Memories of Merrie Monarch

Its interesting because a very long time ago, when I first watch Merrie Monarch festival on tv, I would have never imagined I would end up getting the chance to compete on that stage. Many people dream of that moment of being on the stage. Some of them actually get to do it. Some still dream of it. But yes, thanks to my Nāpunaheleonāpua Kumu Rich, I got that chance.....One that I will always be grateful for.... And one that will forever be emblazened in my history books: Merrie Monarch 2005. My world was forever changed. My horizons have been broadened.... I have met the best group of aunties one could have..... My family extended... People I would have never had the chance to meet, I know....  Now all of yah'll know what kind of stuff we went through that year... Love and miss all my bro's and sister examples... Now when I see it on t.v., i see things in a whole new different way..

One of my clients that I help out on a regular basis, posted this message on Facebook...

I am not going to post her name just out of respect for privacy issues.... But it helped light up my day that kinda sucked...

JC.

Just thought I'd stop by at 4:52 PM to personally thank you, Jeff, for trying so hard for an hour to help me download my deceased cousin's slideshow on to my hard drive. To you, I'm sure it was just "part of the job," but to me, it spoke far more than just something you HAD to do (and we'll go at it again next week Wednesday--if you're there at ATRC). As a techie myself, nothing's more frustrating than wanting to do something badly but being unable to do it myself without asking for help--especially when the help never comes. Fortunately in this situation, it did--and I have you to thank for it. Never mind the fact that you don't know as much about this and that...Never mind, who cares. I'm not comparing, just grateful for your help! I told my cousin's family, especially his middle sister nicknamed Pnut, what we tried to do and they cried with joy because of the help I got from you. God bless, my bruddah, and have a good one! :-)

It's getting close to graduation time again....

... and I am nervous as heck. I just got a few things to wrap up before that big day arrives... on Sunday, 3 June, 2012.  Here's a paper I had to write for one of my classes that kind of takes you through my journey in school... Why I wanted to get a degree in Social Work. It is mainly because I want to make a difference in someone's life. It doesn't make me any better than anyone else. I just want to make it so I have the credentialing to make it to the next step. My next step? Grad school. That is yet to be determined. However, I have set my eyes on University of Southern California, Los Angeles. I do not know if I will get accepted there. Even if I do get accepted, I will need to find a way to pay for it and support myself throughout that year and a half. But here's what I wrote.. and I hope you enjoy it.... =) Brace yourself, because it is quite long: 7 Pages to be exact.

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My Life Story

I look back on the last 20 years of my life ever since I graduated from high school. June 3, 2012 will make 20 years to the day since I graduated from high school. I graduated from Hawaiian Mission Academy on June 3, 1992 at 16 years old. As the date slowly gets here, I look back to remember what I have done for the last 20 years. Sometimes I feel like I just woke up from a deep sleep and wonder what did I really accomplish. This is a brief version of my story.

Humble Beginnings

My name is Jeffrey Daniel Ah Sam. I was born on Sunday, August 10, 1975. I am the fourth child in a family of six children total. Even though I was born in Pago Pago, AS, I grew up in Los Angeles, San Francisco, CA and Kailua, HI. I was set to graduate from a high school in South San Francisco, but my dad decided to uproot the family and we ended up moving here to Hawai’i in 1991 during the middle of my senior year.

School History

As soon as I graduated from high school, I was given an option to either go to University of Hawai’i (UH) or to go to American Samoa. The last time I have been in Samoa was when I was four years old. I decided I needed to rediscover my roots. So for the next two years, I attended American Samoa Community College (ASCC). I graduated with an Associate of Arts degree in May 1994.

Early Work History

In 1997, I decided to join the workforce. I started working as a customer service representative at Reno Air / American Airlines for the next two years. During that time I took the opportunity to travel since that is one of my passions. I went to places like Miami, St. Thomas, and even to Washington D.C.

I moved back to Hawai’i in 2000 to help take care of my mom who was sick. I ended up working at a travel agency since I had experience working in the airline industry. During this time, I took trips to Australia, Fiji, Japan and Thailand.

Beginnings of a Career Change

In 2007, I had a career change. The travel industry was not as attractive to work in anymore due to the direction it was going. Travel incentives were getting cut. In addition, I was getting bored. I needed some kind of challenge.

