It’s only the first month of the year and I already missed posting on two of those four Wednesdays! Ah, I’ll try to get bettah as the year goes on! Hang in dea… 🙂
Last time‘s Winnahs:
* Tenkaippin (jknakas1)
* Tokkuri Tei (jknakas1)
* Roy’s Hawaii Kai (carokun)
VH07V is honored and privileged to be one of the vendors selected to participate in this year’s official NFL Pro Bowl Block Party in Waikiki. Visit our booth THIS SATURDAY January 25th from 6pm (or as soon as we set up)-10:30pm as they shut down Kalakaua Ave to throw the most epic block party ever! We’ll be in front of the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort (between Kaiulani Ave and Uluniu Ave), near the Honolulu Police Department’s Waikiki Station and the iconic Duke Kahanamoku statue! See you there!
* Mailing List
If you haven’t already, be sure to sign up for our mailing list to get the latest scoops! I promise I don’t email too often (takes planny effort you know da kine! 😛 ).
* Order Online!
Get all of the latest VH07V gear at:
When you see Major League pitcher Jerome Williams for the first time, you see a big, strong man with hands the size of a grizzly bear. At 6’3″ and 240 lbs, you know for sure that he’s an athlete, and was likely “bred” somewhere in the Midwest.
And then he opens his mouth.
Bruddah’s first words to me were in pidgin. I loved it. And as we got to talking, his humble and down to earth nature made me feel right at home as if we grew up together back in the day. Just choke Aloha. The big grizzly bear had suddenly turned into a soft teddy bear. 😛
Jerome Williams and author Edward Sugimoto
Williams was born and raised in Waipahu Hawaii. As a Marauder standout, he was selected, at the tender age of 17, by the San Francisco Giants as the 39th overall pick in the first round of the 1999 Major League Baseball draft. By 21, he made his big league debut – a tough loss against the Philadelphia Phillies – but closed out the year with 88 strikeouts, a 3.30 ERA and winning 7-5 record.
His baseball career has taken him all over the league with stints with the Giants, Chicago Cubs and Washington Nationals, as well as all over the world, playing in leagues as far away as Mexico, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, and Taiwan. His most recent gig with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim was cut short this past off season when the Angels decided not to tender his contract, which actually now opens the door to sign on as a full time starter (Williams’ preference) for a number of interested teams vying for his attention.
I recently caught up with Williams during his recent trip back home to Hawaii.
[Edward Sugimoto] First of all Happy (32nd) Birthday! (Jerome’s birthday is on 12/4/81)
[Jerome Williams] Thank you man, thank you.
[Edward Sugimoto] Did you do anything fun for your birthday?
[Jerome Williams] Well, not yet…
[Edward Sugimoto] Still early?
[Jerome Williams] Still early in the morning. Actually, I goin go see my mom. My mom stay up in um, down Kaneohe side (Hawaiian Memorial Park Mortuary). I’m gonna see my mom today. I always do that every year on my birthday. Go see my mother.
[Edward Sugimoto] Not many people know this, but you’re part Hawaiian.
[Jerome Williams] Yeah.
[Edward Sugimoto] (What’s) Your favorite Hawaiian word?
Jerome Williams during our interview (Photo Credit: Arthur Betts IV)
[Edward Sugimoto] (laughs) That’s a good one. And what about your favorite phrase in pidgin?
[Jerome Williams] It’s explicit so I cannot say. Nah, most of my friends we always talk and there’s a lot of explicit stuff in it, but sometimes I get to a point where I use it a lot up in the mainland and guys don’t understand so I try not to say nothing.
[Edward Sugimoto] You can actually use it!
[Jerome Williams] I can’t actually use it at all. But like I said, it’s explicit so I can’t really say on air.
[Edward Sugimoto] No worries, no worries. In some what bittersweet news, the Angels decided not to tender your contract yesterday, making you a free agent. Your agent Larry O’Brien has been quoted though as saying that it could be a blessing in disguise because you could start for a number of other teams. What are your current thoughts on that and have you given any thought to a team you might want to pitch for?
[Jerome Williams] Um, you know, I think it’s a good thing for me. The years I was with the Angels I was a swing man. I was in the bullpen and starting, but you know, I really wanted to stay with the Angels. I just bought a home there. Like how you said, it is bittersweet. I felt like I had a new beginning with them and you know right now it’s just a waiting process. I’m a free agent now. There’s a lot of teams I really want to go to. First of all, I want to stay on the west coast. Closer to home, closer to my family. Also too, I want to be at a place where I can have spring training in Arizona (Cactus League). I really don’t like to go all the way down to Florida (Grapefruit League). It’s a long haul all the way out there and the travel for the games and all that stuff. Your closest trip is two hours. That’s the longest trip in Arizona. I just want to try and be closer to Arizona and closer to home.
