FIRST WAVE PANAMA

OMGoodness

2010-06-11T07:23:00.000-07:00

They say humans are very talented and have the ability to do many tasks at once. Yet Dom and I would argue Sofia fails at that. Anyways, Sofia is NOT the point. What I want to say is something about how humans cannot process and take-in at the same time. Someone like Dom would also argue this statement but, what I want to say is I cannot process everything I am taking in right now because I am a human who is not talented in that area. I think it takes a very skilled individual. Or perhaps a very experienced one. But, right now, for the last 2 weeks I have been living, feeling, and loving every breath here in The Republic of Panama without wanting to process how I feel. What I want to say is, I haven't written much here because that would require processizationism.

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Dom and I fly out tomorrow @ 1:55pm. In less than however many hours I refuse to count, we will be saying "see you soon" to everything we've lived for the past casi un ano. In less than however many more breaths of our second home we will take in - this time, we will be walking through airport security with our suitcases and our experience, heavy but full of life. In who cares what length of measurable anything, we will be looking at this country from a plane; something many of our family here has never done. In whenever, we will shed tears but refuse to shed skin; we will look at eachother, or out the window, or at the drink cart slugging down the aisle; we will think about random, specific, moments that touched us somewhere important; we might ask ourselves questions, or rememer something we were supposed to do, but, none of it will matter, not really; we will be going to our first home, where our second home will be brought through us. Heart is where home is where heart is home is heart.

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2010-06-05T08:28:00.000-07:00

Dominique Chestand Damn. One week left Panamá. Let's ride!!!! Alida Cardos Whaley

Too much is going on.

2010-05-29T18:56:00.001-07:00

Sofia Snow and Kelsey Van Ert are now home in the United States of America. Dominique Chestand and I have moved in with our friends and will be on a plane June 12th headed to the U.S.

I now live in a home with a mom. It's weird because this whole time we have been living with eachother = other students/FWers/young adults. I am now in a home though. I feel home a little bit. Don't get to comfortable Alida.

Anyways, hoy I went to Los Andes shopping center with Yanneth (momma). She wanted to buy me sandalias as a going away gift but, I didn't pick any out. I don't need going away gifts. They are a beautiful thought. But, I would be fine with a hug, or a look into some eyes. She said she will get me some before I leave. "Te vas a ver." After that we went to El Costo which is a department store type of deal and I was looking at jeans. Now, I'm going to tell you some honest truth. There are not many pairs of pants in this country that are not BEDAZZLED! They either got metal shapes, fake crystals, glitter, or a combination of all three somewhere on the dang pantalones. Just when I think I find a good pair of jeans I turn them to the back to give em the ultimate test and NONE EVER PASS!! I always find some dang sparkling silvers or golds embroidering the butt pockets.

Today I must have got lucky because you see, I found a pair of jeans that was fly on the front. And when I gave em the test there wasn't any glitter to be found. I ran em to the changing room and they fit! Well, that's a lie. They almost fit me. And I woulda bought em too. The thing was that my posterior was not comfortable in those particular pantalon. I know, I know! I thought I was in a country of like-behinded people too! Well, that just goes to show... What does it show exactly?! I don't know, I'm just messing with ya. I learned...um...that...um... -- aw here it goes, I was reminded why I never bought any clothes here the entire year! Shoo...

P.S. I love Panama despite their bedazzledness.

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2010-05-29T18:35:00.000-07:00

Dominique Chestand two more weeks with you Panamá. Let's make some magic. Dos semanas más contigo Panamá. Vamos a hacer magía. Alida Cardos Whaley

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2010-05-29T12:16:00.000-07:00

Sofía Snow
Heart is where the home is.

Tania Cristina De Sedas Happy you got to the US safe...keep up lighting peoples life with your sweetness...
got lots of love for you sis!!
hugs♥

Facebook Status

2010-05-28T19:35:00.000-07:00

Sofía Snow is this foreal? Kelsey Pyro V.E. Alida Cardos Whaley Dominique Chestand tell me no.... then tell me yes. then shake me.

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Katie Zien is going to miss Sofía Snow and Kelsey Pyro V.E. but hopes to see them back in the old Midwest.

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Cuper Bernal Les extrañare mucho son un gran momento en mi vida gracias por existir first wave Dominique Chestand Sofía Snow Alida Cardos Whaley Kelsey Pyro V.E. gracias por todos los momentos ke vivimos juntos paz

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Sofia Snow is in the US again.
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Sofia Snow BOSTON STAND UP! ;)
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Dominique Chestand is the last First Waver in the First Wave Panama crib. Damn. Scary how fast things change on you.
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2010-05-27T07:44:00.000-07:00

Kelsey y Sofia se VAN!!!!!!!!!!!!! ultima despedida :(

Date:	Thursday, May 27, 2010
Time:	9:00am - 11:30pm
Location:	La Musa de Chai / La Casa de Kelsey, Sofia, Dominique y Alida

Description

Entonces... llega la hora de regresar a USA y vamos a extranarles mucho!!!! El jueves vamos a estar en la Musa de Chai para nuestra ultima noche en Panama. Despues, vamos a la casa para ver peliculas y abrazarnos y llorar ;) jajaja

avisanos si pueda llegar!

esperamos q nos veamos el jueves!

Confirmed Guests

This event has 29 confirmed guestsSee All

Kelsey PyroV.E.

DavidCaparó

CharleneBrigantySilva

Luis RicardoCampbellMontilla

Sofía Snow

EdwardCampbell

DominiqueChestand

Bboying PA

2010-05-27T07:31:00.000-07:00

BBOYING PA (bboyingpa.com) is the website for the break community here in Panama. They keep you updated with videos, fotos, and commentary of the latest breaking events. It's run by breakers so it's no institutional bullish. Check out they fotos from Back 2 Da Scene and they article too (below)!

Back 2 Da Scene Vol.2 – Mayo 23, 2010

Eran las 12 del medio día y el Gimnasio comenzaba a llenarse de la gente esperando para entrar, entre las puertas y la gente se podía apreciar al Full Style Crew preparando todo para el gran evento de Aniversario del grupo (los trofeos, los banners, los certificados).
El evento contó con mucho apoyo y patrocinio. Se dio inicio al evento con una gran coreografía de Hip Hop por el grupo “507 Flow”. Tras eso el Mc Madhav anunciaba la tómbola para organizar las batallas del 4vs4.
Diversos crews de toda la geografía nacional formaron parte de la alineación:

* TNT CREW
* KILLER CREW
* WEST BBOYS
* FELIPILLO
* HOLLY DANCING
* THE ONE
* BLESS
* 8D
* ENIGMA
* MONSTA WEST
* WEST CREW
* UD.

La música estaba a cargo del Dj Gafeto de Costa Rica, quien no escatimo esfuerzos en complacer todos los gustos a lo largo de todo el evento. También lo apoyaron Dj Ras y Dj Longdayzjourney de Panamá.

Dio inicio la primera ronda de las batallas quedando 6 grupos para la semifinal, los cuales iban a ser evaluados por Puntos, para sacar a los dos mejores puntajes y llevarlos a una ronda Final, de 5 salidas por grupo.
La final se llevo acabo entre UD Crew de Santiago y 8D Crew de Panamá, quedando como Ganador 8D Crew, quienes al final del Evento alzaron el trofeo (Hecho por Bboy K-daver de Full Style Crew) y sus respectivos certificados que los acreditaban como ganadores del Evento principal. A lo largo del evento se llevaron acabo otras batallas:

* Top rock (ganador Bboy ManOfGod)
* Footwork (ganador Bboy Cash)
* Power move (ganador Bboy Chata)
* 7 to Smoke (ganador Bboy ManOfGod).

El evento era una celebración de Hip Hop y estuvieron presentes los 4 elementos, El bboying, Mc Battles, Graffiti, y Dj.
Todo el evento fue una gran fiesta, una integración de todos los elementos del Hip Hop reunidos con la emoción de un publico fascinado y artistas invitados como Latin Fresh, Kenny man, La Orquesta del F, entre otros, quienes ayudaban a mantener la fiesta en movimiento.
Felicidades a Full Style Family por esta gran celebración y sigamos apoyando el Hip Hop de Panamá, que cada día esta mas fuerte!

