ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH // There is still a global Pandemic

Photo: Oscar Olmedo

Happy Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month from your Filipinx Tita and Cambodian Bong Srey!⁣

⁣Seda and I // SAMASAMA, have a couple of things up our sleeves for you!⁣

⁣5/15, Saturday, 12-6PM⁣
Sari-Sari Pop-Up Market at Shopkeepers⁣
We’re having an all-day market featuring local artists and food vendors!⁣

5/27-29⁣, Thursday-Saturday
SAMASAMA // All Together Now at The Reach at The Kennedy Center⁣
We are curating the reopening kick-off weekend at The Reach! There will be an art market, a screening of “Don’t Think I’ve Forgotten”, an all-levels vinyasa class with Justin Espiritu, dance classes with Bonavy Chhim (Traditional Khmer Classical Ballet), Nāpualokelani Kamakele (Hula), Jamie Garcia (Asik) & Erica Childs (Hand Dancing), DJs (me and Shuno Re!) and the amazing Iza Flow with Dior Ashley Brown & Isabelle De Leon!⁣

⁣Also, every Fridays and Sundays (OPM Sundays) I DJ on twitch.tv/lestalusan - come kick it with us 🌿⁣

Sama Sama Cooperative's SAYAWAN DANCE-A-THON

Hey, hi! I know it’s only Wednesday but I want to tell you about one of the events I’m DJing for this Sunday.

Sama Sama Cooperative presents SAYAWAN DANCE-A-THON, an annual fundraiser in support of their unique Summer Day Camp of Filipino culture, language, and ecological heritage. Now in its eighth year, the camp this summer is themed “Air and Liberation” or “Himpapawid at Kalayaan” in Pilipino, echoing the camp’s aim to empower youth through cultural enrichment and connection to the natural environment 🌿 

Lisa is one of the first close friends I made after moving to the US from Pinas, and I consider her family. She is one of the organizers of this event and I’m so excited to DJ for her, her kids, and all the youth attending SAYAWAN! I’ll be warming up the floor before Ruby Ibarra’s set and you all already know she’s one of my favorite rappers of ALL TIME!

The ZOOM event is FREE and all AGES - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER, and if you’re able to, please consider donating and write in “Supporting Lisa” in the note ✨

Para sa kabataan // For the youth 🖤🇵🇭

OPM Sundays “Araw Ng Mga Puso” / Valentine’s Day Special

This Sunday’s Bahala Na! OPM Sundays (Original Pilipino Music +) happens to fall on Valentine’s Day so I will be paying tribute to some of the best 🇵🇭 love songs!

I’ll be taking song requests in advance until Saturday. Make sure you include a dedication, or better yet, a love letter for your minamahal / loved one that I’ll be reading out loud during the stream 🖤

CLICK HERE FOR SONG REQUESTS / DEDICATIONS!

Bahala Na! OPM Sundays
Araw Ng Mga Puso / Valentine’s Day Special
February 14, 2021, Sunday
6-8PM PT | 9-11PM ET
twitch.tv/lestalusan

First OPM Sundays of 2021

Tomorrow//SUNDAY is the first OPM Sundays of 2021! @joelquiz and I will be playing back to back sets of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) and covers! Here’s a dope cover of a Hollies song by Yoyoy Villame and The Embees✨⠀
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OPM SUNDAYS RAID TRICYCLE!⠀
January 3, 2021, Sunday⠀
6PM PT / 9PM ET twitch.tv/lestalusan⠀
8PM PT / 11PM ET twitch.tv/joelquizon⠀
⠀
Tell your neighbor/kapitbahay!⠀

Last OPM Sundays of 2020

Tomorrow//SUNDAY is the last OPM Sundays of 2020! @joelquiz and I will be playing back to back sets of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) and covers!
⠀
OPM SUNDAYS RAID TRAIN! (But just me and @joelquiz 😆)⠀
December 27, 2020, Sunday⠀
6PM PT / 9PM ET twitch.tv/lestalusan
8PM PT / 11PM ET twitch.tv/joelquizon⠀
⠀
Tell your Lola!⠀
⠀

