Preserving Freedom: A Celebration Of Our Most Precious Gift Page 6 & 7
Pipe Dream Sk8 Co. Much More Than A Pipe Dream Page 8 & 9
10
TRAILBLAZERS
Dr. Ming Wang - Bringing Sight & Faith To The World Page 10 & 11
12
ENTERTAINMENT CONGRATULATIONS! Page 12 & 13
14
IN THE COMMUNITY
It All Started With A Photo Page 14 & 15
It’s Obon Season! Page 16 & 17
20
NEWS & EVENTS
Two Filipino Americans Achieve Historic Wins At James Beard Awards Llera Named Best Chef In California; Balingit Wins Emerging Voice Award Page 18 & 19
The Forgotten HIstory Of The Filipino Farm Center Page 19
Young Professional: Phillip Merlo Page 20
3rd Annual Golden Harvest Parade & Festival Page 21
2024 Obon Japanese Bon Odori Page 22
Celebrate North HighlandsA Multicultural Event Page 24
THE APA LIVING TODAY
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Elite Publications
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Deadline to submit newsworthy information from non-profits, charitable organizations, or other sources is the 19th of each month for the following issue. Submitting information does not guarantee it will be featured.
Submit information to: jtc.publicist@gmail.com • Attn: Jim Chong
The APALT is digitally published bi-monthly by the APA Living Today. APALT does not assume responsibility for the authenticity or accuracy of news materials furnished for publication.
We are at another milestone in the 2nd half of 2024. This year, I have seen so many things start to gain root for people…myself included. The first part of the year is almost always filled with excitement, goals, and anticipation of what will happen in the new year. What I like about this specific time period as we venture towards the 3rd Quarter of 2024, is that we are once again brought to a point where we get to reflect on what I believe is most important.
July marks a month where we are all reminded about the independence we have because of the sacrifice of those that have served our country. We have specific days that commemorate this such as Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day. What I think is equally important is that we really understand the impact our lives can make for the future generations.
Those that have served our country, when you talk to them, don’t really feel they are doing anything outside of what their duty is. They are more focused on doing their part…yet, many of those that serve our country, are not really, in my opinion, treated with the respect that is due them. For this edition, I wanted to focus on FREEDOM, GRATITUDE, and just how great of a country we live in here in the United States of America.
Take time as you celebrate the 4th of July to think about the sacrifice of those that have served our country so that we can have the freedom we have. We are far from perfect for sure in terms of where we need to be, which is why we can all take the time to pay tribute and honor those that have done so much selflessly so that we can celebrate the 4th of July.
As you peruse these pages, think about the stories and just how we can continue to learn more about what makes our country great. We are truly the “Melting Pot” of the world and my hope is that we will not use our freedom aimlessly, but rather let it propel us to live our purpose and use our “FREEDOM” to instill and enrich each other.
Take time to appreciate the different cultures, beliefs, and differences of the people around you and continue to be grateful for what we have today at our fingertips…not because of what we’ve done, but rather because of those that have fought for our freedom.
Explore, learn, and appreciate these times. Happy July!
– Jim
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Jim T. Chong
Define Your Legacy By Defining You
By Jim T. Chong, Wok Star and Legend Maker
Jim T. Chong
Being READY
As we move into this next year, what do you want to accomplish? LEGACY is a big word that we all naturally are creating for ourselves whether intentional or not.
“How do you want to be remembered?” “What do you want to be known for?”
What we do will by definition define who we are over time. There is a concept that many of us know about…”Ready, Aim, Fire!”
These words are so appropriate to use when we think of life and how we will live it.
Being ready is a state that implies we are prepared and willing to progress.
AIMing for a Target Targeting what we try to achieve.
FIRE is about pulling the trigger and taking action Taking action is tantamount for anything to happen and being able to have some level of control over a result.
These 3 words combined are powerful and really exemplify what is necessary to achieve some objective. However, if we take them out of sequence, the result will most likely change substantially.
Think about the implications of redefining the order of these:
“READY, AIM, FIRE”
“AIM, READY, FIRE”
“FIRE, AIM, READY”
There are reasons why we may take these out of sequence, but consider what you need to accomplish and the sequence in which you will be putting things into practice.
When it comes to your LEGACY, I hope you will take some time, if you haven’t already, to seriously consider the positive difference you can make for those around you and how you want to be remembered.
The summer months are filled with events and other things that we can appreciate and enjoy. During these times, I hope you are able to plan accordingly, define what you want to happen, and take action to bring those things into reality.
One of the biggest things I am gearing for in the upcoming months is helping people tell their story and put into sequence the things that need to be done. I’ve been feeling privileged to be a part of other people creating their legacy and helping them tell their story.
No matter what culture or community you are a part of, there is a quote that resonates so clearly that will define you and your legacy. It is by Zig Ziglar when he stated:
“You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want.”
