Asian Avenue magazine - September 2018

asian avenue magazine September 2018 Volume 13 Issue 9

Connecting Cultures Linking Lives

CRAZY RICH

Representation What’s New! 2018 GREAT AMERICAN BEER FESTIVAL

Asians breaking new ground in film and theater How to Advertise to Asian Americans

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Dear Asian Avenue readers,

magazine

What an exciting month for Asians in cinema! Like many of you, I watched Crazy Rich Asians in the theater last month—and loved it! As a Chinese immigrant from Taiwan, the cultural aspects of the movie hit home for me. We are happy to share the reviews and comments of our readers about the movie; there is a resounding message that representation on the big screen is so important.

asian avenue staff & support Publisher & Founder: Christina Yutai Guo President: Annie Guo VanDan Senior Designer: C.G. Yao Editorial Director: Mary Jeneverre Schultz Marketing Manager: Joie Ha

Also out in theaters is Searching, starring John Cho, as a Korean-American father. This thriller has already received multiple awards and widespread acclaim for the uniqueness of the story being told entirely from a computer screen. Another film starring a Korean-American lead character is out on Netflix, To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before. This is a romantic comedy based on the book that tells a high school love story. Check out these movies to support Asian/Asian-American roles in film.

Here in Denver, the theater production VIETGONE is currently playing at the Denver Center for Performing Arts. Linda Le, who won our ticket giveaway, shared that “VIETGONE is funny, imaginative and fresh. The story of Vietnamese refugees Tong and Quang had us laughing and crying throughout the whole production. It hit so close to home and the final scene wraps it up wonderfully. We definitely recommend it!” The production will play through the end of the month, so don’t miss it!

As autumn rolls in, we hope you will support the great work of the Nathan Yip Foundation and OCA Colorado at their fundraising events this month. Enjoy delicious Chinese food in celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival!

Staff Writer: Patricia Kaowthumrong Staff Writer: Amy Ng

contributing writers Tesia Chen, Jessalyn Langevin, Joseph Owen Schultz, Stephanie Tanny, Akemi Tsutsui-Kunitakei, Angela Yang

contributing photographers AdamsVisCom, Colorado Dragon Boat Festival, Frank J. Schultz

on the cover Henry Golding, Constance Wu and executive producer and author Kevin Kwan at the Warner Bros. Pictures Crazy Rich Asians premiere held at the TCL Chinese Theatre on August 7, 2018, in Los Angeles, CA. Copyright: © 2018 WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC. AND KIMMEL DISTRIBUTION, LLC | Photo Credit: Eric Charbonneau

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September 2018 | Publisher’s Note

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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.

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DIM SUM LUNCH Saturday, September 22, 2018  11am King’s Land Chinese Restaurant | 2200 W Alameda Ave * Celebrate the Chinese Mid Autumn Moon Festival! * * Authentic family-style dim sum. * * Fun crafts for kids by Little Red Hen Studio. * * Bring the whole family! *

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Celebrate the 14th Anniversary of Confucius Institute

Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018 3:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Cultural Fair (3:00-5:00 pm) • Art Performances (3:30-5:00 pm) • Dinner (5:30-7:00 pm)

King Center Concert Hall 855 Lawrence Way, Denver, CO 80204 FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Free parking at 7th St. Garage on the day of the event.

EXPERIENCE CHINA: Traditional Music & Dancing Chinese Martial Arts Traditional Chinese Food & Tea Arts & Calligraphy Crafts & Games Language Lessons and more

For more info:

CCD.edu/ci

CONTENTS

september

2018

EVENTS

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Event calendar

INSIDE STORY

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Sensei Tsutsui teaches karate to all ages at Colorado Budokan

COVER STORY

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Crazy Rich Representation: Asians break new ground on the big screen and in theater Singapore gets added to travel bucket lists after fans watch Crazy Rich Asians Searching explores internet safety and data security Netflix showcases lead Korean American character in To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before

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Crazy Rich Representation: Asians break new ground on the big screen and in theater with Crazy Rich Asians, Searching,To All The Boys I’ve Loved and Vietgone.

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VIETGONE tells a love story during the Fall of Saigon

FEATURE

20

Advertising to Asian Americans: Why and how?

ASIAN AMERICAN NEWS

22

National news about Asian American people and communities

BOOK REVIEW

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25

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Seven Steps to Inner Power dictates how to be successful by taking control of your mind and being present Q&A interview with author Dr. Tae Yun Kim

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28

Workshop helps residents apply for US citizenship

UPCOMING EVENT

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What’s new at this year’s Great American Beer Festival

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Aurora unites delegates from around the world at the 2018 Sister Cities International Conference

P.O. Box 221748 Denver, CO 80222-1748 | Tel: 303.937.6888 E-mail: info@asianavemag.com | www.asianavemag.com September 2018 | Table of Contents

Colorado Dragon Boat Festival beats to its own drum at Sloan’s Lake

ON SCENE

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they didn’t pack. Jump on this emotional ride for an adventure that hums with excitement as it hops across time and around the globe through the highs and lows of love.

AAPI Resource Fair

Saturday, September 8 | 9am to noon

Place Bridge Academy 7125 Cherry Creek N Dr. Denver, CO 80224 Free and open to the public For more info, visit: fb.com/DAAPIC

Bubbling with infectious energy, this rap-spitting, pop culture-crusted dramedy is an ode to the real-life courtship of Playwright Qui Nguyen’s parents. Forced to leave their country during the height of the Vietnam War, two refugees find themselves at the same relocation camp in Arkansas – the land of Harleys, hot dogs and “howdy!” Before they find their way into each other’s arms, they’ll have to blaze a trail in their weird new world and leave behind the baggage

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Come to Denver’s Asian American Pacific Islanders Commission’s Resource Fair to learn more about the following: • Economic Development (are you underemployed or unemployed)?

• Healthcare (access to Medicaid, Mental Health Services or other affordable Healthcare options)?

• Immigration (knowing your rights, citizenship and other immigration resources)?

2018 Diversity Job Fair

Monday, September 10 | 3pm- 6:30pm PPA Event Center 2105 Decatur Street, Denver, CO 80211 Free admission and parking Register at: acccolorado.org

Job Seekers and Employers! Find your next hire at our Diversity Job Fair. Find diverse employees from the Denver metro community - partnering with local Workforce Centers, VA groups and Minority Chambers of Commerce. Companies include: Denver Health, FirstBank, RTD, Wells Fargo and much more.

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September 2018 | Event Calendar

TIAA Denver Office 33rd floor, Aspen Conference Room 1670 Broadway, Denver, CO 80202 Cost: Free to attend For more info, visit naaapcolorado.org Join TIAA and NAAAP Colorado at this joint event on Personal Branding. You will have a unique opportunity to hear and ask questions from the industry leaders on personal branding: how to

Send community events to info@asianavemag.com.

create your brand, what does it mean to have a personal-brand, and how to leverage your brand.

Panelists include: Donna Hansen, Realtor, Ion Real Estate Katerina Jeng, Co-founder, Slant’d Magazine Adeeb Khan, Director of Community Affairs, TIAA

Public Talk with Visiting Teacher, Gen-la Kelsang Jampa Friday, September 21 | 7pm – 8:30pm Kadampa Meditation Center Colorado 1336 Glenarm Place, Denver, CO 80204 Cost: $15 per person For more info, visit meditationincolorado.org/kindness.