One of my friends had a nephew that was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. He came to me and had asked me if I could be like a big brother and help him with simple living skills. So I signed up with Nursefinders. Nursefinders found out that I have an AA degree so they asked me if I would be interested in working with elementary students. At first, I did not want to because I did not feel I would be comfortable doing that kind of job. However, after working my first case, I decided that I liked doing this. As 2008 summer came along, I decided I needed to find another job to supplement my job at Nursefinders. School was out of session and I needed to keep on working. So, I applied at agencies with similar type of jobs. That is how I discovered Care Hawai’i. They assigned me to a residential shelter in Makakilo and Waipahu. That is where I worked for the next two years.

As I worked with Nursefinders and Care Hawai’i, I discovered something inside of me that I have not felt in years. That is the passion of working with others. When I looked back on the types of jobs I had, I discovered they all amounted to one thing – helping others. I also compared my jobs with something I was doing since I was a child, and that was babysitting. I used to babysit my younger sisters. Eventually, I started babysitting my older sibling’s children. Even to this day, I find myself babysitting my cousin’s five children. However, I find that I love kids so it does not bother me one bit that I am with them. So essentially, these jobs I had were just another form of babysitting. I say that because I used to watch over one of my friend’s grandmother. I would feed her, make available her medication, and just play cards with her until her grandson picked her up.

Looking Toward Higher Education

I decided at one point, I would go back to school and see how far up the ladder I can go. I did not want to work hard and find myself at the bottom of the totem pole. I re-enrolled myself at HPU and signed up for their Social Work program. However, the advisor told me that I would be graduating in 2013 being that I was going to school part-time. I did not like that. University of Hawai’i was not an option because they did not offer any type of flexibility in terms of scheduling.

In 2009, I decided to try with the University of Phoenix. My mom just graduated from the school in 2007 and one of my really good friends had also just signed up. I went to the meeting with the advisor, and I was told that I could graduate in 2012. I took a look at the schedule and decided that one night a week, for four hours would work well for me. So I signed my life away.

Enrolling at University of Phoenix turned out to be one of the best decisions I made. At times during the school, I had many ups and downs and there were times I just wanted to give up. However, I told myself, I am almost done and I will give it one more try. At UOP, our BSHS program required us to complete three different field experiences.

Volunteer Experience / Field Experience

Here is a list of my volunteer experiences that I completed while enrolled at UOP. These were part of a requirement I needed to fulfill in order to graduate.

My first internship was at Halawa Correctional Facility. When I first seen this on the list, I was kind of excited and nervous at the same time. I did not know what to expect.

Halawa Correctional Facility, Intern

August 2010 – January 2011

·         I assisted inmates to prepare for a transition from prison to the community. Many inmates were leaving prison so I helped them find resources to half-way houses or find a job.

·         I lead group sessions. Each Tuesday and Thursday, a group session for the mental inmates in Ward C to assist inmates cope with being in prison and how to interact appropriately in a community.

·         My supervisors and I would visit inmates in the Special Holding Unit (SHU). My supervisor would visit each inmate and attempt to find out what the prisoner’s mental status would be like.

For more detail what I did each day, please refer to BSHS 341 Daily Journal.

My second field experience was at Assistive Technology Resource Centers of Hawai’i. I was very humbug when I could not continue my field experience at the prison. Here is a little of what I did while there.

Assistive Technology Resource Center of Hawai’i, Technology Assistant

March 2011 - present    

·         I trained physically disabled folks on assistive devices and computers. I also used the internet to search for assistive devices that will benefit clients with physical disabilities. I also demonstrated the device for them once they purchased the device.

·         I assisted with instructing computer classes. Many clients wanted to know how to use a computer to email, browse the internet, and how to use different social media such as Facebook, Twitter, and Google +.

For more detail what I did at this field experience, please see BSHS 411 – Daily Journal. I should also note that as I was getting ready to leave this agency, the boss decided to hire me as a part-time employee where I am today.

Last but not least, is my third and final field experience. This time, I found a  place where I can stay near school and does not require too much travel time.

Partners In Development Foundation, Hui Ho’omalu Program

February 2012 – March 2012    

·         Recruiting potential families at community events

·         Interviewing families who recently were approved to become foster parents / caregivers.

