Asian Week

The early beginnings of the Nihonmachi Street Fair date back to 1973, a time when the Asian community felt it was vital to preserve and celebrate their culture. During the 1960’s and 1970s, Japantown was amidst major transformations- the construction of a new trade center, and the displacement of many businesses and families. Therefore, activists, alongside the support of the community, decided to establish what would become a community tradition to celebrate the diverse Asian American and Hawaiian/Pacific Islander communities in the Bay Area.

The first annual celebration on May 19, 1973 proved to be more than just a community gathering; Rather, it served as the beginning of a unifying celebration of the rich Asian culture. Although it featured limited entertainment, consisting of world-renowned San Francisco Taiko Dojo, Lady Red, Approaching Storm, and Azteca, the 1973 street fair drew an unexpected number of people of different backgrounds, ethnicities, and age groups.

This year’s celebration of the Nihonmachi Street Fair is expected to draw its largest crowd yet, as it has expanded to an exciting lineup of festivities, exciting entertainment, and endless fun in store for families. This year’s celebration will feature two entertainment stages- a stage at the Japantown’s Peace Plaza will showcase a blend of 12 musical and dance performances of the Pacific Island halaus of the Bay Area, and a stage at Post and Webster Streets for contemporary music by a mix of 11 veteran and up and coming entertainers. The public will also be able to learn and soak in the different Asian cultures at a wide variety of ethnic food booths, arts and craft vendors, and a Children’s World activity area of Asian crafts and games.

Entertainment Schedule for August 14 and 15:

Performances at Japantown’s Peace Plaza-

Saturday, August 14

11:30 a.m. Local Blend

12:30 p.m. Hula Halau Kaliko Pua O Kalaniakea

1:30 p.m. Manuia Polynesian Revue

2:30 p.m. Keolalaulani Halau Olapa O’Laka

3:30 p.m. Ben Kaili with Ke ‘Olu Makani ‘O Mauna Loa

4:45 p.m. Native Elements

Sunday, August 15

11:30 a.m. Steven Espaniola

12:30 p.m. Hula Halau Kaliko Pua O Kalaniakea

1:30 p.m. Mele Ohana Ukulele Group

2:30 p.m. Keolalaulani Halau Olapa O’Laka

3:30 p.m. Moana

4:45 p.m. My Peoples (formerly Kapakahi)

Performances at Webster Street Stage-

Saturday, August 14

11:00 a.m. West Coast Lion Dance

11:30 a.m. JAM

12:50 p.m. Feelosophy

2:10 p.m. Franco Nero & Band

3:30 p.m. Big City Revue

5:00 p.m. San Francisco Taiko Dojo

Sunday, August 15

11:00 a.m. Bento

12:30 a.m. Pulse

2:00 p.m. Scoujourners

3:30 p.m. Rendevous

5:00 p.m. JazzSabor

For more information, please visit http://www.nihonmachistreetfair.org

Daniel Glover is filled with resentment at everything Japanese – the food, traditions, and architecture – he despises it all. However, as the story of The Harimaya Bridge unfolds, Daniel’s resentment against Japan slowly fades.

Directed by Oakland, Calif. native Aaron Woolfolk, The Harimaya Bridge takes place in Kochi, a rural city where old traditions and beliefs are held strong among the community. However, the high-arched mountains, flavor-filled dishes, nor the vibrant people of Kochi seem to impress the emotionally-detached Daniel (played by Ben Guillory). Rather, to Daniel, Japan has been the force that killed his father, who was tortured and killed as a prisoner of war in World War II, and his son, who died in a traffic accident in Japan.

When Daniel first arrives in Kochi, he is court and cold to the hospitable teaching staff (played by award-winning stars Misa Shimizu and Saki Takaoka and international stars Misono, Miho Shiraishi, and Hajime Yamazaki) who worked with his recently decreased son (played by Victor Grant). Daniel makes it clear to the teaching staff that that he came to Japan not to make friends or to soak in the beauty of the foreign country – he came only to collect the only tangible piece left of his son – paintings.

However, Daniel’s mission is met by many discoveries of his estranged son’s past and his impact that his son had on the Kochi community. Over time, Daniel’s stubborn, hard-headed nature transforms into a new understanding and appreciation of the Japanese culture, as he realizes that is connected to this once foreign country in more ways than he could ever imagine.

Through the complex, honest, and often times troubling relationships of each of the characters and the communities within the city of Kochi, The Harimaya Bridge is a film that is real – it pulls the audience into the issue of discrimination, and does not define discrimination by race, ethnicity, community, or religion. Rather, the film shows that discrimination is an issue that is, in essence, created by society, itself. It is the brave ones who are willing to learn, understand, and accept that which is not conforming to the standards of society who truly live a life of happiness.

The brave, inspiring, and unique journey of the characters in The Harimaya Bridge is more than just a portrayal of the trials and tribulations of east meets west – it is a true testament of the individual will to persevere in the face of discrimination. Yet, despite the wall of discrimination, Woolfolk ends the film on the force that can hold all of humanity together – love.

The film also casts veteran American actors Danny Glover and Peter Coyote and newcomers Victor Grant and Honoka.

Screenings of The Harimaya Bridge will be available at the following theaters starting Friday, August 13th:

Berkeley Oaks Theater: 1875 Solano Ave., Berkeley, CA, 94707, (510) 526-1836, www.berkeleyoaks.com.

4 Star Movie Theaters: 2200 Clement St., San Francisco, CA 94121, (415)666-3488, www.lntsf.com/4-star_theatre.

For more information, please visit www.theharimayabridge.com.

Arts

>>Documentary of WWII’s 442nd Infantry Regiment now showing

San Francisco- Sixty-five years ago this month, World War II finally came to an end. To commemorate this historic end, Japanese director Junichi Suzuki’s documentary 442 – Live With Honor, Die With Dignity is now showing at Viz Cinema in San Francisco.

The documentary focuses on the 442nd Infantry Regiment, which comprised of Japanese American soldiers who fought for the U.S. in Europe during World War II. The 44nd was the only military unit that Japanese Americans were allowed to participate in following Japan’s bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941.

Director Suzuki incorporates combat and newsreel footage, old photographs, and interviews throughout the film to help viewers understand the experiences and legacy of the 442nd military unit.

Many individuals are profiled throughout the film, including Japanese American veteran Sen. Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii and Lawson Sakai, a Japanese American who was born in the U.S. 86 years ago, alongside knowledgeable actors of Japanese American issues, like George Takei.

What: 442 – Live With Honor, Die With Dignity

Where: Viz Cinema, 1746 Post St., San Francisco, (415) 525-8600

When: Friday, Aug.13 – Thursday, Aug. 19

For more information, please visit www.vizcinema.com.

Global

>>Burma elections set for November 7

Burma- Burma’s ruling military junta has announced the date for the upcoming election- November 7, according to Financial Times. This will be the country’s first election in 20 years.

The multi-party election consists of about 40 registered parties, although at least seven of them are believed to be proxies of the military. The Union Democratic Party, one of the independent groups, recently complained after its officials were visited and questioned by intelligence officers.

The elections has been criticized for its framework, which guarantees the military a quarter of the seats in parliament and for its validity, which has prevented Pro-Democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi from standing.

Therefore, critics have pointed out that the process is designed to portray that Burma is taking a step towards a democracy, but is in reality, skewed to further military rule. Others argue against a boycott of the upcoming election, saying that no matter how flawed the process is, the election represents the best chance of bringing about change in the country.

For more information, please visit http://www.ft.com.

>>South Korean fashion designer Andre Kim Dies at 74

Seoul, South Korea- One of South Korea’s most famous fashion designers, Andre Kim, has died at the age of 74. Kim died after several weeks of hospitalization at Seoul National University Hospital, said hospital official Oh Dong-seo in an article by The Associated Press.

Kim was known as one of South Korea’s most iconic designers, and was famous for his elaborate, often futuristic designs and glitzy fashion shows modeled by top celebrities. He was also known for his unique personal style of wearing entirely white attire and heavy black eyeliner.

Born Kim Bong-nam, he launched his fashion career in 1962 and later opened “Salon Andre” in central Seoul. Many of his gowns were exhibited in fashion shows worldwide, including shows in Paris, Sydney, and most recently in Beijing.