Escrita por BBoy N-Joy

Check it out.

2010-05-27T07:14:00.000-07:00

Article about Back 2 Da Scene with fotos n everything.

El domingo 23 de mayo el Hip Hop reunió todos sus elementos (Graffiti, Djs, Breakdance y Mc's)en el Back 2 Da Scene 2, en el Gimnasio Yuyin Luzcando de Bethania.

Es el segundo año que se realiza este evento, en el cual jóvenes de todas partes de nuestro país se reúnen para celebrar y competir de la mejor manera y mostrar todo su talento en el breakdance, artes con grafitti y la buena improvisación de los MC's.

En el BACK 2 DA SCENE 2 hubieron competencias de mc´s 1 vs 1, footwork 1 vs 1, power moves 1 vs 1, top rock 1 vs 1 y la competencia 4 vs 4, donde la final estuvo muy reñida entre URBAN FLOW y 8D CREW, pero el grupo de jueces

conformados por Bboy Funky, Bboy Chosen, Bboy Cadaver, Bboy Master D, Bboy Peko, Bboy Wellinton y Bboy Joel, todos integrantes de Full Style Crew, le dieron el primer lugar a 8D CREW.

Fué toda una celebración que se vivió ese día, y gracias a la iniciativa de grupos como Full Style Crew, la cultura Hip Hop, el talento y esfuerzo diario que le dedican cada uno de los jóvenes, se da a conocer cada vez mas y demuestra que es un estilo de vida lleno de arte y talento, el cual debería ser más aceptado y apoyado en nuestra sociedad.

En el evento también hubieron artistas invitados como: La Orquesta del Freestyle, Kenny Man y Latin Fresh.

Pronto le tendremos la video-cobertura de todo lo que sucedió en el BACK 2 DA SCENE 2.

Enjoy pics by Tammix

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2010-05-27T06:47:00.000-07:00

Dominique Chestand feels alive.

Kelsey Pyro V.E. ... les quiero mucho.... mucho... mi corazon es lleno de ustedes... gracias por todo. Espero que nos vemos este noche en la musa de Chai a las 9 y despues en nuestra casa.

Sofía Snow last full day in panama. this has been..........................

Sin Palabras.

Facebook Status

2010-05-25T15:13:00.003-07:00

Cecilia E. León Mao Kido, Laura Keylon, Ricardo Davis.... extranarse(? lol).... mi vida de escuela no es el mismo sin son....

Although Cecilia is not in Panama anymore I peeped her status on facebook today...Yea, she missing the PTY. I'm not looking forward to leaving yall....

BACK 2 DA SCENE 2

2010-05-25T08:09:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday was BACK 2 DA SCENE! It was celebrating the anniversary of FULL STYLE CREW. Full Style is probably the largest crew here in Panama. They got all the elements represented as well, except a DJ, which I think is mad tight. This event is an annual thing that just celebrated its second year. The idea for it is to provide a place for all the elements of Hip Hop to come together as a community. It's a place where everyone can be reminded of what elements contribute to our Hip Hop culture. Eddie aka Bboy Funky and his brother Luis Ricardo aka Bboy Master D were the main organizers but, the event would def not have been made possible without the help and support of hundreds, especially the hosting crew. Full Style Crew was Staff for the event and even made the FLYEST trophy for the winners of the 4 vs. 4 battle. There were plenty prizes. Not only would you get a framed certificate sort of thing but there was gift certificates for Supra and Ecko. I mean, we don't really rock Ecko much anymore in the states but they def be gettin it here!

In addition, there was mad ill fly dope things going on: MC battles, a Hip Hop dance crew performed, a Graf mural was being made live, 5 DJs was gettin it, there was a power move contest, 7-to-smoke, toprock, footwork, 4 vs. 4, Latin Fresh performed, so did La Orquesta de Freestyle, plus the fact that the whole thing was just plain BEAUTiFUL.

We got to kick it wit everyone, and afterwards we kicked it some more by cleaning up at the event and then going to Kazy's crib to chill. It was over all, a blessed night. One of those you reminisce on. Tear. Well, hey, check out some fotos. Thanks to Tania, Kevin Morales, and Rodrigo for the fotos. They fly.

FW and Milena

The TROFAYS from a far

The Campbell brothers Luis and Eddie and Queen Tania

MC battle

Latin Fresh and Tania plus 2 randoms

FW and TANIA!

Hip Hop dance crew 507 Flow

FW and Luis from Bless crew

FW and Bgirl Naty

Dance floor

Folks

Fam

Lovin it

Bboy Rolando

FW n Tania

The judges

Bboy Funky

DJ from Costa Rica

The Chair

Se murio.

Bboys a watching

Bgirls Violeta and Naty

Bgirl Naty be looking like she love dancing so much

Bgirl Naty

Trophy

Homemade

Tito and his chichi

Bboy Chamako be getting it

HAHA this one was hilarious...he was in the toprock battle and pulled his pants off...but then he ended up falling! He still ill and killed it though.

Bboy Pollo or Big Papa Rooster

Peep the shirt

Bboy System, Bboy Coco, and Bboy Peko...this kid be killing all the games like it ain't NO game!

MC finna pop a vain (that isn't his name)

whoo

Breaking it down funky

BAM

Bboy Demon

Bboy Coco...what'd I tell ya?!

West crew from Chorrera...they was the most into life! They was cheering on everyone and had the best spirit for competing...def reminded me of First Wave...

Full Style's NEW logo and check it...they not a CREW anymore, they a FAMILY

"FULL STYLE FAMILY"

**WORD**

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2010-05-25T07:07:00.000-07:00

Jarius King Made it to Chicago after 14 hours of travel. Kickn it w/ ASK & friends. Tonite is gonna be great. Panama was just the start for me. 2 years from now... Jarius = English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Spanish, Portuguese speaker. Watch me! Just Begun like Jimmy Castor!

Cecilia E. León First day of summer school!!!!!!!!!!!

Cecilia is now in madison and starting her summer classes. Weird. She's already integrated back into life over there? Maybe. Anyways, we over here tryna start packing. It's hard. I started going through my things last night...like papers, notebooks, etc. And after reading mad things I wrote I started realizing I been steady writing. I thought this whole semester I been slacking. But, in all reality I've written pages. Anyways, I hope I do something with it all. I tore things from notebooks that I want to keep and the rest is for the basura.

Jarius really probably will learn all the languages in the world. Shoot. MAD props.

PEACE

Fiesta @ our crib

2010-05-24T17:48:00.000-07:00

This past Friday we had some friends over at the crib. It was real tight because a DJ from Costa Rica who was here for the Back 2 Da Scene event ended up DJing along with Jarius and Rhythm X aka David the DJ from Panama. There was plenty ppl that came through. People ended up breaking...AS ALWAYS. Which we have no problem with really. I think it's beautiful how we have been able to offer that space for a cypher since we've been here. Our crib is big enough to fit our friends and so when we have em over it always turns into a cypher. Afterwards it always smells horrible. But, you know...well worth it. Some fotos here for you. AW N THANKS TO PHILLY FOR THE PIZZA!!!!

Cuper, Victor, and Violeta

Violeta and Hector

Sofia, Violeta, and I

Estenfania

Reggie, Dom, and Hector.

HECTOR. is a bboy. He's mad original/fly/ill/beautiful. This past weekend has been oddly full circle. See, this weekend we saw Hector more than we usually get to. He came to our crib to kick it Friday and then yesterday at the event Back 2 Da Scene we kicked it. AND then last night after the event we also kicked it. The reason it's "full circle" is because he was the one that opened the door for all of us to the Hip Hop community. We met him within our first month here. We were invited to sit in on a dance rehearsal at the National University. See, in the beginning we were taking a Spanish course at La Nacional and we even did a collab show with their dance department. Anyways, so we were invited by the dance director, this lovely woman, to come to a rehearsal students were doing. It was fly. Danez and Sofia even did a little African dance for them. Well, after the rehearsal while we were talking with all the students we met Hector. He was one of the folks rehearsing. Somehow, naturally of course, we got to talking about breaking and how Sofia, Kelsey, and Dom break. Then he shared that he was also a breaker! He told us where the breakers practice. He and Kelsey exchanged numbers.

