Don Muna

I've moved to Guamology.com

2008-12-07T23:24:00.000-08:00

Hafa Adai! You're all probably wondering why I haven't posted here in a long time and bad news is I probably will blogging here less and less these days. However, good news is if you're still interested in stuff I have to say it's all at our new website www.guamology.com so come check me out. Guamology.com is sort of like a e-zine site totally dedicated to our hometown Guam. Me and Kel have consolidated our personal blogs into one. Our new site features the up and comers and some established peoples from the island too. I like to think of it as a website for doers focused on real everyday Guam people doing whatever it is they love to do while passionately sharing their personal experiences. So anything or anyone Kel and I come across that we feel is blog worthy and an asset to our island will most likely be featured on the site. But it doesn't stop there. We're looking for contributing writers and people to interview to share their personal experiences with the island... it's a cool and easy way we can give back to our community. For more info on how to become a contributor to guamology.com click here and give us a hollar, we'd love to hear from you. Also, you can check out our first interview with The Marianas Variety it explains a little more about our angle with our new site. Hope everyone enjoyed my personal blog and if you did then you'll surely enjoy guamology.com

photo by Paul Blas
courtesy of Marianas Variety

Shiro's Head or Shiro's Tail?

2008-10-29T00:39:00.000-07:00

Yup, thats me... mesmerized by the liquid crystals in my 2004 model Imac computer. I was glued to that LCD for about 8 hours a day... sometimes 18 hours a day... anywhere from 5 to 7 days a week for a year and a half working post production for Shiro's Head. Some of my friends ask... "how did you do it bro? How did you make a movie?" All I think about are endless hours in front of my computer watching, listening, editing, making decisions, calling Kel for his approval. I'm pretty sure Kel's experience was identical.

I confess, I don't have a purpose for this blog post besides venting my frustrations. I'm really at a lost for words... I guess I'm just trying to re-boot my brain man. Lets put it this way, during the past 2 years, while making the movie I've experienced some of the best and worst times of my life... and also had most of my goals and even some of my dreams come true. So much, so fast... so what now? I've obsessed over Shiro's Head for over 2 years now but how do I let it go? Besides the movie stuffs... what now? I guess its time for another movie! Some are suggesting an animated short film, the prequel to Legend of Shiro... AND we've already come up with the title Shiro's Tale! Then after that our X rated version called Shiro's Tail! HA! See what I mean... how do I let it go?

Pacific Islanders Making Moves

2008-10-21T22:20:00.000-07:00

I really should be archiving some Shiro's Head footage and re-arranging me and Kel's office space right now but I came across this news segment by Josh Tyquengco featuring the first ever filmmaker from Guam, Alex Munoz. Watching this segment made me realize that things are really happening for us here in the islands... that there are now filmmakers and movies coming out of our hometown... and not only just here on Guam but other pacific islands like Fiji with "The Land has Eyes" by Vilsoni and wife Jeanette Hereniko and The Marshall Island boys of Majuro with "Morning Comes so Soon" created by Aaron Condon, Mike Cruz and Bob Balos. Its just so amazing to be able to see things change and develop right in front of my own eyes... its sooo unreal... almost magical... I can smell it in the air... another aspiring filmmaker writing her first screenplay right now.

Shiro's Head - Official Guam Movie Poster

2008-09-20T02:59:00.000-07:00

Poster Design by: Kel Muna

Ladies and gentlemen, we finally have an official movie poster. The design is currently in print and we're hoping they arrive in time for the world premier and charity event on Guam. So everybody cross your fingers... it would so suck to go the premier and not have any posters displayed like a "real movie." :)

Fake Act Friday - Portman vs. Knightley

2008-08-21T19:56:00.000-07:00

Natalie Portman vs. Keira Knightley

I can't lie... they're both on my top 20 list of favorite female actors. However, someones gotta be crowned this week's fake act. I think the best way for me to handle this is to come right out and say it... Natalie is the better actor. Yes... she did the newer Star Wars trilogy and it was sort of a sad performance, but has anyone ever seen The Other Boleyn Girl? My opinion is that Portman has more stretch in her performance when Knightley seems to always play the same roles over and over... well, besides Domino and Pirates... I love her in both. But who knows? Keira could just be picking the better paying gigs. Sorry Keira, but you're this weeks Fact Act. Forgive me?

Back to My Blog

2008-08-05T04:29:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone. It's been several weeks since my last entry, and I've been busier than ever... between the big move back home to Guam and the pre-screening of Shiro's Head I've hardly had any time for myself. So I'll just drop a quick update to get everyone and myself back into the swing of things. As most of you may already know, Shiro's Head will be pre-screeing sometime in the middle of next month with a good portion of the proceeds benefiting Erica's House. (Guam's only family visitation center) As soon as we lock in a date and time for the theater showings we will be sure to let as many people know... so keep your ear to the streets. After that Kel and I will be submitting the movie to many more film festivals in the mainland and will be working on a screening along the US west coast. So far we've been really blessed with all the exposure and support we've been receiving from friends, family, and independent movie enthusiasts all around. With that said, I would like to thank everyone for their support... I can't express it enough... with movie would be nothing without your support so thank you all very much... my brother and I are very grateful. Check back for this weeks "Fake Act Friday." Peace!

A Poem - Untitled

2008-07-09T10:53:00.000-07:00

Photo is entitled "Blinded Sunlight" by: Shepia

I found this poem a couple of days ago in an old composition notebook of mine. I wrote this when I was still back home on Guam in September of 1999... a very special time in my life. Hope you enjoy it.

Isn't it beautiful rising with the sun
trickling through your bedroom blinds
tickling your eyes, its time to rise
and start a new

Shining a light thats rids of sin
for hearts that warm deep within
a sphere of flame to rise from hell
and candy coat itself with a caramel shell

The sweetness, the sun, the heart of mankind
truth and lies, love that binds
two as one with hearts that tie

My center life for light I pray
no matter how far away
The sooner I sleep the sooner I wake
to have you back another day

A piece of my heart my light when its dark

My sunshine.

By All Means Go Green!

2008-06-29T09:45:00.000-07:00

Photo by: Neil Crumpton, Friends of the Earth Cymru

I've been watching a lot of shows on Planet Green by Discovery and have been sold on the idea that off the grid is the way to go. Planet Green has to be the first ever to fuse education, entertainment AND coolness all in one network. However, like all things you see on TV you can't completely trust it right off the bat... do your research before you spend tens of thousands on a wind turbine and solar panels... especially folks on Guam... because with the Lutec Austrailia company right next door and soon to deliver their magnetic pulse overunity motor its likely that turbines and solar power may be a thing of the past and Guam may have a chance to get first crack at the free power phenomenon.

Fake Act Friday-Fishburne vs. Jackson

2008-06-27T17:54:00.000-07:00

Laurence Fishburne vs. Samuel L. Jackson

For some reason every time I think of Laurence Fishburne I tend to think of Samuel L. Jackson... I guess it's because I have a theory that George Lucas wanted Laurence Fishburne to play the part of Mace Windu in the new Star Wars Trilogy especially after his successes from The Matrix ... but no real comparison here as far as the craft of acting is concerned... in my opinion Sam Jackson wins this Fake Act Friday. However, we can't forget some of his great performances in flicks such as A Time to Kill, Pulp Fiction and Shaft. Many critics often overlook the artist's body of work and tend to judge on a single performance... hence the term: "you're only as good as your last film." I believe analyzing an artist's complete catalog is a great way to understand more about the individual and how far they can stretch as an artist and/or performer. Its obvious that Fishburne's body of work outshines Sam Jackson's by far... allow me to name some: Matrix, Othello, Akeelah and the Bee and Boyz in the Hood. Not bad huh? So the winner of this Fake Act Friday... Samuel L. Jackson

Fake Act Friday-McConaughey vs. Lucas

2008-06-20T09:33:00.000-07:00

Matthew McConaughey vs. Josh Lucas

I normally like making the pictures black and white because it sort of helps enhance their similarities... in this case I didn't need to... these guys are dead on... even down to their baby blues. I would have to say that as of this point, McConaughey is the more bankable star... he's the more talked about amongst the two and definitely featured in more tabloids. In all seriousness, I really thought that Josh Lucas was Matthew McConaughey when I first watched Sweet Home Alabama.

