World Wide Ed

Fave Five Friday - Hawaii Radio Stations

I thought this might be a fun lil’ addition to this here blog. Let’s do a mini poll of sorts, and see what you peeps’ fave five of just about anything is. I’ll start. Today’s five: Hawaii Radio Stations. (which usually equates to the 5 or 6 buttons on your car stereo eh?) Well, at least it is fo’ me. Hurr we go!

• 104.3 FM - Power 104.3 (also on Oceanic Digital Channel 0858)
• 102.7 FM- 102.7 Da Bomb (also also on Oceanic Digital Channel 0854)
• 93.9 FM- Hot 93-9 (also also on Oceanic Digital Channel 0868)
• 100.3 FM- KCCN FM100 (also also on Oceanic Digital Channel 0852)
• 98.5 FM - Island 98.5 (also also on Oceanic Digital Channel 0851)
• 93.1 FM - 93.1 The Zone (also also on Oceanic Digital Channel 0851)

These aren’t necessarily in the 1-5 order for me. Just gots it that way (grouped and numeric) so it’s easier to channel surf. Situational faves are: Hot 93-9 in the morning, 92.3 (KSSK) for traffic updates, 96.3 (Krater 96) during the 2 Million Dollar Money Mix periods , and AM1420 (ESPN1420) during sporting events (esp after UH basketball games).

Shoots! Have a good weekend y’all!

Tags: 100.3FM, 102.7 Da Bomb, 102.7FM, 104.3FM, 92.3FM, 93.1 The Zone, 93.1FM, 93.9FM, 96.3FM, 98.5FM, AM1420, ESPN1420, fave five, fave five friday, hawaii radio stations, Hot 93-9, Island 98.5, KCCN FM100, KSSK, Power 104.3, top hawaii radio stations

The Poke Bowl to Open at Ward Farmer’s Market

So before heading over to Slammers the other night, my friend Todd calls and asks if I wanna come down and sample some poke at his friend’s place. If you know anything about me, you know that poke and I are one. Once he said the word poke, every word after that was a blur…

Shoyu Poke

So it was a no-brainer that I head on down to the old location of the Tropic Fish & Vegetable Center at Ward Farmer’s Market ASAP to find out what Todd was babbling about.

Da samples

You see, brothers Derek and Craig Uyehara (along with the help of their parents, and friends Todd and Chris that night) were prepping things for the scheduled opening of their new eatery called The Poke Bowl this Sunday.

Brothers Derek and Craig Uyehara

The concept is simple, yet ingenius. It will be a build your own poke bar (prices start at $3.75), using the freshest local ingredients around including Big Island Ogo, Hawaiian Chili Peppers, Ewa Green Onions, and Kahuku Cucumbers. Pour all that over a hot bed of rice in a bowl and you got your Poke Bowl. Broke da mout’!

My Make-shift Poke Bowl (actual product will be a lot prettier)

They will also serve bentos that include Salmon, Fish and Hamburger Patties, and Teriyaki Chicken, musubis and Sakura Boshi (seasoned Aku) from Hilo. Bottled water and soft drinks will also eventually be joined by alcoholic beverages. Mmmm!

Go and check them out this Sunday. They’re a couple of nice guys doing something different for the local community. Located at the old “Tropics” location at the Ward Farmer’s Market (right side at 1020 Auahi Street, Building #1, Honolulu, HI 96814).

The Poke Bowl sign

Tell ‘em Ed sent ya!

UPDATE!
Just got an email from Bruddah Derek with the following additional details… Enjoy!

Types of Poke:
* Hot or Mild Shoyu Ahi
* Hot or Mild Shoyu Limu Ahi
* Limu Ahi
* Hawaiian Style Ahi
* Spicy Tuna
* Kim Chee Tako
* Hawaiian Style Tako
* Shoyu Tako

Poke Bowls:  2 sizes (mini & regular)
Additional toppings:  natto, kim chee, takuan, nori

Food (Premade)/Bento:
* Maki Sushi
* Inari Sushi
* Fried Chicken
* Ahi Patty
* Teri Burger
* Sakura Boshi (Hilo style)
* Variety of musubi (spam, luncheon meat, hotdog, shoyu tuna)

The Poke Bowl
Ward Farmer’s Market
1020 Auahi Street, Building #1
Honolulu, HI 96814
Opening Day: Sunday, July 13, 2008
Open Mon-Fri, 7AM-5PM, Sat 7AM-3PM, Sun 7AM-12PM

Tags: poke, the poke bowl, Tropic Fish & Vegetable Center, tropics, ward farmer's market

UFC 84 to (Re)-Air for Free on Spike TV Against CBS’s Elite XC Show

The UFC has done it again.

