As I recently hit three years nicotine-free, I also reached another major milestone: one year sober from alcohol. Hooray!

For those who truly know me, you understand how deeply entangled I’ve been with this vice. Let’s just say it has been a long, hard path. This past year brought its own sober challenges, especially within the breaking scene, but the pros have outweighed the cons, and I seriously doubt I will ever go back to alcohol.

For now.

But recently, especially as a b-boy, it makes me question if I might need alcohol again to get certain things I cannot get when sober.

But before I get into that, let’s talk about the benefits I have unlocked as a b-boy since leaving alcohol in the past.

1. No Bloating. Better Breaking.

I don’t know why, but every time I drank, even one beer, my stomach would bloat up real fast. And I used to be a super heavy drinker, so that stomach bloated up real quick. It was so bad it looked like I put on massive weight in just a couple of days. And it adds up. It didn’t make me feel good. People noticed, and breakers definitely notice when you gain weight since you’re always upside down doing your signature freezes or powermoves.

One of the last straws before I decided to stop drinking for good was the first time I went to Mainland China to compete in Hustle and Freeze, the biggest breaking event in the country, back in 2024. I’d wanted to witness or compete in this event since I was 15 or 16. I trained super hard for it, took part in the crew battles, had a dope round.

I was ready.

I had the most amazing time experiencing what a pro b-boy lifestyle felt like, being in the cyphers and immersed in high-level breaking outside of my city. However, a few days later when the event photos came up, I saw a solo pic of myself in the crew battles, super hungry, but with a catch.

My alcohol belly popping out.

THAT PHOTO ****** ME UP.

That was one of the pivotal moments when I decided I needed to watch my alcohol intake. After I quit drinking, in just a few days, my stomach debloated. I felt lighter, I felt better. No hangovers, faster thoughts, and a better mental space. More ideas, more creativity, more confidence. I felt and looked much better, and that not only helped my breaking but also how I felt on the regular.

And here’s the eureka moment:

“Actually, I didn’t gain that much weight.”

It was mainly from the alcohol. And that just opened my eyes to how maybe alcohol just doesn’t work well with my body.

2. Alcohol is Expensive. Now I’m Rich for Breaking.

Straight up, alcohol is expensive. Like unbelievably marked up. I mean, respect to the bartenders, that’s real skill work. But damn, that’s a lot of money. Similar to what I wrote in my 2 years Nicotine-Free article, I now redirect that extra cash towards what actually matters in my life.

I always put that money towards my breaking, and I genuinely love it. One of the biggest investments I made recently was hiring a coach specifically for breaking-performance or “breakformance.”

Johnny Fox, one of the best breakers in Spain who coached some of the Olympians in breaking during the Paris 2024 Olympics, put me on a program that changed how I train in terms of workouts and mentality, specifically for breaking.

Not gonna lie, it was a real tough program as I also started a new job that was quite stressful, and I have a harsh commute back and forth from work. But with his tailored guidance, I personally feel like I now have the tools to pursue my breaking goals with much better intention.

Major shoutout to Johnny Fox for his knowledge and patience with me.

I had the privilege to watch a lot of world class breaking in Hong Kong and also work and train with world class breakers in recent years. One thing I noticed is that you can have the best ideas and strategy, but if your body, aka your engine, can’t keep up, then it’s almost pointless.

It’s a last man standing game.

We’ve got to keep our engine running, especially as we get older. Being in my late 20s now, I’m glad I did all this work. I look at other people my age, and I hate to say it, but I can see their bodies paying the price for not putting in the work.

I’m nowhere near there, but damn, I for sure try.

So yes. Alcohol is expensive and you can lose a **** ton of money. Respectfully, maybe you can try to invest it in your health rather than nightly escapes that only slow your body down, and that’ll benefit you in the long run. If you can spend 500 to 1000 HKD on drinks for a date night, you can definitely save some of that for your breaking or just life in general.

AND THAT’S IT.

Yeah, you read that right.

Those were the 2 main benefits I got out of quitting alcohol.

And the others? Honestly, debatable.

I’ll save you the time and put that in a list for you:

• Losing friends because our interests are now different
• Being at a breaking event or jam without alcohol feels different
• Connecting with new people without alcohol feels different
• Listening to music feels different

Notice how I use the word “different.” Because I don’t think it’s necessarily bad, but I also don’t think it feels good either. For a long time, in social situations and in what was portrayed in the media, especially with breaking or Hip Hop always being associated with parties since the beginning, it’s hard to connect with people when alcohol was usually the filler.

I lost friends or personally distanced myself from people who used alcohol too much or realized that was our main connection. But I also genuinely find it hard to connect with new people at times without it, since that’s how I connected with people better in general before.

And also, as a dancer, you tend to love music. Admittedly, music feels different when you’re on some sort of stimulant. It feels weirdly different when you’re sober listening to music but used to stimulants.

Overall, being alcohol-free feels just plain weird when you’re so used to it for so long. And it makes me question: should I get back to alcohol so I can get these vibes again?

My answer? Tempting, but no thanks.

3. A New High. The Sober Beat.

I lied. There was another benefit to being alcohol-free: feeling sober.

After being sober from nicotine for over three years and now alcohol, I think being sober is just another type of feeling. I actually got that concept from a chapter in The Wu-Tang Manual, where they talk about chemicals like THC and LSD and how those substances fueled their creativity. But they also included H2O, aka water, in the mix.

According to the book, the result was more precise than trippy or psychedelic for some tracks, and you can hear it in tracks like “Gravel Pit.” Those types of tracks are clean, precise, succinct, and in a way, a sober beat.

Just like when I started with alcohol back in the day, that was also a new feeling. I had to learn how to socialize using it. And now, I want to try living with this sober feeling and navigating it. It feels unnatural at times, but let’s be real — it was also unnatural to feel alcohol back then.

I have absolutely no problem with people drinking, that’s your choice. But as I mentioned in my book review of DJ Lean Rock’s “THESE ARE THE BREAKS!” alcohol may not be for everyone.

When I was growing up in the breaking scene, vices were all around me. But with this new generation, I’ve noticed more breakers are a lot more health conscious, especially when the Olympics was coming around a few years ago.

I think that’s beautiful.

It’s such a shame to watch some legends lose themselves to these vices back in the day.

I hope we can change that now.

It’s not an easy path, and I still question my decision here and there. But I like where I am so far. So, I’ll navigate this sober feeling for now.

As I always say in my other articles, life is still hard, and even harder as life moves on. But it makes it a little easier without alcohol and vices draining my wallet, physical health, and mental health. That’s a guarantee.

If you’re struggling with alcohol addiction, try going a day without it. See how it feels. I’m just a DM or email away for some help.

Peace.

Connect with Me

• https://linktr.ee/dirteeee

Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

1 Year Alcohol-Free: The Complicated Truth From a B-boy. was originally published in The Dance Journal on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

On March 17th, 2025, I proudly celebrated two years of being nicotine-free after battling a decade-long smoking addiction — hooray!

Back in 2023, I wrote an article reflecting on my first two weeks as a non-smoker. At that point, I was still less than a month into the journey and couldn’t fully articulate the benefits of quitting. But now, with over 730 smoke-free days under my belt, I can finally share what I’ve truly gained — especially when it comes to breaking.

