08.26.05--Pagemaker Woes, Two Aug Festivals, Manila Bonfires

BACK IN THE BATCAVE! Few hours--coming from Beanstreets open mic... hah! I read five poems--two short poems from friend Ann Dunn's book, "Olde Women," in memory of my late Mom's courage as Mother and Wife. Then--three of my not-so-new stuff: a sappy poem ("A Sort of Love Poem"), a dazed-and-confused poem ("Velvet Rainbow Down"), and a sermonizing poem ("An American Poem"). Marta The Nicer Osbourne, Matt Mulder and Rena Wright-Daugherty were there, too. Matt read new poems, intriguing, interesting ones--I need to read them later, to be able to "read" it clearer. Oh, Matt and his weblog 1000 Black Lines was featured in an article about Asheville blogs at the Mtn Xpress! Cool stuff!

So I'm back at The Indie Crib. Pagemaker (program) woes are still here... but, thanks, to friends Stephanie Morgan for lending me her page7.0 installation disc (although I havent had success loading it in yet), and building-mate Rachelle Arrowood for volunteering to fix my Vaio laptop, in time for the Sept issue deadline (Monday, the 29th). She also promised to loan me her pagemaker 7.0 disc in case Steph's continues to fail... Things will work out, I know. Matt is layouting the final proof of at least one of the remaining three or four pages, and I hope I get paid for a recent PR writing job that I just finished--so I can easily run to Kinko's and get all these done...

Dont forget--we are tabling/keeping a booth/tent in two Asheville community festivals in a few weeks. First, the Sept 4 Lexington Avenue Arts Festival (LAAF), then the Organicfest on Sept 10. So if you got stuff to sell or give out to people, just come over and help us out, make The Bonfires/The Indie booths/tent rock... Some of Matt's paintings will be displayed, and of course, our Bonfires merchs (t-shirts, Bonfires CD compiles, books). LAAF happens at Lex Av, 11am to 10pm. We were told or asked if The Bonfires is interested in doing a poetry open mic in our tent, who's interested, let me know... I relayed that to Matt--let's see. Organicfest happens at Pack Square, 10am-6pm. And, dont forget, "HAIR" by Katie Kasben will be letting the sunshine in, Sept 9 and 10.

A side-ramble before I list down my usual Update--check out "Kung Fu Hustle" by Stephen Chow! Man, this is zany, eccentric, amazing, bizarre, goofy, surreal--I was laughing at 3 in the morning!? Then, I watched Robert Rodriguez's "Sin City" ... uhh, it's a visual marvel, the dark/gothic way, but do you like it, I dont even know if I like it--although I definitely dug the girls (Jessica Alba, Carla Gugino, Jaime King, Devon Aoki... Oh my, this girl Devon Aoki kicks ass! Mickey Rourke's creepingly cerebral acting was something, pay close attention to that...)

[ ]A major Bonfires project/concentration starting October (till end of the year)--is the three-pronged "Bonfires for Peace" events/concerts in Manila. This assumed a profound emotional impact on me following my Mom's passing... All three events also serve as launch of the Georgiana R. Pascua Memorial Foundation (http://bonfiresideprojects.blogspot.com/)--as well as the Manila edition/chapter of Third World Asheville.The first event happens on mid-Oct at 70s Bistro, located in Quezon City, a major suburban metropolitan Manila urban enclave. My band Duane's Poetry was a regular here many years ago... besides I have a deep spiritual connection with the club, I kind of met/created lots of my longtime poet/artist/musician friends here, I hosted some benefit concerts, organized Bonfires gigs (then known as Playwrights Mobile). The owners-managers down to the wait staff know me... Demi Patricia Pascua is line producing this, with help from 70s B co-owner Helen Reyes and Bonfires-volunteer staff Jaja Campos and Duane Lucas Pascua (as graphic/poster artist etc).

The second event will most likely be scheduled early Nov or late Oct--at Mayric's, right in the heart of Manila's university belt (comparable to downtown Manhattan, maybe). Imagine NYC's CBGB--that's Mayric's in Manila... While the 70s Bistro is basically a singer-songwriter/poetry reading show, the Mayric's gig is a rock concert, featuring two popular rock acts (will announce them later after contract signing), plus maybe 4 more up-and-coming bands. Jaja Campos is line producing this... The third one is a quadrangle/field/outdoor concert that's pretty much like our "Bonfires for Peace at Pritchard Park." I am looking at 15 bands. More details upcoming...

[ ]In regards The Bonfires two-event engagements at the Grey Eagle here in Asheville... Local crowd favorite Laura Blackley, blues-rocker and journalist, has already, officially said yes to the Dec 3 concert, she's not asking any fee whatsoever. She also assured me that she'll write a feature article about The Traveling Bonfires and Third World Asheville for Citizen Times' Take 5 magazine. I met up with her at Bearly Edible last Wed, over PBR... Milwaukee-based funk-blues-rock band Mississippi Cactus, Boston-based Patty Keough, and locals Vanessa Boyd and Phuncle Sam complete the lineup.

Meantime, Frisco-based singer-songwriter Deborah Crooks has also finalized her participation in the Nov 18 show--she'll be flying in on Nov 17. We are also booking her here in Asheville on that night, then the 19th. For more details--http://recentbonfiresevents.blogspot.com/ (By the way, Deborah C is playing at the C Note in NYC on Sept 1--Bonfires booked.) (Mica Lee Williams, also Frisco-based, has also committed to the show.)

[ ]The resumption of the Vagrant Wind Road Journeys starts Oct 14 and ends Oct 22. My first stop, Oct 14, is Durham NC (Regulator Cafe, with Martin Smith and The Blotter), then a guest spot at a Guerrilla Poetry Insurgency event in Richmond VA on Oct 15... In the event The Insurgency event closes early, we are doing a Pinoy rock concert in either Norfolk VA or Washington DC, same day. From Oct 17 to 20--me and Gino are organizing a special acoustic/singer-songwriter gig at the C Note, most likely... by that time, I should already be in NYC, so I'll do some personal stuff. On Oct 21, it's the big Filipino act Apo Hiking Society's concert at the Taj Mahal in Atlantic City (Gino's Rubberband is also opening). I wrote the publicity stuff for this concert. Oct 22 is Goma Soul's gig at The Knitting Factory (which The Bonfires is endorsing/supporting).

