Visual Starburst

Scrabble

2009-04-15T13:28:00.000-07:00

Maybe I should add the new Scrabble-like Facebook application.

A New Direction

2009-03-07T16:41:00.000-08:00

Since I launched my new website, I've made the decision that this blog will strictly become a photo blog. I'm gonna post pics I've taken again, but I don't think I'll be posting pics every day like I did in October.

This pic shows the interior of Arco Arena in Sacramento. I attended a game where the Kings faced the Clippers, but it was Filipino Heritage Night. The Jabbawockeez performed at halftime, and I definitely had a great time, for the Kings actually won that game.

Arco Arena is a nice arena, but in comparison to other modern NBA arenas, Arco seems outdated. There is currently a proposal for a new arena to be built on the Cal Expo fairgrounds. Personally, I would like to see a new arena built, but the finances need to be worked out for this dream to happen. There have been reports that have predicted that if the Sacramento Kings don't build a new arena, then the Kings will leave Sacramento.

I don't want to see the only major professional team from my hometown leave.

It's been a fun journey.

2008-10-31T23:37:00.000-07:00

This brief photo blog will take a hiatus, but expect to see some more photos in the future!

Facepaint

2008-10-30T22:47:00.000-07:00

Keep Their Heads Ringing

2008-10-29T19:06:00.000-07:00

Trellis

2008-10-28T22:26:00.000-07:00

Grandpa

2008-10-27T17:09:00.000-07:00

Spotless

2008-10-26T23:47:00.000-07:00

Makeshift Timer

2008-10-25T23:44:00.000-07:00

Golden Arches

2008-10-24T11:53:00.000-07:00

Black Forest Cake

2008-10-23T17:14:00.001-07:00

Scattergories

2008-10-22T23:14:00.000-07:00

Frame Within A Frame

2008-10-21T23:55:00.001-07:00

Have a seat.

2008-10-20T22:16:00.000-07:00

Ambient Light

2008-10-19T23:07:00.000-07:00

White Horse

2008-10-18T23:47:00.000-07:00

Chandelier

2008-10-17T22:45:00.000-07:00

Jodie Sweetin

2008-10-16T23:00:00.000-07:00

After attending Jodie Sweetin's lecture at Sac State, I'm glad to know that she overcame her demons, for she is now a happier person after her ordeal. Big ups to you, Jodie, for you are an inspiration.

Cherry Cherry Limeade

2008-10-15T13:02:00.000-07:00

Stephanie Tanner

2008-10-14T18:36:00.001-07:00

I'm gonna see her on Thursday. How rude!

Zion-I: Crazy Performance

2008-10-13T23:56:00.001-07:00

See you later.

2008-10-12T22:20:00.001-07:00

This is a part of one of Sac State's parking lots.

Inspirational

2008-10-11T22:35:00.000-07:00

It gives you wings.

2008-10-10T23:26:00.000-07:00

Driving Companion

2008-10-09T21:07:00.003-07:00

I want to go inside now.

2008-10-08T19:07:00.001-07:00

That's my dog, Bigfoot.

Vibrant and Delicious

2008-10-07T21:50:00.000-07:00

I've got the funky flow.

2008-10-06T22:02:00.000-07:00

Just for Kicks

2008-10-05T15:09:00.001-07:00

After Hours

2008-10-05T15:06:00.001-07:00

For the Ladies

2008-10-04T22:42:00.000-07:00

21st Century Ghetto Blaster

2008-10-03T22:38:00.000-07:00

To The Left

2008-10-02T20:41:00.001-07:00

Although the focus is only on the side of my truck, it's crazy to know that I can use depth-of-field on mirror reflections.

31 Days of Visuals

2008-10-01T21:29:00.000-07:00

In response to a friend's photo blog, I'm gonna post pics every day of this month. Let's see how this goes...

Hello, Nikon D40

2008-09-14T22:25:00.000-07:00

On Friday, I purchased a Nikon D40 digital SLR camera, and I've already taken over 200 pics. Here's one of my good shots. I simply used the depth-of-field technique to take this pic.

I love lamp.