And surprisingly, the 4 rewards I’m going to share go far beyond just having more oxygen for those cypher callouts.

1. More Training Time in My Regular Sessions

Quick story time: I had a younger crewmate who didn’t smoke, and his progress was absolutely insane. While my other older crewmates and I were taking smoke breaks, he was in the lab, sharpening his moves. I’ve got a pretty solid foundation for float powermoves like UFOs and turtles, but he managed to build an incredibly strong powermove foundation — seamlessly mixing variations into his combos.

At that point, I’d already been breaking for nearly a decade, while he’d only been at it for about three years — and yet, he had unlocked powermoves that I couldn’t even come close to pulling off at that level.

Why?

Because while I was busy smoking, he was busy grinding.

Now, let’s do some math: a smoke break usually lasts about 5 minutes. If you’re training twice a week and taking just one smoke break per session, that’s 520 minutes — or over 8 hours — lost in a year. That’s a lot of time that could’ve been spent refining your combos, leveling up your creativity, or just putting in work.

After quitting smoking, I started to realize just how much time I’d been losing. Now, instead of stepping outside the practice mat for nicotine hits, I use that extra time to revamp my combos and let my mind explore raw, experimental ideas.

To be real with you, I used to take an average of 2 smoke breaks per session, which adds up to 1,040 minutes — or over 17 hours — wasted in a year. Imagine what I could’ve done with that time!

2. More Money Saved for Travel, Gear and Skills

In Hong Kong, a pack of cigarettes costs over $100 HKD ($12–13 USD). If you’re a pack-a-day smoker like myself before, that adds up real fast.

Now, with all that extra money I’m saving, I’ve started investing directly into my breaking — traveling around Asia for events, upgrading my wardrobe with fresh clothes and shoes (for both style and functionality), and even enrolling in private workshops with world-renowned b-boys or online courses.

Just knowing my money is going toward something beneficial — rather than ruining my lungs or cutting my life short — makes me feel stronger in battles and so much happier overall.

3. Feeling Happier = Better Dancing

Speaking of happiness, obviously, nicotine has tons of negative effects — both physical and mental, no question about it. But getting off nicotine? It genuinely makes you happier. Life might still suck sometimes, sure, but I can say this wholeheartedly: it sucks way less without nicotine. 100000%.

And what happens when you have more emotional strength to deal with life without relying on nicotine? You’re happier. And when you’re happier, you dance better — it’s that simple.

Breaking with a smile just hits different compared to breaking with a sad face.

4. Non-Smoker Confidence

For me, one of the most significant benefits of quitting smoking is the newfound confidence I’ve gained as a non-smoker. Coming from an underground scene filled with vices — something I touched on in my book review of DJ Lean Rock’s THESE ARE THE BREAKS! — it’s liberating to know that I now have both the physical and mental stamina that my old smoker self lacked.

Quick story time: Back in 2019, I was invited as a 1v1 guest for an exhibition battle hosted by one of the top local crews in Hong Kong, Good Job Brother. The battle was against a guy I had some beef with, so it was intense. We went for eight rounds, and I knew I had put in the work to take him down. But every time I started gassing out during the rounds, I’d catch myself thinking,

“Dammit, I really need to stop smoking.”

I blamed my addiction for holding me back.

Fast forward to now? Things have completely shifted. Not only do I have better stamina and endurance, but when I do hit my limit, my mindset is different.

Instead of blaming nicotine, I think,

“Okay, this is my current limit. I can still work on improving my stamina naturally.”

In 2024, I got in a special 7-to-Smoke battle with some of Hong Kong’s top breakers. I’d already been grinding in the 2v2 brackets and hitting the cyphers all night — I was completely drained. To top it off, the 7-to-Smoke kicked off at midnight! However, I managed to still score a point against one of them, which was a huge win for me.

If I was still smoking, there’s no way I would’ve survived.

These days, being able to push through 2–3 extra rounds during a cypher callout feels incredible. There’s no nicotine addiction to point fingers at — just me and my own limits. And honestly? I’m perfectly okay with that.

It’s a reality I’m proud to live with.

Quitting Smoking for Good

So, you want to quit smoking so you can level up in breaking and life, but you’re stuck wondering where to even start? Don’t worry, I got you.

I’ve been there. I tried everything — vaping, cold turkey, cutting down gradually — you name it, I’ve probably done it. And guess what?

None of it worked.

The only method that actually worked for me was reading The Easy Way to Stop Smoking by Allen Carr. I didn’t even finish the whole book before I thought,

“Yep, I’m done with smoking.”

Just like that. No exaggeration.

The author, once a 100-a-day smoker, wrote the 111-page book that’s been a bestseller since 1985, helping millions quit for good. His approach? He doesn’t see quitting as a painful sacrifice but as a positive escape from addiction.

If you’re a smoker, you’ve probably asked,

“Why is smoking bad?”

You think of the health risks, finances, and well-being, then light another cigarette to numb it all. Instead, try asking yourself,

“Why is smoking good?”

I did – and realized everything I believed about it was a lie. I’m not giving anything up by quitting; I’m ESCAPING the nicotine trap.

And honestly?

It was easier than I ever imagined.

But what makes this book so powerful? I won’t spoil it – you’ll have to read it yourself to find out. It might just change your perspective entirely. I’ll drop the link here so you can check it out.

Now, let me be real — breaking, and this underground culture we’re all part of, definitely introduced me to vices. Or at least, it played a part. But what’s super dope is seeing how the newer generation of breakers is way more health-conscious. I wish I had more of that energy around me back in the day.

It’s funny, though — breaking got me into smoking, but it also became one of the reasons I finally broke free from it.

I guess breaking really does break things, huh?

Peace!

Connect with Me

• https://linktr.ee/dirteeee

Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

2 Years Nicotine-Free: The Honest Truth From a B-boy. was originally published in The Dance Journal on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Ever since I started breaking back in 2011–2012, DJ Lean Rock has been a major influence on me as I first stepped into the world of breaking. His iconic Ingredients of Flava Vol. 2 mixtape with DJ B Ryan was always on repeat during my minibus rides to school. It became more than just music to me — it was a musical trip that fueled my soul.

I still listen to that mixtape to this day, reminiscing about the days when I was just a beginner and practicing turtles from YouTube tutorials in my living room.

As both a b-boy and an avid bookworm — especially when it comes to anything related to breaking — I knew I had to get my hands on his book the moment I heard about it. Lean Rock had briefly mentioned online that THESE ARE THE BREAKS! digs deep into his mental health struggles, Boston’s breaking history, his journey as a professional b-boy, and his experience as one of the most acclaimed break DJs and music producers of all time within the breaking community.

And man, he wasn’t exaggerating when he said he would dig deep.

Standing Strong with Trauma

For those concerned, don’t worry — I’m not a fan of spoilers. I won’t unravel too much that could ruin the surprises or the moments that make this book so dope. However, I will share my thoughts on two key points that resonated with me the most, especially as a b-boy.

Vices in the World of Breaking

Let’s be real. If you’ve been in the breaking community for a while, you’ve probably seen your fair share of people drinking alcohol or smoking various substances. It comes with the territory — breaking has always been an underground niche, and with that vibe, certain things are bound to happen in that realm.

In this era, even with soccer-mom-like figures cheering on their little breakers as they smoke grown-ups in battles, the presence of vices within the scene — especially at underground jams — is still hard to ignore.