[Edward Sugimoto] You’ve had a lot of twists and turns in your baseball career taking you all over the world (including stints in Puerto Rico and Taiwan). At any point, did you ever feel like giving up?
[Jerome Williams] Um, I want to say probably in 2008. 2007 I was with the Nationals and in 2008 I couldn’t find a job. I couldn’t find a job anywhere so I played independent ball. And the year I played independent ball, I thought I wasn’t going to make it back at all. But my wife and kids and my family, they always supported me so that year I got picked up and then I went to Puerto Rico to play winter ball. I got picked up by Oakland and then that next year I went to Taiwan. And then I went up and down playing from like I said Taiwan, Puerto Rico for winter ball, Venezuela for winter ball, Mexico for winter ball, so you know, I’ve been all over the place to try and get back to where I needed to be and fortunately, I got picked up by the Angels when I was in Independent ball in 2011.
[Edward Sugimoto] It was a good thing you didn’t give up because you had somewhat of a renaissance in your career.
[Jerome Williams] Exactly. All that hard work, everything that I’ve been through, it made me stronger.
[Edward Sugimoto] For those who don’t know, you wear a pink glove when you pitch. Can you talk a little bit about what that represents to you?
[Jerome Williams] When I first got drafted, my mom was alive. And then in 2001 my mom passed away from breast cancer so at that time I wanted to honor her and wear a puka shell necklace cause she actually gave it to me. But as the years went on, I got bigger and the necklace got smaller (smiles), so it broke. But in 2010 when I was in Taiwan, I was on a trip up there and I was real flashy with gloves out there. They’re real flashy with it. And the first time I went by a store, I seen a pink glove and I told myself I was going to get one. So that next year, 2011 would’ve been 10 years (since the passing of his mom) so I just wanted to pay tribute to my mom so I wore a pink glove. That’s what the pink glove represents it represents my mother who passed away with breast cancer. I wear it every day on the mound. The first glove I had that I brought to the big leagues, I still have it. I don’t use it anymore because I got another contract with Woodz. They gave me a contract (smiles). I’m the first non-Taiwanese player to (be) sponsor(ed) (wearing) their gloves in the major leagues so I’m pretty thankful for that. Just by using the pink glove it shows awareness of breast cancer. I know some people know that the MLB, they do breast cancer days. Breast Cancer day is every day for me.
[Edward Sugimoto] Do you think you’re going to start a trend with other pitchers?
[Jerome Williams] Well, if that trend starts, I’m the original guy to do it so hopefully I can get recognized for that first, and then people can do it.
[Edward Sugimoto] Your name, your moniker on Twitter and Instagram is @pinkpuka57. You mentioned the glove and the puka shell… Is that kinda where it came from?
[Jerome Williams] That’s how it came about. In the beginning when I first got called up, like I said, I wore the puka shell necklace and a couple of the guys on the team used to call me, that used to be my nickname is “puka” so that’s how they knew me as. And then once I had the pink glove and everything and then my number (57), then I was like you know what, I might as well put all those three together and make it just one.
Jerome Williams during our interview (Photo Credit: Arthur Betts IV)
[Edward Sugimoto] What is your typical day like back here in the islands?
[Jerome Williams] It depends. I know my wife and kids, they’ve been here a lot, so we try and hit up some places to go eat. The stuff that we don’t have up in California. The first day I arrived, I went straight to Jackie’s Diner in Waimalu. And then, last night, I took my wife to Shiro’s (Saimin Haven) in Ewa. The other day I went to Highway Inn. Highway Inn, I used to live right across the street from there. So we just try to hit up the places that we know we can’t get out in California and also too, just try to spend time with family and friends. Usually on the weekends and even during the week, friends, they come to the house, or I actually go to them. They play softball at Waipahu Rec Center or at CORPs. They ask me sometimes if I want to go play with them, and I play with them! I actually try and give back to the guys that actually gave back to me. That’s the true friends that I want to see. That’s the true friends that I want to hang out with. Sometimes I’ll go and see one of my good friends Bubba from Rebel Souljahz. They were born and raised in Waipahu and I remember when they were little kids. I always try and support them. The other night, I went to Republik to support Maoli and Jordan T. So I met those guys too. You know I just want to try and support anybody that’s from Hawaii that’s doing well and also too my family and friends.
[Edward Sugimoto] What are your favorite non baseball related hobbies?