KC Concepcion: Definitely Fabulous

2008-08-26T01:50:00.000-07:00

This is dedicated to KC Concepcion, daughter of Sharon Cuneta and Gabby Concepcion, for she is one of the hottest actresses in the Philippines right now. That is all I have to say. Enjoy!

Illustrator Stuff

2008-08-11T14:49:00.000-07:00

If I had my own basketball team, this is what the jerseys would look like. I'll work on the design of the shorts soon.

I found this site in which you can translate first names in Japanese. You can download the image of your name in different Japanese character styles. I opened the images of "Anthony" and "Charles" in Illustrator, and I traced over those images. I then added a finishing touch to this image in Photoshop, and voila!

New Beats

2008-07-09T23:50:00.000-07:00

If you click on my imeem player on the right, you can listen to the three tracks that I recently produced. I used Logic Pro 8 to create "Electric Beat" and "Dreaming Of That Lovely Lady," and I used GarageBand to create "Contemplation." Enjoy!

Cousins Wallpaper Version 2.0

2008-07-09T23:43:00.000-07:00

Well, I decided to go back to my crazy ways in this design.

I've got love for my brothers and cousins.

2008-07-07T18:04:00.000-07:00

Here is my new desktop wallpaper design. It's an update of a design I created three years ago.

[acd]esign Relaunched.

2008-07-02T21:18:00.000-07:00

My old UC Berkeley OCF site is up and running again. Check it out, y'all!

A Double Dose of Angel

2008-06-25T18:01:00.001-07:00

In this post, I present not one, but two new desktop wallpaper designs. The subject: popular Filipina actress Angel Locsin. She's an angel, no doubt about that.

Enjoy!

A Day in 17 Syllables

2008-06-04T19:15:00.000-07:00

Today has been chill
It's 80 degrees outside
But I'm typing here

Fighters

2008-05-30T21:12:00.000-07:00

Fun with After Effects

2008-05-21T12:58:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I was bored, so I created this simple motion typography video. The song is "Electric Tooth Brush" by Toronto.

Enjoy!

Helvetica

2008-05-21T12:55:00.001-07:00

This wallpaper design is a haiku I wrote for the Helvetica typeface.

Byterz Will Be Eaten (Remix).

2008-04-15T16:19:00.000-07:00

Well, I've created different color themes for this design. I wonder if you can figure them out.

Hint: the green square doesn't represent the colors of Brazil.

Byterz Will Be Eaten.

2008-04-14T16:23:00.000-07:00

I felt inspired by the JabbaWockeeZ.

Pen Tool Wackiness.

2008-04-05T10:33:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when I arbitrarily use Photoshop's Pen Tool.

I'll never be as good as The Neptunes.

2008-02-15T10:44:00.000-08:00

On the right side of this blog, I've added an imeem widget that showcases a playlist of beats I made with GarageBand. They're basic hip-hop beats, and I simply made those for fun.

I'm a sucker for Nike.

2008-02-13T18:04:00.001-08:00

I decided to have fun with Illustrator and Photoshop with this design.

Photography 301 Portfolio Photos

2008-01-25T12:26:00.000-08:00

Well, here are the photos that I chose for my Photo 301 portfolio and final review. All of these photos were taken with a Canon AE-1 Program film camera.

Assignment: Frozen Motion
Location: Marina, Berkeley, CA

Assignment: Landscape
Location: Marina, Berkeley, CA

Assignment: Environmental Self-Portrait
Location: Home, Sacramento, CA

Assignment: Portrait
Location: Brian's House, Sacramento, CA

Assignment: Frame Within a Frame
Location: Brian's House, Sacramento, CA

Assignment: Old Sacramento Photograph
Location: Firehouse Restaurant, Sacramento, CA

Assignment: Painting with Light
Location: Brian's House, Sacramento, CA

Assignment: Low Light
Location: Home, Sacramento, CA

Assignment: Flash
Location: Home, Sacramento, CA

Assignment: Student Choice
Location: A War Museum in Old Sacramento, Sacramento, CA

Photography 301 Portfolio Desktop Wallpaper

2008-01-22T01:21:00.001-08:00

This is the latest desktop wallpaper design I've created. It showcases the pictures I chose for my Photo 301 portfolio. I'll post the pictures from this portfolio in another post.

