Thee Artists to listen to in celebration of AAPI Heritage Month

 

AJ's Guide to the Best Asian Artists Lately...

As usual, I always focus my assignments on anything Asian American, so I combined my love for music and my community for my last blog post! I hope you give these artists a listen :) 

Laufey (Lay-Vay)

Laufey is a Chinese-Icelandic artist who recently won a Grammy for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album!  Perhaps her most popular song is "From the Start," which blew up on TikTok not too long ago. She is a classically trained singer who graduated from Berkeley School of Music. 

Song Suggestions: Promise, Let You Break My Heart Again & Magnolia 🌸

Tiffany Day :) 

Tiffany Day is a Chinese-American and one of my all-time favorite artists, and I made it to the top of my Spotify wrap last year! She was invited to perform at CSUF ASI's "Concert at the Becker" program in Spring 2023, where I had the opportunity to sing my heart out, do a meet and greet, and invite her to my wedding! :)) 

Song Suggestions: Calone, San Francisco Sidewalk & Spoiled B*tch

NIKI

If there was only one person I could listen to in my life, it would have to be NIKI! She is an Indonesian-born singer affiliated with 88rising Music Production Company. Her most popular song would probably be "Every Summertime" for the soundtrack of the Marvel Movie "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" She is coming out with a new album later this year, and I am already on the pre-sale queue for her concert tickets! That's how much I love her!

Song Suggestions: Indigo, Oceans and Engienes, Chilly 

Grent Perez

Grent Perez is a Filipino-Australian who is making waves in the music scene. Last year, I had the opportunity to attend his concert in LA with my partner and our friends. Saying he means a lot to my partner and me is an understatement! His lyricism and inclusion of Tagalog words make for the perfect ballad. 

Song Suggestions: My Heart It Beats for you (My favorite song by him), Op Shop Lover & Reason Why

 Beabadoobee

Beabadoobee is a Filipino-English Singer Song writer who blew up on tiktok for her song "Coffee", I'm not going to lie but I fell victim of doing a daily vlog on tiktok just to put her song on the background music. She is one of the people that I wish my parents would not discover, not because she's bad but because I'm scared that they will compare me to such an amazing woman. She definitely has brought the bar so much higher for people like me! 

Song suggestions: Perfect Pair, Glue Song & Take a bite

That's it for my last blog! It has been an honour to be a part of this blogging community and a privilege to be part of Professor Marie Loggia-Kee's class. I'm so glad that I chose COMM 344 as my last elective class requirement. It's bitter sweet to turn this in because Professor Marie has been my professor since my first semester in CSUF and now she is my last as well. I hope you all enjoyed my articles and have a great summer! 🌞

Best, 

Your favorite Asian American GirlyPop, 

AJ Yabut 

A TRIP TO VILLA GESELL

 Last year in January of 2023, I took a trip to South America and visited my family in Argentina as a family vacation. During this time, we stayed in Argentina for a month and I got to spend time with my aunts, uncles, and cousins which was a lovely time. During this visit, it had been thirteen years since I had last been to Argentina, and this year I got to explore more parts of Argentina such as the beaches which I had not been to before. During my stay in Buenos Aires, where we stayed for most of the time, we took a bus that drove us up to the beaches which took us to our destination to Villa Gesell. During our day out on the beach, it is a very common beverage that is enjoyed in Argentina. Yerba Mate is the dry leaves of the yerba mate plant which is the main ingredient. Then, on the side it is important to have a large container of not boiling, but hot water to pour into the calabash which is what holds the drink. Then when it’s ready to drink, you sip the drink through a metal straw, in Argentina it is called a bombilla. What is also commonly consumed Argentina is chicken Milanesa, which is chicken breast that is typically pounded into a thinner slice and then seasoned with pepper and salt as well then dipped into beet and eggs, and then coated in flour and then it’s ready to be eaten with a side of mashed potatoes as as side as pictured in the image below. 

The image below is Villa Gesell

The beaches were packed throughout the coastline and Villa Gisell was filled with a lot of family and children. During my four day stay on this beach, I noticed that the fathers not only by the beaches, but in Argentina, are mainly the ones who are carrying their children around and walking with them more than the mothers. Here in California and in the states in general, I have noticed that mainly the mother takes charge and is usually the main one by their child’s side and walking them around. In Argentina, I noticed that there was that huge difference the more I paid attention to the parents than I noticed 13 years ago. In Argentina, it is very family oriented, and there is a lot to enjoy during the day such as the beaches which are always constantly packed down the coastline. Argentina is a great place to travel with at least an extra person with you, or even a large group such as a group of friends or your family. Make sure to pay a visit to the beach in Argentina, such as Villa Gesell or even Mar del Plata which is another beach that is also packed with day party experiences and adventure to enjoy.

A TRIP TO VILLA GESELL

Last year in January of 2023, I took a trip to South America and visited my family in Argentina as a family vacation. During this time, we stayed in Argentina for a month and I got to spend time with my aunts, uncles, and cousins which was a lovely time. During this visit, it had been thirteen years since I had last been to Argentina, and this year I got to explore more parts of Argentina such as the beaches which I had not been to before. During my stay in Buenos Aires, where we stayed for most of the time, we took a bus that drove us up to the beaches which took us to our destination to Villa Gesell. During our day out on the beach, it is a very common beverage that is enjoyed in Argentina. Yerba Mate is the dry leaves of the yerba mate plant which is the main ingredient. Then, on the side it is important to have a large container of not boiling, but hot water to pour into the calabash which is what holds the drink. Then when it’s ready to drink, you sip the drink through a metal straw, in Argentina it is called a bombilla. What is also commonly consumed Argentina is chicken Milanesa, which is chicken breast that is typically pounded into a thinner slice and then seasoned with pepper and salt as well then dipped into beet and eggs, and then coated in flour and then it’s ready to be eaten with a side of mashed potatoes as as side as pictured in the image below. 

