That area is a densely urban neighborhood. The residents most commonly identify their ethnicity or ancestry as Mexican (23.9%). There are also a number of people of Asian ancestry (23.6%), and residents who report Armenian roots (11.2%), and some of the residents are also of Russian ancestry (5.4%), along with some French ancestry residents (3.0%), among others. In addition, 49.4% of the residents of this neighborhood were born in another country. The UCB Sunset campus attracted people of color and lifestyles interested in pursuing comedy. Not just improv and sketch, but, I've seen stand-up, too.

When I was studying long form improv at UCB, I was studying at local rented theaters around the neighborhood, and our graduation performances were held at the original Los Angeles UCB theater on Franklin Avenue. Two primary things were solved when the second theater was renovated from what once housed, and it can be summed up with just one word: Campus.  All classes and graduation shows were held at UCB Sunset. And, because of its campus-feel, all Open Mics and smaller shows were moved from the Franklin theater to the Sunset campus..

Like the Franklin theater, Sunset had its parking issues. Residents complained of no parking spaces for them as students and attendees went to the Sunset campus daily. UCB Sunset offered valet parking but even that had limited slots. To get there early was essential but carpools and local transit helped.

I completed the basic program in 2013 at UCB Franklin. Afterwards, I hustled and networked around town at various improv theaters and weekly shows. I performed in one sketch Jonathan Grant wrote based on a premise I had at B.Y.O.S Sketch Open Mic...

...and, also performed in two sketches with Polyphilos Trismegistos at Smut's Dirty Little Secret show...

I was there to see the first show of Asian AF presents Filipino AF. About 280+ filled the Inner Sanctum Stage with standing room in the back! I also took part in it in later shows thereafter.

**Live via ZOOM (requires registration),​ CLICK LINK HERE - and FB Live.**

Guest Panel: Inclusion - Filipinas in Film & Television, with Princess Punzalan, Grace Moss, and Janet Nepales.

- PRINCESS PUNZALAN - Actress, Producer, cast member of "Yellow Rose," and a respected actor in the Philippine entertainment industry now based in Los Angeles. 

​- GRACE MOSS - Sr. Director of Talent Development & Inclusion for NBC Entertainment. 

​- JANET NEPALES - is a multiple Los Angeles Press Club award winning journalist, and the first and only Filipina member of the prestigious Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) that presents the annual Golden Globe Awards.

Presented by the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Hollywood and the Los Angeles Philippine International Film Festival.

As many panels I've attended and after seven panels I've created and produced since 2015, last week I was asked to partake as a special guest panelist.

I was asked in 2017 to be one of the guest panelists about Film Distribution, but my plate was full at the time.  This year, I accepted the invitation at the Long Beach Acting and Film Association's themed guest panel discussion, "Asian in Showbiz" last week Sunday, May 27 at Forbidden City in Long Beach, CA.

My entire career flashed before my eyes at first look of the other guest panelists on the card.  And, this was before I spoke.  Some of them I have worked with before in various capacities while another handful were of mutual friends we've known for years.

I was the last one up and decided to speak the truth.  My first time as a guest speaker who has gone thru the trenches for more than twenty-five years, the intent was to have all those listening (including some of the panelists) to be alert and to be prepared.  Because there are "sheeps in wolves' clothings" out there.  No one is immune from the negatives the Hollywood industry seem to attract, unfortunately.   

I was about to write what my speech was about but, I remembered I was rambling on near the end .. like as I did three times while typing this sentence and deleting it three more times.  I think it is best for me (and to my readers) to expand more about my speech in greater detail on future blogs (under Beyond The 4th Wall category) from here on out.  So much has happened since; each with defined increments of hindsight, perspective and outlook.

It's Friday today and I have a busy week ahead of me.  I want to spend this weekend to not think of serious things.

Although, the one thing I was reminded of before and after my guest speaking engagement as well as networking with the attendees just starting out -- as I try to expel my knowledge to them without rambling -- was that I am not comfortable being me on stage.  I am very comfortable playing and portraying characters in front of the camera (it is the actor in me) and very comfortable playing an exaggerated extension of myself on stage (it is the improvisor / comedian in me).  