For more information, please visit http://iamkoream.com/.

Find Hundreds of Domestic & International Opportunities at the Second Asian MBA Leadership Conference & Career Expo

NEW YORK (U.S. ASIAN WIRE) August 13, 2010 – What do Dell, PepsiCo, State Farm, IBM, and MetLife have in common? Besides the fact that they never miss a spot in the elite list of Fortune 100, they are also frontrunners in the field of Diversity & Inclusion. One of the ways that they reach out to potential employees from a variety of backgrounds is by attending events such as the Asian MBA Leadership Conference & Career Expo to be held this year at the Jacob Javits Convention Center from August 26th through the 28th. At this Event, they will get the chance to recruit thousands of qualified MBAs as well as professionals with extensive working experiences. They will conduct and attend interesting seminars about the cutting edge trends and best practices in the Diversity & Inclusion frontier.

The Asian MBA Leadership Conference has released its impressive roster of sponsors who are looking to “Connect. Engage. Inspire.” The following are some of the Corporate Sponsors signed up to meet prospective employees:

Adecco Aetna Astellas Boehringer Ingelheim Caterpillar Inc Central Intelligence Agency Cintas Corporation Contact Korea (KOTRA) Contact Singapore Dell, Inc Delta Air Lines Environmental Defense Fund Federal Aviation Administration Federal Deposit Insurance Company Gallup Consulting Gilead Sciences, Inc Greater New York Chamber of Commerce Hanesbrands IBM Immigration and Customs Enforcement Manhattan Chamber of Commerce MassMutual Financial Group McDonald’s Corporation MetLife Monster Moody’s Corporation National Grid National Language Service Corps NBTUS New York Life Insurance Company NextEra Energy Novo Nordisk PepsiCo Prudential State Farm Target TEST CI The Home Depot The United States Navy Thomson Reuters TIAA-CREF Trinity Health U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) U.S. Customs and Border Protection U.S. Department of Labor U.S. Department of State – Diplomatic Security U.S. Government Accountability Office U.S. Secret Service UnitedHealthcare Group Waste Management Wyndham Worldwide Corporation

Zurich

The special feature of the Asian MBA Leadership Conference & Career Expo is the “Jobs in Asia Pavilion,” where job seekers can find international opportunities with companies such as MetLife, GE Healthcare Korea, Unilever, Johnson & Johnson, Hanwha Chemical, USAID, U.S. Department of State, Pasona, Contact Singapore, Contact Korea, Hyosung, Caterpillar Inc., Mitsumi Electronics, only to name a few out of the list of top U.S. and Asian Companies.

The impressive roster of speakers is comprised of distinguished executives from major corporations and renowned leaders in the field of Diversity & Inclusion. The keynote speakers include Frans Johansson, the best-selling author of The Medici Effect: Breakthrough Insights at the intersection of Ideas, Concepts, and Cultures; Michael Chen, the President & CEO of the Media, Communications, and Entertainment unit at GE Capital; Manish Mehta, Dell’s Vice President for Social Media and Community; and Michael Morris, the Chavkin-Chang professor of leadership at Columbia Business School and director of its Program on Social Intelligence.

With the enormous success of last year and this year’s remarkable list of sponsoring companies and speakers under its belt, the Second Annual Asian MBA Leadership Conference & Career Expo promises to be a must attend event for MBAs and professionals of all backgrounds.

For the full Conference schedule, list of participating employers, business schools, and registration information, visit www.AsianMBA.org.

The National Association of Asian MBAs (NAAMBA)

NAAMBA is a leading non-profit, professional organization which serves as a platform to unite and empower the Asian American professional community and the pan-Asian professional Diaspora globally by providing them with professional development opportunities, with the vision to foster dialogue and mobilize related stakeholders in addressing critical social, cultural, and economic issues within the workplace and the community. The Second Annual Asian MBA Leadership Conference and Career Expo builds on the momentum generated by the 2009 First Annual Asian MBA Conference, a groundbreaking event which served as a source for initiating and fostering  dialogue on Asian diversity, launched many new exciting careers and provided unprecedented networking opportunities for students and professionals alike.

Contact:

Hanna Hyun

National Association of Asian MBAs

1270 Broadway, Suite 703 | New York, NY 10001

T: +1-212-465-8391

E: Hanna.Hyun@AsianMBA.org

The 17th Annual Pistahan Parade and Festival showcases world class entertainment. From dance, hip-hop, jazz, to martial artists, there will be something for everyone! Here is a look at some of this year’s talent:

DJ Rocky Rock

DJ Rocky Rock

Filipino-American DJ Rocky Rock is a DMC World Champion and an official tour disc jockey. The San Jose native is a master turntablist, and has played with many world-renown artists such as 311, Linkin Park, and the Black Eyed Peas. After 2001, DJ Rocky Rock moved to Southern California to further immerse himself in the world of turntabling and to share his passion with other artists. DJ Rocky Rock has over 18 years of experience in the industry, and has a fan base of over 20,000 people.

Come and check out DJ Rocky Rock at the Pistahan Festival and Parade on Saturday, August 14 at 3:15 p.m.

Parangal

Parangal

Parangal Dance Company is a Filipino Folk Dance Group based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Since its founding May 2008, Parangal has served to tribute the Philippine heritage by preserving and promoting ethnic attire, music, and dance. The dance company aims to entertain, inspire, encourage, and educate Filipino Americans and communities about Philippine culture and traditions through its in-depth research of indigenous groups in the Philippines, public and private performances, and free dance workshops.

Watch the Kawayan Folk Arts (cultural dance) of Parangal at the Pistahan Parade and Festival on Sunday, August 15 at 12:40 p.m.

Funk Beyond Control

Funk Beyond Control

Funk Beyond Control (FBC) is one of the most sought-after dance troupes in the West Coast. FBC’s troupe ranges in age from 7 to 20, and is known throughout the region for its innovative style and expertise and for its dedication to the hip-hop scene that is distinct of the Bay Area. FBC is directed by Darnell Carroll, one of the leading hip-hop dance choreographers/instructors in the Bay Area.

Come and watch FBC’s moves at the Pistahan Parade and Festival on Sunday, August 15 at 12:40 p.m.

Planet Infinity’s More Than Medals Taw Kwon Do USA

Planet Infinity’s More Than Medals Tae Kwon Do USA at the Asian Heritage Street Celebration

Pistahan fairgoers are in for an action packed afternoon as Planet Infinity’s – More Than Medals Tae Kwon Do USA martial arts team will demo high kicks, wood block chops, and more!

Planet Infinity, originated in the Philippines and began in Sunland, CA, in 2005 with the goal of reaching out to global Filipinos, in an effort to help them become better citizens through the discipline of martial arts and Tae Kwon Do, combined with character development through life coaching. The gym believes that the values of courtesy, integrity, self-control, perseverance, and indomitable spirit contributes positively to a person’s character inside and outside the gym.

Working side-by-side with Planet Infinity is Burbank Grand Master Jae Ok Lee, a 7th Dan Kukkiwon and 7th Dan Chong Do Kwan certified master and Master Jin Sub Kim of Daly City, a 5th Dan Kukkiwon certified master.  Both have been instrumental in training the athletes to be the best on and off of the mat.

Planet Infinity gyms are located at 1821 West Olive Avenue, Burbank, CA 91506 and at 2025 Gellert Boulevard, Daly City, CA 94015.

For more information, visit at www.planetinfinityusa.com or call (818) 953-9928 for Burbank and (650) 580-0795 for Daly City.

For a complete look at this year’s Pistahan Stage Schedule, visit:

http://blog.pistahan.net/pages/pistahan-stage-schedule

For a look at the Bayanihan Stage, visit:

http://blog.pistahan.net/pages/bayanihan-stage-schedule

*Times are subject to change.

Nation

>>13-year-old Korean American plans to visit North Korea to promote peace

Thirteen-year-old Jonathan Lee plans to visit North Korea this week to share his idea for peace in the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea. Lee, a Korean American who was born in South Korea and now lives in Mississippi, will fly with his family to Pyongyang from Beijing.

