Just4Fun Unlimited

Judo Black Belt: Ricardo "Ric" Blas Jr.

2011-12-03T05:21:15Z

J4F: Ric for the people that aren’t familiar with what you do can you please tell us a little bit about yourself.

RB: “My full name is Ricardo D. Blas Jr. I am 25 years old. I was born October 19, 1986. I am from the Village of Tamuning but I now reside in Mangilao. I have been doing the sport/art of Judo since I was 5
years old. I am now a 4th degree IJF (International Judo Federation) black belt. I love Guam and our island culture. I take pride in the people that we are and the great potential we all have to be at the
top! I love being an ambassador for Guam in the world arenas. It has always been my life’s goal to compete in the Olympic Games because my father and cousins before me have done so in the past. It kind of runs in the family. Since I have already accomplished that and more, my biggest goal is to win an Olympic Medal. We will just have to wait and see how I play the cards I am dealt. I enjoy lifting weights! I think it’s our personal responsibility to defy the impossible. To show the world that there are no limits! That we have unlimited potential. The heavier the better! I read more than most people would think. I am very social I am always out and about. I like meeting everyone and anyone from old friends to making new ones! I think it’s very important that in life each of us must do as much as we can to ensure we affect those around us. That we are in some way a part of their lives as much as they are a part of ours.”

J4F: You’re competing or competed in a recent tournament in Samoa, Korea and New Zealand. Can you tell us what tournaments these are or where and how you did?

RB: “I was in Japan training for a couple of weeks before the OJU World Cup in Samoa. I took the route from Guam to Korea, Korea to New Zealand, New Zealand to Samoa. On the last leg of the trip Air New Zealand lost my bags and I wasn’t able to train before competition. Also since I didn't have my bags I wasn’t allowed to compete and I was eventually forced to forfeit. Air New Zealand managed to get my bags delivered to me literally 5 min after my forced loss. It was a great disappointment and a very sad day for me. The OJU World Cup in Samoa is an Olympic Qualifying event. Missing this made a huge dent in obtaining qualifying points leading up to the London 2012 Olympic Games. I have 4 more big chances to gain points and start my way up the list so we will see how the ball rolls.”

J4F: Ric from what I understand you are most notorious for your background in your Judo. When did you start training and why?

RB: “I started learning and practicing when I was 5 years old. My dad is a 1988 Olympian and he as well as his brothers have been the reigning champions in the South Pacific and Oceania since they were 15. Judo has always run in my family. There are 4 Olympians in our family my dad, my cousin Derrick Anderson, my cousin Mariano Aquino, and myself. In the beginning I was forced to do Judo. I hated it! All I wanted to do was play and well I was a kid so not much else mattered to me and Judo was hard work especially back in those days when my dad was teaching us. There were no excuses and no breaks. I eventually grew to love it though. Especially at first, because it helped my gain a foothold in making friends coming into middle school and high school. I never used to be as social as I am now. I was probably the shyest person anyone would have met. I was a very passive kid. So since then I paid more
attention in class and started to want to develop my skills on the mat. This made my dad happy so he started sending me to training camps in Japan and Hawaii which helped me become stronger every year. I started competing internationally when I was 13. Winning medals in Japan and eventually going to high school in Southern Japan just for judo. After spending a year and a half in Japan it changed my Judo
career forever. I was winning world level competitions and winning is very addicting!”

J4F: What’s next for you Ric, what can your fans and fellow islanders expect to see from you in the future?

RB: “The future is never set in stone. Anything can happen but what I hope to do is Qualify for London and get a second shot at an Olympic Medal. I have tournaments in Korea, Japan, and China coming up this December. Then there are the tournaments in Australia, Hong Kong, and possibly New Zealand (Taking Korean Airlines this time!!!). I will have a very busy schedule with training in between which will be back and forth between Guam and Japan.”

J4F: What do you have to say to people who look up to you as a role model or who want to compete at your level of competitiveness?

RB: “What I would like to say to my fellow islanders and supporters is thank you for having faith in me and showing me all the love and support over the years. It has been a journey and an adventure! My
life has been a very special and unique one because of the great prideI take in knowing the island has my back. Always do good without reason, be humble and kind, Speak with actions and not words, And live
your life sparing no expense. Treat others with respect and humility. For those who would like to compete at my level I suggest you start NOW! Take a step out of the box. The competitive level in the world is always evolving and growing and won’t wait for anyone. Do hard work and find motivation in everything you see. Fear and Anxiety are natural! Use it to fuel the fire you need to surpass your limits. Your mind is the first thing you need to train before your body can reach its full potential. Your mind places your limits your body is an ever modifying machine. When you can manage to train and sync the two you can do anything!”

J4F: Ric my blog is about what we love to do 4Fun. Obviously, you’re down with your judo but aside from that what does Ric like to do to have fun?

RB: Everything and anything that has to do with people! I read a lot of fantasy novels! Terry Good kind, J.K. Rowling, Jack Whyte, Christopher Paolini, R.A. Salvatore and many more great Authors! Anything really that escapes the reality of life. Sometimes you just need a break. I also love Music. I play Guitar. I love Karaoke! Beach days are always great and of course it’s Guam so you’d be lying if you said you didn’t like BBQ! Just good times with good friends on Guam!”

J4F: Par I ask everyone this same question. We all know that there is so much talent back home and in the Marianas what do you think needs to be done in order for those talents to be exposed to the mainstream here in the mainland?

RB: “Well to be exposed to the mainstream we have to appeal to the masses. We have to break records and make noise. We need to show them our potential and what it can do. We need to fix our attitude and work ethic starting with the youth and working our way up. We need to stop netting for small fish and take the boat out! Catch us a Shark! We need to concentrate in the training and development of individual sports first before we can work anywhere as a team. Once we can fix the individual athletes mentality and ability only then can we get team sports to come together as one. In the end we act as one, One mind, one heart, one Guam. When the world sees the unity of a small island like ours it will inspire and instill awe in the masses.”

J4F: Finally Ric, do you have any final words to the people out there on the internet or back home?

