Posted by: shauncastro | December 14, 2009

Tears

This week has been one of the most craziest weeks i’ve had in my entire life.  I’ve never had so much huge things planned in one week.  Amongst the usual family responsibilities, I had key deadlines to meet.  On friday, I had the privilege of painting a custom skate deck for an art show that would raise money to help a man with cancer.  On saturday, I served at our church’s event called Overdrive, where the proceeds will go to missions.  I had to complete and paint a custom Munny and do a live painting for auction, and had to plan and coordinate the live art setup, and lastly I helped coordinate/assist/setup a 25 person art show displays in a new venue.  And to top it all off, amongst ministry responsibilities throughout the week, on Sunday, I had to have completed a designed/painted second banner illustration for our church series, then coordinate dedicated volunteers to help bring the vision to life.

My plate was full.  I tried to take things in stride and ordered my time as best as I could.

As my week unfolded, things got accomplished, but in the end of a few tasks, I failed.  Then I adjust as best as I can.  After the cycle of accomplishment and failure, I can’t help but to look down on myself.

You see, this entire week I was blessed tremendously by Jeni, Robby, Stan, Micah, Greg, Royr, Phil, Anastacio, and Karen, Koak, Dodge, Eukarezt, Ohana, amongst a slew of MPD partners.  They’ve lent they’re talents, abilities, and their willingness to serve beyond themselves.  So much so that they’ve given of themselves and sacrificed sleep and rest in order to help finish tasks along with me.

On my drive home tonight, I was so thankful to God for these fine individuals, whom supported me greatly this past week, that I wanted to bless them with something, anything, but I lacked the resources to do so; but I tried to give as much as I could, which really didn’t amount to anything at all.  I couldn’t help but to be emotionally overwhelmed with grief that I couldn’t bless them back as much they’ve blessed me.  The only thing that I could’ve done was pray to my God Almighty to bless them someway somehow, even more-so than I could ever do myself.

As I continued to drive home, I couldn’t help but be overwhelmed about my life situation as well, and to top it off I was really exhausted, hungry and wondering if I had anything to eat tonight.

I got home heavyhearted, and prayed to my God about my life circumstance. I unloaded my thoughts and desires to Him, then proceeded to unload my car.  I went to my kitchen.  Hugged my mom who was asleep by herself at the dinner table.   Opened the fridge, then my mom wakes up and says that we had chinese food from last night.  I couldn’t help but smile.  I micro-waved the food, sat at the table, looked at my mom whom went back to sleep peacefully at the dinner table.   While eating leftover chinese food, in silence and enjoying my dinner.   Tears began to flow from my eyes.  I felt as if I had Jesus himself embracing me with His love and saying, “You were worried with so much, including what you would eat, and see… I’ve provided for you.  Everything will be okay, I’ll take care of you.  I’ll take care of your friends.  I love you.”

My God is faithful.

If you are struggling in your life circumstance, I encourage you to cast all your anxiety on God because He surely cares for you.  Jesus loves you so much.  He will carry you thru.  He will provide for you, and give you peace, and rest in the craziness of the storms.

Enjoy your Christmas season.

With love.

SC

Posted by: shauncastro | December 12, 2009

Overdrive Updated Art n Music Roster

Im looking forward to tomorrows show!  Come out and support!

Blessings.

Shaun

Posted by: shauncastro | December 10, 2009

Altair Trikky

This is my second DIY toy i’ve done, but my first personal one.  It was originally set to be auctioned off this saturday at the Overdrive show, but I will have a custom Munny done instead.  Im really stoked about it, so i’m sorry, I can’t part with it.  Come down to Overdrive and buy my third DIY toy- all proceeds from it will be donated to missions :D    FYI: My custom Altair Trikky was done at my homies shop, Prolifik.  Here is the progression of the piece.  I hope yall like it as much as I do.

Blessings.

SC

Posted by: shauncastro | December 8, 2009

Overdrive- This Saturday, December 12

Hey Everyone,

Im excited to invite you all out to Overdrive this saturday December 12, to Overdrive.  It is a fundraiser for outreach missions for my church, Grace Bible.  We will be featuring a BBoy Jam, Art/Music/Car show.  I will be alongside 25 artists displaying work, and I will also be working on a live painting, and will be selling a custom Trikky that will be auctioned off and all proceeds will be donated.  Please come out and support.  I will post up more info soon :D

Here’s the 411-

Overdrive

December 12, 2009

@ Momilani Elementary School

4-8pm

$7 at the door, $5 w/flyer.