From here, one random day Kelsey got a call from Tito. Dom, Kelsey, and I were in Casco Viejo when she got the call. She couldn't understand what he was saying so there was then a girl who spoke a little english put on the phone. Through the stumbling and confusion the words Breakdance, Practice, and Calle 50 were understood. After contemplating whether we should make the trek (Casco Viejo isn't close to Calle 50) we got hype and decided to go on an AVENTURA as Dom loves to say! We caught a cab and told him Calle 50. We had never been there so we had no idea where we were going. We were told that "practice" was by a McDonalds. We got out at the McDonalds on Calle 50 and went searching. Eventually we found BEAT dance studio. "This must be it," we thought. We had to get buzzed in. We pressed the button, waited, entered, but, when we got to the top of the stairs we paused. Kelsey was dang near hyperventilating. Dom was cheesin the largest smile that has ever been cheesed. And I, was loving watching them...understanding that this moment would only happen once. I snapped a photo of the anticipation and pure excitement and then we followed a hallway. The person who buzzed us in probably thought we got lost or something, but eventually, we walked through a threshold and saw the dance studio.

There were folks breaking. He got introduced to maaaad people. We were shy yes. But, at the end of practice we were doing what we do with what we had. What I mean is, we ended up having a conversation with Tito, Alci, and the owner of the studio about plenty little things. You know, things you be wondering when you first meet someone from another country. After we finally made it out the building we fell in love outside talking even more. Alci stood there with Dom, Kelsey, and I for a minute and by minute I mean hour or more. We continued conversation until eventually Alci helped us catch a cab. I wrote a post from that day actually. Check it out.

From there it's history. Dom, Sofia, Kelsey continued practicing and we all continued meeting folks. Now they fam which makes this whole going home thing mad difficult.

See. Hector was the one that let us in.

Hector,

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING.

You're brilliant.

Facebook Status

2010-05-24T15:32:00.000-07:00

Kelsey Pyro V.E. cada día... una nueva aventura.

BACK 2 DA SCENE 2

2010-05-23T11:08:00.000-07:00

Where we finna be @ today!

Facebook Status

2010-05-23T10:05:00.000-07:00

Dominique Chestand FIESTA EN NUESTRA CASA ESTA NOCHE!!!! 10:30PM!!!! CLUB X, CASA 4 (CERCA DE PLAZA AGORA) SI QUIERES MAS DETALLES, LLAMAME, 69075855. VEN CON TUS FRENES!!!!

Jarius King Thanx to Sofía Snow I have this song stuck in my head. Panamanian HipHop. Very similar to a song we've all hear before... but I definitely like this one way better. "Tengo mi pistola y diente de oro" ... That phrase is sooo stuck in my head.

Cecilia E. León Latinos make the world go 'round

Jarius King Up in the morn to help Kelsey Pyro V.E. teach in the outskirtz of what is apparently the most dangerous hood in Panama City, Panama. We putting in work for the kids worldwide!

Jarius King Last day in Panama ;-( Battling at BACK 2 DA SCENE VOL II, then teaching a workshop after the jam. I do not want to leave Panama. Ugh......

Dominique Chestand
Oh, Panama, what did I do to deserve you?

Sofía Snow
t-6 days...........

JARIUS KING IN PTY

2010-05-21T01:07:00.000-07:00

FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO DIDNT KNOW this week our fam from home just got in Monday night. He a bboy he a DJ he a artist an MC and everything that is fly basically. While the pic below of him is a lil too serious, he is def not too serious. In fact, we just got through kicking it downstairs wit plenty folks crackin jokes about things that are inappropriate to state here. Well, enough of this chitter chattish (that's chatter and rubbish). I want to bring you all of his facebook statuses (plus a few made about him) from the day he arrived until right now after his fourth night in Panama. Enjoy.

Jarius King At the immigration line at the Panama City Airport and there are waaaay too many people. Lines winding around and people clapping in large groups... wth is going on?! Line so long I can use FB... why are people steady clapping and cheering?! lol
May 17 at 6:54pm

Jarius King Humidity in Chicago & Madison feels like air conditioning compared to Panama City. Even Hong Kong wasn't this humid. It's almost 12am and it's hot as hell. Can't wait to go exploring the city tomorrow w/ the 1st wavers :)

Jarius King "Touch what I never touched before... See what I never seen before... Woke up and seen the sun SKY HIGH, SKY HIGH!" So blessed to be in Panama & travel in general.

Tuesday at 9:30am

Alida Cardos Whaley Jarius King lives in our Panamanian Mansion. PARTAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYY! Naw forreal, Friday night our crib. C'mon now.

Tuesday at 8:15pm

Jarius King off to an afternoon session in 90 degree weather.... EXTRA humid... but oh well. Better than the weather in Wisconsin. :)

Wednesday at 1:23pm

Jarius King had a siesta (nap) w/ Pollo & Tito @ Parke Omar b/c we got stuckin a rainstorm. Took 4 hours b/t waiting for the storm & trying to catch a cab/bus home. Time to session @ the crib w/ Kelsey Pyro V.E., Dominique Chestand, Sofía Snow.

Wednesday at 9:12pm

Jarius King HOY EN BEAT STUDIO, 5:30 Breaking taller con ManOfGod de Chicago (Rhythm Attack y Motion Disorderz). GRATIS!!! por favor avisa losdemas!!Dominique Chestand, Sofía Snow, Kelsey Pyro V.E., Edward Campbell, Kevin Morales

Yesterday at 12:08pm

Jarius King Attencion Bboys/Bgirls en Ciudad de Panama! No taller en BEAT STUDIO. 7:00 Breaking taller con ManOfGod en Parque Via Argentina! Es GRATIS!!Edward Campbell, Dominique Chestand, Kelsey Pyro V.E., Kevin Morales, Luis Ricardo Campbell Montilla, Abdiel Sierra

11 hours ago

Jarius King Workshop en "La casa de First Wave" was dope. Got interviewed byBboying Panama (bboyingpa.com) & sessioned after. Surprisingly impressed byKelsey Pyro V.E., Dominique Chestand, Sofía Snow! Shouts to them & Alida Cardos Whaley. My chicas been holding me down all week. Muchas gracias mujeres.

about an hour ago

PEACE.

Birthdayssss

2010-05-17T23:32:00.000-07:00

May 17th, 1991 a beautiful baby girl was birthed into this world. And well, shoot lets cut to the brilliant chase, she is now celebrating her completion of 19 years of life on this here planet we name Earth. We wish we could be with her because if yall didn't know, she the ish....definitely a star shining in the midst of all this ... well for lack of a better word ... bullish. She finna be somebody, you just watch. So please join us in celebrating her joyous occasion. Jasmine Nicole Mans, we love you.

Bless.

PEACE.

San Blas

2010-05-17T22:48:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time there were 6 little First Wavers who went to a magical island called needle island for a night and two days. It was a long road across unpaved dirt hills through the rainforest. The place they were heading was called San Blas, a part of Panama where the indigenous Kuna people live. The land itself maintains its own government. They do not have to obey Panamanian law because they are their own entity. Their land, for this reason, is also separate. It is their land. Kuna Yala or San Blas is a beautiful chain of islands in the Atlantic ocean off the coast of Panama. It is paraiso. Seriously. Like, clear blues of waters, rainbow fishes, live starfish, white sand beaches, indigenous people living how they have lived for hundred of years maintaining against modern society, stars in the night sky, bright white moon staring down at you, sound of the ocean getting closer to your feet on the beach. It was something we might not have the chance to experience again in our lives. It was a blessing. This was a while back when Alida's ma n sister came to visit and Dom's ma, dad, n brother too. Something crazy beautiful that we hope you can take part in one day.

Please enjoy some of the fun.

We got to go to the islands where the Kunas actually live. There are 365 islands that make u San Blas or Kuna Yala. But, only a handful are inhabited by them. I think 40 something. Well, we got the opportunity to go to their museum which is bien small but nonetheless packed with their culture. To take pictures inside their museum costs $20. This was Philly catching one from out the window before he knew and before we yelled at him! haha Well, we got a presentation about their culture, the Kuna Revolution, flag, molas (their famous layered fabric woven masterpieces that can be found all over the city for sale), traditional dress, house ornaments, instruments, chicha (alcoholic beverage made from fermented fruit), and tons more. We were all loving it. I wish learning was always this fun. Shoot. Anyways, we got to be blessed with this knowledge and then we went back to the island we were staying on.

