Traci Toguchi

A couple of days ago, I posted a Joel Osteen quote about reacting to others who are hurting on my Facebook Like Page:

Wanted to include the text of the quote, as well as a comment and my response to it, as a reminder to myself in my journey, and to get any feedback on what helps others deal with these kinds of encounters.

“Keep in mind, hurting people often hurt other people as a result of their own pain. If somebody is rude and inconsiderate, you can almost be certain that they have some unresolved issues inside. They have some major problems, anger, resentment, or some heartache they are trying to cope with or overcome. The last thing they need is for you to make matters worse by responding angrily.”

~Joel Osteen

Comment:

“I have so much hurt but because of that I make sure no one around me goes thru pain.”

My response to that comment:

I understand. Was told when one experiences pain, especially for a long period of time, he or she either lets the cycle continue by hurting others, or go in the extreme opposite direction trying to please others because of a built up (and/or innate) ultra-sensitivity.

The problem with the former is obvious. The problem with the latter is we can end up not taking care of ourselves because we’re always outwardly-focused. I had long done the latter. I was so outwardly-focused and ultra sensitive to others’ feelings, I would get easily hurt and tended to unintentionally attract situations in which I felt/perceived I was being “attacked” by others’ words and actions). I was affected by others’ actions, which I have no control over.

Now I stand up for myself when I need to, and do my best to catch myself if I’m in or headed toward that direction, then shift my focus when I’m putting too much of it on what’s happening outside of me.

What do you do when hurting people hurt you?

Cheers to life’s journey…

Valentino Valdez, who many on Twitter affectionately know and refer to as @valdezign, was the first to tell me that this year’s Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF) would be screening “The Karate Kid Part II” which was the first film I got to do when I was 12. He asked if he could interview me about the film, and I was also able to tell him a little about “Bait,” one of five short films included in this year’s TalkStory Productions’ HIFF entry of “The Short List.”

Tamlyn Tomita and me at HIFF (Hawaii International Film Festival).

We tried to do the interview in person, but timing and logistics posed some challenges as the days were leading up to last night’s “The Karate Kid Part II” screening, so we corresponded via email, Twitter DM’s (Direct Messages), and a few texts.

One of the things that have continued to surprise me was how Tino saw most of the work I’ve done (from campy flicks to pilot episodes). This surprised me even more because I haven’t yet seen many of them.

He posted the interview early this morning, and many kind Hawaii folk have already shared it.

Here it is:

When The Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF) announced they were bringing ‘The Karate Kid Part II’ back to the big screen for the 25th anniversary (showing tonight at Dole Cannery), I was stoked. It’s such a cult hit, especially here in Hawaii, and I have fond memories of watching it with my family in the back of our shag-carpeted Chevy Malibu station wagon at Kam Drive-In, as well as re-enacting every scene with my sister and nephew. I was compelled to seek out the only person I knew, personally, that was in the movie–-local ‘renaissance chick’, Traci Toguchi—to get some behind the scenes scoops. Her role in the film (she’s credited as ‘Girl Ringing Bell’) was not only a turning point in the movie (Sato sees the light!), but a turning point in her career. I sat down and talked with Traci (and by “sat down and talked”, I mean, emailed her questions and waited for her to reply) about her experiences on ‘The Karate Kid Part II’, as well as catch up on her other projects as an actor, musician, designer, and yes, baker!

Was ‘The Karate Kid Part II’ your first film? Was it your first “Hollywood” job?

Yes, it was. It’s how I got my SAG (Screen Actors Guild) card. (My first acting job was a Japanese commercial for Mitsubishi of Japan when I was 8.)

What was it like working on such a popular movie? Can you describe some personal experiences you had with the stars of the film?

It was a dream come true. My sister and I kept Karate Kid posters of Ralph Macchio on our bedroom walls, so everything – from the audition process (standing and crying, hitting an imaginary bell in a room at the Ilikai Hotel), to the callbacks (on set with many other kids – all needing to climb the tower and cry), to the filming process (did some of my own stunts and had a stunt woman!) , to the premiere in Hollywood (my mom and I got to attend!) – was surreal.

From Day One, Ralph was so kind, thoughtful and professional. We shot that bell tower scene a zillion times (not only in Hawaii in Kahalu’u, but also in Los Angeles in a movie studio parking lot). That required much rehearsal and getting wet, cold, and muddy. After every take, everyone would rush to Ralph, but he’d tell everyone to help me first, and let me to go first to take a hot shower (and clean off for the next take). He made sure I had hot cocoa. I’ll forever be grateful for his kindness.

… continued at ValenTumblr – An interview with ‘Girl Ringing Bell’, Traci Toguchi

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Thanks uber much, Tino!