[ ]The next "Bonfires for Peace at Pritchard Park" is on Oct 29 -- the "BONFIRES FOR VAMPIRES: Sweet Nightmare 2." So prepare your Halloween costumes and stuff... earlier that day, we'll have a special "Kids r Indies" fun afternoon, then an after-Pritch Park costume/party happens later in the night, at a private place. Kegs of local brew c/o French Broad River Brewing, and food from, uhh--we always have lots of chow coming from downtown restaurants... We've been very successful with getting goodwill stuff and food from Asheville businesses for our Bonfires community initiatives, so mark that calendar. It's Bonfires family Saturday, Oct 29, in Asheville.

NOTE: Notice that I've been shooting footages of our shows lately (thanks, Katie, for the cam). We'd like to show these Bonfires films in other places with Bonfires events, esp. overseas (like Manila). It'll be fun...

[ ]We might be doing an Indie banner story in re upcoming mayoral race in Asheville c/o Mike Hopping. Wait up, too, for the Sept issue--we have new sections, and my long-delayed profile of Rosetta Rzany of Rosetta's Kitchen. Matt Mulder also starts a blog-like series of ramblings and stuff, and we are breaking out (Rome-based)--exclusive in The Indie--Gaither Stewart's novel, "Asheville," starting Sept. However, I know I will make a lot of people shed tears via my homage and tribute to my Mother and all the Mothers of the world... but it'll be a very cool read. Each time an issue of The Indie comes out, I feel it's always new, like the first issue--forget about my current pagemaker woes...

[ ]Thanks to lawyer Bruce Elmore for the $25 donation, and some legal advice, in re Bonfires organizational concerns... Thanks, too, to Mark (of Bearly Edible) and Phuncle Sam for the Bonfires benefit show last Aug 20. I didnt get to finish the show though... and, uhm, an interesting person (yes, she's a "different" kinda woman) came over to the venue that night, went to the bar, looking for me, and refused to pay her beer, saying she works for me?! For the record, whenever we have a show, benefit or a simple gig, I pay for my beer. Even when I'm invited by a band or bands, I pay for my beers and food (that is, in the event my homeys dont pay for them)--sometimes I even pay for my cover, as support to the bands (that invited me). But I dont go to the bar and ask for a free beer... So there's no standing rule or privilege that I accorded to anyone, in regards freebies. But Melody of BEdible knew us and the little incident is just forgotten... although things like this jar me.

[ ]Lastly, again, thanks for these warm words...

( )My sincere condolences to you regarding the passing of your mother. I thought I saw a glimpse of you downtown and wanted to say something... anything. But when I turned the corner, you were gone and so were the words I wished to share.
Matt Mulder
Asheville NC

( )It's good to hear from you. I was sorry to hear about your mother, She obviously meant so much to you. I have never had someone so close to me die, itis hard to imagine the loss...I'm certain it will be a process that will take a long time.
David Cipriani
Baltimore

So that's it, for now. The lesson for the week: If you dont have money to score a PBR, dont go to a Bonfires gig and drop Pasckie's name at the bar. I'm the wrong person... The mere fact that I'm not into Highland Ales or Guinnesses, it's because I'm perpetually broke! But the real issue is--I dont like people reasoning out "I work for The Indie or Pasckie" just to get a free beer. If I could, I'd rather donate my ramen noodles budget to the person before she/he goes to the bar... Meantime, just stay home and watch "Kung Fu Hustle"--I'll share you my Blockbuster card. Or whatever. just be happy and be cool.

--Pasckie
2:31am. Asheville NC.

Aug 11.05--Legal Assist, Laura Blackley, "Alay kay Nanay"

HOW ARE Y'ALL. Gloomy day basically, but there should be sunshine within our hearts and spirits after the dark enveloped. No matter what happens to the world, within or without, life carries on... Today, Aug 11, a Thursday--we have another intimate show at Malaprop's Bookstore, from 7pm to 9:45pm. Alongside myself, we'll have Matt Mulder (poetry), Vanessa Boyd, and Kimberly Summer. Kim is comin' fresh from her summer road tour.

I received some inquiries/questions whether I'm coming home for my Mom's funeral. I am not. She was cremated and laid to rest two nights ago--in Manila. (My other brother, who lives in Las Vegas, is coming home this Nov.) I already talked with all my brothers and sisters (and Dad), and tried to set more concrete directions to what I have been doing here in the US... No matter-- the urgency, zeal and enthusiasm that I imbue in The Traveling Bonfires and The Indie arent fizzling out. Wombed inside The Indie Crib most of the time these days--with Marta The Nicer Osbourne--we continue to devise ways to improve implementation of current projects, expand network, work on more income-generating brainstorms etc etc.

So time to shake the blues. I am still deeply grieving inside, but I'd like to face the world with renewed, re-energized, more inspired tact and resolution these days. (By the way, thanks to our next-floor neighbor Rachelle Arrowood, for the sweet and thoughtful gestures lately. She's been giving us little gifts from Earth Fare lately... It feels cool to wake up in the morning with organic soap, liquid incense, homegrown tomatoes etc on The Indie's door. Thanks, also, Katie K for the nice, comforting words whenever you drop by the office...)

So here are the Updates. (I am writing this from within my Mother's heart.)