A few weeks after announcing an exciting Anderson Silva vs. James Irvin card on July 19th, the same night as upstart Affliction’s Banned Pay Per View event (Digital PPV Channel 0700 or HDPPV Channel 1700), the UFC has teamed up again with Spike TV (Digital Channel 0559) to fill up July 26th’s lineup with a night chock full of MMA, including the re-airing of the Silva vs. Irvin fight, an episode of UFC Unleashed and Ultimate Knockouts 5 and the re-airing of the once PPV UFC 84 Penn vs. Sherk event, to go up against the second showing of CBS’s Elite XC Saturday Night Fights! You heard it here first!

Holy cow! That’s enough quality MMA content to overload one’s brain, let alone one’s DVR.

And let’s not forget all the MMA programming that HDNet has in store , including Dream 5! It’s gonna be one exciting month son!

For the latest in MMA programming on TV, check out my previous post!

Check out my picks in bold below. Whachu tink?

Affliction Banned - July 19
Fedor Emelianenko vs. Tim Sylvia
Josh Barnett vs. Pedro Rizzo
Andrei Arlovski vs. Ben Rothwell
Renato Sobral vs. Mike Whitehead
Matt Lindland vs. Fabio Negao
Antonio Rogerio Nogueira vs. Vernon White TBD
Aleksander Emelianenko vs. Paul Buentello
Vitor Belfort vs. Terry Martin
Justin Levens vs. Ray Lizama
Mike Pyle vs. JJ Ambrose
Savant Young vs. Mark Hominick

UFC Fight Night: Silva vs. Irvin - July 19
Anderson Silva vs. James Irvin
Brandon Vera vs. Reese Andy
Hermes Franca vs. Frank Edgar
Anthony Johnson vs. Kevin Burns
Jesse Taylor vs. CB Dollaway
Cain Velasquez vs. Jake O’Brien
Brodie Farber vs. Rory Markham
Nate Loughran vs. Johnny Rees
James Giboo vs. Brad Blackburn
Dale Hartt vs. Shannon Gugerty

Dream 5 - July 20
Tatsuya Kawajiri vs. Eddie Alvarez
Caol Uno vs. Shinya Aoki
Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto vs. Joseph Benavidez

CBS Elite XC Unfinished Business - July 26
Robbie Lawler vs. Scott Smith
Jake Shields vs. Nick Thompson
Nick Diaz vs. Thomas Denny
Antonio Silva vs. Justin Eilers
Wilson Reis vs. Brian Caraway
Rafael Feijao vs. TBD
Shayna Baszler vs. Cristiane Santos

Tags: Affliction Banned, Anderson Silva, Anderson Silva vs. James Irvin, BJ Penn Sean Sherk, CBS Elite XC Saturday Night Fights, James Irvin, July 19th, July 26th, Spike TV, UFC, ufc 84, UFC 84: Penn vs. Sherk, Unfinished Business

To Rail or Not to Rail?

… That is the question.

Yep, this baboon is actually moving away from his comfort zone of silly randomness and going political on you on this one. Ya scurred?

There’s been a lot of debate about this topic and it’s HI time (get it? Hawaii time? *sigh*) I polled the 5 of you reading this blog on how you felt about this issue.

I personally have about a 5 minute (depending on local traffic), one exit drive to work so it won’t affect me much, but can definitely see the value for people who face that horrendous traffic on a day to day basis.

So how aboud-it? Make your voice heard on this topic. Are you for or against mass transit (rail) in Hawaii and why or why not?