The family stated that they applied this summer visit North Korea as a “special delegation,” and furthered that North Korea’s ambassador to the United Nations in New York gave permission for their visit, according to The Huffington Post. Lee expects to meet with North Korean officials, and will pitch his idea of peace- a children’s peace forest for fruit and chestnut trees and for children to play. Lee also hopes to give a letter to leader Kim Jong Il, which details a “sunshine policy” of peace for the two divided regions.

The family’s visit comes during high political tensions. The demilitarized zone is heavily guarded, with combat-ready troops that stand readily on guard on both sides. In addition, the sinking of a South Korean warship in March has caused greater tensions between the Northern and Southern regions.

For more information, please visit http://www.huffingtonpost.com.

Bay

>> Rep. Mike Honda to host Asian American and Pacific Islander community forum

On Friday, August 13, Rep. Mike Honda, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), will host the “Asian American and Pacific Islander Voices in Government” in Cupertino.

Evan Low, Mayor of Campbell, will moderate the community forum, which will focus on common issues affecting the diverse Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities and the legislative work being done to address these issues. Some of the topics to be discussed include immigration reform, economic recovery, job creation, education reform, and health care.

What: Asian American and Pacific Islander Voices in Government

When: Friday, August 13, 2-5 p.m.

Where: Cupertino Community Hall, 10350 Torre Ave., Cupertino, CA 95014

For more information, please visit http://www.tradingmarkets.com.

Arts

>>Open Call for Filipiniana Contingents

The Pistahan Parade and Festival would like to invite everyone to participate in its open call for Filipiniana Contingents on August 14. The participant with the most outstanding outfit will be awarded “Best Dressed” in the award ceremony later that evening.

To participant, an individual or organization must complete and send a Pistahan Parade Application that can be found at http://pistahan.net/parade/index.html (please specify that you are going to be a “Filipiniana Contingent”). Participants must be at the registration table before 10 a.m. on the day of the parade, August 14.

For more information about the Pistahan Parade and Festival, please visit http://pistahan.net/.

Global

>>Burma’s Democratic Party Faces Intimidation

On Wednesday, Thu Wai, Burma’s Democratic Party (DP) Chairman, told The Irrawaddy that the DP had written to the Election Committee (EC) on Monday to complain and appeal for and end of “police intimidation.”

After the DP submitted its list of 1,400 members to the EC on July 28, the EC forwarded the list to the Special Branch. Using the list, the Special Branch sent officers to visit DP offices and selected members’ homes, furthering their visits by asking for CV’s and photographs, said DP Chairman Thu Wai in The Irrawaddy.

Many are concerned that this is yet another move by the military junta to restrict and oppress democratic parties from gaining a victory in the upcoming election.

For more information, please visit www.irrawaddy.org.

>>General Than Shwe Misses Party for Revered White Elephant

Senior General Than Shwe was visibly absent at the party for the majestic white elephant that was recently captured in Burma’s Arakan State. The highly revered elephant was taken to Naypyidaw to be presented to the Sr.-Gen., but Than Shwe and many members of his family did not attend.

Photograph of the celebration of Bhaddavati

The absence has brought up speculation of the 77-year-old general’s declining health. Last week, Than Shwe was hospitalized at Pun Hlaing International Hospital in Rangoon.

According to The New Light of Myanmar, the celebration persisted and was led by the country’s Secretary-1, General Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, who headed the junta members in welcoming the elephant.

The elephant has been named Bhaddavati, or the “one who is endowed with goodness.” Bhaddavati is one of the four white elephants discovered in the recent years. In Southeast Asia, white elephants are venerated as a sign of a country’s upcoming prosperity and a symbol of good luck. For centuries, white elephants, which are albinos, have been revered in Burma, Thailand, Laos and other Asian nations.

For more information, please visit www.irrawaddy.org.

Nation

>>Indian-American senator loses primary

St. Paul, MN – Indian-American Satveer Chaudhary, who in 1996 became the first Indian American to serve in the Minnesota House of Representatives, recently lost in the primary to retain his Senate Seat. A member of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, Chaudhary served his district for 14 years, with four years in the Minnesota House and ten in the Minnesota State Senate.

During his tenure, he became the vice-chair for the Game and Fish Committee, Chief author of the Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources of 2005 (LMCR), and co-authored a bill for clean air and water.

Born to Indian parents of Jat ethnicity, Chaudhary is a graduate of Oxford University. In 2000 at the age of 31, he became the youngest senator in Minnesota Senate History.

Chaudhary was defeated by Barb Goodwin by a forty percentage point margin in the DFL primary.

Bay

>>Fremont native crowned winner of Miss Asian America Pageant

San Francisco – 19-year-old Fremont native Sarah Liu was recently crowned the winner of the 25th Annual Miss Asian America Pageant. The pageant, held this year at the San Francisco Palace of Fine Arts Theatre, featured twenty Asian American women aged 17 to 27 years old.

Founded in 1980, the pageant has been held annually since 1985. Rose Chung established the pageant with the mission to “showcase young Asian American women in a high quality production that will represent their culture, intelligence, and talent.” Since its inception, over 500 women have participated in the event. For more information please visit www.missasianamerica.com.

>>PG&E to participate in Pistahan Parade

San Francisco – Northern California electric company Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) announced that it will join other companies across the Bay Area in sponsoring the 17th Annual Pistahan Parade and Festival from August 14-15. PG&E will provide customers with information on how to save money on bills and to become more energy efficient. PG&E representatives will provide information on the California Alternative Rate for Energy (CARE) and Energy Partners Program, where PG&E customers may receive an annual discount of up to $500 off their electric bill.

Members of PG&E’s Samahan Employee Research Group (ERG) will have their own float in Saturday’s parade. The “Green Float” will feature plug-in Toyota Priuses and trucks.

Based in San Francisco, PG&E is one of the largest electric and gas combined companies in the United States. It supplies energy to over 15 million Northern Californians. A sizable minority of its over 20,000 workers are of Asian descent.

For more information, please visit www.pge.com/about/newsletter.

Arts

>>Author to present book at Ferry Building

San Francisco – Angela S. Choi, author of Hello Kitty Must Die will be present at the Book Passage at the Ferry Building at the Ferry Building in San Francisco on August 19 at 6 pm. Choi will discuss her book and answer questions from the public. Book signing will be available after the event.

Hello Kitty Must Die tells the story of Fiona Yu, a “Hello Kitty:” A young, educated, well-mannered Asian American. Torn between the responsibilities of traditional Chinese values and that of her American surroundings, Fiona will go to any means necessary in order to avoid her parents marrying her off.

For more information please visit www.bookpassage.com or call (415) 835-1020.

Sports

>>Wakamatsu fired as Mariners’ manager

Seattle –Seattle Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu, the first Asian-American manager in the history of Major League Baseball (MLB) has been fired by the Mariners organization, according to the team’s website.

A former catcher for the Chicago White Sox, Wakamatsu guided the Mariners to an 85-77 record in his first season after taking over a team that went 61-101 in 2008. This year however, the Mariners are 42-70 with less than two months left in the season.

“I would like to thank the city of Seattle and all the baseball fans here in the Northwest for the great support offered to me during my time as Mariners manager,” Wakamatsu said in a statement. “My single biggest disappointment is that we were not able to finish what we wanted to finish here, bringing a championship club to the fans.”

The Mariners also fired bench coach Ty Van Burkleo and pitching coach Rick Adair. Wakamatsu is succeeded by interim manager Daren Brown, who was most recently manager of Seattle’s Minor League Triple-A affiliate Tacoma Rainers. Brown led the Rainers to a division championship in 2009.

This year’s Culinary Pavilion features many of the familiar tastes and smells that have defined the Festival for the past seventeen years. Witness one of the Philippine’s most taboo of delights, in the balut eating contest at the Bayanihan Stage! Wince in delight as over a dozen competitors try to down a yet-to-be-developed duck egg, the cure-all delicacy known as balut! Educate yourself as the Culinary Pavilion holds a teach-in and recipe sharing with cookbook author Miki Garcia courtesy of Arkipelago Books (a great place to find Filipino books). Learn how to cook sinigang, a sour, tamarind-based meat or seafood stew—the ultimate companion to the tropical culture that is the Philippines. Join the judges in choosing the winner of this year’s Adobo Cook-Off. This garlicky soy sauce and vinegar marinated meat stew, one of the Philippine’s most signature dishes, is well-known for its many variations among the different regions of the Philippines. At the Adobo Cook-Off, you will have the opportunity to sample them all! There is much fun to be had at the Culinary Pavilion, as you will be able to eat to your heart’s delight!

