Nurses 4 Haiti: The Photography

Click here or the image above to watch the photo slideshow | Right click & save

So if you've been following the blog, you'd know UMG (along with Mix Media sponsored the Nurses 4 Haiti event at Filipiniana restaurant last Friday. RJ (DJ Rex) from Mix Media got there early to set up and I wasn't too far behind to start shooting some set up photos and video.





As people started filing in as 8pm approached, you could tell it was going to be a packed house. Some of my friends actually weren't able to grab seats, but every one of them stuck around to support the cause and the artists performing. Thanks for coming out guys! Anyway, as I mentioned in my previous blog, Chris put together a great lineup of performers - including TK Proposal, Manny Garcia, Alan Tiongson & Francis Perfecto and the recent Battle of the Bamboo champions - KAPWA.






At the end of the event, the Haiti-bound ER nurses came up and expressed their thanks for the support...though I'm sure we all felt that their contributions for the Haitian people was the support that truly deserved praise. I'm sure I speak on behalf of everyone when I say thank you for being so selfless and doing what you're doing. It's not only an amazing journey of unselfish aid, but the N4H cause has also has brought more of us together to support and educate others on these worldwide matters through our collective talents.




I had so much fun shooting, connecting with new people and catching up with friends. Thanks again to Chris for putting this all together! If you guys are still feeling philanthropic (or couldn't make it to the N4H event at Filipiniana) don't worry...there's another one this Friday, March 12 at the Portage Theater called Help Me, Help Haiti. You can check out more info on Jen Deleon's blog. I won't be scarfing down any kare kare this time around, but I'll still be the guy snapping photos and video if you've got time to swing by. Hope to see you then!

Super Sweet Between Private Party

Justin from Mix Media and I headed out to Between last Saturday to shoot some photo and video for a private (surprise) party set up by Mark Capulong.

Once I walked in, I was really taken aback by the setup. Mark did a great job planning the party and the Between staff really pieced everything together flawlessly. The staff was also incredibly attentive - even to the DJs and I behind the booth (I was definitely chowing down on the amazing food while I uploaded some photos, haha).

I was definitely hurting without a video light (or a flash), but I think I was able to make it work for the most part. Regardless, it was a blast to come out, shoot and meet new people. The night went on long after the surprise party was over which, if you know me, doesn't happen very often. DJ Erge and DJ Rex from Mix Media kept the beats going all night, which definitely made the night complete. I had a chance to talk to Erge for a bit about collabing a bit more in the future. Strangely enough when I went to meet up with Morris from Equilibrium USG to work on an upcoming project, he showed me the skyn he designed for Erge - EQ is taking over the DJ world for sure!

Anyway, here are a few photos from the night. The vid to come soon!

Nurses 4 Haiti: Come Support!

As we all know, Haiti had been struck by serious devastation only a few short months ago. And with the even more recent misfortunes in Chile, relief efforts are, unfortunately, spread even more thin. The economic tides that we have been stricken with (for what seems like an eternity) have made it extremely difficult for many to monetarily donate to the relief, but there are ways to provide meaningful assistance without having to break the bank.

In addition to supplemental efforts that I posted up on the Selfless blog, my friend Chris had recently informed me of a local event he put together to support Nurses 4 Haiti. The guys over at Mix Media and UMG jumped on board to help with the event along with some great performers like TK Proposal, Manny Garcia, Alan Tiongson & Francis Perfecto.

We're all coming out to the Nurse 4 Haiti event to share our collective talents, enjoy some great food and good company and, of course, support the cause. I'm sure I speak for all of us in saying that we'd love to see you come by, say hello and take a seat at Filipiniana this Friday, March 5th for the event. So far over 150 people have RSVP'd, so if you're looking for UMG, I'll be the guy juggling a camera and some kare kare. See you all Friday!

Link Up x Mix Media

The guys over at Mix Media and I linked up over the weekend to talk about some future collabs. Ever since the Midcoast F.Show, our brands have been mixing it up and making each other even stronger. It's amazing what happens when good people mash up.



I've been working on a fairly big project under UMG that means bringing some fresh minds and more creativity into a space that everyone can share and grow. I've already started to contact a few people to get involved, so creative people...stay propped and keep your heads up if I give you a buzz.



Rex (DJ Rex) actually had a Mix Media gig that night at his resident spot - Empire Liquors. Had an opportunity to see how they get their set together and get educated on fresh, new music. Pretty sweet. You can really never have too many sources for music, especially in the creative field. By the way, if you haven't seen him tear it up on a Flare Scratch, check it out.



Had a chance to do some work on the site. The new project should bring about some fairly big changes to the site to streamline it a bit from where it stands right now. Make sure you stay up to date on The Car Park and I Am Selfless in addition to the main UMG blog.

2010 BDPA Awards Banquet

Click here or the image above to watch the photo slideshow

In lieu of the ever-expanding scope of UMG and what it will become in the near future, I wanted to continue the trend of collaboration that really took off in 2009. That being said, I (along with Bhargav from Channel Awesome and Mark Reyes) linked up with Justin from Mix Media to cover the 2010 Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA) 21st Annual Awards Banquet here in Chicago.

The event was flawlessly pieced together - from the food, music and general ambience to the eloquent speeches and professionalism that this organization and its sponsors exude. Huge thanks to Millie Liggins (the event coordinator) for having us out for the event and congratulations to all the award winners and newly elected president - Pamela Sexton!

In typical UMG fashion, I put together a photo and video slideshow and included some snaps below. Enjoy!











BDPA is a global member focused organization that serves the professional well-being of its stakeholders. BDPA remains committed to excellence and providing a wide spectrum of resources to members, corporate sponsors, businesses, educational institutions and the community. The organization is a catalyst for professional growth and technical development for those in the IT industry. [Via BDPA Chicago]

Also, be sure to check out the video edit that Bhargav did using our collective footage here - good stuff!

MidCoast F.Show Casting x Jugrnaut

My friend Rex over at Mix Media gave me a call a few weeks ago and we sat down for a meeting to talk about their newest project - a "midcoast" streetwear fashion show. They're doing things proper in Chicago and bringing in heavy hitters like Hellz Bellz as well as repping Chicago's own streetwear shops like Jugrnaut, Leaders, RSVP Gallery and St. Alfred's.

Info aside, this is exactly what Chicago needs right now. The west and east coasts are so much more on point when it comes to streetwear awareness and Chicago needs a wake up call. There are handfuls of great boutiques in the city that people need to know about and it's great to see all the midwest love showing through in the show. I can't wait!

Come roll through December 10, 2009 at Lumen for a great time, dope beats and a streetwear education. You can pick up some tickets at supporting local Chicago shops or order online here. Here are some photos to wet your appetite:




















































Stay tuned for more from the Mix Media x Jugrnaut x Unscene Media casting!