Calling potential families who wanted to become foster parents to make sure fostering children was something they really wanted to do.

·         Organizing client folders

Following up with the clients to make sure they turned in the requirements needed to approve their request.

                                            

For more detail what I did at this field experience, please see BSHS 491 – Daily Journal.

Extracurricular Activities

During the time of being enrolled at school, I heard on the news that there was going to be a casting call for the newly remade Hawai’i 5-0. I decided to take my nephews and nieces with me. I did not think we were going to make it on the show. However, I received a call that I was going to be casted. After one shoot, I decided to see what else I can get into. Off the Map, another television show just started filming. I sent in my information and was called for it.

Other movie and television projects I have worked on include Battleship, Journey to the Center of the Earth 2: Mysterious Island, and Cougar Town. During this time, I met a great deal of wonderful people. I am also a member of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) union. The only benefit of joining the union is a higher pay rate.

Future Plans

As June 2012 gets closer, I look back and see everything I have done. I seem to be content with everything. There are a few regrets, but life is too short to wallow in that.

My next step is finding a graduate school to work on a Master’s degree. I am not quite sure what I would like to specialize in just yet. I have a few choices about which school I would like to attend. One choice is at University of Southern California (USC). If for some reason USC does not work out, my other option would be HPU. I have not decided yet which field of study I am going to pursue. I know that I will be possibly looking at Counseling or Social Work. No matter which field I choose, I just have to remind myself of my personal mission statement.

Personal Mission Statement

I am committed to educate, motivate, and empower anyone I can to get them on their feet so they may live respectable lives.

I am about helping others succeed. Schools like UOP did what it could to help me succeed. There are countless many others who also did what they could to help me succeed. It is now time for me to pay it forward and help someone else succeed and accomplish their dreams. Most clients will not always want to attend college, or work. Most have the desire to just lead a normal life and to be treated as normal. As long as I can see that smile on their face, that would be a reward enough for me.  

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I do want to say that I was a University of Phoenix student and I am actually glad that I went through this program. I hope that I will be successful in the long run. =)

I got to watch the first two hours of Whitney Houston's funeral. Indeed it was heart-felt and touching. Hearing the wonderful things about a great legend who went off to rest from all the troubles she endured. I felt a deep emotion inside of me. The same kind of emotion I felt watching Michael Jackson's funeral. Watching this funeral though I couldn't help but compare the two funerals.

Michael Jackson - had his funeral at the Staples Center.

Whitney Houston - had her funeral at the church she was raised in

Michael Jackson - was only 2 hours maximum that showcased his kids at the end. More of a secular nature.

Whitney Houston - was 4 hours long. Marvin Winans served as the main speaker.

I think though that Whitney's funeral was more of a blessing though to those who watched the funeral. Well I am only stating an opinion because I truly don't know what everyone else's reaction was. I just know a few people though that didn't really care though. Maybe because they weren't really emotionally invested as many of us were.

I loved how the New Hope Baptist choir opened up the service with a beautiful chorus - Psalm 23. Even before the service started, they were singing. And it was sooooooo beautiful. Reminds me why I love to listen to gospel. You just know them choirs are going to kill it with their voices. I would love to add the music to my collection.

Donnie McClurkin - Stand
Alicia Keys - Prelude to a Kiss
Stevie Wonder - Ribbon in the Sky
R Kelly - I Look to You
The Winans Family - Tomorrow

Everyone just sang from the heart.
It's a trip though because, Reverend Marvin Winans made a comment - "God says, I got you. Thank you Whitney Houston for your life. We and the whole world is/was attending church and your funeral to
day and enjoying all these moving inspirational words of wisdom and sermon. You lived well and fought the good fight of faith and have won, and left a mark in life that has inspired us all. You will be truly missed be never forgotten. We love you and you will live in our hearts forever! RIP and in love Whitney...

Other quotes: Beautiful, Uplifting, moving and spirit filled -

"You stand! I need you!" Whitney Houston to her sister in law and manager
"You are an angel from God's choir." Stevie Wonder to WH
"Don't grieve for me." Dionne Warwick
"Because you were there, I'm here." - Ricky Minor, WH's music director
"Give your life to Jesus today as tomorrow is not promised." - Rev. Marvin Winan and his family's performance of the song "Tomorrow"

Here's a link to the Winan's tribute to Whitney:

I love this song a lot. It is true when they say, tomorrow is never guaranteed.

