magazine
asian avenue September 2016 Volume 11 Issue 9
Connecting Cultures Linking Lives
NAMLO IN LAKEWOOD GIVES SUPPORT TO NEPAL AND NICARAGUA
The ART OF
MEDITATION How to reduce stress AND LIVE HAPPIER
Restaurant peek The Bronze Empire
DENVER TAIKO BEATS INTO 40th YEAR
DENVER
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Dear readers,
magazine
‘Tis the season for back-to-school sales and breaking out our colorful scarves. We hope you have enjoyed the summer as the new season is upon us. As our lives are constantly bustling, it is helpful to clear the mind and disconnect from technology from time to time. In this issue, we provide tips for beginners on how to meditate. One way is through yoga. Yoga has become a popular exercise to practice breathing through various poses and stretches. Meditation can lead to a more balanced and peaceful life. See our ten tips to get started! Congratulations to our friends at Denver Taiko who are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year! We look forward to their rhythmic anniversary concert on Oct. 8-9 at the University of Denver Newman Center. Thank you for bringing incredible drumming and Japanese culture to our city for the past four decades! We are lucky to have our newest staff member, Samantha Quee, who is from Singapore. With her, she brings her Singaporean experience and expertise by sharing travel tips to the country, as well as the recipe for the beloved dish: Singaporean Chili Crab. Samantha and I also had the opportunity to eat at The Bronze Empire last month. She shares our experience enjoying delicious hot pot and baos in this month’s restaurant peek. Be sure to visit the Space Gallery in September to see Japanese artist Taiko Chandler’s ‘Similarities Attract.’ Taiko’s artistic work explores different aspects of both natural and artificial life—the colors, shadows, lines, and textures that she sees every day. There are also many events this month, including the Colorado Anime Film Festival, Nathan Yip Foundation Dim Sum Brunch and Confucius Institute Day. We encourage you to get out of the house and enjoy this cool weather! Annie Guo, President Asian Avenue magazine | www.asianavemag.com | aguo@asianavemag.com
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asian avenue
September 2016 | President’s Note
staff & support Publisher & Founder: Christina Yutai Guo President: Annie Guo Senior Designer: C.G. Yao Copy Editor: Jaime Marston Cook Staff Writer: Patricia Kaowthumrong Staff Writer: Mary Jeneverre Schultz Marketing Manager: Samantha Quee Marketing Coordinator: Chun Guo Photographer: Trang Luong
advisors group General Counsel: Michael C. Song Patty Coutts, Donna LaVigne, Nestor J. Mercado, Sum C. Nguyen, Alok Sarwal, Tom Shieh, John Yee, Nai-Li Yee, George N. Yoshida
contributing writers Lorenzo Chavez Brenda Pearson Tom Shieh
contributing photographers Cliff Grassmick Kari Geha Photography
on the cover With hundreds of meditation techniques, where do you begin to learn? In this issue, we provide a few tips for beginners on how to train the mind. Meditation can reduce stress and lead to true happiness.
subscriptions
To subscribe, e-mail info@asianavemag.com or visit asianavemag.com/subscribe. A oneyear subscription is $25 for 12 issues, a two-year subscription is 40 for 24 issues. Please make checks or money orders payable to Asian Avenue magazine. For details about special corporate or group rates, please call during business hours: Monday - Friday, 9am to 5pm. Shipping/handling included.
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editorial To submit story ideas, letters to the editor or calendar events, e-mail info@asianavemag.com. Asian Avenue magazine (ISSN 1932-1449) reserves all copyrights to this issue. No parts of this edition can be reproduced in any manner without written permission. The views expressed in articles are the authors’ and not necessarily those of Asian Avenue magazine. Authors may have consulting or other business relationships with the companies they discuss.
Published by Asian Avenue Magazine, Inc. P.O. Box 221748 Denver, CO 80222-1748 Tel: 303.937.6888 | info@asianavemag.com
www.asianavemag.com Asian Avenue magazine is in association with the Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network.
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FALL 2016
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Union Station
CONTENTS 16
EVENTS
8
Event calendar
FEATURE
10
september2016
Denver Taiko celebrates 40th anniversary with a concert in October
COMMUNITY EVENT
12
Aurora needs public to help plan city’s future places
INSIDE STORY
14
Namlo International in Lakewood serves remote, struggling communities in Nepal and Nicaragua
SPOTLIGHT
15
Visit Taiko Chandler’s exhibit ‘Similarities Attract’ at the Space Gallery before October 1
10
Start with two minutes. For beginners, calming the mind takes practice. Meditation can lead to pure happiness, starting with two minutes at a time.
COVER STORY
16
HOW MEDITATION AND YOGA LEADS TO PEACE AND HAPPINESS
BETTER LIVING
20
29 NATIONAL NEWS BOOK REVIEW
30
Vietnam: 100 Unusual Travel Tips and a Guide to Living and Working There
The 4 R’s to Mental Health by Tom Shieh
RESTAURANT PEEK
22
The Bronze Empire bubbles up as one of Denver’s only hot pot restaurants
CHEF’S MENU
24
How to make Singaporean Chilli Crab
TRAVEL
26
Things to do and eat in “The Lion City,” or Singapore
ON SCENE
28
Boulder Asian Festival and Aurora Global Fest bring culture, food and music to two Colorado cities
Asian Avenue Magazine, Inc. P.O. Box 221748 Denver, CO 80222-1748 | Tel: 303.937.6888 E-mail: info@asianavemag.com | www.asianavemag.com 6
September 2016 | Table of Contents
22 Find us @AsianAveMag
#AsianAveMag
events upcoming Meet & Greet with Florence Müller, DAM Textile and Fashion Curator Thursday, Sept. 8, Begins at 9:30am
Denver Art Museum, North Building Entrance Tickets: Free RSVP by Sept. 6 to rsvp@denverartmuseum.org.
Florence Müller, the Denver Art Museum’s Avenir Foundation Curator of Textile Art and Fashion Curator, will debut her first exhibition, Shock Wave: Japanese Fashion Design, 1980s-90s, with a special media meet and greet on Sept. 8. Tea and coffee starts at 9:30 a.m. and a personal tour at 10 a.m.
Alamo Drafthouse Denver and Colorado Anime Fest are partnering to bring the first Colorado Anime Film Festival to fans! Films showcased include the pioneering “Paprika”, which will be presented in 35mm for its 10th year anniversary. Other films to look forward to will also be Studio Ghibli’s breathtaking “Grave of the Fireflies”, Cinelicious Pics’ gorgeous restoration of “Belladonna of Darkness”, modern and light “Summer Wars” and the full-throttled “Redline” as the event’s closing night film.
Denver Buddhist Cultural Society will be hosting a yearly overnight Buddhist camp from September 17 to 18. Children age 5 to 18 are welcome to join. Cost will cover all instructions and meals. Classes will include learning about Buddhism, origami and watching a Japanese anime.