Bummer Hummers

2008-06-17T09:27:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of ZAP AKA Zero Air Pollution - Distributors of advanced technology vehicles.

Never underestimate the power of the media or a good salesman... ever heard of the saying "You can sell ice to an Eskimo?"Chances are that in one point in your life you've been that Eskimo and have been sold into thinking that the worst and most impractical hunk o' junk of a product was the must have of all your life (Not at all referring to the photo above) ... and suddenly you're convinced and you spend... and probably have a big smile on your face. I know... I've been to Alaska. It's a cold, cold place. :) But then the trend shifts and you realize (but never admit) that you've been duped. SUCKS! Take the bummer Hummers for example... 10 to 15 years ago the only place you can see a Humvee besides Arnold Schwarzenegger's garage was either on a movie screen or at a military base... then the makers of the M998 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle better known as the Humvee took notice that there was civilian demand and the public were actually looking to buy used Humvees for as much as $80,000... USED!

So what did AM General do? They mass produced a cheaper more affordable Humvee for the general public and launched a massive marketing campaign starting with the TV and movie studios showcasing their product in every movie, music video and television show in America until the Eskimos started to sweat in their igloos. Soon we were all convinced then we all spent... then the trend begins. But like all trends... they have to end... and now its out with the Hummer and it's "big and bad" American way and in with the "go green, slim, sleek and refined Euro trend of the smart car. AND... guess who's all up in the American TV shows and movies now? Yup, you guessed it. The Europeans and their Smart Car.

So don't be a dumb and dumber Hummer bummer... wise up and get a Smart Car. It's not only in style but it's better in every way... its cheaper... safer... easier to maneuver... environmentally sound... just a more practical car in general... unless you live in the middle of a war zone... I think then the wiser choice would be the Hummer. But wait a minute... I bet you already own a perfectly good car right now... so why are you thinking of how cool a Smart Car is? Don't let me sell you on the idea that saving the planet and saving money is a better deal for four wheels... as a matter of fact, when spending any kinda cash... look passed the marketing campaign and choose within your means and your personal priorities in mind. I think that defines a good buy. Goodbye!

Fake Act Friday-Chow vs. Watanabe

2008-06-13T09:49:00.000-07:00

Hong Kong's Yun-Fat Chow vs.Japan's Ken Watanabe

No fake act here. This is a pretty rare case in which only time will tell. Everybody knows Yun-Fat Chow, better known as Chow Yun-Fat (don't ask me) for his role in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Pirates of The Caribbean... but my pick would have to be Ken Watanabe as the more bankable and skillful Asian Hollywood actor with his roles in Last Samurai, Letters from Iwo Jima and Memoirs of a Geisha... I think Kensaku is a couple of American epics ahead of Yun-Fat. However, both very successful and both very good at their craft.

Behind Your Back

2008-06-11T09:53:00.000-07:00

Comic by: Brett Brimmer AKA Johnny Smash of Super Mega

I couldn't resist complaining about the common misuse of this particular phrase. It's something that has bothered me since I was in junior high... even my teachers would say it... and only now with the power of the internet can I share my frustrations with the world. "Behind your back" it just doesn't make sense anymore... the comic above illustrates the correct usage of the term. However these days its commonly misused by people trying to express placing something at their back OR someone doing something without another persons knowledge or consent ... my examples: Your yoga instructor probably says "class place your hands behind your back" or maybe a jealous girlfriend might say "I know something is going on behind my back!" Wrong. Yet everyone accepts it and never corrects it. But how in the world did this all happen? Who was the weirdo that first misused the phrase and who was the numb nut that didn't correct him? Behind your back... think about it. Behind your back is your front. Right!? Because your back IS "behind your back." You're either at someone's back or at their front. Now if you were behind someone's front... where would you be? At their back right? Okay! I rest my case. Man that was confusing... thanks for listening world. Now I can go on with my life.

Top 10 Under Appreciated Hollywood Actors

2008-06-09T09:10:00.000-07:00

Please don't get the term "under appreciated" confused with "underrated". You'll notice I have Tim Robbins and Tom Cruise listed at the top... or shall I say bottom of the list? but think about it... who else can play all the good ol' American blockbuster roles that Tom Cruise has and as well as he did? As far as Tim Robbins is concerned he's one of the few, if not the only actor that can do something like mystic river and then fling off towards the complete opposite end of the spectrum with Anchor Man... CRAZY!! I forget which actor said this but it was something to the extent of... "If you notice me in a role, then I'm not doing my job."

10.Chris Cooper
09.Christian Bale
08.Adrien Brody
07.Gerard Butler
06.Richard Roxburgh
05.Gary Oldman
04.Gael García Bernal
03.Kyle Chandler
02.Tim Robbins
01.Tom Cruise

Fake Act Fridays

2008-06-06T09:57:00.001-07:00

Jack Nicholson vs. Michael Ironside

When watching movies, have you ever come across an actor that you feel is trying to portray another top notch celebrity actor? Heck, do you sometimes think they may even be related? This segment has been created to bring those faces and names to you... the public. Now you can finally see a side by side comparison of all your favorite and not so favorite... maybe even related Hollywood actors. My initial intent was to name this segment "Fake Ass Fridays"... but I think "Fake Act" is more accommodating to the content. Now, I'm not at all trying to discredit Michael Ironside, he's a pretty successful actor. I'm merely trying to vent my frustrations on the money making machine called Hollywood. Because if the producers of Starship Troopers could of afforded Jack we might have experienced Jack Nicholson for the first time in a SCI-FI. I know Denise Richards wouldn't have minded.

Critical Screening Part #2

2008-06-05T13:55:00.000-07:00

Another benefit from having a critical screening for your movie is being able to practice your communication skills to the viewer as well as the artist. After our critical screening of Shiro's Head, we quickly realized that all the viewers had questions regarding technical and/or personal aspects of the movie... which I have to admit I was not quite prepared to answer any of them. Everyone had their own great set of questions that kept both Kel and I on our toes all night... and soon after the fifth or eighth question we were able to let loose and speak without trembling... (speaking for myself.) I find the technical questions are a lot easier to answer that just a general one like... what inspired you to make an art drama? Those are the hard ones. The truth is that Kel and I learned a great deal about expressing our vision to both sides of the table... and I believe it makes for good practice because if you make a film... you're going to have to tell someone about it... your wife, your mom, a business man... someone... and you don't want to sound like an idiot when your trying to express your artistic vision... trust me... there are so many things I'm better at doing than talking about it. Unfortunately for me the movie business is about talking about it before you produce it! But I'm a quick learner. So till next post folks. take care. Thanks Dan and Darcy!

The Importance of a Critical Screening

2008-06-02T10:40:00.000-07:00

The best set of eyes for your movie are a pair of fresh ones. When a filmmaker works too close to their movie project it's easy for them to lose sight of some of the more simple and effective ways to improve the bigger picture. Kel and I held a small critical screening here in Los Angeles with the opportunity to have several more experienced writers and filmmakers give their personal feedback. I felt it was a success... everyone had valid questions and thoughts on different aspects of the Guam movie. One thing I was very pleased with was everyone had a general interest in wanting to know more about the island. So the screening proved three things to me... 1. The critical viewer can help you recognize what they liked or disliked about your movie project... which can only help you determine if it needs more work. 2. What type of person understands and appreciates the content in your film. (demographics) AND 3. That Guam needs way more movies. They all felt it was very exotic so with that I'm very pleased. Check back for more on the Shiro's Head critical screening in my next posts.