So, the there are chiefs within the Kuna culture. There are different levels and most hierarchy is based on age because the wisest are the oldest and therefore, the most respected. Well, one of the chiefs grandsons is this guy you see below. His name is Plas, I don't know how to spell it though. He was interesting. See, there are a lot of different dynamics that you gotta examine before you can even begin to understand his role of power in the whole culture. He runs the business of tourism on the island we we're staying on. Needle Island. He is like the boss. But, a lot of people hate on him because he is the boss, and because he holds a lot of the knowledge of the culture because he is the blood of chiefs. Anyways, he was sitting up with us late at night talking on some in the moment, exist, believe in the power of believing type ish....and it was mad tight...but, I don't know...there was something weird in the air...like, I honestly can't explain it. But on some real, he was getting it. He was contando us about how they cure things with natural remedies but also with the power of your mind. I believe it. I mean, why not. Can we not will ourselves away. Well, let's continue...

And basically, Dom is really good at looking ferocious.

First Wave all day.

PEACE.

Se fue

2010-05-17T22:27:00.000-07:00

So, Cecilia Leon left us and the Republic of Panama Saturday. She called us when she got home and let us know she made it safe. It's weird...we're slowly disappearing. Some of us have been getting sad because we are realizing that we will soon be miles from this home. We wish we could stay longer, but, well, as we have said, "we have to return to our other world." Crazy that we feel like that. Is this another world? How many worlds exist then? Is every place that isn't home another world? Or just every other country?

I don't know. Will we ever.

All I know is that I be getting tears sometimes. Or rather, my eyes be tryna sweat. I don't cry.

Well, enjoy some fotos here fo ya:

CECILIA always made cookies. They were sooooo delicious and we miss them dearly!

Throwback.

Beautiful foto by Cecilia.

Facebook Status

2010-05-15T10:47:00.001-07:00

Cecilia E. León Panama, te amo. El viaje fue increible. Te extraño mucho.

Facebook Status

2010-05-15T10:46:00.001-07:00

Cecilia E. León Alci Ortega, PANAMA PRIMERO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OPEN MIC!

2010-05-14T08:49:00.000-07:00

The open mic was getting it. The MC battle was gettin it. The people was getting it.

So, check out the GETTIN IT fotos.

Rodrigo --> bringin you all these FLY fotos!

WELCOME to the FLYEST BORICUAest CAFE you'll EVER find in PANAMA!

Lovely Tania

fly.

MC Tony

This dude could siiiiing.

El Ruso

Red Bull gettin it fo FREE.

Rebel Mike in his pink tee.

Orgen names is Negro but backwards.

Kelsey killin it!

Fotos en la pared.

Eddie n Rebel Mike

El Poeta

Eddie the organizer, bboy, gettin itest.

DJ Rhythm X and Ras

ILL wall art.

D-Alejo MC

Cristo

Flyest bike i ever seen a white boy ride.

Mens bathroom. Gettin it too.

PEACE.

OPEN MIC!

2010-05-12T15:42:00.001-07:00

Where we finna be at TONIGHT!

MC battles - 8pm

LA MUSA DE CHAI

Dinner @ Profe Coles Crib

2010-05-08T23:21:00.000-07:00

So last week Friday we went to Profe Cole's house for dinner. It was real beautiful.

So a little background on our beloved profe: He's from Costa Rica; teaches science and environmental focused classes; he was our profe of geography this semester and of plants and man last semester; he is married to a beautiful woman named ALIDA; he has three daughters who live in the U.S.; he is University of Wisconsin - Madison alumni; he loves us; we love him; his bathroom is a nice place for a photo shoot; he has a lovely dog; lives in a beautiful home; works @ Florida State University in Panama; is going to come to a First Wave show one day; cares more about our learning than our grades; is an unforgettable professor and person.

Well, this wonderful man invited us to dinner at his crib. Which, let me be the first (probably not the first) to tell you that this is not normal for all estudiantes...but, it is normal for First Wave.We are the ish, what more can I say. Human beings tend to like the fact that we are real with them and especially each other. The way we interact amongst each other is a particular point of interest. Profes comment on how unique we are because we present ourselves as if we are family; we act as though we are comfortable with each other and though we have known each other for years. Now, the truth is that we are more like family than anything and this is the reason we are so comfortable around each other. We have known each other since the summer before our freshman year at Madison, and some of us have known each other since high school and earlier.

So, dinner at his house was full of smiles, laughs, good food, great bilingual conversation, dog cuddling, photo shoots, and even a UW-MADISON CAKE!!! I would love to cuenta you more but let em instead share with you these fotos.

ENJOY.

MMMMMMmmmmmm...but somebody snitched a piece on the side.

The cake got the thumbs up.

Photo shoot?

aaaaaaaaand SCENE.

Cuddle session with the pup.

They was lovin the poooopppaaaaayyy.

See what I'm saying.

I tried to get in on the fun, but they wasn't havin it.

Tryna dig in.

Group foto falta profe. His wife and daughter on the left hand side up top.

Dom cut the cake into a million pieces. Profe said he would bring her from the U.S. in the future whenever he needs something so geometrically perfect!

PEACE.

BOWLING

2010-05-08T19:30:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday folks went bowling. It was Dom, Kelsey, Adam, Philly, Abdiel aka Pollo, Alci aka Lil' Chosen, Ahkil aka friend from FSU, they ran into Ray aka Longdayzjourney Soundz, and met a women named Lily through Philly friend Nemo. BASICALLY they met the whole world and it's sister-in-law. It was a night on the town/ saying peace to Adam type deal. Not everyone could go because they had mad work due the following days but, it was all good because the people who went out had MADS of LOADS of tons of fun. In addition to bowling they kicked it hard at plenty lil spots like New York Bagel Cafe. They ain't even come back til some 3 in the morning.

Well, that's the bottom line. Enjoy the second line in foto form.

PEACE.

The Panama Sessions by Defcee

2010-05-07T00:28:00.000-07:00

PUES I think most of yall know that Adam has left the building that is the Republic of Panama. He flew out Tuesday this week and has now safely settled down in his home state of Illinois. We got word that he will indeed soon be visiting folks in other states for example, the FAM in Madison before the school year is up. We're mad sad to see him bounce early but we def cheesin that he was so excited to get back home.

Well, nonetheless we gotta plug you all with his latest artwork. We all know he's the tightest rapper named Defcee. And I know a couple rappers named Defcee! Naw, I'm just Defceein ya! Did that work? Naw? FAILED. Dang nab-it. Well, anyways, he is for surely one of the up-and-coming young talented emcees you should be following! What we bring you today is a dope sized EP called:

The Panama Sessions.

It features three songs by Adam Levin himself with a feature from Nena Galleta (our very own Cecilia Leon) and a song by two Panamanian Hip Hop artists O.S.O. and Jamlec.

Like the best things in life...the EP is indeed FREE. So I suggest you cop it before the prices go up. Support GOOD MUSIC.

http://defcee.bandcamp.com/

PEACE.

Facebook Status

2010-05-05T03:11:00.000-07:00

Dominique Chestand

My life is absolutely amazing. Thanks to you all. Mi vida es absolutamente maravillosa. Gracias a ustedes

Facebook Status

2010-05-05T02:40:00.000-07:00

Adam Moshe Levin got back home safely. Thank you all for the love for the new work. More to come soon. I logged on five minutes ago and I have 43 notifications. I will respond to each of them in due time...unless your name is Dominique Chestand.

Facebook Wall Post

2010-05-04T16:25:00.001-07:00

Dominique Chestand

The motives for which Dominique Nicole Chestand will kill Adam Moshe Levin when she returns to the States:

1. Adam took ALL of the brownies that were left in the fridge

2. Adam proceeded to leave the dish in which there were no more brownies in the fridge.
a. not only leaving Dominique Chestand to believe that there would be more delicious chocalateyness until she experienced the saltyness that was pulling out an empty dish, but...

b. also leaving Dominique Chestand to wash and scrub the dish.