Heading this year’s Culinary Pavilion is seasoned chef and current head of marketing and promotions at Mama Sita’s USA, Pearl Parmelee. Parmelee works with Mama Sita’s, a food company which produces seasonings and sauces to make Filipino dishes. She has also led culinary classes at several University of California campuses teaching college students on how to prepare different Filipino dishes. At this year’s Pavilion, Parmelee hopes to continue to bring education and the culinary arts together to make for a gratifying experience.

“This year, we will showcase and educate people on Filipino food,” says Parmelee, “We want to show people how food and [Filipino] celebration come together.”

Parmelee wishes to bring Filipino food more into mainstream Asian American culture, a threshold that Filipino cuisine has yet to break despite the millions of Filipinos already residing in the United States.

“Our goal is getting people to recognize that Filipino food is good as well, says Parmelee, “I really wish it [Filipino food] was more mainstream, but it’s getting there. I know we’re going in the right direction.”

Join Pearl Parmelee and Mama Sita’s as they take a step towards that right direction at this year’s Culinary Pavilion. From adobo to balut, Pearl and Mama Sita will bring you on a taste bud journey that will leave you saying, “Ang sarap!”

The Culinary Pavilion will be part of this year’s Pistahan Parade and Festival, August 14-15 at Yerba Buena Gardens in San Francisco. The following is a list of events taking place at the pavilion during the festival:

SINIGANG DISPLAY AT THE CULINARY PAVILION ALL DAY SATURDAY AND SUNDAY: Sponsored by Mama Sita’s Mixes and Sauces. Learn the different varieties of Sinigang, and the key ingredients.

FREE FILIPINO FOOD RECIPE CARDS WILL BE HANDED OUT ALL DAY SATURDAY AND SUNDAY: Courtesy of Mama Sita’s Mixes and Sauces

SATURDAY, AUGUST 14:
NOON – ADOBO COOK-OFF sponsored by MAMA SITA’S MIXES AND SAUCES
Bring your cooked adobo at the Culinary Pavilion by 11 am. Winners will be announced around 3 pm. Cash prizes will be awarded. For more information please call Michael Tomas at (415) 794-5615.

SIGN UP AT THE CULINARY PAVILION FOR BEARD PAPA’S CREAM PUFF EATING CONTEST (Starting at 10 am)

12:30 PM – BEARD PAPA’S CREAM PUFF EATING CONTEST at the BAYANIHAN STAGE

2 PM – TALK AND Q&A – THE FILIPINO COOKBOOK with author MIKI GARCIA (Arkipelago Books)

SIGN UP FOR BALUT EATING CONTEST sponsored by Mama Sita’s Mixes and Sauces. Contest will be on Sunday.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 15:

NOON – TALK AND Q&A – THE FILIPINO COOKBOOK with author MIKI GARCIA (Arkipelago Books)

SIGN UP FOR THE BALUT EATING CONTEST – 10 am-1 pm

BALUT EATING CONTEST sponsored by Mama Sita’s Mixes and Sauces – 1 PM AT THE BAYANIHAN STAGE

This year’s Pistahan Parade and Festival Art Pavilion will be showcasing an eclectic array of genres from local Filipino Bay Area artists. From graffiti, animation, and illustration, to breathtaking landscapes, there will be something for everyone to admire. Come by and talk with the artists who will be in attendance both days of the festival from 11am to 5pm on Saturday Aug. 14 and Sunday Aug. 15.

Along with the seasoned artists, and in keeping with this year’s theme CREATE, EDUCATE, CELEBRATE, there will be a space dedicated to the students of Kulayan, a Kularts Visual Arts Program, currently in residence at the Filipino Community Center in the Excelsior district of San Francisco.

KULAYAN, is a San Francisco based Visual Arts program of KULARTS. It provides free art and educational workshops to the community aimed at, but not limited to young Pilipino and Pilipino-Americans. The curriculum explores issues of identity, the role of art in activism and community, and learning the skills to create successful art works individually, and in a collective. Workshop sessions include a survey of Pilipino Art History and Contemporary Art, and also an in-depth exploration of Pilipino myths and legends. The program currently has residency at the Filipino Community Center in the Excelsior district. There are 7 students participating in the exhibit: Jana Templaza, Ben Yu, Bean Rabino, TJ Basa, Elaine Villasper, Michael Luat and Glenn Aquino along with Kulayan teachers: James Garcia and Christopher De Leon.

The Pistahan Art Pavilion is coordinated by Judy Manlapaz Romanenkov and assisted by James Garcia.

The exhibiting artists are:

Judy Romanenkov – does original oil paintings of landscapes, portraits, still lifes in impressionistic, realistic and modernistic styles. She is a member and current treasurer of the San Francisco Women Artists, established in 1887 it is one of the oldest art organizations around. She exhibits regularly at the SFWA gallery in its monthly juried shows as well as in other venues. Painting since early childhood, art is one of her many careers. Along with art studies and courses, she holds an MA in Economics from the Ateneo de Manila University and a BS in Accounting and Economics, taught Economics and Accounting, been treasurer of a college, a controller, a director of Finance and Administration for non-profit organizations among others.

James Garcia, graduated in 2002 with a BA in Art from SFSU. Since then he has participated in numerous exhibitions all over the United States and the Philippines. Known primarily as a “character” artist, he blends narratives from his cultural, spiritual, sociopolitical beliefs, and observations to create a fantastical world of creatures and beings – juxtaposed in alternate realities and environments. Other than creating gallery works, James has been curating art exhibitions locally in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Maryland, and the Philippines. A big advocate in promoting Filipino visual artists, James has been producing Filipino specific exhibitions in the past couple years to explore and celebrate Filipino identity and heritage.

Christopher de Leon, was called to be an artist the first day he picked up a crayon at the young tender age of three. He has since studied at Cal Arts, Art Institute of San Francisco and the Academy Art University. He is armed with a wide variety and knowledge of traditional and non-traditional fine art mediums such as oil, gouache, acrylics and charcoal. He also is well versed in sculpture, character design, storyboarding and graphic design. His love for “street” or urban art has brought him into the urban contemporary gallery and live paint scene here in the Bay Area.

Gem Mateo likes to stay always creative – with him working at Levi’s as graphic designer, to him partnering with Invisible Stripes to start the kids line called GEMS. He always finds his way to escape through creating art through paint.

Peabe
Born and raised in Chicago and now living in Oakland, CA, Peabe began drawing during his early stages of development. The characters he creates, an embodiment of his emotional peaks, were heavily influenced by the “cattle to the slaughterhouse” train riders who often appear “zombie-esque” during their commute. However, occasionally a passenger would awaken to something beautiful around them – he worked on capturing this moment of enlightenment emerging from melancholy, while still bringing forth the art, texture, colors, and beauty of the city.

Manny Pacquiao by Tim Guitarte

Tim Guitarte, born in 1983 in Redwood City, currently resides in Vallejo, California. With a BA degree in Art Studio from the University of California, Davis, Tim is a portrait artist influenced by the underground scene. Currently painting full time, he tries to capture the subtle emotions often associated with his own personal feelings in his portraits. His work integrates the underground with the more traditional, fine art usually associated with portrait work. timguitarte.com/

JR Ignacio, also known as Dyno, has been an artist since the day he could pick up a crayon. His current works of art mashes his personal thoughts and feelings into a dinosaur form. Influenced by street art, he adopted the clean and bold outlines to mix with his raw mess, creating a style of his own that continues to evolve.

Marlon Sagana Ingram‘s work is a seamless fusion of Raw materials, aerosol street tactics, and thickly layered indigediapsoric ideoscapes of sky hopping proportions. Intergalactic constellations of color and light converge creating futurescopic dream-like phantasmagoria. The laws of experience and continuous variation regulate free action through the striated cityscapes of Coconica. The work expresses an identity that is malleable, based on connections, interactivity, and relations. One that is present in the permeability of ancestral legacies while free-flowing in the histories of the now. Marlon Ingram addresses how monumental histalograms (or fantastical projections) of memory effects and is created by the subjectivity of the individual self. Imagined worlds. Created realities.