Make Your Movie With Product Placement

2008-05-19T08:42:00.000-07:00

Wilson from the Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks movie Cast Away.

I never understood how and why people made micro sized movies for youtube like lonley girl 15 and stuff like that... (not at all referring to the picture posted above) especially because after watching them it made no sense to me and was really never entertaining. Apparently... and forgive me if I'm the only one that didn't know this, but some filmmakers make all their money including their budget strictly off product placement... isn't that crazy? I mean, I'm familiar with the concept of product placement, but creating a show strictly for placing products... isn't that just a commercial in disguise? If I knew this earlier, Shiro's Head would be like an hour and a half long commercial. Only joking... but really are the creators of these product placement shows really filmmakers or TV directors or are they considered commercial directors OR just suits with a camera? Beats the heck out of me. But next time I'm gonna use some of that product placement money to help my budget.

FUN FACT: Director, Michael Bay started his career making TV commercials. He directed blockbuster hits like, Transformers, The Rock and Armageddon. Now he's the biggest baddest American blockbuster director... and that's a fact! Well, I think Jon Favreau with Iron Man may actually hold that title for now. We shall see.

Gimme Fan a Guam T-Shirt Shop to Buy

2008-05-17T10:24:00.000-07:00

For my birthday I wanted to buy a new Guam T-shirt because all my island shirts are faded or has holes in the fafa area or both. So I searched every where (meaning google) for an online Guam T-shirt shop and came up with a few, but only with one or two brands per store. WHY? Next thing I know I'm spending over two hours browsing for a new shirt... then I started thinking... why hasn't anyone created an online T-shirt shop for all Guam apparel? Think about it... a one stop shop for nothing but Guam clothing... most of the people looking for Guam clothes are the Chamorros that are currently residing in the mainland like me... so we're most likely shopping online and spending all our time on myspace anyway. So why not an online store for us to spend money and not so much time searching? Below I've kick started a list of all the Guam clothing brands I know of. I hope that someone familiar with the clothing business will consider building a Guam clothing shop... online or not OR BOTH. Comment if you know of any that I haven't mentioned... I'm still looking for a new and ch-nerry design. Someone has got to seriously consider it. I want my birthday shirt!

01.Bukshun
02.Bulacheru Gear
03.Chamorro Boy 671
04.Che'lu
05.Fokai
06.Fotten Gaga
07.Herban Society
08.Pacific Charlie
09.Rep Urs (Guam and other Pacific Island designs)
10.Shoyoroll
11.Six7one or 671 (I'm not sure if their the same designers)
12.Soma & Sagamore
13.Stee Gear
14.Watufaka (Hawaiian and Chamorro designs)

Happy Birthday To Me

2008-05-16T09:15:00.000-07:00

Okay... today I turned 31 and it feels like just an ordinary day. So I kinda started thinking what actually stopped me from looking forward to my special day. So I made a list to help me remember what I used to like so much about an upcoming birthday.

01-13 years old - gifts, gifts and more gifts.
14-16 years old - getting my drivers permit and license.
17-18 years old - turning 18 and all the perks that come with it.
19-21 years old - being of legal age world-wide.
22-31 years old - I can't remember!

These days the only reason I look forward to a birthday is to be sure I'm still alive. Is this it? No more love for the birthday cake? I guess thats the reason why most people become parents in their thirties... so they can look forward to someone else's birthday for the next 20 years of their life.

Sell Your Worst Idea and Be Rich

2008-05-15T09:54:00.000-07:00

Just when you thought you had the worst idea in the world... ladies and gents I present to you the Hawaii Chair. Even bad ideas have the potential to make good money... I think the real definition of a bad idea is a good idea that doesn't make any. So let's face it... we all have at least one suckie idea for a product... AND if you don't make any money from it at least you can look forward to over 1 million youtube views. I have one question for those that own and love their Hawaii Chairs... can you actually get any work done sitting on that thing?

Save Mother Earth

2008-05-14T09:50:00.000-07:00

Here's a cool little video that shows you 5 really easy ways to be a better human being and save your planet Earth.

1. Raise your AC or lower your heater thermostat by just one degree.
2. Don't leave your appliances on standby mode or kept charging unnecessarily.
3. Always turn off the lights when you leave a room. If you're not really using it... switch them off.
4. When doing any laundry or dish washing be sure you do a full load.
5. Only prepare the amount of cooked food or beverage to help save from wasting water, food and electricity.

Too Many Ideas, Not Enough Time

2008-05-13T10:49:00.000-07:00

I've learned this piece of advise from the marketing master Mr. Seth Godin... I used to believe that when I had a great idea it was in my best interest to keep them a secret until I had enough funding or resources to develop them... but Godin has taught me to be a giver. Realistically the individual doesn't have enough years in their lives to really pursue all their master plans. Sharing ideas instantly creates more opportunities for yourself and others in your field as well as opening your idea to a free and true online market analysis. Personally, my ideas aren't very original, but for one reason or another I really thought I had to keep them a secret... but it's no secret at all... chances are your ideas have been thought of... but the proof is in the pudding. With that said I must practice what I preach. A couple of my "big ideas" are to create more TV shows and cinema for my hometown... not much a secret plan but I thought it was.

Go Green, Go Red

2008-05-12T11:10:00.000-07:00

After pretty much slaving over all technical aspects of an entire movie production work flow... I'm already looking for an easier way for my next movie project... and may have already found it. The all digital, almighty Red One. It looks to be an independent film maker's dream come true. The Red One shoots up to a ultra high definition size of 4K thats about 4 times the size of a Panasonic HVX200 1080p. Apparently, the makers of the Red One camera have worked closely with Apple's Final Cut engineers to integrate user friendly work flows just for Red camera users... and I'm a FCP patron myself. So think about it, all you need now is a Red One, a Power Mac, and a 1K lighting kit and you're ready to play with the big boys. I think it's time to break open my piggy bank.

Get In Where You Fit In

2008-04-23T21:34:00.000-07:00

I've come to the conclusion that I have to provide better insight and more helpful information when I post blogs... so from now on for the sake of the reader and myself (because I can ramble on all day) I will do my best to keep it short and sweet. Speaking of short... This blog is dedicated to the legendary rapper Too $hort and his 1993 platinum album "Get in where you fit in." Get in where you fit in is not only an album and song title... it's also somewhat of a philosophy... or way of life for me if you will... think about it... "get in where you fit in" basically means no faking what you're about... find your niche... know your strengths and weaknesses... but most importantly know where and how to apply those strengths and weaknesses.

Too Short's career as a rapper is a perfect example of of finding your niche and being the best at it. I'm pretty sure I'm not alone when I say that in my opinion... Too Short isn't even close to being in the top 30 best rap artist as far lyrics are concerned... but his success and longevity in the hip-hop industry is a whole other story... I believe he ranks in the top 10 best... with rappers like LL Cool J, KRS One and Snoop Dogg... just to name a few. Short Dawg dropped his first professionally published album back in 1988... 20 friggen years... and still he manages to keep his sound relevant to today sound and lyrical content. So take it from Short Dawg... get in where you fit in.

My Chamorro Work Ethic

2008-04-08T10:10:00.000-07:00

Alright... alright... Chamorro or not... the truth of the matter is one either falls under the category of lazy or hardworking. Which category do you fall under? If you think you're lazy I would encourage you to re-consider your profession or try making your work a bit more interesting. Chances are you're not lazy... you're just not enjoying the work you do. During the early 90's I've always had the hardest, manual labor jobs. My first job was at Guam Cold Storage. My duties entailed unloading 40 foot containers of frozen beef (by hand), forklift and crane operating and driving a flatbed. It was hard work! Not my dream job... but any job on Guam in the early 90's was a good job. I worked for family so you can only imagine how much pressure I had as a young man to prove myself worthy of the hire... and at the time I was only 17 and desperate for the respect of my peers... so I really busted my ass.