P.S. Back to random silliness tomorrow…

Tags: hawaii mass transit, hawaii rail, mass transit, mass transit hawaii, rail hawaii, to rail or not to rail

Back to the Work Grind Yo

Many of us had the day off last Friday July 4th. The forward thinking (or lazy?) ones also took Thursday off to enjoy a scrumptious 4 day weekend. Were you one of the scrumptiously relaxed ones this weekend? If so, what did you do? Just chill or catch up on errands l’dat?

Isn’t it strange how that always happens? You take the day off to relax, but you end up running around like a chicken without a head.

That was me this weekend, but for the most part it was good kine (productive) stuffs. I passed my State Real Estate Licensing exam (woo hoo!), celebrated (and got a bit tipsy) by doing the pau hana and karaoke thang with the future brother and law and gang, got tanned (burnt actually) and spent quality time with the homies at Sandy Beach and then later to watch the fireworks off Maunalua Bay, bonded with the ‘rents, changed my oil, made the return to my softball team (and hit a grand slam to boot!), finalized (I think) a tuxedo style for the big dance, picked up 3 solid Reyn Spooner aloha shorts at the 20% off Ala Moana sale, and downed some Acai for my future article. *big breath* Whew!

Here are some of the photo highlights…

Drunk Karaoke-ing

The homies watching the fireworks

4th of July Fireworks off Maunalua Bay

Pretty spiffy eh?

Acai Bowl from Blue Hawaii Lifestyle

Hope errone had a good 4th of July. Back to the work grind for us, but at least we have each other eh?

Tags: 4 day weekend, 4th of july, day off, holiday, independence day, maunalua bay

Office Cake

To go along with yesterday’s theme of getting old… yesterday we had a wedding shower for “eHarmony” (name changed to protect the innocent ), who is getting hitched in a couple of weeks. (Congrats eHarmony!)

Surprise!

We had the usual eats, games and gift giving/opening action, but we also shared a congratulatory cake.

Eek. (a mouse)

Again, back in the day, this Ed the Tank could down 5 cakes without taking a breath. Now, 1 tasty spoonful would go straight to my gut and make me ask, “Does this Aloha Shirt make me look fat?” Of course, the answer for anyone I’m asking this too should be, “No, Ed you’re already so so Phat!” OK, bad joke, but anyway, do y’all feel me?

Kiss my abs g’bye!

As we get older, that dreaded metabolism supposedly catches up with you and you can’t enjoy eating cakes, drinking beer, you know, the finer things in life?

Thankfully, I don’t have much of a sweet tooth, am pretty active, and have a pretty good gene pool (much love moms and pops!), so my metabolism is still pretty good, but I know one day, if I don’t watch myself, I’m gonna be rubbing my belly for good luck, big buddha style.

Yikes! (a mouse?)

Talk to me:
* At what age did your body start changing?
* What’s your biggest challenge to keep the weight off?
* Does this Aloha Shirt make me look fat?

Have a great (and safe) 4th of July weeekend errbody! See y’all on Monday!

Tags: abs, gene pool, getting fat, metabolism, office cake, sweet tooth

Getting Old?

Remember back in the day when we were young bucks? When running home from school non-stop was duck soup?

Those days are ova!

I don’t exactly know when it happened, but I think it has… I’m getting old… Or at least I’m finally admitting to it.

After a far too lengthy hiatus (thanks to my stinkin’ teeth), I made my triumphant return to boxing class at HMC last night (shout out to Kevin and the gang!). Sage was our guest instructor and he mixed in some wicked cardio and core training to go along with our usual fundamentals.

Let’s just say I’m pretty much hurt-in’ today. Yeah, two days later, the obliques, calves, tris, bis, and thighs are all pretty tenderoni.

I don’t remember ever being like this. Coming home from practice all my life wasn’t ever no thang (but a chicken wang), but now it takes longer for this bruddah to recover what normally never ached. It’s like I’m falling apart son!

I used to laugh at my older co-workers who would complain about back aches or neck pains or soreness in the shoulder l’dat and equate it to senility or E.D. or prostate issues. I’d tell dem grandpas to man up or pull up their dress and stop whining. But now look at me. I’m just like ‘em. On the verge of geriatric-ism. *sigh* Nah, it’s not that bad, but still, I wanna go back to the days when my body was like a unstoppable tank and I could just punish it like mad and it would just keep on a-tickin’.