3. Adam did not wash or fold ANY of his bedsheets on the TWO beds that he has in room.
a. leaving the rest of his roommates to wash and fold them for when Jarius comes to visit.

4. Did yo ass say goodbye?!?!?!?! I don't remember cuz I was straight knocked til 8am. But if not, add that ish to the list.

Facebook Status

2010-05-04T16:21:00.001-07:00

Cecilia E. León ¡¡Panama, te amo!!

Facebook Status

2010-05-04T16:20:00.001-07:00

Adam Moshe Levin is typing this from the gate. Home in less than twelve hours. Take off in two. See y'all soon. I'll miss Panama, all it taught me, and all of the relationships I've made here. As much as I complain sometimes, I'm truly blessed that I have the life that I do. (Also, if you don't have the EP, go here:http://www.defcee.bandcamp.com) PEACE and love, Adam.

DO I LOOK ILLEGAL?

2010-05-01T19:52:00.000-07:00

In solidarity with those who are fighting for the rights of US immigrants, workers, and human beings everywhere, on May 1st and everyday, Alida Cardos Whaley and Sofia Snow participated in the international call to take pictures with a sign asking,

"Do I look Illegal?"

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus, and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

BARACK OBAMA, Inaugural Address, Jan. 20. 2009

Well, Mr. Prezz… we couldn’t agree more. Especially in a time like this. Facing legislations such as SB1070, SB1097, HB2281 – which are all fancy CIA-sounding-codes for RACISM, CLASSISM, DISCRIMINATION, and downright INJUSTICE, America is yet again forced to look ourselves in the face and ask:

“DO I LOOK ILLEGAL?!?!”

Because if you do, we highly suggest you stop tanning, cut your hair, buy some reading glasses, a new pair of shoes, a briefcase, a coffee mug (only an American brew—none of that Costa Rican free-trade sh*t), an “I swear I got my papers” T-shirt and… y’know… whatever helps you look more “legal.” I MEAN, AT LEAST A CLIP-ON TIE OR SOMETHING!!!!

No, but really…

As we have explained over 50 times today in Spanish, this is ART+ACTIVISM. In response to the bills we’ve listed above, which can be found at [CLICK HERE], we decided to participate in the national call (which we discovered on facebook) to take pictures with a sign reading “Do I Look Illegal?” in order to raise awareness, raise reaction, and raise voices.

Every single picture you’ll see (and many that unfortunately didn’t make it) is a product of a conversation, a “FOREAL?!” face, and a willingness to participate in this movement against Arizona’s poor choice in immigration reform. It is not difficult to see that these bills are not only a step back in immigration for this country, but a HUGE flop back in terms of discrimination, racism, classism, and prejudice in general. We’re moving back in history at this point.

Now that we've taken this first step in spreading awareness, the 2^nd part of our project is sending this documentation out to Governor Jan Brewer, (1700 West Washington, Phoenix, Arizona 85007), to other bloggers, news sources, our friends, family and acquaintances, and to as many thinking minds and beating hearts as possible.

We hope you participate too! Take a picture of yourself, your dog, your neighbor when she’s not looking. Talk to someone on the bus about how ridiculous this is! We pray our sign that took 5-minutes to make, our few clicks of a camera, and our collection of amazing friends, can inspire at least one other person to dedicate a little time to continue educating and fighting for what we all know is right and true. After all, Mr. Prezz said it himself:

Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.

BARACK OBAMA, speech, Feb. 5, 2008

PEACE out.

SOFIA snuck off to the states

2010-04-29T23:19:00.000-07:00

In case u were left out in knowing, Sofia Snow has been convicted of sneeking off to the states to do a show in Ohio and running over to the MADTOWN to see the freshmen cohort show.

we so jealous.

She has been back now for less than 2 weeks but we are still harvesting fields of feelings that she got to see part of Line Breaks!!!

NAAAAAAAAAAAW, we jus playing.

Its dope she got to do all that, REAL BIG!

OOOOOOOOh yea, the pic above is the reunitedtion of kimanh n the sofa at the show. Sofa brought the kimanh golpe chips from PTY.

Facebook Status

2010-04-29T23:18:00.001-07:00

Dominique Chestand

just thinkin bout how my black ass finna get stole off of in the Chi for reppin the PTY instead of throwin up the C's. Battling this Saturday pa la capital. SIN VERGUENZA. Bless.

Facebook Status

2010-04-28T20:24:00.001-07:00

Cecilia E. León Mao Kido, eres una mujer con mucha magia! Gracias por un dia increible!

Facebook Status

2010-04-28T19:23:00.001-07:00

Adam Moshe Levin it just kicked in that I'm going home in 6 days. And now I can't sleep. Greeeeeeaaaaat...

Facebook Status

2010-04-28T19:22:00.000-07:00

Sofía Snow panama.

2010-04-27T01:03:00.000-07:00

WE GOT A GIG!!!!

What I failed to mention in the last post about the Open Mic at La Musa de Chai was that Kelsey and I each performed a song. Kelsey, of course, worked with the vocal chords alongside her guitar. And I dropped the first song I ever wrote EN MI VIDA!!!! Errbody got SO HYPE and so did I. But when we all saw the clip on t.v. the other night at La Musa, I got redder than I thought black folks could. But I’m glad that my peeps over there supported me, especially my homeboy Abe, who was talkin bout me like he was a proud father and ish.

But earlier that night, Tania, who works there, asked me if Kelsey and I wanted to be the featured artists for the Gallery Night they’re having next month. Naturally, we accepted. But homes, imagine. I got a gig after performing my first song, which I’m not even finished with yet. Don’t mean to be cocky, but I’m mos def been feelin like this song writing thing is calling me, even before I performed my song. Excited for what’s coming next. Thanking God for what has already come.

- Dom

2010-04-27T00:35:00.000-07:00

House Party: Special Edition * Edición Especial
Open Mic * Poemas * Hip Hop * Música en Vivo * Obras y Presentaciones

Host: Nena Galleta
Sus Djs: LongdayzJourney y DJ Rhythmx

Location: New York Bagel Cafe

FDUB, in collaboration with Florida State University - Panamá had little micrófono abierto last night at New York Bagel Cafe. To say the least, we STRAIGHT MURDERED DAT ISH. And then got down and dirty to a little hip hop afterwards. Bgirl Pyro and I even took off our skirts and dresses and put on Sofeezy’s pants to throw down in a break cypher. Only the truest of bgirls are willing to strip in front of everyone to get in on some floor-lovin. It wasn’t the fullest of events since it was pretty last minute, plus mad people are in exams right now but we made sure that ish popped. Without a doubt.

Kevin Morales, aka Bboy Topo, aka Cornflake took some beautiful photos. And these ain’t even close to the best ones. But I’m trying to squeeze the rest out of him, so yall can get the best taste of our experience.

Paz, Amor, y Respeto.

Sincerity that the Shawty Said

2010-04-27T00:27:00.000-07:00

ME (VIA FACEBOOK STATUS):

podria contar los dias. pero no quiero.

ALCI (VIA MY FACEBOOK WALL):

no los cuentes amiga :(

LA MUSA DE CHAI - OPEN MIC

2010-04-17T19:57:00.001-07:00

Wednesday night there was the second open mic at

La Musa de Chai Cafe.

Kelsey and Dominique and Cecilia flew through to it. They was lovin it, as always. We flock to artsy things like open mics and theater shows, for obvious reasons. Kelsey spit a new song she been working on that's not yet finished. Dom also spit some new ish, a nice lil song bout leaving Panama. You gotta check it out. We gon have to get it up on here for your very own home-made minds to see. But ey til then check out La Musa's facebook page.

EL SOFA

2010-04-15T19:35:00.000-07:00

The Friday after Movfest, (March 19th), our homie Hector, also known as Bboy Xpider, straight KILT IT!!!! in a freakin AMAZING show called EL SOFA. The show reminded me of us (FW) a lil bit because there was no concrete, well-defined through-line. I was straight lovin the entire show. They even did a seen laughin on the broke mad bootleg cab taxis here en Panama. That right there reminded me of our show that we did while here where we incorporated the Diablo Rojo (the school buses turned public transportation system).

