Donation tables

It's so humbling to see so many people gather for such a great cause. It's even more humbling to see that people are clearing the tables of merchandise and happily donating for the sake of Japan.

Pictured from top: calligraphy by my mom's friend Mina aka Mrs.Supersize (she has a big...heart); (from left) Brian Tolentino, Sachi, Junior, Pali; KoAloha mama and papa--the people behind the Ganbalele; various things people are buying. All proceeds are going to the Red Cross.

The Ganbalele

One of the many groups of musicians and industry people here to support the cause for Japan is KoAloha Ukulele, Junior's (my steppapa) uke sponsors and long time family friends. In honor of the victims of the earthquake/tsunami/nuclear power plant trifecta, KoAloha donated ukes to auction off (startin price is $800--which is a steal!) They are donating all proceeds to The Red Cross. Furthermore, they created a new special edition uke they named "Ganbalele." "Ganbare" means "do your best" in Japanese. They did a play on words and added the "lele" of ukulele to the name and voila! And an amazingly cute uke that I'll dream of owning is born (start bid $1800--they originally planned to make it $4000). The uke is in the shape of a waving flag with the old Japanese flag on the front, a KoAloha logo cut out on the side and the back was made to look like a post card. The stamp is the Hawaiian flag and another KoAloha logo, the address is a Hawaiian acroymn that spells out "ALOHA." The message in the middle states, "People of Japan, Aloha from Everyone." Ah-mazing!

Satisfying my sweet tooth.

The tiramisu was Salena's. I heart butter mochi and the mochi here was as delicious ad I expected it to be. The bread pudding, while tasty, had pineapple and therefore before inedible after my first bite (boo) but the deep fried haupia....Oh.Em.Gee... If you have a soft spot for haupia like my mom and I do then you'll probably finish it off in one bite. I ate half and gave the other half to my mom who then proceeded to devour it in a single mouthful. Awesome.

Yay Tochan!

My stepdad just performed about hour ago. He was well received, as always, and never ceased to impress me with his talent as an ukulele player.

Aloha for Japan

I'm currently at Pakele Live at The Willows, a live streaming concert online at pakelelive.com (you should check it out). Um here with my fam bam, rockin the Aloha Army "aloha for Japan" tees.

Cheating on ToT 2

So one thing Seychelle raved about was the fried rice. Naturally, we all ordered it upon her enthusiastic recommendations. She loves it so much, she ordered 2 of them. Yep, I'm going to miss you, Sey. Best of luck!

Cheating on ToT

I have a guilty confession--I went to Benihana for the first time today. Not so bad? Then you don't understand. I am team Tanaka of Tokyo. All. The. Way. I'm like the Devon Aoki of Tanaka of Tokyo. My family portraits and special occasion dinners have mostly taken place at Tanaka since, like, ever. And I've never ever been to Benihana until today because I've been so faithful to ToT. So why go? Because Seychelle is Team Beni and tomorrow is her last day at work ever T_T so Miao and I took her to Benihana for lunch. And while it was fun and pretty delicious, it's not Tanaka of Tokyo. Sorry team Beni (aka Vicki), I'm still team Tanaka.