[ ] Local (Asheville) rock-folk-blues favorite daughter, Laura Blackley, will be headlining the pre-booked Dec 3 "Third World Asheville/Traveling Bonfires" concert at the Grey Eagle. Alongside her are touring acts, funk-blues-rockin' Mississippi Cactus (from Evansville, Michigan), and singer-songwriter Patty Keough, plus perennial Bonfires friend Vanessa Boyd. It's a 5pm-2am event, so expect more acts. Most likely to join is Bonfires homeys Phuncle Sam, plus more. More performers are invited... but let us know, asap, because I intend to finalize the lineup in a week or so.

The other half of that 3rdWAsheville fundraise drive is the Nov 18 show. This one might be an all-female show (with a possible mini-art auction, in between sets). Those who have committed to play are Vanessa Boyd, Frisco-based singer-songwriters Mica Lee Williams (confirmed) and Deborah Crooks (unconfirmed). We are actually trying to negotiate with The Rebells and/or Atlanta's Big City Burlesque for the featured show spot. We might also invite the women-poets that did the "Poetix" show at Bobo's Gallery last weekend (when DC's The Insurgency was here). Our contact is Ylem of the Writers Block at Carolina Lane.

[ ] Thanks to (currently) Chapel Hill-based Bonfires friend Nina Marie Collins for the hook up/networking efforts--Michael Leahy/Graham (Bobo's Gallery) and Jaclynn Wienke (she does some projects with the Grey Eagle). I will get in touch with these guys in a few days...

[ ] We are seeking legal assistance/help from Bruce Elmore, who's been working with WNC Peace Coalition, particularly in regards our dealings/communication with the City of Asheville's Parks&Recreation Department. He already talked with Marta on the phone... I might meet up with him next week, or so. I think we have a good relationship with other Asheville govt agencies--like the Asheville Police Dept, downtown business association, and even the Parks&Recreation, in general, but not with the current Special Projects head, Ms Janet Dack. I already ranted about this so we'll just let a lawyer represent us, hopefully, next time. I still dont know, havent decided yet, if we're doing a Sept "Bonfires for Peace at Pritchard Park." But we will sure have at least one more before the year is over...

In lieu of a "Bonfires for Peace" at the park, this Halloween, we might do our annual "Bonfires for Vampires" private costume party/gig in a private property/house. Maybe at Phuncle Sam's house--Marta is talking with Danny Joffe... Dan and the guys accommodated Laurie Blair, Shahid Buttar, and the rest of DC's Guerrilla Poetry Insurgency last week. Thanks! The Insurgency also said THANKS to one and all for the warmth, fun, and hospitality. (Thanks, too, to Mark of Bearly Edible, for the after-event show...)

[ ] Current Traveling Bonfires (PPascua)/New Century Prods (MMcHugh) bookings at the C Note in downtown Manhattan: Aug 29 (Half Light, Pascal); 1 Sept (Deborah Crooks); Sept 19 (Half Light, Mambola).

[ ] Demi Patricia Pascua is organizing a Traveling Bonfires/Third World Asheville show at the 70s Bistro in Quezon City, Manila--in memory of her Lola (grandmother). It'll be called, "A Bonfires Night: Alay kay Lola," and it will be basically poetry reading and singer-songwriter acts. I will be inviting longtime poet/journalist-writer/performer friends Joel Saracho, Fidel Rillo, Jess Santiago, Gary Granada, Joey Ayala, plus surviving members of my old band, Duane's Poetry (Rolly Melegrito, Pearsha Abubakar)... Demi will be talking with Helen Reyes, one of the owners/managers of 70s Bistro--where The Bonfires' "Unplugged Metaphors" poetry/acoustic set program was kind of born more than 15 years ago. I communicate with Helen via email...

I have also formed a litarary writing contest memorial for my Mother -- The Georgiana R. Pascua Memorial Awards for Literature ("Palihang Conching"). For now, I am looking at Filipino and English poetry, Filipino screenplay, and Filipino and English short fiction categories. The first awarding rites happen on Feb 22, her birthday, in Manila. Filipino citizens living in the US (and elsewhere in the world) are also enjoined to send in entries. I will be posting the rules...

[ ] I might do my next Vagrant Wind tour this mid-Sept. I might focus my trip to Chapel Hill, Richmond VA, DC, and back. In Oct, I might do the same route, then proceed to Baltimore, few days in New York, then I'll go to Atlantic City (to watch this big Pinoy concert which I did publicist work with). Anybody who wants to join me in either Sept and Oct trips, let me know...

[ ] Coming Asheville events and shows: (a) Aug 20, 10pm to 2am--Bonfires benefit courtesy of Phuncle Sam & Bearly Edible, at Be; (b) Sept 2,3,4--organizational tabling at Lexington Avenue Arts Festival (thanks to Coleman Smith of Arts2People); (c) Sept 8, 7-9:45pm--Phuncle Sam and June Bugg at Malaprops. We will be starting our Bonfires Open Mic at Bearly Edible soon--in the advent of school year. Our main audience, it turned out, are UNCA students... This is also one of the strongest reasons why we are doing a last (for 2005) "Bonfires for Peace at Pritchard Park" by fall. Students flock to the park and dance to the "Bonfires"--notwithstanding the autumn/early winter chill.

So that's the Update for now. I am watching "Troy" at this moment... after that, "Constantine" (Keanu Reeves), and I'm listening to Cat Stevens' Greatest Hits as I write this. See you tomorrow...

--Pasckie
2:03. Asheville NC.