[Jerome Williams] For some odd reason, everybody looks at me and they don’t think electronics, but I’m an electronic freak. Right now, I have all of my kids all on the electronics. My four year old knows how to use an iPad from left to right. And, actually, he knows how to do Minecraft. I don’t even know how to do Minecraft! So I got my kids doing Minecraft, I love computers, I love music. I like anything with any electronical type of things. Sometimes I like to do my car, like speakers, integrate my iPod into it so I’m really big into that. And then also too I like to play basketball but I can’t play basketball because I’m under contract. And my wife is like you don’t need to play basketball right now because you’re a free agent and if you get hurt then, next thing you know, you can’t play. I’m kinda pissed off about that. That’s the type of cardio I like to do, but I know how basketball is here, especially outside, and especially of what I am, people would probably want to try and hurt me.
[Edward Sugimoto] You mentioned your iPod. What’s on your iPod right now… Some of your favorites?
[Jerome Williams] It goes from electronics to dub step to reggae to Hawaiian music, hip hop, r & b, rock, country, I mean everything. I just looked at my computer because I put a 1 terabyte hard drive inside my computer and right now, on my iTunes, I have 316 gigs of music. So it’s equivalent to almost 55,000 songs. I have all that on top my computer and I showed my dad and my dad was like “Why the hell do you need all that music? You don’t even listen to it.” And I was like “No, trust me, I’ll listen to it.” But it’s cool to have those types of music because maybe one day, you want to try and browse through it and you’ll be like “Oh dang I used to listen to that when I was in high school.”
[Edward Sugimoto] Yeah, brings back memories.
[Jerome Williams] Yup.
[Edward Sugimoto] You mentioned Jordan T… Any other favorite Hawaiian bands?
[Jerome Williams] You know Jordan T, Maoli. Who else you got? Iration, of course Rebel (Souljahz). Some of the newer stuff, I really don’t listen to cause we don’t have that access up in the mainland but when I do come down, I always try and help them out, I always try and listen to it. I’m really an old school guy with the Hawaiian music. I can go back to Natty Vibes (Natural Vibrations), go down to Kapena, Hui Ohana. Hui Ohana is one of my favorites because that’s what my mom used to dance to. She used to dance hula and there’s one song I always listen to when I feel down and out. It was a song that my mom used to dance to called Sweet Lei Mokihana. Actually I listened to that song on my first win in the major leagues after I came out of the game because it soothes me and it always reminds me of my mother.
[Edward Sugimoto] You are one of only a handful of Hawaii bred baseball players in the Major Leagues so the fraternity is pretty tight I’m assuming. How often do you get to chat with people like Vic (Shane Victorino), Brandon League, and Kolten Wong, etc.?
[Jerome Williams] It’s kinda hard to talk to Brandon and Kolten because they were in the National League at that time, and I played Vic twice a year, I played him one time in Boston and one time at home in Anaheim, but whenever I get the chance, I always want to try and reach out to them. When Kurt (Suzuki) and Kila (Ka’aihue) was in Oakland, I talked to them almost every time because they’re in the same division. It’s a funny story because every time I talk to them pidgin comes out. So one of the guys on the team, LaTroy Hawkins, actually came up to me and was like “Jerome, are you from Hawaii?” and I’m like “Yes.” and he was like “Well, I want you to talk to Kila and Kurt right now. I want you to talk to them right now just like how you talk back at home.” OK, so we started talking and he kinda actually stopped me. And he was like “Jerome, I don’t understand what you said, but from what you did say, I know you’re from Hawaii.” I’m like, “OK, I told you guys that!” Because everybody thinks you know I’m black, but they don’t believe that I’m from Hawaii. I was born and raised here, born and raised in Waipahu, everybody don’t believe that. But getting back to what you said about all the guys, yeah, it’s a tight fraternity and we always want to try and see each other or try and talk to each other or give each other information. I don’t know if you guys were reading things on Twitter when we had the World Series. You never found that. That’s the first time ever you had two Hawaii guys in the World Series playing against each other. I was pulling for Vic because me and Vic, we got drafted with each other and I knew him for a long time. Kolten…
[Edward Sugimoto] Didn’t play that much anyway…
[Jerome Williams] Well he did play a couple times, a couple times he did good and the one time he did bad, but you know what. At least he had the opportunity to get there. I mean, I never got an opportunity to get there. I’ve been playing for, since I was like what, my first year was in ’03. I’m happy for them getting there and especially for Kolten. He’s gonna have the opportunity to play second (base) now for the Cardinals. Hopefully he can shine and do well too.
[Edward Sugimoto] And finally, do you have a word for your fans out there?