Sherwin Rosario. The early days of Kirby’s Dreamland video game art inspired Rosario’s crisp clean, graphic bold style. An AA degree at the Art Institute of San Francisco International helped further his technical and commercial knowledge therefore landing him his current Art Director job at Preschool Prep Company. Along with working with Preschool Prep Rosario is one of a twenty plus member art crew by the name of Individual Collective that heads various collaborations and shows.

Marcius Noceda was born in Olongapo City, Philippines and moved to United States when he was 15. He first studied painting in Ventura Community College and, graduated with BFA in painting at the San Francisco Art Institute. He’s a part of Filipino American art collective Kwatro-Kantos and organized shows in San Francisco, Oakland and Manila. He currently works at the Hunters point shipyard artist studio.

Aimee M. Espiritu, a queer filipina, visual and performance artist, educator and designer, has been creating art workshops, writing, performing, and directing theater for the past 8 years. Espiritu’s first Bay Area production was “Pagbabalik (Return)” (2006-2007), a multidisciplinary production merging Filipino tradition and innovation to examine the meanings of home and return.

Mia Ante, 3rd generation Filipina/Chinese/Spanish American-San Francisco born native. She has been creating art for as long as she can remember alongside designing jewelry as form of healing a passion for her since the age of 7.

Paolo Salazar is an extremely dedicated artist who moved to the East Bay when he was a toddler by way of Baguio city in the Philippines. He can now be found scouring all corners of San Francisco soaking up what the city’s people have to offer and spewing it into oil based perceptions of reality.

Robby Lee – holds a BFA from the Academy of Art University and does illustrations, logo and production designs and creates drawings of fantasy scenes and creatures.

Nation

»Lao American Writers summit to take place

Minneapolis, MN – The first annual Lao American Writers Summit will take place from August 13-15 at the Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis. The Summit will bring fourteen Lao artists from across the country to share their work. The three-day event will include writing workshops headed by a nationally recognized Laotian-American writer, community panels to discuss the current state of Laotian art, readings, and other art workshops.

Registration is $20, and free for students and seniors with a valid ID. Doors open at 6:30 pm, with events running from 7-9 pm each night. The Loft Library Center is located at 1011 Washington Ave., Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55415. For more information or to register please visit www.laowriters.org.

Bay

»UCSC’s API Resource Center to hold benefit mixer

San Francisco – The University of California, Santa Cruz’s (UCSC) Asian American Pacific Islander Resource Center (AAPIRC) is hosting their first annual Slugs Alumni Mixer at Bar Basic in San Francisco on August 20 from 8:30 pm. The mixer will benefit the AAPIRC endowment fund, which will help provide money to AAPIRC’s yearly events at UCSC in light of recent budget cuts.

There will be a $10 cover charge, with proceeds going to AAPIRC. Happy hour drink specials will include $2 Kamikaze shots, $6 Don Julio margaritas, and a Korean taco truck starting at 9 pm.

Bar Basic is located at 500 Brannan Street (at Fourth Street). For more information please contact AAPIRC at (831) 459-3790 or email at aapirc@ucsc.edu.

»Benefit dinner for Fil-Am law enforcement officers to take place

South San Francisco – The SFPD Philippine Exchange Training Program and the Filipino-American Law Enforcement Officers Association (FALEO) are hosting a benefit dinner and dance Saturday, September 18 from 6 pm to midnight at the Grosevenor Hotel. The event will gather Filipino-American law enforcement officers from across the state for this one-night event. Festivities will include police demonstrations, training, and entertainment. All proceeds will benefit the 2011 Philippine Exchange Training Program.

Founded in 2008, FALEO is comprised of active and retired law enforcement personnel from various state, local, and federal agencies. FALEO strives to promote cultural awareness and brotherhood between Filipino-American law enforcement officers. FALEO looks to serve its community through awarding scholarships and participating in community events and fundraisers.

The Grosevenor Hotel is located at 380 South Airport Boulevard in South San Francisco, CA 94080. Tickets are $60 per person, $110 per pair, and $500 for a table of 10. For more information or to purchase tickets please contact Ben Patagnac at (415) 518-7366 or email him at homiedacop@aol.com.

Art

»Asian Art Museum to hold Woodcut Workshop

San Francisco – On August 12, Curator Dany Chan and artist Imin Yeh will host Woodcut Workshop, a talk on the woodcuts of the Shanghai Exhibition at the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. There will also be a woodcut printing demonstration where attendees can print their own woodcuts. The program starts at 5:30 pm. Admission to the museum is $10, which includes the talk, and access to the Shanghai Exhibition and the museum’s permanent collection.

The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco is located at 200 Larkin Street, San Francisco, CA 94102, adjacent to the San Francisco Civic Center. For more information please visit www.asianart.org.

Survivor winner Yul Kwon gets screened for Hep B at the 3rd Annual Asian Heritage Street Celebration in the South of Market Area in San Francisco in 2007.

One in 10 people in the Asian and Pacific Islander community are diagnosed with Hepatitis B, which causes 80% of all liver cancer. At this year’s Pistahan Parade and Festival Health Pavilion, get tested for free and help prevent liver cancer!

APIs are 100 times more likely to have chronic hepatitis b than Caucasians and have the highest rate of liver cancer for any racial/ethnic group. Hepatitis B can cause serious illness that may last for months, and can become a chronic illness with increased risk of liver damage and liver cancer. Hepatitis b can potentially lead to liver failure and death, but is preventable with a simple vaccine series.

Free screenings will be provided on site both days of the festival from 11am to 5pm on Saturday Aug. 14 and Sunday Aug. 15, by California Pacific Medical Center, a partner of San Francisco Hep B Free – a citywide effort to raise awareness and to also provide free or low-cost testing and vaccination.

For all those that get screened and stop by the Hep B booth to fill out a short survey, they will automatically be entered in a free drawing to win a Flip Cam, sponsored by Subaru – a proud partner and official vehicle of SF Hep B Free. Other partners and members of SF Hep Free campaign, including the AsianWeek Foundation and SF Hepatitis B Collaborative at UC Berkeley, will also be on hand to answer any general questions the community may have about the disease.

It is estimated that the API residents make up 34% of the city’s population and bear a disproportionate instance of liver cancer and undetected HBV infection.

“Providing free testing at the Pistahan Parade and Festival is a great opportunity for us to screen and educate the Filipino community about hepatitis B. It’s estimated one in 10 Asians living in San Francisco is infected. If left untreated, Hep B can cause liver cancer,” says Paula Lykins, Community Relations Manager for California Pacific Medical Center. “We encourage people to stop by our booth to get tested and learn more about the disease.”

The San Francisco Hep B Free campaign will also be appearing in the Pistahan Parade on Saturday August 14. Assemblywoman Fiona Ma will be riding in the Subaru Hep B Free mobile.

For more information go to SFHepBFree.org.

Bay

»SFUSD awarded foreign language grant

San Francisco – The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) has been awarded a Foreign Language Assistance Program (FLAP) grant by the US Department of Education for Russian and Japanese heritage non-native English speakers enrolled in schools within the District.

The $300,000 grant, spread over a five-year period, will be used for curriculum development, assessment development, and heritage development for teachers administering the program. SFSUD will partner with Stanford University, San Francisco State University, UCLA, and the University of Oregon to develop the program.

The program will begin at schools with existing Foreign Language in the Elementary Schools (FLES) in Japanese and Russian within a few school years.

»OCA San Mateo to host 23rd Annual Gala

San Mateo – The Organization of Chinese Americans (OCA), San Mateo chapter is holding their 23rd annual Asian American Achievement Awards Gala on Saturday, September 11 at 5 pm at the Crowne Plaza in Foster City.

The Gala is OCA San Mateo’s flagship fundraising event. It raises money for its high school senior Scholarship and Speak & Lead with Pride Programs, which assists high school students in developing public speaking and leadership skills.

This year’s honorees are Dr. Samuel So of Stanford Hospital, Assemblywoman Fiona Ma (D-San Francisco), and Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) San Mateo President Steve Okamato.

