A one-man social service agency and poet,
Al Robles is truly one of Asian America's hidden gems.
For 3 decades, he has been roaming Chinatown/Manilatown's
single-room occupancy hotels, taking elderly veterans to their
appointments and delivering lunch to shut-ins.
Al is the link to the disappearing manong generation, the
bachelor society that came from the Phillipines in the 1920's
and 30's as workers. He records, interprets, and channels
their stories.
Al's musical talent graces much of the action, but it is his
performance at poetry readings - and his ability to whisk the
audience into altered states - that shine through brilliantly.
Cinematography/Videography by
Emiko Omori & Curtis Choy
Poetry by Al Robles, Lou Syquia, Janice Mirikitani
Music by Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo & Kevin McLeod
Home Use only: $40