But let’s not sugarcoat it — exposure to vices in the breaking world can sometimes lead people down darker paths. And I know it firsthand. It took me the most insane grind to climb out of that rut.

But what if I hadn’t?

Honestly, I don’t think I would still be breaking if I had stayed on that path.

This is why I truly appreciate Lean Rock’s vulnerability about his relationship with vices, particularly alcohol. Breaking and Hip Hop culture in general — has long been associated with parties, and where there are parties, there’s alcohol.

It’s not uncommon to see people competing, DJing, or even judging battles while tipsy. That’s just how it’s been. But Lean Rock’s honesty about his ups and downs with substances is exactly what this community needs more of.

There’s this unspoken idea in the breaking world from some individuals that we need these substances to dance in the moment better or help socialize more. But do we really?

And even if we think we do, at what cost?

With the growing focus on mental health and its impact on our global society, Lean Rock’s openness has made me reflect on vices in the breaking community. Maybe these vices aren’t worth it. Don’t get me wrong — if you can handle it and it doesn’t negatively affect you, that’s your choice. You do you.

But for some of us, it’s not that simple. If these habits are doing more harm than good, maybe it’s time to reconsider.

B-boys and B-girls Have Feelings Too

Lean Rock has made his mark in the breaking world, holding it down on the 1s and 2s at nearly all of the biggest breaking events known to mankind. Battle of the Year (BOTY), Red Bull BC One, Outbreak Europe, Radikal Forze Jam — just to name a few. He’s gotten his flowers from some of the pioneers across all elements of Hip Hop, like Grandmaster Caz, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Ken Swift, and so much more. Not only that, he’s had the chance to meet and perform alongside one of his favorite rap groups — a dream come true for any Hip Hop head.

On top of all that, his family lineage is wild. His father is part of the legendary Floor Lords, and if you didn’t know, El Nino is his cousin. Lean Rock himself is not only part of the Floor Lords but also reps the world-renowned Squadron from the U.S. and Boogie Brats from Toronto. He’s competed, cyphered, and left his mark across the globe. His journey of a break DJ and b-boy who’s been deep-rooted in the culture since birth — is a reality some of us dreamed of living since we were young.

Yet, the reality we imagined often falls short of our expectations.

His book unveils a cold, hard truth: despite the accolades and accomplishments, we often overlook one simple fact — breakers and DJs are still human beings, grappling with their own life struggles. We give props to the legends of the breaking world with respect and admiration, yet even the most iconic names can find themselves battling financial hardships and emotional turmoil.

Imagine Michael Jordan or Cristiano Ronaldo struggling to make ends meet — it seems almost laughable, doesn’t it? And yet, this is the grim reality that many of our breaking superstars face today.

Lean Rock’s journey hasn’t been all rainbows and sunshine. Like anyone walking a path this deep in the culture, he’s faced his fair share of struggles — financial challenges, tough experiences while traveling, even physical and mental injuries that could’ve knocked him off his path.

But here’s the kicker about this book: He doesn’t just lay out his experiences like a timeline. He brings them to life — you feel every struggle, every triumph, every lesson. His words are raw and unfiltered, drawing us into the pain, the growth, and the metamorphosis that shaped him into the person and artist he is today.

This isn’t just a story — it’s a piece of his soul painted onto the pages.

Through the power of breaking, the soul of music, the strength of community, and the essence of Hip Hop itself, he turned his pain into jewels, forging stepping stones from trauma. Each crash became a lesson, each setback a track to build on. And because of that, he’s stronger — more grounded, more resilient, more in tune with himself.

And if Lean Rock could rewrite his story while staring rock bottom in the face, then why can’t we?

We have the power to change our own narrative.

Lean Rock’s story was also a reminder that we can progress better by working together rather than being against each other. In the breaking community, it’s no secret that battles can sometimes get too heated, whether through physical or online confrontations.

More beef than unity.

However, he is living proof that positive unity can pave the way for a healthier breaking world. Whether it’s addressing mental health issues collectively or spreading positivity among one another, the benefits are undeniable.

Look, he wrote a book about all of this, and it inspired me — a random Filipino-Hong Kong guy — to open up and share my own personal struggles online through writing this blog.

Instead of throwing burns outside the battle, let’s save that energy for the cypher callouts and focus on building each other up in real life.

This whole sentiment reminds me of a powerful line from the book that, in my opinion, captures its core message. While reflecting on his godfather, the legendary B-boy Float (RIP), Lean Rock shares his new profound purpose — to not only survive but rise despite adversity:

“…to live through trauma and still stand strong.”

Beyond the Cypher Realm

As someone who has spent the past few years working on improving mental health, Lean Rock’s vulnerability in THESE ARE THE BREAKS! truly left an impact on me.

As a Filipino born and raised in Hong Kong, I often felt a bit lost as a third-culture kid — not fully connected to either Tagalog or Cantonese. Being a brown-skinned kid in the urban jungles of Hong Kong only enhanced the identity crisis. However, breaking became my therapy, a place where I could discover my true identity and explore my truest potential as a human being.

However, it wasn’t a cure-all for my mental health roadblocks. When I first started breaking, I found myself indulging into vices as a way to cope with personal issues. It also felt like an alternative to connect with others as a shy kid, and at the time, it seemed like they went hand in hand in the breaking community.

I’ve been breaking and battling for over a decade, experiencing things I never imagined possible as an ethnic minority in Hong Kong and across Asia. Cypher callouts, battle rankings, and Ws are amazing, but eventually, they become just that — Ws.

Now, I find myself asking:

what’s next for B-boy DirtE?

If you’ve read my previous articles, you’ll know about my journey of quitting nicotine, stepping away from social media, and most recently, embracing full sobriety by giving up alcohol.

I’ve made all these positive changes to better myself, but a huge part of them was inspired by breaking. Breaking has helped me find my identity in a positive outlet — and maybe sharing this art form can inspire others too.

I often ask myself:

“How can I give back to breaking and the community that helped me grow and find my identity?”

One idea I’ve been exploring is building with ethnic minorities in Hong Kong, using breaking to showcase its transformative power. While I’ve noticed some organizations and individuals teaching breaking within this demographic, many appear to lack a genuine understanding of the unique challenges these communities face on a daily basis.

As someone who’s also an ethnic minority and has carved out a bit of a name for myself locally, maybe I could step up.

Lean Rock’s vulnerability has inspired me to stay committed to this novel path I’m carving for myself —one that starts from within, flows outward, and gives back to the community, creating meaningful waves far beyond the cypher realm.

Thank you to the co-authors, Lean Rock and Paulskeee, for writing this life-changing book. You’ve inspired an ethnic minority in the urban jungles of Hong Kong. Just imagine the impact this book will have to the breaking community – and the rest of the world.

Another Voice for Mental Health in Breaking

I have to give a huge shoutout to B-Boy Piecez and his book Building Unity, which also shares his mental health journey and his work in building the non-profit organization Unity across Canada. There was an issue with shipping his book from Canada to Hong Kong, but he went out of his way to help me resolve it — in ways he didn’t need to do, but I’m eternally grateful for. His kindness and dedication are another testament to the breakers out there who are using their stories and vulnerability to uplift others who might need it.

Peace!