Right now, the world could use some kindness!

At this special event, open to everyone, famous Buddhist teacher Gen-la Jampa will explain practical methods to develop an authentic experience of loving kindness through meditation. By becoming a good-natured person with a good heart, we can solve our daily problems, improve our relationships with others, and maintain a happy, peaceful mind all the time. Learn how to choose kindness in your life – it starts with us.

OCA Colorado Mid-Autumn Festival Banquet

Saturday, September 29 | Begins 4:30pm Kings Land Chinese Seafood 2200 W Alameda Ave #44, Denver, CO 80223 Cost: $25 per person For more info, contact Johnny Poon at 303.856.6981 or OCAcolorado@gmail.com.

The OCA banquet is a fun-filled family event with the following: 10-course meal (including twin lobsters, peking duck, and French style steak, etc.), cultural village with amazing cultural booths so you can learn different Chinese culture, silent auction (with all the proceeds going to the OCA education fund), entertainment (Shang Er’ Story, Shaolin Kung Fu, Tai Chi show, Chinese Street Dance, yo-yo show, and festive songs). You can also learn how to make a tasty Chinese snack at the scallion pancake booth. For your eyes only, this year will feature a breathtaking Chinese Lantern District. OCA is a non-profit volunteer driven organization with its mission in promoting the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans.

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Sensei Tsutsui teaches karate to all ages at Colorado Budokan

By Akemi Tsutsui-Kunitake

In 1977, Isao Gary Tsutsui became the first non-Japanese national to ever medal in kata at the World Karate Federation (WKF) World Championships (formerly known as WUKO) in Tokyo, Japan. Kata or “forms” is considered by many to be the essence of traditional karate training.

To this day he remains one of only two American males to medal in Individual Kata competition at the WKF World Championships. Today, Tsutsui Sensei continues the legacy of Japanese martial arts by providing professional instruction in Shotokan karate and promoting the history, philosophy and techniques of traditional karate-do at his Denver-based dojo, Colorado Budokan.

Tsutsui, a sansei (third-generation) Japanese American was born in 1946. He grew up in Denver’s former Japantown (the area surrounding Sakura Square today). Coming from a family of modest means, Tsutsui did not get a chance

helped to found the USA National Karate-do Federation (USANKF, also known as USA Karate), the national governing body for the sport of karate appointed by the United States Olympic Committee. He has also obtained WKF-level certifications in refereeing and judging and has served as Regional Vice-President and Chairman of the Referee Council for the USA National Karate-do Federation.

At his dojo, Tsutsui Sensei aims to promote essential qualities of good character, such as courtesy, respect and discipline alongside the physical aspects of karate (good listening, mental focus, motor skills and athletic development).

Colorado Budokan offers karate training for all ages and skill levels - children to adults, from beginners to advanced practitioners. All classes are conducted in a traditional manner while using current sports training methods and Shotokan karate training appropriate for students’

to train in the martial arts until 1965 at the age of 19 (a late age to begin training for elite karate athletes). He began his formal training in Shotokan karate under Yutaka Yaguchi and Joseph Castillo of the Japan Karate Association (JKA) of Colorado. After four years of JKA training, Tsutsui moved to Irvine, CA and continued his karate education under Kiyoshi Yamazaki, Shindo Jinen Ryu karate master and weapons expert. Master Yaguchi and Master Yamazaki - while of different styles and organizations - are considered to be part of a cohort of native Japanese senseis who are credited with introducing karate to the United States. From 1969-78, Tsutsui trained with Master Yamazaki, earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts at University of California Irvine and won the bronze medal at the World Championships. In the fall of 1978, he moved back to the Denver area.

Since his competition days, Tsutsui

Seventh-degree black belt, Sensei Isao Gary Tsutsui, teaches his class at the annual Kangeiko (New Year’s training). All age groups have the opportunity for karate sport competition at a local or national level when training at Colorado Budokan.

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September 2018 | Inside Story

COLORADO BUDOKAN

3547 S. Monaco Pkwy.

Denver, CO 80237 Tel: 720.253.7473 www.coloradobudokan.com

Ian Crumrine, Colorado Budokan student and USA Karate Junior Team member, won the Gold Medal in Kumite at the 2018 USANKF National Championships.

Karate will make its first appearance as an Olympic sport at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.

Whether you are a parent looking for an activity for your child that will foster focus, self discipline and physical fitness or are an adult who is a current or past practitioner looking to start a new activity or further your martial arts skills, Colorado Budokan will have the right training program for you.

Colorado Budokan’s karate demonstration at the Cherry Blossom Festival led by Sensei Tsutsui. age and skill level. All age groups have the opportunity to participate in sport karate competition at the local and national level. Teens and adults have the opportunity to compete internationally if they choose to pursue these goals. Most recently, Tsutsui returned from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil where his student, Ian Crumrine, competed for the United States at the Junior Pan American Karate Championship.

KARATE IN THE OLYMPICS Karate will make its first appearance as an Olympic sport at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan; a new and exciting development for sport karate practitioners around the world.

Although there are many independent karate organizations across the United States (each using their own rules and regulations), the Olympic games will utilize the WKF rule set in its competition; the same rules and regulations that Col-

CLASSES OFFERED • Nano Ninjas: Age 3 • Mini Samurai: Ages 4 to 5; Beginner (1-2 months training), Novice/Intermediate (3 months training or more) • Samurai Kids: Ages 6 to 11; Beginner & Novice (White through Green) • Bushido Kids: Ages 6 to 11; Intermediate & Advanced (Blue through Black) • Juniors: Combined skill levels of ages 6 to 11

orado Budokan teaches as part of its regular curriculum and has utilized in their annual Friendship Cup tournament for many years.

Because of Tsutsui Sensei’s unique background of traditional karate, competition and judging experience, Colorado Budokan is an ideal place for those interested in learning Olympic-style sport karate.

Colorado Budokan provides instruction on Olympic-style sport karate structure including technical rules, procedures, scoring, and allowable techniques as they apply to kata and kumite (sparring); both to be featured in the 2020 Olympic games.

The Tsutsui family and their outstanding group of instructors come from a wide range of backgrounds and include USA Karate team members, certified referees and judges, numerous national and international championship medalists, sports medicine professionals and fitness trainers.

Sempai Akemi Tsutsui-Kunitake, Colorado Budokan instructor and member of the USA Karate Senior Team Pool.

IT’S EASY TO GET STARTED! WE OFFER A ONE WEEK FREE TRIAL! • Teens & Adults: Ages 12 and up • Beg/Nov & Family Class: For beginner and novice adults and karate families to learn and train together.

• Tournament Kata & Kumite Classes: For Colorado Budokan members looking to improve their technique and understanding of karate-do and its application to competition.

• Competition Team: For students interested in sport competition. Please call for details.

• Kobudo Class: Training in traditional Okinawan weapons, i.e., Bo, Sai, Tonfa, Kama, & Nunchaku. Additional Fee (must be age 6 or older). *Private lessons available.

Please call or e-mail for details.

For questions or the class schedule: Call 720-253-7473, e-mail: colorado.budokan.denver@gmail.com or visit: www.coloradobudokan.com or www.facebook.com/ColoradoBudokan Colorado Budokan | asian avenue magazine

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Everyone is asking...