Bring to reality what you want to achieve and create your legacy by helping others create theirs.Take time to really evaluate what you want your legacy to be and what defines you.
Have an incredible summer!
Your Resource to create YOUR story.
For More Information, Contact: Jim T. Chong the Wok Star & Legend Maker Direct Line to Text/Call: (916) 747-9366 Email: jtc.legendmaker@gmail.com Website: JimTChong.com
Are you interested in helping us share about your culture or community? We want to hear from you. Contact Jim at (916) 747-9366 or jtc.legendmaker@gmail.com
Preserving Freedom: A Celebration of Our Most Precious Gift
By Jessie Bowen, the Author of God Forgives, Why Not You?
Jessie Bowen
As we reflect on the sacrifices of those who have fought for our freedom, let us renew our commitment to safeguarding this precious inheritance. Let us exercise our rights and liberties with responsibility, wisdom, and a deep appreciation for the power they hold. By doing so, we not only secure our own futures but also pave the way for a world where all people can live with the dignity, autonomy, and fulfillment they deserve.
As human beings, we have been blessed with the most precious gift - freedom. This freedom is not just a right but a fundamental aspect of our existence that shapes our lives, choices, and paths to success. In this article, I will explore the significance of preserving freedom, its multifaceted benefits, and why it is a treasure we must cherish and protect.
Many individuals are unable to appreciate the precious gift of life due to being entangled in past hatred that dates back to their great-grandparents. In my book, God Forgives, Why Not You? I emphasize the importance of letting go, releasing the old, and embracing the new as a path to freedom and spiritual healing. It is time to embrace the gift of freedom and move forward.
Freedom is the cornerstone of a fulfilling and empowered life. It is the ability to make decisions, pursue our dreams, and shape our destinies. Without freedom, we are shackled by the will of others, unable to reach our full potential and live life on our own terms. As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, it is crucial that we understand the true value of this gift and commit ourselves to safeguarding it for generations to come.
Freedom is not just a lofty ideal; it is a fundamental human right that has been fought for and defended throughout history. From the American Revolution to the fall of the Berlin Wall, countless individuals have sacrificed their lives to secure and protect the liberties we enjoy today. This legacy of struggle and triumph serves as a powerful reminder of the immense value of freedom and the importance of preserving it.
In a world that is constantly evolving, the preservation of freedom is an ongoing battle. Threats to our liberties can come in many forms, from government overreach to the erosion of civil rights. It is our responsibility as citizens to remain vigilant, to speak up against injustice, and to ensure that the flame of freedom continues to burn brightly. By doing so, we not only safeguard our own freedoms but also pave the way for a future where all people can live with the dignity and autonomy they deserve.
Freedom is not just a political or economic concept; it also has profound spiritual and emotional implications. When we are free to live our lives according to our own values and beliefs, we experience a deep sense of fulfillment, purpose, and self-actualization. The ability to freely express our thoughts, beliefs, and spiritual convictions is a fundamental aspect of human flourishing. It allows us to connect with our inner selves, find meaning and purpose in our lives, and engage in the pursuit of personal and spiritual growth.
Furthermore, freedom fosters a sense of empowerment, self-determination, and personal agency. When we are free to make our own choices, take responsibility for our actions, and shape our own destinies, we develop a stronger sense of self-worth, confidence, and resilience. This, in turn, leads to greater emotional well-being, reduced stress and anxiety, and a more positive outlook on life. For more insight on the freedom of forgiveness, check out my book God Forgives Why Not You? available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Books-a-Million.
If you are thinking about writing, publishing, or marketing a book, contact Elite Publications, a full-service publishing company. www.elitepublications.org
Elite Publications
Dr. Jessie Bowen, Founder Elite Publications & AMAA
Are you ready to write your story? Contact us! For more information, visit www.ElitePublications.org or calI/text (919) 618-8075
Pipe Dream Sk8 Co. Much More Than a Pipe Dream
Original source article: HERLIFE Magazine
The story behind Pipe Dream Sk8 Co., like many others, begins by chance. “It was in 2020, during the pandemic, and I was bored out of my mind,” said Aaron Sass, who runs the company out of his home’s garage in Lodi. A friend of his was getting rid of some woodworking tools, and although he had no experience in woodworking himself, he decided to see what he could do with them. It turned out to be a life-changing experiment.
“When I was thinking about what to build, the first thing that came to mind was skateboarding, so I figured I’d just build a longboard. It turned out not so great,” he recalled with a laugh. “It was pretty ugly. But I learned a lot with it.”
He found a place in Stockton called MacBeath Hardwood that sold different kinds of wood, and he went there to learn even more. Then he made his first real longboard, and after putting pictures of it on social media, found himself receiving multiple requests to make more. Soon, his pandemic hobby had become a business venture, and his reach had already gone beyond the Central Valley.