Connect with Me

• https://linktr.ee/dirteeee

Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

A B-boy’s Book Review of DJ Lean Rock’s THESE ARE THE BREAKS! was originally published in The Dance Journal on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

In a world where expectations and stereotypes often define us, some defy these groups by challenging the notion that one must adhere to a single identity. I am one of those individuals, living a life that straddles two seemingly disparate worlds.

On one hand, at the heart of the street culture, Hip-Hop reigns supreme where its essence transcends through raw cyphers within the 4 elements of Hip Hop: Graffiti, Breaking, Mcing, and Djing.

In this realm, I’m deep within the breaking element under the street alias as B-boy DirtE. This art form allows where every step becomes a brushstroke of athleticism and artistry showcased through dance battles.

On the other hand, I also find tranquility in writing — particularly blog writing. I have an undying appreciation for digging into diverse synonyms, crafting stories, and experimenting with poetic techniques to share my life experiences on digital paper.

At one point, I even dived into the world of poetry on Instagram, adopting the name yin.docx to express my thoughts in poetic bars.

The contrast between these two realms seems obvious, yet it is within this dichotomy that I have discovered a profound sense of self.

As a Filipino-Hong Konger, I’m accustomed to not being fully accepted by either side, so the contrast between breaking and writing doesn’t make much of a difference to me.

When people discover my passion for breaking and writing, their reactions are often a mix of surprise and curiosity. They can’t help but wonder how I find the balance between these contrasting pursuits.

The truth is, despite their apparent differences, these two passions are more connected than meets the eye. Honestly, I even think they are just the same — which was reinforced after I took a workshop from one of the best B-boys in the world.

The Good Artist on a Hong Kong Rooftop

In December 2023, the World Dance Sport Federation (WDSF) organized the highly-anticipated Breaking for Gold (BFG) World Finals in Hong Kong. Breakers from around the globe gathered to compete for the W and the opportunity to rep their countries in the debut of Breaking at the Paris Olympics in 2024.

Luckily for me, I live in Hong Kong. So I don’t need to pay for an expensive airline ticket to witness world-class breaking.

Witnessing some of my greatest inspirations battling it out in person was an absolute joy. The energy was fire and the Olympic-level breakers were going full throttle with their unique styles from all across the globe.

What made the event even more memorable was the opportunity to meet and greet with some of these international superstars. After the challenges we’ve faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, it felt like a true blessing to be able to come together and share our love for the dance in person.

I even was able to finally meet my online mentor from Toronto whom I trained with during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 for the first time.

But at the same time, after watching Olympic-level breaking in person for the first time, it wasn’t for me. Deep down, I knew I craved for something deeper within this dance – artistically.

Following this intense event, an after-event took place the following day, catering to those who appreciate the cultural aspects of the breaking scene. The jam took place on a rooftop, offering a breath-taking panoramic view of Hong Kong’s iconic skyscrapers.

For international guests and even the Hong Kong locals, that’s one crazy venue. I never thought my dating spot would end up being a jam venue.

While the WDSF BFG World Finals and the rooftop jam garnered much attention, my main focus was the workshop led by Bboy Amir held before the jam.

For those who don’t know, the Kazakhstan native, Bboy Amir, rose to meteoric stardom in 2020 with an extra-terrestrial style that took home The Legits Blast Winter solo and crew final with his crew Predatorz.

After that, the rest was history.

He even won the Red Bull BC One World Finals in 2021, the most prestigious solo competition in the world of breaking.

It’s quite obvious that the 2021 BC One Champ has an artistic taste for his style and I wanted to go to his workshop not as a b-boy but as an artist.

Outside of breaking, he makes films with some animation, which kind of sounds like me with breaking and writing.

Two contrasting artistic realms.

During the workshop, we were introduced to his freestyle approach which came in themes – such as using your head only. We cyphered with the various themes on the rooftop, even though it was freezing cold up there. Despite the chilly conditions, most of us were eager to get down in the cypher – especially since a myriad of international breakers from the WDSF event attended too.

After about 30 minutes of experimenting with his freestyle concepts, Amir sat us down to engage in a Q&A session with us, which was actually his sole purpose of the workshop.

I couldn’t contain my curiosity and ended up being the first to ask a question. As a writer and copywriter, I have a natural inclination to formulate questions quickly and on the spot.

One of the questions that I asked was about Amir’s thoughts on “biting,” which is the Hip Hop slang for plagiarizing someone’s moves. Amir’s responses were thought-provoking and shed new light on how art and inspiration are much more deeper than we think.

“A real biter doesn’t just bite one move. He or she bites everything, even the character.”

Just one of the many quotes that stuck with me from the artistic individual.

However, there was one particular message that Amir wanted to emphasize above all else. He emphasized that if he had the opportunity, he would devote an entire 10-minute workshop to discuss this one thing.

It left us all wondering what that one thing could be from the world-class B-boy.

This is what he said.

“To be a good artist, you need to be a good person.”

Hmm, what?

I was a little shocked by that statement for some reason. I’m not sure why, but it felt obvious and not obvious at the same time. I must have thought about what he said for weeks. Like, dug into it and mulled it over from every angle. Maybe if you do your thing with your own flavor, people will notice — whichever artistic outlet you decide to pursue.

I’ve got so many thoughts bouncing around in my head after listening to what he had to say. Had to put them down on digital paper to try and make sense of it all.

I don’t really have answer. But here’s basically what I got from that message, so far:

To create good art, I need to strive to be a good person too. It’s debatable, but it’s not bad advice. It could be great advice if you’re a person who’s trying to change for the better and is creative too.

Food for thought from the good artist on a Hong Kong rooftop, literally.

Just Being Me

Taking Amir’s workshop was truly one for the books. Being in that environment and learning from such a gifted individual was incredibly inspiring — even beyond the artistic spectrum.

From quitting a lifelong cigarette-smoking habit to addressing my mental health in 2023, I knew it was time to make my mental well-being a priority. The changes weren’t always easy but feeling stronger and more whole has been worth every penny and Amir’s workshop helped me reinforced my personal development and artistic journey.

I’m letting my art evolve naturally instead of tying myself to any one style or scene — through the art of striving to be better too.

Based on a book I read titled ‘No Mud, No Lotus: The Art of Transforming Suffering’ by Thich Nhat Hanh, he introduced a morning mantra that I try to live by on a daily basis:

I wake up with a smile.

I have 24 hours to live.

I vow to live them deeply.

And look at the beings around me with the eyes of compassion.

That feeling alone from that mantra gives me a clearer view of my soul — a step closer to finding my true art. There is freedom in being true, in just being me. It’s a long hard path but I’m still embracing who I am with compassion.

Whether I’m writing, creating new dance moves or trying to be a better human being, it’s all the same to me.

I’m just simply being truly me.

One step at a time.

Peace!

Connect with Me

• https://linktr.ee/dirteeee

Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

I’m currently dealing with a shoulder injury and it absolutely sucks as the pandemic is finally over and jams are popping up again.

Some days I want to say,

“Screw it, Imma pull a Fleau on this jam.”

Long story short, Bboy Fleau along with Bboy Vicious from Sweet Technique won the notorious Outbreak World Finals in 2013 — with a knee brace.

However, I know that pushing through an injury isn’t always the smartest idea. Rushing back into breaking too soon can result in further damage or even a longer recovery time.

After waiting for three years due to the pandemic,

I've got no time to waste.