RB: “Thank you for the opportunity and taking interest in what I do and why I do it! I just want to say I LOVE YOU GUAM! I will do my best to make you all proud! Take pride in what you do and only ever do your best! –“

Ricardo D. Blas Jr.
President
Guam National Athletes Commission

I can tell you all from personal experience that this man has a very big heart and is one of the most modest people I have ever met. Thank you very much for taking time out to hang with us here at Just4Fun Ric. I will you luck and success in all you do Ric, I'm sure an individual with your talent will one day make it to the Olympics and when you do not only will the people of Guahan will stand behind you but so will the Just4Fun familia!

Sh-shoot!!

"Tyrtl"

Joe Topasna and the Norcal Family

2011-09-24T08:31:37Z

J4F: Joe you are one of the originating members of Just4Fun, you were part of the team that created the original logo, tell us a little bit about J4F team in NorCal and what you’ve been up to. (team members, vehicles, specialties, awards, competitions, etc.)

JT: Yes I was one of the original members; i drove a '97 Chevy S-10 back then. The NORCAL Family (team), is just about the people not the rides. There are a few of use that race, show, or both. We just support each other with the projects that come up or even the problems that life brings. We are always there for each other. We are not out to win everything but to just be there and do what we love. The NORCAL Family has strict rules about being legal at all we do. We do not take it to the streets, NO STRET RACING; there is no ands if’s or butts about it. I am trying to keep the streets safe in CALI. To see what we roll there will be photos.

J4F: Joe as a dedicated member of the group, since ever since, tell us what J4F means to you.

JT: There is only one word (FAMILY).

J4F: What is next for you and the J4F team as well as what can we expect to see in the future?

JT: Nothing special we just keep doing what we love, building cars and chillin with the fam like we did back in the lil island of GUAM.

J4F: As you already know J4F is about what we do for fun, aside from the obvious, what do you and the team do when you have spare time Just4Fun?

JT: Work, and on free times we party like we were on the island.

J4F: I ask everyone from the island to answer this one question. Just4Fun is also about promoting our roots. You know that there is a lot of talent back home and in the Mariana’s; some of which can definitely compete head to head with others here in the Mainland. What do you think needs to be done in order for this talent to be noticed and placed in the mainstream?

JT: I know this first hand there was hell of ball players as I was growing up, but we were never seen. We as a group need to keep showing that just because we live on a small island we have the biggest hearts and help the up and coming CHAMORROS.

J4F: Joe for those that are interested in hooking up with the J4F NorCal team, what do they need to do or who do they need to get a hold of?

JT: Hit me up @ jctopasna@gmail.com or Facebook. Do not waste the family's time if you cannot ride between the law or if you are out for yourself.

J4F: Any final words or shoutout’s, words of wisdom to the people out there?

JT: Just remeber when you see us riden,it's

just4fun

Nothing Personal

J4F: Joe it has been fun catching up with you again par! Keep pushing the J4F movement and sharing what we love to do. Your Team shirts are being processed at this time just gonna need a little more time. Anyways to the J4F familia in Norcal keep representing hard but remember to represent with professionalism and respect.

Sh-Shoot!

“Tyrtl”

Kaduku Clothing Brand

2011-09-03T02:44:43Z

What's going on people!! Listen J4F was able to get an interview with one of the hottest brands around representing the island culture real hard, Kaduku Clothing out of the WA. Here's what went down!!

J4F: please tell everyone a little bit about yourself and what Kaduku Clothing is all about. (How the brand was born, why Kaduku was chosen as the brand name, who the founders are and when the brand started)

TM: My name is Tony Manibusan and I am the founder of KADUKU Clothing. I started KADUKU Clothing back in November of 2007 after my cousin visited me from Guam. He brought me a bunch of shirts from back home and it was then that I decided to start my own clothing line. I’ve always had an interest in drawing and knew that I could make this happen. I started selling t-shirts and hats in as many local islander events as possible and realized that this dream was quickly becoming a reality. In May of 2011, I opened up the first KADUKU Clothing retail store in the heart of downtown Seattle (just steps away from the world famous Pike Place Market). Although the word KADUKU comes from the Chamorro language, the brand is also widely recognized within the Hawaiian, Samoan and Filipino communities. I came up with the name KADUKU Clothing because it just made sense. Ask anyone who really knows me and they would tell you that I’m pretty crazy. I take chances and venture into things that others only dream about doing. My philosophy is “ You only live once” and I live life as if there is no tomorrow.

J4F: you and I both know that there is some stiff competition when it comes to clothing companies from the island; what separates Kaduku Clothing from the more established local brands like Fokai, Shoyoroll, Guahan Soldier, etc?

TM: First of all, brands like Fokai and Shoyoroll are companies that I respect and I consider them to be the pioneers that have paved the way for brands like us. What they have done for our people and our island is great and they deserved to be where they are today. Just hoping we will be there one day…

As far as what separates us from them, is we are new to the scene. People are looking for something different, something else to add to their collection of island brands. We focus primarily on representing the people. Our motto is “Respect the Island, Understand the Culture, Represent the People”. This is what we do and what we stand for.

J4F: Being that the Brand name of the clothing company is Kaduku does the brand cater only to islanders or is there a bigger market that you’re after?

TM: We are a Pacific Islander clothing company and most of our customers are islanders, but we also invite those who are influenced by our lifestyle and culture to represent the brand. You would be surprised on how many non-islanders support KADUKU Clothing here in Seattle.

J4F: What can the people expect to see from the brand in the future? Are there any collaboration projects with other brands, any events or new items we should all be looking out for?

TM: You can expect to see a wider variety of KADUKU Clothing branded items from us in the future. Items such as: board shorts, more accessories, bags & backpacks, jackets, and slippers. We don’t have any collaboration with any other brands right now, but we currently have a limited edition basketball jersey with Island Bound. They are an up and coming island reggae band locally here in Seattle. They’re hit “Here To Stay” has been in the top 10 for the past 6 months on www.pipeline2paradise.com and top 3 with Kauai’s FM 95.7.

J4F: One of the questions I always ask people I interview from the island is about exposure. We both know that there are many talented people from the Mariana Islands, what do you think needs to be done in order for this talent to be discovered in the mainland?