This weekend.. Sat 11 Feb - Sunday 12 Feb, 2012

This weekend is crazy. First up, I went to watch the movie Journey to the Center of the Earth 2: Mysterious Island. Yes, I made the actual cut. I was on screen for a good 5-7 seconds. Watch for the pier scene. A fish was cut, then the camera pans to the Rock and Josh Hutcherson walking. I walk right in back of them carrying a lobster cage. I was wearing a blue t-shirt. My little nephew Peri was also on-screen. He shows up as i put the lobster cage down. It will be a movie that I will be forever remember. The second time you see me, but it is from afar, is I am walking from the left side of the screen and into one of the middle shops. My friend Brandy is walking in front of me.

I also got to see some of my other friends as well - Gregg Savella, Brandy Rivera, Libette Garcia, Geri Galanto, and many others as well. I will post their names at a later time, only because I have to go watch it again just for that scene on the pier. Watching it in 3D was awesome but kind of got me dizzy. Overall it was a fun and entertaining movie. However, I thought there was going to be more action. I am most definitely buying the DVD when it comes out.

The second thing that happened, I seen the news on Whitney Houston's death and for a moment, it felt like time just stopped. I had just awaken from a nap and I did not want to believe what I was reading. It just seemed so unreal. I was sad, because here was a person with a powerful but sweet voice. Many have come afterward, but will never be able to match what she had. Too bad, as with many others before her, succumbed to the greatest killers of all time - drugs and alcohol.

I was thinking, what goes on in the heads of these people? Don't they know what happens to them if they get on that stuff? I would think that with the deaths of many other greats like Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, and others would send a message that mixing drugs and alcohol just is not a great combination. One thing many of these great singers have in common, yes they are rich and famous. No one will ever be able to match their talent. But they were always missing something. They were unhappy, depressed. They had a wonderful talent that they could have kept on using to bless the world with. Yet, they messed themselves up physically. So being great and famous is not always what it seems to be anymore. Never was. Takes me back to the verse in the Bible - For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Matthew 16:26.

These stars that are shining may have gained millions and millions of money, yet they still died searching for something. It is a sad day.

I remembered hearing the news about Michael Jackson and how sad I felt when he passed away. I even cried watching his funeral. I felt that same sad sentimental feeling when I heard the news of Whitney Houston. She didn't even reach her 50's yet. The only difference between these two greats is that Michael Jackson was a star even when he was a child. So the world watch him grow. We did not get the opportunity with Whitney. However,  once she shared her voice with us, we were in awe. Now we get to keep the memories and even though they may be gone, they will not be silenced. Thank God for whoever invented recording, because we still get to listen to them.

The third thing that was the highlight of this weekend - the awesome win of Samoa in the USA Sevens Rugby Tournament. They defeated New Zealands Rugby team. A wonderful day for the nation of Samoa. Certainly something to be grateful for and proud of. I wish I could have been able to watch it in Las Vegas, but it was jus great to watch it on NBC. Thank you #NBC for showing it live.

That's all that I can think of for now.

Friday, 10 February, 2012 - Journey to the Center of the Earth 2: Mysterious Island

I can't wait til Friday comes. This is when the movie Journey to the Center of the Earth 2: Mysterious Island comes out. This movie stars include Dwayne Johnson (The Rock), Josh Hutcherson, Vanessa Hudgens, Luis Guzman and Michael Caine.

The reason I am excited about it, is because I worked as a background on this movie. This was my first time on a movie set. The experience I went through was similar to the one I been on with Hawaii 5-0 and Off the Map (two television shows that were filmed here in Hawai'i). So anything that was done on set, I was already used to. However, what excited me as well is I was also on set with my nephews Daniel McMoore and Perelini, my nieces Etenauga Perelini and Malaea Perelini. They also had a part. I am posting a snapshot of the trailer that caught a glimpse of them...

In this scene, you can see David McMoore, Daniel in a gray t-shirt, and little Ete. Ete is hanging over David's lap as he is trying to show her something while the Rock walks in back of them. I will post the actual trailer afterwards.