[Jerome Williams] Awww man, fans. Shoot. I know you guys follow me on Twitter and Instagram @pinkpuka57. Thanks for all the support you have done for me. I always try and give back to Hawaii any way I can and this is one of the ways I want to give back, saying thank you to you guys. It’s been a long road for me and I know you guys know my story. Every time I come back I always want to try and do something for Hawaii. This is my way of saying thank you. Thank you to everybody and um, just keep supporting me. Like I said, follow me on Instagram and Twitter @pinkpuka57. Aloha. Thank you.
Jerome Williams and photographer/videographer Arthur Betts IV
VH07V Gear The latest in Hawaii lifestyle apparel. Check it out!
A-ight y’all. Since I’ve been depressed and crying my eyes out over the lack of comments lately, I made this week’s pics supah duuuuuupah easy! Hopefully we can give the blog a little jolt this week. 🙂
We are super excited to announce that VH07V will have a booth at the uber popular Honolulu Night Market taking place from 6pm-11pm next Saturday, 6/15 in Kakaako (Auahi Street).
We’ll be fully stocked (including our new Tron and Racerback designs) at our booth, which will be located in the “Pinch of Salt” Warehouse during the event. Come on by for special, show only pricing!
My interview with bruddah Chad Owens (called “Chad Owens – A Born Fighter“) got posted to AroundHawaii earlier this week. Click the image below to check it out and watch the video as well.
Last week, the good people at Hawaii Self Storage recognized and awarded 10 local public school students with a 4 year renewable scholarship ($4000 annually) to a college or university of their choice. In attendance for the night was Hawaii Self Storage owner Mr. Mike Wood and his lovely wife Joanne, VP of Operations Tony Goulart, and VP of Marketing and Sales Shaun Salvador. Serving as the “Master of Ceremonies” for the night was one half of the Aloha Boyz on 93.1 The Paina, Mr. Kaleo Pilanca.
* VH07V Spotted!
This week’s “SPOTTED!” shot is of Tomo-san from one of my favorite eats in town: Yajima-Ya Lunch Wagon. He was wearing his Green/White VH07V tee when Guy Hagi and Augie T went to visit him for a recent episode of Cheap Eats. Click on the photo below to watch the clip.
[Big Jim]: Is pro football in Canada better than college football was in the WAC or high school football in Hawaii?
[Chad Owens]: Um, that’s a tough question. I don’t know if it’s better. I don’t know what he means, if he’s talking about the skill level… It’s football right? Anytime you get a chance to go out there and play the game, whether you’re here in Hawaii, high school, college, at the professional level: NFL, CFL, Arena (Football) League… You do this because it’s what you love to do. It doesn’t matter where you are, if you get a chance to go out there and strap it up and play the game, you’re gonna go out there and give it your all, and you’re gonna enjoy those moments and that’s really what I try and do. I try and enjoy that time when I’m out there because one day, it’s gonna be all over, it’s gonna be done, I’m not gonna be able to do it anymore, so yeah.
[Dean]: Hey Chad, been following you since the UH days. Congratulations on all your success! My question, what do you think are the most effective way to improve the lives of our keiki today and tomorrow through sports? Any plans on one day becoming a coach or mentor for children?
[Chad Owens]: I think the best thing that we can do as grown-ups, as mentors, as parents, is to just guide our children in the right way. And yes, sports is a great way to teach team concept and hard work and all those tools, but the children have to want to play sports. So one thing is you don’t want to force them into sports. If it’s something that they want to do then great, then you push them towards where they want to be, but the first thing and most important thing we can do for our children is to continue to be a great example for them first because growing up, they become what they see. They become what they’re surrounded by so as parents, as mentors, we can just be great examples. And if they do end up playing sports, just continue to encourage cause there’s a difference between criticizing, encouraging, disciplining, it’s all kind of a fine line with all those things, but keep it fun for them cause that’s always the number one thing for kids. They want to go out there and have fun so keep it fun, but keep them going and the main thing is that they work hard and they listen. And yes, maybe one day, down the road… Coach… I mean, we’ll see. Who knows? I don’t know what tomorrow is going to bring, so maybe one day. But thanks Dean (right?).
[rayboyjr]: Chad: Any possible re-entry back into the NFL?
[Chad Owens]: Um, if a crazy opportunity presented itself, possibly, but as of right now, my focus is on the Toronto Argonauts. It’s going into training camp (for) another year. This coming 2013 season and being the best that I can be for my team. If I finish my career in Canada, which I most likely will, it’ll be a great ride. The CFL has been great for me. I hope that answers the question.
[Debbie Bruce]: Aloha Chad, You are such a wonderful ambassador for Hawaii and such a positive influence on our youth. How do you feel about the Fan Aloha that follows you everywhere you go? Does it help feed your success?