ASTIG 2 Year Anniversary | A Fundraiser for Typhoon Survivors in the Philippines⠀

So stoked to be invited to participate in @astig.sound’s 2nd-year anniversary! @et_iv asked, so of course I’m down. I’ll be playing an all-vinyl set of Original Pilipino Music. Details below:⠀
⠀
ASTIG 2 Year Anniversary A fundraiser for typhoon survivors in the Philippines⠀
November 28, 2020, Saturday⠀
6PM (ET) / 3PM (PT) / 7AM (MNL/Sunday)⠀
TAP IN and FOLLOW: twitch.tv/astigsound⠀
⠀
Join us as we enter another musical journey through the eras and genres of sounds from the Philippines & the diaspora. This lineup is special and believe us when we say you don’t want to miss this.⠀
⠀
Featuring sets by:⠀
@vexruffin8888⠀
@parallel_uno⠀
@lestalusan⠀
@immuzikation⠀
@tallteesound⠀
@cocomachetz⠀
#ovrrsrrr⠀
@mister_rey.beats⠀
⠀
Plus residents DJs:⠀
@et_iv⠀
@joogmac⠀
@djhellal⠀
@lilthowwow⠀
⠀
Donations will be collected during the stream and sent to @kidsforkidsph and to @sabokahan. Please visit their pages to find out more ways to support their efforts on the ground. Follow @astig.sound for more information about the event.

HFR 3 - The Manila Sound by Les The DJ

HFR 3 - The Manila Sound by Les The DJ
Cover Art by Sacha Carlos-Raps

This past May, Filipino/American Artist Directory & Aloha Got Soul tagged me on Happy Family Market’s open call to participate in curating a mix for Happy Family Radio, a monthly series highlighting the Asian diaspora. I finished the mix in mid-September and I’m super excited to share it with you for Filipino American History Month!

Thanks for creating space for our community, Happy Family Market, and maraming salamat for introducing me to my new kaibigan, Sacha Carlos-Raps! Maybe I can DJ for your night market in the future?

The Manila Sound by Les The DJ for Happy Family Radio

Hotdog “Di Na Kita Iiwan Muli”
Cinderella “Superstar Ng Buhay Ko”
Rico J. Puno “You Don't Have To Be A Star (To Be In My Show)”
Pat Castillo “Aso’t Pusa”
Rainmakers “Ok Sa Akin”
The New Minstrels “Smile”
Leah Navarro “Totoo Bang Lahat Ito?”
APO Hiking Society “Heto Na”
VST & Company “Ayos Ba”
Hajji “Inggit Lang Sila”
Celeste “Pag-Ibig Ng Lubos-Lubos”
Ray-An Fuentes “Saying Goodbye”
The Boyfriends “Oras-Oras”
Ella del Rosario “Shake It Baby”

“Manila Sound is an era of Filipino music that started in the mid-70s. It is considered as the golden age of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) and will always be remembered as one of the few good things that came out during Ferdinand Marcos’ martial law regime. Groups like Hotdog, VST & Company, Boyfriends, and Cinderella ruled the airwaves and also helped shape what OPM is now. As a kid growing up in the Philippines—specifically, Kalookan City in the 80s—I was surrounded by music from the moment I woke up to the AM radio, to lunchtime variety shows with lots of song and dance, to the tunes played by jeepney and bus drivers. 

I’ve been in Washington, DC for over 20 years now, but the songs I heard growing up made an impression on me. I play all sorts of music when I DJ but I wanted to share a mix of songs that lifted some of my people during those dark times.” - Les Talusan

If you enjoyed this mix and want to hear more, hang out with me twitch.tv/lestalusan for Bahala Na OPM Sundays, 9-11PM ET // 6-8PM PT, I’ll be playing a live, all-vinyl set of OPM for you and the whole barangay!

https://www.mixcloud.com/happyfamilymkt/hfr3-the-manila-sound

Bahala Na - OPM Sundays!