Nathan Yip Foundation Dim Sum Brunch
Saturday, Sept. 10, 11am to 2pm
King’s Land Chinese Seafood Restaurant 2200 W Alameda Ave #44, Denver, CO 80223 Tickets: $35 Adult / $25 Child (12 and under) More info at: nathanyipfoundation.org Dim sum means ‘touching the heart’ in Cantonese. Join the Nathan Yip Foundation for their traditional celebration of the Chinese Mid-Autumn Moon Festival. It’s also a fun way to involve the whole family while filling up with fresh and delicious dim sum.
Ali Wong at Comedy Works Sept. 8-10
Comedy Works at Larimer Square 1226 15th Street Denver, CO 80202 Tickets: $22-$27; Ages 21+ only Purchase tickets at: www.comedyworks.com/comedians/ali-wong Ali Wong is a stand-up comedian, writer, and actress. With the recent release of her Netflix Special, Ali Wong: Baby Cobra, Ali became the first comedian to record a stand-up special seven months pregnant. Ali co-stars in the new ABC comedy, American Housewife, premiering this fall. She recently appeared in Amy Schumer and Judd Apatow’s hit film Trainwreck and is currently a writer on ABC’s Fresh Off The Boat.
Join the Asian Chamber of Commerce (ACC) for a unique gathering of U.S. business leaders and entrepreneurs. Gain fresh insight into the world’s fastest growing markets and learn how to leverage on Hong Kong’s numerous advantages to tap into China and other Asian markets.
Saturday, Sept. 17
Super Star Asian Cuisine 2200 W. Alameda Ave., Denver 80223 Cost: $28 per person More info at: www.ocacolorado.org
Colorado Anime Film Festival September 9-11
Alamo Drafthouse Denver 7301 S Santa Fe Dr, Unit 850, Littleton, CO 80120 Tickets: $7 per film entry More info at: www.facebook.com/events/660213047461136
Denver Buddhist Cultural Society Buddhist Camp Saturday, Sept. 17 to Sunday, Sept 18
Denver Buddhist Cultural Society 2530 W. Alameda Ave. Denver, CO 80219 Tickets: $60 More info: Call 303-935-3889
September 2016 | Upcoming Events
The Commons on Champa 1245 Champa Street, Denver, CO 80204 Tickets: Free More info at: www.acccolorado.org/events
Mid-Autumn Moon Festival Dinner
Founded in 1973, OCA aims to embrace the hopes and aspirations of nearly 13 million Asian Pacific Americans in the United States. To celebrate Mid-Autumn Moon Festival this year, OCA will be hosting a dinner on Sept. 17. The menu includes seafood soup, chef special flounder, home-style double lobster, sauteed jumbo scallops and more!
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Think Asia, Think Hong Kong
Thursday, Sept. 22,11:30am to 2:30pm
Confucius Institute Day
Saturday, Sept. 24, 3:30pm to 8pm
Clear Creek Building 1030 St. Francis Way, Denver, CO 80204 Auraria Campus Tickets: Free and open to public More info at: www.ccd.edu/org/confucius-institute The Community College of Denver Confucius Institute (CCDCI) is one of more than 450 centers worldwide of Chinese language and cultural learning. Established with the support of The Chinese Language Council International (Hanban), the CCD Confucius Institute will be celebrating its 12th anniversary this year on Sept. 24. Activities include language lessons, chinese crafts and games, traditional music, and more!
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Denver Taiko beats into
40th year
By Samantha Quee | Asian Avenue magazine
Denver Taiko’s 40th Anniversary Concert
University of Denver Newman Center 2344 E. Iliff Avenue, Denver, CO 80208 Purchase tickets at: www.newmantix.com Two Showtimes: Saturday, October 8, 2016 at 7:00pm Guest artists: Taiko with Toni & Mudra Dance Studio Sunday, October 9, 2016 at 2:00pm Guest artists: Junior Denver Taiko & Break and Keys
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September 2016 | Feature
Photos by Kari Geha Photography
Taiko
is the Japanese style of drumming gained self-confidence and also cultivated pride and literally means “drum” in Japanese. The exact in my culture. Being a part of the group and to be history of the art of taiko is somewhat uncertain, involved in the concert is a way for me to give back but the earliest instruments are likely to have come to the Japanese American community.” from India to Japan during the introduction of Shimamato started playing taiko with Junior Buddhism. Taiko in Japan has influences from both Denver Taiko before joining Denver Taiko. To her, China and Korea and is believed to have arrived the group has become her second family and she there sometime between 300 and 900 AD. is glad to be able to stay connected to her culture In Denver, Denver Taiko is a through an art form such as taiko. community-based organization Denver Taiko is housed at and Personally, it was through committed to honoring and practices at the Denver Buddhist Denver Taiko that I gained sharing Japanese drumming Temple in downtown Denver. A self-confidence and also few of the founding members through performance and providing an engaging creative and many current members of cultivated pride in my outlet for those with interest in culture. Being a part of the Denver Taiko are also members the art of taiko. Founded in 1976, of the Denver Buddhist Temple. group and to be involved this nonprofit organization is When asked about her best comprised mostly of third, fourth memory with the performance in the concert is a way for and fifth generation Japanese group, she said: “That would me to give back to the Americans honoring their be when we performed at the Japanese American cultural heritage through this Junior X Games at the bottom exhilarating performance art. The of Keystone mountain during community. group currently has 19 members. winter. We also got to hang out - Karen Shimamoto, Denver Taiko member Denver Taiko is the fourth with Johnny Mosley afterward! oldest taiko group in North America. The first However, I am sure that the upcoming concert will group formed was the San Francisco Taiko Dojo, be an even more memorable one!” followed by Kinnara Taiko in Los Angeles and then Folks can expect to experience a night of artistry San Jose Taiko. and twists on Denver Taiko compositions, pieces, To celebrate their 40th anniversary this year, and theatrics. Special guest artists such as Mudra Denver Taiko will hold a concert, themed Okage Dance Studio, Taiko with Toni, Junior Denver Taiko sama de on October 8 and 9 at the University of and Break and Keys will be joining the stage. Denver Newman Center for the Performing Arts. Denver Taiko will also be unveiling a new taiko Karen Shimamato is a member of Denver Taiko, drum during the event! who has been playing taiko for 19 years. Tickets priced from $18 to $25 can be purchased She explains, “Okage sama de, means ‘because at www.newmantix.com. of you’ in Japanese. We chose this theme to honor The group is also fundraising on GoFundMe at those who have laid down the foundation for www.gofundme.com/denvertaiko. All proceeds go to Denver Taiko and also to thank all of our friends the concert’s venue costs, concert attire and drum who have influenced our group the past 40 years.” repair. Visit www.facebook.com/DenverTaiko for “Personally, it was through Denver Taiko that I more information.
