Touched by "Diwa"

Very rarely do I watch a movie that affects me so deeply and stays with me long after the credits have ended. This was the case when I watched the short film, “Diwa.” I had seen the poster and promos on social media and kept reminding myself to do some research and look into it. I had assumed that it was a story of a young woman; probably illegally residing in the US.  Here I was thinking it had something to do with President Trump, his views on immigration, DACA or building the wall. Boy was I wrong.

Aina Dumlao as Diwa

As I told Aina Dumlao, the lead actress and the co-director, co-writer, and co-producer of “Diwa”, the movie was so much more than that. It resonated with me for so many reasons. Although I am a Filipina-American and have never experienced Diwa’s situation, I have heard and know of many Filipinos who have come to America in hopes of a better life, and to help their family back home – my grandparents, relatives, acquaintances, and the list goes on and on. Unfortunately, as in life, there are so many unknowns and life isn’t always fair. I’ve heard the many tales.  “Diwa”, as the filmmakers state, “is a true story many times over…Diwa is a fictional character, but her story is not.”

I love films that make you think, ask, and feel what the character (and sometimes characters) are going through even though you’ve never been in their shoes. This is exactly what Diwa did.  I felt….and asked...soooo many questions…Have you ever felt so alone? What would you do if you felt you had nowhere else to go? If you saw no light at the end of the tunnel? How would I react if someone treated me unfairly? Would I have the courage? How did my empathy and understanding for undocumented workers change so much after watching this film? Why did this film affect me so much? I could go on…

“Diwa” is more than a film about immigrants and the racial injustices of our world. It is an emotional, powerful and heartbreakingly sad but often true story that deals with false hope, lost dreams, survival and a strong sense of family.

I truly hope you go out and support this film which is making it's way through various film festivals.  And if you are in Southern California this weekend, Diwa will have a world premiere and more importantly can make it an Academy Award contender at this weekend’s Dances with Films event.

The 21st Dances with Films screening will take place on Saturday, June 9th at 5pm, at the historic TCL Chinese Theaters in Hollywood.

For more info, you can head to www.mynameisdiwa.com

The American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Los Angeles Event & Kickoff

This past weekend, I emceed the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Los Angeles Event and Kickoff which was held at the Gene Autry Museum.  I've attended their kickoff event for the past several years and to be an emcee this year, was a a huge honor. It was a little more casual, this time around, since it was held outdoors at the museum, and the theme was cowboy/western...fitting for the venue - and of course, to wear pink.

As always, it was a morning filled with honoring inspiring women who have battled, been diagnosed, or are fighting breast cancer To hear their amazing stories was bittersweet.  Listening to their stories of survival was beautiful, touching, and heartwarming.  But the fact that they had to fight this nasty disease made me so angry, at the same time.  I hope that we will find a cure to fight breast cancer.  This is exactly what part of the kickoff event was all about - to support the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk which is happening on October 21st.  To be a team leader, start your own team or group, and to help raise money.  

There is so much that the American Cancer Society is doing in terms of research, support and patient programs.  But they can't do it without us.  For more information, on the American Cancer Society, you can head to:

https://www.cancer.org/about-us/local/california.html

Fore more information on the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk happening on October 21st, the website is:

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/MakingStridesAgainstBreastCancer/MSABCCY17CA?pg=entry&fr_id=84622

Linkin Park - RIP Chester Bennington

I can't believe how long it's been since my last blog.  As I sit here and see what my previous entry was, I am heartbroken.  For those of you who know me, I am a Linkin Park fan and have been for several years. I've seen them many times in concert and have watched them perform more than any other band out there.  I was drawn to their music.  They just had a special and beautiful way of expressing how I was feeling.  Growing up, they would sing about things that I would oftentimes be too afraid to verbalize and explain things in a way no one else could. It's difficult for me to expound and for once in my life, I am at a loss for words.  

A couple of weeks ago, my sister (who first introduced me to the band's music) and I made our way to a couple of memorials for Chester Bennington. I was just going through those pictures, so I've decided to share them with you as well.

at the back alley of the Seventh Letter Art Gallery - 346 N. Fairfax Ave in Los Angeles

Artist Owen Dippie adding the finishing touches - www.owendippie.com

by Artists Jonas Never, Kryst, and Mr Kub at the Rock'n Pies Pizza in Sherman Oaks - 12920 Riverside Drive

at Warner Bros Records in Burbank

RIP Chester.  Prayers go out to you and your loved ones.