One of the many people who had their interest piqued by Aaron’s boards was none other than Wes Humpston, a man who is widely considered to be the pioneer of skateboard art. His history goes all the way back to the early legends of skateboarding, the Santa Monica and Venice Z-Boys of the 1970s who paved the way for the Bones Brigade skateboarding team that Aaron grew up admiring; skateboarding legend Tony Hawk was a member. Today, Wes still makes art for the decks of boards under his own company, Bulldog Skates. And now, Aaron is designing boards for Wes.
“I nearly fell out of my seat when he contacted me on social media,” recalled Aaron. “He asked if I could build him some blank boards, using just maple, that he could put some art on.” Wes sent some templates for Aaron, and they included a wedge tail. “I had never done a design with a wedge tail before, but I figured it out and now he’s ordered 11 boards from me.”
But you don’t have to be a Skateboarding Hall of Fame inductee like Wes to order a custom board from Aaron. Nor do you have to be an expert at building, although Aaron likes the process of laying out materials and showing people how they can design their own boards.
“When I first started, I just made a bunch of boards hoping people would be like, ‘I’ll take that one,’” he said. But people were more interested in something customized. “There’s just something about the ability to design your own board. And it becomes more of partnership than a customer and builder relationship.”
So, what exactly does a custom board mean? You start by choosing a particular wood; Aaron uses 12 types. There are domestic woods such as dark brown walnut, the light-colored but extremely sturdy maple, and woods from around the world such as purpleheart, which hails from South America and has a hue that lives up to its name. Then, you get to the trucks, the hardware underneath the board that holds the wheels on; both the trucks and wheels can come in different colors. And to make things extra special, Aaron has a laser engraver, which gives you the option to have something engraved such as a name, a logo or a quote.
The production process typically takes about a week, although at a busy time like Christmas, it can take longer. And it’s become kind of a family business. “My wife has been very patient,” Aaron said, and he also thanks her for coming up with the name for the business: “I was talking to her, trying to figure out how the company would look, and I was getting kind of negative about it, saying, ‘Oh, it’s just a pipe dream anyway,’ and she was like, ‘I think that would be a really good name.’” His kids also have fun working on boards with him.
Aaron Sass, owner and creator of Pipe Dream Sk8 Company
Custom skateboards creations by Aaron
Skateboard trucks
Dr. Ming Wang, Harvard & MIT (MD); PhD
TRAILBLAZERS
Dr. Ming Wang Bringing Sight & Faith to the World
Source cited: https://www.drmingwang.com/
Dr. Ming Wang, Harvard & MIT (MD, magna cum laude), PhD (laser physics, University of Maryland), is a world-class cataract and LASIK eye surgeon, philanthropist, and community activist. He is the founding director of Wang Vision Institute and a Clinical Professor for Meharry Medical College, both in Nashville, TN.
Dr. Wang has performed over 55,000 procedures, including over 4,000 doctors. He has published over 100 papers, including one in the world-renowned journal Nature, as well as 10 ophthalmic textbooks:
• Corneal Topography in the Wavefront Era
• Irregular Astigmatism - Diagnosis and Treatment
• Corneal Dystrophy and Degeneration - a Molecular Genetic Approach
• Keratoconus and Keratoectasia - Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment
• LASIK Vision Correction
• Corneal Topography in the Wavefront Era - 2nd edition
• Atlas and Clinical Guide for Corneal Topography
• Refractive Lens Exchange - a Surgical Treatment for Presbyopia
• Surgical Treatment for Presbyopia - the 5th Wave
• Grow Your Eye Care Practice: High-Yield Pearls from the Marketing Experts
The Wang Foundation for Sight Restoration, a 501c(3) non-profit charity founded by Dr. Wang has helped patients from over 40 states in the U.S. and 55 countries worldwide, with all sight restoration surgeries performed free-of-charge.
As a co-founder of another501c(3) non-profit organization, the Common Ground Network, Dr. Wang is dedicated to helping people find common ground and solutions to problems in order to achieve more success and happiness.
Dr. Wang has received numerous awards including the Honor Award of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Lifetime Achievement Award of the Association of Chinese American Physicians, an honorary doctorate degree from Trevecca Nazarene University, NPR’s Philanthropist of the Year Award, and Kiwanis Nashvillian of the Year Award for his lifetime dedication to helping blind orphan children from around the world.
Dr. Wang’s patients include music stars such as Dolly Parton, Charlie Daniels, Kenny Chesney, Naomi Judd, Nicole Kidman, Amy Grant, and a “Dancing with the Stars” winner, Julianne Hough.
Dr. Wang is the founding president of the Tennessee Chinese Chamber of Commerce, co-founder of the Tennessee Immigrant and Minority Business Group.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
After obtaining his PhD in laser physics from University of Maryland, Dr. Wang was trained at the top three eye institutes in the U.S.:
• MD (magna cum laude), Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, MA
• Residency, Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, PA
• Corneal and Refractive Surgery Fellowship, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miami, FL.