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Denver Taiko’s 40th Anniversary | asian avenue magazine
11
www.auroraplacesplan.com
Aurora needs public to help plan city’s future places
12
Aurora is creating a new comprehensive plan over the next 18 months that will represent a collective vision for Aurora’s future and help guide city leaders for another decade and beyond. The plan—Aurora Places—will serve as a foundation for decision making in the city. It will establish policies and recommendations related to land use and development, neighborhood livability and housing, transportation and mobility, community health and sustainability, economic vitality, cultural diversity, and community life. Aurora Places will include detailed implementation strategies to ensure the plan’s success over time. The city will build the plan based on a foundation of community participation and feedback. In the coming months, there will be opportunities for the public to get involved, and help address questions like Aurora’s top priorities, what the city wants and needs in neighborhoods and housing, how Aurora’s commercial areas should look, how the city can attract more businesses and visitors to Aurora, and how the city can be more sustainable and healthy. The project website—www.auroraplacesplan. com—will serve as a great resource as the plan is crafted, and will include project updates, meeting announcements, online surveys, and a web-based mapping application that allows citizens to create their own maps. To kick off Aurora Places, everyone is invited to attend a community workshop to identify and discuss community issues, priorities, assets and opportunities.
September 2016 | Community Event
Tuesday, Sept. 20, 7 to 8:30 p.m. North Middle School, 12095 Montview Blvd.
Thursday, Sept. 22, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Aurora Association of Realtors, 14201 E. Evans Dr. Thursday, Sept. 22, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Cherokee Trail High School, 25901 E. Arapahoe Road (available in Korean) At the same time, business owners and operators are invited to attend a business workshop to identify what is most important in making Aurora a business friendly and economically successful community at the Aurora Central Library, Community Room, 14949 E. Alameda Parkway. Wednesday, Sept. 21, 8 to 9:30 a.m. or Thursday, Sept. 22, 8 to 9:30 a.m. The city also is offering a DIY Workshop kit to residents and community stakeholders who might conduct a workshop with a neighborhood group, religious institution, classroom, business group, multi-cultural group or others. The kit is fun and easy to use, and includes materials and instructions to facilitate a workshop and gather input. To receive a kit, email auroraplaces@ auroragov.org or call 303-739-7194. Translated materials available on request.
CAHEP Health Fairs Fall 2016
Sunday, 9/4 Friday, 9/9 Sunday, 9/11 Sund Sunday, 9/25 Saturday, 10/1
Saturday, 10/8 Saturday, 10/15 Saturday, 10/15 Saturday, 10/22
Islamic Community - Arabic Colorado Islamic Center (Masjid Al Salam) 16786 E. Iliff Ave, Aurora, CO 80013 Islamic Community - Arabic, Oromo Colorado Muslims Community Center 15528 E. Hampden Cir, Aurora, CO 80013 Asian Community - Korean, Chinese H Mart, 2751 S Parker Rd, Aurora, CO 80014 CO Springs Korean Community - Korean St. Andrew Kim Catholic Church 4515 E. Pikes Peak Ave. CO Springs, CO 80916 Korean Community - Korean Korean Association of Colorado 2000 S. Havana St #C, Aurora, CO 80014 CO Springs Korean Community - Korean New Life Korean Church 943 Emory Circle Colorado Springs, CO 80915 Korean Community - Korean Disciple Mission Church of Denver 8390 E. Hampden Ave. Denver, CO 80231 Islamic Community - Arabic Denver Islamic Society 2124 S Birch St, Denver, CO 80222 Islamic Community - Amharic, Somali, Oromo Colorado Muslim Society - Masjid Abu Bakr 2071 S Parker Rd, Denver, CO 80231
Visit www.cahep.org or call 303-954-0058.
Free and low-cost health screenings in partnership with Walgreens, Colorado Christian University, Connect for Health Colorado, Heart Health Solutions and Caring for Colorado.
LIMITED TIME IN DENVER
EXHIBITION
NOW OPEN OPENS OCTOBER 14
Mummies: New Secrets from the Tombs was developed by The Field Museum, Chicago. Photos: © 2015 The Field Museum, A115214d_035B, photographer John Weinstein; CT scan composite © 2015 Field Museum, Katarina Kaspari
Namlo International celebrates 17th anniversary By Lorenzo Chavez
Namlo International store at: 8790 W/ Colfax Ave #100, Lakewood, CO 80215
Keith Frausto (center) visits Khajilung, a Sherpa community on a 10-mile round trip hike from Dhuskun, Nepal.
In Nicaragua,Yerald Josue Izaguirre Castellon enjoys carrots grown in his family’s OrganiCasa greenhouse.
Sula Frausto learning how to carry a doko (bamboo basket) with a namlo (strap on forehead).
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September 2016 | Inside Story
It’s been a very busy year for Namlo Executive Director Keith Frausto, a veteran grassroots Peace Corps volunteer and past staff member with the United Nations and the International Rescue Committee. For the past few years he’s helped coordinate relief and rebuilding efforts in Nepal and from scratch organized the OrganiCasa mobile greenhouse program for small farmers in Nicaragua. The Lakewood-based nonprofit organization is named after a “namlo,” a sturdy strap wrapped around the forehead of Nepalese men and women porters to support a basket or doko containing a load of food or supplies. Coordinating a tiny staff based in two overseas countries and in Colorado takes patience, organization and dedication, to say the least. Just a year ago, Namlo was extensively involved in providing emergency relief assistance to communities in the hardest-hit areas in Nepal after the devastating earthquake in April 2015 which killed more than 8,000 people in that tiny nation. Established in 1999, the organization serves remote, struggling communities in Nepal and Nicaragua through a wide variety of grassroots programs including education, economic development, women’s empowerment and infrastructure improvement. As an international development nonprofit Namlo works on various self-sustaining projects year after year to provide communities overseas with the tools and training to build small businesses and self-sustaining farming and water systems. This September marks the first anniversary of the Namlo arts and crafts store that features many paintings, pottery, jewelry, textiles, and clothing from both nations. The store is open 5 days a week and hopes to open regularly on Saturdays to attract customers on the weekend and to bolster other funding from foundation grants and corporate and individual donations. The headquarters and store is located at 8790 W. Colfax, several blocks from the tourist landmark Casa Bonita and the Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design.
“The gift shop we have opened is a great way to connect people who are interested in international development with real, hands-on ways to get involved,” said Frausto told The Denver Post last year at the ribbon cutting last summer. In August, Frausto spent a week in Nepal with his daughter, Sula, before the start of the new school year visiting the Nepal team and bringing back more arts and crafts for the store. The shop, he said, helps support overseas programs and strengthen Namlo’s work as a social enterprise. The Namlo store features arts, crafts and textiles from the women’s cooperative and other artisans. Besides walk-in traffic from the store Namlo staff and volunteers typically set up a vendor tent with jewelry, pottery and textiles at a half a dozen Denver metro area arts and crafts festivals, neighborhood block parties, and college and university campus events. Like so many devoted nonprofit directors Frausto enjoys meeting goals and watching the visible change and tangible results from collaboration with struggling communities overseas with the dedicated support from donors, supporters, volunteers and board leaders. In August, Namlo was awarded a $25,000 grant for the Nicaragua Greenhouse program from the International Foundation. “The grant from The International Foundation will enable us to reach our targets this year and continue building community resilience, nutrition and incomes,” Frausto said. Meanwhile, he and his staff coordinate small fundraising events in the spring, summer and fall and have created a crowdsourcing campaign in hopes of doubling the number of mobile greenhouses for farmers in Nicaragua. To learn more about Namlo and how to donate, volunteer or support the organization, visit www.namlo. org or the Facebook page at facebook.com/Namlo.International or call the office at 303-399-3649.