For more info about The Traveling Bonfires and The Indie, go to:
http://rockjourneys.blogspot.com/
http://recentbonfiresevents.blogspot.com/
http://indiebonfires.blogspot.com/
http://bonfiresideprojects.blogspot.com/

Condolences from Friends

Very sorry to hear about your mother. Your letter was very touching and an amazing eulogy to her life. I hope the comfort of friends and family in the weeks to come helps you through this very difficult time.
Vince Junior
Weaverville NC

My prayers are with you and your family. Hang in there.
Marco Galsim
Baltimore MD

Your mother has merely crossed over.....she is not in pain.....she is surrounded by love and joy. She is happy and is standing next to you right at this very moment. You will see her again.....and you will also feel pure love and joy.....of that I have no doubts. Take it from me......I've already died twice. They have brought me back twice because of that ridiculous oath. I know where it is that we go.....and I know that's where she is......and she is so beautiful. Know her peace......and know your peace. Rejoice in her life......and rejoice in your life. You're right.....it's not goodbye.....and you will strengthen from this because it is what your mother wishes for you. She wants you to live each day and love each day for that is why she brought you into this world. Never forget that..... Know my thoughts and prayers are with you.....
Becky Thompson
Kingman, AZ

You are surrounded in protective light~ your earth mother, now guardian angel is so proud of you~I wish you a safe space for your grief. Do what you need to do to get through this.
Peace and love,
Katie Kasben
Asheville NC

Take GOOD GOOD Care Paskie,
I've lost both my parents (my mom in March).The only thing is I can say is grief is a process--so it's most important tokeep doing what you love, AND gather the most caring support from friends AND spiritual resources, AND take time out when you need it even if those breaksare inconvenient.
Condolences,
Deborah Crooks
San Francisco CA

Pasckie ~
Heavy hearted feelings for the emptiness you may feel at certain moments of your madness.
Happy feelings for the engulfing spirit that you feel at every thought of your sacred Mother.
Honorable feelings dedicated to one who loses the familiar and charts another course in its wake.
Contemplative feelings when cherished memories push their way forward in your living.
Hopeful feelings for the many seconds that will accompany you along the pathway.
Uplifting feelings for life thirst and zeal that completely propel your every moment.
Thankful feelings for the spirit of self-sacrifice and giving that are you.
Joyful feelings as we absorb the peace and tranquility that shadows your journey.
Debbie Metcalf
Asheville NC

So sorry to hear of your mama san passing. My heart beats for you, for her, for your grief and loss, and your family. There are no words for such moments. Easy answers to such sorrow have always seemed empty, shallow, a false soothing of a genuine pain. So I offer you only my heart, my love, my compassion, to you, a compadre worthy of all things good. I will light a candle for you, for her as she passes into the Great Mystery, for the healing of your stricken bleeding heart, for the nurturing of your fine soul in this hour, in these days, through these weeks as you wind through the dark alleys in the aftermath of a loved ones death. I will play the drum and say some prayers and sing a song for her, and for you. Your mother was truly a gift to us all, for she brought into the world such a fine and beautiful soul who is a blessing unto us all, which is you, a compadre of the first magnitude, who walks in a meaningful way, doing meaningful things, who walks in a good way . . . on a road worth walking...Many blessings to you my compadre, as you walk your walk in the days and weeks ahead. The love and respect of many walk with you, step after step, day by day.
Give a call if you need a warm shoulder, a tender heart, a listening ear, or a cold frosty fresh from the tap.
Kapila Ushana
Asheville NC

Brother,
I was so sorry to hear of your news! Having read your letter below, it seems she was a formidable spirit -- one you manifest everyday, I suspect. You have our deepest condolences and most sincere blessings -- not to mention thanks, for your generous support of our visit. We look forward to returning your hospitality soon. Stay strong, my man, and remember that the universe harbors much love for you...perhaps even more, now that your biological source has rejoined the one from which we all sprung....
Peace, in the world and of mind,
Shahid Buttar
Washington DC

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I'll be thinking about you. Thiswas a beautiful piece honoring your mother. Your strength is aninspiration.
Sincerely,
Linda Barrett Knopp
Malaprop's Bookstore/Café
Asheville NC

Hi. I'm with you in this strange situation. I want to say condolences, I think it might relieve you a little but I find the line too perfunctory. I do not know what is like to lose a parent thus I would not be able to understand what you feel. I do not feel sad when people pass away though, especially when it happens at their ripe age. I actually feel pleased for the old person's soul. This earth make souls weary and heaven must be a destination for a respite, and maybe eternal bliss and peace for all of us. I'm just here for anything Pasckie. Email me if you must, the way we always do. Yeah, I agree with you, we must live life like it's a gift.
Hear from you again.
Windel Ann Lacson
Manila

MY condolences Pasckie...what a beautiful memory you have written. All the best.
Jen Larkin
Manhattan, NY

I was very saddened to learn of your news. Our hearts are with you and feeding you much heeling energy. Thank you for such a fabulous time in Asheville. We felt very welcomed and taken care of on so many levels....we really enjoyed ourselves.
much love, much heeling and much release of love into the universe.
xxoo
Laurie Blair
Washington DC

I am so sorry to hear about your mother. I think you are fortunate to have had such a person to love. I am sure you will carry your life forward in the way she would want.
Lots of love,
Bob Brown
Asheville NC

Condolence to you and your family. I don't have the words... hope you'll have all the strength you'll need for your journey.
Jo-Jo Valenzuela
Germantown MD

All our condolences, prayers and love to you. I know, your Mother will be happy on the other side of life...and I know too na you will be more stronger....stronger than the person that I used to know. Pasckie, no matter what, I'm here for you..spiritually,,,and we both have the same thing in common- spreading beautiful poems, writing songs, LOVE and PEACE to mankind.....keep your mother's memory in your life forever!
love,
Gino and The Inocentes Family
Baltimore

I am so sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Regards,
Maria Gregorio
London UK

I am thinking of you after hearing about the passing of your mother. it is wonderful that you have had the experience of her unconditional love and support... i know that you are carrying it on to others. many blessings to you. sincerely,
Stephanie Morgan
Asheville NC

condolence
from the moonbugs
Maryland

tol, our sincerest condolences from my family to yours!
Renrick Pascual
Jersey City

We're so sorry to hear of your mom's passing.
Take care.
Steve, Karen and Sam Tiongson
Minnesotta