TM: Get involved with the local organizations and communities in your area. This is the best way to get exposure to a lot of people at once. Networking is key. Support the people that support you. Sometimes you might have to give a little to gain a lot.

J4F: Another question that is a website favorite is, when you have spare time what do you do Just4Fun…

TM: For fun I like spending time on the water wakeboarding. I just recently learned how to wake surf so I’m enjoying that right now. In the winter, I love to snowboard. I also love to play baseball and softball.

J4F: For the people out there inspiring to do what you are doing with Kaduku Clothing, what words of advice or tips can you give them?

TM: Work hard and BELIEVE in yourself. Getting KADUKU Clothing where it is now was not an easy task. I sacrificed a lot of my time with family and friends. Surround yourself with positive people who believe in you and your dreams. Don’t lose site of what you want and only allow yourself to determine whether you have succeeded or failed. Don’t let other’s negativity get in the way of your dreams.

J4F: Chelu if people want to know more about Kaduku Clothing or want to get information about upcoming events, how can they reach you or get this information?

TM: www.kadukuclothing.com and www.facebook.com/kadukuclothing.

J4F: do you have any shout outs or final words of advice to give the people out there in the cyber community?

TM: “Respect the Island. Understand the Culture. Represent the People”

Major shout out to Tony doing his thing and sharing our island culture to the world. Please show your support and visit their website. J4F also wants to give a big thank you to Kaduku Clothing store manager Joe Cruz who continues to support the Just4Fun movement!! For more information or to contact Tony or Joe here is their contact information.

Joe Cruz                                                          Tony Manibusan
Store Manager/Booking Events                     Founder/CEO
Store: (206)687-7320                                     KADUKU Clothing
Cell: (253)397-7424                                         425.422.7115
joe.cruz@kadukuclothing.com tony.manibusan@kadukuclothing.com

Esta Shoot,

"Tyrtl"

Kaduku Clothing Brand

2011-09-03T02:44:36Z

J4F: Being that the Brand name of the clothing company is Kaduku does the brand cater only to islanders or is there a bigger market that you’re after?

J4F: What can the people expect to see from the brand in the future? Are there any collaboration projects with other brands, any events or new items we should all be looking out for?

J4F: Another question that is a website favorite is, when you have spare time what do you do Just4Fun…

J4F: For the people out there inspiring to do what you are doing with Kaduku Clothing, what words of advice or tips can you give them?

J4F: Chelu if people want to know more about Kaduku Clothing or want to get information about upcoming events, how can they reach you or get this information?

TM: www.kadukuclothing.com and www.facebook.com/kadukuclothing.

J4F: do you have any shout outs or final words of advice to give the people out there in the cyber community?

TM: “Respect the Island. Understand the Culture. Represent the People”

Big Blacks Filipino Flag Tee

2011-08-29T18:43:26Z

I was watching Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory this morning and watched an episode where Big Black was wearing this tee. At first I was like... YEAH REPRESENT!! Then I was like... Is BB part pinoy or is BB married to someone pinoy? If you know what the answer is to this question please let me know. Sh-Shoot!!

Respectfully,
"Tyrtl"

UFC 134 Results

2011-08-28T04:05:23Z

In the main event of a sold-out UFC 134 event, UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva extended his record for consecutive title defenses to nine with an all-too-easy TKO win over Yushin Okami.
The bout headlined the pay-per-view portion of UFC 134, which took place Saturday at HSBC Arena in Rio de Janeiro. The event, which also featured prelims on Facebook and Spike TV, was the UFC's first in Brazil since 1998.
The bout concluded a successful night for Brazilian fighters, who went 7-1 when facing competitors from other countries.

The first round of the night's championship headliner opened with little action as Silva circled his opponent and figured out his timing. But a few minutes in, Silva threw some lunging punches, though he still seemed to be fishing for information. Ultimately, though, Okami got the clinch and put Silva against the cage, but he couldn't get the takedown. The fighters then traded some jabs, and Okami was too slow to check a head kick, but the round ended without a clear winner.

In the second round, Silva was ready to engage. He unloaded a quick barrage of punches and low kicks, though Okami initially was up for the firefight. Silva, though, then dropped his hands and seemingly taunted Okami, only to then drop the Japanese fighter with a straight right. Okami was quickly back up, but Silva again dropped him moments later with another quick punch and then stood over him and delivered a steady stream of punches and elbows as Okami covered up.
With Okami unable to fight back as instructed, the TKO stoppage came soon after, at the 2:04 mark of the second round.
With the arena showering him with cheers, Silva was mostly tongue-tied in his post-fight interview.
"I'm so happy bro," Silva told broadcaster Kenny Florian. "I'm sorry."
So who's next for the UFC's unbeatable champ?
"My clone," Silva joked.

Silva (29-4 MMA, 14-0 UFC) now has won 15 straight fights and avenges his most recent loss: a disqualification defeat to Okami (26-6 MMA, 10-3 UFC) at a 2006 Rumble on the Rock show.

"Shogun" gets revenge; KOs Griffin

UFC 134's co-headliner had all types of subplots. Brazilian vs American. Ex-champ vs. ex-champ. A rematch four years in the making.

Ultimately, though, Brazilian star Mauricio "Shogun" Rua avenged a loss in his 2007 UFC debut and scored an impressive first-round TKO victory over Forrest Griffin.

After a brief feeling-out process, a confident Rua closed the distance and unloaded a right that caught Griffin flush. Initially, Griffin kept swinging, but the effects of the blow finally caught up to his legs, and he fumbled to the mat. Once there, Rua unloaded a dizzying assault of hammerfists that forced Griffin's eyes to roll to the back of his head. The ref halted the bout soon after.

The KO stoppage came at the 1:53 mark of the opening round.

"Forrest is a good fighter," said Rua, who suffered submission defeat to Griffin back at UFC 76. "But I trained hard for three months."

Rua (20-5 MMA, 4-3 UFC) fought for the first time since his March title loss to Jon Jones and proves his top-contender status..

Griffin (18-7 MMA, 9-5 UFC), who had gotten back into contention with wins over ex-champs Tito Ortiz and Forrest Griffin, now heads back to the drawing board.