So what did you think of Crazy Rich Asians?

CHRISTINA ONPENG Age: 29 | Ethnicity: Lao-Lue Theater: Harkins Arvada

SHEBA MCCANTS Age: 33 | Ethnicity: Black & Jewish Theater: Alamo Drafthouse

JOANNE LIU Age: 37 | Ethnicity: Chinese American Theater: Alamo Drafthouse

“It was one of the best romcoms, I have seen in years. Everything about Crazy Rich Asians was perfect. The cast and the costumes and everything about it, the movie really brought the vision from the book alive. It definitely was worth the wait to see an all Asian cast. I even teared up during the movie. Seriously, such a cute movie and I would watch it over and over and over again. So worth the wait.”

“It is rare to see an all Asian cast and as we have seen with the response to films like Black Panther, representation matters. I was exposed to several actors and actresses that I hadn’t yet heard of through this film. I loved the elaborate costuming throughout the film - it really gave me a sense for what it would be like to live in Singapore among the wealthy.”

“I love everything about this movie from the powerful Asian women, to the unapologetically, unexplained Mah Jong scene, the old school music I used to hear my parents play growing up, and the Chinese cultural references throughout. What resonated most with me was the main character’s feeling as an outsider. I’m Chinese but to the Chinese in Asia, I’m not one of them.

This movie is a clear example that representation matters.”

CGJ Age: 69 | Caucasian | Theater: MC Westminster Promenade 24 “I enjoyed the Mandarin versions of American songs. Every woman’s present or future mother-in-law should see the movie and take heed. The movie dealt well with both personal bias and racial bias. Later looking up the history and location of each scene in the movie was fun.”

JESSICA JORGENSEN Age: 33 | Ethnicity: Caucasian Theater: AMC Westminster Promenade 24

Crazy Rich Asians actor Henry Golding will co-star opposite Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick in the thriller A Simple Favor.

The movie will release nationwide on September 12.

“It was a sweet and funny romantic comedy. I loved the interjection of humor and culture. It was interesting to see the tension play out in the movie over being Asian vs being Asian American.

Seeing such a diverse cast was so refreshing – I hope this is the beginning of a new trend and that we are turning an important corner in Hollywood and beyond. Representation matters and there are so many beautiful stories to be told – by people of every age, race, sexual orientation, etc.”

Photo Credit: Warner Bros.

Pictures

ROBERT JUSTUS Age: 48 | Ethnicity: Caucasian Theater: Colorado Center Stadium 9 & IMAX “My wife heard that Kris Aquino was in the movie— so it was automatic that we would go see it. The sheer star power that this movie brought was inspiring: Constance Wu, Michelle Yeoh, Gemma Chan, Ken Jeong, Chris Pang, Awkwafina — these are just the ones off of the top of my head.

This movie did not waste its star power. It was funny, poignant, and it had the most lavish wedding scene ever.

I tell all of my friends not to miss this opportunity. I hope that this leads to many more movies like it.”

Movie: Crazy Rich Asians | asian avenue magazine

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Singapore’s Chinatown

Crazy Rich Asians movie inspires travelers to experience Singapore’s crazy rich diversity

Gardens by the Bay

By Jeannette Herreria Jeannette has visited the Philippines, Vietnam and Hong Kong. Singapore is now on her top five.

DID THE MOVIE ENTICE YOU TO VISIT SINGAPORE? The tourism office of Singapore hopes to lure you with their branding campaign launched last August called “Passion Made Possible.”

“This new brand captures that soul of our country, it tells the story of a place that fulfils individual passions and inspires new possibilities – where one can

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September 2018 | Cover Story

Filmed in Singapore and Malaysia, Crazy Rich Asians highlighted beautiful landscapes, awe-inspiring beaches and the skyline of downtown Singapore.

By the end of the movie, movie-goers started adding Singapore to their bucket list. But was Singapore represented well in the movie?

“Being fictional, the movie obviously does not reflect the whole of Singapore nor the lives of Singaporeans in general. Being a rom-com, the movie ought to be enjoyed in the right spirit and we do think the story is an entertaining and engaging one; and with Singapore being prominently featured, we hope that the movie can pique the interest of viewers, especially in the North American markets to want to find out more about Singapore,” said Kershing Goh, regional director, Americas, Singapore Tourism Board.

be inspired not just by what one can do, but what one can be. For that, we invite Visitors to come visit us with that same event, come pursue your passions as a foodie, an explorer, or an action seeker, and you will find many like-minded people here to share and celebrate their passions with,” said Goh. “As Crazy Rich Asians is set in Singapore and showcases the destination in a way

that celebrates Singapore’s culture, food and attractions, we believe this will augment STB’s efforts in driving destination awareness. While we may not be able to immediately quantify returns from the movie, we certainly expect the exposure from the movie to help bolster greater global awareness of our destination and this could potentially attract more visitors over time.”

TOP SPOTS IN THE MOVIE Known as the ‘lion city’, Singapore is both a city and a country. The top three attractions highlighted in the movie are: 1. GARDENS BY THE BAY, one of the most striking icons of the Singaporean spirit of sustainability and;

2. MARINA BAY SANDS SKYPARK features some of the best views of the island-nation, and; 3. HERITAGE PRECINCTS like Chinatown, Bukit Pasoh, Little India, and Joo Chiat with the Peranakan culture, showcasing rich history and heritage.

“It’s impossible to narrow it down to three, but I would say any visitor to Singapore should explore the diverse and extremely rich dining scene which includes everything from fine-dining restaurants, ethnic cuisine to the Michelin-starred street food scene,” Goh said.

AWE-INSPIRING SCENES The landscapes are spectacular, when you can move past the abs of Henry Golding. The movie is a great introduction to this Asian country.

“For many viewers, Crazy Rich Asians serves as a nice introduction to Singapore, as well as to Asia, and it will hopefully intrigue them to discover more about Singapore, as well as come away appreciating it as a unique country with distinct energy, grit and soul. Many aspects featured in the film and book are great starting points to reveal Singapore’s experiences and offerings to visitors. But beyond the glitz and glam portrayed in the movie, there is the real authentic soul waiting to be discovered,” Goh said.

“As the movie is set in Singapore and celebrates its culture, it is a natural opening to get the conversation going about the real Singapore and pique interest in visiting the country.

However, to us, “Crazy Rich” should not just be about the opulence and luxury showcased in the film, but Singapore’s actual richness in terms of our diversity, as well as the depth and breadth of experiences for both locals and visitors.”

Photo credit: Singapore Tourism Board

IN THE WORKS In the pipeline are also a slew of new developments: • the longest non-stop flight in the world will be launching from New York to Singapore this October on Singapore Airlines, and from LA this November.

• Jewel, a new development is coming to Changi Airport in 2019 that will redefine airport experiences, all these amidst new hotels, restaurants and world class events.

Crazy Rich Asians’ Singapore Scenes | asian avenue magazine

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SEARCHING explores internet safety and data security

By Jessalyn Langevin Surfing the Internet, playing games with friends across town or purchasing online instead of visiting the store in person are becoming normal activities in a busy week for any family household.

What happens when your social feeds and online visits become digital footprints for anyone to trace your minute by minute daily activities? It’s how a new movie out in theaters are showing viewers the accessibility of online tracking.