SPECIALTIES AND EXPERTISE
Dr. Wang was one of the first eye surgeons in the United States to perform bladeless, all-laser LASIK, and SMILE (small incision lenticular extraction). To this day, his LASIK and SMILE procedures have exceptionally high rates of success. His worldrenowned reputation led to him being selected as a LASIK surgeon for ABC’s national hit-show, Extreme Makeover.
Dr. Wang performs 3D SMILE and 3D LASIK (age 18+), 3D Implantable Contact Lens (age 21+), 3D Forever Young Lens (age 45+), 3D laser cataract surgery (age 60+), laser floater removal, and INTACS® corneal implants. He also runs an active international referral clinic for post-LASIK and post-cataract surgery complications.
A former panel consultant of the U.S. FDA Ophthalmic Device Panel, Dr. Wang holds several U.S. patents for his inventions of new biotechnologies to restore sight, including:
• the world’s first amniotic membrane contact lens (AMCL).
• an adaptive infrared retinoscopic device for detecting ocular aberrations.
• a digital eye bank for virtual clinical trials.
performed the world’s first femtosecond laser-assisted artificial cornea implantation (Alphacor) and the first INTACS® procedure in the U.S. using a new version for advanced keratoconus. He was a U.S. investigator in FDA clinical trial for a procedure to treat age-related loss of near vision (presbyopia) as well as a clinical trial for cross-linking to treat keratoconus. He introduced the femtosecond laser to Tennessee and performed the state’s first bladeless all-laser LASIK, as well as the first such procedure in China.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
Throughout his career, Dr. Wang has been a member of many professional organizations, including:
• Alumni Societies for both Harvard and MIT
TRAILBLAZERS
• American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
• Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Alumni Society
• Nashville Academy of Ophthalmology
• Wills Eye Hospital Alumni Society
A highly skilled Chinese violin (erhu) player
Dr. Ming Wang is highly skilled at playing the Chinese erhu violin, a two-stringed, traditional Chinese musical instrument.
Dr. Wang has served on the editorial boards or as reviewers for many top ophthalmology journals, such as the American Journal of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmology, British Journal of Ophthalmology, Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, the Journal of Refractive Surgery, Cataract and Refractive Surgery Today, Review of Refractive Surgery, Refractive Eyecare and the Aier Journal of Refractive Surgery.
PERSONAL
Dr. Wang grew up in the 1960s. During this time, millions of innocent youth were deported to remote areas to face life sentences of poverty and hard labor. He had to play the Chinese violin (“erhu”) and learn to dance in order to try to escape a life in labor camps. He eventually made his way to America with only $50. Following, he graduated with the highest honors from Harvard Medical School and MIT.
Dr. Wang and his wife Anle live in Nashville, TN with their three cats: Spaghetti, Tennessee, and Liliy. Dr. Wang is a champion amateur ballroom dancer and was a finalist in the world pro-am international 10-dance championships. Playing his erhu, he accompanied country music legend, Dolly Parton, on her album, Those Were the Days.
SIGHT, starring Oscar-nominated and Emmy-winning Greg Kinnear and Terry Chen (Almost Famous, Falling), is based on the true story of Dr. Ming Wang, a poor Chinese immigrant, who defies all odds to become a worldrenowned eye surgeon in the United States. Set in 1970’s rural China, a young Ming faces persecution and despair at every turn, but through the support of his dedicated family and his own unwavering determination, he finds his way to America, attends Harvard and MIT and helps develop an innovative technology that restores sight in millions. Taking on the seemingly impossible challenge of helping a blind orphan, the resilient Dr. Wang must reconcile with his own traumatic past and face the harsh reality that the strength of his own will can only go so far.
Known also for his work in philanthropy, Dr. Wang organizes an annual classical ballroom dance charity event, the EyeBall, which has drawn attendees from all across the U.S. and around the world.
Dr. Wang’s autobiography, From Darkness to Sight, is an inspirational story of how one man turned fear, poverty, persecution, and prejudice into healing and love for others. It demonstrates how focus, determination, humility, and profound faith can inspire a life that, in turn, impacts the lives of countless others. The book has inspired an upcoming movie called “Sight”. Dr. Wang’s story has also inspired a movie role in the film “God’s Not Dead”.
Dr. Ming Wang is a nationally ranked amateur ballroom dancer. He was a finalist in the United States Pro/AM International 10 Dance Championships in 2007, in which he won 4th place.
CONGRATULATIONS!
By
Jim T. Chong, Wok Star and Legend Maker (279) 999-6363 •
jtc.legendmaker@gmail.com
Conratulations to the finalists for the Karaoke World Championship local level Citywide Karaoke qualifications that will enter the State Level Championship. The Champions from the State level will compete with the National Level and then the selected will progress to the World Championship in Finland where the winner will be awarded $30,000.