[Chad Owens]: Well, this Fan Aloha that follows me everywhere I go… Debbie, that would be you! So thank you, mahalo, aloha. *blows kisses* We love you. It definitely helps. It goes back to the support that you get right? It makes you feel special. It really does. It makes you want to go out and work harder for the fans. That’s what it is. If there are no fans, what’s the sense of playing right? You go out there to entertain, you go out there to perform. We are performers in a way. In a professional way, we are entertainers. Although it’s about winning games and winning championships and those things, but if there’s no one in the stands watching, to me, it’s pointless. So (to) the fans, thank you guys so much. Debbie, again, Aloha, and I’ll see you in Toronto next week. I’m leaving on Sunday (5/26/13).
[@KsCollectables (Kevin)] : Hi Chad, as a child growing up did you fight in the back alleys, was it rough where you grew up? Did you always want to try MMA?
[Chad Owens]: I can’t say that I fought in the back alleys, but I was always the smallest kid so anytime the bigger kids tried to bully me around, I had to let them know real quick that “Hey, I’m not afraid of you, so what you wanna do?” And somehow, some way, I always became friends with these guys that tried to bully me. I was always a little scrappy kid who wasn’t afraid of anything, wasn’t afraid of anybody. But I’m not saying that’s how I decided to do MMA. MMA is a sport. It’s not a backyard fight. Hopefully everyone understands that. It’s not a backyard fight, it’s totally different. It is a sport, there’s techniques involved, you have to train. You can’t just go in there and close your eyes and throw haymakers and expect to win. That fight inside of me, it helps me on the football field, it helps me in life, it helps me with everything I do, but thank you. Great question.
…
* To read and watch my entire interview with Bruddah Chad, check out my article “Chad Owens: A Born Fighter“.
For whatever reason, these types of posts typically don’t get a lot of feedback below, so before I lose ya, just wanted to tell ya to stay tuned for another “Where In Hawaii?” game tomorrow (I hope!)! 😛 Shoooots!
Chad Owens is no stranger to competition. He came into this world fighting… Fighting for his life.
Weighing just 3 pounds, Owens (aka “Mighty Mouse”) was born a month and a half premature. It was the determination of his mother to never give up on him that became the driving force behind who he is today and how he approaches life’s daily challenges.
It is that same drive and determination – genetically ingrained within his DNA – that fueled Owens to find success in his life’s calling: sports. He lettered in 4 sports (football, basketball, baseball & track) at his Alma Mater: Roosevelt High, thrived under June Jones’ Run & Shoot offense during his time with the University of Hawaii Warrior football team, and has recently been named the Canadian Football League’s Most Outstanding Player while breaking records and becoming a world champion along the way (his Toronto Argonauts defeated the Calgary Stampeders 35-22 in the CFL championship game to take home the home the 100th Grey Cup).
Not bad for a guy who has always been told he’d never make it.
Chad Owens
I recently had the wonderful opportunity to chat with this local boy about his family, career, MMA debut, and more…
Chad Owens Interview
[Edward Sugimoto]: First off, congratulations on a HUUUUGE 2012 season! Let me see if I can list your accomplishments:
You broke the all-time, single season all-purpose yards record (previously held by “Pinball” Clemons) with 3,863 yards!
You became the first player in professional football history to record back to back to BACK seasons with 3,000+ combined all-purpose yards.
You won the league’s Most Outstanding Player award!
And on top of all that, your Toronto Argonauts defeated the Calgary Stampeders (35-22) in the CFL championship game to take home the home the 100th Grey Cup… (All with a broken thumb!!!)
[Chad Owens]: Yes sir! (smiles)
[Edward Sugimoto]: Safe to say, you had a decent year? 😛
[Chad Owens]: Yeah. It was a successful one, both individually and of course as a team we won the championship. But no, I had a lot of fun this year, and looking forward to doing it all over again this upcoming season.
[Edward Sugimoto]: What was your life like in the early days and how did you first get into athletics?
[Chad Owens]: Whoo, in the early days. How far back would that be? I’ve been playing sports my whole life, as far back as I can remember. I started off playing soccer, but I was always in sports. I think I needed sports. I was always a little active, scrappy, feisty little kid. I guess a rascal. That’s what my mom them would say, I was a little rascal. But sports kinda gave me a way to utilize that energy, and I’m thankful that my mom them put me in sports and allowed me to become who I am today.
[Edward Sugimoto]: During your time here at Roosevelt, you lettered and succeeded in three sports: Football, Basketball, & Track.
[Chad Owens]: And baseball, a couple years. My freshman year and my senior year.