This is a bitty clip that Dom took before Dom's camera went dumb on us. Check this woman out on the ceilin-reaching pole. Ey, when it looks like she falls and dies a lil bit, she stops inches from the floor and awws us all. We wanted to be her when we grow up. No really though, the way she moves by climbing and falling and flying on that post is inspiring. Straight defying gravity.

VIDEO HERE @ DOM'S BLOG!

Pt. 3 MOV FEST

2010-04-09T02:13:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately folks, that day did not go as smoothly as we would have liked it to. The reason being pimp decided to make it rain on us. By pimp, I mean sky. By rain, I don’t mean money…

BUT knowing us, you know we had to keep ish moving. So we had an after-cypher at our crib which turned into a mock battle. BUT GUESS WHO I SALTED IN OUR BATALLITA!!!! BBOY CHOSEN!!!! ONE OF THE BEST BBOYS IN PANAMA!!!! But I must admit that he was recovering from recent injuries SO i cant take all the credit, not to mention nobody won, seeing as it was in our living room. But I did get HELLA woots and claps from the 14 bboys and bgirls watchin. Sorry to get yall all hype. Below is the round between Bgirl Snow and Bboy Arnold. Enjoy.

Pt. 2 Fotos de MOV FEST - And you thought Hip Hop was dead?!

2010-04-09T01:36:00.000-07:00

Fotos by Indra Ilya

Pt. 1 Eff Watcha Heard - Dom's Blog

2010-04-09T01:27:00.000-07:00

MOV FEST

On the HIPpity HOPpiest of dayyz (Sunday, March 14), a shawty named David Sánchez, also called upon by us history making elements as DJ Rhythm X, desired a festival of sorts. The sorts where only the flyest of heroes throw their flavas onto lands so beautifully, they call it ‘break’, where creatures grow hunched backs from spinning flat worlds on tables made of galaxies, where Goliaths and Davids ride wheeled clouds on earths shaped like slingshots, where angels spray the stories of legends onto walls with the dust that lies on the tips of their wings, creating an atmosphere of pure dope-ocity for the universes to see.

[more scriptions of this historical day in post above]

Find DOMS BLOG HERE!

COSTA RICA

2010-04-09T00:31:00.000-07:00

WE'RE BA-ACK!

(Check out the first fotos)

To Do:

See Sydney Peak
Kick it with the homies
Love CR

So far, we already got down 1 and 3.

Paraiso - teaser

2010-04-06T20:13:00.000-07:00

update coming to an eye near you.

Day 2 of 30 - $4

2010-04-04T20:29:00.001-07:00

Down here, the same brand name is tattooed
on the razor curving
my sideburns into place,

finding my jawbone
beneath the rough undergrowth
framing my face.

I leave the shop smelling the same,
like I’m ready to look good
and fuck up bad on Saturday night.

all this for a good eleven dollars
less than the clippers that tag me pretty
back home,

and I can hold a cold, domestically-brewed Balboa
while I wait my turn,

and the women smile back when I’m on the street
outside of the shop in Rio Abajo,

in front of the “Trust in God” (in English) graffiti
burned into the lightpost,

where you’ll feel so much more in a Panamanian breeze
than you would in an American one.

I won’t be this changed
a beer, four bucks, and a fade later
ever again.

Facebook Status

2010-04-04T13:57:00.000-07:00

Cecilia E. León Eating BBQ and watching the Final Four game with Adam Moshe Levin.... bonding is a good thing, kinda like H2O

Facebook Status

2010-04-04T13:54:00.000-07:00

Dominique Chestand Blasting salsa from the Montero so the whole hood can hear. Dancing with mamas in driveways. Listening to Part Two for the first time. Grilling food outside with the fam. Teachin Panamanians how to Chitown step. Half-ass attempts of taking pictures of half-lit skylines. Intersecting legs like the languages in our bilin...gual conversation about how to love. Needing no translation.

CONTACTING THE WORLD

2010-03-26T23:27:00.000-07:00

So a week or two ago you may have read a post by Maddam Dominique about something called Contacting the World that Kelsey, Dom, and I are participating in along with nine other FWers back in the states...if not...go find the post, better yet HERE it is in case you're lazy.

Basically, we're WORLD TRAVELERS NOW! Finna be on our way to MANCHESTER! Yes, MANCHESTER. One more time for yur ears, MANCHESTER! I know, I know, sounds a little random. Who would ever think they would be indulging in a free trip to MANCHESTER to create art and perform it live in front of other theater companies from around the world?! Well, I hope you read what Dom wrote about the opportunity because it truly is a blessing.

Anyways, First Wave, as a theater company has been making these "First Wave Friday" videos to keep all the other theater companies involved in CTW (Contacting the World) up to date with what we're doing. This week and next week Dominique, Kelsey, and I are bringing the videos LIVE from the Republic of Panama so ENJOY and stay tuned!

P.S.
Of course we had to put our own sprinkles on...
yea...it's "First Wave Viernes!"

About to go to class

2010-03-22T15:18:00.000-07:00

Word.
So I'm about to head to class, History of South America with Profe Leyva. He always goes over the time by at least 10 minutes. Julio, our taxi driver, and anyone waiting in the car like Sofia, Kelsey, or Adam always tease me. They call me early when I'm only 5 minutes late. Well, today and every Monday and Wednesday it's just Adam and I that come to FSU - Florida State University. On Tuesday and Thursdays we add a Sofia and one Kelsey to the car. Julio picks us up from the crib and takes us here because the school is not reachable by bus and is too expensive to catch just any cab.

Today after my second class before the one I'm about to go to, I have an hour and 45 minute break. I spent the time today checking my email. I was going to do homework but I was incredibly too tired so if I would have started reading I know I would have fell asleep. Right about now I am STARVING. On these days I get here at 1pm and don't leave the prison until 7pm! I want to go home and be with the family, FW family, at the crib that's a half an hour away. I don't really like this university much.

Dom, you know what I'm talking about. She came one day with us to FSU and in between my classes she was with me. I was having some sort of breakdown! lol Not real serious but let's just say there are some of us that don't enjoy spending our entire DAY here in an American bubble in the middle of nowhere! I would rather be with our friends in the city, speaking spanish, learning their stories and sharing mine.

Well, gotta roll.

Fotos del Open Mic

2010-03-14T19:40:00.000-07:00

FLY Flyer

Sofaloaf, Alidabee, GEORGE, TITOpuente, y the CHICKEN

Kelsey featuring her newest song

Adam spit too

Hype women

Sofia got up off her chair as well and was accompanied with a beat for her verse

Cuties

CHECK OUT MORE FOTOS DEL EVENTO!

30 Day Verse Challenge, Day 2

2010-03-14T19:33:00.000-07:00

I COULD NOT, FOR THE LIFE OF ME, FINISH THIS VERSE. IT KEPT TURINING INTO A SONG. so here’s a teaser with the first ten bars.
TOPIC: how i always fall for artists. but i didnt get to that point yet. hence it bein a tease.]

I think I’ve got an obsession

Not the stalker type that cuts yo gas pipes ova feelings they catchin

But I aint completely chill

Need some ice to keep it real

Trying not to fall victim to gravity like Jack and Jill

I’ll be strong like Scott

But even that Philly queen be turning green

When it’s love that she’s got

Uh, we all be playing grinch when life is calling our cue

That mountain top gets cold when you’re the only angry Who

Follow Dominique's BLOG over tHERE!

30 Day Verse Challenge, Day 1

2010-03-11T23:06:00.000-08:00

If you can’t tell, I wrote this in the shower]

Man I smell so bad/I’m glad im finna take a shower

This stank is so pungent/im finna be here for an hour

Cuz when im gettin fresh/time slips like hips from dirty trousers

And when i rise above these suds you’ll call me lady flower

But you cant pick me tho/this emcee’s not a ho

And like the Garden of Eden this fruit is forbidden til i walk down that bridal row

So put a ring on it

But that don’t mean you own it

Depending on a man is not one of my life’s components

New Project!!!

