(Hawaii TwentyTen) The Retrospective

Pete Ulatan at Pali by Leroy Lehano

Forward: So where should I start? Shall I begin with the debacle that was 2009? Or should I begin at the point where I was rejuvenated? Well it really doesn’t matter how I look at it. All the matters is the present and how I feel on this day. I gotta tell you, I’m very happy with where my life is. There’s no point to dwell anymore over past shortcomings which plagued my 2009. Why? because all of those unfortunate events led me to where I needed to be from the 10th to the 15th of March… Hawaii.

During this time, it was the first of many instances in my life. First time I would spend my birthday away from my immediate family and the first time traveling (on a vacation) by myself. I can’t lie, I was inhibited somewhat before this trip as I did not know what to expect. However, coming back, I could never imagine the amount of happiness I accumulated during these 5 days. A feeling which I hope will never end. For on these 5 days, I discovered what true Aloha spirit really is. I will treasure everything and I’m grateful for those who made this trip one of the happiest and memorable chapters of my life.

To all mainlanders out there thinking Hawaii is summed up only to Luaus, hiking Diamond Head, Waikiki, snorkeling, etc.. let me tell you first hand, it’s not the activities you do in Hawaii which make it paradise, it’s the people. Therefore this retrospective is dedicated to all of those who made this trip so memorable for me. Though it was only for a brief moment, just know you have impacted my life in a great and positive way. It was the best thing I have ever done in my life and I can’t wait to do it again.

Lehano: My trip began meeting with a good friend of mine, Leroy Lehano. I actually met Leroy through a mutual friend Jayson Pizarro. Leroy first approached me because he was interested in photography. I remember I had over 2-3 years experience in the field when Leroy started asking me questions. Now I’m proud to say, he’s even better than me in this craft and now I learn from him. W/out Leroy on this trip, I would never had been able to take the stellar shots found in my scenic set. He brought me to places not many tourists (or locals for that matter) even know about. My ultimate favorite was the Black Point Salt Water pool. I can honestly say, it’s my favorite place on Earth. If I die today, I want my ashes sprinkled there.

Mika: In addition to scenic shots, I was also able to see how great Leroy has gotten with his photography. During one of our days, we spent the latter part of the morning shooting a lovley Japanese model (and Yoga Professor) named Mika. I was Leroy’s “assistant” so to speak and I must admit I learned a few things from Lehano.

His photos of Mika turned out to be a stellar example of how accomplished Leroy has gotten with his skills and I’m very proud to know him. I see myself as an emotional photographer. Leroy is more technical in his craft. Therefore, it’s more refined and detailed. That’s something I wish I had. The consistency with his work is unparalleled and I was able to learn so much. Mika was also a great model. She was outgoing, friendly and open-minded to the type of shoot that was desired. In addition, we were shooting on the beautiful east side of the island, which was a total plus.

B-Rad: I also got a chance to catch up with a good friend from the mainland. Brad Wismar. I see Brad as an artistic soul just like me going through the same struggles with career and balancing life with ambition for the pursuit of something greater. Brad, since he was a mainlander who made the move to Hawaii, offered tremendous insight to what it’s like to live on the island. The harsh truth of it all is, you have to hustle to survive and do your best. But I suppose it’s the same for anywhere you go in the world in attempts to reestablish yourself in a new land.

Creed Chameleon: Brad  reopened a door in my life which I thought was closed since my junior year of college. If you have known me back in High School all the way up to my early college years, you know I was quite the Hip-Hop scholar. That was was a life I left behind as my professional career started to flourish. However, it was a refreshing  occurrence as Brad reintroduced me to the 808 State scene through Creed Chameleon. At the Creed release party, I was re-exposed to a world I have long forgotten. Therefore, it was in one word, magnificent. Creed Chameleon, along with everyone else who performed that night showed me my roots and to put it simply, I felt like a kid again. I felt the energy, the hunger and the familiar electricity I felt 10 years ago. Through this, I was able to photograph Creed’s concert and hopefully build relationships from doing so. I’m very proud of my photos in this set. I feel I was able to capture the soul of this event and I have Brad to thank for that. Bigg ups to Brad, Creed Chameleon, Big Mox, K-Luv, Osna, Tassho and everyone else from the event. I wish them the best.