After David Kim (John Cho)’s 16-year-old daughter goes missing, a local investigation is opened and a detective is assigned to the case. But 37 hours later and without a single lead, David decides to search the one place no one has looked yet, where all secrets are kept today: his daughter’s laptop. In a hyper-modern

The thriller part of the movie included the “bad guy”, who kept changing throughout the movie.

Was it that his daughter ran away or was she killed by a random perv, unsuspecting uncle, or Internet friend? What actually happened is just close enough to events that could in real life.

One of the most memorable moments of the film showcased watching John Cho’s character type up long text rant to his daughter about her ditching class and not being truthful about her piano lessons and taking money and etc., and then promptly delete it and replace it with something like ‘see you soon.’ It’s probably something everyone’s done.

Overall, it was fascinating to watch the entire movie as if you were looking at someone’s computer – a different concept but very relatable. How many hours do we spend looking at a screen?

Lessons Learned • Know the people you talk to on the Internet, • Don’t jump to conclusions, • Talk to your kids and know what they’re doing on the Internet.

John Cho, 46, stars in Searching as a Silicon Valley software engineer, David Kim, who digitally drags himself through parental anxiety when his only child, 16-year-old Margot disappears.

thriller told via the technology devices we use every day to communicate, David must trace his daughter’s digital footprints before she disappears forever.

Technology and Internet safety serves as major themes of the movie. After watching the movie, it might stand as a great tool to begin conversation between parents and children about interaction on the Internet.

Seeing John Cho in a serious role was a big change from several of his other roles. It showed depth that you usually don’t see in his other roles. He did a really good job of portraying a guy who didn’t entirely know how to really talk to his teenaged daughter but was beyond upset and distraught when she goes missing.

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September 2018 | Movie: Searching

Worth it? Sure – it’s a thriller. You don’t know who did until the very end. If something like this happen, I think odds are that it would be a very sad story.

The situation is just real enough that theater-goers walked out of the theater a little bit disturbed.

Who should see it? Anyone who needs a quick lesson about the importance of Internet safety and parents with teenagers who use the Internet.

Finally, John Cho gets a lead role. In fact, Searching is the first mainstream thriller headlined by an Asian-American actor in Hollywood.

Searching stars John Cho (Star Trek, Harold & Kumar), Debra Messing (Will & Grace), Joseph Lee and Michelle La. Searching is directed by Aneesh Chaganty and produced by Timur Bekmambetov, Sev Ohanian, Adam Sidman and Natalie Qasabian.

The film is written by Aneesh Chaganty and Sev Ohanian, while being executive produced by Maria Zatulovskaya, Ana Liza Muravina, Igor Tsay and co-produced by Congyu E. Searching is a Screen Gems and Stage 6 Films presentation in association with Bazelevs, a Timur Bekmambetov production.

The film is rated PG-13. Currently 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Check your local listings to watch the film in theaters.

TO ALL THE BOYS I’VE LOVED BEFORE

Genre: Drama, Romance Directed and Written by: Susan Johnson Released on: August 17, 2018 Runtime: 120 minutes | Rating: NR

Netflix showcases lead Korean American character in To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before A high school movie reviewed by high school student Joseph Owen Schultz To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is a Netflix original movie (released August 17, 2018) based on the book with the same name by author Jenny Han. SUMMARY It’s a story about a girl, Lara Jean Covey, (played by Lana Condor) who wrote one love letter to five boys who she had an intense crush during elementary and junior high school. But she never sends them because they remind her of how intense her emotions can get, and it would be too embarrassing for her if they did get out.

The letters are directed to her crushes including: Peter (played

by Noah Centineo), who she played spin the bottle with and is now her ex-best friend’s boyfriend and her neighbor Josh (played by Israel Broussard), who dates sister, Margo.

One day, the love letters are unexpectedly sent out. When Peter and Josh approach her about the letters, she panics and kisses Peter so she didn’t have to deal with Josh. Later on, she and Peter make a plan to enter a fake “boyfriend-girlfriend” relationship so that Lara Jean doesn’t have to be with Josh and make her sister mad, and Peter can be back with his girlfriend.

As the story develops, Peter and Lara Jean’s relationship starts to seem less fake.

Lara Jean finds out that Kitty sent all the letters out and was the cause for everything and even more drama is created among the siblings.

After everything calms down, older sister Margo takes down the video from Instagram. Josh and Kitty convince Lara Jean to forgive Peter with his love letters to Lara.

The next day, Lara Jean figures out that Peter only went in the room to tell his ex-girlfriend that they were done. The movie ends with Lara Jean and Peter staying together.

BEST PARTS OF THE MOVIE Overall, I really liked the movie, it added a unique twist to the

romantic comedy genre. It was really funny and almost never made me cringe, as I usually do to romantic movies in this genre.

The movie also answered just about all of the questions it made me think about whether it answered through the character dialogues or the end credit scene, which revealed one of the crushes who we never heard about through the whole movie and made me laugh.

Another memorable part of the movie is Lara Jean emotions about feeling “invisible” in elementary, junior high and high schools. It feels so surreal as she says this “invisible” statement because in a swarm of friends and acquaintances, it feels lonely.

CRITICISMS OF THE MOVIE Along with its upsides, every movie also has its downsides.

The movie is heavily stereotyped, the high school is portrayed as hectic because it’s your “average” high school. It portrays high school kids as jerks who spread rumors and do anything to make the protagonist’s life suck, and although a lot of people are like that, the movie ignores that there are people who just don’t care.

The movie also has noticeable continuity errors with the audio. A character would be talking and the music would stop for no reason, and once the character stops talking, the music starts again.

This happens all the time, where regular background audio would just become close to silent when a character would start talking, it just bothered me throughout the movie.

Although it has a new twist about the romantic genre, it still is a romance movie that follows the simple clichés: Girl likes a boy, boy finds out, boy get in a relationship with girl to get back with ex-girlfriend, a tape is recorded of the two, conflict starts between the couple, conflict starts between the siblings, conflict ends almost immediately, boy and girl gets back together.

Despite all the cons of the movie, I still really enjoyed it, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone.

Joseph Owen Schultz attends Cherokee Trail High School as a freshman.

Movie: To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before| asian avenue magazine

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VIETGONE, featuring an All-Asian cast, tells a love story during the Fall of Saigon

By Mary Jeneverre Schultz

The company of Vietgone. Photo by AdamsVisCom. With endless debate of refugees and immigrants in the current political climate, it’s refreshing to see the human element played out through the arts, especially on stage performances.

Take a journey with playwright Qui Nguyen as he shares his parents’ personal story of love, starting all over and the complexity of the refugee journey, in a millennial’s point of view.

Based on Nguyen’s parents’ lives, the story unfolds the journey to Camp Chaffee, Arkansas. With the art of storytelling, the play takes on many scenes, all on one stage. Full of humor, compassion, creativity and vitality, the story is tender but edgy and sweet, all at the same time. This modern-day tale is showcased through rap, funky fight scenes and racy language.

The main characters are Tong Thi Tran (Lisa Helmi Johanson) and Quang Nguyen (Glenn Morizio), two Vietnamese refugees who have never met, arrive at the Fort Chaffee refugee camp in western Arkansas. Both escaped Saigon days before it fell, and both have left behind loved ones.