EXPANDING the Dialogue Exhibit dates: August 18 to October 1 Location: Space Gallery 400 Santa Fe Dr. Denver, CO 80204 Expanding the Dialogue: Part One features Colorado women currently working in abstraction, whose work has earned them a position of prominence within the Colorado art community. Women artists have historically been undervalued and underrepresented in the art world. This show aims to question and counteract this centuries-old trend, while simultaneously celebrating the expressive and direct nature of abstract art.
Visit ‘Similarities Attract’ at Space Gallery before October 1 This installation consists of three separate works, titled ‘Similarities Attract’ #1, #2 and #3. Each piece is a compilation of nine hand-pulled Monotype prints that, together, measure six feet by nine feet. Artist Taiko Chandler said, “‘Similarities Attract’ was inspired by my first installation on Tyvek (‘Pathway to Somewhere’, June 2015) that launched my exploration of Tyvek as a printing material. Tyvek fascinates me because of its unique characteristics, particularly its durability, flexibility, and translucence.” As such, ‘Similarities Attract’ constitutes the next step in her evolving relationship
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with Tyvek. It is intended to represent the process of community building and integration that is such an important part of her life as a Japanese woman living in America. All nine pieces in each installation are unique, but they come together in a way that makes something that is stronger and more beautiful than any of the pieces alone. The printmaking process adds and subtracts to the Tyvek, creating fascinating patterns that interact spontaneously. “I keep working until I feel comfortable with the overall, collaborative effect,” said Chandler.
My work explores different aspects of both natural and artificial life—the colors, shadows, lines, and textures that I see every day. I like to take photos of that life, but printmaking offers me a more expressive medium by which I can transfer my impressions to paper. I am fascinated by the patterns that I see in dew drops, flowers, refracting light, even rust, decay, and debris. My work reflects these patterns of creation and erosion. Within printmaking, I particularly like monotype because it is a single impression that is not repeatable—the outcome can never be completely controlled or predicted.Within this highly organic process, I enjoy blending the colors, and designing and cutting the stencils that I use to subtract and add to the space. This tension between chaos and control is what makes this medium so challenging, but also so exciting. I love the whole process—some of it planned, but most of it spontaneous.
Monotype is only one of the many types of printmaking. This installation involves a process where Chandler applied oil-based ink to a piece of plexiglass using a piece of mat board. She then ran the plexiglass through an etching press, transferring the image to the Tyvek sheet. After the print dried completely, she hand-cut shapes into the Tyvek using an open blade. “The resulting composition adds another layer of complexity to the final work, reflecting the shapes, lines, and rhythms that I see in everyday life,” she said.
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TAIKO
CHANDLER www.taikochandler.com
Taiko was born and raised in Nagano, Japan. She has lived in Sheffield in the United Kingdom, Miami and Austin. While professionally trained as a nurse, she currently lives and works as an artist in Denver. The combination of a longstanding interest in art, textiles, paper, design, and architecture, together with experiences across a wide-range of cultures, directly shapes her work today. Spotlight | asian avenue magazine
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Calm the mind through Meditation has become widely popular for people of all ages and backgrounds. The purpose of meditation is to make our mind calm and peaceful. In doing so, we will be free from worries and mental distress, in order to experience true happiness. If our mind is not at peace, we will find it very difficult to be happy, even if we are living in the very best conditions. If we train in meditation, our mind gradually becomes more and more peaceful, and we will experience a deeper form of happiness. Eventually, we will be able to stay happy all the time, even in the most difficult circumstances. 24/7 happiness? Definitely worth honing this art form. The earliest recorded evidence of meditation dates from approximately 5,000 years ago in Hindu scripture. It was at that time, approximately 3,000 B.C., that the art of writing and recording written histories developed in The Indus Valley, which spanned from India across Pakistan. The ancient Indian scriptures mention meditation, known as tantras. In the U..S., yoga and meditation were introduced in the early 20th century by Swami Vivekananda and popularized by Paramehansa Yogananda. In the 1960’s there was an explosion of interest in meditation fueled by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi teaching transcendental meditation. So how do we train our mind to be at peace? Usually we find it difficult to control our mind. It seems as if our mind is like a leaf blowing in the wind – influenced by external circumstances. If life is going well, our mind is happy, but if things start to go badly, we immediately become unhappy. As such, if we do not get what we want or if we lose something we enjoy, we become despondent or irritated. Such fluctuations of mood arise because we are too closely involved in external situations. We are like a child making a sandcastle who is excited when it is first made, but who becomes upset when it is destroyed by the waves. By training in meditation, we create an inner
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September 2016 | Cover Story
space and clarity that enables us to control our mind regardless of the external circumstances. Gradually we can develop mental equilibrium, a balanced mind that is happy all the time, rather than an unbalanced mind that wavers between the extremes of excitement and despondency. A common exercise is in meditation is yoga. The Sanskrit word “yoga” means “union with the divine.” The stretching exercises that we typically associate with yoga were originally designed, thousands of years ago, to help the practitioner gain control of his or her own life force, a spiritual energy known as Kundalini. At the Himalayan Wellness Training Center in Westminster, the goal of the staff is to bring the full understanding and practice of yoga to people and to bring the ancient knowledge and practices of yoga from the remote area of the Himalayas. The center does this with the full blending of spiritual meditation with physical body poses and movements. The use of sounds and chanting energy increases the separate functions of the mind, body and spirit, but more importantly, ties these together for an enhanced life with a foundation of great understanding and happiness. According to the center, the benefits from practicing yoga are: healthy weight, building and toning muscles, increasing energy and happiness, improved flexibility and strength, balanced hormonal and endocrine systems, reduced stress, better mental focus, and more. Director of the Himalayan Wellness Training Center Chuna Grace says, “I like to say that doing yoga lets you become the best possible you, possible. Yoga teaches you how to do this.” To begin yoga or meditation, be sure to select a quiet environment. The location you select should not be cluttered or loud. You should feel at ease before starting yoga meditation. If the location is noisy, an advanced yoga practitioner may be able to deal with external influences, but beginners will find it distracting. So how do you begin?
gh meditation
Meditation | asian avenue magazine
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Meditation Tips for Beginners
1
Sit for just two minutes. This will seem ridiculously easy, to just meditate for two minutes. That’s perfect. Start with just two minutes a day for a week. If it goes well, increase by another two minutes and do that for a week. Keep increasing a little at a time.
2
Do it first thing each morning. It’s easy to say, “I’ll meditate every day,” but then forget to do it. Instead, set a reminder for every morning when you get up, and put a note that says “meditate” somewhere where you’ll see it.
3
Check in with how you’re feeling. As you first settle into your meditation session, simply check to see how you’re feeling. How does your body feel? What is the quality of your mind? Busy? Tired? Anxious? See whatever you’re bringing to this meditation session as completely OK.
4
Count your breaths. Now that you’re settled in, turn your attention to your breath. Just place the attention on your breath as it comes in, and follow it through your nose all the way down to your lungs. Try counting “one” as you take in the first breath, then “two” as
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September 2016 | Cover Story
you breathe out. Repeat this to the count of ten, then start again at one.
ing your attention, and practice some more when your mind wanders.
