Most philosophies and religions-Buddhism, Hinduism, Gnosticism, Sufism, Kabbalah, Native American mysticism, etc.
I've always had my head stuck in the clouds or gazing at the stars for as long as I can remember. These are the fundamental questions of life. Philosophies and religions remind us that there is more to life than meets the eye.
Programming and Math- I mostly do C++, but I also know some Python and Java. Programming and mathematics are challenges. Just like some people like to do crossword puzzles or brainteasers, I enjoy doing these. Admittedly, it can be very frustrating too. I'm sort of a programming language whore too, since I like to pick the rudimentary basics of as many programming languages as I can.
Writing-
I like to think about fictional world settings, but it's almost all in my head as I rarely write anything down. I've had one story element in my head now for close to 15 years that has constantly evolved as my own interests and personality have changed. I'd also like to introduce a fantasy-like setting with Buddhist concepts at its root. I see lots of fiction based on Judeo-Christian concepts (like Left Behind), but I'd like to see a different take. One day, I'd also like to write about my perspective as a Eurasian living between two cultures.
Dancing-
I really want to learn some formal dancing like waltzes, and improve my latin dancing. My mother taught me quite a few filipino folk dances as well as a few Hawaiian/Polynesian dances. To be honest though, I haven't danced in ages, so I don't know if I've reverted back to having two left feet or not.
Martial Arts-
Aikido is my main interest. Also Tai Chi, Bagua, Shuai Ciao, and Escrima/Kali/Arnis. My main background is in Shotokan, of which I have a little more than 2 years, but I'd really like to continue my training in aikido which only lasted about 7 or 8 months. Aikido isn't just a martial art, but a way of peace and life. It's the perfect companion art to Zen Buddhism, even though it was founded on the principles of Shinto
Social and Cultural Issues-
Current Events, Politics, Minority Issues, Asian-American issues, Eurasian issues. Anything which affects socio-cultural issues is something that interests me. Current events and how history has shaped our world have always fascinated me. The study of cultures is equally as fascinating, because it shows us how other people perceive the world around them. Being able to see past your own limited perspective is something that I believe is crucial for harmony and balance. The first step to solve a problem is to realize that there is one. And the second step is to understand how it happened.
I'd like to meet:
Siddartha Gautama (Buddha), Gandhi, Jesus, Niels Bohr, any Congressional Medal of Honor winner, Soho Takuan, Bodhidharma, pre-Michael Douglass Catherine Zeta Jones (hey, I can be selfish too). Oh yeah, and Grace Park
Music:
Classical- Bach, Vivaldi, Handel, Telemann are my favorites.
Latin- anything salsa or merengue.
Jazz- David Sanborn, Herp Albert, Candy Doulfer
Celtic- The Chieftains, Clannad
80's- Just about anything from the 80's, but Phil Collins is the master
I also like ambient techno, and scores from soundtracks alot (anything by John Williams, James Horner, or Hans Zimmer are usually hair raising and goose bump giving to me).
Movies:
Braveheart, The Last Samurai, Glory, Backdraft, Lilo and Stitch, Mulan, A Beautiful Mind, Band of Brothers, The Incredibles, Hero, anything about sacrifice
Television:
TV? What's that? If I ever watch TV, it's either on the History Channel, Futurama, Family Guy, South Park, or Battlestar Galactica
Books:
The Unfettered Mind, The Life Giving Sword (Heiho Kadensho), Aikido and the Nature of Harmony, The Boddhisattva Warriors, Dune, Foundation Trilogy, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Self Aware Universe
Heroes:
My mom for being so strong and for sacrificing so much. My grandfather for instilling in me the sense of honor and dignity it requires to be a gentleman