As mentioned, Citywide Karaoke qualified for all 4 positions at the State level to attend the National Championship for the Karaoke World Championship to take place in Las Vegas on August 12th - 14th.
Qualifiers for Karaoke World Championship National Championship in Las Vegas: Andy Navarrette, Christina Livingston, Amanda Beltz, Gianni Mays, KWS California
Coordinator: Robert Hilario, Citywide Karaoke Entertainment & Production: Jim T. Chong
House of Oliver: Justin Karr, Mary Ann Shaw, Gianni Mays, Matthew Madrigal, Amanda Beltz, Daniel Inunuzi, CJ Lewis (Not pictured)
Hooch’s Sports Bar, Grill and Pizzeria: Paul Carroll, Art Gomez, Lew Sanchez, Carmen Yanes, UB Eubanks
Mr. Tequilas Sports Bar & Grill: George Educayen, Christina Livingston, Richard Lanza, Marni Clack, Andy Navarette (Not Pictured)
ENTERTAINMENT
For
to
(IWantToBeNeeja.com) for the
of
Congratulations
Jennifer Murphy
launch
her “Sneak Peek” Movie Pink Carpet Experience in Fine Arts, Beverly Hills, CA.
Citywide Comedy at Mr. Tequila’s Sports Bar & Grill
Citywide Comedy-Dad’s Joke Contest at Mr. Tequila’s, Rancho Cordova, CA
It All Started With A Photo
Filipino Farm Center project committee and the San Joaquin County Historical Museum
While scrolling through Facebook one day, Linda Claramo came across a photo showing “the officers and members of the Filipino Farm Center, 1945-1946.” The image of the smartly dressed group immediately caught her attention and piqued her interest. She was especially curious as the post mentioned that the Center once existed locally in San Joaquin County. Linda began researching to hopefully learn more about the Farm Center. Surely, with an image of a large, established group there would be some historical information. However, to her surprise there was very little documentation or information to be found, mainly just a sentence or two here or there. She then reached out to her friend, Val Acoba, who had posted the photo and the Filipino Farm Center project was born.
Located on Manila Road in the unincorporated community of Lathrop, California, the Filipino Farm Center served as an important hub for Filipino farm owners and their families who lived in the area from the 1940s to the 1960s. During this period, the homes and farmland surrounding the Farm Center, which spanned hundreds of acres, was mainly owned by Filipinos. By the 1950’s the area was likely the largest Filipino owned farming area in the State. Created in response to racism and persecution perpetuated against Filipinos at the time, the Farm Center became not only a meeting place for agricultural workers but a formative force for generations of Filipinos and their families in the region.
In December 2023, a group of descendants of the Filipino families that lived, worked, or were active members of the Farm Center convened and shared old photographs and fond memories of the Farm Center. The families requested that their memories/stories be recorded and documented to preserve the Farm Center’s history and to share this important part of Filipino American history with the wider community. Now, in partnership with the San Joaquin County Historical Museum, their desire is becoming a reality in the new exhibit, The Forgotten History of the Filipino Farm Center
Through photos and artifacts, as well as firsthand accounts recorded by videographer Louis Ambriz, visitors will learn about the history of Filipinos in California and San Joaquin County, the factors that lead to the formation of the Farm Center, its active years, and its legacy which lives on today through the lives of those who were there. A companion issue of the San Joaquin County Historical Museum’s academic journal, The San Joaquin Historian, will be published as an accompaniment.
The Forgotten History of the Filipino Farm Center will debut to the public on Sunday, September 8 with an opening celebration at the San Joaquin County Historical Museum in Lodi. Features of the day will include local Filipino food, vendors, and entertainment, in addition to the exhibit itself. Visit www.sanjoaquinhistory.org for more information including location, event times, and admission pricing.
The Forgotten History of the Filipino Farm Center exhibit is a joint project between the Filipino Farm Center Committee and the San Joaquin County Historical Museum. Committee members include Linda Claramo, Elizabeth Claramo, Arlinda Acoba Campo, and Dr. Bernard Remolino, Filipino American Historian and Associate Professor of Asian American and US History at San Joaquin Delta College. Special thanks to the families of the Filipino Farm Center for their contributions to the project: Arlinda Acoba Campo, Cathy Acoba Santini, Lily Burgarin, Mitch Tabaldo, Laurena Cabanero, Terri Torres, Linda Soliven, Larry Bermudez, Cathy Gravely, and Val Acoba.
The photo that started it all. Officers and members of the Filipino Farm Center, 1945-1946. Courtesy of Val Acoba
Farmers and tractor on the Acoba farm in Lathrop, near the Farm Center. Courtesy of Val Acoba.