Sexy, bold and confident Tong, who worked for the American Embassy in Saigon, arrives in the U.S. with her mother, Huong (Melody Butiu). The mother and daughter escape Saigon, while Tong’s brother stays behind, not wanting to leave his girlfriend behind. Tong is ready to embrace America as her home now, enrolling in the many programs for assimilation and learning the language. Tong’s mother, Huong, however, is not ready to learn another language and refuses to participate in any programs.

The other main character, Quang is struggling with guilt. As a pilot for the South Vietnamese Air Force, he rescued many refugees trying to flee Saigon. He also promised to bring back his wife and two small children. But he could not bring them back and wants to leave the refugee camp of Arkansas to be with them.

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September 2018 | Theater Production

When Tong and Quang meet at the refugee camp in Arkansas, sexual electricity ignites between them. Promising to be just a hook-up for all the pent-up energy, love was not in the cards. However, the relationship crescendos into love, making their paths in the U.S. a little complicated.

Leaving the motherland of Vietnam, settling and assimilating into the U.S. and attempting to return to Vietnam are retold through the year of 1975. The bold sounds of whirring helicopter and the revving engine of the motorcycle captivates the audience in bringing the moment alive.

The rhythm’s constant beat is captured through rap and the rhyming of the main actors. Done seamlessly, it feels like the sounds of a millennial generation. The storytelling, hip hop rap music and exaggerated fight scenes are techniques adopted by playwright Qui Nguyen as he credits his personal role models, who include David Henry Hwang, Jay-Z and the irreverent Quentin Tarantino.

Participate in moving the needle of seeing Asian American representation in theater, the arts and Hollywood. Take the time to see Vietgone at the Ricketson Theater in the Denver Performing Arts Center Complex (www.denvercenter.org/tickets-events/vietgone).

You’ll walk away with a lot to process and think about your neighbor, your child’s best friend, the person serving you coffee or waiting on you in restaurants, or even someone sitting next to you on the lightrail as you travel to downtown Denver for work or fun.

Filipino-American Mary Jeneverre Schultz visited Vietnam ten years ago. Her fascination comes from the stories of her father, Victor Herreria, who was a cook and gun runner for the US Navy during the Vietnam War. Follow her on Instagram @Jeneverre.

QA &

SEEMA SUEKO DIRECTOR

GLENN MORIZIO ACTOR

How did you get into this career?

I started as an actor in Chicago, worked around the country, landed in San Diego where I co-founded a theater company and began directing. Currently I serve as the deputy artistic director of Arena Stage in Washington, DC. Back when I was acting, one of my first gigs was playing Pocahontas at children’s parties. It was as dreadful as you can imagine.

If acting didn’t work out, what is your alternate choice?

I can’t imagine a life without the anchor that is acting. But if I had to choose I would say marine biology or paleontology, both fields I am fascinated by.

What obstacles have you faced as a female director?

The theater industry is highly competitive. The challenges I face are the same any director faces. Regardless of whatever “package” any of us comes in -- male, female, gender nonconforming, any ethnicity or race, etc. -- that, plus each of our own unique life experiences is the stuff that makes us distinct and fuels our imagination, vision, and artistry. So I don’t view any of these identifiers as obstacles but opportunities that help me achieve artistic excellence.

What are your thoughts of this production of VIETGONE? Qui Nguyen has written an origin story that is highly imaginative and unique, while also being so universal. Our take on this production is “Hip Hop Brechtian.”

It’s explosive and exuberant and then switches quickly to intimate and heartfelt. VIETGONE is an eye-opening and heart-expanding love story. It empowers Asian Americans and is 100% American.

When you’re not directing, what can we find you doing?

Running, hiking, going to museums and galleries, exploring cities and neighborhoods that are new to me. In Denver, I absolutely love running the Cherry Creek Trail!

What are obstacles you faced as an Asian American actor?

After growing up in Shanghai and Taiwan, there were and still are moments when I undergo microaggressions and racial comments in the States. But my response is that America is built upon the blood, sweat, and tears of immigrants.

We are the faces of America. When we tell a story it is no different than any other American telling a story because we are just as much part of this country’s history. This is why the movie Crazy Rich Asians is so important in beginning to recognize this notion.

What do you think of Colorado?

It is absolutely a dream to be in Denver. Coming straight from NYC, it is so refreshing to be in such a kind, warming, and driven environment. The fact that the cast can just get out of rehearsal, hop in a car for 30 minutes and end up at the foot of a beautiful hiking trail to clear our minds is something I am incredibly thankful for.

Tell us about VIETGONE. Yes, this play tells an important journey of a Vietnamese family’s immigration to the States. Yes, this play unpacks the historical significance of a war that impacted both America and Vietnam. But what I am most drawn to and grateful for is the playwright Qui Nguyen’s utilization of the technique to make the Vietnamese characters the natives, and the Americans the outsiders.

VALÉRIE THÉRÈSE BART COSTUME DESIGNER

What is your favorite production?

The Lion King--I cried during the opening sequence.

What inspires you?

Humanity when it’s at its most empathetic.

What can you share to students who are interested in costume design?

It is much more than drawing pretty pictures--you have to become a historian, pop culture specialist, collaborator, fashion guru, negotiator, psychiatrist, scavenger, project manager, and even dramaturg.

Tell us about your work.

It takes a village to fully realize costume designs and a lot of it would not be possible without the support of many people--shop managers, drapers, stitchers, crafts artisans, wardrobe crew, shoppers, vendors, etc.

But I need to say--and it is taboo to talk about it--working in theater is considered “privileged” in the sense that only those that can “afford” to live the lifestyle of the poor working artist can handle. Meaning, those that have financial support from family or others may not feel the same pressures of having to make rent, buy food and other necessities. Many people leave the industry for those reasons.

For that, I feel incredibly grateful to my husband Rick Ho, who has been there for me since the beginning and has afforded me the opportunity to really focus on building my career.

What are your hobbies?

I love to cook and bake and challenge myself with new recipes. I’ve also been working on cataloguing and preserving my family’s Vietnamese recipes.

VIETGONE | asian avenue magazine

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CRAZY RICH? Income inequality in the U.S. is rising most rapidly among Asian Americans.

ADVERTISING TO ASIAN AMERICANS COULD BE THE NEXT CRAZY RICH OPPORTUNITY

By Angela Yang

“Crazy Rich Asians” may be the hottest movie of the summer. Hollywood buzz, celebrity endorsements and a cheeky title have consumers coming to theaters in droves. Does this mean that the Asian-American market is finally making its mainstream debut?

Emphasis on the word “finally,” as the buying power of Asian-Americans has reached $986 billion in 2017, and is projected to hit $1.3 trillion by 2022, according to Nielsen.

The facts are as impressive as the balances in Asian-American consumers’ Apple Pays.

And yet, marketers have been slow to invest in reaching

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September 2018 | Feature

America’s fastest-growing ethnic group.

To be fair, some marketers have recognized and capitalized on such opportunity, but most examples of advertising targeting the Asian-American audience are either half-hearted brand shoutouts to the Lunar New Year or casting an Asian actor to round out a TV spot.

What this tells us is clear: “We see you, but we don’t understand you.” Despite best intentions, we’re left with inclusion for inclusion’s sake.