Nakikiramay ako. I will pray for your mother.
Jimmy Almario
Maryland

I am so sorry to hear about your mother. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I realize my request for The Indie is irrelevant knowing about the loss of your mother. I will call Marta on Thurs. to remind her and appreciate it. I look forward to Thurs. and hope you are doing well.
Kimberly Summer
Asheville NC

I'm so sorry to hear about your mother. Hang in there.
Jessica Balde
Manila

[For more condolences and farewell words to my dear departed Mother, pls go to http://raindancesixty.blogspot.com/ and http://donnaduanedemi.blogspot.com/]

To My Dear Departed Mother

THE RAIN, again, grieved yesterday. Almost at the same time last year. Dark clouds suddenly enveloped the sky—and rain made The Bonfires stop a show at the park. Indeed, The Blue Sky God/dess “exclusively” owns the sole power to make me pause from my beautiful madness. So that I can deal with my own personal, private life.
Last year, the rain poured as we prepared a concert at the “Bonfires for Peace at Pritchard Park.” That afternoon last year, my Mother had a stroke and slipped into a coma. She labored and suffered in the next 12 months or so…
Yesterday, again, the rain poured as we approached the last number/the last band of the concert. I had to pause and visit my personal, private life. And so once again, the rain halted me and The Bonfires… I walked to The Indie’s office to kisten to a long distance phone message from Manila.
MY MOTHER PASSED AWAY YESTERDAY—almost at the same moments when the sky begun to give way to dark clouds last year, also at Pritchard Park, the rain once again made me pause and stop and look within.
I just lost the one original, untiring source of my life line—theheart where my spiritual umbilical cord is connected.
Right at this moment, I can only feel pain and emptiness.
I don’t know how am I’m gonna be in the coming few days or weeks. I haven’t lost an immediate family before. All I feel and know right now is -- The Traveling Bonfires and The Indie will continue to flow and venture on. I promised my Mom -- and humanity that. The dream lives on.
I offer aftermidnight prayers to my Mother. The strongest woman—deep within—that I’ve ever known in my life; the woman who knew how to love like it’s all that matters—up to the limit of her human existence. Or beyond existence.
A life passing is worth another live coming. Let us live life like it’s a gift, not a calling or a privilege. That’s what I learned from life as I continued to see wisdom in my Mom’s everlasting love for just one man, her husband, my Father. And one formidable respect and love for family—she has chosen to die around most of her loved ones back home in the Philippines, than in America. For her, family is family -- all through life and death.
To my Mother… Today—as you head somewhere not within human life… my wandering spirit comes home in your memory’s selfless love. THAT will keep me stronger, stronger… stronger.
No goodbyes, Mom-- only parting. You will always be within me!
I love you.

--Pasckie
2:30am. 7 Aug 05
Asheville NC

Aug 6 2005: DC Poetry Insurgents, Burlesque Bonfires, More Indie Ad Leads

YO! It’s almost 2am. I am waiting for Laurie Blair, Shahid Buttar, and the rest of the DC Guerrilla Poetry Insurgency to arrive… Me and Marta The Nicer Osbourne went downtown a few hours ago—distributed more Indies, gave away Insurgency flyers, posted Bonfires park leaflets/posters—then had a beer and soda each at Bearly Edible. (While we’re there, a dude was having a lonely set, I think he’s wife and daughter were there—he went, “whoarrhhhgh! Yeah, I’m a sad, sad man, whraaaarrgghhh” a-la Muddy Waters by way of Jack White by way of Donald Duck with acute-tonsilitis drawl. Tough day, isn’t it?)

At this moment, I’m with Marta, waiting for The Bonfires visitors—I just paused watching Clint Eastwood’s “Million Dollar Baby.” Right at this very moment, I’m listening to Albert King’s “Born Under A Bad Sign” (next, Howlin’ “That spoon, that spoon, that spoon” Wolf’s Best… after this Billboard Hot Latin Hits). Latin music’s baseline sentiment is very Filipino. Notice Enrique Iglesias’s very dramatic/emotional singing (he’s half-Filipino, by the way). And I’ve been dancing a lot, salsa/latin/boogie/chacha, with Daniela Romo’s “Todo, Todo, Todo” and Pandora’s “No Lastimes Mas.”

So with saltine crackers, Mountain Dew and PBR… here’s the new Updates. [Writing this from inside Hillary Swank’s boxing gloves). [Sidenote: Do you know that the USA consumes 20.5 millions of barrels of oil per day?—compared to the next closest petroleum-guzzler, China, at 6.5! No wonder, they have to invade a country for this…]

[ ] For the Nov 18 Third World Asheville benefit at the Grey Eagle, we are negotiating to have a really steamy show via The Rebelles or Atlanta’s Big City Burlesque. Hmmm, it’s not for Parental Guidance or PG-13, certainly… (Frisco-based singer-songwriter Mica Williams has also committed to perform). The Dec 3 event (other half of an autumn-time doubleheader fundraisers) also has a visiting act/band, Mississippi Cactus committing to it.

[ ] Below are additions to the newly-devised set of Bonfires/Indie weblogs.
<>Most recent article written about The Traveling Bonfires and Pasckie Pascuahttp://www.mountainx.com/ae/2005/0112bonfires.php
<>Articles from The Indie in Asheville
http://indieasheville.blogspot.com/

[ ] The Bonfires’ weekend visitors, DC’s 9-person Guerrilla Poetry Insurgency’s Sat/Sun schedule goes this way: One hour spot at “Bonfires for Peace” (around 4:30pm); in between, they will either be drumming on changeover time (15mins), or doing impromptu drumming/poetry street gigs/workshop in the streets of downtown Asheville. They might even do some performance and/or workshop during load in/set up at the park, around 12noon. After the park event, they will have a show at Bearly Edible (along with Phuncle Sam), around 10:15pm. On Sunday, they will conduct a short 1hr poetry/percussion workshop at The Writers Block in Carolina Lane. Bobo’s Gallery (on Lex near College), via Graham and Michael Leahy (c/o Nina Collins), also expressed interest in having The Insurgency guest in their “Poetix” show tonight—but we havent gotten in touch with either of the guys yet, as of this moment, so… (There might be last-minute changes or modifications, so pls be at the park tomorrow…)

[ ] The Bonfires/Pasckie Pascua bookings at the C Note in New York City (with Mike McHugh’s main booking outfit, New Century Productions): (a) Acoustic rock act Half Light, and singer songwriter Pascal, Aug 29; (b) Frisco-based singer-songwriter Deborah Crooks, Sept 1; (c) Bossa nova act Mambola, Sept 19. Interested acts/performers who want to play at the C Note on this day, pls let me know, asap. (Mambola does a monthly/3rd Monday gig at the C Note as arranged by The Bonfires.)