In front of the Filipino Farm Center, date unknown. Women (L to R): Mary Lopez Tabaldo, Arlinda Acoba Campo (little girl), Margarita Acoba, Betty Acoba. Courtesy of Arlinda Acoba Campo. Stockton Evening and Sunday Record. February 27, 1954
It’s Obon Season!
By Stefanie Ritoper
Original Source: LAist • Published Jun 17, 2024 11:13 AM • https://laist.com/
Original article: It’s Obon Season! How To Attend One Of SoCal’s Biggest Japanese American Celebrations
* Modified to fit accordingly - please see entire original article online
It’s that time of year again! Every summer, Japanese Americans across California gather at temples and community centers to celebrate Obon, a joyous festival dedicated to remembering and honoring ancestors
Obon is one of my favorite times of the year. Growing up Japanese American in Northern and Southern California, the holiday conjures up nostalgic childhood memories of eating popsicles during dance practice and eating udon and teriyaki chicken.
What is Obon?
Obon is an annual Japanese Buddhist holiday to celebrate and honor those who have passed away.
Summer kicks off a series of festivals that take place on the weekends between June and August, mainly at Buddhist churches and Japanese community centers across the region. People of all ages come together to eat food, enjoy the company of friends and family, and celebrate. Because Japanese Buddhist temples (or churches, as they’re often called in the U.S.) have historically been gathering places for Japanese American communities within the U.S., these festivals are also a place to celebrate and enjoy Japanese culture.
A typical Obon festival has carnival games, like coin-toss, or even fishing for prizes (and sometimes Koi)! Teriyaki chicken, shaved ice or dango are for sale.
But the real centerpiece of the evening is Bon Odori, or Japanese dancing. As the sun sets, a large circle forms around a raised platform, where folk music plays to a steady taiko drum beat. Each song has a short series of choreographed moves that repeat, so anyone can join in and follow along, regardless of how well you know the dances. You may not know the moves at the beginning of each song, but by the end, you’ve got the hang of it.
The idea is not to sit on the sidelines and watch. If you’re able, you jump in and participate.
What’s the history of Obon?
While the first mention of Bon Odori was in Yamato Shinbun newspaper in Hawaii in 1905, credit often goes to Reverend Yoshio Iwanaga for introducing Bon Odori on the mainland in 1930. As a minister with a background in music and dance, he taught in multiple communities on the North American West Coast, recontextualizing Bon Odori as a Jodo Shinshu Buddhist practice, drawing music and dance from across Japan.
The Buddhist Church of San Francisco held the first Obon festival with Bon Odori in 1931. In Los Angeles, the first Bon Odori occurred in 1933 or 1934, on Central Avenue between First and Jackson Streets in Little Tokyo, at Nishi Hongwanji (Los Angeles Hompa Hongwanji Betsuin), where Iwanaga became the minister.
When the U.S. incarcerated Japanese Americans during World War II, Buddhist communities organized Obon celebrations with Bon Odori dancing in the camps.
How is Obon in Japan different than Obon in the U.S.?
The way we celebrate Obon in the United States is distinctly Japanese American.
In Japan, the Obon holiday focuses on returning to your family’s hometown, visiting your ancestors’ graves, and reuniting with family and friends.
It typically falls around August 15, and there are traffic jams and packed Shinkansen trains throughout the country as people go from the big cities back to their hometowns. Kyoto famously sends loved ones back home to the spirit world on August 16 by lighting large bonfires on the hillsides in the shape of kanji characters.
While in the U.S., many people associate Obon with the festivals, with temples often also hosting memorial services, in Japan the holiday is more intimate and low key. There are some local festivities and celebrations, but because many other bigger festivals take place in Japan during the summertime, Obon is really about spending quality time with family.
In the U.S., Obon festivals are staggered throughout the summer to give people the opportunity to attend multiple festivals.
Can I join the dancing? How can I learn Bon Odori?
Yes! It’s totally OK to join in without knowing what you’re doing. In a way, that’s kind of the point.
Part of the intention behind dancing is to be OK with looking ridiculous and putting our self-consciousness aside.
The best way to learn Bon Odori is by jumping in. If you attend a festival, feel free to join the circle and just start following anyone who looks like they know what they’re doing.
If you do want to try out the moves in advance, many temples have drop-in practice sessions to learn the dances. It’s also a great way to connect with others.
So, get out there and enjoy all the wonderful Obon festivals!!
LAist
Southern California Public Radio • 474 South Raymond Avenue Pasadena, CA 91105
Ph: (626) 583-5100 • www.laist.com
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Two Filipino Americans Achieve Historic Wins At James Beard Awards, Llera Named Best Chef In California; Balingit Wins Emerging Voice Award
By Momar G. Visaya
Source Cited: Asian Journal • June 13, 2024 • Photo Source: Asian Journal
Two Filipino Americans have made history, securing top honors at the prestigious James Beard Foundation Awards over the weekend in Chicago. Lord Maynard Llera of Kuya Lord was named Best Chef in California, while Abi Balingit’s debut cookbook, “Mayumu: Filipino American Desserts Remixed,” won the Emerging Voice award. These accolades not only highlight their exceptional talent and dedication but also showcase the rising prominence of Filipino cuisine in America.