MAIN CARD

Champ Anderson Silva def. Yushin Okami via TKO (punches) - Round 2, 2:04 (to retain middleweight title)
Mauricio "Shogun" Rua def. Forrest Griffin via KO (punches) - Round 1, 1:53
Edson Barboza def. Ross Pearson via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira def. Brendan Schaub via KO (punches) - Round 1, 3:09
Stanislav Nedkov def. Luiz Cane by TKO (punches) - Round 1, 4:13

PRELIMINARY CARD

Thiago Tavares def. Spencer Fisher via TKO (punches) - Round 2, 2:51
Rousimar Palhares def. Dan Miller via unanimous decision (29-27, 30-27, 30-25)
Paulo Thiago def. David Mitchell via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Raphael Assuncao def. Johhny Eduardo via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Erick Silva def. Luis Ramos via TKO (punches) - Round 1, 0:40
Yuri Alcantara def. Felipe Arantes via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Yves Jabouin def. Ian Loveland via split decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28)

(Source: MMA Junkie)

Respect,
"Tyrtl"

Autohype at Motion Auto Expo

2011-08-22T18:45:20Z

I got to hang-out with Michael Flores and the Autohype team yesterday…. Let me tell you that I had a blast supporting the island movement! It brought me back to the old days of the Just4Fun car club days and the old school Friday Paseo nights. Autohype is an auto club originally from the island of Guam, so I’m sure they know what I’m talking about. I have known Mike and some of the members since ever since. I’m talking Baza Gardens and Windward Hills days… back to the days of Mike’s Corolla!! Anyways, like I have always said our island talent can compete with the worlds best… Thanks again to Mike and the Autohype team for having the Just4Fun crew swing by and hang out. We wish you continued success in the future and if you ever need anything from us please don’t hesitate to drop us a line.

Respectfully,

“Tyrtl”

R.I.P. Shawn Tompkins

2011-08-15T22:43:37Z

Shawn Tompkins, a mixed martial arts trainer known for guiding the careers of several accomplished fighters, passed away Sunday in Canada. The cause of his death is unknown. Tompkins was 37 years old.

Tompkins is survived by his wife, Emilie, who confirmed her husband's death late Sunday night.

"Unfortunately I'm in Las Vegas and he's in Canada," she said. "I'm hearing through my family and his family that he didn't wake up this morning. They're going to do an autopsy tomorrow, so we don't know any of the actual details. But from what we do know, he passed away in his sleep."

Tompkins was known for molding young fighters like Sam Stout, Mark Hominick and Chris Horodecki into crisp, technical strikers. He started with Stout when the lightweight was just 16. Stout became Tompkins' brother-in-law after the trainer married Emilie. The couple moved to Las Vegas from London, Ontario, Canada, in 2007.

Tompkins' mentor Bas Rutten, a former UFC heavyweight champion, told ESPN.com he spoke to his friend on Saturday evening.

"Shawn is one of my best friends, one of the best if not the best striking coaches on the planet, and I mean this," said Rutten, who made the blond-haired Canadian the head coach of an International Fight League team in 2007. "He always put his students and friends before him, would do anything for them."

"He texted me late last night, telling me he loved me," Rutten said, "so thank God I called him to tell him it was mutual."

Beyond Tompkins' roll as a trainer, he established an almost paternal roll with many of his fighters and was fond of calling them "son." After relocating to Las Vegas, Tompkins settled at Xtreme Couture until he moved on to become head coach at the TapouT Research and Development Training Center in 2009.

Earlier this year, Tompkins ran Hominick's corner during a UFC featherweight championship fight in Toronto. This was the closest Tompkins came to earning his stripes as a UFC championship trainer. Hominick fought valiantly but dropped the fight on points to Jose Aldo.

Tompkins fought before excelling as a trainer, losing each of his four bouts in the Montreal-based promotion UCC.

Tompkins was in Canada to help prepare Horodecki for his next bout on Sept. 10.

The trainer's remains were moved to University Hospital in London, Ontario. No funeral plans have been set, said Emilie Tompkins. She will travel to Canada on Monday.

"Obviously I think he was an amazing man," Emilie said, "and I hope everyone shares their good stories about him."

Source: ESPN

Respectfully,

"tyrtl"

Members of SEALs Dead in Afghanistan

2011-08-06T19:59:13Z

A very sad for our country. 31 members of our country’s best were killed last night after they had assaulted a Taliban stronghold. It’s the single biggest loss of life, in one incident, in the 10 years we have been in Afghanistan.

In the deadliest day for American forces in the nearly decade-long war in Afghanistan, insurgents shot down a Chinook transport helicopter on Saturday, killing 31 Americans and 7 Afghan commandos on board, American and Afghan officials said. American officials said later Saturday that 22 of the dead were members of a Navy SEAL unit, along with other American servicemembers and the Afghan unit. The helicopter was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade in the Tangi Valley of Wardak Province to the west of Kabul, one coalition official said, though others said the exact weapon remained in question.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, which punctuated a surge of violence across the country, even as American and NATO forces begin a modest drawdown of troops. It occurred after a night raid, a tool that has been praised by American commanders as one of the most effective in the recent military offensive, though the raids have been heavily criticized by Afghan officials and civilians.

…There were conflicting accounts about when the helicopter went down. A spokesman for the Taliban, Zabiullah Mujahid, said insurgents shot down the helicopter around 11 p.m. Friday as it was starting an operation on a house where the militants were gathering in the Tangi Joyee region of the district of Saidabad in the eastern part of the province. Eight militants were killed in the fight, which continued after the helicopter fell, Mr. Mujahid said…

Gen. Abdul Qayum Baqizoy, police chief of Wardak, said the operation began around 1 a.m. Saturday as NATO and Afghan forces attacked a Taliban compound in Jaw-e-mekh Zareen village in the Tangi Valley. The firefight lasted at least two hours, the general said.

It appears that the Seal unit involved was Seal Team Six. The same unit that took down bin-Laden.

U.S. officials tell The Associated Press that they believe that none of the Navy SEALs who died in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan had participated in the raid that killed Osama bin Laden, although they were from the same unit that carried out the bin Laden mission.