The latest box office hit, “Crazy Rich Asians,” is a watershed moment for the commu-

nity across the big screen— but it will take our industry a lot more to effectively relate to the massive Asian-American market across small screens and within social feeds. Brands need to connect with Asian-American consumers through day-today moments that are rooted in truth and humanity. Life, as much as we’d like it to be, is anything but a spectacular rom com.

The truth is that it won’t be easy. Meaningful inclusion, recognition and understanding of the Asian-American consumer is not a perfect science, and it will take time to

get there.

However, with the goal to get closer to true progress, here’s a look at the what and the how: Just like any consumer representing an ethnic community, the Asian-American consumer is complicated, splintered and nuanced. No single country of origin dominates the U.S. Asian population: There are more than 19 groups of origin currently residing in the U.S. Clearly, trying to reach an “Asian-American” isn’t as singular and easy as it sounds, as that definition moves, grows and changes constantly.

Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

TAKEAWAY #1 Invest in the research without stopping at one country of origin or in one generation. If the aim is to authentically reach a large swath of the Asian-American population, then it is important to know not only who that market is, but also why and how they came to exist here in the States.

Asian-Americans are finding their own voice, their own distinct style and brand preferences based on their experiences living in America (born or immigrated), and oftentimes such decisions are influenced by what they’ve embraced, forgotten and/or are ignorant of their heritage.

Crazy rich? Income inequality in the U.S. is rising most rapidly among Asian-Americans. The Model Minority Myth is just that—a myth. Reaching Asian-Americans is not and should not be synonymous with reaching high-household income segments. Strategies to reach a growing and diverse segment shouldn’t be a blanket approach.

TAKEAWAY #2 If every brand only wanted to reach household incomes of the 1 percent, then we’d all be in trouble. Think about the loyal customer who may actually skew Asian-American but doesn’t fit the perceived profile or ethnicity of who you think that customer is. Check perceptions and stereotypes at the door. Be ready and open to consider new prospects that could be loyal customers.

Asian Americans don’t all look the same. While it’s a bit harder to find a statistic to reference (because it doesn’t exist!) it’s easy to point to Asian-American stereotypes, fetishization, memes and more, but like any and all humans, Asian-Americans come in varied shapes and sizes.

TAKEAWAY #3 Embrace and showcase the diverse faces of Asian-Americans. Represent the many facets of the community that Hollywood typically does not. Just like most folks, real beauty is recognized, appreciated and celebrated. Sometimes seeing the ordinary generates extraordinary results for brands willing to recognize they can’t pigeonhole people into one look or gender.

We need to What does all of this tell us? We need to understand Asian-Americans to reach them, understand Asian and the best way to do this is to bring them into marketing: hire them, nurture them, Americans to reach and retain them. At present, Asians make up 5.7 percent of jobs classified as “marketthem, and the best way ing specialists and marketing analysts” according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and to do this is to bring only 2.6 percent of “PR specialist” (the lowest percentage of segments defined). Start them into marketing: diving deeper into leadership statistics and truth gets bleaker: Asians-Americans are hire them, nurture the least likely group to be promoted to managers in America, according to the Harvard them, and retain Business Review. them.

It’s hard to reach Asian-Americans if you don’t have Asian-Americans represented on your teams or in your leadership. All of the research in the world and perfect execution of demonstrating Asian-American diversity cannot replace the fact that brands and marketers need to have seats for Asian-Americans at the creative, strategy, production and leadership tables. Consumers expect brands to do and then say. We should expect that of our industry as well.

Angela Yang is group director of connections at T3.

Original post: http://adage.com/article/opinion/advertising-asian-americans-crazy-rich-opportunity Advertising to Asian Americans | asian avenue magazine

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AsAm Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

‘Crazy Rich Asians’ tops box office in first and second weeks of opening

C

razy Rich Asians is still crazy rich at the box office. The Warner Bros. romantic comedy brought in an estimated $25 million in its second weekend to once again top the box office.

The number represents a decline of only 6% for the film, a staggering achievement for any movie, and particularly a romcom. Crazy Rich Asians earned $26.5 million in its opening weekend. At the time of print, the film has earned $60 million worldwide with about $1.2 million from foreign markets.

The creators of the film made news before it opened by reportedly turning down Netflix. The filmmakers opted for a wide release in theaters to give the inclusive story a chance at more exposure.

Warner Bros. has already launched development of a sequel for Crazy Rich Asians, which also stars Henry Golding, Michelle Yeoh, Awkwafina and Ken Jeong. Jon M. Chu directed from a screenplay by Peter Chiarelli and Adele Lim, based on the 2013 novel by Kevin Kwan.

Disney’s live-action ‘Mulan’ begins filming Photo Credit: Stephen Tilley, Walt Disney Studios

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September 2018 | National News

P

roduction is just getting underway for Disney’s live action version of Mulan, reported the Hollywood Reporter.

Mulan could be the next wide-distribution movie from an American production company featuring an all-Asian cast. This would come on the heels of Crazy Rich Asians released last month.

Mulan stars Liu Yifei as the title character.

The movie isn’t due out until March 2020, but Disney is whetting our appetites by releasing the first photo of Liu as Mulan.

According to IGN, shooting will take place in both New Zealand and China.

Joining Liu will be Jet Li, Donnie Yen, and Jason Scott Lee, who was recently added to the cast.

Disney had previously said the live action version would not be a musical, unlike the original animated version. However, as of late, Disney has said that could change. Director Niki Caro, has said the film would incorporate music in some way.

Source: asamnews.com

NEWS

Rashida Tlaib is likely to become the first Muslim American woman in Congress

R

ashida Tlaib is projected to be the first Muslim American woman in Congress after winning the primary race in Michigan.

Tlaib, daughter to Palestinian immigrants, beat out Brenda Jones for the Democratic spot on the November election ballot. If she wins this fall, she’ll succeed Representative John Conyers Jr. in Michigan’s 13th Congressional District.

“I want people across the country to know that you don’t need to sell out,” Tlaib said. “You don’t have to change who you are to run for office — and that is what this country is about.”

While she won’t be facing a Republican opponent in November, a write-in candidate can still oppose her, but she’s the favorite to win in the typically Democratic district, reports CNN. Tlaib is one of more than 90 Muslim Americans running for office in 2018.

Indian American Law Professor Nominated to Independent Agency

by President Trump

A

ditya Bamzai, associate professor of law at the University of Virginia, was appointed by President Donald Trump to an independent agency that ensures privacy and civil liberties aren’t infringed upon with counter-terrorism methods.

The Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board was founded in 2004, shortly after the terrorist attacks on September 11. It was created by the 9/11 Commission to protect individual rights and to guard against abuse of power. Bamzai was nominated to fill the remainder of a six-year term, ending on January 29, 2020.

At the University of Virginia, Bamzai teaches courses on civil procedure, federal courts, national security and computer crime. He joined the university’s faculty as an associate professor in June 2016. His work has been published in the Yale Law Journal, the University of Chicago Law Review, the George Washington University Law Review and the Missouri Law Review, among other journals.

10-year-old Filipino American Breaks Michael Phelps’ Old Record

D

uring the Far Western Long Course Championship in California, the 10-year-old Filipino American, Clark Kent Apuada, swam the 100-meter butterfly in 1:09.38, beating Phelps’ meet record of 1:10.48 by over one second.

Phelps’ record was set for boys 10 and under at the Far Western swimming championship 23 years ago in 1995.