[Edward Sugimoto]: Which did you enjoy the most and why?
[Chad Owens]: Obviously I love football, but basketball season was always you know, to me it was a lot of fun. I love playing basketball. But I just enjoy sports. It didn’t matter what I was doing, I just enjoyed the competition, and I enjoyed coming out here and competing and trying to be the best.
[Edward Sugimoto]: You also played for (what was known as the University of Hawaii) “Warriors” at the time… At what point did you know that the next level was a possibility?
[Chad Owens]: As far as being a professional? I think it probably struck me after my senior year. During my senior season because up until that point, I just wanted to be the best college player that I could be. Being at the Division I level was already a dream come true for me, so I just wanted to continue to be the best that I could be there and enjoy those years and that’s what I did. But it wasn’t until my senior year started coming to an end and I knew I was having a pretty good season and I started to think like man maybe this NFL thing or “professional” thing is really there for me you know? And again, I’m thankful that I had that opportunity.
[Edward Sugimoto]: You mentioned the NFL. You had a brief stint there but it seems you’ve really found your home in Canada in the CFL. Describe what your life is like there as a football star and what your family likes to do for fun.
[Chad Owens]: Life in Canada has been great. The CFL has given me the opportunity to be me and go out there and play ball and play the way I know I can play. The family enjoys it, we’ve made a lot of great friends up there and Toronto is really a nice city. It’s a great area, it’s got great people, and it is our home away from home. So it has definitely been an interesting transition you know, my career, but I do believe that I’m at the place where I belong now and I will 99% finish my career there, I’m pretty sure of that. I’m just taking it for what it is. I’m very fortunate and thankful that I was blessed with these opportunities and my family and I are just enjoying the moment.
[Edward Sugimoto]: You mentioned your family. You have a beautiful wife Rena and three beautiful kids (Chad Jr, Areana, & Sierra-Lynn). How are they adjusting to life outside of Hawaii?
[Chad Owens]: You know they’ve grown up around it. They’ve been to Jacksonville, they’ve been to Colorado, they’ve been to Montreal, you know, so they’ve traveled with me throughout my whole career and I think it’s the norm for them now, so they’re not afraid of change, they’re not afraid to travel so for them, they’re getting experiences that not much get to have and I think it’s gonna benefit them because when they get older, like I said, they’re not gonna be afraid of change. They’re not going to be afraid to go out and venture. Go to the mainland and maybe look for work, I don’t know. Go to school, go away from here because they’re used to it. So to me that’s a big positive for them.
[Edward Sugimoto]: Good life lessons for them huh?
[Chad Owens]: Great life lessons for them.
[Edward Sugimoto]: So this past April, you made your professional MMA debut against Junyah Tevaga. How was that experience for you and is this something you’d like to pursue again one day?
[Chad Owens]: The experience was awesome. It was definitely something that I’ve longed to do and I wondered how I’d be and if I trained and put my heart and soul into it how I’d do and I did just that. I trained hard and I was all in, 100% into MMA and I was fortunate enough to get that fight, and it was fun. But it was definitely a different type of adrenaline rush and I enjoyed it, so yes, I would definitely love to do it again, but for right now, my focus is on football and that’s where I’m at with that right now. *smiles*
[Edward Sugimoto]: Speaking of the fight though, ho, you were a beast man when you came out it was pretty nuts.
[Chad Owens]: It’s a really fast fight. Two three minute rounds. The normal I think is three fives. Five minutes is a long time, you can’t expect to go in there and just bang for five minutes straight, so there’s always those pacing moments, the feel out moments right? But three minutes it goes by so fast and I trained at such a high pace that that’s what we wanted to push, we wanted to push the pace and it was fun.
[Edward Sugimoto]: It showed.So you’re on Instagram (@chadowens2) and your feed shows a lot of workout related photos. How important is that to you as a part of your daily life.
[Chad Owens]: It’s very important because, yeah, granted I am a professional athlete so training… I say this kinda cliche-ish, training comes easy. Not all pros enjoy training, but I enjoy training. It’s a lifestyle that my family and I enjoy. It’s something that I hope… My kids see it. You know it’s an example for them so we just want to continue to share that with everyone. This is not just a once in a while thing. We live it. We live training, we love it. I tell my wife all the time, you only get to stay young for so long so you might as well get the most out of your body and work out, train and look the best that you can look while you got it. And it’s a healthy thing. Training and working out is healthy. And we’re all cognizant about what we eat, and again, it’s a great example for our children and the people of Hawaii and all our followers. We just want to continue to be an example that way as well.
[Edward Sugimoto]: You’re also on Twitter (@chadowens2) and other social media venues. Does that help you keep in touch with your fans pretty good?