Fundraising events will include a dinner, silent auction, and raffle. Entertainment will be provided by Indonesian musical group Project Garuda.

The Crowne Plaza is located at 1221 Chess Drive, Foster City, 94404. Tickets are $85 per person for OCA members and $100 per person for non-members. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.ocasanmateo.org.

Art

»On Lok Lifeways’ to host art class for seniors

San Francisco – On August 11 from 10:30 am to noon, San Francisco high school students will be on site at the On Lok Lifeways’ Center to teach a de Young museum art class.

The students, named the de Young Museum Ambassadors, will give senior citizens a hands-on art class featuring painting and color mixing techniques. The class is part of the On Lok Lifeways’ recreation and therapy program for seniors.

On Lok Lifeways is a non-profit organization founded in 1972 to provide recreational and social services for seniors in San Francisco, Santa Clara, and southern Alameda Counties. On Lok serves over 1,000 seniors across the Bay Area, many of whom Filipino or Chinese. The class will take place at On Lok’s San Francisco center located at 1000 Montgomery Street. For more information please visit www.onlok.org.

Global

»Beijing plans buses that can drive over cars

Beijing, China – In an effort to go green and relieve traffic congestion, the Shenzhen Huashi Future Equipment company is developing a new bus which will have the ability to drive over cars.

Nicknamed the “Straddling Bus,” the bus will rise 4-4.5 meters high and will feature a tunnel where cars less then two meters high can pass through. The bus will straddle the road at its opposite ends, but will have a hollow opening for traffic to pass through. Powered by electricity and solar energy, the bus can reach speeds of over 60 kilometers per hour. It is said that the bus can reduce traffic jams by up to 30%.

It will be able to hold up to 1400 passengers who will be loaded either in an above-ground overpass where passengers will enter through the roof of the bus, or a ground level station where passengers will enter from either side of the bus.

The project will cost an estimated 500 million yuan, a tenth of what it would cost to build an equivalent subway. Construction of the first 155 miles will begin in Beijing’s Mentouogou district in late 2010.

BOSTON, Mass. – A highly committed Harvard-based team of students have effectively engaged Boston physicians, and other health organizations, including Quest Diagnostics, to address the high rate of hepatitis B infection among the city’s Asian population. The effort, known as The Liver Health Project, strives to educate Boston’s Asian population on a chronic disease that affects one out of every 10 Asian and Pacific Islander Americans.

Hepatitis B is a significant and pressing health issue among Americans who are of Asian descent. Motivating the Harvard students is the fact that Boston Public Health statistics show that Asians account for more than half of chronic hepatitis B cases (despite making up less than 10 percent of the population), and have 2.5 times the rate of death from liver cancer than the city average.

The Harvard students are part of Team HBV, an international community comprised of collegiate chapters, high school chapters and local volunteers based out of the Asian Liver Center at Stanford University. As part of this national effort, Team HBV at Harvard launched the Liver Health Project, and are collaborating with Quest Diagnostics, the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association of New England, and local physician experts to raise awareness in the Boston community about the prevalence of this infectious disease among Asians. The initiative hopes to educate the general population that the disease is silent, and that vaccination, testing and treatment can help save lives.

In order to raise awareness and screen patients in Boston, The Liver Health Project held one screening event on May 1st and will hold two more on August 7th and again in December in Boston’s Chinatown area. Quest Diagnostics’ Cambridge laboratory will provide on-site staff and perform medical diagnostic screening services at no charge.

“We’re impressed by the passion and professionalism of the Harvard undergrad and medical students and their success in mobilizing a community for this project. Joining their effort has been a great opportunity to live up to our commitment to contribute positively to the communities where our employees and patients live and work,” said Tim Anderson, Managing Director of Quest’s Cambridge unit, “We’re joining Team HBV at Harvard and the Liver Health Project students in urging local residents to learn about hepatitis B risks and the screenings, immunizations and the treatments available.”

The Liver Health Project encourages those in the Boston Asian community to come out to the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association (CCBA) in Chinatown on 90 Tyler Street, this Saturday, August 7th, from 10 – 2 to learn more and get tested. For more information, you can also visit teamhbvharvard.org. A PSA also provides more information and can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2e2TCp59Yg.

Bay/CA

>>Mayor Evan Low applauds Judge Vaughn Walker’s ruling against Prop. 8

City of Campbell Mayor Evan Low

City of Campbell mayor, Evan Low, applauds Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker for his ruling to strike down the state’s voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage early Wednesday, August 4. Judge Walker concluded that Proposition 8 violated the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution.

The 136-page decision came in the nation’s first federal court test of a state’s right to forbid gay and lesbian couples. This is the first time a federal court has invalidated Proposition 8 for violating the civil rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community.

Throughout the 13-day trial, Prop. 8 supporters failed to provide evidence to support the marriage ban that the proposition enacted. However, Prop. 8 supporters aren’t giving up- in a brief document filed Wednesday evening, lawyers for the Prop. 8 Campaign say that have appealed Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker’s ruling to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Despite this, many others, like Evan Low, May of the City of Campbell, are happy about the ruling.

“I am delighted that the federal court recognized the inherent inequality and injustice of Proposition 8,” said Low. “You can not have a subclass of people created under the United States Constitution, the highest law of the land. I am optimistic and confident that Judge Walker’s decision will be affirmed by higher courts.”

Ly Tong pleads not guilty for attack on pop star Dam Vinh Hung

On Wednesday, August 4, Ly Tong, who was accused of assaulting a Vietnamese pop star with pepper spray during a concert last month in Santa Clara, pleaded not guilty to all charges in the Santa Clara County Superior Court. Tong will return to court Oct. 14 for a preliminary hearing.

The 62-year-old anti-communist disguised himself as a woman at the concert, and then sprayed pop star Dam Vinh Hung, police say.

Thus, Tong is being charged with four felony counts, including burglary and the unauthorized use of a tear gas, and one misdemeanor for resisting arrest. Tong was also ordered to star away for pop star Hung.

According to an article in Mercury News, Tung stated that he would probably agree to plead guilty to the misdemeanor, but not to the other charges.

For more information, please visit http://www.mercurynews.com.

Hmong women in U.S. less likely to test for Cervical Cancer

According to a study which appears in the August issue of Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, researchers have found that Hmong women in the U.S. are less likely to get a Pap test.
“Only 74 percent have a Pap test and only 61 percent have had this test within the past three years,” said lead author Dao Moua Fang in an article by Health Behavior News Service.

The study’s results showed that single, often American-born, English-speaking, and educating Hmong women were the least likely to get a Pap test. Fang attributes feelings of denial and unawareness as the reasons for this lack in testing.

In addition, many Hmong women avoid screening for cervical cancer due to cultural barriers, and how their family members may react to the results of the test or even questions of faithfulness raised from wanting to take a Pap test.

Due to this study, Fang and her colleagues have developed a program to help patients by making appointments, translate, and provide education about cervical cancer.

For more information, please visit http://www.cfah.org.

Bay/CA

>>Golfers invited to Mashi Marukami Charity Golf Tournament

Golfers are invited to participate in the Mashi Marukami Charity Golf Tournament at Silverado Golf and Country Club in Napa on Sunday, August 22. The tournament will benefit the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California (JCCCNC) and will be hosted by Masanori “Mashi” Murakami, the first Japanese baseball player in the Major League and a pitcher for the San Francisco Giants form 1964-1965.

Masanori "Mashi" Murakami

Unlike many Japanese athletes today, Murakami did not have an interpreter or assistant to help his language barrier in America. Despite this challenge, Murakami was treated well by his team and the community. He attributes the Issei and Nisei who went out of their way to make him feel at home to be the people who helped him the most.

Thus, Murakami’s desire to give back to the Japanese American community has led him to come to the Bay Area to be the host of this charity golf tournament, despite his invitation to participate in the America-Japan Grassroots Summit two days later. The charity will benefit the Senior Programs at the Japan Cultural Center of Northern California.