The image below is Villa Gesell

The beaches were packed throughout the coastline and Villa Gisell was filled with a lot of family and children. During my four day stay on this beach, I noticed that the fathers not only by the beaches, but in Argentina, are mainly the ones who are carrying their children around and walking with them more than the mothers. Here in California and in the states in general, I have noticed that mainly the mother takes charge and is usually the main one by their child’s side and walking them around. In Argentina, I noticed that there was that huge difference the more I paid attention to the parents than I noticed 13 years ago. In Argentina, it is very family oriented, and there is a lot to enjoy during the day such as the beaches which are always constantly packed down the coastline. Argentina is a great place to travel with at least an extra person with you, or even a large group such as a group of friends or your family. Make sure to pay a visit to the beach in Argentina, such as Villa Gesell or even Mar del Plata which is another beach that is also packed with day party experiences and adventure to enjoy.

HOW TO HEAL FROM A BREAKUP

Healing from heartbreak is a process that takes time and self-care. Here are seven ways to navigate through this challenging time:

1. Allow Yourself to Grieve: It's essential to acknowledge and accept your feelings of sadness, anger, and disappointment. Give yourself permission to grieve the loss of the relationship and the future you envisioned. Suppressing your emotions can prolong the healing process, so allow yourself to experience and express them in healthy ways.

2. Seek Support: Surround yourself with supportive friends and family members who can offer comfort and understanding during this difficult time. Talking about your feelings with trusted individuals can provide emotional relief and help you feel less alone in your pain. Consider joining a support group or seeking professional therapy to gain additional support and guidance.

3. Practice Self-Compassion: Be gentle and compassionate with yourself as you navigate through the healing process. Avoid self-blame and negative self-talk, recognizing that heartbreak is a natural part of life's experiences. Treat yourself with kindness and understanding, and give yourself the space and time needed to heal.

4. Engage in Self-Care: Prioritize self-care activities that nurture your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether it's spending time in nature, practicing mindfulness and meditation, or indulging in hobbies you love. Taking care of yourself is essential for rebuilding your strength and resilience.

5. Set Boundaries: Establish healthy boundaries with your ex-partner to create space for your healing process. Limit or avoid contact with them, especially in the early stages of healing, to prevent reopening emotional wounds. Focus on your own needs and well-being, and prioritize your healing journey above all else.

6. Focus on Personal Growth: Use this time of transition to focus on self-discovery and personal growth. Reflect on the lessons learned from the relationship and consider how you can apply them to your future relationships and personal development. Channel your energy into activities that promote growth and self-improvement, such as setting new goals, pursuing interests, or learning new skills.

7. Embrace Hope and Optimism: While healing from heartbreak can be challenging, it's important to maintain hope for the future and believe in the possibility of love and happiness again. Keep an optimistic outlook, trusting that time and self-care will gradually ease your pain and lead you towards healing and renewal. Stay open to new experiences and connections, knowing that brighter days are ahead.

Remember that healing from heartbreak is a journey, and it's okay to progress at your own pace. Be patient and compassionate with yourself, and know that with time, support, and self-care, you will emerge from this experience stronger and more resilient than before.

 

 

How To Keep a Positive Mindset

Maintaining a positive mindset and embodying positivity is a continuous journey that involves intentional habits and perspectives. Here are six ways to cultivate and sustain a positive outlook on life:

1. Practice Gratitude: Regularly express gratitude for the good things in your life, no matter how small they may seem. Keeping a gratitude journal or simply taking a few moments each day to reflect on what you're thankful for can shift your focus towards positivity.

2. Surround Yourself with Positive Influences: Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you. Positive relationships can have a significant impact on your mindset. Engage in activities and spend time with individuals who inspire and encourage you to be your best self.

3. Focus on Solutions, Not Problems: Instead of dwelling on problems or setbacks, train your mind to focus on finding solutions. Approach challenges with a proactive mindset, viewing them as opportunities for growth and learning. This shift in perspective can help you maintain a positive attitude even in difficult situations.

4. Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind and compassionate towards yourself, especially during times of struggle or failure. Treat yourself with the same understanding and encouragement that you would offer to a friend facing similar challenges. Practicing self-compassion fosters resilience and helps you bounce back from setbacks with a positive mindset.

5. Engage in Positive Self-Talk: Pay attention to your internal dialogue and replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations. Challenge self-limiting beliefs and replace them with empowering statements about your abilities and worth. Cultivating a positive inner dialogue can significantly impact your overall mindset and self-perception.

6. Cultivate a Healthy Lifestyle: Take care of your physical and mental well-being by prioritizing self-care activities such as exercise, adequate sleep, and healthy eating habits. Physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters, while proper nutrition and rest contribute to overall mental and emotional resilience. Taking care of your body can enhance your ability to maintain a positive mindset.

Remember that maintaining a positive mindset is a continuous practice that requires effort and self-awareness. By incorporating these habits into your daily routine, you can cultivate a more positive outlook on life and become a more positive person overall.