Illustration: Katrin Davis

Starting this Sunday, from 9-11PM ET // 6-8PM PT, hang out with me on twitch.tv/lestalusan for Bahala Na OPM Sundays! I’ll be playing a live, all-vinyl set of Original Pilipino Music (OPM).

TONIGHT, Friday, I’ll be on mixcloud.com/live/lestalusan from 8-10PM EDT // 5-7PM PDT playing 80’s records. There may or may not be some rick-rolling happening.

NextNOW Fest 2020

I’m so excited to be a part of NextNOW Fest 2020! I’ll be playing a set after mxmtoon’s performance on Thursday, September 10. Thanks for the invite, Megan!

NextNOW Fest 2020
Venue: Mixcloud
September 10, Thursday, 10-11PM
RSVP: NNF.UMD.EDU

Looking forward to playing an all-vinyl set of Asian and Asian American and Pacific Islander artists!

March Calendar Update

It’s Women’s History Month! Here’s where you’ll find me this March:

3/3 Combined Federal Campaign of the National Capital Area (CFCNCA)’s Finale and Awards Ceremony, representing Girls Rock! DC
3/5     Bahala Na at Eaton Radio (2-4PM)
3/9     National League of Cities Congressional City Conference
3/10   National League of Cities Congressional City Conference
3/11   Panel: Find Comfort in Uncomfortable Places at Arc'teryx (6-8PM)
3/12   Bahala Na at Eaton Radio (2-4PM) [CANCELLED]
3/12   NGA Nights: GRL PWR at the National Gallery of Art (6-9PM) [CANCELLED]
3/21   Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Cherry Blossom Family Celebration at the Kogod Courtyard (my slot is from 12:15-1:15PM) [CANCELLED]
3/21   Sister Sister at Showtime (10PM-2AM) [CANCELLED]
3/26   Bahala Na at Eaton Radio (2-4PM) [CANCELLED]
3/26 APALA Census Dance Party (8-10PM) [Virtual]
3/27   Allegory (10PM-2AM) [CANCELLED]
3/28 Neptune Room (10PM-2AM) [CANCELLED]

See you at one or more of these events 🌿

Photo: Mark Anthony Enriquez

Allegory + PRESENT TENSE

Tonight, I'll be playing records all night at Allegory with new music from my travels. They’ve got fancy cocktails, mocktails and super nice bartenders. Needle drops at 10PM.

Photo: Oscar Olmedo

On Saturday afternoon, I’m playing records Transformer from 2-5PM for Farrah Skeiky’s book release. She’s one of my favorite people in DC and am a fan of her work! First 100 copies of her photo book “PRESENT TENSE” will be available.

Photo: Farrah Skeiky

2/28  Allegory at the Eaton DC (10PM-2AM)
2/29 PRESENT TENSE: DC Punk and DIY, Right Now by Farrah Skeiky book release at Transformer (2-5PM)

See you soon ✨

Mid-February Calendar Update

Hello, mid-February! ✨

I’ll be on Eaton Radio this afternoon for Bahala Na. Tune in around 2PM via eatonworkshop.com/radio. Tomorrow, I’m playing French records all night at French Kisses at No Kisses for a light and love themed dance party. There will be drink specials and slices from Sonny’s Pizza and the best part is that it’s a fundraiser for Melanoma Research Foundation. Bring your partner(s), bring your friend(s) and celebrate Valentine’s Day with us ♡ 

Here’s the rest of my calendar. Come say hi!