Contact me if you need a flyer, or head down to Prolifik on McCully St.

Blessings.

SC

Posted by: shauncastro | December 8, 2009

Deck The Halls- This Friday, Dec 11

Hey Everyone,

This friday, December 11, I have the privilege  of being part of this art show to raise money for Kenny Brimers fight against cancer.  The show will feature 30 custom designed skateboard decks from various artists (including me)!

Heres the main 411-

Deck the Halls

December 11, 2009

@ Manifest- 32 N. Hotel St.

9pm-130am

See flyer for more info.

Come and support :D

Shaun

Posted by: shauncastro | November 14, 2009

Revo + Invisible Children Benefit Show

Come out and support.

Revo + Invisible Children Benefit Show flyer

 

Blessings.

SC

Posted by: shauncastro | October 29, 2009

Update: Artwork Exhibitions

Currently i have artwork work being displayed at two library locations.  The first is at the Hawaii State Library in conjunction with the Boom Boom Brown event, showcasing filipino talent.  Works will be taken down at the end of October.

 

Secondly, I have a painting displayed at Makiki Libary in conjunction with the event Urban Makiki.

 

I ya’ll can check it out when ya’ll have the time.

 

Blessings.

SC

Posted by: shauncastro | October 15, 2009

God vs. Science

prayer

“Let me explain the problem science has with religion.’ The atheist

professor of philosophy pauses before his class and then asks one of

his new students to stand.

‘You’re a Christian, aren’t you, son?’

‘Yes sir,’ the student says.

‘So you believe in God?’

‘Absolutely..

‘Is God good?’

‘Sure! God’s good.’

‘Is God all-powerful? Can God do anything?’

‘Yes’

‘Are you good or evil?’

‘The Bible says I’m evil.’

The professor grins knowingly. ‘Aha! The Bible!’ He considers for a

moment. ‘Here’s one for you. Let’s say there’s a sick person over here

and you can cure him. You can do it. Would you help him? Would you

try?’

‘Yes sir, I would.’

‘So you’re good…!’

‘I wouldn’t say that.’

‘But why not say that? You’d help a sick and maimed person if you

could. Most of us would if we could. But God doesn’t.’

The student does not answer, so the professor continues. ‘He doesn’t,

does he? My brother was a Christian who died of cancer, even though he

prayed to Jesus to heal him. How is this Jesus good? Hmmm? Can you

answer that one?’

The student remains silent.

‘No, you can’t, can you?’ the professor says. He takes a sip of water

from a glass on his desk to give the student time to relax.

‘Let’s start again, young fella. Is God good?’

‘Er…yes,’ the student says.

‘Is Satan good?’

The student doesn’t hesitate on this one. ‘No.’

‘Then where does Satan come from?’

The student falters. ‘From God’

‘That’s right. God made Satan, didn’t he? Tell me, son. Is there evil

in this world?’

‘Yes, sir.’

‘Evil’s everywhere, isn’t it? And God did make everything correct?’

‘Yes’

‘So who created evil?’ The professor continued, ‘If God created

everything, then God created evil, since evil exists, and according to

the principle that our works define who we are, then God is evil.’

Again, the student has no answer. ‘Is there sickness? Immorality?

Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things, do they exist in this

world?’

The student squirms on his feet. ‘Yes.’

‘So who created them?’

The student does not answer again, so the professor repeats his

question.. ‘Who created them?’ There is still no answer. Suddenly the

lecturer breaks away to pace in front of the classroom. The class is

mesmerized. ‘Tell me,’ he continues onto another student.

‘Do you believe in Jesus Christ, son?

The student’s voice betrays him and cracks. ‘Yes, professor, I do.’

The old man stops pacing. ‘Science says you have five senses you use

to identify and observe the world around you. Have you ever seen

Jesus?’

‘No sir. I’ve never seen Him.’

‘Then tell us if you’ve ever heard your Jesus?’

‘No, sir, I have not.’

‘Have you ever felt your Jesus, tasted your Jesus or smelled your

Jesus? Have you ever had any sensory perception of Jesus Christ, or

God for that matter?’