2010-03-11T21:59:00.000-08:00

ALRIGHT FOLKS!!!! i got yet anotha project on my mind that im finna get crackin on. in fact, i already have. seein all the emcees at the open mic we went to last night [fotos comin tonite] reminded me how much i wanted to seriously start writin and performin rhymes. and considerin the fact that í’ve only written one verse worth mentionin to the homies…IN MY LIFE!!!!, ive decided that i got a lot of work to do in order to even be decent. so what im gonna do is…

[SHIT. im so excited MY FINGAS ARE SHAKIN!!!!]…

WRITE A VERSE EVERYDAY FOR THE NEXT 30 DAYS!!!!

now since im a young principiante [spanish lesson] in this game they call emceeing, this ish aint finna be ALL DAT. but it’s gon be fly and u gon be fly cuz ull be witnessin progress. and who DONT wanna see that, unless, of course, you’re republican. but its cool. republicans are fam too. even though yall [meanin yall in power] like to fight against my rights, yall still got rights to yall opinions. (lets debate over caviar and ritz crackers sometime, k?)

ANYWAY. waaay off topic. the fact of the matter is, ill be postin verses about anything and everything, everyday for the next 30 days. For the first verse, scroll up to the next post. DEUCES!!!!

OPEN MIC!

2010-03-11T21:22:00.000-08:00

On the 10th night of a time they call in the distant lands “Marzo,” a band of magically fly shawties went to a small event, an “eventito,” if you will, called an Open Mic. It took place in the cove of muses, named after only the most flavaful of muses, La Musa de Chai. This eventito was the cracking-est occurrence of the jubilous night. So crackin that every shawty present witnessed the miracle of a phenomenon they call Hip-Hop, in which people gain jolly spirits around a mic instead of a maypole. And toss around the results of beautiful grinds instead of ribbons.

[Photos coming soon, chill yo seahorses shawties]

CONTACTING THE WORLD

2010-03-09T22:47:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the long ass description. But I GOTTA break this down fo ya. So this summer, Alida, Kelsey, and yours truly, are gettin even more stamps on our passports because we were accepted to represent First Wave in the Contacting the World Theatre Festival (CTW) in Manchester, England, along with 9 other members of the FDUB fam. This festival brings theatre companies from all over the world to create and perform original works. First Wave was chosen to represent the United States. Tight rite? I know, jo, I live a BLESSED life (pronounced bles-sed for emphasis). Praying to God it stays that way. Now, because the three of us are all the way over here in Panama and the rest of dem folk back in Wisco (Wisconsin for future reference), it’s been hard to stay connected with the fam in this process. But fortunately, the fam is full of some creative ass motha-effers. So creative that there will be weekly videos, showin you wassup in their process with CTW. BUT WAIT!!!! Alida and I were so inspired that we are choosing to bite folks and do a little somethin ourselves each week to show folks wats goin down wit us in Panama. So our ish will be comin soon. But here’s the first episode of this mini-series…First Wave Presents “CTW First Wave Fridays”!!!!

- Dom

Dominicana

2010-03-09T22:24:00.000-08:00

Word. So I'm stealing this from Dominique aka Dominicana's blog because I thought it was dope.

Check it out:

Folks, I have been fortunate enough to meet and get to know some beautiful people in my life, both in the States and here in Panama. People who not only find the most amazing ways to express themselves through art, but people who wanna share that art with everyone around them. One of the people here in whom I’ve recognized that the most, is our homeboy Eddie also known as Bboy Funky. This website is one of the many ways through which he’s chosen to share his love of hip-hop/bboying with his community. If you wanna know what’s goin down in Panama City’s bboying/bgirling scene, this is mos def the site you wanna hit up baby booskies.

Do IT.

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand END/commence stealing from Dom's blog.

FLY FOTO

2010-03-06T14:32:00.000-08:00

Parque Via Argentina

LATES MAS BUTTERERY THAN NEVER?

2010-03-06T13:39:00.000-08:00

YES WORLD YES WORLD WE NEVER OFFICIALLY SHOUTED OUT OUR VERY OWN KIM ANH TRUONG'S BIRTHDAY.

IT WAS THE BIGGGY SMALLS 21 YALL!

Now, Maybe I was bitter butter makes better bread because she was passing the bday with the fam in the Madest of towns as opposed to being wit US in the Panamanianest of towns. Maybe I was eaten by a birthday monster, the kind that tickles you until you have no fingers to type with. OR maybe I was going to make up another weak lil lie!!!

BUT THE POINT IS this QUEEN se cumplio 21 years of life on JANUARY the 23rd, 2010! Now, enjoy bringing you very own eyes HERE to read this post that is about to be all stalkin up in KIM's life!!!

So, we gon start it off slow.

I didn't want to break your heart or you jaw.

This is the beautiful creature on a regular day.

Be prepared because she can get even more radiant!

You already understand dontchu?! 21!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Half empty of half full?!?! haha

It's simply necessary to shout out her life commitment to her org.

Sigma Lamda Gamma Inc.

Not to mention the fly artwork by her sister.

The besties.

The weirdies.

The FLY.

The TRAP THANG! Miss ya.

AND OF COURSE...the BOO!

SO PLEASE JOIN ME IN CONGRATULATING THIS QUEEN ON MAKING IT THIS FAR SO ELEGANTLY!

She really is the most wonderful sister we could ask for.

Thank you.

Happy Bday

FW OGs

GOOD AFTERNOON LOVELIES

2010-03-06T13:22:00.000-08:00

So I'm here dropping you the line to Dominique Chestand's Blog because she just uploaded a video from break practice and a little side noting notation. She the bestest.

Check it out HERE!

or AQUI!

Also, check out the side bar

where I added links to navigate YOU to the blogs of fellow First Wavers.

EMBERAA PURU

2010-03-04T21:43:00.000-08:00

So a while back I prefaced a trip that we we're taking to an indigenous village by saying I would later get the photos to ya. Well, here go some of the ones I got.

And, here's an intro for those of you who didn't see that previous post.

We took a trip to visit one of the indigenous tribes here in Panama. This specific group is called the Emberaa Puru. It was lovely, breath-taking, heavenly. Can't describe it to you. Well, I probably could since I'm a poet but, I didn't try...haha

Aw, we also got photos here of when we went on another tight little tour with our Profe of Spanish to Reprosa. It's a company that duplicates old relics from the colonial period ex, jewelry and such...

I got my grandmama her xmas present from there...some gold earings, the national flower of Panama la flor del espiritu santo.

enjoy.

On our way there.

We had to go by boat. They didn't have to be cute though.

Love the water, I do.

BOMBEST food; fish and patacones in a leaf!!!!

El pueblo.

B. White and Ceci Leon @ Reprosa.

These neat little (expensive) statues. Beautiful, but not cheap.

Here's the LINK to see the entire album.

BAM!!!

Panama Canal

2010-03-04T15:22:00.000-08:00

Last semester we went, with our Spanish Profe, to see the Panama Canal. It's actually kinda sad that we hadn't taken a trip before she took us. I mean, if you go to Panama you better go see the Canal...out of respect to the country and to the history of both Panama and the U.S. haha. So, we got the opportunity to go to the Miraflores locks. There are three locks to the canal. This one also has a museum which we got to take a look at. There is however, another museum called the Canal Museum that details even more the history of construction and such. Check it out if you happen to be in the neighborhood. The Canal Museum is in Casco Antiguo, one of the historical colonial towns in Panama that features colonial style architecture.

The Canal with a ship from the Philippines passing through.

People from all over were brought to construct the Canal.

They have this display where you turn a knob to see how the locks open and close. Me and Danez was foolin it.

Such good actors.

That's our Profe on my right. Our tutors came too.

Adam and his tutor Josuave (compliments of Dominique)

Me and Bayron.

Kelsey and Gaby.

Cecilia and Nabila.

Check out more fotos RIGHT HERE!

HERE too.

NOT here though.

So I had to bring you this DOPE artwork by an even DOPER birthday girl...HANNAH KAZIK

2010-03-03T14:06:00.000-08:00

Meet my girl Hannak Kazik.
We went to highschool together in Milwaukee. She's one of the flyest visual artists in the city, as you can tell. This is her above, on a regular day being her lil ole regular GOOFAAY self. Forreal, like she will make you giggle. And then she'll giggle back atcha.

So, why am I telling YOU about her??
Well, you see not only is it her birthday! But, I feel that as artists it is our job to spread the word about new, old, tight, delicious artists.
Translation: She's dope you needed to know regardless of what I say here.