Ahh… the good ol’ days!

Talk to me!
* Am I alone on this one you 30 somethings? At what age do you remember noticing your body ackin’ up?
* Are you 20 somethings laughing at me?
* Are you 40 somethings jealous it’s only my muscles and not my prostate?
* Any secrets you wanna share to help the healing process (or preventative measures)?
* Should I just pull up my dress and suck it up? Haha! Happy Hump Day Errbody!

P.S. Speaking of preventative measures, I’m considering doing an Acai Bowl Tour around Hawaii (article). I got Lanikai Juice, Jewel or Juice, Diamond Head Cove, Blue Hawaii Lifestyle and, of course Jamba queued up. Anyone else have any suggestions?

Tags: Getting Old?, growing old, old age

MMA Television Programming for July 2008

MMA Television Programming for Hawaii - July 2008 (All shows are in HST on Oceanic Time Warner Cable):
Info may be updated after original post date so keep checking back. (Updated Monday, July 21, 2008)

• Fri, July 4 @ 3:30PM on HDNET Channel 1355
  Inside MMA: Inside MMA is your opportunity to step inside the world of mixed martial arts and find out what it takes to be a champion. Hosts Bas Rutten and Kenny Rice provide all the latest news and highlights, along with features, analysis, and rankings.
• Sat, July 5 @ 4PM on PPV Channel 0701 or HDPPV Channel 1700 (preshow starts at 3:30PM)
  UFC 86: Jackson vs. Griffin: The world is watching as UFC® Light Heavyweight Champion QUINTON “RAMPAGE” JACKSON and perennial fan favorite FORREST GRIFFIN spend 13 weeks as competing coaches on The Ultimate Fighter® reality show. Now, the time comes for these two mixed martial arts masters to go to war. On Saturday, July 5th, Griffin challenges Jackson for the most hotly contested title in the UFC® – the Light Heavyweight Championship. UFC® 86: JACKSON VS. GRIFFIN - Saturday, July 5, live on Pay-Per-View from Las Vegas, NV. [Fight Card]
• Sun, July 6 @ 3:30AM on KHNL Channel 0008 or HDKHNL Channel 1008
  Strikeforce on NBC: Strikeforce on NBC brings you face-to-face with some of the most exciting Mixed Martial Arts fighters in the nation, every Saturday night! From top professional competitors and champions to the up-and-coming challengers, you’ll get an insider’s perspective on the world’s most extreme sport. Experience the adrenaline-filled, heart-pounding action that comes with each round in the cage - this is a series that will put MMA fans on the edge of their seats!
• Fri, July 11 @ 3:30PM on HDNET Channel 1355
  Inside MMA: Bas and Kenny are joined by guest panelists, female MMA fighter Kim “Sugar Free” Couture, IFL welterweight champion Jay Hieron, and actor and comedian Rob Schneider. We’ll review UFC 86 along with a preview of the top upcoming events, and a look at the week’s best fight highlights from around the globe. Also, Ron Kruck has the latest updates, and breaking news, and Bas goes “Toe-To-Toe” with viewer’s emails.
• Fri, July 11 @ 4:30PM on HDNET Channel 1355
  Adrenaline MMA: HDNet Fights presents some of the rising stars from the debut Adrenaline MMA show from outside Chicago, Illinois. Included on the card was former undefeated college wrestler Marcus LeVesseur (155-0 at Augsburg College) and EliteXC light heavyweight star Aaron Rosa.
• Fri, July 11 @ 7PM on HDNET Channel 1355
  DREAM 5 Lightweight Grand Prix Finals Preview: Ron Kruck previews the Dream 5 Lightweight Grand Prix Finals. The Dream Lightweight Championship comes down to four fighters: Shinya Aoki, Caol Uno, Eddie Alvarez and Tatsuya Kawajiri. Follow their paths to the finals and find out who will walk away the champion.
• Sun, July 13 @ 3:30AM on KHNL Channel 0008 or HDKHNL Channel 1008