2/4    NAIOP Chapter Merit Awards Celebration
2/6    Bahala Na at Eaton Radio (2-4PM)
2/8    Shelly and Laura’s Aqueerian Birthday BLOWOUT at Jackie Lee’s
2/13   Bahala Na at Eaton Radio (2-4PM)
2/14   French Kisses at No Kisses - a fundraiser for Melanoma Research Foundation (8PM-12AM)
2/22  Neon Dreams at Draft Punk Cebu w/ meesterenriqez, and Cebu City’s Popdaze, Stereomafia, B1B2 (9PM)
2/27  Bahala Na at Eaton Radio (2-4PM)
2/28  Allegory (10PM-2AM)
2/29 PRESENT TENSE: DC Punk and DIY, Right Now by Farrah Skeiky book release at Transformer (2-5PM)

Happy New Year! January Calendar Update

Illustation: Minori Uemura

Happy New Year, World! ✨

I just got home from DJing two NYE parties and I’m wide awake.

Here is where you’ll hear me playing tunes for sure this month:

1/9 Bahala Na at Eaton Radio (2-4PM)
1/16 Bahala Na at Eaton Radio (2-4PM)
1/17 Admerasia’s 25th Anniversary w/ Ruby Ibarra and Year of the Ox
1/23 Bahala Na at Eaton Radio (2-4PM)
1/24 Presentation: T.C. Williams International Academy
1/24 Allegory (10PM-2AM)
1/31 Punk Soul Sisters w/ Sally Go Round and DJ Daisy Lacy at Showtime Bar (10PM-2AM)

October Calendar Update

It’s Filipino American History Month!

How’s your October going so far? Mine’s been a bit contemplative.

I moved to the U.S. 20 years ago this month, painfully leaving everyone I know. I wanted to give Anak a good life. I think it worked out! Anak was able to join us a few years ago and now he’s a sophomore at the University of Washington. Community helped me survive and thrive in the past two decades. Thank you.

Tomorrow, I’m DJing at one of my most favorite museums in DC, the National Gallery of Art, from 6-9PM.

On Saturday afternoon, I’m DJing DC Punk Archive’s 5th Year Anniversary! I’m on at 2:30PM then CORIKY (Amy Farina - Ian MacKaye - Joe Lally) goes on at 4:00PM.

In commemoration of Filipino American History Month and with the help of my friends, I’m throwing us a FAHM Celebration on Saturday with one of the dopest rappers on earth, Ruby Ibarra.

Here’s where you hear me playing tunes the rest of the month:

10/3  Coach Diversity Institute Culture at Work | Symposium for Coaching in Diversity and Inclusion at the Newseum

10/10 Bahala Na at Eaton Radio (2-4PM)

10/10  NGA Nights: Art History Mysteries, After Hours at the National Gallery of Art (6-9PM)

10/11  Allegory (10PM-2AM)

10/12  DC Punk Archive 5th Anniversary Celebration

10/12  SULONG! A Filipinx American History Month Celebration w/ Ruby Ibarra at Wild Days (10PM)

10/17  Bahala Na at Eaton Radio (2-4PM)

10/17  DC Jobs With Justice "2019 I'll Be There Awards"

10/18  Pyramid Atlantic

10/18  Taking the P*ss - Goodbye To All That w/ The Kaiser at Marx Café (10PM-3AM)

SAMASAMA Presents: SULONG! A Filipinx American History Month Celebration

Illustration: Michelle Chen

SAMASAMA Presents:
SULONG! A Filipinx American History Month Celebration
Wild Days, Eaton DC | 1201 K St NW, Washington, DC 20005
October 12, 2019, Saturday, 11PM Doors, 21+
Eventbrite [FREE w/ RSVP] | FB

Ruby Ibarra
Wabi-Sabi Society
Marie Anamong Ramos
Les The DJ

Sulong means “push forward” in Tagalog. This event will highlight and celebrate Filipinx artists that are pushing the creative boundaries of traditional art and cultural performances. Featuring artwork by Ashley Dequilla.