Several years later I got a similar job at Pepsi Co. of Guam as a vending machine filler-upper guy. Again I knew someone there that considered me for the job... this time not family but close enough to have an impact on their career if I screwed up. I spent close to 8 long years at Pepsi and again more hard work... stacking palettes of soda pop, unloading 40 foot containers (again) and driving around the island filling up vending machines. All the while dreaming of becoming a professional songwriter and filmmaker. However, there is a bright side to all that hard work I invested in those companies... it taught me the invaluable lesson that hard work is the basis for good work... but great work is only born when hard work and passion is combined.

These days I work twice as long, just as hard but twice as smart... and doing completely different work. Moral of the story? You got to stick to your guns... do what you do best... don't fight the little voice in your head that's saying, "I got to become a doctor or a lawyer or whatever." If people can make a living as Ebayers then anythings possible... and nothing beats the feeling of fulfillment nor increases your work ethic more than passion and love for the work you do. So don't be lazy... be passionate and great work will be born.

Young Don - U Had My Heart

2008-03-30T12:45:00.000-07:00

On my previous post I mentioned an old friend and long time musical counterpart Jerry Lee Castro... and I just wanted to share another production archive produced by Jerry back in 2004. In all the years working with many producers and songwriters I would have to say Jerry, also known in the studio as The Craft$man, is one of the most versatile songwriter/producers out there... he has a great ear and intense passion for all kinds of music with the ability to seamlessly blend hip-hop, R&B and just enough pop to accommodate both the main stream and underground audiences. Jerry Castro is also a fellow Chamorro, born and raised on the island of Guam... we met through a mutual friend during Jerry's freshman year at Father Duenas. Since then we've established an undeniable chemistry personally and in the studio. I don't intend on trying to cut a record again... but if I ever re-consider... Jerry would definitely be a producer/songwriter on the payroll. This un-finished single is entitled "U Had My Heart" and is just one of many songs Jerry and I collaborated on during his heavy production schedule with the underground Bay Area rap group the Experts. Hope you guys like it.

Title: 'U Had My Heart'
Produced & Arranged By: Jerry Lee Castro/CRAFT$MAN
Written & Performed By: Don Muna
Length: 01:19

Guam Lead Actor in Glory Boy Days

2008-03-24T20:12:00.000-07:00

Alright... this weekend I was able to chill with the top billed front man Jared Mendiola, lead actor of the official 2008 Slamdance selected feature Glory Boy Days. All the way up until the second act of the movie I had no idea that Jared was the lead actor for GBD... even though this cat has only spent several weeks in Guam as a kid back in 1994... his humble personality proves that his parents raised him right... humble, down to earth, generous, and an all around cool dude. He definitely has an island heart. Biba Chamorro!

So I left LA around 1:50 in the afternoon made a pit stop at the Mobil station for some snacks and to top off the tank before I hit the 5. I scored the usual... protein bars, bottled water, Rockstar, (super sized) and the road trip favorite... beef jerky... and I was out. The drive was cool... it took roughly five hours and only one restroom stop... not bad. As soon as I hit the Bay I called an old friend and long time musical counterpart Jerry Castro to see if he was interested in rolling with me to the Camera 12 Cinemas in downtown San Jose... it's his hometown so he came through.

8:00pm rolled around and I wanted to make sure I got a seat for the 9:00pm screening so Jerry and I left for downtown. Our tickets had all the wrong info on it...wrong day, wrong time, wrong theater... but they were comped by Jared so I guess it didn't matter seeing that we were to be escorted in by the lead actor. Jerry and I got to the theaters around 8:30-ish and I immediately recognized Jared from the trailer of GBD.(Jared and I never met in person) He was cool from jump... he thanked me for making the drive out, told me I didn't have to pay him back for the tickets and introduced me to the director of Glory Boy Days Paul Encinas... sweet!

12:00am After the movie... there was a Q&A with the director Paul Encinas and Jared... they gave me a pretty good idea what to expect during the Q&A for our Shiro's Head pre-screening... I asked a couple questions and shortly after Jared suggested we hit the town. We kicked it at a Saki bar downtown and he let me pick his brain for about an hour asking him about all his experiences working on GBD and all the other projects he's worked on. Long story short he schooled me... he gave me so much info I just couldn't wait to make the drive back home and mentally map out how I could apply his knowledge and experiences towards SH. 1:30am we said peace.

1:50-ish I dropped Jerry home and got back on the 5 for another five hour drive... I was up for 38 hours... beginning from 7:00am Saturday to 9:00pm Sunday... It must have been all that Rockstar drink. I really had a blast. The screening to me was way more than just a movie... heck... I was able to watch a movie and afterwards hang out and talk shop with the lead actor... how cool is that? It was hard to believe that Glory Boy Days was made for $5k it easily looked more like a $500k budget... the script was well written with lots of dialogue, the acting was quite impressive considering this was Jared's first acting role along with a group of unknowns, there was a natural chemistry amongst the actors, everyone was casted well, all awesome locations and set designs... an all around solid indie to me.

Like I said earlier in this post... the experience was more than just a movie to me... my meeting with Jared helped me understand a little bit of what the making of Glory Boy Days was like behind the scenes... and how much hard work, dedication and passion went into the whole creative process. Jared was able to re-assure me that our Guam Movie was on the right track to success... the similarities were a bit freak-ish... not so much the on-screen presence of the film but more the behind the scenes aspect of it. All passion driven and complete submission to the art by the actors, director and crew. Jared, I congratulate you on a job well done... can't wait to see what you'll do for your next project. Readers, be expecting an in depth interview with the actor Jared Mendiola as soon as I can get him to pencil me in. peace.

Guam Under The Sun Records

2008-03-17T16:37:00.000-07:00

Photo by: Don Muna 2008
Location: Days Inn, Memphis Tennessee

Last week, I had the pleasure of accompanying my mom to Memphis, Tennessee where we visited her life long crush Elvis Presley and the EP estates better known as Graceland. Even though the King has been dead for the past 30 years EP still remains one of the most successful artists in the music industry today with the most hit records ever... at 97 Gold, 55 Platinum, 26 Multi Platinum/Diamond records. During the first days of our stay in the birthplace of Rock & Roll we toured Graceland and all of EP Enterprises as well as visiting downtown Memphis' Beale street music scene. We also had the opportunity to visit the Legendary Sun Records where Elvis Presley along with other legendary music icons like Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Roy Orbison cut their first records. It was awesome! My mom and I stayed in Memphis for a week hitting up the steak houses and fried chicken spots... my mom had a great time because visiting Graceland was one of the things she's always wanted to do and a dream come true for my small town girl Mama Lupe. Well, I really enjoyed it because Memphis reminded me a lot of Guam... but instead of island folks... their were country folks... very down to earth, respectful, hospitable people and good food. The vibe I felt when we arrived in Memphis was pretty close to how I feel when I come back home to Guam after being away for a long time... like a breathe of fresh air... with a splash of high humidity. (bad joke)

All joking aside, I would have to say I really enjoyed the Sun Studios tour the most because surprisingly Sun Records Studio was a small and simple recording facility and to be quite honest a little on the run down side even considering the structural standards of the 50's. However, I was just so amazed at how much great talent came out of such a simple recording studio...hell... Rock & Roll was practically born behind those studio walls. Regardless of its small size, I did feel a big presence of down south country Blues and Rock & Roll just filling the air while our tour guide/musician David Brookings conducted our tour. (Awesome album Dave!) The history behind Sun Records and Sun Studios gave me a sense of just how much heart and soul went into creating the music that came out of their humble studio. In the 50's and 60's Sun Records had a world wide reputation for creating instant #1 hits and huge successful music careers for musicians right out of the wood works... but not because they had a fancy studio or expensive musical instruments, but I believe because the artists felt a true and undeniable passion while recording at the Sun... I'm sure everyone that came to Sun Studios at the time thought that the secret of success lay behind the studio walls and naturally just felt the need to live up to the legend... even I thought I was going to see something special... but I really didn't... and because I didn't... I was re-assured that applying true passion in whatever it is you do is the secret ingredient to success. To all music lovers out there I highly recommend Sun Studios and Elvis Presley's Graceland as a must see. The feeling you get is truly something from beyond.