  Strikeforce on NBC: Strikeforce on NBC brings you face-to-face with some of the most exciting Mixed Martial Arts fighters in the nation, every Saturday night! From top professional competitors and champions to the up-and-coming challengers, you’ll get an insider’s perspective on the world’s most extreme sport. Experience the adrenaline-filled, heart-pounding action that comes with each round in the cage - this is a series that will put MMA fans on the edge of their seats!
• Thu, July 17 @ 5PM on SpikeTV Channel 0559
  UFC Silva vs. Irvin Countdown: Watch Anderson Silva and James Irvin as they train in their home towns for their clash at The Pearl in Las Vegas on July 19 2008.
• Fri, July 18 @ 3:30PM on HDNET Channel 1355
  Inside MMA: Inside MMA is your opportunity to step inside the world of mixed martial arts and find out what it takes to be a champion. Hosts Bas Rutten and Kenny Rice provide all the latest news and highlights, along with features, analysis, and rankings.
• Fri, July 18 @ 4:30PM on HDNET Channel 1355
  Best of DREAM 4 Middleweight Grand Prix 2008 2nd Round: The best fights from the fourth event from DREAM, a new mixed martial arts promotion from Japan. Featured fights include the last quarterfinal bout from the Lightweight Grand Prix Tournament as Shinya Aoki takes on Katsuhiko Nagata, as well as the entire Middleweight Grand Prix Quarterfinals. Key Middleweight fights include Jason Miller vs. Ronald Souza and Melvin Manhoef vs. Kazushi Sakuraba.
• Sat, July 19 @ 2PM on Fox Sports Net 0226 or HD Fox Sports Net 1226
  Affliction Banned Undercard: Featuring the U.S. debut of 13-3 Aleksander Emelianenko, the younger brother of Fedor Emelianenko, vs. 23-10 Paul Buentello, and 16-8 Vitor Belfort vs. 16-4 Terry Martin.
• Sat, July 19 @ 3PM on PPV Channel 0701 or HDPPV Channel 1700 (preshow starts at 2:30PM)
  Affliction: Banned: Includes Fedor vs. Sylvia, Barnett vs. Rizzo, Rothwell vs. Arlovski, Linland vs. Negao, Whitehead vs. Babalu. [Fight Card]
• Sat, July 19 @ 3PM on SpikeTV Channel 0559
  UFC Fight Night: Silva vs. Irvin: Card includes Brandon Vera vs. Reese Andy, Hermes Franca vs. Frankie Edgar, Anthony Johnson vs. Kevin Burns, etc. [Fight Card]
• Sun, July 20 @ 3:30AM on KHNL Channel 0008 or HDKHNL Channel 1008
  Strikeforce on NBC: Strikeforce on NBC brings you face-to-face with some of the most exciting Mixed Martial Arts fighters in the nation, every Saturday night! From top professional competitors and champions to the up-and-coming challengers, you’ll get an insider’s perspective on the world’s most extreme sport. Experience the adrenaline-filled, heart-pounding action that comes with each round in the cage - this is a series that will put MMA fans on the edge of their seats!
• Sun, July 20 @ 8PM on HDNET Channel 1355
  DREAM 5: The DREAM Lightweight Grand Prix Tournament comes to a conclusion when the Semifinals and Finals happen on the same night! American rising star Eddie Alvarez takes on perennial Top 10 fighter Tatsuya “Crusher” Kawajiri in one semifinal. Alvarez has surprised some in the MMA world with his impressive performances in the first 2 rounds, including winning a fight of the year candidate vs. top fighter Joachim Hansen. In the other semifinal, submission specialist Shinya Aoki takes on fan-favorite Caol Uno. The winners will fight later that same night to determine the champion! Also on the card, one of the best pound for pound fighters in the world, Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto, makes his MMA debut against American Joseph Benavidez, as well as bouts from other top MMA fighters. Don’t miss DREAM 5 as the Lightweight Tournament reaches an exciting conclusion! [Fight Card]
• Fri, July 25 @ 3:30PM on HDNET Channel 1355