[Chad Owens]: Yeah definitely. Twitter is a crazy world. When I first got on, I was on it avidly and with the Instagram, you could get caught up in it and get lost in it for hours, and I’d rather spend my time more wisely. There are times when I tweet stuff and Instagram and do those things and to me there are times and places for that, but I have to make sure I get done what I have to get done first before I start getting into the social media, but it is a great way for me to stay in contact with my fans and to keep them up to date with what I’m doing here in Hawaii and vice versa, when I go to Toronto, you know all the fans, friends, family that’s here in Hawaii gets to see what’s going on when we’re up in Toronto so it’s just an awesome tool
[Edward Sugimoto]: And the Toronto fans can keep in touch with you too.
[Chad Owens]: Yeah, yeah *smiles*
[Edward Sugimoto]: So do you have any words for your fans out there?
[Chad Owens]: I just want to say Mahalo and thank you for all the support throughout these years. It’s been an amazing ride. It’s you guys that keep me going. It’s the fans here in Hawaii that come out and tell me, “Hey I remember that BYU game”… It’s things like that that I really appreciate so thank you guys so much and you know… Aloha!
During my entire conversation with him, it was readily apparent that Owens has an inner fire that is unmatched and it became crystal clear as to why he has been so successful in a career where many have not.
Although he’s accomplished everything a professional athlete can possibly accomplish in their given sport, I have a feeling, he’s got something else up his tattooed sleeve for this season. Be sure to watch and support our local boy as he taps into that inner determination – passed on to him by his mom – as inspiration to continue that daily fight…
Chad Owens with Arthur Betts IV
Chad Owens with Edward Sugimoto
Special Mahalos to Arthur Betts IV for the Production assistance and Chris Avery for the editing assistance. And of course to Chad Owens himself for his time and Aloha!
VH07V Gear The latest in Hawaii lifestyle apparel. Check it out!
Probably the biggest (recent) news – at least here locally – is the name change (again) of our beloved University of Hawaii men’s programs. It went from the Rainbows to the Warriors/Rainbows/Rainbow Warriors to the Warriors and then back to the Rainbow Warriors, or something to that effect. What are your thoughts on this? Do you care one way or another? That’s just one of my many topics of conversation in the “Scoops” section below. Holla!
* Did you guys hear this ridiculous story about Amy’s Baking Company in Arizona? It is quite hilarious (they’re now saying they were hacked), but also kinda scary how the power (and misuse) of social media can have such an impacting influence.
* OKC (1) vs. MEM (3), SAS (3) vs. GSW (2), MIA (3) CHI (1), or NYK (1) vs. IND (3)? Who you got?
* Candice Glover and Kree Harrison compete for the American Idol Season 12 crown? Who do you want to win? Tonight at 7pm on KHON (Oceanic channel 3, 83 or 1003).
* Anyone watching UFC on FX 8 (Belfort vs. Rockhold) this Saturday? 3pm on FX (Oceanic channel 554 or HD 1554).
* Anyone watching the finale episode of The Office on Thursday night? 8pm on KHNL (Oceanic channel 8, 88 or HD 1008).
* Anyone going to the final UH Rainbow Warrior baseball series at home against UC Davis? FRI 5/17 @ 6:35pm, SAT 5/18 @ 6:35pm and SUN 5/19 @ 1:05pm.
* VH07V Spotted!
This week’s “SPOTTED!” shot includes my friend’s son in one of his favorite Blue/Green Keiki colorways! Buy it and others here: VH07V.
* Waimea Bay Cliff Jump Video!
In case you missed it last week, here’s a cool new video that local boy ShibbyStylee put together at one of Hawaii’s famous dives: The Waimea Bay Cliff Jump. If you’re at all familiar with the DevinSuperTramp Youtube channel, then you’ll love what this local boy is doing for Hawaii. Using the beauty of Hawaii as his backdrop, “Shibby’s” videos have one part thrill/adrenaline/athleticism and one part EYE CANDY, all with a hand-picked, catchy song and in HD quality to boot! Bruddah is putting Hawaii on the map and it’s only a matter of time before he’s a household name! Here’s our first project together, which already has over 6,000 views in less than two weeks! Click the image below to watch the epic vid!
* New stock
We’re still waiting on our re-order for everything we were low and sold out on. We’re hoping to get that in soon, so we should be fully stocked again in the next week or so. Apologies to those who have been trying to order online, but your size(s) were missing.
* Order Online!
Get all of the latest VH07V gear at:
Check out Hawaii Self Storage in Pearl City (98-138 Hila Place) next Wednesday, May 22nd at 10am (registration by 8am) for another exciting live storage auction! For more information, visit www.hawaiiselfstorage.com!
