Happy Christmas Eve - Feliz Noche Buena

Wishing you love, light, peace and joy.

Deseándole amor, luz, paz, y felicidad.

Thank you for visiting. Wishing you Peace today and everyday.

Website: http://manakeepers.com
Shop: http://shopmanakeepers.blogspot.com
Instagram:http://instagram.com/manakeepers
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mana-Keepers/187105678024226?ref_type=bookmark
Pinterest:http://www.pinterest.com/manakeeper/mana-keepers-blog-shop/
Google+:https://plus.google.com/u/0/105556986469018357772/posts
Blog: http://manakeepers.blogspot.com

POI

Celebrating the Mother of Christmas

On this Christmas Eve we honor Mary, not just as the mother of Jesus, but as a symbol to women. To many people around the world (Christians and Non-Christians) her image embodies compassion, courage and the unconditional, unwavering, love of a mother. 

For those of us that celebrate the birth of Jesus this Christmas let us take a moment to honor His mother. For those of us that don't celebrate Christmas let us take a moment to honor what Mary symbolizes to women worldwide.  

Images of the Madonna from around the world.

Wishing you a very "Mary" Christmas!!! 

http://www.empowerment.ws/home.html

The Cracked Jar - Transforming Perspective

A water bearer had two large pots; each hung on each end of a pole which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, and while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master’s house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.

For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water to his master’s house. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect to the end for which it was made. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.

After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream. ”I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you.” ”Why?” asked the bearer. ”What are you ashamed of?”

”I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your master’s house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don’t get full value from your efforts,” the pot said.

The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and in his compassion he said, ”As we return to the master’s house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path.” Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path, and this cheered it some. But at the end of the trail, it still felt bad because it had leaked out half its load, and so again it apologized to the bearer for its failure.

The bearer said to the pot, ”Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of your path, but not on the other pot’s side? That’s because I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you’ve watered them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master’s table. Without you being just the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house.”

Author Unknown

We are all cracked pots. None of us is perfect, yet many of us feel that our cracks are bigger than everyone else's. It's so easy to be self-critical and it can be quite difficult to turn off the negative chatter inside our heads. This simple little story illustrates in no uncertain terms that our perceived weaknesses may be our strengths.  

If you are inspired take a moment and think about those aspects of yourself that you perceive as "cracks". As you do so rather than letting the familiar negative talk take over your thoughts let yourself find creative ways that your "crack" or weakness has been of benefit to you. For example a crack may be that you have a quick temper. Rather than dwelling on the negative aspects of having a quick temper focus on the positives, like, because of my quick temper I have been able to stand up for myself and others. 

This is not to say that we should stop striving to improve and to grow but that in learning to embrace our perceived weaknesses as also being aspects of our strengths we learn to love and respect ourselves more completely.  

Let's celebrate our cracks! 

Courage is the first step towards inner-peace

One of the first lessons we practice in my Women's Empowerment classes is that of finding our courage and center in everyday situations. 

It's important to note that how we react on a daily basis becomes a habitual conditioned response. In high-stress situations our bodies and minds go into automatic and many times fall back to our habitual-response behaviors. If we are uncomfortable owning our truth and our power in everyday situations it can be that much harder to find them in a potentially violent situation. 

Remember that we are more than just physical machines. Just memorizing punches and kicks without addressing our totality of being will not prepare us adequately to face potential threats effectively. It's just as important to train the mind, subconscious, and emotions as it is the body. 

I'll share one of the lessons we do to encourage strength and authenticity. 

3rd week lesson - homework & journal

Many people find that the need to not upset others out weighs the need to protect their own inner peace.  Even the most outspoken of us has found ourselves in situations that create inner conflict because as your mouth is saying YES everything else in you is saying NO. 

This week our homework and journal will consist of the following:

It's ok to say no. It's also ok to make time for yourself. In fact both are extremely important practices for overall wellbeing and health. 

1. Every morning this week find music that makes you feel strong, positive and alive. Listen to at least 10 minutes and dance or move with the music before you start your day. You might enjoy some of the music from our "Collection of Empowering Songs for Women". 

2. Just for this week promise yourself you'll choose to protect your inner peace over the wants and demands of others. So find one thing this week that you can do to create more peace for yourself. Examples: Finding time to meditate, taking a long bath, or reading an inspiring book. Being honest about your limitations and saying no when need be. 