  Inside MMA: Inside MMA is your opportunity to step inside the world of mixed martial arts and find out what it takes to be a champion. Hosts Bas Rutten and Kenny Rice provide all the latest news and highlights, along with features, analysis, and rankings.
• Fri, July 25 @ 4:30PM on HDNET Channel 1355
  Maximum Fighting Championship - Hostile Takeover: Champion Ryan Ford has made a habit out of winning Main Events on HDNet and challenger Joe Jordan hopes to break that habit when the two clash for the MFC Welterweight belt LIVE on HDNet! The undefeated Ford has graced two MFC Main Events and the outcome was the same in both, a victory for Ford by rear naked choke. Joe Jordan will take over six years of fight experience into the ring in an effort to hand Ford the first defeat of his career. While Ford has just started to build his reputation, Jordan has fought some of the most respected names in MMA such as Roger Huerta and Clay Guida. Well-traveled veterans Jason Maxwell and Donald Sanchez also highlight a card that will have the crowd at the River Cree Resort and Casino leaping out of their seats.
• Sat, July 26 @ 2PM on Showtime Channel 0633 or HD Showtime Channel 1633
  CBS EliteXC: Unfinished Business: Lawler vs. Smith II Lead-In Fights
• Sat, July 26 @ 3PM on KGMB Channel 0007 or HD KGMB Channel 1007
  CBS EliteXC: Unfinished Business: Lawler vs. Smith II Main Event including, Nick Diaz vs. Thomas Denny, Jake Shields vs. Nick Thompson, Antonio Silva vs. TBD.
• Sat, July 26 @ 3PM on Spike TV Channel 0559
  UFC 84: Penn vs. Sherk Replay: The fight game can get very personal and the war of words between UFC® Lightweight Champion “THE PRODIGY” BJ PENN and former champ SEAN “THE MUSCLE SHARK” SHERK has taken personal to a whole new level. The talking stops and the real competition begins as these two men step into the Octagon™ to determine the undisputed king of the 155-lb. division. Plus, the controversial “HUNTINGTON BEACH BAD BOY” TITO ORTIZ faces undefeated Karate master LYOTO “THE DRAGON” MACHIDA. [Fight Card]
• Fri, July 25 @ TBA on HDNET Channel 1355
  Maximum Fighting Championship 17: Hostile Takeover: TBA
• Sun, July 27 @ 3:30AM on KHNL Channel 0008 or HDKHNL Channel 1008
  Strikeforce on NBC: Strikeforce on NBC brings you face-to-face with some of the most exciting Mixed Martial Arts fighters in the nation, every Saturday night! From top professional competitors and champions to the up-and-coming challengers, you’ll get an insider’s perspective on the world’s most extreme sport. Experience the adrenaline-filled, heart-pounding action that comes with each round in the cage - this is a series that will put MMA fans on the edge of their seats!
• Wed, July 30 @ TBA on Versus Channel 0210 or HDGOLF Channel 1216
  TapouT (Season 2 Premiere): On this episode of TapouT we follow the TapouT crew as they travel to San Luis Obispo, CA where the guys head back to The PIT to see one of John Hackleman’s up-and-coming MMA fighter; Scott Lighty. During the episode we follow Scott outside of the gym where we meet his best friend, training partner, and hetero-life-partner Brazilian Glover Teixeira. Through their adventures, TapouT quickly realizes the potential Glover has and decide to sponsor both Scott and Glover who are fighting on the same card at the Palace Fighting Championship 6 in Lemoore, CA. Special Guest appearance by Chuck Liddell who is both Scott and Glover’s trainer and also corners each of them during their fights.
• Thu, July 31 @ TBA on Versus Channel 0210 or HDGOLF Channel 1216
  The Contender Muay Thai: Prepare to watch the fight that is known as “The Science of Eight Limbs.” These fights feature punches, kicks, elbows, knees and head-butts to wear down and knock out their opponent.