‘No, sir, I’m afraid I haven’t.’

‘Yet you still believe in him?’

‘Yes’

‘According to the rules of empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol,

science says your God doesn’t exist. What do you say to that, son?’

‘Nothing,’ the student replies. ‘I only have my faith.’

‘Yes, faith,’ the professor repeats. ‘And that is the problem science

has with God. There is no evidence, only faith.’

The student stands quietly for a moment, before asking a question of

His own. ‘Professor, is there such thing as heat?’

‘ Yes.’

‘And is there such a thing as cold?’

‘Yes, son, there’s cold too.’

‘No sir, there isn’t.’

The professor turns to face the student, obviously interested.

The room suddenly becomes very quiet. The student begins to explain.

‘You can have lots of heat, even more heat, super-heat, mega-heat,

unlimited heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat, but we don’t

have anything called ‘cold’. We can hit up to 458 degrees below zero,

which is no heat, but we can’t go any further after that. There is no

such thing as cold; otherwise we would be able to go colder than the

lowest -458 degrees.’

‘Everybody or object is susceptible to study when it has or transmits

energy, and heat is what makes a body or matter have or transmit

energy. Absolute zero (-458 F) is the total absence of heat. You see,

sir, cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We

cannot measure cold. Heat we can measure in thermal units because heat

is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of

it.’

Silence across the room. A pen drops somewhere in the classroom,

sounding like a hammer.

‘What about darkness, professor. Is there such a thing as darkness?’

‘Yes,’ the professor replies without hesitation. ‘What is night if it

isn’t darkness?’

‘You’re wrong again, sir. Darkness is not something; it is the absence

of something. You can have low light, normal light, bright light,

flashing light, but if you have no light constantly you have nothing

and it’s called darkness, isn’t it? That’s the meaning we use to

define the word.’

‘In reality, darkness isn’t. If it were, you would be able to make

darkness darker, wouldn’t you?’

The professor begins to smile at the student in front of him. This

will be a good semester. ‘So what point are you making, young man?

‘Yes, professor. My point is, your philosophical premise is flawed to

start with, and so your conclusion must also be flawed.’

The professor’s face cannot hide his surprise this time. ‘Flawed? Can

you explain how?’

‘You are working on the premise of duality,’ the student explains..

‘You argue that there is life and then there’s death; a good God and a

bad God. You are viewing the concept of God as something finite,

something we can measure. Sir, science can’t even explain a thought.’

‘It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less

fully understood either one. To view death as the opposite of life is

to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive

thing. Death is not the opposite of life, just the absence of it.

‘Now tell me, professor. Do you teach your students that they evolved

from a monkey?’

‘If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, young man,

yes, of course I do.’

‘Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?’

The professor begins to shake his head, still smiling, as he realizes

where the argument is going. A very good semester, indeed.

‘Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and

cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavor, are you

not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you now not a scientist, but a

preacher?’

The class is in uproar. The student remains silent until the commotion

has subsided.

‘To continue the point you were making earlier to the other student,

let me give you an example of what I mean.’

The student looks around the room. ‘Is there anyone in the class who

has ever seen the professor’s brain?’ The class breaks out into

laughter..

‘Is there anyone here who has ever heard the professor’s brain, felt

the professor’s brain, touched or smelled the professor’s brain? No

one appears to have done so. So, according to the established rules of

empirical, stable, demonstrable protocol, science says that you have

no brain, with all due respect, sir.’

‘So if science says you have no brain, how can we trust your lectures,

sir?’

Now the room is silent. The professor just stares at the student, his

face unreadable.

Finally, after what seems an eternity, the old man answers. ‘I guess

you’ll have to take them on faith.’

‘Now, you accept that there is faith, and, in fact, faith exists with

life,’ the student continues. ‘Now, sir, is there such a thing as

evil?’

Now uncertain, the professor responds, ‘Of course, there is. We see

it every day It is in the daily example of man’s inhumanity to man. It

is in the multitude of crime and violence everywhere in the world.

These manifestations are nothing else but evil.’

To this the student replied, ‘Evil does not exist sir, or at least it

does not exist unto itself. Evil is simply the absence of God. It is

just like darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describe

the absence of God. God did not create evil. Evil is the result of

what happens when man does not have God’s love present in his heart.