Come back when you wander. Your mind will wander. This is an almost absolute certainty. There’s no problem with that. When you notice your mind wandering, simply gently return to your breath. Count “one” again, and start over. You might feel a little frustration, but it’s perfectly OK to not stay focused, we all do it. This is the practice, and you won’t be good at it for a little while.
Do a body scan. Another thing you can do, once you become a little better at following your breath, is focus your attention on one body part at a time. Start at the soles of your feet — how do those feel? Slowly move to your toes, the tops of your feet, your ankles, all the way to the top of your head.
5 6
Develop a loving attitude. When you notice thoughts and feelings arising during meditation, as they will, look at them with a friendly attitude. See them as friends, not intruders or enemies. They are a part of you.
7
Don’t worry about clearing the mind. Lots of people think meditation is about clearing your mind, or stopping all thoughts. It’s not. This can sometimes happen, but it’s not the “goal” of meditation. If you have thoughts, that’s normal. We all do. Our brains are thought factories, and we can’t just shut them down. Instead, just try to practice focus-
8
9
Notice the light, sounds, energy. Another place to put your attention, again, after you’ve practice with your breath for at least a week, is the light all around you. Just keep your eyes on one spot, and notice the light in the room you’re in. Another day, just focus on noticing sounds. Another day, notice the energy in the room all around you.
10
Find a community. Even better, find a community of people who are meditating and join them. This might be a Zen or Tibetan community near you, where you go and meditate with them. Or find an online group and check in with them and ask questions, get support, encourage others.
Chuna Grace
Himalayan Wellness Training Center was founded in 2014 to bring wellness awareness to the local community and to give more education about yoga and meditation. According to the center’s website, “the values are simple. First, we provide what is wanted and needed to an individual, while showing a glimpse of the power of yoga. From this, shall bloom true interest. Second, increase the level of teachings and practice while bestowing the commitment of seeking both individual and universal peace. Third, once they reach the top-level ability, add them to the staff.” Chuna Grace says, “Keep your mind aware and healthy. Meditation is not to force you to close your mind. It is mindful thinking inside of your body that if practiced each day, helps you to understand what’s within you.” The center offers all level yoga classes and all types including family yoga, prenatal yoga and silver sneakers wellness for seniors and retirees, along with yoga teacher training. They can also provide a yoga instructor to teach groups at locations of their choice. See classes at: www.himalayanwellnesscenter.com.
Chuna Grace is the Director of the Himalayan Wellness Training Center. She is from Nepal with knowledge, understanding and certifications in: Hatha Yoga ERYT 500, Tai-Chi, Reike, CPT, MEd Personal Trainer. Her passion for sharing her powers of Himalayan Yoga is the force, which led her to start this studio. She has been training yoga instructors in the U.S. since 2004. Himalayan Wellness Training Center 5092 W 92nd Ave, Westminster, CO 80031 Tel: 720-988-8666
Yoga and Meditation Studios and Classes in Colorado IYENGAR YOGA CENTER OF DENVER 770 S. Broadway Denver, CO 80209 Tel: 720-570-9642 www.iyengaryogacenter.com Monthly Unlimited: $135 Kindness YOGA south broadway 1947 S. Broadway Denver, CO 80223 Tel: 303-282-4891 www.kindnesscollective.com INTRO SPECIAL: $30 for 30 days Mudra Yoga Studio 560 S. Holly St. #15
Denver, CO 80246 Tel: 720-341-2233 www.mudrayogastudio.com INTRO SPECIAL: $5 for first class One Yoga 8101 E. Belleview Ave. Suite Z Denver, CO 80237 Tel: 303-221-7000 www.oneyogadenver.com INTRO SPECIAL: $40 for 30 days Samadhi Center For Yoga 639 E. 19th Ave. Denver, CO 80203 Tel: 303-860-9642 www.samadhiyoga.net INTRO SPECIAL: $30 for 30 days
The Freyja Project 3456 Tejon St Denver, CO 80211 Tel: 303-964-9642 www.thefreyjaproject.com Free for first-timers! THE YOGA MAT 3563 Larimer St. Tel: 303-345-1857 www.ontheyogamat.com INTRO SPECIAL: $20 for 2 weeks WARRIOR ACADEMY YOGA 2828 Speer Blvd. #101 Denver, CO 80212 Tel: 720-508-3933 INTRO SPECIAL: $10 for 10 days Meditation | asian avenue magazine
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The 4 R's to Mental Health
By Tom Shieh
Developing consistent habits to take care of our mental health is absolutely imperative to our overall well-being. Whether you utilize yoga, meditation, or prayer, it’s important to understand how it’s less about tasks, techniques, or activities; rather, it is a discipline of the mind and a way of life. There are four basic components to carve a path of discovery for the mind resulting in sharper focus, elevated consciousness, and a serene state of being.
1 RELAX
In our fast paced world, we need to be intentional to create a space of relaxation. Being relaxed is merely a condition of our inner state; however, our external circumstances can definitely impact our emotional well-being.
Take time out everyday to be in solitude - remove yourself from TVs, phones, computers, people and any other distractions. Unplug from your daily routine. Dial in and connect with yourself – notice and acknowledge your thoughts, emotions and breath. Inhale and exhale deeply.
2
As Asians, we’re often culturally conditioned to be courteous, humble, non-confrontational, and to put others before ourselves. These are all wonderful attributes. However, in that process, we may miss giving ourselves the permission to be honest and direct with how we feel.
RELEASE
Do you give yourself liberty to feel your emotions? Embrace your emotions fully and sit with it. Then, let it go! Don’t cling on to any bitterness, anger, sadness, or emotions that no longer serve you. Take a moment to be in tune with your true emotions and give yourself the freedom to fully express it without judgment. When we do, it allows us to get to the root issues of the noise that clouds our mind.
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September 2016 | Better Living
3
I’m convinced that what separates REPROGRAM achievers from non-achievers are not their circumstances, but how they respond to those circumstances. In other words, the meaning we give to any situation is more important than the situation itself. High-level achievers are able to take any circumstance and find the empowering meaning behind it. We are powerful creatures and we can choose to reframe and rescript the facts of any story. Recently, a friend of mine was terribly sick with good poisoning. Not fun. However, instead of whining and complaining about his condition, he was in gratitude and appreciation of how intelligent and strong his body was that it knew how to automatically cleanse and detox unwanted and unhealthy input. Similarly, our greatest problem is often our greatest opportunity (when we have the mindfulness to see the gift).
4
Repetition is mother of skill. We don’t just take a bath once and expect to be clean for the rest of our life. Similarly, taking care of our mental health is a “rinse and repeat” process. Unless you develop a consistent habit and ritual to anchor yourself through the disciplines of meditation, reflection and prayer, you’ll continually be tossed by the waves of this world.
REPEAT
Bringing the ramen culture to Denver!
Lunch will be discontinued as of Sat. September 10.