Apuada’s mother Cynthia said, “We’re always just telling people his name is Clark. But when they realize his full name, people just call him Superman.”

Clark Kent Apuada isn’t stopping here; he hopes to make it into the Paris 2024 or Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

AsAm News | asian avenue magazine

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bookreview SEVEN STEPS TO INNER POWER Author: Dr.Tae Yun Kim Price: $15.95 | Pages: 280 ISBN: 978-0-9992482-0-7 Publisher: Mountain Tiger Press Website: www.taeyunkim.com Facebook: www.fb.com/DrTaeYunKim.CEO

Making change can be one of the most frightening moments in one’s life but in this book, author and motivational speaker Dr. Tae Yun Kim challenges readers to take the first steps in seeking and looking for a different direction in life.

She shares her secrets, based on her own experiences and rooted in ancient martial arts tradition, which will allow anyone to break through the barriers blocking their dreams.

“Don’t let anybody steal your dreams,” she said. “Do not give up.”

Kim’s life story is one of triumphing against the odds.

A first-born girl in a culture that viewed her birth as an omen of bad luck, she defied not only her family of 5,000 years of Korean tradition to begin martial arts training at the age of seven, ultimately becoming one of the highest-ranking martial artists in the world. She is truly a renaissance woman with a wide range of interests in the arts and business.

Not only did she create her own martial arts school, but she has founded other businesses including Lighthouse Worldwide Solution, a manufacturer of cleanroom monitoring systems and particle counters.

Philosophy Kim believes everyone can be successful in any area of life. In her book, she explains that the key to taking charge of your life lies in taking charge of your thinking.

“How often are our minds somewhere else, thinking, ‘I’ve got to do this or that’ instead of focusing on the task at hand? How often do we dwell on a past event or worry about the future instead of celebrating the beauty of the moment?’ she asks.

“When our minds our distracted, our energy becomes fragmented in many different directions. When that happens over and over again, we become weak, ineffective, and even paralyzed.”

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September 2018 | Book Review

Steps of Foundations The answer lies in Dr. Kim’s seven steps to inner power. “These steps are the foundation of the path to finding and expressing the real you --- what I call the Silent Master. No matter how that path progresses for you personally, these principles apply to everyone,” she says. They include: • Body and Mind as One – “If your mind and body are not acting together as one in pursuit of your goals, you will sabotage your efforts,” explains Dr. Kim. If you set a goal to run a marathon, but you eat improperly and skip workouts, you won’t attain your aim. If you continually divide body and mind, one or the other will eventually let you know.

• Truth – Truth is the process of self-discovery. She urges people to think about what stories they tell themselves about why they are “stuck” and envision how they would look and act if they were free from whatever is limiting them.

• Purity – Dr. Kim emphasizes the importance of daily “cleansing” and explains how to make your daily shower a time for valuable inner work.

• Love – Before you can lover another, you must first love yourself.

• Loyalty – One tool the author suggests to remind you to stay loyal to your goals is to “clock” where you are on your personal life journey.

• Sacrifice – Don’t think of sacrifice as something you are being forced to give up. Instead, focus on why you want to give it up.

• Patience – Dr. Kim points to the metamorphosis of the caterpillar into a butterfly as one of the most beautiful symbols of patience.

Throughout the book, Dr. Kim provides practical exercises to guide people through their journey to inner power. She also details the mental habits that will boost confidence by ending self-defeating ways of thinking, and she shares success stories from among the many people has counseled and trained.

Review and interview by Mary Jeneverre Schultz Follow her on Twitter and Instagram: @Jeneverre

Asian Avenue: What inspired you to write this book?

Tae Yun Kim (TYK): Don’t let anybody steal your dreams. Don’t let anybody put you down. I’m inspired by telling everyone. It’s an amazing challenge. Do not give up. No one can eat for me. No one can sleep for me. My dream is my dream. Let people know what you are hungry for, no matter what challenge.

Asian Avenue: What do you want readers to walk away with after reading your novel?

TYK: I truly want everyone or anybody reading this book to seek and look for directions. I know there are many books out there but I would challenge them. Every line if my breath. Every line is my tears.

All my desire is to touch one person.

q&a with

Tae Yun Kim

Asian Avenue: What do you like to share with writers, who are curious about becoming authors?

TYK: Nothing but the truth. I really share heart to heart connection.

Speak the truth and be completely honest.

Asian Avenue: What are some of your future projects?

TYK: I’m working on another book. I want to reach out and let everyone know how they can improve their life. Until my last breath, I want to share to anyone who wants to make a difference in their life.

Asian Avenue: What are your hobbies/interests?

TYK: Life, itself, is my hobby. I love German Shepherds, animals, cooking and music.

Asian Avenue: Anything else you want to share with our readers?

TYK: Life is not instant gratification. Love yourself. Be loyal to your goals. Don’t let anyone clip your wings. Sacrifice is important. Transform and change the environment. Be patient. Whatever you do, it’s your personal choice.

DR. TAE YUN KIM

Author of Seven Steps to Inner Power

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dr. Tae Yun Kim is a martial arts great grandmaster, author, motivational speaker, and entrepreneur.

As head coach, she led the first-ever U.S. women’s Tae Kwon Do team to a gold medal at the Pre-World Games in Seoul, helping pave the way for women to compete in martial arts in the Olympics. Dr. Kim went on to found her own school of marital arts, aimed at overcoming limitations in every area of life. She is also the founder and CEO of Lighthouse Worldwide Solutions, a leading high-tech Silicon Valley company, and has won many awards for her achievements and humanitarian service.

She received an honorary Ph.D. in Business Administration from Korea’s Sook Myung Women’s University and was named “Hope of the Country of Korea” by Korea’s former President Kim Dae Jung for her work encouraging people to overcome their losses and build new hope and success. In 2017, she won two Stevie Awards for Women in Business: one for lifetime achievement and the other for best new product.

Seven Steps To Inner Power | asian avenue magazine

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Aurora unites delegates from around the world at the 2018 Sister Cities International Conference More than 600 delegates from all over the world, including those from South Korea, Jamaica, China, Japan descended in Aurora early August for the annual Sister Cities International Conference.

Sessions included diplomacy within entrepreneurship, music and sports. Other trends included subjects that were cross-cultural, inter-generational, inter-faith, and multi-dimensional.

“The conference is designed on how cities are making a difference,” said Roger-Mark De Souza, president and CEO of Sister Cities International. “It covers cutting-edge issues such as climate change, resiliency, data and privacy issues.”

Sister Cities International serves as the national membership organization for sister city programs in nearly 500 communities. Denver and Aurora are part of this membership coalition.

The organization provides its members with a number of programs to support them in promoting citizen diplomacy, working tirelessly to promote peace and understanding through exchanges that focus on arts and culture, youth and education, business and trade, and community development.

“We are painting the picture of the future,” said De Souza, who is from Jamaica.

Conference organizers introduced two concentrated tracks

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September 2018 | On Scene

called NextGen/Entrepreneurship and Silk Road. In the former track, attendees explored topics such as women’s leadership in the private sector to the power of sports diplomacy. While the Silk Road Track featured an overview of the region, grassroots level speakers sharing their experiences and how programs can collaborate together.

Presentations from this year’s Youth Leadership Summit attendees shared with conference delegates the results of their diplomatic simulation on refugees and what they most enjoyed about their experience in Aurora. The conference ended with a gala, featuring music from Trinidad and Tobago.