Sources say that more than 20 Navy SEALs were among those lost in the crash in Afghanistan.

The operators from SEAL Team Six were flown by a regular Army crew. That’s according to AP military sources.

Another source says the team was thought to include 22 SEALs, three Air Force air controllers, seven Afghan Army troops, a dog and his handler, and a civilian interpreter, plus the helicopter crew.

My question is how the Taliban knew to hit this specific helicopter? Apparently there were up to half a dozen helicopters used during the raid. Were they all from Seal Team Six or were they tipped off on which chopper to bring down? It seems too coincidental that this would happen soon after taking out bin-Laden.

(Source)

Respectfully,

"Tyrtl"

J4F: Personal Feature on Cotch Diaz

2011-07-25T04:23:30Z

One major part of the Just4Fun movement is to promote the talent that comes from the Marianas as well as to help market the products, services or skills these talented people possess. Recently J4F was able to catch up with Cotch Diaz. Cotch has dedicated some serious time into mastering the art of capturing amazing photography as well as video. We asked Cotch to touch up on where and what he is all about, you will see that there is more to Cotch than meets the eye. Here’s what he had to say:

It all begins with my parents being from 2 different islands; Guam & Saipan. Making my roots extend to both the North and South of the Marianas Islands. Raised on Saipan has given me the ability to speak fluently in Chamorro which is our native language. My 3 bros and I rarely speak to our pops in English. Every conversation has been in Chamorro since birth. The fact that my siblings and I have the ability to conversate in our native tongue places us in a small circle in our generation. Fortunately, we were raised by two loving parents that were rich in culture and believed that the passing of tradition was important. This life lesson has paved an unforeseen future for me that seems to be unfolding itself as the years go by.

Before moving out to San Diego California in 2001, I played on the Guam junior Olympic volleyball team for 2 years and the Men’s National volleyball team for a year. Then moved onto playing soccer for the Fokai Men’s Soccer Team and won 3 championships. I was then invited to play on the Guam Mens National Soccer Tean and traveled to Iran, Vietnam, and the Philippines to compete. All these high level competitions overseas with the pride of the islands at stake has taught me how to appreciate where I com from and how to promote my culture properly.

Early in the summer of 2001 I chatted with a high school best friend, Erick Beck, who jokingly threw out the idea to move to California for a bigger and brighter life. After a couple photo slideshows and videos of what was on the other side of the world I was packing for a new beginning. With hardly any college credits and a clue of what to pursue as a major I enrolled in a bunch of random classes at a community college only to find out that I sleep better in class than in bed. Slowly I started to drop out of each class wasting ally my savings. All the finances started stacking with books and supplies that I knew that there was no way I could afford to make it through college and work at the same time. So I got a credit card and started enrolling in classes that U thought offered skills that can actually make money. The next semester I was enrolled in drawing, design, intro to multimedia, and animation I/II/III. Interestingly, I didn’t get much sleep in these classes. I made it through drawing, design and my other classes. Then I realized that all the other creative courses in college pretty much went directly off the books. The teacher would read a segment out of the book and then try to explain it to the students. Then I thought to myself, I’m paying someone to read a book to me and then explain it. Books were meant to be easily be understood. After my revelation, I hopped in and out of classes that caught my attention just to take a picture of the book they were assigned so I could order them online for half price. I save money on tuition and books because I didn’t really enroll in any classes and still learned what everyone else was being taught.

These days I am busy with:

-Graphic Designing for 8 different gyms including a UFC Gym
-Graphic Designs for Fokai, Undisputed, Cannibis Planet, LVL5, Wavehouse, Rasta&Company, Shoyoroll, Ruckus Republic, Me Vale Madre, New York Elementary School System, NBA Player Jared Dudley, 66 Degrees and many more.
-House photographer for 2 years at the Wavehouse & Soundwave Entertainment Venues
-Shot photography for the Alternative Games for CBS
-House Photographer for Total Combat Extreme for 3yrs
-Flow to Las Vegas, Singapore, Mexico, Los Angeles, and Hawaii for photography
-Photographer/Videographer for Cannibis Planet
-Southern California Wedding Photographer
-Intro/Advanced photography personal trainer

And the list goes on and on… So it is definitely not a secret. If anyone out there really wants to learn something… you don’t need a teacher to learn it. I did it with hardly any money and education… so there is no excuse why anyone else can’t do it.

Cotch thanks for filling us in on what it is you do these days… we are definitely excited to see more from you in the future. If you are interested in the services that Cotch provides please feel free to contact him. Click Here to view more of Cotch’s work or to get in contact with Cotch. Par it’s always a pleasure hanging with you. This weekend was amazing… keep in touch and I you don’t already know Just4Fun’s got your back!!!

Interview of Johnny Holbrom (J-HO) and 66 Degrees

2011-06-27T05:56:17Z

Just4Fun Unlimited recently caught up with Johnny Holbrom, founder and creator of 66 Degree's. We talked about what 66 really is and dug into what is needed to help promote out islands talents. Here's what the man had to say:

J4F: Johnny you and 66 degree’s are an upcoming entity from the island of Guam promoting some entertaining media, can you tell us what 66 degrees is all about?

JH: 66 DEGREES is all about Entertainment and bringing the HARDCORE joy only 66 delivers, to all people, through the premier artists of and related to the sacred MARIANAS ISLANDS.....we've existed tens of thousands of years B.C., our stories and our people shall be REVEALED.... Now is the time....66 DEGREES chillin in de 'ville.

J4F: Why 66 degree’s what the significance, the meaning behind 66 degree’s?

JH: 66 degrees CHILLIN n VIBIN WORLDWIDE....66 degrees FAHRENHIGHt.....in a tank top and zories.....from sunny san deezy, to --> santa barbareezy, thats DEDEDO *SBSK RTSK*...but really Im totally obsessed with mathematics and numbers and my horoscope and GEMINI, so when it came time to come up with the name of the PRODUCTION, I had to throw the dice-->6 6 snake eyez. six / six. JUNE 6th my BIRTHDAY. 1 AM in the morning...thats my hour...D DAY...66. Route 66 would have been so weak and desperate,than out of no where...DEGREES...and i thought...perfect...chill show...chillin temperature....its all right there.... BURRRRiliant!!!