But, being real?  I had my MTV: The Real World moment last week.  I was real with battle scars and war stories at LBAFA.  I was honored to have been asked to participate and to share my experiences.

Born in America, but trained and wrestled at Japan’s World Wonder Ring Stardom since 2014, Filipina American wrestler Kris Wolf recently embarked on her 2018 Wolf Tour currently competing at various wrestling promotions all over the world.  Third time’s a charm as she returns to the Los Angeles region at Baldwin Park’s Bar Wrestling this Thursday, April 12 with a match against current Impact Wrestling’s Knockouts Champion, Allie.

The following interview is almost a year in the making since July, 2017 as I found Kris’ story fascinating; from how she began to where she is going. Not to mention, she is the first female wrestler of Filipino descent that came to my attention. Finally met up with her at the RISE 6 – BRUTALITY wrestling show in October, 2017.  Intuitive and personable, her journey is universal — especially among creative artists.
​
Read my exclusive interview with the Box Breaker, Kris Wolf.

Edwin Santos:  This interview is going to be a bit about creativity and inside the wrestling ring, it is all about telling stories.  Your backstory is close to becoming folklore.  So please, introduce yourself to our readers and tell us a little bit of your journey -- presented in a folkloric tale..

Kris Wolf:  My animal beginnings started two weeks into my stay in Japan.  Prior to my migration, I worked as a freelance photographer, running around hustling and juggling five part-time jobs.  As my photography took off, I was able to shed the part-time work.  Unfortunately, my fiancee at the time felt distanced and decided that we weren’t gonna work out.  I was devastated but understood. Yanno?  I mean feelings change, people grow apart.  It’s unfortunate, but these things happen.  Nevertheless, I was broken.  I had a friend living in Niigata, Japan who offhandedly suggested I come for a visit, and without much thought I bought a ticket and set out to another world.  I spent two weeks crying on the sofa watching Breaking Bad. When I finished the series, resolved to GET UP.  I rented a bicycle and tent, and cycled from Niigata to Hiroshima.  It was almost 1000km and I spent twenty days crying up mountains and camping and pissing wherever I pleased.  In the madness of hallucination, fever, hunger, and exhaustion, I think the soul of Kris Wolf was born…or released.  Somehow I made it to Hiroshima. The biggest lesson I took from the experience, was that no matter what the odds, risks, or opinions of others are…if I want something I can get it…as long as I just keep going.

Edwin Santos:  Wikipedia states you’re originally from Chicago, Illinois while other interviews mention New Jersey.  Which is it?  Or, are you one of those transcendent werebeasts?

Kris Wolf:  AHAHAHA  Good question!  I flew out of the birth canal in Chicago, but spent much of my adolescent years in New Jersey.

Edwin Santos:  Two years ago, I was there with my friends at the live taping of Lucha Underground when I saw the match between Pentagon Dark against Io Shirai, Mayu Iwatani and Kairi Hojo (currently Kaire Sane at WWE NXT).  If it wasn’t for Lucha Underground, I wouldn’t have known about World Wonder Ring Stardom.  Tell us about your home promotion and why you chose them to train at.

Kris Wolf:  Stardom I imagine is like any other promotion that grows and evolves with time.  The promotion I’m in is not the same as the promotion I joined in the beginning.  I think there are many things that have improved since then and management knows how to handle their product. Believe it or not, was the first result in a YouTube search, and was also a suggestion from a friend.  The fact that they were these little Asian girls, flying through the air doing all these amazing things made me believe I could do it too.  Their image was much different from the image I had of the average pro wrestler.

Edwin Santos:  Tell us about Oedo Tai?  And to see original member Ruby Riott(Heidi Lovelace) challenging Charlotte Flair’s WWE Smackdown Women’s Championship title at WWE Fastlane?

Kris Wolf:  I may have grew up in Stardom, but Oedo Tai is my home.  For everyone that didn’t quite belong, Oedo Tai became their family. Misunderstood monsters is how I like to think of it.  Misunderstood outcasts with the biggest hearts.  I…f**king…love Heidi…and her as Ruby Riott makes me so proud.  She has worked so hard and continues to do so.  I admire her and wish her all the best!  Nikki Storm (currently Nikki Cross with the faction, Sanity at WWE NXT) is also Oedo Tai alumni.  But yes, Heidi is OG.