[ ] Other Bonfires gig situations: (a) Phuncle Sam with be doing a Bonfires/Indie benefit at Bearly Edible on Aug 20; (b) We are trying to hook up visiting Athens GA-based all-female act, “Hoping Agoldensummer,” at Malaprops and Fred’s Speakeasy on Aug 26 (Anni Paisley recommended them to The Bonfires); (c) Again, Phuncle Sam, with June Bugg, are playing for The Bonfires at Malaprops on Sept 8.

[ ] To help augment Indie/Bonfires earnings, I am doing publicist job for Atlantic City/NYC-based concert promotions outfit, RenSun Entertainment, by Rene Sese and Ed Sunico. I will be in Atlantic City’s Taj Mahal on invite to watch a big Filipino concert (tix--$25, $38, $65, $165) that I am doing work for as PR writer/publicist. My casino hotel room is assured (uhh, for two). [Sidenote: Rene Sese was once called “Don Ho of the Philippines.” Back home, we have entertainers billed as “Michael Jackson… Celine Dion… Tom Jones… Frank Sinatra… Johnny Mathis etc etc of the Philippines.” I was once called “Beavis of the Philippines.”)

[ ] New Indie ads (collectible next week) for August issue (all under Marta The Nicer Osbourne’s efforts and persistent charisma)—(a) Cold River Gallery (one issue to one year) and (b) True Blue Arts at Haywood St (one year). The most likely ones, or those that either said, “Yes, we will, pls be back tomorrow” or “We are interested to place an ad, pls be back next week”—(a) the drum store on Eagle Street (we just forgot the name, isnt that weird?); (b) Melody clothes designer; (c) Beanie’s Place on Broadway; (d) Discount Pharmacy on Patton; (e) Jerusalem Restaurant; (f) Thrill of the Hunt on Sweeten Creek; (f) Phuncle Sam (uhh, they have already paid for it, with their many contributions to The Indie/The Bonfires…); (g) Limones Mexican Restaurant; (h) Wink Boutique; (i) In Your Ear Music.

Despite the upsetting conjectures, life’s been good, so far. Loretta Hoffman just brought us food. Mark of Bearly Edible donated another $50 yesterday, to The Bonfires. More ad possibilities are coming up. I do agree, people are really noticing The Indie now… We are expecting great turnout at the “Bonfires for Peace at Pritchard Park” today. There is also the Merrimon Fest and Downtown After Five… so people are out, they might wanna check us out, too.

Meantime, stay cool… (I gotta go back to my DVD).

--Pasckie
1:44am. Asheville NC.

LINKS, other references

We are currently upgrading/contructing a new website, www.travelingbonfires.com Meantime, please visit the following weppages, free webs, blogs, articles, google leads for more info and details.

[ ] Most recent article written about The Traveling Bonfires and Pasckie Pascua
http://www.mountainx.com/ae/2005/0112bonfires.php
[ ] Journals: Vagrant Wind Road Journeys
http://rockjourneys.blogspot.com/
[ ] Pasckie Pascua's "Like a Rolling Stone" column articles
http://lifeasagreyhound.blogspot.com/
[ ] Updates of Traveling Bonfires/Indie programs/projects, brainstorms and plans, negotiations and transactions, and some more ramblings in between
http://bonfiresindieupdates.blogspot.com/
[ ] Current, immediate, upcoming shows, events, trips, concerts, projects
http://recentbonfiresevents.blogspot.com/
[ ] Notes, announcements, updates, and other infos regarding sideprojects
http://bonfiresideprojects.blogspot.com/
[ ] General info, vision-mission/objectives, staff and volunteers, historical background of The Indie and The Traveling Bonfires
http://indiebonfires.blogspot.com/
[ ] Working, existing Traveling Bonfires website
www.freewebs.com/thetravelingbonfires
[ ] Pasckie Pascua's blog, or something like that
http://raindancesixty.blogspot.com/
[ ] Pasckie Pascua's poetry and other writings
http://pasckiepascuapoems.blogspot.com/
www.freewebs.com/pasckiepascua

Traveling Bonfires posters and visuals:
JUSTIN GOSTONY: http://home.ptd.net/~justin85
MATTHEW MULDER: www.freewebs.com/drawingblacklines
JON TEEPLE: http://www.threesheetstothewind.com/bonfireposters/

Go to google.com and type in Pasckie Pascua and/or The Traveling Bonfires in Asheville, NC or The Indie in Asheville, NC

07.29.05: Third World Asheville, Rome Indie, Bell Chere Guilty Pleasures

THE RAIN always feels good, looks good. After almost two weeks of annoying heat, while we (with Marta The Nicer Osbourne and Queen Elizabeth IX) circled all over Asheville—dropping off advertising/marketing kits and Indie copies, pasting up gig posters—rain finally wafted like an Erik Satie and Enya pre-dawn gig up here in Candler. Hey, Bell Chere starts today (Fri, July 29). The Appalachians’ seductive 3-day mountain feast tempts like strawberry ice cream on jagermeister, it’s an almost unavoidable proposition although you damn pretty well know it’s gonna mess up your system (read, anti-corporate/consumerism spirit) later on.

