachers. From Ms. Ledesma in 11^th grade US History, Mr. Farnham in 12^th grade Economics, to Prof. Wade’s various Business and Finance classes; if it wasn’t for these teachers, I wouldn’t be who I am at this moment.

This summer, Uncle Frank gave the old leaders the chance to come back and help with Upstream -I jumped at the opportunity (1). When I was younger, I attended youth night to hang out with the older kids. Now, I could come back and remember what it was like to be young again. But as returning leaders, we were given a specific task: choose a group you want to lead and develop a curriculum tailored to that group. The choices were junior high, high school and college –I knew exactly which group I wanted to be a part of.

The college group was young enough that I felt they could learn something from me as a person, but old enough that I could still relate to them and connect with them. I wanted to impart knowledge that would be not only helpful to know, but practical as well. We could discuss thoughts and ideas on topics that we all had interest in. The relationship between the group and I would be mutually beneficial.

To start our series, I picked up a book I had read my first year in college, Lee Strobel’s The Case for Faith. Essentially, the book is a series of interviews in which Strobel discusses several common objections to the Christian faith –topics like: “Since Evil and Suffering Exist, a Loving God Cannot” and “Since Miracles Contradict Science, They Cannot Be True.” As Christians, we sometimes shy away from getting into discussions with others regarding our faith when they have such concerns, often because we have no good answers. I wanted to help these kids find some answers. I wanted to find some answers for myself.

Keeping on an unspoken theme of relating my shoe to my activity for the day, I chose a pair whose significance was more in the name than in the color or type of shoe. I’ve mentioned in the past that sneakerheads often give shoes nicknames. It’s a lot easier to say “Spacejams” than it is to say “Jordan XI – Black/Black-White”. I’m not necessarily sure if the nicknames come more from Nike or from the sneaker collecting community or if it’s a little bit of both. Regardless, coming in to teach, I chose to wear the “Twisted Preps.” (check the insoles in the upcoming pic for explanation)

school is in session.

This Friday we covered a very interesting topic, “It is Offensive to Claim Jesus is the Only Way to God.” I don’t want to go into it too deeply here (I feel there is a time and place for everything and if you want to discuss this topic, I will be more than happy to outside of this forum) but the discussion was both broad and deep. We discussed how Christianity isn’t the only religion that claims exclusivity, how truth is both absolute and knowable, discussed common reasons why people are turned off to Christianity and even touched on the question, “What about the bush-man who never heard the gospel –can he not go to heaven?” Great stuff.

Nike Dunk Low Pro - Clay/Glacier Blue - Light Bone ["Twisted Prep"]

+ Gap Short Sleeve Button-up + Levi's 514 Premium

After the service came one of my favorite Friday night Upstream pastimes: going out to eat! During the old days, we didn’t have many options around our area and often just chose between In-N-Out and Wendy’s; we weren’t too picky back then. These kids aren’t us. We’ve tried a variety of late night spots including Wing Stop and the nostalgic In-N-Out. Tonight someone mentioned that the Mogo’s truck was near Vista Verde; of course they decided to go there.

The other times I’ve tried Mogo’s, I honestly wasn’t impressed. You can read my more in depth review on the place (or truck, rather) here if you’re interested. But let me just say that after tonight, I've settled that Mogo’s can definitely fulfill the specific craving you have, if you have it, and I would definitely stop by again if it was in my area.

Deep theological discussion, spicy pork tacos, choppin it up in the parking lot, Jarritos, riding bikes, kim-chi and tofu quesadillas, cream soda and lots of smiles and laughs… You may call it random. I just call it another Friday night with Upstream.

{currently in the speakers: Lecrae - Truth}

(1) - Our church youth group is named Upstream because we "go against the flow".

*Bonus Section*

Tofu Quesadilla

I wonder if Aldwin posed like that on purpose....

Joy: Who got cream soda?

(Who else?)

(Picture Assist Credits: Jesimiel Fuentes, Rholinelle Joy DeTorres -thanks)

*You will seek Me and you will find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.*

Not Just for Sneakerheads...

Nice read from Ball Don't Lie's Kelly Dwyer. Sports aren't going to be a regular topic here at SneakersCultureLife, but I thought this blog was a great example of how sneakers branch out past our "small" sneaker collecting community. Fashionistas, jocks and everyone in between can appreciate an icon and an iconic shoe when one comes around. Cool kicks aren't just for Sneakerheads.