3. Give yourself permission to be honest with yourself and with others. 

4. Every evening take 10 minutes to journal about the new habit you practiced that day and how it impacted you. 

Remember even if you have a very busy life and find it difficult to make time for yourself, it's only a week. Give yourself just 7 days and maybe you'll find you can incorporate it for good? Also if saying no is difficult, it's only for 7 days. You may find that as you practice, it becomes easier. 

If we don't make time to find our center, it is much easier to be thrown off by life's daily challenges. If we don't find the courage to speak our truth then we are no longer living our life but someone else's idea of what it should be. 

Thank you for reading my blog post. If you're inspired to do this lesson let me know how it goes. 

Thank you for honoring the feminine.

www.empowerment.ws

My first Women's Empowerment Post

I am grateful for this opportunity to welcome you to my new blog, Self-Actualization thru Women's Empowerment. I have been passionate about women's rights, health and safety issues for decades and have taught my style or system of women's self-defense called Aurora's Women's Empowerment for more than 20 years. I hope that you will find my future blog posts informative and inspiring. 

I will not only share some of my Women's Empowerment program here but will also share other organizations and business that honor, celebrate and uplift the feminine. I hope that this blog and my upcoming website will be a resource for women and girls all around the world. 

I believe that if we each do our part to share our knowledge, our services or our talents with our sisters around the world we can make a lasting and sustainable impact in bettering the lives of women everywhere. 

In most cultures women are the parent most actively raising the children and tending to family matters so by helping raise each other up we are creating a better future for both boys and girls. 

That is why I will be sharing some of my Women's Empowerment Program for free on this blog. I have faith in the power of generosity and know that whatever I share that is of use in helping another will be returned in kind.

I look forward to you comments and suggestions as I post my work and share the work of others I admire. Together we can make a difference. 

Thank you for reading my post. 

Thank you for honoring the feminine.

www.Empowerment.WS

Hip Hop Martial Arts™ paying tribute to USA, The Philippines and Cuba

Kadante Ferrer is a PaaMano Eskrima Lead Instructor and PME's founder son. He has developed his own style of movement called Hip Hop Martial Arts™. He showcased his style for In the Flow Studios Arts Open House, in Los Angeles, CA. Here's what they had to say about his show.

"Kadante set our night on fire! He brought the flavor of his Island Heritage combined with his US Roots to his performance titled "CubaPino". This three part choreography blended Hip Hop, tricking, martial arts and fire to honor his ancestors (his father is Filipino-American and his mother is Cuban-American) as well as his home and birthplace the USA. He opened with a tribute to his homeland with some hip hop and tricking then progressed to pay tribute to The Philippines' Sultan Kudarat and he finished with a blazing in tribute to Cuba. Through Hip Hop Martial Arts™, he is taking his father's training in PaaMano Eskrima to the next level and creating a style that is authentic to his experience of life. Kadante is always an exciting performer and doesn't disappoint. We hope you enjoy his performance as much as we did."

Click here to see the performance

About Hip Hop Martial Arts™
Hip Hop Martial Arts™ is an original art style that combines aspects of Hip Hop, Martial Arts, Tricking, Breaking, Self-defense, Weaponry and more, into creative & effective movement. This unique style has the ability to get one in great physical shape, teach effective self-defense techniques, develop “urban” dance styles, teach multiple weapons, develop stage presence, and push artistic boundaries.

About Kadante:
Kadante, the founder and creator of Hip Hop Martial Arts™was born into the life of the martial arts. He performed in his first martial arts demonstration at 1 ½ years old, and began his formal training at 4 years old. He has earned Black Belts in two systems and is trained in multiple styles such as; Tae Kwon Do, Eskrima, Muay Thai, Western boxing and Kickboxing, Krav Maga, Judo, Ju-jitsu, Kobudo, and Tricking.  He is a Lead Instructor at Kadan Martial Arts and PaaMano Eskrima.
          
He also trains in tricking & stunts at places like XMA HQ in North Hollywood, CA. & the White Lotus in Northridge, CA. He has worked with professional stuntmen & stuntwomen as well as stunt choreographers. He blended some of his martial arts, dance, stunts and tricking for his "Lumberjack” character in the new Dance/MartialArts/Action movie “Battle B-Boy”.