It’s like the cold that comes when there is no heat or the darkness

that comes when there is no light.’

The professor sat down.

The student was Albert Einstein. Albert Einstein did write a book

titled God vs. Science in 1921…

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7

I found this intriguing post through my friend Eukarezt’s FB page.

I hope this blesses you in some way.

Peace.

SC

Posted by: shauncastro | October 13, 2009

This Was You

portrait03

University of the Philippines Visayas. Lahug, Cebu City, Philippines.

June 2006.

June 2006, will forever be a milestone time for me.  It marked the first time I left Hawaii, and my first missions trip.  While in Cebu, our missions team made its way onto the UPV campus and we walked around the campus with our local friends and campus ministers.  We had the opportunity to meet and befriend a bunch of students there.  During our walkthrough we stopped to rest, I quickly and curiously peeked into a classroom and didn’t see anyone inside and I took a picture.

I uploaded all of my pictures to my computer when I got home to Hawaii from my missions trip two weeks later.  And low and behold, this picture I took of the “empty” classroom had a young girl sitting by her lonesome in the farthest corner.  IMMEDIATELY, I felt God speak to me, “This was you.”

At that moment, I flashed back to three years earlier- sitting in my art class at Leeward Community College alone.  At that time, I was very introverted and emotionally scarred.  I was not a Christian then.  I was far from God and had the typical liberal college student mindset- being anti-church and anti-missionary mindset.  And at the same time- a stubborn, selfish, prideful artist mindset.

Then I came to my senses. Humbled.  Filled with grace and gratitude toward Jesus and my God, for changing me from the inside out.  For the first time ever being a Christian and walking with the Lord for three years, I realized that I am not who I once was.  This anti-church and anti-missionary artist kid, became a Christ following, church-going, missionary artist adult.  And I’m grateful to my God for rescuing me from the overwhelming loneliness of my past, forgiving me of my sins, healing me from my past hurts, redeeming my life from the pit and crowning me with love and compassion.  “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.  The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

Thank you God.

Blessings.

SC

Posted by: shauncastro | October 11, 2009

Boom Boom Brown

boom boom brown flyer

boom boom brown flyer

Im excited to be part of this event.  Here is a detailed write up of the show…  I hope yall can make it  :D

Blessings.

Shaun

…………….

In observance of October as Filipino American history month, Boom Boom Brown! A Celebration of Filipino American Youth Culture, featuring Hawai’i’s young and talented Filipino American visual artists, poets, music ensemble and dancers, will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2009.  The public is invited to this free event, which begins at 12:00 p.m. at the Hawai’i State Public Library.


“In the Filipino community, people are concerned that many young Filipinos are lost and disconnected from our roots.  That’s not true.  We do take pride in our Filipino American culture, heritage and identity.  We know about our history,” said April Bautista, event co-chair.  She added, “The youth and young adults featured at the event not only express their pride through the creative arts, but they do it in various genres.”


Boom Boom Brown! showcases the works of visual artists Christopher Aradanas, Calvin Bagaoisan, Shaun Castro and Elsie Simpliciano; poets Jessica Ladera, Melanie Medalle and Faith Pascua; and musicians and dancers from Mahalohalo Kolintang Ensemble and Tekniqlingz Dance Crew.  This diverse group of participants represents the depth and scope of talent found in Hawai’i’s Filipino American youth.


The year 2009 is the second year that the State of Hawai’i is officially celebrating Filipino American History Month.  The Hawai’i State Legislature passed legislation in 2008 designating the month of October as Filipino American History Month to annually commemorate the contributions of Filipino Americans to Hawai’i and the United States.


Boom Boom Brown! is sponsored by the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) Hawai’i, the Filipino American Historical Society of Hawai’i (FAHSOH), and Friends of the Library.  NaFFAA Hawai’i is a non-profit, advocacy organization committed to empowering the Filipino American community by working with college students through its workshops, conferences and other events.  FAHSOH is a non-profit organization whose mission is to foster an appreciation for the heritage and experiences of Filipino Americans in Hawai’i.