New Format.

2008-01-18T04:29:00.000-08:00

Well, I originally intended to only post my spoken word and rap pieces here, but now I've decided to include my Photoshop designs, photos, and other various works of art. To begin, I've posted the wallpaper designs that I've created for my MacBook.

Poster Boy.

2007-03-19T12:34:00.000-07:00

Written on Wednesday, 1.31.07

Many people have heard the phrase "Beauty is only skin deep."
If you see me for the first time, do you think, "Is he an ugly creep or a black sheep?"
There's a reason why I look the way I do now, and I can't believe I have the guts to say this...
When I was a child growing up in Sac Town, I was happy and playful
But there was something that made me feel crappy and shameful
It started in my arms, then it eventually worked its way to various parts all over my body
I became someone who may have had Filipino soap opera star looks to someone who relies on Axe deodorant spray to attract the ladies
Along with Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony jerseys to make it seem like I'm going to a basketball-themed Sadies dance
To quote a line from the "Nature Boy" Ric Flair, "What's causing all this?"
I've only got one word for you:

Eczema.

That's right. I've gone through this beautiful struggle with this skin disease since I was 9 years old.
It's been eating me up both physically and mentally
I'll admit, I've prayed and dreamed of making a wish that this would just go away
Unfortunately, it's stayed with me, even after applying many lotions and creams
And my self-esteem has suffered as well, and all I could do was dream
Dream that one day, I'll be able to overcome this huge obstacle
So I'll be able to create a huge spectacle, a spectacular feeling of joy
That I want to feel as if I'm a young boy who receives a cool toy for Christmas
But as I approach my 24th year of life, I still suffer and agonize over this...
But I wouldn't be the man (or "Manthony") I am today if I didn't go through all of this pain...

Eczema, in many ways, has been a blessing in disguise for me
I've always asked God why I look like this, why do I continue to suffer through this pain?
But I've also realized that my life wouldn't be the same if I didn't suffer
For the love of God, my family, and my friends creates a buffer for my agony
If I didn't have eczema, would my life be better or worse?
I really don't know, and I don't want to reflect on that thought too much, for I'm actually pretty damn happy with my life right now
Yeah, there are some other things that I wish I could change right now
For example, my academic career and my desire for an intimate relationship
But all of the times I've spent with my family and friends has kept my spirits up

Do I wish I had the handsome looks of say, Piolo Pascual?
Yeah, but that would just be a bonus, for I believe it's my call
To show my family and friends that the Anthony Charles Dimal they know
Is a loving, caring, and a simply nice guy who wants nothing more than to see their happy faces.

Tribute to the Hilgard Hotties.

2007-03-19T12:30:00.000-07:00

Performed at the Hilgard Hottie House | 12.13.06

Yo, this is a rhyme brought to you from your boy ACD
It’s about four lovely ladies who mean so much to me
I’ve called them the Hilgard Hotties, and that’s the truth
They’ve just been so nice and sweet, just like Baby Ruth
Ading Rachen May, Alexa, Nina, and Marie, they’re just so damn cool
If I didn’t give them my thanks and gratitude, I’d be a damn fool
Where do I begin? I think I wanna start with my girl Marie
She’s reppin the island of Guam, and her presence alone gives me reverie
Although I just met Marie a few months ago, I feel like I know her for a year
Drinking Hefeweisen, playing pool, Taboo, or watching movies, we have fun, and that’s so dear
To me, and I don’t want to be rude and crass, but if you mess w/her, she’s gonna kick your ass

Now to my girl Alexa, a huge fan of Harry Potter and Asian pop stars
She may be a lil’ shy and quiet, but once you get to know her, she’s sweet like the candy made by Mars
There have been many times when Alexa has joked around with me, and I didn’t know it
But she was the life of Ading Rachen May’s birthday party, and that was the shiznit
I’ll never forget that night, and I’ll never forget my girl Alexa