Me, I may just stay in The Indie Crib, finalizing the Aug issue of The Indie—but it’s not because I’m boycotting Bell Chere, not that. (Good friends Stephanie Morgan/Stephanie’s Id and Jenny Greer/Jen&TheJuice are playing, and Kim Summer & Phuncle Sam are at Bearly Edible.) You see, I may just stride downtown and soak on my usual guilty pleasures (like people-watching, beautiful women on multicolored gypsy get-ups and fascinating dreadlocks). Queen Beth may buy me another set of earrings, in exchange for my cosmic/oriental culinary magic (she just bought me seven pairs in three days!) Also, I may position my skinny ass across Renaissance Hotel on Woodfin Street, beyond the $15 fence, and savor the Blues Traveler and Derek Trucks’ rock n blues—that is, if APD allows me to. I reckon many other impoverished Asheville souls like me are planning the same smart mischief. Come on… let’s do it—I’ll open my office building’s door for the bathroom use. It’s just a block away. You can also park there, just tell Bell Chere’s parking dude that you’re with The Indie/The Bonfires (otherwise, they’ll charge you).

Meantime, I have been working, writing, reading/responding to emails, reading, cooking, sleeping (more hours), watching cable TV, DVDs, listening to library CDs up here in Candler in the last few days. I feel a quiet sense of pleasure--when I cook, the traditional way, working my fingers on chopping boards, improvising on marinades (white wine, chili powders, garlic, onions, salt/sugar, curry etc), experimenting chicken-on green mango broth and desserts (tater hallea, heard of that one?), grilling catfish and salmon on butter and lemon drops, deep-frying asparagus, spinach, carrot sticks on flour/milk/chardonnay/black pepper (works well with beer). Chill out time.

The thing is, I still have a whole lot of plans in my mind—but it seems weird to be putting them down on paper (or online), it might confuse/flabbergast people. Even before we unwind a project or two, my head is already working on the next ten or so. If half of the ten didn’t work out, I rest them (I don’t usually treat them as “failures,” I don’t believe in failures)—meanwhile, I focus on the ensuing five. So if you read some negotiations/projects/programs/plans here and suddenly I don’t ramble about them, that means, it’s just temporarily “saved,” “rested,” or "frozen” (waiting to be thawed out again later). I pretty much treat Indie/Bonfires brainstorms/ideas in the same way that I treat my writings/work—after scribbling a few words and paragraphs, notes and chord progressions etc etc, when I feel that it’s not coming through, I put them in my closet/backburner, and then work on new ones or revisit/thaw out the ones that I previously set aside. So there!

(Needless to say, that’s how I deal with Marta The Nicer Osbourne. Whenever I ask her to work on things or follow up negotiations, I always remind her that even before she picks up the phone, think and believe that the deal is already sealed. If the deal doesn’t work out today, it’ll work out tomorrow… I am sure of that. She just did an interview with the young lovely owners of Terra Diva, Helen Miller and Alcora Gardner, plus assuring herself of an ad… By the way, thanks Chris Malz for the “birthday song” on the phone…)

Now, the Updates (I’m scribbling these notes from inside Natalie Merchant’s wine glass).

[ ]The August issue of The Indie re-welcomes longtime/past writer-contributors – Gaither Stewart (from Rome, Italy) and Maria Lapachet (from Long Island NY). Gaither contributes an interview with Natalia Ginzburg. (Next in line, interviews with Umberto Eco, Alberto Moravia, Czeslaw Milosz etc. The Indie will also serialize his novel about Asheville starting the Sept issue.) Meantime, Maria resurrects her Spanish-language column for The Indie, “Seccion Hispana”… I have also added two regular sections—“Ashevellian Soul” (random shots of downtown Asheville’s fascinating souls) and “How’re you doing?” (random brief Q&As with everyday people about everyday issues). These may come out though starting the Sept issue.

Meanwhile, wait up for Mike Hopping’s story on Asheville Police Chief Bill Hogan (Aug issue). The article is based on Mike’s and Marta’s separate (exclusive) interviews. In this piece, Hogan talks about the Taser controversy, handling of anti-war rallies, among others. Thanks to APD Lt Wade Wood for the help in brokering the interview (he also visited the last “Bonfires” event at the park, last July 16, as we loaded out).

[ ]Washington DC’s Guerrilla Poetry Insurgency (or The Rhythm Insurgency) might, after all, be able to make it to the Aug 6 “Bonfires for Peace at Pritchard Park (Event 3).” A “pick up” workshop on street poetry and hand-drumming is also being worked out, in the case they indeed get here. I am in close communication with The Insurgency’s Shahid Buttar and Laurie Blair… The lineup (with or w/out the DC visitors) are: Dashvara, Sunshine, Large Lewis, and Phuncle Sam. Since the current park-rental fee standard exists, and we are still raising enough dough to cover that up. We will be starting the show at 3 or 4pm, instead of noontime or 2pm.

Food for performers, volunteers/staff, and kids are donated by Asheville Take-Out, Boston Pizza, Bearly Edible, and Burgermeister (30 burgers—10 veges, 20 non-veges). Drinking water shall be provided by The Blue Sky God/dess (or those with a kind heart, please bring water-on-jugs to the park), soda and juice still-figuring-it-out.

Those who are interested to join the next park Bonfires: UNCA’s Alice Stegmann aka June Bugg, Asheville’s Jaimee Tomas Band, and a visiting singer-songwriter (from the Midwest) Patty Keough. (Another act from the West Coast, Mica Williams might join.) We are trying to hook up Sept 24 for Event 4. This might be a Third World Asheville-fronted event, which means, it might be an all-female/woman concert.

[ ]We are tabling at the (1st week of) September “Lexington Avenue Arts Festival.” The Indie might run a banner story on LAAF and its community vision-mission for the Sept issue. Arts2People’s Coleman Smith said he has a writer (I think the name is BJ Snow) doing the story (the article shall also discuss gentrification of Lex Av, among other sensitive downtown community concerns).