5: For Daily Use

09.19.2010 - I'd like to think that I'm the type of shoe collector that can appreciate a well designed shoe of any style whether it be a runner, basketball shoe, casual shoe, dress shoe, boot, even girl's shoe. But in the recent years, I've realized that you might be more accurate if you labeled me more of a "Nikehead" than a "sneakerhead."

When it comes to shoes that I will actually buy and wear, if two shoes are comparable (whether it be for form, function or both), 99 times out of 100 I will pick the Nike over another brand. Vans Chukka boot? No thanks, but I'll gladly rock those Tokis. New Balance 993? The grey Air Max Ones will suit me just fine. Sperry Topsiders? Fancy, but I heard Nike is coming out with new Mad Jibes; I can wait. Supra Skytop? Those are nice, but give me some Retro Jordan Ones or Dunk Highs any day. It has really gotten to the point where I hesitate buying a shoe that I like just because it's not a Nike.

I've been wanting to get a pair of Vans for a while, but I haven't ever been able to bring myself to do it. They're simple, look comfortable and they're cheap -great everyday shoes. But they're Vans. Not to say anything against anyone that has them, but here in the Bay Area, everyone has them. Enter: the Nike Zoom Stefan Janoski SB.

clean

I hesitated at first when I first saw previews of these on the message boards. They looked like so many other "casual" Nikes that preceded them in the 90's; you know, the cheap ones you see for $20 in the outlets? The thing is, they weren't. They were just different enough. Add a quality suede upper, some Zoom Air on the inside and some perfect timing and you got me sold! Leave it to Nike to make a few small improvements and call it a brand new shoe. But hey, I'm not complaining. Stefan Janoski, your Vans Nike SB pro model is perfect for daily use. (see: tongue tag)

Nike Zoom Stefan Janoski SB - Black/White

+ "I Been to the Lamsion, son" limited edition promo tee

+ Gap Cargo shorts + New Era SF Giants Retro 5950

I think one of the big reasons I'm starting to love this shoe is because they're really versatile (doesn't look bad dressed preppy or casual) and available lots of colorways. I don't think I'm the only one feeling these either. While prices aren't shooting through the roof (we're in a recession after all), these shoes have a huge following and are getting harder and harder to find. It's not going to be Dunk fever again, as I've vowed to diversify my collection in my aging years, but I can definitely promise this won't be my last pair of Janoski's.

{currently in the speakers: Wale - Beautiful Bliss}

*Bonus Section*

coming to a skate shop near you...

Anthracite/ Jetstream - September 2010 release

Black Leather/ White - Holiday 2010 release

Sport Red - March 2011 release

Navy/ Gum - Summer 2011 release

and a few you might be able to find online

...if you're lucky

White/White - Perforated Leather

Pine Green/ Sail

Black/ Mint

Pacific Blue/ White

Nike x Michael Lau collaboration

(Photo Credits: Kara Pacis -thanks, Flight Club, Shelta.se, Solecollector forums)

P.S. Shout out to my good friend Pat Lam, co-owner of the Lamsion and part of my inspiration to start my own blog.

P.P.S. Shout out to my other friend Pat Mitchell. I can never beat him in fantasy baseball -this year was no different. (See? I'm a man of my word.)

3 & 4: Combos

09.18.2010 - Two events on one Saturday opens up the opportunity for a One Hundred x One Hundred double-dip. It doesn't (and probably won't) happen too often, so I have to take advantage of these double headers if I want to stay on a good pace. That being said, the baby dedication and date night scheduled for the morning and evening of the 18th set up the exact scenario I need to look for.

Early on, when I was still building my shoe collection, I had a lot more clothes than shoes. Before I went out, I would pick what I would be wearing, then pick the shoes that matched. As my collection grew, the tables turned. Because I had more shoes than clothes and wanted to keep the shoes in good rotation, I had to pick my shoes first and then coordinate the clothes after. When it got to the point when my sneaker collection outgrew my wardrobe, I would only buy new clothes if I knew I already had shoes to match -or else, I would have to buy the shoes to match the new clothes and that would just be a bad cycle, considering I already had too many as it was (1). But I digress...