Llera, the culinary visionary behind Kuya Lord, was named Best Chef in California by the James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Chef Awards. This award, one of the most coveted in the culinary industry, recognizes chefs who not only demonstrate exceptional culinary skills and leadership abilities but also contribute to creating a sustainable work culture and positively impact their broader community.
“Tonight, we raise a glass to the 2024 Restauran and Chef Award winners for their phenomenal achievements. These remarkable individuals embody the very essence of our Good Food for Good ethos, showcasing exceptional talent, unwavering dedication to their craft, and a steadfast commitment to elevating the industry,” said James Beard Foundation’s CEO, Clare Reichenbach. “With their passion, skill, and leadership, they are shaping our nation’s dining landscape and setting a new standard for culinary excellence.”
Llera’s win highlights his significant contributions to the culinary scene in California, where he has set high standards through his innovative approach and dedication to excellence. His work at Kuya Lord has been pivotal in showcasing Filipino cuisine’s rich and diverse flavors to a broader audience.
New York-based Abi Balingit and her book “Mayumu: Filipino American Desserts Remixed” received the Emerging Voice award, an accolade given to first-time published authors whose work has an immediate impact and lasting significance, expanding the reach of their subject matter. “Mayumu” has captivated readers with its unique take on Filipino American desserts, blending traditional flavors with modern twists.
The James Beard Foundation, which began honoring excellence in food media over 30 years ago, recognized Balingit’s book for its innovative and impactful contribution to the culinary literature. The Book Awards, first conferred by the Foundation in 1990, celebrate cookbooks and other nonfiction food or beverage-related books published in the U.S. in 2023.
“It’s interesting how it wasn’t always my intention to write a book, it wasn’t my intention to have this blow up the way that it did. But I’m really grateful for it,” Balingit told the Asian Journal in an earlier interview. “But it’s more like, I’m letting the tide take me and that’s how I want the future to be so I will never say no to anything.”
Balingit’s journey as an author began unexpectedly when she posted photos of her Lao Gan Ma spicy chili crisp cupcakes online. Her now-literary agent reached out and suggested she write a cookbook, a notion Balingit initially hadn’t considered.
This happened a few months into the pandemic, around September 2020, soon after she launched her baking blog, The Dusky Kitchen, from her Brooklyn apartment. Her blog, which became a platform to share her baking experiences and sell pasalubong treat boxes to support non-profit organizations, laid the foundation for her book. “Mayumu: Filipino Desserts Remixed” ended up as a blend of Filipino American dessert recipes and essays about her cultural experiences.
Balingit, who has been baking since she was 13, describes herself as a self-taught baker who learned through YouTube and guidance from her mother. She believes that her diverse influences, growing up in the Bay Area and living in New York, have enriched her culinary perspective. Her book aims to provide options for home bakers, blending traditional Filipino flavors with new, inventive twists. She emphasized respecting the origins of these flavors while exploring new combinations.
Her book, named to honor her parents and their Kapampangan heritage, reflects her personal journey and her dedication to baking as a form of connection and coping during challenging times. Balingit’s parents instilled in her the importance of kindness and doing good for others, values she carries into her baking and writing.
Lord Maynard Llera
Abi Balingit
The Restaurant and Chef Awards, established in 1990 with the first ceremony taking place in 1991, are one of five separate recognition programs by the James Beard Foundation. These awards celebrate excellence across a range of dining experiences, from fine-dining establishments to casual gems, and from emerging talents to established luminaries, all while supporting and encouraging a more sustainable industry.
Both Llera and Balingit’s achievements reinforce the growing influence and recognition of Filipino cuisine and culture in the United States. Their awards not only highlight their talents and contributions but also bring pride to the Filipino American community, inspiring future generations of chefs and authors.
Growing list
Llera and Balingit join a distinguished group of Filipino and Filipino-American James Beard Award winners.
In 2020, the James Beard Foundation honored Oriental Mart, a beloved Filipino restaurant located inside Pike Place Market in Seattle, with the prestigious “America’s Classics” award. This award recognizes locally-owned restaurants with a “timeless appeal” that are cherished regionally for their quality food reflecting the character of their community. Established in 1971 by Mila Apostol, an immigrant from the Philippines, Oriental Mart initially began as a grocery store. In 1987, Apostol’s daughter, Leila Rosas, expanded the business by opening an adjacent lunch counter, which has since become a staple for delicious Filipino classics in Seattle.