Yep, you heard right! $25 could be in your near future! Gone are the days of guessing on photos for the sheer glory of it all… Well, at least for this week. 😛 By voting on this week’s photos, you actually have a chance of winning some cold, hard cash in the form of a $25 Gift Card to the location below.
Gotta make um somewhat challenging though, so we’re gonna go old school on ya and bust out “da list”! Dun dun DUN! The person who guesses them all correctly (or the one with the most correct), wins the card!
Post Your Guesses Below
* Location: _______________________________________________________
* When did they open?: ____________________________________________
* Google Street View link: ________________________________________
* Exact Address: __________________________________________________
* Phone Number: ___________________________________________________
* Web Site URL: ___________________________________________________
* Facebook URL: ___________________________________________________
* Month photo was taken?: _________________________________________
* Day of the month photo was taken?: ______________________________
* Day of the week photo was taken?: _______________________________
* Year photo was taken?: __________________________________________
* Exact time photo was taken? (worth 3 points): ___________________
* Sticker on the phone?: __________________________________________
SCOOPS!
In case you missed it, I’m taking your questions for my future interview with local boy turned pro football beast Chad Owens. Much like we did for: BJ Penn (Your Questions / His Answers), Shane Victorino (Your Questions / His Answers), & Colbie Caillat (Your Questions / Her Answers), I’ll include some of your questions in my interview with him…
* VH07V was selected as one of only 10 crafters to get into this year’s SPAM Jam festival in Waikiki taking place next month (Saturday, April 27 @ 4pm-10pm). Come on down and visit us at da booth k?
I’m trying to work out an interview with pro football sensation Chad Owens in the coming days/weeks (depending on our schedules) and would love to include your questions. So in the comment area below, post the questions you’d like me to ask him.
You’ve probably already heard about Time Warner Cable’s #ProBowlCatch campaign which encouraged fans to vote for Victor Cruz to get onto the 2013 Pro Bowl roster. The campaign was a huge, viral sensation garnering over 1.33 million views through three videos.
Earlier this week, prior to the game, Hawaii’s Oceanic Team had the honor of catching up with Victor in an exclusive interview as he relaxed at the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort with his family on Friday.
Oceanic Time Warner Cable’s Production staff filming Coach Darren Hernandez’s interview with Victor Cruz
Victor Cruz sporting his Time Warner Cable branded “Enjoy Football Better” hat
Victor Cruz video interview
The following day, Oceanic Time Warner Cable, along with the NFL Network, sponsored the Pro Bowl VIP Party at Wolfgang’s Steakhouse at the Royal Hawaiian Center, which was all part of the Pro Bowl All-Star Block Party held in Waikiki that evening. Here are some scenes from the night.
Miss Hawaii USA 2013 Brianna Acosta poses with the Pro Bowl trophy
Oceanic Time Warner Cable employees in front of the media backdrop outside Wolfgang’s Steakhouse
Pro Football Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson seems delighted to pose with our ladies of Customer Care
On Sunday it was game time, where Victor showed off his hands, catching 10 receptions for 96 yards and a touchdown en route to a lopsided 62-35 NFC win over his AFC rivals. What a fun Pro Bowl weekend here in Hawaii. Victor Cruz and Time Warner Cable… helping all of us Enjoy Football Better.
Woah, I think everyone is still recovering from the their New Year parties l’dat. Well, that or my pictures stay too hard again. Haha! Let’s try some easy ones!
This week’s “Spotted” shot for VH07V is of University of Hawaii Men’s Basketball star Forward Isaac Fotu. Bruddah Isaac (@Ifotu42) and I got to talking on Twitter and it turns out that he likes the brand. He wanted to buy some VH07V gear so we met up for the exchange. What a cool guy! As a season ticket holder, I was stoked to meet one of the team’s baddest players (IMO)! Best of luck to Isaac and the rest of the team this season! And mahalo again for the support Isaac!
As always, a big mahalos to everyone for your support and for helping to spread the VH07V! 8)
MISSING CAT!
Our friends’ cat Hachi has been missing for the last 13 days and I need your help finding him. Please Share this blog with all of your Mililani friends so that we can bring him safely home to his owners. Here’s a personal note from them:
Our cat, Hachi, has been missing since December 27th. We recently moved back to the Mililani Uka area and we think that he might have gotten disoriented. He is 4 years old, black and white with a pink nose, and is medium/large (14 lbs) in size. His back is more black than white. If he is seen, please text or call 808-542-9385 or 808-469-6960.
World Wide Ed 