"It's gonna take more than a coat of paint to make Thunder Road."
-- Rizzo's date to the school dance to make Kenickie jealous in Grease

My First Kiss

2008-03-05T11:53:00.000-08:00

Painting by: Gibran Khalil Gibran bin Mikhael bin Saad

To the girl I first kissed, held hands with, asked out on a date, asked to go steady with, wrote love letters to, bought gifts for, cared for and cried over.
Rest in peace.

“To be able to look back upon ones life in satisfaction, is to live twice”
-Gibran Khalil Gibran bin Mikhael bin Saad
American, Lebanese artist, poet and writer

Paul Newman stationed on Guam

2008-02-26T18:33:00.000-08:00

Before Paul Newman even began thinking of a career in show business, he like many of my friends and relatives enlisted in the U.S. military. He was employed as a radio operator in the Navy... pretty far from a Hollywood lifestyle I'd say. These days you can see his face on a bottle of his own (Newman's Own) salad dressing, hot sauce, popcorn box or lemonade carton. Not to mention that all Newman's Own products are non-profit. Crazy huh? Goes to show... you can do whatever your heart desires... from a Naval radio operator to an Oscar winning, humanitarian and Hollywood Icon... Paul Newman is a true inspiration... and he's even cooler in because he's lived on Guam.

I'm Broke but I'm Happy.

2008-02-21T10:07:00.000-08:00

Mr. Money of Monopoly by: Parker Brothers

My outlook on life and personal finances have changed entirely after a whole year of un-paid work that Kel and I have contributed to the production of our Guam movie. Kel and I have been forced to spend our money towards only the necessities. The movie and food... that's it! My whole life right now is on a necessity only budget. However, I've come to realize that even though I'm more broke than ever... at the same time I'm also the happiest I've ever been in my whole life... AND I'm still healthy but most of all extremely happy and fulfilled. People that know me personally, know I have a pretty bad habit of spending money on impractical luxuries like high priced gadgets and expensive clothes... but nowadays I could care less about material stuffs. Making a movie has been a dream Kel and I shared for a long time and we both came to an understanding that in order for us to move forward with the production we would have to make great personal sacrifices. Early in the pre-production phase we realized we couldn't make the movie contributing only part time hours and we eventually agreed to commiting entirely to just the movie. That meant leaving our day jobs and our videography business to give ourselves a shot at being real filmmakers. At the time it seemed like the hardest thing to do... or even simply think about. WHAT? QUIT MY JOB!? NOT GET PAID!!? If an established producer would have approached me two years ago and said... Don how would you like to produce, write and direct your own movie... but not get paid for a whole year and maybe not ever? I would of said, screw you mister! In the past all I was looking for was a big pay check because I thought the more nice stuff and money I had, the happier I was. The fact is I had what I like to call the "new toy syndrome"... I would buy a new toy only to be interested in it for a short while then throw it to the side with the rest of my neglected toys... soon after repeat the cycle, but this time buy something bigger and better. Kel and I used to get almost $3000. for just two days work and we still weren't happy. In those days I would obsess about money, and measure my successes and accomplishments according to the amount of money I grossed in a single year. Those days were real stressful... and now that I'm broke I think I get it. I think I see the real value of ones life. In plain speak... the moral of the story is follow your dreams... I find the journey is better that anything money can buy. Besides, I couldn't live my entire life knowing I never tried.

Saipan in The Rap Game

2008-02-15T14:58:00.000-08:00

Artist: Pete Badu
Song Title: Daggao Hulo I Kannai-Mu (Throw Your Hands Up)
Directed By: AJ Baldevia for Marianas Music Videos 2004

Pete 'Badu' Magofna is representing straight out of his hometown 670 NMI Saipan with his 2004 hip-hop single 'Daggao Hulo I Kannai-Mu' translated in english: 'Throw Your Hands Up.' Pete 'Badu' Diaz Magofna is the first Chamorro hip-hop lyricist ever known to record a rap song in the native tongue of the Marianas. I feel that this is a pretty big accomplishment for the Saipan born rap artist and songwriter because whether he knows it or not... he will now and forever be the first ever Chamorro hip-hop lyricist. Biba Chamoru!

Big Picture - Small Budget

2008-02-11T14:02:00.000-08:00

This is probably the coolest piece of homemade DIY camera equipment I've ever seen. Above is a picture of a Panasonic DVX100 with a homemade 35mm adapter attached to it. Usually after market lenses and attachments like this one can cost you up to 10K but this particular piece was constructed for just under $200 bucks. It will take some time and a lot of effort to make a piece comparable to this but considering the price difference between $200 and $10,000... I think it's worth a try. Kel and I shot Shiro's Head with the same camera but unfortunately didn't have the resources available to make a 35mm adapter. There are many free blueprints and instructions available for DVX100 35mm adapters but this is the best one I've come across so far. The images that this adapter produces will raise your production value by many notches. However, with every DIY project there are some pitfalls but none over a couple of hundred dollars. That's the beauty of doing it yourself! The smaller the budget, the smaller the risk. This is definitely my next hands on project. Click the picture above to see the original posting for this awesome project.

Guam Bomb - Ammo & EOD Cleanup

2008-02-08T12:36:00.000-08:00

Here's a video shot back in 1993 revealing some of the crazy things happening in our island's backyard. From the footage, I suspect the Ammunition & Environmental Ordnance Disposal contract was fulfilled off the northern tip of the island, somewhere along the north eastern side of Ritidian. Apparently after the island's big 8.2 quake some of the military explosives were determined to be unsafe and needed to be detonated ASAP. I would think that explosions like these would raise some serious environmental issues. I'm sure these explosions don't even compare to the damage the island endured during WW2 but eventually something has gotta give. The US military has elected Guam a legitimate US territory since 1950 and has had a military presence on the island for who knows how long... and I really don't mean to make a big stink about it... I'm Chamorro and a proud US citizen but can you imagine what kind of classified stuff has gone on behind close doors for the past 60+ years or so? Something to think about.

Guam Opens for Wyclef Jean

2008-02-05T14:42:00.000-08:00

Last Tuesday, January 29, 2008 the actor/singer/songwriter 'Santiago' represents for us islanders and puts another Guam seal of approval in front of former lead member of the Fugees, Wyclef Jean. The triple threat, Lawrence Santiago has already opened concerts for big names like Lyfe Jennings and Ari Hest. Santiago, has also appeared in numerous big budget Hollywood productions. One of which is the 2005 critically acclaimed motion picture 'The New World' starring Colin Farrell and Christian Bale . If you want to learn more about Santiago the artist, you can visit Santiago's myspace music profile or see his filmography on the IMDB website. Keep doing your thing Santiago. We want to see you in more films and hopefully have you perform back home sometime in the near future. peace.