Ongoing/repeat shows include UFC Unleashed (UFC) on SpikeTV (0559), Various Specials on HDNet Fights (1355), World Extreme Cagefighting and WEC Wreckage (WEC) on Versus (0210) or HGOLF (1216), TapouT on Versus (0210) or HGOLF (1216), UFC Wired (UFC) on KFVE (0005), Strikefoce on NBC on KHNL Channel 0008 or HDKHNL 1008, and ICON Sport TV on KFVE (0005). See also: Sherdog.com., Yahoo! Sports, Fox Sports, CBS Sports, MMA Weekly, MMA Mania.

If I missed anything, send it on over and I’ll add it to the list. Thanks!

Tags: Aaron Rosa, Affliction Banned, Aleksander Emelianenko, Anderson Silva, Andrei Arlovski, Anthony Johnson, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, Antonio Silva, Barnett vs. Rizzo, Bas Rutten, Ben Rothwell, bj penn, Brandon Vera, Caol Uno, CBS EliteXC: Unfinished Business: Lawler vs. Smith II, Eddie Alvarez, elitexc, Fabio Negao, Fedor Emelianenko, Fedor vs. Sylvia, Forrest Griffin, Frankie Edgar, Hermes Franca, jake shields, James Irvin, jason mayhem miller, JJ Ambrose, Joseph Benavidez, Josh Barnett, July 2008, Justin Levens, Kenny Rice, Kevin Burns, Linland vs. Negao, Marcus LeVesseur, Mark Hominick, Matt Lindland, Mike Pyle, Mike Whitehead, MMA Television Programming for Hawaii, nick diaz, Nick Thompson, Norifumi "Kid" Yamamoto, Paul Buentello, Pedro Rizzo, quinton rampage jackson, Ray Lizama, Reese Andy, Renato Sobral, Ron Kruck, Rothwell vs. Arlovski, Savant Young, Sean Sherk, Shinya Aoki, tapout, Tatsuya Kawajiri, Terry Martin, the ultimate fighter, Thomas Denny, Tim Sylvia, UFC, UFC 84: Penn vs. Sherk, Vernon White, Vitor Belfort, Whitehead vs. Babalu

Hawaii Weddings Galore - A Look Back at Eight Hawaii Weddings in One Year

Since July 1, 2007 to the day, I’ve attended, count them: 8 weddings. That’s almost a wedding a month son! Is it something in the air, or is it just that all of my friends are at that “marrying age”? Ah, it’s probably a combination of both. Probably doesn’t hurt that there’s absolutely no “prettier” place to get married than right here in Hawaii.

With the big summer wedding season, as well as the day to my own, quickly approaching, I thought it might be nice to take a break from the food and festivities for a bit and take a look back at the weddings of the past year. Reminisce with me for a moment won’tcha?

Sunday, July 01, 2007 - Kirk and Wendy Izawa

This ceremony for my friends and co-workers took place on the rooftop of the Hawaii Prince Hotel. Unfortunately, there was a certain fainting spell that took place (we won’t mention any names) and we were unable to attend the reception, but here are a couple shots from the gorgeous ceremony.

Wendy and her dad

Hawaii Prince Hotel 100 Holomoana Street Honolulu, Hawaii 96815 (map) (808) 956-1111

Sunday, July 08, 2007 - Grant and Hillary Lau

The ceremony for my long time friend took place on the beautiful shores of Kahala Beach…

Here they come!

Photo opp with the fam

The kiss! (Photo courtesy of Ben Leong)

with the reception following at Oahu Country Club.

Beautiful wedding cake overlooking the golf course

Hillary and Grant cracking up while cutting the cake

Oahu Country Club 150 Country Club Road Honolulu, HI 96817 (map) (808) 595-6331 reception@oahucountryclub.com

Sunday, October 21, 2007 - Reynold and Susan Hong

Co-worker and friend Reynold and his wife Susan were married at Kuilima Point on the grounds of the Turtle Bay Resort.

Reynold and Susan being entertained by the Barry Manilow impersonator (Photo courtesy of Donna Isara)

The scene from afar (Photo courtesy of Donna Isara)

Evan, myself, Jamie and Annette enjoying each other’s company (Photo courtesy of Donna Isara)

Turtle Bay Resort 57-091 Kamehameha Highway, Kahuku, Hawaii 96731 (map) (800) 293-6000

Saturday, November 3, 2007 - Chad and Jaymie Yonemoto

This wedding was for the fiancee’s co-worker and her husband and was located at the Hale Koa Hotel. The ceremony was held in the Maile Garden…

We’re married!

with the reception following in the Banyan Tree Showroom.