Edwin Santos:  Are there any wrestlers, then and now, you look up to, appreciate the work that they do or motivate you to keep on going?

Kris Wolf:  Act Yasukawa, Kairi Hojo, Alpha Female (Jazzy Gabert), Kay Lee Ray, Nixon Newell, Deonna Purrazzo, Toni Storm, Viper (Piper Niven), Thunder Rosa, Santana..man…really there are too many.  Reality is I admire all the girls I meet.  I admire each and everyone for gambling their luck and health in this game.

Edwin Santos:  Being from a Filipino American family, I take it that your parents weren’t too thrilled with your career choice?  What did you major in college?  And, what career choice(s) your parents wanted you (or still wants you) to pursue instead?

Kris Wolf:  Haha yeah, my mom wasn’t exactly thrilled with my decision.  I majored in photography and graphic design, which she eventually approved of….but really now.  What Filipino family doesn’t want their child to be a nurse, doctor, or some sort of lawyer?

Edwin Santos:  Based on the 2010 U.S. Census, Filipinos are the second largest group of Asian Americans in the U.S. and are the largest population of Asian Americans within the City of Los Angeles.  Since your first visit to Los Angeles in 2015, how was the welcome like when you returned two years later with RISE Wrestling and the Alternative Wrestling Show (AWS)?
​
Kris Wolf:  It was raaaad.  I saw some fellow “Balut Club” members out in the crowd.  I felt the love.  I hope this time around I can grab some FILIPINO FOOD cuz it’s been a while yo.

Edwin Santos:  What are your thoughts on the growing interest of women in professional wrestling overall (examples: the Knockouts at Impact, WWE’s Mae Young Classic / WWE’s pay-per-view main event women’s matches and Ring of Honor’s Women of Honor tournaments?). 

Kris Wolf:  I think it’s amazing that women are getting featured more all over the place.  I love that women’s rights and issues are being discussed more openly.  And I’m proud to have been in a ring with these awesome humans.  Having these different talented women on TV and in these tournaments is great.  It shifts the idea of who can be a wrestler and what’s cool or admirable.  More variety and appreciation for all is what I’m after.

Edwin Santos:  Tell us about RISE Wrestling, its mission statement and your involvement with the promotion?
​
Kris Wolf:  They’re pretty neat! They’re a wrestling promotion that holds seminars and gives chances to new wrestlers of all backgrounds to connect with people in the business who can help them grow as wrestlers and within the business.  I’m pretty new to RISE myself, but I assisted Bull Nakano as her translator and helped with a training session before.  I will be doing the same again in Chicago, so I’m looking forward to that.

Edwin Santos:  What would be your dream match?

Kris Wolf:  A deathmatch with Jelly beans, dorito chips, and tacos…ah..and beer….Also I would like to wear a sumo costume…or something of that nature.

Edwin Santos:  Who are your musical influences?  I ask this based on your singing, guitar playing and piano playing from your videos.  Were there thoughts of pursuing a musical career early on?
​
Kris Wolf:  I grew up listening/watching Broadway musicals and old folk bands that my mom liked.  So that definitely played a hand at developing my musical tastes.  I thought about singing or being in a band for a bit, but not seriously.  I don’t think I sing that well to be honest.  I like to do it though.

Edwin Santos:  If you were inducted into a wrestling hall of fame, who would you want to induct you and why?

Kris Wolf:  I think they’d have to be some crazy mofo, I’m not so much for awards to be honest.  I think I live too much in a realm of chaos where nothing means anything.  My prize is energy and adventure.

Edwin Santos:  If you could go back in time, what would Kris Wolf today say to Kristina Hernandez then before she made the big life change?

Kris Wolf:  Keep going…you’re gonna hit something that’ll change your life…but stretch and do yoga!