The entry fee for the tournament is $200 per player, which includes a round of golf with cart, lunch, prizes, and an exclusive S.F. Giants autographed tee prize. Entry forms can be found online at www.jcccnc.org and are due Monday, August 16. For additional information or to request an entry form to be mailed or faxes, please contact the JCCCNC at (415) 567-5505 or programsevents@jcccnc.org.

Arts

>>Filipino History at Pistahan’s Heritage Pavilion

On August 14 and 15, the Heritage Pavilion at the Pistahan Parade and Festival will celebrate, educate, and discuss the rich history of Filipinos and the important role of Filipina women within the culture. The pavilion is spearheaded by the Filipina Women’s Network (FWN) and is also sponsored by Wells Fargo.

On both days, the pavilion will offer seminars every hour for about 30 minutes each (the public is advised to sign up for the presentations on the schedule that will be located outside the booth). Some of the topics will include Bayanihan Tradition, art, Filipina heroes, and textiles.

In addition to educational seminars, the public is invited to sit inside the tent, which will be decorated with maps and pillows to create a place of refuge for women to connect.

However, after the festivities, Marily Mondejar, President of FWN, hopes that the community learns more about the Filipino heritage.

“We tend to forget since American history is becoming diluted,” said Mondejar. “But it is necessary to revive interest in our culture and education to and to honor our heritage. We are a community of immigrants and our roots will always be from our motherland.”

For more information, please visit www.pistahan.net.

Global

>>Speculation of Burma Elections to be in December

Much speculation of a possible election date for Burma has been circulating after a request for increased national security during December was ordered by Lieutenant-General Myint Swe of the Ministry of Defense, according to military sources. A high-ranking military officer who took part in the meeting told The Irrawaddy that “In the beginning of this year, he (Lt.-Gen. Myint Swe) told us to prepare the extra security for October. But in the last meeting, he said to prepare for December.”

Many are interpreting this as a measure to prepare for a possible election date in December. However, no official date for the election has been announced.

In the 1990, political parties had 90 days to campaign before the election date. Thus, this year’s election upcoming election may leave political parties under the same circumstances.

For more information, please visit www.irrawaddy.org.

The Young Filipino Professionals Association (YFPA) is proud to be a community partner of the 17th Annual Pistahan Festival. The YFPA connects college-aged through young adult Filipino Americans with various businesses and organizations throughout the Bay Area in a vast array of backgrounds, as well as to other young Fil-Ams seeking the same services. Through community events, mentorship programs, and weekly mixers, the YFPA continues to provide the opportunities for professional and social networking for its over 170 members across the Bay Area. “[The YFPA] offers insight to people who aren’t comfortable with social networking. We make sure our members our interacting with new people and making new contacts,” said Genevieve Jopanda, President of the Board of Directors.

It all started when three classmates from the University of San Francisco—Neil Baquiran, Greg Montemayor, and Roselle Rapadas—saw the need for an organization that could connect Fil-Ams with the businesses and professional opportunities they wanted, but did not have the resources needed to do it themselves. Since that time, the YFPA has brought those connections to its members through a plethora of community partners such as the Filipino Bar Association of Northern California, the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce, the Filipino American Arts Exposition, and the Boys and Girls Club of San Francisco, representing a diverse group of professional connects and organizations. Its mantra, “Connect. Educate. Serve.” has guided the Association throughout its inception in developing the skills needed to succeed in today’s workforce, as well as a few success stories along the way.

Take the story of the YFPA and community partner Pinay Aspirations. In June, Esperanza Catubig and Bernard Camaro, Vice President and Director of Marketing of Pinay Aspirations, respectively, spoke at a June YFPA mixer about their upcoming scholarship reception. After the mixer, Catubig and Camaro were approached by a representative of the American College of Nursing and offered a scholarship to the College for a future Pinay Aspirations scholarship recipient—an offer made possible through the YFPA’s connection with the two organizations.

And it doesn’t stop with business connections. Social connections among YFPA members form as well. “We had a member who just moved in from Florida. She knew nobody here but she developed a group of twelve friends through YFPA.” recalls Jopanda.

This year the YFPA is mobilizing volunteers among its members to help out at the Pistahan Festival. Through their network, the YFPA was also able to bring in community partner Soulciety to perform onstage as well as Mercury Lounge as one of the food vendors for the event.

“This is stuff not taught in textbooks,” said Jopanda. “We give members the platform needed to give to their community. You can’t put a price tag on these experiences.”

You can meet the Pistahan volunteers representing the YFPA at the 17th annual Pistahan Festival, August 14-15 from 11 am-5 pm on both days at Yerba Buena Gardens in San Francisco.

http://www.yfpa.org

Nation

»Massachusetts to mandate Chinese and Vietnamese ballots

Boston – Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick (D) recently signed legislation requiring the City of Boston to provide ballots in Chinese and Vietnamese for all local, state, and federal elections. The ballots will be mandated in polling places where there are 35 or more registered Chinese voters or 30 or more Vietnamese voters.

“Today we achieved a great victory as the Governor signed into law legislation to ensure equal voting rights for Asian Americans—particularly elder Asian-Americans—in the City of Boston,” said Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz, who represents Boston’s Chinatown and sponsored the bill with the Governor.

The City of Boston is home to over 20,000 Chinese-born residents. It contains the only Chinatown in New England and the third largest in the United States, after the ones in San Francisco and New York. Greater Boston is home to over 35,000 Vietnamese immigrants, particularly in the Boston suburb of Dorchester.

The bill is set to take effect on January 1, 2011.

Bay/Cal

»Asian American journalists to be recognized at AAJA Convention

Loa Angeles – 38 Asian Americans from the Bay Area will be recognized as Asian American pioneers at the 21st Annual Convention of the National Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) in Los Angeles. The Convention will take place from August 4-7 at the Renaissance Hotel & Spa. Also to be recognized are the original six founders of the AAJA at the Convention’s opening reception on August 4.  Ben Fong-Torres, former editor of Rolling Stone magazine, will be the master of ceremonies.

The AAJA was founded in 1981 to encourage Asian Americans to enter the field of journalism. Today the AAJA has over 1,000 members in the United States and in Asia.

The opening reception will take place at August 4 at 6:45 pm at the Highlands on 6801 Hollywood Boulevard. For more information please visit www.aaja.org.

Art

»Japanese-American nonprofit to host Craft Boutique

San Francisco – Midori Kai is holding their 10th annual Midori Kai Craft Boutique at the Mountain View Buddhist Temple in Mountain View. The event will feature jewelry, clothing, pottery, and food by Asian American artists from the West Coast. Entertainment will include Ukulele Jam and Marimo Kai.

Midori Kai is non-profit organization established in 1996 for professional Japanese-American business and artists. Midori Kai is committed to community involvement, supporting charities, and educating people on Japanese American heritage.

The Craft Boutique will take place from 9 am-4 pm on Saturday, September 11 at 575 N. Shoreline Boulevard in Mountain View. Admission is free to the public. For more information please visit www.midorikai.com or dial (925) 596-1770.

Sports

»Bill’s Wang suffers significant injury

Buffalo, NY – Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Ed Wang, the first full-blooded Chinese American drafted by an NFL franchise, has suffered a significant injury, according to Bills organization. The Virginia Tech graduate has suffered a hand injury, and not a leg injury as was initially reported by the Buffalo News.

“Ed’s got something that they may have to operate on and it might take him out for quite a few weeks, said Bills head coach Chan Gailey. “We have to wait and see what the doctors say about that.”

Wang, who was on the Bills’ third team, was drafted by Buffalo with the ninth pick in the fifth round (140th overall) in the 2010 NFL Draft. Wang suffered a previous ankle injury at the team’s organized team activities (OTAs) this past spring.

Heritage, by definition, is defined as traditions passed down from preceding generations. However, in a time where traditions, ethnic practices, and lifestyles are becoming meshed into American culture, one’s heritage can often become a hazy blur, and sometimes even lost.

To remember and commemorate the accomplishments and traditions of Filipino culture, the Heritage Pavilion at the 17th Annual Pistahan Parade and Festival will celebrate the rich history of Filipino culture on August 14 and 15 at Yerba  Buena Gardens in San Francisco. This year, the pavilion, spearheaded by the Filipina’s Network (FWN), will focus on the role of Filipina women of the past and of today.