Jaymie and Chad cutting the cake (Photo courtesy of Jaymie Yonemoto)

Hale Koa Hotel 2055 Kalia Rd Honolulu, HI 96815 (map) (808) 955-0555

Saturday, February 2, 2008 - Ericson and Liza Cristobal

I used to work at KHET Hawaii Public Television with Big E. I’m still amazed that after over 11 years, most of us staffers still hang out and see each other periodically. What a team! Ericson and Liza got married at the Church of Christ-Iglesia Ni Cristo with the reception at the Filipino Community Center thereafter.

Ericson and Liza, the happy couple

Mural in the Casamina-Flores Ballroom

The money dance!

Church of Christ-Iglesia Ni Cristo 94-601-A Kinney Place Waipahu, HI., 96797 (map)Filipino Community Center 94-428 Mokuola Street Waipahu Hawaii 96797 (map) (808) 680-0451

Sunday, March 23, 2008 - Pat and Michelle Funai

Fellow music lover and college buddy Pat and his wife Michelle got married at the Hale Koa Hotel. Their ceremony was also in the Maile Garden while their reception was in the Waikiki ballroom.

Walking down the aisle

The bridal party (Photo courtesy of Michelle Funai)

The scene from Table 15

The wedding cake

Hale Koa Hotel 2055 Kalia Rd Honolulu, HI 96815 (map) (808) 955-0555

Saturday, April 12, 2008 - Blane and Sheri Ogawa

Co-worker and bball buddy Blane and his wife Sheri did the deed at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa. The ceremony overlooked the ocean on the Na Lea Pool Terrace…

The beautiful Sheri walking down the aisle with her dad

Sheri and Blane exchanging their vows

and the reception followed in the Regency Ballroom.

Beautiful centerpiece

Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa 2424 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA 96815-3289 (map) (808) 923-1234

Saturday, June 21, 2008 - Dicson and Roda Aggabao

The most recent wedding was just last month and was for my long time college buddy Dicson and his wife Roda. I had the honor of being on his party for this wedding that was held at the Koolau Golf Club. Here are the scenes from throughout the day.

Dicson putting the finishing touches on the ‘do with his stalker/paparazzi capturing the moment.

Dics’ mom helps perfect his shoe lace knots

Glenn, Ala, Tommy and Romeo mad pimpin’ in the limo ride to Koolau.

The sign-in table

Glenn, Dics and Ala just moments before showtime. They look nervous!

Dics giving last minute instructions to the videographer while the bridesmaids look on.

Here we go! Dics’ mom leads him in.

Roda’s parents leading Roda in. Yeah, I know… Sorry, this is the best shot I could get thanks to everyone standing up.

Signing the papers to make it official

Its legit! We’re married!

Future Kramers models or a bunch of posers? You be the judge.

Partying like it’s 1999.

Koolau Golf Club 45-550 Kionaole Road Honolulu, HI 96744 (map) (808) 236-4653

Congrats to all of the happy couples above and mahalo for inviting me to share in your special moment. Congrats also to all married and future married couples (shout out to Erin… This month yo!). It’s a lot of work putting together a wedding and I feel for each and every one of you fo sho!

UPDATE! 07/15/08

Saturday, July 12, 2008 - Scott and Erin Tajima

Co-worker and friend Erin took the leap this past weekend at the beautiful Moana Surfrider. Here are the scenes from the day.

The favor

The program

The tsuru display, done by Scotty 2 Hotty himself!

Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Scott Tajima!

Awww, the first dance…

Taking the new E.T. for a spin (she’s gonna kill me!)

Moana Surfrider 2365 Kalakaua Avenue Honolulu, HI 96815 (map) Phone: (808) 922-3111

Happy wedding season y’all. See you next month!

Tags: Banyan Tree Showroom, Casamina-Flores Ballroom, Church of Christ-Iglesia Ni Cristo, Filipino Community Center, Hale Koa Hotel, Hawaii Prince Hotel, Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa, Kahala Beach, Koolau Golf Club, Kuilima Point, Maile Garden, moana surfrider, Na Lea Terrace, Oahu Country Club, Pool Terrace, Regency Ballroom, Turtle Bay Resort, Waikiki Ballroom