Edwin Santos:  Lastly, to end this interview, do a promo as Kris Wolf, or in a folkloric presentation (or both). Your choice.
​
Kris Wolf:  DEAR UNIVERSE,
THANK YOU FOR ALL THIS TERRIFYING, EXCESSIVE ENERGY.
I WILL TRY MY BEST TO USE IT EFFECTIVELY AND SHARE MY JOY.
SINCERELY YOURS,
KRIS WOLF

I just realized that after originally writing these memories back in February 13, 2018 - when it was announced that iO West was closing - that I never took a class in improv or sketch writing there... 

I knew of Improv Olympic's existence since its Complex Theater years and while I was with Monkey Butler Comedy (the latter closed in 2014). After studying improv at Upright Citizens Brigade in 2012, I was indecisive on which sketch classes I'd take... iO West or the Pack Theater?  

During that time, I joined the sketch comedy team, Oi! Oi! Oi! (Elizabeth Ebeling, Javier Ortiz, Kate Rodman and Corey Slater) and we performed live at iO's Mainstage in the last three consecutive Saturday nights of 2013 -- performed a Christmas sketch called Twas The Night Before Drunk at the Sketch Holiday Theme Party Show hosted by Animal Style...

...performed a musical sketch at the Comedy Music Circus! show hosted by Keith Saltojanes...

...and performed a sketch I originally wrote for Go Sketch Yourself hosted by CLIVE RICE! -- in front of Saturday night audiences (except for the one drunk guy in the back who was booted out of the club).

Recorded the 13th 'Super Awkward Funcast' episode with Elle Latham and Linnea Snyder at iO during the SNL 40th anniversary year...

...help in making the documentary short for the host about improvisor, actor and teacher Craig Cackowski about improv at iO...

Our team "The Olympian Beers" from the last two games became "Brainiac 3" and won the Pub Quiz hosted by Suzi Barrett.  Also, I joined the three-persons team at the "Win, Lose, Draw, or Drink...The Booty Call" drawing competition at iO WEST Main Stage (April 27, 2012). We were tied from the get-go against the other team but, sadly we lost. But, I did learn how to draw simpler illustrations to get my team to guess the right answers quicker. 

Received words of wisdom and practical applications from casting director Dorian Frankel, Jessica Makinson, actress Janet Varney, comedian Jason Horton and Joshua Mattingly at iO's 10th LA Improv Comedy Festival. And, supported my friends' (Nick Rasmussen, Moses Storm, etc.) shows by seeing their shows at iO. Lastly, assembled and edited a video tribute about my late friend, Billy Spindler. It was screened at his memorial hosted by Joanna Ke and Ai Yoshihara held at iO West in 2014

Participated in afternoon trivia games with other improvisors and comedians while I wondered if that one comedienne/actress who hosts a popular podcast stared at me or stared out the window from the bar, attended live WWE Viewing Parties hosted by Joshua Lassman and Steve Kaufmann along with other improvisors and comedians who happen to be wrestling fans (thank you!).

...and took a date to see a show at iO only to be abandoned when she went to Second City to get her friends yet never returned. Still wondering if that was a bit? In any case, iO West will surely be missed especially all my favorite improv teams. Most importantly, the trio of Dasariski.  Because with them, it is okay to perform improv slowly...and not always quick and fast all the time.  The trio consists of Bob Dassie, Rich Talarico, and Craig Cackowski. And, Dasariski is known for their “slow play” style of longform improvisation, creating an hour-long piece of theater with a focus on believable characters and relationships inspired from a single audience suggestion.  Love them!  iO, thanks for the crazy and humble memories -- like this February 23, 2013 (4 years ago today) Harlem Shake video we did at iO.

​Join hostess Elle Latham and her guest Edwin A. Santos (Samurai Cop 2) in this long-awaited Oscar Edition episode of Super Awkward Funcast as they discuss Oscar-worthy films from Moonlight to Captain Fantastic, The Young Pope, the Grammys and more!  Your Academy Awards rundown before this Sunday's live event!

To listen to the show, click the link here: http://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-hneux-67cfe9  Or, you can activate the podcast player above.  

You can also listen to it on iTunes here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-16-academy-awards-edition/id672079467?i=1000381367198&mt=2