the backroom podcast

Jon B grabs an interview with one of the dopest lyricists in hip-hop, Bambu, right before his performance at FilAmFest 2008. If y'all don't know, Bambu has had a long career as both a solo lyricist and as a member of the hip-hop trio the Native Guns (along with Kiwi and DJ Phatrick).

Bambu speaks on FilAmFest in contrast with past festivals in San Diego, especially with respect to the crowd and the vibe. He also discusses his tour and new album, ...exact change..., hints at a future album, Tried People, and talks a little bit about performing live.

Visit Bambu's website at http://bambu.la to learn more as well as purchase his music. All the albums are DOPE.

Jon B interviews R&B artist Marlon Dane at FilAmFest 2008.

Jon B interviews afterschoolspecial at FilAmFest 2008.

IBF/IBO World Champion of the flyweight division, Nonito "Filipino Flash" Donaire takes the time to chat it up with Jon B and Kat. Donaire is whom some are calling the next Manny Pacquiao. He speaks about what it means for him to fill those shoes and what keeps him going.

In this segment Jon B interviews Jacqueline Grace. She is a singer who sings pop music but writes for various other genres.

Pinoy and world renowned pro-skater Willy Santos (Birdhouse, Ninja, Arnette) promotes his latest video, shop (Willy's Workshop), and his skate demos in the Philippines. Check out his website for more pictures, updates, and awesome skate gear.

Willy's Workshop

Jon B interviews Jeff Van Winkle, Monday's Alibi, and Terry Matsuoka at FilAmFest 2008.

Jon B [again] sits with the talented Ashley Robles, one of the main acts of the festival. She speaks about her recent projects (including Ms. Independent Answers, a response to Neyo) and future endeavors.

Another interview by Jon B from FilAmFest 2008. He sits down with 2nd Round Draft Picks to talk about their hometown of Salinas and their next couple of projects.

Kat gets down and dirty searching for interviews in the throngs of people at FilAmFest. In this interview Marie Manalo, 26-year-old grad student, tells Kat her experience with FilAmFest 2008. She tells her the booths she visited and the enjoyment of the festival overall.

Photo by: Nicolas Macario

Our correspondent Kat speaks with Eileen about the goals of Gawad Kalinga. In English, gawad kalinga means "to give care." This organization shows how it cares by fighting poverty head-on in the Philippines.

Photos by: Nicolas Macario

Kat speaks to Eugene and Lily of KAMP. The Kuya/Ate Mentorship Program inspired by a similar program in the bay area is meant to educate the Fil-Am youths about their heritage.

The Armory is well-known for working with MTV's America's Best Dance Crew [season 1]: Jabbawockeez. More recently, they have helped with the design and distribution of season 2's Super Crew. Now, Kat speaks to co-owner John Farin about the involvement of Armory with Fil-Ams and other people of various backgrounds across the world.

ALL PHOTOS TAKEN BY: Nicholas Macario