Shout out to AJ Rafael
This is going out to AJ Rafael. He’s a struggling musician attending school and representing on YouTube. I discovered him earlier this year through his creative video “Tribute to 4-chord songs”. He has a good sound to his voice and his piano skills are awesome. He’s uploaded countless great clips to YouTube and it’s fun watching him progress as a musician.
So anyway, about a month ago, he posted a call for help asking for donations to help him get out to a concert in California. Wanting to help him out, I was one of many youtubers that sent donations for his cause. Not surprisingly, he raised enough money very fast. I think it might have been in less than 24 hours, but I can’t be sure.
As a show of appreciation, he used the donation information for a raffle to give away a few CDs and t-shirts. He posted the video of him and his roomies doing the drawing. It was kinda cheezy, but it was a nice gesture that he did a shout out to ALL the donators (sp?).
The best part for me . . . right about 6:00 when his roommate pulls my ticket. The hilarity starts because he has no idea what GU stands for. AJ figures it stands for Guam, but can’t contain himself and walks off camera. Then his roomie Pablo butchers Dededo, the name of the city that I’m from. But then Pablo saves the day and gets my name perfect!!! Who woulda’ thought? GREAT SAVE, PABLO!!!
So goes my first exposure on YouTube.
Keep up the great work, AJ and keep reaching for the stars. . . . and remember through it all, do it all for the glory of God.

Comment from Jason Salas
Time December 12, 2008 at 9:32 am
hilarious! i linked straight to the funny part (apparently you can’t do so and embed the clip at the same time) at http://www.jasonsalas.com/2008/12/shoutout-to-guam-sorta.html