Guam's First Chamorro Director

2008-02-03T13:48:00.000-08:00

'Matto Saina-Ta As Hurao' (The return of our elder Hurao)
Directed by: Alex Muñoz

If I'm not mistaken Alex Munoz is Guam's very first Chamorro director. I remember when I was still in high school on Guam and the Department of Public Health had re-launched their AIDS awareness campaign called 'Prutehi Hao', translated in English means, Protect Yourself. At the time, all the bus stops on Guam had painted murals of the phrase 'prutehi hao' along with a film release to go with it. Almost a decade later I come across this video, 'Matto Saina-Ta As Hurao' (The return of our elder Hurao) and find out that Alex Munoz had a lot to do with the Prutehi Hao campaign and has been contributing to Guam cinema since I was teenager. I'm 30 now. What a trip!

Alex Munoz has undoubtedly paid his dues on Guam... and I gotta give credit where credit is due. One of Alex's next directing projects is one of Guam's first feature films entitled 'I Fuetsan I Tao Tao'. (Strength of the People) I cant wait to see it. I feel that with more quality Guam cinema and television programs being produced, the more opportunities it will create for the island... an entertainment industry created for the people, by the people. With that said... Alex, thank you for paving the way for Guam cinema and helping inspire others like myself to follow in your footsteps.

Young Don - 'Hopeless'

2008-01-31T19:42:00.000-08:00

This is probably one of the last songs Kel and I worked on together. This song was supposed to be part of my debut R&B album that I never released. (I guess the stars weren't aligned for me that year.) This single was recorded in our home studio back on Guam in 1999 using a Roland XP80 keyboard for the main instrumental work and a Sony MD8 multi-track recorder for vocals. Ahhh the good old days. Kel produced the music and I wrote and performed the vocals. The lyrics were definitely inspired by true life experiences. I think all my work has been so far. If you listen close... you can hear Kel singing back-up during the chorus. Hope you enjoy it.

Title: 'Hopeless'
Produced & Arranged By: Kel Muna
Written & Performed By: Don Muna
Length: 03:32

Chamoru Inefresi - Pledge of Guahan

2008-01-28T08:19:00.000-08:00

This is probably the best way to explain why Kel and I chose to produce and direct our first feature film on Guam.

Chamoru Inefresi - Pledge of Guahan

Ginen i mas takhelo' gi Hinasso-ku, i mas takhalom gi Kurason-hu, yan i mas figo' na Nina'siñå-hu, Hu ufresen maisa yu' para bai hu Prutehi, yan hu Difende i Hinengge, i Kottura, i Lengguahi, i Aire, i Hanom yan i tano' Chamoru, ni'Irensiå-ku Direchu ginen as Yu'os Tåta. Este hu Afitma gi hilo' i bipblia yan i banderå-hu, i banderan Guåhan.

Translated in English:

From the highest of my thoughts, from the deepest of my heart, and with the utmost of my strength, I offer myself to protect and to defend the beliefs, the culture, the language, the air, the water and the land of the Chamoru, which are our inherent God-given rights. This I will affirm by the holy words and our banner, the flag of Guåhan!

Click here to download the Hita Chamoru 2006 PDF booklet including the Chamoru Inefresi. In this booklet is a compilation of testimonies presented to the United Nations on Oct. 4, 2006. The testimonies carry on the legacy of more than 20 years of Chamorus who’ve appealed to the United Nations on behalf of Guam and Chamoru human rights.

The content in this booklet has really put things into perspective for me as a Chamoru. It's also a great learning piece that will give you a glimpse of what kind of crisis the Chamoru people and culture are up against. We must apply our individual strengths and come together as a community in order to preserve our culture.

Walk it Out

2008-01-22T09:25:00.000-08:00

Walking three times a week between 30 to 60 minutes each session proves to be a simple, effective and inexpensive way to stay in shape. However, as natural as walking may seem there's always a better way to do things. Here are some tips on how you can improve your posture while walking yourself into shape.

For those who are a bit confused as to why I post healthy living tips on my blog, especially because I'm a filmmaker and not a fitness trainer is because it helps me remind myself how much my physical well being helps my productivity on a daily basis. Personally, after every workout I instantly feel more motivated, less fatigued, and when directing it helps me stay more involved with the entire process of film making. Also, I find the more I write about it, the easier it is for me to get up in the morning and get moving.

Do What You Love

2008-01-20T09:44:00.000-08:00

Up until a few years ago, I have been jumping from job to job trying to find a compromise between what I love to do, which is any type of performing arts and what I have to do, which is make a living. Before I decided to take the leap from retailer to filmmaker, I frequently asked anybody I could... what is your dream job? Sad to say, everyone one I asked was not doing what they love to do. As a matter of fact pretty much everyone was doing close to the opposite of what their hearts really desired. When I asked why? All of their replies were close to identical... "Well, it's just temporary." or "I don't know... it kinda just happened this way." and several other variations of those phrases. One thing for sure, at that moment we were all convinced we couldn't have a career doing what we loved to do. So my mission was to convince myself otherwise. I did research on professional filmmakers and tried to figure out if they possessed any supernatural powers that helped them achieve their artistic visions on screen. As I figured, they were just regular human beings like you and me with a little dash of good luck. You know what they say about luck, it's when preparation meets opportunity... and preparation anybody can do.

The key is to achieving is believing you deserve whatever it is your heart truly desires. As soon as you're heart and soul are convinced you deserve what it is you want, your body and mind will follow. Besides, you're going to do what you love anyway right? You might as well make it your profession.

Luck is when preparation meets opportunity.
-Seneca
Roman dramatist, philosopher, & politician

Brandon Mayer and The Hidden Powers

2008-01-17T07:14:00.000-08:00

Brandon Mayer & The Hidden Powers - 'Nothing Without Love'

Great news for the movie's soundtrack... last night I received permission to use a couple of songs from Brandon Mayer. Brandon is one of Los Angeles' up and coming singer, songwriter and who I consider to be a poetic genius, with the style of a modern day Bob Dylan. His sophomore album with The Hidden Powers 'Nothing without Love' will stay on my backed up music hard drive forever. This musical gem is available at Amoeba Records in Hollywood, iTunes, Amazon.com, and other fine online music outlets.

Guam Cribs

2008-01-15T08:49:00.000-08:00

You've gotta appreciate this... raw talent at it's best. With their utilization of desktop publishing and over 5,500 some odd views, (that's a lot of views for Guam) you would think they had some sort of experience in local Guam marketing and production . They're funny, they've got great comedic timing and their improvisational skills are on point. For a moment I almost believed Daryl really had a clapper. :) Keep it up guys. My brother Kel and I love your work and crack up every time we see a new Daryl Herradura video. peace.

Our Movie Poster

2008-01-14T10:20:00.000-08:00

Banner by: Kel Muna

Actually, we're not quite sure if this will be our official movie poster but its been decided that this will be our home page banner for our movie website. The official Shiro's Head movie website will be launched next Thursday the 24th which will be Friday the 25th back home on Guam. Where America's Day Begins.

Shiro's Head Soundtrack

2008-01-13T12:27:00.000-08:00

This whole month will be dedicated to compiling the music for our first Guam feature film entitled Shiro's Head - "The Legend". I had the pleasure of speaking with many musicians from Guam that were happy to contribute to the movie. However, we still have plenty of work to do before we can call it a wrap. There are several phases to locking down the soundtrack that's why I'll be needing all of January to prepare.

One of the first phases is to watch the rough cut of the flick and determine what type of sound we're looking for and what scenes these sounds may accommodate. Second is to search the entire Guam music scene and find the sound we're looking for. Third is to get in touch with all our local talent and hopefully get their blessings to use their music in the movie. Fourth... (the tough part) as soon as we compile all the music we determine which songs will make the cut. We re-watch the rough cut and determine which scenes will best compliment the songs we have to work with and vise-versa.

At this point I'm in between phases one and three and we've yet to determine the final cut of the soundtrack but as soon as we do I will be happy to inform everyone. peace.