So what can we do when we get hurt?

Here are my 3 tips on how to cope with injuries as a breaker.

1. Focus on Other Aspects of Your Dance

While you’re recovering from an injury, you can use the time to focus on other aspects of your dance that don’t put stress on the injured area. For instance, since my shoulder is injured, I can’t train up my floats.

I feel like this is a sign from the universe telling me to focus on the other aspects of the dance such as musicality, threads, freezes, footwork, and all that jazz.

I mean, I don't want people to just see me as “that UFO guy”.

I’m definitely more than that.

2. Stay Mentally Strong

Dealing with an injury can be a mental challenge, especially if you’re used to practicing 2–3 times a week. However, it’s of the utmost importance to maintain a positive mindset during the recovery process. You can use the downtime to meditate, visualize your comeback to the scene, or set new goals for yourself.

One conversation I had with Bboy Xisco from Hustle Kidz, while working with him on his clothing brand Tulum Essentials, left a gem I’ll never forget.

He said, “Take out Breaking, and what do you have? Your lifestyle.”

This bar serves as a great reminder that life is not just about breaking. It’s our lifestyle, experiences, and creativity that shape our dance style and flavor.

By focusing on other aspects of our lives and maintaining a positive mindset, we can cope better with injuries and come back stronger than ever. Remember, breaking is just one aspect of our lifestyle, and there’s so much more to explore and enjoy beyond the dance floor.

Maybe I should pick up my saxophone again.

Careless Whisper anyone?

3. Seek Medical Attention + Follow a Treatment Plan

I left this last because this is a no-brainer yet many of us are still ignorant about checking up on ourselves. I’m guilty of this too.

It’s crucial to check up on ourselves regularly and take note of any changes or discomfort we may be experiencing.

Ignoring warning signs or downplaying injuries can lead to further damage and even longer recovery times. It’s important to seek medical attention and follow a treatment plan as soon as possible if we suspect an injury.

Let me tell you a story.

In 2020, I suffered a knee injury while breaking. At first, it didn’t seem like a big deal, so I ignored it and kept pushing myself. Unfortunately, I kept re-injuring the same knee, and the pain became chronic.

Eventually, I decided to seek medical attention, and the diagnosis was a magnificent meniscus tear. I wished I had checked it up much earlier because I treated it too late and will always have 95% of my knee function. If I had sought treatment earlier, I might have been able to prevent further damage and limit the long-term effects.

Even though my knee is okay now, I can’t help but think about the missed opportunities that could have come my way if I had treated my knee earlier. I often imagine the possibilities and potential I could have unlocked with my style if I hadn’t neglected my injury for so long.

It’s a harsh reminder that taking care of our bodies is essential not just for our physical well-being but also for our artistic expression and creative potential.

By prioritizing our health and seeking medical attention when needed, we can unlock a world of opportunities and explore our full potential as dancers.

I’ll end the article with this.

Simon Ata, also known as Simonster, is a renowned bboy and calisthenics athlete who has dealt with several injuries throughout his career.

Here’s my favorite quote from Simonster on how he deals with injuries:

“I think the key to coming back from injury is taking your time and not rushing it.

It’s important to be patient and to listen to your body. You need to give your body the time it needs to heal properly.

And when you do come back, make sure you start slowly and build up gradually.

Don’t try to do too much too soon, or you’ll just end up back where you started.”

Have you ever sustained an injury while breaking? How did you cope with it? I would love to hear your experiences and insights in the comments below!

Peace!

Connect with Me

• https://linktr.ee/dirteeee

Starting out as a freelance copywriter with no experience can seem daunting, even more, if you plan to write for the Breaking industry.

However, with the right approach and commitment, it’s definitely possible.

But it’s quite hard to “break” into since there’s no demand for it.

Well, maybe the Breaking community just doesn’t realize it yet.

As a freelance copywriter for 3+ years, I’ve written copy for various e-commerce brands — particularly within the global Breaking community. I’ve had a plethora amount of opportunities to work with world-class Bboys that own established Breaking brands. Dyzee Threadz, Menno Leisure, and Cypher Code are some of the few that utilized my services in professional copywriting and understanding of the Breaking culture — as I’m a Bboy before anything else.

My greatest accomplishment so far in the world of Breaking copywriting is when the founder of Dyzee Threadz, B-boy Dyzee, pitched me on a copywriting project that will change the face of Breaking Brands forever.

The Official Breaking Brands Association’s (OBBA) mission is to unite like-minded authentic Breaking brands to collaborate and strive under one roof, through an alliance that provides a vast arsenal of break-wear for Bboys & Bgirls thus taking back ownership of being the trendsetters in global streetwear fashion. The starting 6 Breaking Brands include Dyzee Threadz, Menno Leisure, Cypher Code, The Legits, First Class, and Funk and Furious Clothing.

Working with OBBA and interviewing each of the brand founders individually gave me a life-changing epiphany.

There is a real demand for copywriters and content writers in the Breaking community — especially with the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics.

We need writers who won’t just do a simple Google search on what is “breakdance” and simply copy and paste the definition to their article.

That’s so f*cking wack.

I’m bloody tired of seeing articles and social media posts from major corporations that tried to promote Breaking without doing their proper research.

I’m sure you have stumbled upon articles with the following phrases:

“Here we have another Breakdancer who did lots of spins!”

“Another successful Breakdancing event!”

“DirtE the Breakdancer Makes his Debut on Stage!”

Maybe not the last one with my name on it, but hopefully someday.

But with the correct terminology.

We need writers who can do the proper research on Breaking history, culture, terminology, and the whole 9 yards.

And who better to write them than by breakers themselves?

Why We Need More Breakers as Writers

I won’t name this person for privacy reasons, but this one particular Bboy has found me a couple of times for copywriting projects related to Breaking. Not to flex here, but he’s one of the most active members of the Red Bull BC One Allstars.

Bboys reached out to me for copywriting gigs and barely asked for revisions, other than for minute word or sentence changes. I never felt so appreciated for my copywriting work, ever. I would like to think that these breakers/entrepreneurs continuously find me for projects because of my understanding of the Breaking culture since I’ve been Breaking for over 10+ years.

For some reason, breakers get this instant connection if we know we have the same passion for the dance. Breakers would sleep on other breakers’ couches while traveling and they never even met in real life yet!

That’s how much we trust each other.

As a diverse copywriter, I’ve written for the following industries:

• E-commerce
• Retail
• Blockchain
• Streetwear
• Events
• Sustainability and more…

I can’t be an expert in all of these industries. But I believe it’s my effective and efficient research skills that made clients repeatedly find me throughout the years — on top of my copywriting skills.

However, clients were sometimes a bit too picky on my word choice. At the end of the day, clients have the final say, right?

But it was detrimental to my mental well-being as an artist.

The way I see writing is the same way I see Breaking, it’s an art form.

From your word choice, sentence structure, vocabulary, and the whole lot.

Breaking is the same.

After mastering your basics, that’s when you can slowly find your “tone of voice” in your dance style.

So if someone repeatedly keeps rejecting my ideas on a daily basis,

damn, IT HURTS.

I apologize for the little sidetrack but it’s essential to understand my copywriting background. I believe my destiny is to show breakers that we need to collectively stand up and show the world the beauty of our culture — through our unique writing styles that truly understand the Breaking inside AND out.