J4F: I recently watched a few episodes from your YouTube channel and found all your work to be very comical, entertaining and informative, what’s the theme behind the videos?

JH: At first, FRESH PRINCE of DEVILLE wit a lil WAYNE'S WORLD,,,,AND THATS not LIL WAYNE...thats WAYNE's WORLD LIke "PARTY TIME...EXCELLENT!!!". thats probably gonna fly over a few young ones...I look up to WILL SMITH and MIKE MYERS...and feel like puttin it out there with that type of comedic, upbeat vibe makes it way more homey, like home your own home, and homey like you're own homey is shooting the vid,,,because ultimately JOHNNY H, is a homey, a bro, J HOMEY...and gonna be puttin it right in your own home, on your t.v., i pod, i phone, android, i mac, laptop, whatever....NOW. world domination through new age media entertainment, utilizing all forms of social media, youtube, web, television, feature films, documentaries, and more TOP SECRET high grades!!!!

J4F: Johnny as you and I both know there are a lot of talented people in the Marianas, musicians, artists, fighters, racers, surfers, etc. A lot of the talent back home can definitely stand toe to toe with the other artists stateside. How do you think or what do you think needs to be done in order to put our artists from Guam on the mainstream of entertainment worldwide?

JH: Yes, there are a lot of talented people in the Marianas, they root in our islands and dream to do big things, the islands can barely contain their huge ambitions. LARRY FRANQUEZ, sponsored by SABIAN CYMBALS, VIC FIRTH, SUNLITE DRUMS, and more....he's the youngest of his brothers and they all play drums, he's been drummin a half century since he could hold drumsticks, left island to pursue his craft and got his masters, and now he jams jazz from new york city to tokyo....world class musicians and he's kickin that beat. TANYA MANIBUSAN worldwide internet sensation, this girls has well over 1 million total views for all of her vids on youtube, there is a ton....you don't know how many positive comments i get from her music vid i put up...., MELCHOR MANIBUSAN fought DREAM (YOKOHAMA arena, TOKYO) against KAWAJIRI a top 10 world ranked MMA fighter, i was there with tens of thousands watching, FEDOR made a guest appearance, DREAM is the biggest MMA production in JAPAN, and their video production is LIGHT YEARS ahead of UFC!!!! FRANK the CRANK CAMACHO strives toward a goal, to be UFC CHAMPION, born in SAIPAN, he already holds a prestigious honor, A BJJ WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, he continues to strive with Lloyd IRVIN the most popular MMA school on the planet, check out his killer blog... http://crankeffect.com ... JOEY Quichocho of MUNGY TOWN AKA mangilao, fabricated an off road rig, went out to da states, entered the tuff truck challenge and almost raced himself into first place and a cover on OFF ROAD magazine. JQ ended up bringing in the winner and another friend to guam for our own race at SMOKIN WHEELZ...main event..... I slammed a GOPRO on the rig, and got the fresh mud splash from the mud run. JOEITO rips it, BOAT BASIN is his home. he recently won a surf tournament here and is a huge inspiration for young surfers on GUAM...I shot all of these artists and have shared little pieces of them with my youtube audience. Besides these artists, i have shot more artists, and their remains even more and more talented artists to shoot. All that being said, there is talent, lots of it, but now we have to show off that talent, not only to guam, but to the world, to all chamorros worldwide and to all other ethnicities, from the u.s. to asia and beyond, but especially the U.S. and asia because of our ties and position at 13*N 144*E. [***FOKAI****ROM...yah bro"] If we have the talent, but no one gets to see it, we lose out on the entertainment and the joy it brings to the people who view it. Now, in order to put our artists from Guam on the mainstream of entertainment worldwide our artists must continue to be their best, and do their best, amongst ourselves and worldwide competition, either here on Guam or abroad. But that is not all, we need a producer/producers who can capture those stories, those artists and their talents, and give it back to the world in a manner so entertaining and enlightening to bring joy and inspiration to those who view it. In retrospect, we need talented artists doing big things, and we need talented producers who can bring those big things to the mainstream, but we need even more than that...if we have the talented artists, and the talented producer, and they work well together, than we have something epic....now what we're gonna need is GUAM and the world's support, we need GUAM to sustain our ambitions, not just with moral support but with financial support, and to continue to provide our artists with opportunities to reach our biggest dreams and achieve our goals. That being said, i have ready-to-show six episodes of TV i have produced for GUAM. six 22 minute episodes. t.v. like no one has ever seen in the u.s. or here....a very new style of documentary, reality t.v. It is my art. i want to be that talented producer. if guam can support this vision, we will quicken the pace into mainstream entertainment otherwise, I may have to create my own website to offer these full episodes and other goods, or just slam them up on youtube. youtube pays up to 150 grand a year to their top players.....no, but really i want a guam t.v. show.what ya get on my youtube are just chips of the BOULDER....66 DEGREES compiled two years of footage from all the marianas, singapore, japan, asia, san diego, los angeles of the marianas' premier artist in the mainstream of entertainment,You want fighters...surfers....racers....photographers....musicians...models....beauty pageant contestants....writers*thats graff for yall don't know*...directors *ALEX MUNOZ* in los angeles at the LA FILM FEST reppin guam films on the big screen in HOLLYWOOD ***66 DEGREES. 66 got ENSON'S HOUSE in japan....wakin up with da FOKAI CREW.... Got the sick MIKE FOWLER. j.T TORRES interview and workout at PUREBRED, where they meet u and go at it real deal in drills....who won that one??? 66 got that.....DOMINIC DOMINATOR CRUZ....UFC CHAMPION....i got an INTERVIEW FROM LAST YEAR....chillin with his pussy cat in his lil room in chula vista with COTCH DIAZ *PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE DECADE 1008 FAMILIA* check out... cotchyoulookin.com wait till you see the doc i put out for my brother its on episode 3 and 4 of my for televion show [this doc has footage of him in singapore, his home in sd, and first day of summer WAVEHOUSE massive house party with the worlds best dj's and we all right there with the FOKAI FAM in EFFECT]....BRANDON VERA at his pad cruisin on RUCKUS es..... MIGUEL AYUYU PAN AMS....RONALD OKADA winning GOLD at the US OPEN SANTA CRUZ!!!! JESSE TAITANO....fighting SHOOT in japan!!!! if he wins this one he fights for a title....does he win???? this is one of the best docs i got.....and i got more!!!! Musicians....i've shot DUB, 56 HOPE, out in san diego and nor cal, and shot numerous of artists here on guam....Im starting meetings next week to see if GUAMS ready for what 66 offers????? like i said im not tryin to put all my goodies up for free....66 degrees website coming soon hopefully!!!!