Tom Cunanan won the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic in 2019 for his work at the now-closed Bad Saint restaurant in Washington D.C. Miguel de Leon, a Filipino American sommelier and writer based in New York City, won the 2022 James Beard Foundation Journalism Award for his long-form essay “It’s Time to Decolonize Wine,” which explored his experiences as a person of color in the wine industry.
Last year, Filipino-French chef and content creator Erwan Heussaff won the James Beard Award in the Social Media Account category for his Instagram account @erwan. Heussaff is the founder of The Fat Kid Inside Studios, which runs the YouTube channel FEATR, focusing on Filipino cuisine and culture.
Also in 2023, Margarita Manzke was named Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker for her work at Republique in Los Angeles, after being nominated for eight years. Additionally, Marilou Ranta, chef/owner of The Quarry in Maine, won the Outstanding Hospitality category, recognizing her excellence in both food and customer service.
The husband-and-wife duo Tim Flores and Genie Kwon, owners and chefs of Kasama in Chicago, won the Best Chef: Great Lakes category for 2023. Kasama made history in April 2020 by becoming the first-ever Filipino restaurant to receive a coveted Michelin star.
These recognitions reflect the growing influence and recognition of Filipino cuisine in the American culinary scene, celebrating the rich heritage and innovative contributions of Filipino and Filipino-American chefs, authors, and content creators.
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Young Professional: Phillip Merlo
Meet the emerging leader who envisions a bright future for the Capital Region
Phillip Merlo isn’t much of a self-promoter. A voracious reader, he quotes a sentiment he internalized from a John le Carré spy novel: “I give my life to institutions, and I expect nothing in return” (or something like that). “All you can do is give your life to making things and places and people better,” he says. If you are truly focused on that work, he adds, people will notice.
The place to which Merlo has given much of his life is Stockton, where he grew up. The institution is San Joaquin County Historical Museum, a pleasantly arbored 18-acre compound in the agrarian outskirts of Lodi. But if his mother had not died suddenly just weeks before his college graduation, Merlo would have likely ended up pouring his efforts into somewhere further flung — namely, China, where he studied abroad while earning his degree in geography and history from UC Berkeley.
Phillip’s mother, Julia Merlo, was a financial planner who left her career to become a beloved teacher in Stockton. His father, Eric Merlo, is part of a long line of architects and a fourth-generation Stocktonian. “Both of my parents were morally driven people,” says Phillip Merlo.
After his mother’s death, he had to take a step back and decide what was most important to him. “And I came to the realization that … building community and building complex relationships with the people you care about and love was ultimately at the heart of a happy and successful life,” he says.
As it goes, his community needed him, too. Often overlooked by academics and disparaged by news media, Stockton has gained a reputation as a high-crime, backwater city of little import. Not true, according to Merlo. At just 31, he is the foremost historian and advocate for Stockton’s historical and cultural significance, as a former hub for industrial innovation and one of the most ethnically diverse cities in America.
“In places that are understudied or underinvested in across the country, you will tend to see younger people involved, because oftentimes it’s youth who are most interested in making a difference in their community,” he says.
Encouraged by two mentors he worked with in his first year back home — Dillon Delvo, executive director and co-founder of Little Manila Rising (Merlo serves on the board), and Barbara Barrigan-Parrilla, executive director at Restore the Delta — Merlo became a history teacher at Franklin High School, his alma mater, giving lectures on the history of Stockton and San Joaquin County with tie-ins to national and international history. During his tenure, the school received a grant to establish a museum where students could work with artifacts.
Merlo was head-hunted for the director of education position at the San Joaquin County Historical Museum, where he was able to expand upon his work researching, writing for academic journals and giving lectures at hundreds of institutions. He plans to write a book titled after one of his lectures, “Metropolis, Lost: Immigration, Education, Segregation, and Economic Development in Greater Stockton.”
He’s also chair of Stockton’s Cultural Heritage Board, which he led efforts to revitalize. In his down time, Merlo enjoys running, deer hunting and playing chess. He lives in a house designed by his grandfather, built by his great-grandfather. And he plans to one day earn a Ph.D. in history to satisfy his own “intellectual curiosity.”
These interests continue into his current role as the museum’s executive director, which he assumed three years ago, but the job also requires business acumen, which Merlo fortunately has. He was able to steer the museum toward a solid financial footing after the pandemic, and an eight-figure redevelopment project that includes a pioneer village is expected to break ground in the fall.
The museum also provides historical narratives for media projects and graduate students’ dissertations, while cataloging and preserving archives from Stockton’s manifold communities.
“Fundamentally, we have to be this infrastructure because no one else is going to do it, and these stories matter. These narratives matter, and our people matter,” Merlo says.
Phillip Merlo, a self-proclaimed “hat guy,” examines an interesting specimen at the Thursday Bodega Days farmers market at Cesar Chavez Park. (Photo by Terence Duffy)
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