Now to my girl Nina, from a lil’ place called Fremont not too far away
We’ve had lots of conversations were we’ve had lots to say
I know that if I ever have any girl problems, I can always turn to her for advice
I also appreciate the few times I’ve received Cherry Garcia ice cream bars from her, for that was so nice
I’m looking forward to another BBQ w/you again, Nina beana

Last but not least, I gotta say a lil bit about my Ading Rachen May, who’s also my best friend
We’ve done so much together in the last 3 years, and that’s not gonna end
We’re both from the South side of Sac Town, and I’ve never had a friend
That would constantly ask me to go clubbing or to the gym to no end
I could go on and on about my Ading, but she already knows how I feel about her today
I wouldn’t have met the Hilgard Hotties if it wasn’t for Ading Rachen May

Now to end this corny lil rhyme of mine, I’m just so thankful
For the four angels I’ve dubbed the Hilgard Hotties, for they’ve given me a lot of joy
Although one day we’ll go our separate ways, I’ll have a special place in my heart
For these lovely ladies who are so sweet and smart, I should give them a few Sweet Tarts

I've got nothing else to say, but I love the Hilgard Hotties.

My Level of Commitment.

2007-03-19T12:07:00.000-07:00

Performed at Kapwa Celebration Night | Tuesday, 11.14.06

Commitment.
A word associated with marriage and relationships in general.
There was a question posed in those Gundam Wing model commercials.
"What's your level of commitment?"
Well, here's a brief testament
About my commitment so relevant
To Kapwa and their fellowship so abundant

Kapwa is the place where I've met many great friends
Some of whom I owe debts to no end
For their companionship I've come to depend
Without Kapwa, I wouldn't be able to comprehend
The important things I've learned about my faith
And strengthening that bond which is my relationship with God
I've felt God's presence through 23 long years of life
He's been there by my side through joy and strife

Back in high school so long ago it seems
We were groomed to become men for others
And if you know me well, you know I'm there for one another
Although there have been many times when I've asked myself,
"Why bother?"
Well, just like that heroic dude named Potter,
God's got a plan destined for me, even if I have to overcome obstacles
That wrap me up like octopus tentacles
And rough me up like sea barnacles
Those obstacles won't stop me from living as a man for others
For when it comes to my relationship with God and the people I love,
I am third.

Third? That's right.
Unlike the words of Nelly, I'm not number one.
If I'm gonna make my commitment work, when it's all said and done,
I'm gonna do whatever it takes to keep my loved ones happy
Might even do something sappy to prevent them from feeling crappy
I've felt God's grace in this commitment; however, it's been tough
For my commitment hasn't been a cakewalk; I've asked myself,
"Have I had enough?"
For us college students, we know how hard it is to juggle commitments
In order to try to find that delicate balance
Where we find time to dance, see a b-boy stance, and get lost in a trance
A trance that provides a refuge away from stress
The stress that is the gravity in our commitment juggling act

For me, I've juggled Kapwa, PCN, and school, that's a fact
For some, that's not a lot, but for others, that could create an impact
There have been many times where I've dropped the ball
And seen it fall, like the autumn leaves on the tree so tall
Dropping the ball on my commitments has affected me in many ways
Many times, I've lied on my bed and pressed play
On my iPod in order to stay away from the stress of that day
But there have been times where I just wanted to pray
And ask God why I've been led astray these days
These days that have caused me great stress and pain
The pain that could leave me physically drained and mentally insane

This semester, I've committed myself to Kapwa even more
Than I've ever done before, did I know what was in store
For me when I took a leadership position that helped me explore
My options regarding my future career?
For graphic design is a passion of mine that I hold dear
To my heart, for it's become more than a hobby
Graphic talent is a part of me, just like NASCAR is a part of Ricky Bobby
For me, my web and graphic design skills are my form of worship
For I can't sing well, so I decide to praise God through visual art
Visual art that hits the heart like an accurate dart

Commitment.
I've definitely felt the pain and love of this part of our lives.
When we have many commitments we strive for in order to thrive
We must "save room," sung by John Legend and his soulful voice
For our commitment to God, for He's always there for us
We've got no choice...

What's your level of commitment?