SULONG! will kick the night off with inspiring and talented Filipinx artists and honor this year’s Filipino American National Historical Society’s FilAm History Month theme, “Pinay Visionaries: Filipina American Women”. Join us as we celebrate Pinays for their strength and contribution to the cultural landscape of America.

Special edition SULONG! and SAMASAMA gear hand screen printed by Soul & Ink available for purchase. Pre-order now and pick-up at the event.

* Many thanks to SAMASAMA’s community partners, Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA), Jamie Garcia, Andrea Kim Neighbors and to the Eaton/Wild Days for hosting us.

---

October 1991 marked the United States' first Filipino American History Month (FAHM). This month commemorates the major contribution of Filipino American early identity in the US. SAMASAMA is honoring FAHM for its efforts of encouraging diverse narratives through art, food, and culture.

September Calendar Update

Illustration: Katrin Davis

Here (and cool weddings) is where you’ll hear me playing tunes this month:

9/1  Beats & Burgers: DJ 101 with Les The DJ and DJ Zombie at Slash Run

9/5  Bahala Na at Eaton Radio (2-4PM)

9/6  I Dig Your Mind: Come Dig Our Minds Edition at Showtime (10PM-2AM)

9/7  Smithsonian APA Center Presents: Queer Futurisms feat. Olivia Neutron-John, Zavé Martohardjono and Les The DJ at The REACH Opening Festival at the Kennedy Center

9/8  DC Public Library Performance Tent - 18th & Belmont at Adams Morgan Day (12-1:15PM)

9/12  Bahala Na at Eaton Radio (2-4PM)

9/13 National Women’s Law Center Reception for Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute

9/19  Bahala Na at Eaton Radio (2-4PM)

9/19 Ambassador’s Night of Jazz & Conversation

9/20  Taking The Piss “A Night of Good Music” at Marx Café (10PM-2AM)

9/22  Homespun feat. Que Verde (live set) at Black Cat

9/25  NARAL Pro-Choice America Cocktail Reception

9/26  Bahala Na at Eaton Radio (2-4PM)

9/27  Allegory (10PM-2AM)

And lastly, SAVE THE DATE! On 10/12, Saturday, I will be hosting SULONG! A Filipinx American History Month Celebration Featuring Ruby Ibarra at Wild Days. Details to follow.

August Calendar Update

Illustration: Katrin Davis

How’s your summer going so far? It was so nice this evening at Fort Reno. The last show of the season is on Monday, 8/5. Hope to see you there!

My friend and co-DJ instructor at Girls Rock! DC, DJ Zombie and I are hosting a DJ 101 Workshop at Slash Run on 9/1. Please join us! Register here for yourself or for a friend.

Here’s where you’ll hear me playing tunes this month:

8/1 Bahala Na at Eaton Radio (2-4PM)

8/4 JALSA: A Muslim Writers Salon [2019 Asian American Literature Festival] at Wild Days (2:30-4PM) - Register

8/8 Bahala Na at Eaton Radio (2-4PM)

8/8 Panel: First Ladies to Anthology of Booty: Women’s DJ Collectives in the District of Columbia w/ Allison Wolfe at Lost Origins Gallery (7-9PM)

8/9 Allegory (10PM-2AM)

8/10 GR!DC End of Summer Celebration! (1-4PM)

8/15 Bahala Na at Eaton Radio (2-4PM)

8/16 Taking The Piss “A Night of Good Music” at Marx Café (10PM-2AM)

8/22 Bahala Na at Eaton Radio (2-4PM)

8/23 Caz’s Underground Party at Marx Café (10PM-2AM)

8/29 Bahala Na at Eaton Radio (2-4PM)

8/30 Punk Soul Sisters at Showtime (10PM-2AM)

A little something special for September:

9/1 Beats & Burgers: DJ 101 with Les The DJ and DJ Zombie at Slash Run - Register

July Calendar Update

Summer’s finally here and the outdoor pools in DC are open!