The traditional opening ceremony included a parade of flags with representatives sharing the importance of Sister Cities bridging connections and stepping up to the plate with community involvement. The ceremony also honored the life of former Aurora Mayor Steve Hogan, for his dedication to the city of Aurora and Sister Cities.

Next year, the conference will head to Houston, Texas.

To learn more about their programs or how to join the organization, visit sistercities.org. For more information on Aurora Sister Cities, visit aurorasistercities.org and for Denver Sister Cities, visit denversistercities.org.

Photo Credit: City of Aurora

Colorado Dragon Boat Festival beats to its own drum at Sloan’s Lake

By Tesia Chen

Saturday, July 28, 2018. It is a quiet morning and cooler than most for a summer weekend in the city. There is even fog on the streets.

Are we still in Denver?

At 8 a.m., just ten minutes south of the white roller coaster at Lakeside Park on Sheridan Blvd, drumming begins at Sloan’s Lake. The beat is steady and tribal. Sloan’s Lake is normally filled with motorized boat trailers, but the atmosphere is different today.

There are festival tents and performance stages set up along the entire north end of the park. The boats are all human powered and outfitted with colorful dragon heads. Buddhist monks wait in the shade for an opening ceremony. The smell of cooking food drifts across the festival grounds. If you happened to be here this weekend, you’re in for a treat.

Buddhist monks wait in the shade for an opening ceremony. The smell of cooking food drifts across the festival grounds. If you happened to be here this weekend, you’re in for a treat.

Each year at the end of July, the lake and park are transformed into portals to both ancient and modern cultures across the Asian continent. On Friday, we build up a temporary city, and on Sunday, we tear it all down. This is our Asian Burning Man: the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival.

Our ‘dragon family’ travels from all over the Denver and Boulder metro area, Northern and Southern Colorado, and even out of state.

Over two days, our festival hosts more than 80 performances, 70 marketplace vendors, and

30 food vendors from our community. Also representing our local communities and organizations are 40 teams of racers and athletes, including two fierce teams of disabled veterans. This is Colorado: we want outdoor competition at mile-high elevation!

Dragon boat racing began over two millennia ago. Each team has 18-20 paddlers. This is a serious sport. You use muscles you didn’t know about. While originating in Asia, races are found all over the world, on just about every continent except the icy last frontier of Antarctica.

Every year, we bring this international sport to Denver for the largest Dragon Boat Festival in the nation. Our festival is run by the nonprofit organization Dragon 5280. We are powered by volunteers, community participation and support, sponsorships, and over 100,000 annual festival attendees!

There’s a beer garden, spicy ramen eating contest, martial arts and hip hop performance sets. This year, for our 18th festival, traditional dancers from Denver’s sister city of Ulaanbaatar transported our stages to Mongolia. A Denver born physicist flew in from Spain to map out the cosmos with math-based origami at our education area. The Denver Botanic Gardens helped highlight sustainability and the differences between forest climates and plant life across Asia.

Our mission is to strengthen the community through strong partnerships and to share the diversity of Asian and Pacific Island stories through cultural education, leadership development and athletic competition. Come join us!

Photo Credit: Colorado Dragon Boat Festival

Hop on a dragon boat and Connect with us for 2019 dates:

cdbf.org info@cdbf.org fb.com/codragonboat

Mile High Happenings | asian avenue magazine

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Workshop helps residents apply for US citizenship

By Stephanie Tanny

The Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition (CIRC) and the Denver Asian American and Pacific Islander Commission (DAAPIC) teamed up this August to host a citizenship workshop that helped legal permanent residents (green card holders) apply for U.S. Citizenship.

Immigration attorneys and volunteer interpreters were on hand to make sure each qualified person successfully and correctly filled out their application. This service is offered to the community to ensure people get the legal review and support they need to become citizens. This keeps people safe from deportation, protects their children, gives access to grants and scholarships for school, allows easier travel to many countries, and provides advantages such as tax and estate benefits.

For information on future citizenship workshops, please call or text 720-593-2075 or e-mail citizenship@coloradoimmigrant.org.

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GREAT AMERICAN BEER FESTIVAL expands for 2018 September 20-23

By Mary Jeneverre Schultz For the 37th year, beer and brew lovers will gather in Denver, Colo., at the Great American Beer Festival (GABF), the country’s preeminent beer festival and competition. This year’s GABF will offer 62,000 attendees the opportunity to sample more than 4,000 beers from more than 800 breweries in an expanded festival hall on September 20 to 23, 2018.

According to the Brewers Association, there are more than 6,300 breweries in the U.S. GABF represents the largest collection of U.S. beer ever served, in the format of a public tasting event plus a privately judged competition. The event unites beer lovers and brewers from all corners of the country to celebrate the nation’s ever-growing craft beer culture.

In fact, Chinese-American owned Comrade Brewing has submitted four of its brews: • Yellow Fever – Jalapeno Blonde Ale • Superpower IPA – India Pale Ale • REDCON – Style Red Ale • Huey – American-Style Black Ale A large contender is the Yellow Fever, which placed Gold at the 2016 World Beer Cup and the Superpower IPA is the flagship India Pale Ale, said DAVID LIN of Comrade Brewing on 7667 E. Iliff Avenue in Denver.

DA

DL VI IN

Photo by Frank J. Schultz

Lin shared due to earlier dates this year there won’t be a fresh hops category since the hop harvest won’t be completed before the judging. Check them out at this year’s GABF. Visit greatamericanbeerfestival.com for more information.

Follow Mary Jeneverre Schultz on Instagram @Jeneverre.

Comrade Brewing has submitted four brews to the Great American Beer Festival.

NEW FOR 2018!

Expanded Festival Footprint: With the addition of 100,000 square feet—a 17 percent increase over 2017 and bringing the festival footprint to 584,000 square feet—attendees will have more space to hang out and mingle with brewers and fellow beer lovers while discovering new breweries, learning more about beer at educational and experiential programs, playing games, and just having fun.

Reconfigured Festival Format: Breweries in the festival hall will be arranged in alphabetical order. Pro Tip: Breweries with “the” in the title will be listed under the name following “the.” (i.e. The Bruery will be under B).

Collaboration Competition and Booth: In recognition of the collaborative spirit of the craft brewing community, organizers of GABF added a new competition this year. Up to 48 collaboration beers will be evaluated in a Best of Show format. Competition entries will be served during GABF at the Collaboration Competition Booth. Don’t miss this chance to sample these very unique and limited-edition beers!

Expanded Meet the Brewer Section: By popular demand, “Meet the Brewer” is a special opportunity for passionate beer fans to start conversations with their brewing heroes, learn more about their beers and talk shop. Look for these booths located in the center of the festival hall. Two more islands have been added for 2018 to accommodate up to 165 breweries—a 40 percent increase!

Additional Hangout Spots and Pavilions: Joining the floor this year will be the 12,600 square foot Jameson Caskmates Barrel-Aged Beer Garden, which will feature 17 small and independent Jameson craft brewery partners and their limited-edition Jameson barrel-aged beer; and the 3,600 square foot Buffalo Wild Wings Sports Bar, where attendees can kick back, relax and enjoy independent craft beer and wings while cheering on their favorite teams on ten TVs. Great American Beer Festival | asian avenue magazine

29

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