So yes, I got to experience this wonderful time with them. I'm sure they had a great time. Another great moment while filming this movie, is meeting all the great people there as well. Some of them, I got to see them again on Off the Map and Hawai'i 5-0. Because Hawai'i is such a small island state, we tend to meet up with each other again. 

Another moment I had on set was getting to hang out with #JoshHutcherson, #VanessaHudgens, and Luis Guzman's son. A group of us background actors were sitting in a circle while one of the background actors played his ukulele and sang. Vanessa and Josh both joined in and we kind of had fun. My nephew Daniel came over and was just awe struck. I kept telling him to go over there and say hi. He was shy. 

So the filming took three days to complete. I am greatful to #AnnaFishburn's casting agency for the opportunity to work on this movie. I also got the chance to at least see Dwayne Johnson up close as well as Luis Guzman. I didn't get to see Michael Caine though as he didn't come down until much later.

I hope you go and see this movie because from the trailers, it looks like a fun and entertaining family movie. Most movies nowadays looks cheesy and looks like a dud even before it hits the screen. I watched part 1 with Brendan Fraser and I enjoyed that movie for what it was. Never have I ever thought I would have a tiny part of this movie. Even though I may not see myself in this movie, just knowing I will always have this memory with me for the rest of my life. Most importantly, my nephews and nieces can also say they were a part of it. This will be something they can carry on for the rest of their life as well. 

So with that, I'll be happy to go and see it. I may not be seen, or you might get a glimpse of my hand or I may even be blurred. But who cares?  I hope you get to see it though. Here's the trailer if you have not seen it yet. 

Journey to the Center of the Earth 2: Mysterious Island

It's starting off to a great new year for the SF 49ers!!!

Yes that is my favorite football team. San Francisco 49ers! I grew up in the San Francisco Bay. Every other day or so when I lived there, I used to always drive by Candlestick Park. But never once in my life have I ever had the chance to step into that stadium and watch a 49er game live. I have always seen it on t.v. Now granted, nothing beats watching a game on the big screen. However, I have yet to be a part of the 69,000+ fans and cheering them on.

As I look back on the years that the Niners have made it to the Superbowl: 1982, 1985, 1989, 1990, and 1995, I have that sense of pride. I've seen every single one of those games. I still remember when the Niners played the Dolphins. I was at at Tanforan mall, in fact at Sears with my mom. I remember when the game was over, how everyone at the store was cheering for them.

I still remember in 1990, the camera had focused on Roger Clark and he was  like "threepeat." Of course that did not happen. I tell you, the 1980's was truly San Francisco's golden decade. More importantly, Joe Montana's decade. Steve Young came in 1995 and won his one and only superbowl. After that, it seemed as if the Niners diminished. Yes, I followed their game, but it just never seem to go anywhere.

Fast forward to 2010-11 season, I remembered I told myself, the next season would be better. Sure enough, 2011-12 would prove to be the one that would bring back that momentum. I was in Las Vegas the weekend after Labor Day for a function. That was the first game of the season and as I passed by the Bally's Hotel, I seen on the screen - San Francisco 33 - Seattle 17. I was hella happy. At that moment, I truly felt this season was going to be better. Was disappointed that the Niners went on to play the Dallas Cowgirls and lost, but it was only the beginning and early in the season anyway. Then finally, they started winning more games and once again, I was feeling that pride again. So what they lost to the Ravens. So what they lost to the Cardinals. The thing that mattered the most, we were in the Playoffs. It was unreal.

When ESPN were talking about different scenarios, my first  reaction was that the 49ers was going to be playing either against the Giants or the Falcons.. But then they announced it was going to be the Saints and I tell you, my stress levels started getting high. During the week leading up to the actual game, I was debating whether or not I am going to watch the game, or go to church. I chose to stay and watch the game. At least if the 49ers lost, it would have been all kool.

So watching that game on Saturday, just kept me on my toes. Sure the first quarter was 17 points to 0. However, San Fran needed to score as much as possible only because you knew already the Saints are going to be pounding as hard as possible. And pound they did. By the end of half-time, they scored two touchdowns for a score of 17-14. The third quarter was boring and nothing exciting there. But then the fourth quarter came along. I tell you that was the most thrilling part of the game ever. NO came from behind and led 24-23. Then it became a seesaw. Niners took the lead, and then the Saints would. SF tried to go for a 2 pt conversion and didn't make it.