J4F: The theme of my website is Just4Fun, when you have free time what do you do Just4Fun?

JH: b ball. yoga. hiking. mma. jits. muay thai. boxing. chillin is the best though. HIGH GRADES....i like HYBRIDS too.. entertain. kick it with friends.hang with dee baby.think of my next movie. hustle, comedy, lately for fun me n dee been working FREEMONT EXPERIENCE in LAS vegas, the mecca of street entertainment, we had a totally original idea and we dress as king and queen of hearts. we have kick ass costumes, and people run up to us literally for anything from photos to ball whacks!!!! IT FEELS LIKE JACKASS but we WEAR COSTUMES....we made a few thousand from tips working for about 6 weeks, just takin photos, crackin jokes, n whippin asses....we have friends, like Captain spok, elvises, austin powers, prince, golden bat boy, chicago, and one of our favorites JESUS...its one of the funnest places in all of the world and we got the coolest hustle....king and queen of hearts...or r we the king and queen of vegas!!!!! WE NEVER LOSE AT FREEMONT...who can say they work at the coolest place in the world doing whatever they wanna do, gettin to work whenever ya want, and leave whenever ya want....STREET ENTERTAINING....i miss it!!! SPONSORS GET READY TO RIDE WITH 66, OTHERWISE WE MIGHT JUST LEAVE ENTERTAINMENT FOR DA STREETS!!!!since im not in vegas. for fun i'll be using my cam for a free ticket into any show i feel like shooting....see thats what i do JUST4FUN.... show you guys what i see....and let you feel like you're there....I LOVE WHAT I DO....i'll be locked in at "66" thats da studio here.....finishing edits on 66 DEGREES first ever FEATURE LENGTH COMEDY PRODUCTION.....starring STEVE LA FEVER....as GFO , me as J HO, and DEANNA NICOLE QUINATA AKA DEE BABY also hostess of 66 degrees t.v... she's gonna be a huge hit once ya'll get more of her...she already IS....guest appearances by JULIUS SANTOS, JOHNNY SABLAN, and a whole bunch of other guam babes.....RAW MEAT---the comical story of a young, adult entertainer securing his steak in the ROCK, GUAM!!!! to be released later this year....stay tuned!!!!!!!!!!!!!

J4F: Is there anything that the island people both on Guam and stateside should be keeping an eye out for, collaborations, movies, etc?

JH: always.....66 tube..... already the most popular form of marianas based entertainment online....im almost at 200,000 total views and its been less than two years since i started.....a lot of views aren't even getting registered, so i know way more peeps been hittin it up.....people watch my show from everywhere. the us, guam, pakistan been really hitting it up lately go figure, but everybody from canada to japan, and more. i don't even really put my good stuff up because t.v. peeps here said that if i put it up t.v. dont wanna buy it, so i hold back, until i get my own 66 degrees site or youtube starts paying me 150 grand a year. my good stuff is for t.v. and i hope you all will get to see that soon. Is guam ready to invest in a producer???? we will see....other than that i'm locked in my room till i finish my first feature film RAW MEAT..... we shot this last summer, and had a blast, i edited this thing for months and took a break to make the t.v. show episodes....after the movie premiere, we'll be heading back to vegas to work on a new t.v. reality show we are going to pitch to l.a. agents. it involves the king and queen of hearts and our street entertainment buddies.....than working on our next feature length movie next summer.....King and Queen of Hearts!!!!

J4F: For those that are interested in getting more information about you and 66 degrees how can people reach you or where can they go to get further information?

JH:im a fb whore, but i've been off for super long, focusing on the street hustle, but search johnny holbrom. add me. or check out. sixtysix degrees on YouTube If you like what you see on the YouTube, i got way better stuff, subscribe though and hope we get signed to t.v. otherwise it might be about 6 months to a year to get a view of the t.v. episodes....come on guam....support your producer!!!!

J4F: Any final words or shouts to familia or friends?

JH: shout outs to all 66 ers especially my most beloved gf - DEE BABY<xoxo> n 66 graff boss PHOBIA. R.T.S.K. My friends n family i love you all. FOKAI, RASTA, SHOYOROLL, ROMAN, COTCH, N T BOOGY.....n my media peeps -->>>>SMARTY JONES....ALEX MUNOZ, BURT SARDOMA, N DA MUNA'S N 66 frost editor ANTON NGATA check out his sick vids on vimeo.... http://vimeo.com/search/videos/search:anton%20ngata/st/1a1995bc..... my dog RASTA!! and to the most HIGH!!! may the holy spirit be with us all...and last n most blessed JUST4FUN ... thanks for spreadin da 66.... 66 degrees ART T.V. ... PHO IS BOSS!!!

Yo Johnny thank you for spending time and sharing your knowledge with us. Just4Fun supports the rise of the islands and we will do whatever we can to assist in all efforts. I wish you continued success in all you do, God bless!

Respect and One Love,
"Tyrtl"

RIP Ryan Dunn

2011-06-20T19:56:56Z

Ryan Dunn, one of the stars of MTV's "Jackass," has died in a car crash. He was 34.

NBC Philadelphia reports that Dunn and another passendger died in a 3 a.m crash at Route 322 and New Street in West Goshen Township, Pennsylvania.

The news of the death was confirmed by April Margera, mother of "Jackass" star Bam, in an interview with a local radio show. TMZ also confirmed with Margera.

Dunn posted to Twitter a photo of himself drinking with friends just hours before the crash.