Part One

The dedication was a lunch affair -a family event with reception at Maggiano's. Combining two of my favorite things, family and food, was a sure-fire great way to start a Saturday. I felt that the "Alohas" would be a nice shoe for the event. The green was highlighted during the day, the hemp weave added unique style and the dark and natural colors toned it down enough that I wouldn't look inappropriately dressed. The sweater I paired with them was a Christmas gift from my sister a few years back. She bought it for me saying, "I knew that you had shoes that matched it already." Fact of the matter was, I didn't. However, it gave me a perfectly good excuse to pick up the Dunks I'd been eyeing.

Aloha

Our table was the only "young adults" table at the event, but it was definitely the right one to be at. Conversation flowed like the free refills on iced tea I was getting all day. Topics ranged from:

- "Snooky said it; it must be true." -Samantha

- Twitter: follow me!

- Astrid wanting to buy a Nate Kaeding jersey (the kicker? really?)

- Niki Minaj and Drake are just Lil Wayne carbon copies, except one is a girl and one sings

- Mainstream hip-hop is incestuous

- "Pork butt" is actually pork shoulder

- Foie Gras (I'm a sucker for foie gras... and french fries.)

- Jirael learning to "get low" when running the football -> Sam's friends met Lil Jon and call him "Lil Johnny"

- Facebook "social etiquette": how soon is too soon to add someone?

- Aunty Sharon loves Justin Bieber

- "I don't know.. if you wanted to make your food more salty. I'm just saying.." -Samantha, in reference to picking your nose

- Lady Gaga -> the meat dress -> the purpose of her "creation" -> the positive affect she has on "outcasts" in society -> the negative affect she has on music as a whole, and subsequently the world

Random. Fun. Great. The weather was awkward all week, but when we got outside, it was nice and sunny -ideal strolling weather.

Nike Dunk Low - Khaki/Baroque Brown -Mean Green ["Alohas"]

[Nike x KicksHawaii collaboration]

+ Gap Zip Cardigan + Levi's 514 Premium

When all was said and done, we left Santana Row in the late afternoon. I had to get home to change for my date!

Part Two

It seems like it's been forever since Kara and I have gone out out for a date date, so I wanted to take her somewhere fun. Golfland? Perfect. Now, what to wear? In this instance, I picked the sweater first due to the activity and outside conditions. For the footwear to match, I dug deep into the archives for a pair of Dunks I haven't worn in over a year. Though they've been with me since 2003, I retired them a while back to try to preserve whatever freshness they had left. Welcome back, old friend.

out of retirement for one night

The story behind this sweater is much different than the last. I've had the Stone/Mesa's for years, but never really had something that matched well. When I found it at a shop in San Diego, I knew it was exactly what I'd been looking for. Later, wanting to give that pair a rest, I purchased different pair of brown and orange Dunks almost solely so I could continue wearing the sweater.

Date night was a lot of fun. Mini golf ended in a tie (a story for the kids) and we capped the night off with a long awaited trip to Five Guys Burgers and Fries in Fremont. If you don't know, cheeseburgers are my favorite food. Though they conveniently package all four basic food groups, that isn't the reason I love them. I love them because they are delicious. =)

Nike Dunk Low Pro - Light Stone/Mesa Orange -Paul Brown ["Stone Mesa's"]

+ LRG Knit Button Hoody + Levi's 514 Premium

I won't drag this out any longer with my take on the experience (check out my Yelp page for that story), but I will say that I really liked Five Guys Burgers and would definitely go back. It's definitely worth trying if you haven't already.

After finishing my first full week of training as a Law Enforcement Clerk, a fun and eventful Saturday was just what the doctor ordered. The string of good times has truly been a blessing, but has reminded me to never take things for granted -enjoy your life and enjoy your loved ones. Peace.

{currently in the speakers: Rick Ross f. Drake, Chrisette Michelle - Aston Martin Music}

(1) Let's be real though. You can never have too many shoes...

*Bonus Section*

THE table

Tiramisu. yeuup.

Five Guys Burger "with everything"

good?

GOOD

But in the end... (ya, I posted that one.

Kara made me take it down though.)

(Photo Assist Credits: Gabriel Hipol, Kara Pacis -thanks)