Pancakes: And before I forget. Another thing I have to thank Brad for are the Boots & Kimos pancakes. I remember it was quite a drive from the airport to the restaurant and we were afraid I would be late for my plane back to Socal, but I gotta tell you…. these pancakes were worth missing my plane. They were the best pancakes I ever had in my life! If you ever have the chance to make the drive from Honolulu to Kailua, you must try these pancakes at least once in your life.

Honda: Meeting Greg Honda was awesome. Greg is an legendary figurehead in MMA Photography and someone who I looked up to since the Tagg Radio days. Greg met with me one night to eat dinner at an awesome restaurant in Waikiki and shared with me old stories from our friends Frank Trigg, Tagg Radio and BJ Penn. If you are lucky enough to know Greg, you know he is full of the aloha spirit and offers a wealth of knowledge and advice to those who are hungry and willing to learn. Mahalo Greg!

Vialu: My visit to Hawaii wasn’t only with friends, I also had the opportunity to hang out with my cousin Leah and her family. Kids grow up fast don’t they? Her kids Tiffany and Cameron are always joys to be around and I’m just amazed how fast they grew up. Tiffany is almost 15 ( I met her when she was only 2) and Cameron is almost in his teens (I met him when he was only 3). It was a tremendous joy spending part of my vacation with them. A memorable part of it was during my birthday lunch. We ate at the Cheesecake factory in Waikiki  and our table was literally along the boardwalk on Kalakaua Avenue. When cheesecake factory sung happy birthday to me, the entire street started singing. It was one of the highlights of my trip and I’ll never forget it. I wish I had more time to spend with them, so there’s always a next time.

Festival: Another highlight during my birthday was shooting the Honolulu Festival. I can still remember people thinking I work for the newspaper. I pretty much owned the Kalakaua Avenue, marching up and down the street shooting images of the parade as the spectators looked on. That’s something I learned about photography. If you want the shot, you just have to go get it. Even though you might look dumb in front of hundreds of people, I’m glad I  just went for it. I am very proud of my shots.

Bday Pete courtesy of Uproarhawaii.com

UpRoar: My final night in Waikiki (which was also my birthday night), could not have been more perfect. I got the opportunity to celebrate my birthday with good friends Greg Honda from MyFantasyMMA, Brittany Yap from Uproar Hawaii & MTV Bully Beatdown’s Mayhem Miller. I also had the opportunity to meet Britt’s awesome friend Tia. I had a fantastic night with these folks. Everything from The Yardhouse royally screwing up on my birthday, to Mayhem sneaking me a drink, to hearing about Britts Chinchilla culminated in a chill but fun night which I will label close to perfect.

Britt & Tia courtesy of Uproarhawaii.com

Mayhem Messing with Britt courtesy of Uproarhawaii.com

I really enjoyed spending time with everyone on this night. As I mentioned earlier with Greg as a legendary figurehead in the MMA scene, Brittnay Yap is certainly following in his footsteps. Britt is an awesome gal who is ambitious, creative, poetic, eloquent and successful at the same time. She has impressed me with her poise and I know with the hungry and driven persona she possesses, her name is one you’ll hear about in the future. During this dinner, I got to know Britt a little better and I must commend her for overcoming so much and still remaining on top. I am very glad to have met her.

Shakka! courtesy of Uproarhawaii.com

Pete, Mayhem & Greg Honda courtesy of Uproarhawaii.com

Hanging out with Mayhem was just that, Mayhem. He was certainly the life of the party and I consider myself lucky for eating at the same table. Even though, I didn’t get the chance to talk to Mayhem in depth, he did teach me one thing and that  is.. you just have to know what you want and go for it. That’s an attitude you need to have in this world weather you’re in business or going to the grocery store. In other words, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there  & kick some ass. Thank you Mayhem!

Britt, Pete & Greg Honda courtesy of Uproarhawaii.com

Till we meet again: In closing, as I left the island on the 15th, I reflected back to my 5 days and I felt a feeling of happiness which I haven’t felt in a long time. I left the island with awesome memories, strong friendships and I managed to learn something from everyone who I met along the way. I can’t wait to return,I miss it already.

~ Malama Pono, Aloha,

Pete