Kadante has trained in different dance styles. He began Hip Hop & Breaking training with Ricky Cole (Mos Wanted Crew/SoulFreshFam) and has taken extensive workshops & classes at dance studios such as The Millennium Dance Complex and Debbie Reynolds in North Hollywood, CA.  He has also trained in Tahitian, Samoan and other Polynesian dances with the Polynesian Performing/Cultural Arts group of Nonosina California. Kadante performed with them at numerous shows in Southern California, Northern California and the Shell in Honolulu Hawaii. He also studied the Samoan Fire-knife under Master Teacher Mel Liufau of Nonosina and competed in the 2006 World Fire-Knife Competition.

Kadante choreographs/teaches for In the Flow Studios, PaaMano Eskrima Performing Arts, Kadan Martial Arts and his own creation Hip Hop Martial Arts™. 

For more information about Hip Hop Martial Arts™goto the website at http://hiphopmartialarts.com/About_HHMA.php or Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/HipHopMartialArts

About In the Flow Studios ~ Arts:

In the Flow Studios ~ Arts events bring people from many different walks of life together and give them opportunity to be exposed to art. Arts Open Houses are open to artists and art-lovers of all ages. We hosted an amazing group of artists including: painters, photographers, sculptors, graphic artists, poets, spoken-word artists, musicians, singers, dancers, martial artists and cultural dancers. 



These are not typical art shows. The focus is on the artist; art appreciation, collaboration and inspiration. These events are about sharing art in as many different disciplines and mediums as possible. It's all about the "heart work" and creating a venue that both nurtures and inspires artists and art-lovers. We had veteran artists with years of experience as well some showing/performing for the first time. 

For more information about us visit http://intheflowstudios.com/Arts.html

Hip Hop Martial Arts performing CubaPino at In the Flow Studios Arts Open House

Kadante set our night on fire! He brought the flavor of his Island Heritage combined with his US Roots to his performance titled "CubaPino". This three part choreography blended Hip Hop, tricking, martial arts and fire to honor his ancestors (his father is Filipino-American and his mother is Cuban-American) as well as his home and birthplace the USA. He opened with a tribute to his homeland with some hip hop and breaking then progressed to pay tribute to The Philippines and Sultan Kudarat and his finish with a blazing in tribute to Cuba. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

About Hip Hop Martial Arts™
Hip Hop Martial Arts™ is an original art style that combines aspects of Hip Hop, Martial Arts, Tricking, Breaking, Self-defense, Weaponry and more, into creative & effective movement. This unique style has the ability to get one in great physical shape, teach effective self-defense techniques, develop “urban” dance styles, teach multiple weapons, develop stage presences, and push artistic boundaries.

About Kadante:
Kadante, the founder and creator of Hip Hop Martial Arts™was born into the life of the martial arts. He performed in his first martial arts demonstration at 1 ½ years old, and began his formal training at 4 years old. He has earned Black Belts in two systems and is trained in multiple styles such as; Tae Kwon Do, Eskrima, Muay Thai, Western boxing and Kickboxing, Krav Maga, Judo, Ju-jitsu, Kobudo, and Tricking.  He is a Lead Instructor at Kadan Martial Arts and PaaMano Eskrima.
          
He also trains in tricking & stunts at places like XMA HQ in North Hollywood, CA. & the White Lotus in Northridge, CA. He has worked with professional stuntmen & stuntwomen as well as stunt choreographers. He blended some of his martial arts, dance, stunts and tricking for his "Lumberjack” character in the new Dance/MartialArts/Action movie “Battle B-Boy”.

Kadante has trained in different dance styles. He began Hip Hop & Breaking training with Ricky Cole (Mos Wanted Crew/SoulFreshFam) and has taken extensive workshops & classes at dance studios such as The Millennium Dance Complex and Debbie Reynolds in North Hollywood, CA.  He has also trained in Tahitian, Samoan and other Polynesian dances with the Polynesian Performing/Cultural Arts group of Nonosina California. Kadante performed with them at numerous shows in Southern California, Northern California and the Shell in Honolulu Hawaii. He also studied the Samoan Fire-knife under Master Teacher Mel Liufau of Nonosina and competed in the 2006 World Fire-Knife Competition.