Guam Makes it to Slamdance

2008-01-12T10:43:00.000-08:00

Check it out! A fellow Chamorro, Jared Mendiola is playing one of the lead roles as 'Lando' in the independent flick 'Glory Boy Days'. The movie has already been accepted into the 2008 Slamdance Film festival. Chances are you probably can't make the Slamdance premier in Utah but I'm sure he'll appreciate our support. I had the chance to communicate with Jared in late December '07 and he expressed a genuine interest in our Guam movie production. He seems like a real cool down to earth kinda guy. I say let's bless his project with our good island graces and hope for more glory boys like him. Where's the DVD? We're ready to buy!

WRITTEN, DIRECTED and EDITED BY: Paul Encinas
CAST: Jared Mendiola, Eric Callero, Kameron Collins,
Anthony Agresti, Riley Kempton, Charise Loriaux, Lauren Plaxco
PRODUCER: Greg Bradley
DIRECTOR of PHOTOGRAPHY: Todd Banhazl

More is Less

2008-01-11T10:57:00.000-08:00

Want to lose water weight? Drink more water. The more water you drink the less water your body retains. There are so many other ways your body can benefit by drinking water.
Recommended dose: 8 glasses daily.

Chief Hurao's Speech 1671

2008-01-10T11:07:00.000-08:00

Chief Hurao's Ancient Speech of 1671 as recorded by a French Priest Charles Le Gobien translated into English. This speech has been considered by many scholars as one of the greatest speeches in history.

The Spaniards would have done better to remain in their own country. We have no need of their help to live happily. Satisfied with what our islands furnish us, we desire nothing. The knowledge which they have given us has only increased our needs and stimulated our desires. They find it evil that we do not dress. If that were necessary, nature would have provided us with clothes. They treat us as gross people and regard us as barbarians. But do we have to believe them? Under the excuse of instructing us, they are corrupting us. They take away from us the primitive simplicity in which we live.

They dare to take away our liberty, which should be dearer to us than life itself. They try to persuade us that we will be happier, and some of us had been blinded into believing their words. But can we have such sentiments if we reflect that we have been covered with misery and illness ever since those foreigners have come to disturb our peace?

Before they arrived on the island, we did not know insects. Did we know rats, flies, mosquitoes, and all the other little animals which constantly torment us? These are the beautiful presents they have made us. And what have their floating machines brought us? Formerly, we do not have rheumatism and inflammations. If we had sickness, we had remedies for them. But they have brought us their diseases and do not teach us the remedies. Is it necessary that our desires make us want iron and other trifles which only render us unhappy?

The Spaniards reproach us because of our poverty, ignorance and lack of industry. But if we are poor, as they tell us, then what do they search for? If they didn't have need of us, they would not expose themselves to so many perils and make such efforts to establish themselves in our midst. For what purpose do they teach us except to make us adopt their customs, to subject us to their laws, and to remove the precious liberty left to us by our ancestors? In a word, they try to make us unhappy in the hope of an ephemeral happiness which can be enjoyed only after death.

They treat our history as fable and fiction. Haven't we the same right concerning that which they teach us as incontestable truths? They exploit our simplicity and good faith. All their skill is directed towards tricking us; all their knowledge tends only to make us unhappy. If we are ignorant and blind, as they would have us believe, it is because we have learned their evil plans too late and have allowed them to settle here. Let us not lose courage in the presence of our misfortunes. They are only a handful. We can easily defeat them. Even though we don't have their deadly weapons which spread destruction all over, we can overcome them by our large numbers. We are stronger than we think! We can quickly free ourselves from these foreigners! We must regain our former freedom!

Recorded by: Priest Charles Le Gobien [1671]- French Jesuit and founder of the famous collection of 'Lettres edifiantes et curieuses', one of the most important sources of information for the history of Catholic missions.

Did you notice that the year of Chief Hurao's speech was recorded in 1671? Pretty close to our area code 671 don't you think? My theory is that during Guam's early colonization days, Guam was being assigned an area code and a very clever Chamoru official decided to have the numbers 1671 incorporated into the code that marks our territory in a desperate attempt to preserve our culture in spite of the mainlaind's efforts to add our island to their Matrix. Mostly, to remind us Chamorus every time we refer to the code 671, of the real essence of our island heritage; Our family, our culture, our land, our peace, our island spirit and our love for our island brothers and sisters. Food for thought.

Out of Sight...

2008-01-09T09:39:00.000-08:00

Have you ever hid money away from yourself and to your surprise, you finally find it several months or even years later? Have you ever beat yourself over the head for losing a large amount of money when you really, really needed it? Now... do you remember what you did during the time when you didn't have this money in your possession? Don't remember? I can tell you. You survived. Out of sight, out of mind. You can apply that same out of sight, out of mind technique to contribute to a personal savings or investment plan. To start, have a couple of hundred dollars deposited directly into a savings or investment fund and live like you never had it. I bet you won't miss it much. You'd be surprised how much money we can save if we never get to see it. Don't believe me? Look at your taxes. ;)

A Family Bond

2008-01-08T08:11:00.000-08:00

Instead of buying your child a new iphone or an Ed Hardy t-shirt for their birthday, get them a gift that will never go out of style... the gift that keeps on giving... money. Even before their first birthday you can invest in low or even high risk investment bonds for your child. However, there are risks and definitely the possibility of losing your investment in the constant fluctuation of the market, but look at it this way, your kid will probably end up throwing away old toys and outdated gadgets anyway. So what to you got to lose? I wish my mom bought me investment bonds for my birthdays. I'd be rich! ;) I love you mom.

Juice your Computer

2008-01-07T09:51:00.000-08:00

My definition of juice in this instance means to milk, to make the most of, to squeeze every last drop until you can't squeeze anymore. So, in this case when I say juice your computer, I mean to use it to it's full potential. (at least try to) These days there are so many advantages to owning a personal computer. Let me list some.

Ditch you newspaper. There are so many free news sources out there. Don't pay.
Google it. Before you go out to your local bookstore, do some research on the author or authors in which you 're looking to buy books from. Many times they have personal blogs and/or free material just waiting for you. It's also a good way to try before you buy. How many times have you bought a book and didn't care to read past the first few pages?
No more checks. Get a bank card and do all of your bill paying online. You don't have to pay for new checks and it's a much easier way to keep track of your expenses. So you save money and time.
Talk for free. Webcam, instant message or Skype with a friend. There are great new technologies that allow you to talk to loved ones that reside thousands of miles away. You can also text message people through email... and it's all free!
Shopping Online. Shop for gifts online. You save time, gas and money. Usually retailers can afford to give discounts through their online stores because they have less overhead. You can also shop for groceries online too... or even order pizza just to name a few.
No more CDs. So many musicians are turning to online distribution to get their music out. the beauty of it is that we can now preview and buy our favorite songs individually for $0.99 rather than forking out $16 plus for the whole album.
No more TV. Here's one I have yet convinced my household to do. Throw your television sets away. Good high definition tvs easily range from 3k to 6k not to mention the high definition cable subscription you have to pay for. Buy a high definition computer or monitor (be sure you computer is built for high def applications) Purchase your shows on demand. Many networks are offering shows for purchase on demand. I currently pay $79 a month for my dish network subscription, even if the networks charged $5 per episode I would still be saving money.

There are many more ways a simple computer can help us stay organize and save us time, money and effort. Just be sure to back up your data every several weeks or so. ;)

Hobo With a Shotgun

2008-01-06T08:59:00.000-08:00

WARNING: This video may contain content that is inappropriate for minors.

Directed by: Jason Eisener

Hobos...cool. Hobos with shotguns... not cool. However, this piece proves to be the exact opposite... very cool & very creative. This is an awesomely wild and ridiculously over the top movie trailer. I'm not sure if it's been made into a full length yet, but I would love to see it. I came across this video several months ago while doing some research on movies shot with the Panasonic DVX100. Kel and I used the same model cameras to shoot our first feature.