So how to get started in freelance copywriting in the Breaking industry?

I might have a few tips.

Freelance Copywriting for Breakers 101

1. Build your writing skills: To become a successful copywriter, you need to have strong writing skills. Start by reading widely and writing every day, even if it’s just for practice. I suggest checking out articles from Red Bull for starters. They have a myriad of professional content writers who wrote various articles about Breaking. One of my favorite writers in the Breaking community is Emmanuel Adelekun, who’s a Hip Hop head at heart and wrote tons of Breaking articles for Red Bull and other platforms.
2. Identify your niche: Copywriting is a broad field, and it’s important to identify a specific niche that you’re interested in and have some knowledge about. If you want to help Breaking brands through landing pages, go for it. Not your cup of tea? Maybe blogging is more of your style. But it’s essential to weed out what you like and don’t like. By specializing in a particular area, you’ll be able to market yourself more effectively to potential clients within the Breaking industry.
3. Create a portfolio: Even if you don’t have any paid copywriting experience, you can still create a portfolio of writing samples to showcase your skills. You can write articles or blog posts on topics related to Breaking and publish them on your own website or on platforms like Medium. You can also offer to write guest posts for other websites or blogs to gain exposure and build your portfolio. Personally, I started out with Medium. I wrote Medium articles and posted them religiously on social media — where I was eventually offered copywriting gigs that kickstarted my career.
4. Network and market yourself: As a freelance copywriter, you’ll need to actively market yourself to potential clients. You can start by creating a website and promoting your services on social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter. You can also reach out to businesses or individuals in your niche and offer your services. Networking with other copywriters or professionals in your niche can also help you find clients and build relationships.
5. Start with small projects: When you’re just starting out, it’s a good idea to take on small projects to gain experience and build your portfolio. You can offer your services on freelance job boards or platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, or reach out to businesses or individuals in your network who may need copywriting help — even if it’s not Breaking related. As you gain more experience and build your reputation, you can start taking on larger projects related to Breaking and commanding higher rates.

Remember, starting out as a freelance copywriter takes time and effort, but with persistence and a willingness to learn, you can build a successful career in this field.

For me, I started copywriting as a way to survive during the Covid pandemic. I graduated at the end of 2019 but when 2020 came, Covid f*cked up my chances of finding a full-time job.

I never thought in a million years I would be creating copy for world-class Breaking brands.

And I’m just getting started.

Feel free to send me an email if you have any questions.

I would be more than happy to help.

Peace!

Connect with Me

• https://linktr.ee/dirteeee

In 2017, I was forced to take an English Literature course during my college days. Here’s the catch: I hated Engish Literature. I didn’t care for Shakespeare or any other poet during the medieval times. However, I needed to pass this course in order to get the credits — so I worked hard anyway. Or at least I tried to.

For the final course assignment, students were tasked to create an English Literature portfolio based of a theme of their choice. I chose the theme “Vices” which refers to smoking, drugs, and the whole lot. I based my first poem on the poet Neil Gaiman’s “Instructions.”

The poem I wrote changed my entire perspective on English Literature.

I thought it would be cool to share the poem with you guys.

Enjoy.

The Stick

Grab the tiny silvery box on the wooden table next to you.

Open the box and take the stick out,

put it in your mouth,

the same way as a lollipop, but not too far in.

Search for a metallic blue lighter in your left pocket,

take it out.

Hold the button on the lighter,

watch the flame burst.

Raise your right hand with the flame,

bend your head down with the stick,

spark the stick.

Inhale the fumes. Hold it. Fight it.

Feel the dreadful smog inside your lungs,

feel paradise.

Remember: mirages deceive the weak,

fooling one’s quest for water.

Blow the smog out, only when you are ready.

Be dazzled at the ghostly smoke surrounding you.

Stop. Stop what you are doing.

Look at yourself.

If you smiled from satisfaction,

inhale again.

If you frowned from misery,

inhale again.

If you looked at yourself and feel dead,

if you must,

inhale again.

Look beyond the wooden table and you will see two aluminum doors.

The black door will lead you to a dark dimension;

there is only sorrow and a land of desolation at the bottom.

The white door will lead you to an angelic dimension;

where happiness and self-control exist.

Take caution, as it can also become the dark dimension,

if you let the dusk take control.

Pick one door only, but be careful,

you can never go back.

Look to your left and you will see an unusual-looking green plant.

Only look at it if you have the desire to expand your mind.

Walk towards it, but make sure you finish your stick first.

Pick up the plant and take out some of the sticky buds on it,

it should have shiny miniature crystals on them.

Walk towards your right and find the black man wearing a massive fluffy hat,

singing a lullaby from his Rastafarian proverbs.

If he asks for the buds,

give them to him.

He will point the way to get some magical fragile paper.

Get the paper for him.

Once you give him the magical paper, he will ask you to watch his enchanted display.

Watch his display.

He will give you a special stick if you can answer his question.

The answer to his question is Puff Puff Pass.

Light up the special stick with the same procedures as your first stick,

If you start to see a tiny cloud,

inhale again.

If you start to see stars,

inhale harder.

If you start seeing the universe around you,

stop inhaling.

If you see the universe already, do not worry.

Trust your touch.

Trust your hearing. Trust your smell.

Do not let the universe around you trick you into a fake reality.

Once you find your reality, stay there.

If you can’t, keep looking.

Look at the two doors again, and make a final decision.

Do not hesitate.

Do not look at the past.

Trust your gut feeling.

Run to your chosen door.

In your chosen door, you will find another stick,

light up the stick.

And now look straight ahead,

This is your new chapter.

The Creation of Yin.Docx

Writing “The Stick” was so fun for me. I genuinely enjoyed every second of it. This artistic approach to writing made me appreciate the metaphors, similes, onomatopoeias, and more that I have to discover.

But I didn’t want to end there.

During Mid-2020, I was bored out of my mind when the Covid pandemic first took over the world by storm. So I created a “poem” Instagram page, Yin.Docx, where I share my personal thoughts through poetic techniques I’ve learned from the course — or techniques I tried to replicate from 90s rap lyrics.

For those who wonder why it’s called Yin.Docx, it’s because my Chinese name has a Yin in it. Simple as that.

Peace!

Connect with Me

• https://linktr.ee/dirteeee

Initially, I wanted to head to Taiwan to visit and train with one of my dance inspirations who currently lives in the countryside of Taiwan, Chiayi. However, I thought this would be also the perfect opportunity to embark on my first solo trip to the capital of Taiwan for a few days before my dance training.

To my surprise, I had a life-changing four days at my time in Taipei. I totally scrapped my “touristy” itinerary and just went with the flow.

I don’t regret it one bit.

Here are the 3 life lessons I learnt on my first solo trip to the city of Taipei.

1. Everything is all on you

In a country where you know nobody, you’re on your own. Literally, I had to adapt quickly to learn how the city functioned or else how I could survive right?

On my first day, I arrived around 3–4pm and I only had breakfast.

I was famished. I strolled around expensive malls vigorously around my hotel but nothing looked appealing to me. In an act of desperation, I ended up taking my food search to the dusty old streets like a homeless man, when suddenly I noticed a white man parking his scooter.

Knowing he probably spoke English, I ran up to him and asked him for restaurant suggestions where the staff could speak English.