Kadante choreographs/teaches for In the Flow Studios, PaaMano Eskrima Performing Arts, Kadan Martial Arts and his own creation Hip Hop Martial Arts™. 
For more information about Hip Hop Martial Arts™goto the website at http://hiphopmartialarts.com/About_HHMA.php or
Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/HipHopMartialArts

About In the Flow Studios ~ Arts:
In the Flow Studios ~ Arts events bring people from many different walks of life together and give them opportunity to be exposed to art. Arts Open Houses are open to artists and art-lovers of all ages. We hosted an amazing group of artists including: painters, photographers, sculptors, graphic artists, poets, spoken-word artists, musicians, singers, dancers, martial artists and cultural dancers. 



These are not typical art shows. The focus is on the artist; art appreciation, collaboration and inspiration. These events are about sharing art in as many different disciplines and mediums as possible. It's all about the "heart work" and creating a venue that both nurtures and inspires artists and art-lovers. We had veteran artists with years of experience as well some showing/performing for the first time. 

For more information about us visit http://intheflowstudios.com/Arts.html

Filipino-American Youths celebrating their heritage at the 2013 Friendship Games

PaaMano Eskrima and Performing Arts is honored to participate at The 2013 Friendship Games at California State University, Fullerton on Sat., Oct. 26, 2013. 

Friendship Games Link

Friendship Games began in 1985 and features over 40 Pilipino American Student organizations from college campuses representing California, Nevada and Arizona that participate in a day of friendly but competitive picnic games, performances and to celebrate “S.P.U.F” – Spirit, Pride, Unity, and Friendship. Schools compete for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place trophies. The school that shows the most S.P.U.F is awarded an 8 foot tall trophy. The very first champion of the picnic games, Kasama, hailed from Mt. San Antonio College. Twenty-eight years later, Friendship Games has become the highlight event of the Filipino American college life. Presented by Cal State Fullerton's very own Pilipino-American Student Association the 28th Annual 2013 Friendship Games is hosting over 6,000 attendees from over 40 different colleges, FG is one of the largest student-run events to celebrate Filipino-American culture in the nation.

PaaMano Eskrima and Performing Arts Core is glad to support this great event and share our style of Filipino Martial Arts and Performing Arts. We believe in the power of the youth to help make the world a better place for us all. That is why we feel it is so important to support events like this one. At the  Friendship Games, PaaMano hopes to share the rich history, cultural diversity and natural beauty of the Philippines. We are also excited to have our younger members choreograph pieces for this show. 

Kadante Ferrer, one of our lead instructors, will also be sharing his own style of Martial Arts and Hip Hop fusion called Hip Hop Martial Arts®. You can learn more about his original style at 

http://hiphopmartialarts.com

If you live in Southern California we hope you will come out and show your support for these industrious, inspired and committed young Filipino American Students as they share their Filipino  Spirit, Pride, Unity, and Friendship. 

Salamat po!

Photography Quote by Nelson Mandela

Sending a big Thank You out to all those artists that dedicate their time, perspective and authenticity to shedding light were there is darkness. 

Arleen Hurtado - Debuting "Fusion" for In The Flow Studios - Arts

Arleen combines her technical expertise, extensive training, passion and individual artistic flare to all of her Flamenco performances. She an inspirational dancer, engaging performer and fearless artist, always looking for ways to push the boundaries in herself and in her art.  We were honored to have her debut her piece titled "Fusion" a fusion of Gypsy, Flamenco and Middle Eastern dance at our show. 

Arleen Hurtado performing "Fusion"

About Arleen:
Arleen Hurtado a native southern Californian, discovered flamenco on a trip to Spain as a child. Arleen pursued her study of flamenco in Seville, Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, and in New Mexico, New York and California with world-renowned artists. A love of music and culture also led her to study and practice other forms of world dance including Middle Eastern, North Indian Bhangra, Brazilian Samba and Salsa. Arleen has performed around the world, including five tours of the United States, as well as performances in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Beirut, Lebanon, Valencia, Spain, Italy and China. In the US she has performed in theaters including Carnegie Hall in New York, Red Rocks in Denver, the Greek Theater in Los Angeles and Wolf Trap in Vienna, Virginia. Arleen has been featured in music videos, commercials, television, print ads and three PBS specials. Based in Los Angeles, Arleen teaches weekly flamenco classes at Orange Coast College and continues to perform and tour with master flamenco guitarist and composer, Ben Woods. 