So, enjoy the work above.
No stealing, biting, fingernails, anything!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HANNAH!
Yea all the way from Panama!

:)

2010-03-03T13:46:00.000-08:00

YOU GUESSED IT!
We gotta throw down for our gurl GG!!!
HOLDin down the THIRD cohort of FIRST WAVE!

On this very day of March 3rd, in the year 1991, there was a very unique spirit born into the flesh. She is a rare fly species that can only be found in Madison during the months that correspond to an ancient academic calendar. If you see her, do not hesitate to fall over in wide-eyed astonishment.
It is normal, there is a hotline.

Please join us in this day of celebrating the birthday
of the one and only
**Gethsemane Herron**

GG,

Even though we're far we hope you know
...we're thinking of you...
...sending warm panamanian air your way...
...we love you...

FW

FIRST WAVE PANAMA

OMGoodness

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Dominique Chestand Damn. One week left Panamá. Let's ride!!!! Alida Cardos Whaley

Too much is going on.

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Dominique Chestand two more weeks with you Panamá. Let's make some magic. Dos semanas más contigo Panamá. Vamos a hacer magía. Alida Cardos Whaley

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Sofía SnowHeart is where the home is.

Sofía Snow

Tania Cristina De Sedas Happy you got to the US safe...keep up lighting peoples life with your sweetness...got lots of love for you sis!!hugs♥

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Sofía Snow is this foreal? Kelsey Pyro V.E. Alida Cardos Whaley Dominique Chestand tell me no.... then tell me yes. then shake me.

Sofía Snow is this foreal? Kelsey Pyro V.E. Alida Cardos Whaley Dominique Chestand tell me no.... then tell me yes. then shake me.

----

Katie Zien is going to miss Sofía Snow and Kelsey Pyro V.E. but hopes to see them back in the old Midwest.

Cuper Bernal Les extrañare mucho son un gran momento en mi vida gracias por existir first wave Dominique Chestand Sofía Snow Alida Cardos Whaley Kelsey Pyro V.E. gracias por todos los momentos ke vivimos juntos paz

Sofia Snow is in the US again.----Sofia Snow BOSTON STAND UP! ;)----Dominique Chestand is the last First Waver in the First Wave Panama crib. Damn. Scary how fast things change on you.----

Sofia Snow is in the US again.----Sofia Snow BOSTON STAND UP! ;)----Dominique Chestand is the last First Waver in the First Wave Panama crib. Damn. Scary how fast things change on you.----

Sofia Snow is in the US again.----Sofia Snow BOSTON STAND UP! ;)----Dominique Chestand is the last First Waver in the First Wave Panama crib. Damn. Scary how fast things change on you.----

Sofia Snow is in the US again.

Sofia Snow BOSTON STAND UP! ;)

Dominique Chestand is the last First Waver in the First Wave Panama crib. Damn. Scary how fast things change on you.

Kelsey y Sofia se VAN!!!!!!!!!!!!! ultima despedida :(

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Bboying PA

Back 2 Da Scene Vol.2 – Mayo 23, 2010

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BACK 2 DA SCENE 2

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Fiesta @ our crib

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BACK 2 DA SCENE 2

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Dominique Chestand FIESTA EN NUESTRA CASA ESTA NOCHE!!!! 10:30PM!!!! CLUB X, CASA 4 (CERCA DE PLAZA AGORA) SI QUIERES MAS DETALLES, LLAMAME, 69075855. VEN CON TUS FRENES!!!!

Dominique Chestand FIESTA EN NUESTRA CASA ESTA NOCHE!!!! 10:30PM!!!! CLUB X, CASA 4 (CERCA DE PLAZA AGORA) SI QUIERES MAS DETALLES, LLAMAME, 69075855. VEN CON TUS FRENES!!!!

Jarius King Thanx to Sofía Snow I have this song stuck in my head. Panamanian HipHop. Very similar to a song we've all hear before... but I definitely like this one way better. "Tengo mi pistola y diente de oro" ... That phrase is sooo stuck in my head.

Cecilia E. León Latinos make the world go 'round

Jarius King Up in the morn to help Kelsey Pyro V.E. teach in the outskirtz of what is apparently the most dangerous hood in Panama City, Panama. We putting in work for the kids worldwide!

Jarius King Last day in Panama ;-( Battling at BACK 2 DA SCENE VOL II, then teaching a workshop after the jam. I do not want to leave Panama. Ugh......

Dominique ChestandOh, Panama, what did I do to deserve you?

Dominique Chestand

Sofía Snow

JARIUS KING IN PTY

Jarius King At the immigration line at the Panama City Airport and there are waaaay too many people. Lines winding around and people clapping in large groups... wth is going on?! Line so long I can use FB... why are people steady clapping and cheering?! lolMay 17 at 6:54pm

Jarius King At the immigration line at the Panama City Airport and there are waaaay too many people. Lines winding around and people clapping in large groups... wth is going on?! Line so long I can use FB... why are people steady clapping and cheering?! lol

Jarius King Humidity in Chicago & Madison feels like air conditioning compared to Panama City. Even Hong Kong wasn't this humid. It's almost 12am and it's hot as hell. Can't wait to go exploring the city tomorrow w/ the 1st wavers :)

Sofía Snow Jarius King IS IN THE ROOM ON THE OTHER SIDE OF MY WALL!! YEAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!! this week will be fun. :)

Alida Cardos Whaley Jarius King lives in our Panamanian Mansion. PARTAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYY! Naw forreal, Friday night our crib. C'mon now.

Jarius King off to an afternoon session in 90 degree weather.... EXTRA humid... but oh well. Better than the weather in Wisconsin. :)

Jarius King had a siesta (nap) w/ Pollo & Tito @ Parke Omar b/c we got stuckin a rainstorm. Took 4 hours b/t waiting for the storm & trying to catch a cab/bus home. Time to session @ the crib w/ Kelsey Pyro V.E., Dominique Chestand, Sofía Snow.

Jarius King HOY EN BEAT STUDIO, 5:30 Breaking taller con ManOfGod de Chicago (Rhythm Attack y Motion Disorderz). GRATIS!!! por favor avisa losdemas!!Dominique Chestand, Sofía Snow, Kelsey Pyro V.E., Edward Campbell, Kevin Morales

Jarius King Attencion Bboys/Bgirls en Ciudad de Panama! No taller en BEAT STUDIO. 7:00 Breaking taller con ManOfGod en Parque Via Argentina! Es GRATIS!!Edward Campbell, Dominique Chestand, Kelsey Pyro V.E., Kevin Morales, Luis Ricardo Campbell Montilla, Abdiel Sierra

Birthdayssss

San Blas

Se fue

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OPEN MIC!

OPEN MIC!

Dinner @ Profe Coles Crib

BOWLING

The Panama Sessions by Defcee

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Dominique Chestand

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Dominique Chestand

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Cecilia E. León ¡¡Panama, te amo!!

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DO I LOOK ILLEGAL?

SOFIA snuck off to the states

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Dominique Chestand

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Sofía Snow
Heart is where the home is.

Tania Cristina De Sedas Happy you got to the US safe...keep up lighting peoples life with your sweetness...
got lots of love for you sis!!
hugs♥

Sofia Snow is in the US again.
----
Sofia Snow BOSTON STAND UP! ;)
----
Dominique Chestand is the last First Waver in the First Wave Panama crib. Damn. Scary how fast things change on you.
----

Sofia Snow is in the US again.
----
Sofia Snow BOSTON STAND UP! ;)
----
Dominique Chestand is the last First Waver in the First Wave Panama crib. Damn. Scary how fast things change on you.
----

Sofia Snow is in the US again.
----
Sofia Snow BOSTON STAND UP! ;)
----
Dominique Chestand is the last First Waver in the First Wave Panama crib. Damn. Scary how fast things change on you.
----

Dominique Chestand
Oh, Panama, what did I do to deserve you?

Jarius King At the immigration line at the Panama City Airport and there are waaaay too many people. Lines winding around and people clapping in large groups... wth is going on?! Line so long I can use FB... why are people steady clapping and cheering?! lol
May 17 at 6:54pm