I took these photos a couple of months ago when I was invited to talk to elementary school students about my career.

Here’s where you’ll hear me playing tunes this month:

7/11  Bahala Na Radio at Eaton Hotel (2-3PM)

7/11 DJ 101 - Girls Rock! DC 2019 Summer Workshop Series: Learn to DJ and Make A Mini Mix! (6-8PM) - Register

7/12  Punk Soul Sisters at Slash Run (10PM-1:30AM)

7/18  Bahala Na Radio at Eaton Hotel (2-3PM)

7/19  Taking The Piss “A Night of Good Music” at Marx Café (10PM-2AM)

7/25  Bahala Na Radio at Eaton Hotel (2-3PM)

7/25  REMIX Express Yourself(ie) at the National Portrait Gallery (6-8:30PM)

7/26  Keep On Movin' “A 90’s Dance Night” at Ten Tigers (10PM-2AM)

June Calendar Update

Hi, it’s June! Catch me playing tunes this month ✨

6/11  Rent the Runway “Sip & Style” at Sonoma Wine Bar (5-7PM)

6/21  Taking The Piss “A Night of Good Music” at Marx Café (10PM-2AM)

6/22  America Now: Celebration of Music at the National Museum of American History (11AM-1PM) - Tickets

6/22  Community Weekend: Celebrating The Life of Animals in Japanese Art at the National Gallery of Art (5-8PM) - RSVP

6/22  By The People International Arts and Dialogue Festival “Solstice Saturday” at the Smithsonian’s Arts + Industries Building (9-11PM)

6/23  Community Weekend: Celebrating The Life of Animals in Japanese Art at the National Gallery of Art (11AM-5PM) - RSVP

6/30  Workshop: Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center Presents Likha: A Learning Together Workshop on Creative Process w/ Ruby Ibarra for youth ages 14-19 (12-3PM) - Register

6/30 The DC Record Fair Summer 2019 Edition at Eaton DC (4-5PM)

See you soon!

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Illustration: Katrin Davis

Happy AAPIHM!

We are celebrating by creating new traditions and building community through art with our 3rd Annual SAMASAMA Art Show and Gathering! Join us tonight at Shopkeepers for the opening reception. I will also be curating an all-vinyl set of music by Asian/Asian American and Pacific Islander artists ✨

When I’m not DJing weddings or taking photos, here’s where I’ll be playing tunes:

5/1  SAMASAMA Opening Reception at Shopkeepers

5/2  Bahala Na Radio at Eaton Hotel

5/2 The KGB at Compass Spring Party for Friends and Clients at Gaslight Tavern

5/3  Petworth First Fridays at Petworth Fitness

5/9  Bahala Na Radio at Eaton Hotel

5/14 Power Your Day with Rent the Runway at Compass Coffee McPherson Square (8-11AM)

5/15 Power Your Day with Rent the Runway at Compass Coffee Chinatown (8-11AM)

5/16 Power Your Day with Rent the Runway at Compass Coffee Farragut (8-11AM)

5/16  Bahala Na Radio at Eaton Hotel

5/17 Power Your Day with Rent the Runway at Compass Coffee Georgetown (3-6PM)

5/17  Taking The Piss w/ The Kaiser at Marx Café

5/18 Power Your Day with Rent the Runway at Compass Coffee Spring Valley (8-11AM)

5/19  SAMASAMA Family Day at Shopkeepers

5/23  Bahala Na Radio at Eaton Hotel

5/24  All Night at Allegory

5/25  SAMASAMA Closing Reception at Shopkeepers

5/26  Movie/Brunch: Better Luck Tomorrow at Slash Run

5/28 Presentation: Harmony Hills Elementary School Career Day

5/30  Bahala Na Radio at Eaton Hotel

5/30 Midnight Driver at Black Cat

5/31  Punk Soul Sisters w/ Sally Go Round at Showtime Bar