We regretfully announce that TOKIO will be discontinuing lunch service as of Sat. September 10. This change will help us focus our efforts on providing you with excellent and satisfying dinner we envisioned from the very beginning. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you. We will keep our regular dinner hours. We hope many of you will still join us for Denver’s most authentic bowl of ramen! - TOKIO
OPEN
Mon. – Thu. & Sat. 5pm – 1am Fri. 5pm – 2am | Sun. 4pm – 9pm
Double Happy Hours! (Dine in only)
48 parking spots available behind the building
Daily 5pm to 6pm | 10pm to close Hakushika Hot Sake (sm) $2, Japanese Beer (sm) $3, Sushi $2, Selected Hand Roll $3 and more!
2907 Huron St. Unit 103 | Denver, CO 80202 | Tel: 720.639.2911
www.mytokio.com
Golden Shanghai Asian Restaurant
● The Best Chinese Restaurant by 710 AM Restaurant Show ● The Best Chinese Restaurant by the 1430 KEZW Restaurant Show ● Voted 2007 Top 100 Chinese Restaurant in the US
1412 S. Parker Rd. A-134 Denver, CO 80231 (303) 743-7666 (303)743-9079 (303)743-8210
1591 S. Colorado Blvd. Denver, CO 80222 Tel: 720-550-7871 facebook.com/ thebronzeempirehotpot
By Samantha Quee | Asian Avenue magazine
Open Hours TUES to SAT 11am to 9:30pm SUN 11am to 9pm Closed MON
SAMPLE MENU
Hot pots served after 4:30pm from TUES to FRI and all day on weekends.
Pork Fried Rice | Pan fried pork and rice with fresh egg, snow peas, red pepper, pineapple, bean sprouts Yakisoba | Japanese thin egg noodles pan fried with cabbages, yellow onion, chives and fresh bean sprouts Tonkotsu Ramen | A rich pork base broth made in house, topped with sliced marinated pork shoulder, green onion, bean sprouts and a fresh egg Gua Bao | Slow braised pork belly served in a Taiwanese bun with roasted peanuts and vegetables
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September 2016 | Restaurant Peek
Photos by Annie Guo
I
f I were to rank my favorite comfort foods, hot pot would definitely make it to the top of the chart. There is just something so mesmerizing about the pot of umami goodness. I love having the freedom to choose the ingredients I desire that goes into the soup, the enjoyment of cooking food at my own pace, and the wide range of dipping sauces that complements them. Opened just two months ago, The Bronze Empire is the latest edition to the bustling South Colorado Boulevard area. The restaurant focuses on serving authentic Szechuan hot pot (also known as Mala Steamboat) and is owned by young entrepreneurs Tian Xia and Jing Wang. The couple was originally from Beijing, and came to Colorado to study at the University of Denver a few years back. To provide diners with the most authentic Szechuan hot pot flavors, Tian Xia returned to China last year to learn the recipes of the various soup bases from a renowned Szechuan restaurant in the country. “Hot pot restaurants are everywhere in China, but you don’t see many of them in Colorado. We therefore decided that since we want to introduce hotpot to the locals here, it better be the best!” Before the Mala soup even arrived at my table, I could already smell the rich peppery aroma from the peppercorn in the soup base. However, to suit the taste buds of the locals here, Tian Xia has lowered the spiciness and will only increase the intensity upon diner’s requests. The mild one gives diners a good kick while the spicy one is strong enough to set tongues on fire. In the making of the soup base, instead of using readily available oil, Tian Xia also insists on using real beef fat, which were painstakingly removed from beef slices everyday. “ Real beef fat will provide a smooth texture to the soup, adding depth to the flavor. ” However, if you are not a fan of Mala soup, you can try their tomato soup base. The sweetness of the broth goes hand in hand with the fresh ingredients served, providing an alternative yet sumptuous gastronomic experience. Whether diners go with the hot pot combination or a la carte option, the ingredient choices are plentiful. In The Bronze Empire’s comprehensive menu, there is space to celebrate the premium ingredients like rib eye beef and tenderloin beef as well as room for the more affordable items like lamb shoulders and pork belly. There are also different hot pot combinations, ranging from the meaty Empire Combination, which consists of rib eye beef and beef meatballs to the Tofu Combination which
provides various tofu made items and vegetables. Tian Xia makes great effort to ensure that the ingredients served are of top-notch quality. “For hot pot, it is important for the meat to have a certain amount of fat in it so that it will not be too dry after cooking in the soup. We always check that the marbling of the meat are of a certain quality before purchasing them.” The Bronze Empire’s attention to detail can likewise be seen through the presentation of their food and the intricacies of their interior design. Tian Xia realizes that the locals here might not be so accustomed to eating from the same pot. Hence, unlike most hot pot places that offer a big soup pot for sharing among diners in a group, the restaurant invites people to experience the individual hot pot concept.
The Bronze Empire Denver’s newest hot pot restaurant!
The restaurant also wowed me with their contemporary settings. While retaining oriental decorative elements, the interior design exudes a modern and stylish ambience. “We want diners to not only enjoy their food but also immerse themselves in a comfortable and modern atmosphere with their friends and families. We want to provide the wholesome dining experience.” Other than hot pot, various Szechuan dishes can also be found at The Bronze Empire. This includes the Kung Pao Chicken and the Pepper Beef. I especially love the bold flavors from the glistening Kung Pao Chicken, resulting from the liberal use of Szechuan bean paste sauce, as well as the unique flavor of the Sichuan pepper. Something special is the popular Taiwanese street snack, Gua Bao. Gua baos consist of slow braised pork bellies sandwiched in buns with roasted peanuts and vegetables. The savory taste of the pork bellies goes hand in hand with the crunchiness of the peanuts and vegetable, looking almost like an Asian version of a hamburger. There is also a full bar in the restaurant, offering wines and liquors to pair with the various dishes provided. The Bronze Empire has pushed the boundaries of the traditional way of enjoying hot pot. Here, hot pot is taken to a new level by adding premium ingredients, a contemporary setting, and good service to the dining experience. It means now people can celebrate special occasions with a hot pot meal. The Bronze Empire | asian avenue magazine
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Singaporean ChilLi Crab By Samantha Quee
I
f you ask any Singaporeans living in Colorado or anywhere else other than Southeast Asia, what they missed the most about home, I can guarantee you the answer would be “food.” In a country where hawker centers—or food courts—are
in close proximity no matter where you live, it is no surprise that Singaporeans “live to eat” rather than “eat to live.” Chilli crab is one of the locals’ favorite dish, and can be found in neighborhood hawker centers, as well as prominent restaurants around the island. You can either eat this dish on its own, or pair it with delicious crispy fried golden mantous (Chinese buns). Dip these mantous into the thick savory tomato based sauce, and it will be so yummy you will scream SEDAP! (or “delicious” in Malay).