He actually was parking his bicycle to grab a drink at a bar behind us to enjoy the Happy Hour specials and he suggested coming in with him cause he’s homies with the bar owner who also sold snacks like nuggets, fries, and Taiwanese finger food.

“F*ck it, I’ll eat anything at this point,” said a desperate a** Erryl.

We ended up having a great talk with the bar owner in his cat-themed bar BeerCat (because he owns two cats that live in the bar) and they were recommending the hidden Taiwanese gems that I should check out — instead of what most tourists would blindly believe based on TripAdvisor.

If I didn’t bump into this expat, I wouldn’t know if I would have had such an enjoyable time in Taipei. Massive shoutout to Anders for treating me to some Taiwanese smoked pig’s ear at the bar too.

But how does this relate to the first point of “Everything is all on you?”

Stay with me for a little bit, it’s getting there.

That same night, I also discovered a bar online called Vinyl Decision where they sold second-hand vinyl, have live jazz music performances, and provide all types of alcoholic drinks while you’re digging for vinyl.

As a Hip Hop fanatic and lowkey beeraholic, sign me up!

Long story short, I listened to a hypnotic live jazz band, mingled and drank with Taiwanese locals, and discovered how small the world is with the similarities we have as human beings on earth. I remember explaining to them the meaning of Wu Tang Clan’s notorious song C.R.E.A.M. and they were so amazed at how this “party song” was in reality — a rap song about the harsh truth of society’s financial problems.

However, I wouldn’t have unexpectedly experienced all these situations if I didn’t do research beforehand back in Hong Kong. Despite scrapping off my itinerary and going with the flow, I still had to keep in the mind the precautious of being in a country all by myself — even if Taiwan is one of the safest countries in the world.

Learning some simple Mandarin phrases, the exchange rate between Hong Kong and Taiwanese currency, solo traveler tips, and honestly — just being prepared for the worst-case scenarios.

It just feels totally different going on vacation alone when you’re adjusted to having a family member or friend by your side during the holidays. You can’t just call up your Mom or friend to pick you up if you’re in trouble.

You got to do something about it, all on your own.

Overall, the entire solo trip elevated my confidence to new heights, knowing I could survive in a country by myself in order to have a good time.

The keyword here is surviving.

I’m still in awe of how big and small the world is from this mini solo trip.

This leads me to my second point…

2. The World is so Big and Small

Two days after my time at Vinyl Decision, one of the friends I made at the bar invited me to go on a morning hike nearby his home.

Another f*ck it moment?

You betcha a** I did.

As a tourist, I always prefer to feel like a local in a new country rather than checking popular tourist attractions. So I was extremely blessed to have someone to show me a local hiking trail rather than browsing around “cliche” tourist spots in Taiwan.

We went on a hiking trail called XiangShan which directly translates to Elephant Mountain but ended up doing two hiking trails that were connected to each other. Although the hike was easy, it took us more than 5 hours to complete the unexpected two hiking trails and it was drizzling that day — so we had to be extra cautious.

On top of the mesmerizing views of Taiwan’s ancient mountains and temples, I will never forget this one conversation we had.

We were discussing the question, “what is art?”

Seriously, what is the true definition of art?

We came to the conclusion that art shouldn’t have a defined definition, or else it puts a boundary on how far art could go. I distinctly remember he was introducing to me a Taiwanese artist who said one of his pieces is not the art piece itself — but the message he wanted to illustrate to society.

The message where it gets spread around is the actual art piece, not the physical object itself.

That blew my f*cking mind on top of some random a** Taiwanese mountain.

Just having this super intellectual debate about art with someone miles away from me was monumental for me in realizing how big the world is yet how small it is at the same time. The more we talked, the more we discovered the similarities we have in terms of family, past relationships, spirituality, and much more — and this is coming from only one person I’ve met so far.

I met a handful of people on a surface and deeper level during my time in Taipei, and I was astonished at how different we are in terms of culture — yet how many similarities we can have at the same time.

Art, culture, family, and love — they truly can connect the world so much closer to home than we can fully conceptualize.

Shoutout to Kenny for taking me to his childhood hiking trail and being a great tour guide around Taipei. Hope you enjoyed our convos as much as I did brotha.

3. Happiness Starts from Within, Really.

In our home country, we are so adjusted to our comfort zones. We know where are all the good spots are and we have some sort of connection to pretty much everywhere. A childhood, embarrassing, humorous, sentimental, or some sort of memory will always pop up when you stroll around the area.

But in a new country all by yourself?

You don’t know j*ack sh*t.

But that isn’t a bad thing. It can actually be a fantastic thing.

For example, if I revisit my high school in Hong Kong, I’ll subconsciously teleport back to the high school version of me as I stroll down memory lane. But checking out a Taiwanese high school in 2022?

I’m just viewed as Erryl. Nothing else, nothing more.

I know this sounds weird that I checked out a Taiwanese high school, but it relates to the dance training that I mentioned at the beginning of my article, which I will write about in the near future — another life-changing experience for me.

I ain’t no pedo for y’all perverted-minded f*ckers.

Getting back to the topic, the world sees you for who you are at that moment. No one knows about your quirky childhood or your embarrassing high school moments.

I felt truly myself without past memories lingering at the back of my mind.

I hope that makes sense.

As I toured around Taipei, I was able to enjoy the attractions and places I genuinely wanted to visit, without anyone holding me back. There are no external factors such as family, friends, or relationships telling me what to do and where to go.

I did whatever the f*ck I wanted to because I wanted to do it.

Period.

Life works in mysterious ways, but I discovered so much about myself just in those four days of my solo trip to Taipei. When you are absolutely on your own in a country all by yourself, the only thing that genuinely comes out is you.

Being alone is one thing but being alone with the wrong people is the worst feeling. Learning how to enjoy life by yourself, especially in a new country, is just the most amazing feeling.

Imagine being at a level where you can honestly savor life’s greatest moments AND then being surrounded by people who are on the same wavelength as you.

So how does this translate back to my daily life?

Honestly, I’m at a place where if we are not on the same wavelength — then we are wasting each other’s time. I don’t want to waste your time and vice versa. Life has too many ups and downs and I guess we need to at least try to minimize them right?

I’m not sure too.

But I guess we just learn along the way.

Damn. Life’s a trip huh?

Have you ever gone on a solo trip before? I would love to hear about your solo trip stories! Leave a comment below or hit me up from one of my contact methods below.

Peace!

Connect with Me

• https://linktr.ee/dirteeee

Life is filled with endless uncertainties.

We never know when’s the end.

When will some of us wake up to the harsh reality that we only got

one life?

There’s no life respawn like in a Super Mario video game.

Suffering for dreams that we didn’t fabricate into existence,

only to benefit those who took THEIR life’s ultimate risk.

Here’s a question for you:

“If money didn’t exist but you still had to do something for a living to survive, what would you do?”

I think I know mine. Or at least a direction?

We all got a purpose, but not all the answers.

So how can we follow our dreams?

If we don't even know what’s our dream?

I wish I could give you an answer.

But at least we just got to try,

right?

Connect with Me

• https://linktr.ee/dirteeee

I was getting dressed for my friend’s engagement party when suddenly I felt a sore throat. I assumed it was nothing and maybe I just drank/smoked a little too much during the previous days.