PARTICIPANT BIOS


Visual Artists


Christopher Aradanas

Christopher received a bachelor’s of fine arts from the University of Hawai’i-Mānoa with an emphasis in photography.  Christopher’s works were featured in the Hawai’i Craftsmen’s Fiber Hawai’i 2006 Juried Exhibition at The ARTS at Marks Garage and at the Contemporary Filipino American Artists of Hawai’i Exhibition at the Contemporary Museum in the First Hawaiian Bank Downtown.  Christopher enjoys working with youth and is currently a paraprofessional educator.

Calvin Bagaoisan

Calvin is currently a student at the University of Hawai’i-Mānoa majoring in fine arts and minoring in the Ilocano language.  He is part of the Timpuyog Student Organization at the university and was its former vice president.  Calvin won the 2008 Honolulu Magazine Photo Contest and recently performed at the Filipino Fiesta in May.  Calvin continues to volunteer in the Filipino American community to help perpetuate the culture, heritage and history.

Shaun Castro

Since 2003, Shaun has had his works in numerous exhibitions around Hawai’i and California, including local venues such as Prototype in Pearlridge, Studio 1 and the Ground Up art shows at the Chinatown Courtyard.   He received his bachelor’s in fine arts from the University of Hawai’i-Mānoa.  Aside from being a painter, Shaun is also a youth minister and has done mission work in the Visayas region of the Philippines.  His Christian faith and love for hip hop culture are dominant influences in his work.

Elsie Simpliciano

Elsie took art classes from the University of California-Berkeley and her works have been featured at Soul Signature Tattoos, the 2002 National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) Global Conference in San Francisco and in Maganda magazine.  Elsie is the co-vice chair of NaFFAA Hawai’i.  She honors her heritage by working within the Filipino American community and helping Filipino youth develop an awareness about the culture and history.  Originally from San Francisco, Elsie is a literacy resource teacher with Kamehameha Schools.

Poets


Jessica Ladera

Jessica was trained under poet Travis T. of Youth Speaks Hawai’i and was a member of Farrington High School’s first slam poetry team.  She has competed at the Youth Speaks Hawai’i   InterSlams in which the Farrington Slam Team won second place in fall 2008 and first place in spring 2009.  Jessica is currently a freshman at Leeward Community College pursuing an associate’s degree in teaching.  She hopes to get a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Hawai’i-Mānoa or from Nevada State University and become an elementary school teacher.  Jessica is also a youth leader in St. Theresa’s Youth Ministry in Liliha.

Melanie Medalle

Melanie is a graduate student in the departments of Women’s Studies and Political Science at the University of Hawai’i-Mānoa. She works with the Gender Equity and Civil Rights Advocacy Office at UHM, and is co-chair of the women of color collective CEJE (Collective for Equality, Justice, and Empowerment).  Melanie has performed at various community actions locally and abroad, and is published by PAWA Inc. in Field of Mirrors: An Anthology of Philippine American Writers (2007).  Her political, personal, and artistic practice aim to analyze, understand, unlearn, and undo racism, patriarchy, and all forms of oppression that deny our full humanity and bring pain to the earth and ourselves.

Faith Pascua

Faith is currently a sophomore at Farrington High School and is with Youth Speaks Hawai’i.  She is the vice president of the Farrington Slam Team and was a former T-Shirt Theatre performer.  In addition to her creative extracurricular activities, Faith is also involved with her class council in student government.

Music Ensemble and Dance Crew

Mahalohalo Kolintang Ensemble

Founded in October 2008, the Mahalohalo Kolintang Ensemble is rooted in the traditions of Southern Philippine and Malay gong cultures. Mahalohalo is grounded in scholarship and decades of teaching and performative experience, while allowing space for innovation and playfulness. The group has performed in numerous events including the ANAK! Festival at the Hawai’i State Arts Museum, Pasko! at the Hawai’i Filipino Community Center, the Puja Dance Concert at Paliku Theatre and the Pan Pacific Festival.  In July 2009, ensemble members conducted fieldwork in North Borneo, Malaysia with Bajau music and dance practitioners.

Tekniqlingz Dance Crew

The Tekniqlingz Dance Crew was created in spring 2008 as an offshoot of the tinikling dance workshops held by the Katipunan Club of the University of Hawai’i-Mānoa. The crew has performed at various events such as National Night Out, the Filipino Fiesta, and A Taste of Kalihi. Members also teach the tinikling dance and give demonstrations in various schools and at the Filipino for Kids Summer Program.  With its foundation based on modernizing traditional Philippine folk dances

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