Ingredients
(serves 2)
• 1 tbsp. cornstarch • 7 tbsp. vegetable oil
• 2-3 shallots, minced • 1 ½ inch knob ginger, grated • 6 medium garlic cloves, minced • 4 Thai chilles, minced • 2 whole Mud or Dungeness crabs (about 1 pound each, chopped into pieces) • 2 cups homemade or store-bought low sodium chicken broth • ¼ cup tomato paste (ABC brand or Maggi Brand preferably, available at Asian grocery stores) • ½ cup sweet chili sauce • 2 large eggs, beaten • Salt and sugar to taste • Chinese parsley (for decoration)
Fried Mantous
• 4 milk steamed buns • 2 cups of vegetable oil • ½ cup of condensed milk for serving
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September 2016 | Chef’s Menu
Method
#1 In a small bowl, stir cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water; set aside. In a large wok with lid, heat oil over medium heat until simmering. Stir in shallots, ginger, garlic, and chilies. Cook until fragrant, stirring for about 1 minute. #2 Add crab pieces and broth. Increase heat to medium high and bring to a boil. Cover loosely and gently boil until crab has turned red and is nearly cooked through, about 6 minutes. #3 Remove cover and stir in tomato paste and chili sauce. Simmer for 1 minute and season to taste with salt, sugar, or chili sauce. Stir in cornstarch and bring to boil to thicken.
#4 Remove from heat and stir in egg. Ladle into serving dish, sprinkle with Chinese parsley, and serve.
Method #1 In a pot, heat up oil for around 7 minutes over medium heat until hot; add the buns in to fry until golden brown. During the process, the buns will keep floating on the surface. Press them down to soak them in the oil for evenly deep-frying. #2 Transfer out and filter the extra oil. #3 Serve hot!
BUSINESSES FOR SALE! Island style sushi kiosk inside King Soopers! Perfect location right off of C-470 and Quebec.
Established loyal cus customers for four years! Store #110 Please call Masa at:
720-412-0377
Wonderful sushi kiosk inside King Soopers! Excellent location right off of Lincoln and Jordan.
Weekly sales start at $5,000+ Store #88 Please call Andrew at:
720-965-4997
By Samantha Quee | Asian Avenue magazine
Visit Singapore
Known as The Lion City, The Garden City and also The Little Red Dot, Singapore is the world’s only island city-state. A small country, it has a land area of 277 square miles, which is about 376 times smaller than Colorado. However, despite its small size, Singapore is one of the world’s most prosperous countries with strong international trading links and a per capita GDP equal to that of the leading nations of Western Europe. Just last month on August 2, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong made an official visit to U.S. In the welcoming speech made by President Barack Obama at the State dinner at
the White House, he said: “In the U.S., we call ourselves a melting pot of different races and religions and creeds. In Singapore, it is ‘rojak’ — different parts united in a harmonious whole. We’re bound by the belief that no matter who you are, if you work hard and play by the rules you will make it.” Indeed, like the U.S., Singapore is a multicultural city, with the Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian as the four main races. Due to the country’s unique cultural climate, Singaporeans are exposed to a wide variety of cuisines and flavors from a young age. Singaporeans pride themselves as foodies, and hunting for good food has become one of the nation’s favorite hobbies.
Food to eat in Singapore President Obama mentioned “rojak”, but what exactly is that? Rojak is a traditional fruit and vegetable salad dish, which consists typically of cucumber, pineapple, bean sprouts, taupok (puffy, deep-fried tofu) and youtiao (cut-up Chinese-style fritters). The term “rojak” is Malay for mixture.
Rojak
The mark of a good rojak is its sauce, made up of fermented prawn paste, sugar, lime and chilli paste. It is an appetizing, myriad mix of sweet, sour and spicy. Personal favorite spots: • Rojak Popiah & Cockles, Maxwell Food Centre • Tow Kwar Pop, Tiong Bahru Market
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September 2016 | Travel
Considered one of the national dishes of Singapore, chicken rice is one of the few local dishes served on Singapore Airlines flights. The dish consists of bite-sized chicken pieces or a whole chicken if you are eating in a group, served with fragrant rice and a spicy chilli and ginger paste.
Hainanese Chicken Rice
Personal favorite spots: • Boon Tong Kee, 399 Balestier Road • Loy Kee Best Chicken Rice, 342 Balestier Rd
FRIED CARROT CAKE: Nope, this is not the carrot cake found in bakeries. The Singaporean version of a carrot cake is made with radish cake stir-fried with eggs, preserved radish, and other seasonings. Known as “Chai Tow Kway” to the locals, customers can opt for either the “Black” or “White” versions, with the former seasoned with sweet black sauce and the latter pan fried with eggs.
Fried Carrot Cake
Personal favorite spots: • Fu Ming Carrot Cake, Redhill Food Centre • Chomp Chomp Carrot Cake, Chomp Chomp Food Centre
A young nation, Singapore recently celebrated its 51st National Day on August 9, 2016. A group of Singaporeans living in Colorado gathered on August 13 and celebrated the nation’s birthday with a potluck party. There are not many Singaporeans living in Colorado, but they make an effort to gather at least twice a year to celebrate Chinese New Year and the National Day together.
Are you Singaporean or have lived in Singapore? If so, join the Facebook group – Singaporeans in Colorado (A Makan Group) – facebook.com/groups/44993701381!
PLACES TO VISIt in Singapore Marina Bay Sands: Ever see a boat on a hotel? That is the iconic design of Marina Bay Sands, an integrated resort fronting Marina Bay in Singapore. Marina Bay Sands has three 55-story hotel towers connected by a 1 hectare roof terrace known as The SkyPark. The observation deck provides panoramic views across the bay. The SkyPark has the world’s longest elevated swimming pool, with a 478 ft vanishing edge, 191 meters above ground. Geylang: If you want a glimpse of a different side of this cosmopolitan city, there is an area infamously known as the red-light district of Singapore. Geylang offers a slightly “sleazy” scene for this usually serious nation. Here, one can see escorts hanging out along the streets, massage parlors, and roadside durian stalls. This area also houses one of the most famous beef rice noodles in town. Pulau Ubin: Pulau Ubin, also called Ubin Island, is an island situated in the north east of Singapore. Pulau Ubin is one of the last areas in Singapore that has been preserved from urban development. Its wooden house villages, relaxed inhabitants and preserved wildlife make it the last witness of the old Singapore that existed before the economic boom.
Visit Singapore | asian avenue magazine
27
Boulder asian festival GOING STRONG AFTER 22 YEARS
S
till going strong after 22 years, the Boulder Asian Pacific Alliance (BAPA) presented the Boulder Asian Festival on a beautiful summer weekend in August. The downtown festival celebrates Asian and Pacific Islander culture with arts, crafts, food and musical performances. Visitors to the Pearl Street Mall shopped at vendor booths selling items from Thai scarves to delicate glassware imported from Japan, while numerous Nepalese booths reminded everyone of its tight-knit community in Boulder. On Saturday, henna artists were so busy that they serviced customers until 10:00 p.m., five hours past the festival closing time. As they have for the past two decades, Sha-
AURORA GLOBAL FEST CELEBRATES CULTURES
T
he Aurora Global Fest held its third annual event at Aurora Municipal Center on August 20. “Inside the city building and later on this afternoon, you will see a parade of flags. Those flags are representatives of the more than 130 different countries that are represented in this community called Aurora,” said Mayor of Aurora Steve Hogan. “So we claim that we are the most di-
28
September 2016 | On Scene
By Brenda Pearson Photos by Cliff Grassmick
olin Hung Mei Kung Fu Association wowed the attendees with their colorful and animated lion dance followed by an equally stunning kung fu demonstration. Nepalese performers JAMkeyJAM jammed away on the sitar and tabla, blending thousands of years-old Nepali traditional & folk music in a contemporary style. Other performers such as Wendy Woo, Bohua Chinese School, Denver Taiko and Gamelan Tunas Mekar rounded out the day entertaining the crowd in the standing-room only audience tent. This year’s festival was especially notable because it honored Aya Mariagnes Medrud, one of the BAPA founders and visionary behind the festival, who passed away in April. Members of Boulder’s City Council and
verse big city in Colorado and there is no doubt, but that we are.” The festival featured vendors including Asian Pacific Development Center, Aurora Sister Cities International, New America School and Tri County Health Department. The colorful Parade of Nations welcomed Aurora residents to the stage holding their country’s flag. Each individual then said “welcome to my city” in their native language. Performances included Oromo (Ethiopian dance), Christina Yeh Dance Studio (Chinese dance) and Denver Shaolin Kung Fu. The beer garden offered four different beers with brewing techniques and flavors from around the world. All beers were globally inspired and locally made. The Aurora History Museum presented a ukulele beginners workshop, Japanese garden design at Amache and a hula show.