Word of advice... don't piss off a hobo a shotgun.

Secret Knots

2008-01-05T09:17:00.000-08:00

"What goes around comes around", "You must give in order to receive", "You live by the sword... These are all well known sayings suggesting that the lives we live are bound by our destinies... our destinies being the path we choose and the actions we take in our lifetimes. I'm a true believer. I believe we tie the knots... and the knots we tie are our own.

"Find a little comfort in the whole design."
Brandon Mayer & The Hidden Powers.

Shedding The Fat

2008-01-04T07:12:00.000-08:00

I'm a small town island boy that comes from a working class family. At 30 years old, I'm the youngest of eight kids. I have 2 brothers and 5 sisters. Up until just 4 years ago I too still worked as a laborer. So I can proudly say I know a thing or two about hard work. One thing I know about labor work is that it the pay... well, there is no pay. Growing up with just enough has actually taught me great budgeting practices to help me stretch the value of a dollar. Here's a couple of daily personal penny pinching practices (say that 3 times fast) you can try to help save you some extra cash.

Gas is expensive. Set appointments and plan your day geographically. Who wants to be driving in circles all day anyway?
Pack your lunch. A fast food sandwich can cost you up to $5.00. Eat a homemade sandwich it's much cheaper and probably has less fat calories.
Turn off your lights. Not in a dark room? Turn off your lights.
Put your appliances to sleep. Most all house hold appliances have a energy saver mode. Use it. Why not?
Get a Britta water filter. Instead of buying endless amounts of pre-galloned water, run your tap through a Britta water filter or pitcher. You save more than half of what you spend on pre-galloned water.
Save the rain forest. Nowadays, news is found practically anywhere and everywhere you look, even where you don't look. So who needs a paper hot off the press anymore when you can get the latest headlines... online.
Starbuck's weekend. Try making your own coffee during the week and only have a Starbuck's or two on the weekend. Chances are you wouldn't want to get out of bed for a Starbuck's anyway.

The trick behind this method is to spend like a worry wart. Spend money as if you don't have money. I'm not suggesting that you make a ridiculously radical change in your life. (If you do have money) Just cut off the fat. The logic? If you don't need it... why get it?

Chicken & Rice

2008-01-03T09:04:00.000-08:00

For as long as I can remember I've been a pretty active kind of guy, performing some sort of physical activity. Whether playing sports or working out at a local gym, I always felt I was in pretty good shape. As soon as I turned 25 my 6 pack morphed into a keg and my butt looked like I had two ham sandwiches tucked in each of my back pant pockets. I started noticing a major change in my body. I was even gaining weight on my legs! Believe me, all my life I've been teased about how skinny my legs were. I think I gained 15 lbs. in a span of 12 months. So immediately I started a researching weight loss, weight gain, diet plans you name it, I researched it. Turns out that people have this thing called a metabolism. What in the world is a metabolism? All I knew is that it was slowing down and so was my physical activities. I had to go on a diet.

In the past 5 years I've pretty much tried just about every combination of diet and diet plan you can buy and still haven't been able to regain my old high school physique. Then I was introduced to chicken and rice. Yup. Chicken and rice. Since meeting my new found friends Mr. chicken and his Asian counterpart brown rice, Ive been in the best shape of my life. In better shape than in high school even. Within the first three weeks of the chicken and rice combo I've seen awesome results, increase in strength and less fatigue then when I was just trying to cut calories. Below is what an average chicken and rice day looks for me.

6:00am 1 cup black coffee, 1 pack of Splenda
9:00am 4 eggs (3 egg white, 1 full egg) 1 toast, 2tbs peanut butter
1:00pm 1 boiled or baked chicken breast, 1 cup brown rice cooked, half cup of mixed veggies
5:00pm 1 boiled or baked chicken breast, 1 cup brown rice cooked, half cup of mixed veggies
9:00pm 1 all green salad, 2tbs of any dressing
11:00pm time to sleep.

Try your best not to sleep at least 2 hours after you eat to give your body enough time to fully digest. Trust me you'll feel better in the morning. Be sure to drink at least 8 glasses of water daily to stay hydrated and to minimize cramping during and after workouts.

DISCLAIMER: I am not a professional physician or dietitian. So eat at your own risk. :)

The Under Achiever

2008-01-02T07:14:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I did a lot of thinking about the past year and what my personal accomplishments were and disappointingly I could only come up with one. I made an independent movie. Well, not quite. First of all I didn't and couldn't have done it by myself. Second it's only three quarters done so I doubt it qualifies as a movie just yet. That means technically I only have half of three quarters of an accomplishment for 2007. Is that all? Is that all I've accomplished for 2007? I had to recap. What was my resolution for 2007? Well, it was to follow my dreams of becoming a film producer, writer and director and not make a complete fool of myself while doing so. Just the thought made me realized how impossible and ridiculous it seemed. It lead me to ask myself how could I, the Netflix couch potato king possibly ever become a filmmaker? Then it hit me. Use my biggest strength... under achieve. By doing a little bit of a lot. By setting my goals so ridiculously high that if I ever manage to achieve a nanobyte's worth of what I set out to do, I'll still be ahead of the average Joe.

Hey, maybe I'm on to something here. Maybe instead of trying so hard to be an over achiever, all I have to do is up the ante a bit, dream bigger and achieve less. This way in comparison to setting almost impossible goals rather than practical ones, the tiniest efforts can amount to bigger successes. Truthfully, I've always been a bit of a slacker, but then again I've always had the biggest dreams.

A New Cheer for The New Year

2008-01-01T08:53:00.000-08:00

Every new year since 2003 I've made up personal slogans or just cool rhyming catch phrases to help motivate myself through each year. The whole point of this is to sort of brand the year to remind myself to stay focused all through the new year to come. I know it may seem a bit silly, but the power of the catch phrase have been a proven method of branding as well as simple relation by association. So I associate each year with a fun and positive relating catch phrase. Here's my list of new year catch phrases since 2003.

It's gotta be 2003
Less is more for 2004
Will strive in 2005
Take more risks in 2006
No lemons in 2007
Do great in 2008

I usually don't use my catch phrase much after the first several weeks or so into the year, but it's pretty much stuck in my head forever. It really helps me start my new year off right... focused, self determined and with a positive attitude. Whenever I write, type or even hear someone say the year, the first thing that comes to mind is my catch phrase and it gives me a little extra motivation to be and do the best I can. Even if it's just for that moment. Try it. make one up for yourself. If you live by it, i bet you'll never forget it. Hmm... I wonder what I can rhyme with 2009? :)

About Don Muna

2007-12-31T00:41:00.000-08:00

Biography

From left to right: Don, along with big brother Kel, make up The Muña Bros. duo, creating their first entrepreneurial venture, Rockford Images, LLC.

Don Muña...

...is co-producer/writer/director of the independent film "Shiro's Head" (Official Selection of The Luis Vuitton Hawaii International Film Festival and The Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival);

...is co-author of the filmmaking book, "Why Go To Film School? - The Beginner's Guide to Filmmaking";

...is the co-founder of RockfordImages.com, a website for do it yourself, low budget filmmaking;

...and has produced content for independent and corporate projects for documentaries/television/radio/print and web for well over a decade.

About this Blog

2007-12-30T11:34:00.000-08:00

Greetings, My name is Don Muna, I'm a producer, director, screenwriter, songwriter, health junky and wanna-be musician. I have an extreme passion for creating meaningful and artistic content.

I've created this blog for many reasons, to grow, to learn, to share, to help and be helped. I love writing, but mostly I love to interact and communicate with people. To truly understand the heart and soul of another is my natural high.

"Let us dare to read, think, speak and write."
John Adams, 1765