[ ]A Pinoy/Filipinos-in-America version of The Indie is slowly but surely shaping up. However, my prospective investors/financiers prefer to keep a low profile—so there! This is a sure way—or another way—for The Indie to expand advertising feasibilities and marketing network (ethnic market). (Aligned entrepreneurship brainstorms loom or should be more realizable—in the advent of a Pinoy Indie. I have been wrecking my head in the past few weeks trying mighty hard to draw a surefire—at least a 70-30 return of investment—marketing strategy to keep these madnesses above neck-deep misery. We have to find more ways and means, alternatives and fallbacks…) The co-partner of the concert-promoting tandem (based in NYC and Atlantic City) that I am referring to--also voiced interest in coproducing a Civic Center-level event in Asheville...

[ ]The Traveling Bonfires is supporting Katie Kasben’s “Hair Project” (playdates, Sept 19, 20). [Katie, just let me know when you’re ready for the Q&A. I am doing it myself. We have free beer from French Broad Brewery on the first week of Sept-- so, how’s the joint fundraise?]

[ ]Matthew Mulder’s various/selected poster designs for The Traveling Bonfires will be up for sale. The poster would be printed full-color, full-bleed on 100lb. gloss cover stock with UV coating. Those interested, link up with Matt -- Mulder_Matthew@hotmail.com. His website is http://1000blacklines.blogspot.com/ Once I some moolah, I’d print majority of the posters and collate them on a scrapbook or something—or post them online, so you can view them.

[ ]Marta Osborne, The Bonfires’ associate producer and project coordinator, invites like-minded/vision-paralleled women’s organizations (and individuals) to informal tete-a-tete, soiree, coffeeshop chats in regards possible projects under the newly-conceived Third World Asheville. Debbie Metcalf of NOW Asheville said she’s fine with giving Marta valuable advice, ideas, and stuff in regards the present and future of the program. I have done prelims communication with a number of women acts, artists, performers, activists—to wit, Deborah Crooks, Mica Williams, Patty Keough, Chris Falon – who might be willing to perform for this project. [Of course, most or almost 95% of The Indie/The Bonfires connects, associates, benefactors, agents, supporters in and beyond Asheville are women—that means, the Third World Asheville is long-time-coming.]

The pre-booked Bonfires shows at the Grey Eagle/Asheville is a twin project that primarily advocates/publicizes 3rdWAsheville. Dale Hoffman is coproducing the Dec 3 show (let me know, Dale, when we need to share details of this event)—which will feature a local act that is very popular among women’s groups in Asheville and WNC, plus a visiting blues-rock act. This could be our biggest club gig in Asheville, so far. Asheville-based Bonfires friends Vanessa Boyd, Kimberly Summer, Alice Stegmann also signified interest in being part of said women-fronted projects. [Remember Willow Branwyn? Marta just located her—I’ll convince her to join one or two gigs.]

Meanwhile, The Bonfires in Manila is also being handled, primarily by young women--Jaja Campos, Donna Pascua, Demi Pascua, with valuable advice from Cynthia Diaz and Olive Obina. Another longtime friend in Manila, club co-owner Helen Reyes also sounded a possible collaboration (so with still-yet-to-be-finalized dealings with Sazi Cosino of Mayric’s in downtown Manila) . I hope 2006 ushers parallel “Bonfires for Peace/3rdWAsheville” events in Belgium (Chris Vanherck), Dublin (Siobhan Clarke), and elsewhere. I dream but I am hopeful.

[ ]Current/upcoming gigs: Aug 11, Malaprops (Asheville)—Vanessa Boyd, Kimberly Summer, Matthew Mulder, Pasckie Pascua; Aug 20, a Bonfires benefit at Bearly Edible (Asheville) with Phuncle Sam; Aug 29, C-Note (New York City)—Half Light, Mambola, Pascal, Deborah Crooks; Sept 8, Malaprops—most likely June Bugg (Alice Stegmann) & Phuncle Sam. (I am also trying to hook up gigs for Deborah Crooks in DC and Baltimore, once she gets sure gigs in Manhattan on the last week of Aug to 1st week of Sept. She’s flying from the West Coast. Same goes with the touring Mica Williams and Chris Falon.)

[ ]I decided to move the kick off gig of “Loud&Peaceful” to a later date. Should have been started at “315” in Salisbury NC. I couldn’t get a connecting club gig in Winston-Salem or Raleigh. The dates that are being offered come far in between. Meanwhile, those who are interested to perform (esp. poets and singer-songwriters) for The Bonfires in Durham, Chapel Hill and Carrboro, let me know. Our hook ups are The Blotter Magazine/Martin Smith and SURGE, a UNC-Chapel Hill based environmental activist organization. Matt Mulder and Patty Keough voiced willingness. [Also, for August, we have ex-deal in re banner ads with The Blotter and Chris Falon’s website.]

So that’s it, for now. Congratulations to Jason and Camella for their wedding (should this week or next week) in New Jersey. Honeymoon in Washington DC (of all places, c’mon!) But sad hugs to those who just broke up—at least, three female friends of mine broke up—not with me, so that’s okay, I guess (I don’t even know if I have/had a recent girlfriend, whatsoever, so when they stopped seeing me, I guess they already broke up with me, am I right?) Oh well, I just watched Samantha Morton in an indie film, “Morvern Callar,” and Marta is seriously watching “Mystic River,” Beth enjoyed a silly movie on sci-fi channel, “Prince of Darkness.” I am having Bud Light on this weird-looking, elongated fancy-lager glass…Ciao!

Wherever you are, love the one you’re with but don’t forget those who are forever in your hearts, love isn’t enough to compensate the absence. Peace, and please—those who are going to Bell Chere, bring drinking water with you, don’t overdrink beer and soda. Love good, live good, eat good!

--Pasckie
Candler NC
3:30am. A Friday.