A police report indicated that Dunn was most likely speeding in his 2007 Porsche 911 GT3, which was destroyed in the wreck. "Upon arrival, police located one vehicle in the road and in the woods that was fully engulfed in flames," the report said. "DUI" was not indicated in the report.

So often fearless, Dunn was perhaps best known for his parts in crashing golf carts and placing a toy car, in a condom, up his rectum in the original "Jackass" film. His "Jackass" co-star Johnny Knoxville spoke of his devastation at the news on Twitter.

"Today I lost my brother Ryan Dunn. My heart goes out to his family and his beloved Angie. RIP Ryan , I love you buddy. say.ly/hUnqQQ," he wrote.

“I have not been able to talk with Bam as he is in Arizona but I cannot believe that his friend is dead – I felt like I lost one of my own sons when I heard that Ryan Dunn had died," Margera said. “Ryan was a wonderful person he really was the sweetest and nicest guy - he was like my extra son, everybody loved him. He had a long term girlfriend and she will be absolutely devastated - she has turned off her phone just now. It’s just so sad we cannot believe Ryan has gone - I’m too upset to say anything else just now.”

He will truly be missed by many... RIP friend.

Source: (JALOPNIK)

Sincerly,

"Tyrtl"

Interview with Myong Hong

2011-06-10T09:48:35Z

("Island Woman" Official Music Video)

J4F: The last time we saw each other was back in 2006, when you photographed for my sister’s wedding in Cerritos and before that was back in the Tarza days. It’s been a really long time! You are now back on Guam , can you tell us why you moved back home?

MH: To be honest, I moved back to be with my son Tumtum. He moved back to Guam with his mother and although life was good in San Diego for me, being with my boy and being a good father is my number 1 priority in life.

J4F: Myong you have a lot going for you bro, there’s music, art, photography, animation, design…. The list goes on. Among the many trades that you dabble with which is your most favorite and why?

MH: It’ll be tie with wedding photography and music. I’ve traveled from Costa Rica to New York because clients would fly me out for their wedding. I get to share their special day and capture people in love all day! Also with music, I get to share my emotions and connect with people who’s also going through the same thing and enjoy the music that I put out. Just feels good sharing your world and having people connect with you.

J4F: You are definitely very talented bro can you tell us what keeps you motivated or what keeps you doing all of what you are doing?

MH: I’ll be honest with you. Peoples response. Being a Psychology major, I believe that me growing up wanting to impress my parents always gave me motivations to create art to get positive reactions from people. I would create art just for the satisfaction of them being impressed and that motivated me. I know many people might not understand my motivation but it’s always worked for me. I remember when I was in Martial Arts, I would train so hard just to make my instructors proud.

J4F: Music… LOL! There are many talented musicians back home, just like you. What do you think can be done to better promote the talent we have on the island to become more mainstream instead of just local?

MH: Guam needs to be in itunes! We need to do tours in the states. We need to make more music videos and put it on youtube. This will give us more exposures and hopefully oneday, a guam artist will be part of mainstream. Why not? Hawaii has hadful of artist who made it mainstream. Jack Johnson, Bruno Mars and even Baba B made it to mainstream.

J4F: “Island woman”(one of my favorites) is one of your new tracks, correct? What was the inspiration and could there be a possible album coming soon?

MH: Here’s the link to the music video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pALXfG7esNQ . My inspiration was a Chamorro/Caucasion girl I met in San Diego. She wrote a poem about the beach and wanted to make a song with it. I made it for her and then realized how fun and easy that was. I got excited and made more songs from that momentum. I am talking to couple of musicians in the Island, Dan and Edgar from DUB to name a few and have plans to make another album. The last album was about meeting a girl and what emotions were experienced through it. This album will be about being in a relationship.

J4F: If I remember correctly you hold two black belts, what are they in, how long did or have you been training? Also are there any plans to open a school of your own?

MH: I have Blackbelts in Tae Kwon Do and Tang Soo Do. I started when I was 5 years old all the way to college. That’s all I ever did physically. I always wanted to open up a school since I also enjoyed teaching kids but life just didn’t turn out that way. I am lucky to have learned about tradition and respect through it but I think having a school is behind me. I still train lightly but only to stay in shape.

J4F: As you know the theme of my website is Just4Fun… aside from all the things that you stay busy with tell what you do just4fun.

MH: I love to hang out with my little boy at Chuck E Cheese and the beach. I also like to go dancing from time to time. I enjoy Saturday hikes around the island as well.

J4F: Obviously my next question is what words of advice can you give people who are interested in the things that you do what tips can you provide them with?

MH: Don’t lose that motivation. Once you have it don’t linger on it and get it done. If it seems to appear impossible, erase that out of your mind and believe that you can do it. Of course don’t just believe it then sit around your butt all day. Act on it. What is the first thing that needs to be done? Who can help me? Where can I get some more ideas and feedbacks? Etc.

J4F: What do you have in store for us in the future? Is there anything that we should be looking out for, collaboration, etc?

MH: Definitely collaborations. I feel that for me to get better I need to learn from people I admire. Everybody needs a mentor and inspirations.

J4F: Myong for those who want to get more information about the many trades and businesses that you are involved in how can people contact you or where can they go for more information?

MH: I have few websites I would like to share.
www.prodigy-studios.com is where you can see my photography work.
www.myonghong.com is where you can see my artwork
www.youtube.com/myonghong is where you can see my music videos
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/island-woman/id384773085?i=384773103&ign-mpt=uo%3D4 is where you can download my songs in itunes.
www.facebook.com/myonghong is where you can add me in facebook.
www.weddingvendorsdirectory.com is my online business I have for wedding vendors who wants to add their wedding business on my online wedding listing.

J4F: Finally, any words of wisdom, shout outs or final thoughts?

MH: Be on the path of continuous personal growth and nothing less.

Myong I want to personally thank you for taking time out and chatting with us at Just4Fun, it is really appreciated. I commend you in all that you do and wish you continued success. Like the others who have supported us I want you to know that we have your back. If you need us for anything please don’t hesitate to ask. Ladies and Gentlemen please check out Myongs music, art and photography you definitely won’t be disappointed!

Respect!

“tyrtl”