For more information about her classes, performances or bookings visit her website at http://www.arleenhurtado.com

About In the Flow Studios ~ Arts:
In the Flow Studios ~ Arts events bring people from many different walks of life together and give them opportunity to be exposed to art. Arts Open Houses are open to artists and art-lovers of all ages. We hosted an amazing group of artists including: painters, photographers, sculptors, graphic artists, poets, spoken-word artists, musicians, singers, dancers, martial artists and cultural dancers. 



These are not typical art shows. The focus is on the artist; art appreciation, collaboration and inspiration. These events are about sharing art in as many different disciplines and mediums as possible. It's all about the "heart work" and creating a venue that both nurtures and inspires artists and art-lovers. We had veteran artists with years of experience as well some showing/performing for the first time. 

For more information about us visit http://intheflowstudios.com/Arts.html

Thank you Digitalproductions  for filming and Myranda Josephson Photography for the photo.

Illima Pumphery-Mogote performing at In the Flow Studios Arts Open House

Ilima brought the Aloha Spirit to our Arts Open House. She has over 25 years of professional dancing experience and has been teaching for more than a decade. She has taught, performed and shared the Polynesian Culture through dance all over the world in places like Tahiti, Vietnam, Croatia, Hawaii, and California. 

A fourth generation Polynesian Dancer/Teacher and mother of three, she brings her years of experience to her new "Island Fitness" classes. Island Fitness is her original Polynesian Movement based program encompassing, mind, body and spirit. Students enjoy moving to the sound of island drum beats, intense hip shaking/rotation, core muscle strengthening and lyrical ground movements. By the end of the workout bodies are drenched and spirits are renewed. 

Here she shares a beautiful and graceful dance of the Polynesian Islands. 

Ilima's Performance for our Arts Open House

For more information on her Island Fitness classes or bookings email: meemah15@aol.com

For more info about In the Flow Studios: http://intheflowstudios.com 

Thank you Digitalprodctions for filming.

Manuel "Maning" Rivera singing at In the Flow Studios Arts Open House 2013

Maning's performance was a wonderful surprise...for him. His reputation proceeded him so without his knowledge we called him to sing. A polished performer and singer, he didn't skip a beat and rose to the occasion beautifully. 

Only later did we discover his many credentials and we were even more grateful for his generosity in  sharing his art at our show. His smooth sounds took us back to a time of velvet and satin, wing-tipped shoes and casual elegance. 

Manuel "Maning" Rivera, a veteran director of film, commercials and documentaries, is also a charming and entertaining events emcee and comedian. With his depth of talent in acting, singing and graphic design, Maning is unmistakably a true entertainer.  

Manuel "Maning" Rivera's Performance

About our accomplished guest: Manuel "Maning" Rivera

-BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS IN COMMERCIAL DESIGN- UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES

-OVER 12 YEARS IN PHILIPPINE TELEVISION AS DIRECTOR AND SET DESIGNER

-VIDEO AND FILM COMMERCIAL & DOCUMENTARY DIRECTOR

-EVENTS EMCEE / ENTERTAINER/COMEDIAN

-PORTRAIT ARTIST / GRAPHIC DESIGNER

-SINGER / ACTOR

If you'd like to book him for an event, TV, performance or film project you can contact him at 

EMAIL: direkmaningrivera@yahoo.com

For more information about our organization visit our website In the Flow Studios ~ Arts

Thank you Digitalproductions for filming. To Digitalproductions

PaaMano Eskrima Performing Arts Core 2012

We had a great 2012 summer of shows. Our PaaMano Eskrima and Performing Arts Core of 2012 gave from their heart at every performance. We are very proud of this group and want to share their pictures and bios to thank them for all the hard work they put in and for their commitment to sharing the martial arts, history and national treasures of The Philippines with all of California.

This group performed at three of the major Filipino Festivals in California: The Pistahan Parade and Festival in San Francisco, CA, the FPAC - FilAm festival in San Pedro, CA and the FilAm Street and Stage Festival in San Diego, CA.