Either way, I wanted to test myself with one of those self-testing covid RAT tests — just to be safe. I didn’t want to present my newly engaged friend the gift of covid.

I definitely would not be invited to his wedding if that went through.

5 mins later, two lines emerged.

I caught covid.

The 2-Day Home Quarantine

The first two days were horrendous.

I was stuck at home with a scorching fever, runny nose, persistent coughs, muscle fatigue, and never-ending uncertainty.

“Am I going to survive this?”

“Do I need to go to Penny Bay?”

“Will I lose my job?”

I was somewhat grateful that I’ve finally caught covid since the pandemic started 2 years ago, but I didn’t appreciate the timing of when it came as I had just started a full-time job (still on my probation period) and was ready to go full throttle on my dance/fitness grind.

Luckily in those 2 days, my covid symptoms subsided and I felt a lot better. Maybe it’s because I got 3 vaccination doses already?

But I guess when life throws you lemons, make lemonade right?

Except when I got that chilling text from the Hong Kong government,

it changed everything.

I was ordered to be sent to one of Hong Kong’s Covid Isolation Facilities:

Penny Bay.

Prison Camp Day 1

I was picked up by one of Penny Bay’s transport buses below my building and was sent off immediately to the isolation center. Penny Bay was situated next to Hong Kong Disneyland, a bit of an odd location if you ask me.

I was greeted by staff wearing blue disposable caps and gowns, face shields, masks, and gloves — which assigned me to my first unit.

My room at the centre reminded me of an old university dorm room. It came with two single beds with thin mattresses, a hard sponge pillow and a duvet, a small table with a mini television, an electric kettle, a hair dryer, two plastic chairs, a fabric closet, a bedside table, an air conditioner, and a water heater.

I rearranged the furniture so I could have a little dance studio for me to get down on. I was also accompanied by a “welcoming package” with cup noodles, snacks, covid RAT tests, a thermometer, and a finger pulse oximeter.

I was permitted to open my window to retrieve food and other necessities that were delivered, or just to get some fresh air. Three meals were provided daily in plastic bags (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and were left on a mini tray outside my window for me to retrieve.

Previously, I heard stories where inmates were allowed to ask their family or friends to send them outside food. But when I got there, that rule changed for some unknown reason. You can only consume food and drinks from the isolation facility.

And the worst part of it all?

No WiFi.

Luckily, I knew about the WiFi situation beforehand. So my mom helped me buy a few SIM cards to use during my isolation at the “prison camp.”

It was tough the first day, as I was reluctant to enter the premises and was quite spoiled about it. Honestly, who would want to be sent here in the first place anyway? I found it odd that I wasn't allowed to home quarantine like the rest of my peers.

I settled down, rearranged my personal belongings, and mentally prepared myself for the upcoming days.

To my greatest surprise, I had a growing ant problem in my room. So I had to pack my belongings again and be transferred to another room.

Not the greatest start to my first day here.

Prison Days 2 to 4

I was able to work from home (WFH) since I’m a full-time writer now. That helped me tremendously to kill time and let the days pass by quicker. I was already feeling barely any symptoms since I arrived at Penny Bay, so it was spectacular for me to keep on working during my probation — even while trapped at the prison camp.

I even did some dance challenges and a workout during the first few nights! Being in complete isolation granted me the ability to truly be by myself. I’m technically part of the history books when people “reminisce” about Penny Bay.

For the first two days in Penny Bay, you’re not allowed to pick your meals yet. They will just send you a random meal. And honestly? The food sucked. It was so bland and I never missed outside food so badly in my life.

Oh, how badly I craved for some salt and vinegar potato chips.

Fortunately, I discovered they have a Halal menu that provides a variety of Indian dishes (I’m a major fan). I mainly just ordered from that menu which had chicken tandoori, chicken biryani, fish curry, and other variations.

It wasn’t TOO bad at Penny Bay so far. It would’ve been horrendous if I didn’t have the SIM cards.

But I obviously wanted to get out ASAP still.

I was told by the blue-colored prison guards that on my 6th and 7th day after catching covid, if my RAT tests were both negative consecutively — I would be able to leave earlier.

Well, that didn’t happen.

Prison Days 5 till ?

I was still positive on my 6th and 7th day after initially catching covid.

Such a bummer.

I just have to hope that one day I’ll magically be negative soon. But I have hope. My 7th day test result showed a thinner line than usual, which indicates that it’s near the end of my covid infection.

I’m actually writing this article during my 7th day, and I thought this would be a great chance for me to share some hidden tricks and tips I’ve discovered and asked around during my time at Penny Bay.

The Penny Bay Survival Guide 📘

1. BRING ENTERTAINMENT

Bring your laptops, phones, chargers, books, workout equipment, sketchbook, or anything that can keep you entertained! If you are just a close contact, I believe you have to stay isolated for 10 days.

But if you’re a covid infectee like me, who knows when you’ll get out? Better stay safe and binge on your favorite Netflix shows.

I recommend downloading seasons' worth of Netflix shows! You better save your SIM card data for more important uses i.e. work.

2. SNACKS AND LOTS OF IT

I got the impression that I could ask family and friends to bring in food for me. But who knew that rule changed? And I’ve got to say, it would’ve been a more comfortable experience if I had some of my favorite snacks on me.

The only snack I brought was a half-finished can of potato chips.

As you can guess, it didn’t last long.

Penny Bay’s snacks are honestly trash. Unless you think you can survive oranges, non-branded cup noodles, crunchy chocolate wafers, and mini banana cakes — be my guest.

The 3 meals they gave as well weren’t the best, and sometimes they might give you something completely random without any warning — which is quite the headache honestly.

So be prepared and learn how to conserve your bites.

3. TEXT/CALL PEOPLE

It will be extremely lonely here. Your only physical interaction will be with blue-colored prison guards when they pass you food and necessities or talk to you about when you are permitted to be discharged.

I posted my Penny Bay experience on my Instagram stories and people sent me DMs asking how I was doing. Some even experienced Penny Bay a few years ago and were giving me advice on how to survive.

Either way, try to keep yourself entertained through online socializing. Text an old friend, call up a stranger from an app, or FaceTime your family members.

Just keep yourself socially busy, online.

4. HOW TO GET OUT ASAP

This one is pretty interesting.

This advice was mentioned to me by one of the prison guards. I think the dude felt bad for my situation (or just the prisoners in general) and he gave me a tip on how to get out asap once you’ve got a negative result.

So let’s say you got a negative result today. Now if you remember, you need to be negative for 2 consecutive days in order to be released. All you need to do is take another test at 12am (which is technically the next day), report “negative” on the website — and you’ll be out the first thing tomorrow morning when you wake up!

Plus, you will be able to pack up the night beforehand so you won’t have to rush in the morning. Hopefully, the second covid test is still negative. But this is just a nice little hack that one of the guards told me.

Overall, this Hong Kong Prison Camp sucks.

There’s no beating around the bush for this.

I miss my room, my bike, my family and friends, my dance spot, and even my office!

Oh Lord knows I miss food. GOOD FOOD.

But I know this experience was meant to be. I don’t know how or why, but I just know I’ll look back one day and think to myself,

“You know what, I’m glad I went to Penny Bay.

I wouldn’t be where I am now without it.”

If you’re reading this and you're in/about to enter a Covid Isolation Facility,

stay strong.

It’s not as bad as you think.

Peace!

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