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VOL. 1 • ISSUE 14 • SEP 13 - SEP 19, 2026
year58: Still Making Noise Giving Original Music a Stage BY MIC DIAZ | PUBLISHER
Le-van De Guzman
ZIPCODE
For his 58th birthday, Le-van De Guzman could have made the celebration about himself. Instead, he did what he has done for decades—gave musicians a stage. On September 18, year58 transformed Kusina Filipina in Los Angeles into an evening of original live music, bringing artists and music lovers together to celebrate both a milestone and the community De Guzman has helped nurture. The night featured performances by Miyoneeh, Light Dazed, Armstalk, De Soto and Zipcode, with the program curated by De Guzman under his pseudonym, Schizo. Each brought a different sound to the lineup, creating an evening that reflected the variety of artists continuing to make original music in Los Angeles. For De Guzman, supporting musicians is nothing new. More than three decades ago, he helped create Lokalpinoysila, an independent platform that gave Filipino-American bands and musicians a place to perform original material at a time when opportunities to develop their own musical identity were limited. The first Lokalpinoysila gathering took place in 1995, beginning as a grassroots effort built by people who wanted something of their own. Flyers were made, sound equipment was assembled and musicians came together
Miyoneeh Photos by Mic Diaz
around a simple idea: Filipino-American artists deserved a space where their original music could be heard. Over the years, that effort became part of a larger story of the Filipino-American music scene in Southern California. Rather than simply recreating music from the Philippines, the artists involved were developing their own sounds and identities as Filipino Americans growing up and creating music in the United States. That history made year58 more than a birthday concert. The lineup connected artists from different points in the local music community, including Zipcode, whose roots reach back to the earlier Lokalpinoysila scene, alongside performers carrying original music into a new generation. During my Chat With Mic conversation with De Guzman, we talked about the importance of creating spaces where musicians can be heard. His story is not simply about producing events; it is about helping build a scene where artists can perform their own work, find audiences and connect with one another. Nearly three decades after Lokalpinoysila began, the circumstances may have changed, but the need for
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ENTERTAINMENT year58: Still Making Noise (Continued from Page 1) those spaces remains. Independent musicians still need stages, audiences and people willing to champion original work. year58 showed that De Guzman remains committed to helping provide that platform. At 58, Le-van De Guzman is still making noise—but perhaps more importantly, he is making room for others to be heard. His birthday became another opportunity to put musicians at the center, proving that after decades of supporting the scene, the music—and his commitment to it—still plays on.
Miyoneeh
Jojo Zipagan
Armstalk
Chino Lee
De Soto
Light Dazed
Photos by Mic Diaz
Vince Peña
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CHAT WITH MIC
Jay Park: Choosing the Hard Road and a Life of Service
BY MIC DIAZ | PUBLISHER
For public adjuster Jay Park of JPA Adjusters, success is rooted in a simple philosophy: “Choose hard.” It is a lesson shaped by his immigrant upbringing, his family, and an unexpected career journey that eventually led him to advocate for property owners navigating insurance claims.
eventually led him to become a public adjuster, representing policyholders and helping them better understand the claims process. Park describes his role as helping to “balance the seesaw” between property owners and insurance companies.
Park came to the United States in sixth grade and grew up helping his father, who supported the family by cleaning swimming pools. He later studied hotel administration at UNLV and built a career in hospitality, but his life changed when his father suffered a heart attack and stroke. Park left Las Vegas and returned to California to help care for his parents—a decision that ultimately opened the door to a new career in insurance.
Today, Park also mentors aspiring public adjusters and emphasizes service, honesty and accountability over simply generating business. His message extends beyond insurance: difficult choices can sometimes lead us toward an unexpected purpose. “Choose hard,” Park says— choose what is right, serve others well, and leave something meaningful behind.
After working as an insurance adjuster, Park began noticing what he believed were challenges faced by non-Englishspeaking policyholders who did not always question or challenge decisions regarding their claims. That experience
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Check out the full interview in Chat With Mic on the Mic Diaz Presents Youtube channel. New conversations every week on Chat With Mic Talk Show at Mic Diaz Presents Youtube Channel
CHAT WITH MIC Episode 80: Jae Park
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JPA ADJUSTERS Public Adjuster • Water Loss, Fire Damage, Vandalism 2053 W Whittier Blvd, La Habra, CA 90631 (877) 377-6572
943 N Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90012 (213) 680-1111 • @wonderbakeryla
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VOL. 1 • ISSUE 14 • SEP 13 - SEP 19, 2026 • 5
TRAVEL
Why River Cruising Is Travel's Hottest Trend BY ALVIN ADRIANO, LUXURY TRAVEL ADVISOR, TRAVELWISE INTERNATIONAL
Photos by Alvin Adriano
Rising travel costs are prompting travelers to look more carefully at where they spend their vacation dollars. Many are seeking experiences that offer greater value, convenience and enrichment—helping fuel the growing popularity of river cruising. I discovered the appeal firsthand on a sailing from Amsterdam to Frankfurt along the Rhine. Instead of changing hotels and constantly packing and unpacking, I could relax aboard the ship while Europe unfolded along the river.
TAYO NA SA
Beginning in Amsterdam, the journey passed medieval towns, terraced vineyards, grand cathedrals and centuries-old castles. Each day brought a different landscape and a new glimpse into Europe’s history. Some of my favorite moments were spent on deck, watching the countryside and picturesque villages pass by. By the time we reached Frankfurt, I understood why river cruising has become such an appealing way to experience Europe.
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Jascel Valencia: Creating His Own Path Through Dance and Music BY MIC DIAZ | PUBLISHER
Photo by John Mark Almeria
From the Philippines to international stages and now Los Angeles, Jascel Valencia has built his career through movement, music and a willingness to evolve. He began performing professionally at age 10 and later became part of Junior New System, the Filipino dance group that gained international recognition through Asia’s Got Talent, America’s Got Talent and other global competitions. In 2022, Valencia won the grand prize on the reality competition Top Class, opening another chapter in his career. Today, he is expanding beyond dance as a singer, songwriter and composer performing under the name Nerdie, creating original music that reflects his experiences, individuality and growth as an artist. The transition has given him another way to tell his story beyond movement. Now based in Los Angeles, Valencia continues to pursue opportunities in both music and performance. His journey reflects an artist who refuses to be defined by one creative path—carrying the discipline he developed as a dancer into a new chapter centered on his own voice and music. For Valencia, each new creative direction is another opportunity to grow while staying connected to the performer he has always been.