We are grateful to each and everyone of our PaaMano Core Group and to their families.

2012 Core Group Bios

BRIANNA MALAYA LOPEZ REGAN

Born and raised in Southern California, Brianna’s love for dance began in 2000 with her first ballet class at the age of four.  Brianna began her ballet training with David Wilcox at the Long Beach Ballet Academy.  She danced ballet under the artistic direction of Mr. Wilcox for eleven years.  Brianna successfully completed all exams through Academy Level 6.  Over the years, Brianna has performed in several of Long Beach Ballets' full-length ballet of The Nutcracker, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Beauty and the Beast, Swan Lake, Peter Pan, and Coppelia.  At the age of fourteen, she qualified to be a member of the Long Beach Ballet Junior Company and competed in the Youth America Grand Prix and Regional Dance America.  Brianna has also toured and performed  in China with the Long Beach Ballet Company.  

  
Brianna also dances Pilipino folk dances and performs martial arts to express her love for her Philippine culture.  She has been performing traditional Pilipino folk dances for over six years with the semi-professional Sampaguita Youth Dance Troupe under the artistic direction of Martin Danao.  For over a decade, the Sampaguita Youth Dance Troupe has preserved the traditional folk music, dance and costumes of the Philippines by serving as cultural ambassadors performing in the Southern California area. For more info. about Sampaguita Youth Dance Troupe goto http://sydt1997.shutterfly.com/

  
In addition to dance, Brianna also studies the Pilipino Martial Arts, PaaMano Eskrima under the direction of Master Roland Ferrer.  PaaMano Eskrima Performing Arts combines Brianna’s love for both dance and her Pilipino culture.  

   
An incoming Junior at Long Beach Polytechnic High School’s prestigious PACE Program, Brianna is a “Whovian”, a “”Sherlockian”, and a fan of Marvel Comics and the Harry Potter Series.  As a Jackrabbit, Brianna runs on the LB Poly Cross-Country and Track Junior Varsity teams. 

GURO ROSE LOPEZ

Rose Lopez began her Paamano Eskrima training in 1997 and her Blended Martial Arts training in 2000.  She has earned a 2nd Degree Black belt in both arts. Guro Lopez is our most senior active PaaMano Eskrima instructor and has been dedicated to sharing the Filipino Martial Arts for years. She is a kind and compassionate teacher but can be equally tuff as nails. Her example of feminine strength has inspired many young women to find the same in themselves. 

  
Guro Lopez has a gift in leadership and keeps our group focused and inspired.  She is our lead not only in our PaaMano training but in grace, character and nobility. 

BRIAN MOGOTE

Brian Mogote is of Filipino and Mexican decent. He was a Polynesian dancer for over five years. He is also a drummer and drummed with Nonosina in San Jose Tahiti Fete, the year they won first place in drumming. He is the Lead Drummer for PaaMano Eskrima Performing Arts.

  

Brian is one of our Senior Core Members and always brings his great work ethic with his positive attitude to every practice. A great motavator he pushes us to stive for excellence and stay light hearted. He has earned his black belt in Paamano Eskrima with his daughter, Mahea. He has also trained in taekwondo and kickboxing.

  

Brian is a talented artist and has helped PaaMano with design concepts and artwork. The island design style in his art is fresh and inspired.

  

He has learned more about his Filipino culture through Paamano Eskrima and with this feels more connected to his Filipino roots.

MAHEA MOGOTE

Mahea Mogote is of Hawaiian, Samoan, Tongan, and Filipino descent and is currently 15 years old. She is a Tahitian dancer and has preformed all over the world (Hawai’i, ‘Oahu, Tahiti and Mo’orea) with her family's' group Nonosina. Her most recent performance was on Merrie Monarchs big stage in Hilo Hawai’i where she was honored to be the youngest dancer of the elite group of Nonosina.

  

Growing up Mahea was greatly influenced by her Polynesian side. She has completed numerous Kamehameha schools explorations camps- Ho’omaka’ika’i, Ho’olauna and Kulia Ika Pono; camps only offered to Hawaiians. Also many, if not all of her paintings and sketches are Polynesian inspired.