Human Relations Commission presented BAPA with a plaque declaring August 13, 2016 as Aya Mariagness Medrud Day. Founded in 1994, BAPA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to creating awareness and understanding of the diverse Asian and Pacific Islander cultures in order to promote our perspectives into the larger Boulder community.
Philippine American Society of Colorado performs tinikling dance.
Elected officials are welcomed by Aurora Mayor Hogan during the opening ceremony.
Santa J. Ono has left the Queen City after four years as the president of the University of Cincinnati – and taking a 30 percent pay cut in the process. He will become the 15th president and vicechancellor of the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. UC Board Of Trustees Chairman Rob Richardson Jr. said there will be a national search to replace Ono. The board named Provost Beverly Davenport as UC’s interim president. Richardson said board members had multiple meetings to try to persuade Ono to stay. “We did everything we could,” but Ono’s desire to return to his hometown couldn’t be overcome, Richardson said. “We’re confident we’re going to keep moving forward.” Ono acknowledged his love for Cincinnati and its people at a Vancouver news conference. A bill that would expand the definition of ‘Asian American’ for demographic reports on ethnic and racial origins has been passed in the California Senate, on August 23. The measure will be sent back to the state Assembly. According to the bill, the state would be required to collect data for Bangladeshi, Hmong, Indonesian, Pakistani, Taiwanese, Thai and other ethnicities. The bill proposes updating demographic categories by including these subgroups into the label. This would address their unique needs, and the state would more easily be able to dole out the necessary resources. “The bill would require the State Department of Public Health to use the additional separate collection categories and other tabulations for specified Asian groups and Pacific Islander groups, and to take additional actions as specified above, under certain circumstances,” the bill read. Hubert Zhao, a Chinese-American student from Orlando, Florida, filed a complaint against Cornell and Columbia University following the rejection of his application. The alleged reason: discrimination. This puts Zhao in the list of complainants who have filed complaints or lawsuits against Ivy League schools on the grounds of discrimination. Zhao holds a 5.3 weighted GPA and is a National Merit Scholarship winner. In addition, he was the president and captain of his high school’s Science Olympiad, Debate and Science Bowl teams. His father, Yukong Zhao, is president of the Asian American Coalition for Education (AACE). The organization sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Education, calling for an investigation: “What happened to Hubert Zhao is another example of the widespread and systematic illegal discrimination against Asian American students by many colleges. The members of AACE are outraged by such blatant discrimination.”
Santa Ono joins University of British Columbia
California Senate passes bill to expand definition of ‘Asian American’
Asian American Student FILES COMPLAINT For Ivy League Schools rejection
National News | asian avenue magazine
29
B
bookreview
Barbara A da
h City Min hi
ack in the 1970s, my father served in the U.S. Navy and was deployed to Vietnam as part of his service. He never mentioned his travels in Vietnam, but I witnessed his tearful emotions when we watched war movies such as Platoon. Years ago, when my brother invited my husband and I to travel to Vietnam for his wedding with Hien Nguyen, I felt some apprehension. After reading Vietnam: 100 Unusual Travel Tips, I feel more confident to travel in this country, led by a Community Party. The book is filled with historical customs, nuances, and social norms unique only to Vietnam; it is not just another travel guide. It is written from the perspective of someone who lives in the country. “This book is my love letter to Vietnam - a country that gave me a new life, a wonderful husband and two very funny children,” said Barbara Adam, who has been based in Ho Chi Minh City on and off since 2007. “I want to share ‘my’ Vietnam with the world, in all its wonderful craziness, so that other people can enjoy it as much as I have.” The husband and wife duo Barbara Adam and Vu Vo collaborated in this travel book to share their insights as an expat from Australia and a native of Vietnam. Adam is a former finance and political journalist who quit her dream job in the press gallery in Canberra in 2007 for a working holiday in Vietnam. A year later, she met Vo and they began collaborating in life and in business. Their shared interests include their two kids, four dogs, their street food tour business Saigon Street Eats (Asian Avenue Magazine, August 2014), as well as Vietnam: 100 Unusual Travel Tips and a Guide to Living and Working There. Intended to be an accompaniment to a travel guide, this book helps international visitors understand expectations of the people and their country. Adam targets readers who are planning to visit Vietnam and are curious about the country. “This book is designed to be a companion to a traditional travel guidebook,” she said. “It’s not a list of hotel and sightseeing recommendations. Instead it explains how Vietnam works, and what you need to know to enjoy your travels through this amazing country.” Adam blogs at www.thedropoutdiaries.com. Her work has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, The Telegraph, The Age, The Australian, Lucky Peach. In 2015, she contributed several chapters to Fodor’s Vietd Vu Vo in Ho nam travel guidebook. n a C She grew up in Mount Isa in outback Queensland m and has lived and worked in Australia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Vo was a mild-mannered marketing executive climbing the corporate ladder when he met Adam in Ho Chi Minh City in 2008. His life has never quite been the same since. Vo’s love of Vietnam and its food deepened as he introduced Adam to his world. In 2012, he began sharing with a wider audience through Saigon Street Eats, which runs street food tours in Ho Chi Minh City. The tour company educates English-speaking tourists from the U.S., England and Australia. The tours allow international visitors to peek into the daily lives of locals and eat alongside them. When the duo isn’t writing or leading tour groups, they explore the city deeper. “We like exploring Ho Chi Minh City together, finding the best street food in town,” Adam said. “I also spend a lot of time plotting future travel adventures.” Mary Jeneverre Schultz attended her brother’s wedding in Ho Chi Minh (formerly Saigon) back in 2008. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @Jeneverre.
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September 2016 | Book Review
Vietnam: 100 Unusual Travel Tips and a Guide to Living and Working There Author: Barbara Adam and Vu Vo Publisher: Wandering Educators Publication Date: January 27, 2016 Format: Paperback Language: English Pages: 208 pages ISBN: 978-0692630655 Reviewed by Mary Jeneverre Schultz
BARBARA ADAM
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