  

Until the age of 9 Mahea had not yet been introduced to any of her Filipino culture, however now years later, she is greatly inspired by the art, culture and people of the Philippines. Mahea has earned her Black Belt in Paamano Eskrima and has also trained in Taekwondo. Much of the time Mahea was the only girl in Eskrima and at one point she was the only junior. Despite this she fenced men twice her height and age…one of them being her father. Eventually she tested for her black belt with her father, being the only girl candidate, she took it upon herself to proudly represent women and girls around the world. With this she hoped to prove that although martial arts was male dominant sport, women could also fight and keep up with men. 

Mahea’s training in martial arts is far from over and she one day hopes to take her martial art talents to the big screen and represent both her Filipino and Polynesian sides!

EM ANGELES

Em Angeles is a native from Southern California now living in the Bay Area. She is an active member of the Filipino American Arts Exposition (FAAE), a volunteer-based nonprofit organization which celebrates its ancestral heritage and contemporary traditions, broadening awareness and deepening the understanding of Filipino history, achievements and

culture. She has produced and volunteered at numerous FAAE events, such as Pistahan Parade and Festival, Filipino Heritage sporting events, Kulinarya as well as the 1st Annual FilBookFest.

A martial artist at heart, Em practices Filipino Stick Fighting known as Eskrima, Arnis, and/or Kali (depending on region) and currently holds 2 black belts in 2 different fighting styles, PaaMano Eskrima and Ernesto Presas' Kombatan. 

Caleb Callison performing songs from his "Chasing Ghosts Series"

Caleb Callison is an incredible young singer/songwriter/musician. His music is honest, introspective and full of heart. He invites listeners to accompany him on his soul searching journeys with his songs. His lyrics and music are dripping with raw emotion and a depth far beyond his years. 

We were honored to have him perform three of his original songs, "At War, Forevermore", "Ol' Wood Box" and "The Death of an Outlaw" at our In the Flow Studios Arts Open House.

This is a link to a video of his live performance. 

Caleb Callison's In the Flow Performance

In Caleb’s words, "I Am Chasing Ghosts is a collection of tales, both tall and true. They are a tribute to the lives and stories that have come to pass, and a reminder that the ghosts of your own past, are after all, merely ghosts."

You can follow his music at https://soundcloud.com/iamchasingghosts

For more information about In the Flow Studios goto http://intheflowstudios.com

Arts Open House Poetry Performance by Mahal Ramos

We were honored to host Mahal Ramos as one of our featured performing artists for our latest In the Studios Arts Open House. Mahal is an inspired poet and spoken-word artist. Her work is authentic, thoughtful, and layered with emotion, introspection and rhythm.  She prompts us to look at ourselves with new eyes and to embrace the beauty as well as the challenges life presents with courage and grace.

Here she shares, "If I Were A Beat", "Conversation with Country" and "Why My Bravery is Attractive".

We hope you enjoy her performance as much as we do.

Mahal's Poetry at In the Flow Studios

Born in Manila and lived on both east and west coasts, garnering influences from the busy, neighborhood streets of New Jersey blended with the casual energy of California living, Mahal Ramos is an articulate poet and speaker, who currently manages Sugarpoint Concepts LLC, a coaching and consulting practice based in the San Fernando Valley, specializing in resumes, career cycle coaching and job search techniques.

If her work moves you like it does you can follow her work at Augustmint Poetry Blog or like her Facebook Page at Augustmint Poetry on Facebook

For more information about In the Flow Studios you can goto our website at In the Flow Studios Arts

Roland H. Ferrer, professional harpist performing at In the Flow Studios Arts Open House

Roland is a young and gifted singer/songwriter/musician that specializes in the harp, flute and piano. 
His musical career started at the age of seven with classical piano training and at the age of nine he added the harp. Roland says, "Music is a vibration and when we organize the notes and cords a special way we can help promote the healing process, calm emotions and release worries."

He is currently a high school student with honors yet finds time to donate his music to charitable events and fundraisers.  Roland has faced life and death challenges from the time he was born which helped him develop a strength and a gentleness that radiates throughout his music.

Here he shares two original songs from his upcoming CD, "Zelaida and "Inner Pride"as well as a harp free flow inspired by the event. 

Roland H. Ferrer's Performance

You can follow Roland's music on Youtube at Sound of Zero or on Facebook at Sound of Zero.

For information about In the Flow Studios Arts goto In the Flow Studios