Bayanihan Tradition

On both days, the pavilion will offer educational seminars every hour for about 30 minutes each (the public is advised to sign up for the presentations on the schedule that will be located outside the tents). From Bayanihan Tradition to Art, to SHEroes & Legend and Textile and Babylan, the seminars will feature lessons about each of these distinct, defining heritage topics about Filipino culture. In addition to educating the public, each seminar will seek public opinion and input for each of theme.

One of the seminars will center on the T’nalak, a woven cloth created only by women living in the province of Cotabato’s (Mindanao) T’boli tribe. The cloth is meant to symbolize the blending of culture, strength, and unity of the various ethnic groups living in the province.

“Only women are allowed to produce the sacred cloth, not men,” said Marily Mondejar, President of FWN. “It’s only produced in certain patterns and styles.”

Other highlights will include discussions about paintings by contemporary art experts, Filipina women, and famous Filipino artist Fernando Amorsolo. Amorsolo (1892-1972) is largely known for his paintings of Filipina women, which countered the westernized ideal of beauty and instead, depicted that of Filipina culture.

A painting by Amorsolo

“Since Amorsolo’s canvas was Filipina women, we will talk about how his portrayal of women is influential of pop culture, and what we are doing today about that,” said Mondejar.

However, in addition to hourly seminars, all are welcome to sit, recollect, and connect with one another at the pavilion tent. The tent will be fully decorated- colorful maps will cover the surface of the ground, while pillows will provide added comfort for women to bond- all of which resembles a place of refuge for women.

“Not like other booths, our booth will be rather quiet,” said Mondejar. “A place to renew, refresh, and revitalize- a place where women can learn.”

In addition to learning about Filipina women’s history, the public will also be able to learn about the long history of Wells Fargo (one of the sponsors of the Pistahan Festival and a partner sponsor of the Heritage Pavilion) within the Filipino community.

Some of the artifacts that will be displayed at the booth include pictures of a Wells Fargo office in Manila and a 1917 document of a money transfer from New York to Philadelphia.

“We fully support community events,” said Denise C. Miles, Vice President of Community Development at Wells Fargo. “This is our sixth year sponsoring the festival and parade and we’re really excited about the opportunity.”

Wells Fargo has a history of serving the Asian American community for over 158 years and has donated much time and resources to help multiple non-profits within the Filipino community. Therefore, Wells Fargo team members, alongside family members, will be actively participating in the parade and festival.

“Some are going to wear traditional Filipino garments, and others will be wearing Wells Fargo shirts,” said Miles. “We’re just really excited.”

The public will be able to take home a bit of Filipina heritage at the bookstore, which will offer Filipino arts and crafts, books, and trinkets.

After the two days of fun, education, and festivities, Mondejar hopes that people will learn more about the traditions and symbols of Filipino culture.

“We tend to forget since American history is becoming diluted,” said Mondejar. “But, it is necessary to revive interest in our culture and education and to honor our heritage. We are a community of immigrants and our roots will always be from our motherland.”

WHAT: Seventeenth Annual Pistahan Parade and Festival

WHERE: Yerba Buena Gardens
San Francisco
Mission between 3rd and 4th Streets

WHEN: Saturday and Sunday, Aug 14-15, 2010
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

ADMISSION: Free!

http://www.pistahan.net

Arizona law, SB1070 is unacceptable. I am pleased with the courts decision to block provisions on the law and urge our communities to consider the integrity and dignity of families in the immigration debate.

As a native San Franciscan Pacific Islander and member of the Asian Pacific Islander (API) community, I stand in solidarity with those who are firmly opposed to SB 1070.

The law which went into effect on July 29, is temporarily blocked by a federal court judge. Provisions of the law which the courts found unconstitutional included Section II which requires police officers to question anyone who they “reasonably suspect” is undocumented by asking for their papers. This section of the law essentially criminalizes anybody that “looks” undocumented and relegating all minorities to a second-class status.

SB 1070 essentially tells immigrants and minorities that law enforcement cannot be trusted. My father, an immigrant veteran who served in the U.S. Armed Forces knows well what the responsibility of earned trust means, particularly public trust.

Equally important is how public trust is carried out and enforced by public servants who have that authority. Displaced authority, such as misleading the public in fear tactics and scapegoating others, pits neighbor against neighbor. It only results in increased animosity, resentment and hate towards a targeted group.

It is this kind of attitude that history has repeatedly judged as wrong. The kind of attitude that led the people to allow the annihilation and ethnic cleansing of an entire community. The kind of attitude that kept one racial group at the front of a bus and another at it’s rear. The kind of attitude that imprisoned, punished and took many innocent lives in its wake.

The new Arizona law essentially repeats elements of world history. It repeats these horrific crime against humanity. It repeats the dismissal and disregard of human dignity.

SB1070 as originally proposed and passed into law by the state of Arizona gives officers unobstructed power to engage in racial profiling, where characteristics like language fluency, accent, style of dress, and the company that someone keeps are major factors in how the police decide if a person is suspected of being undocumented.

Albeit law enforcement are highly trained professionals, members of the API community continue to be victimized through racial profiling in today’s post-9/11 world. This section of SB 1070, barring the court injunction, would have undoubtedly exacerbate the problem and further marginalize all of us.

I feel a profound sense of duty to act on behalf of the Pacific Islander community to continue the fight against SB1070 as it is challenged in court. With over 260,000 Pacific Islanders in California and 12,000 in Arizona, we are a community at risk of being victimized.

We are raised with a strong cultural concept of community and keeping families together.

It is this attitude of acceptance that seeks to build bridges among our neighbors rather than destroy the communities we work hard to build. I am urging our Pasefika community, organizations and churches to join me and speak out against SB1070.

Manufou Liaiga-Anoa’i is a social services entrepreneur and long time community activist in the Pacific Islander community.

Bay

»Chinatown Night Market reopens after three-year hiatus

San Francisco – Chinatown’s Night Market recently reopened after a three-year hiatus. The Night Market at Portsmouth Square will feature many interactive activities such as talent shows, calligraphy, and traditional Chinese games.

The Night Market ceased operations in March 2007 when the City’s controller office audited the office to trace a $35,000 grant from the Mayor’s office in 2005 to the neighborhood.  The controller’s office accused the neighborhood of holding less night markets then was originally planned and shut down the market during the audit. The accusation was later retracted after the office realized the grant’s terms had been amended.

The Chinese Freemasons offered to reopen and run the market in 2009, with former gang member Raymond Chow as its head. The Freemasons soon dropped their support after scrutiny by the City. The Service Employees International Union, United Healthcare Workers stepped in early this year to reopen and run the market.

The Chinese Night Market will run Saturdays from 6-11 pm until October 9.

Arts

»Play commemorating 100th anniversary of Angel Island opening soon

San Francisco  – Paper Angels, a sketch comedy on Chinese immigration to Angel Island, will be presented in Portsmouth Square in Chinatown from September 15-17.Written by SF playwright and activist Genny Lim and directed by Taiwanese-American actress Victoria Linchong, the play documents the 100th anniversary of the opening of the Angel Island Immigration Station. The play will feature a twelve-person, multi-ethnic ensemble cast including Obie Award winning actor Jojo Gonzalez.

Paper Angels will run from Wednesday, September 15 to Friday, September 17 at Portsmouth Square in Chinatown (located at Kearny and Clay Streets). Admission is free to the public. All shows begin at dusk.

Sports

»First Chinese American rookie reports to NFL training camp

Buffalo, NY – The first full-blooded Chinese-American NFL lineman recently reported to the Buffalo Bill’s training camp. Ed Wang, an offensive tackle, was drafted by Buffalo in the 2010 NFL Draft. A Virginia Tech graduate, Wang was drafted with the ninth pick in the fifth round, 140th overall. He joins Golden State Warrior Jeremy Lin from the NBA as the other breakthrough Asian-American athlete to receive media attention in recent weeks.

At Virginia Tech, he was awarded a spot on the 2009 All-ACC Second Team for his performance with the Hokies. His parents were both track and field athletes who competed for China in the 1984 Summer Olympics. His brother David also plays football for Virginia Tech. Previous NFL players who have mixed Chinese heritage include Walter Achiu, Timmy Chang, Pat Chung, and Kailee Wong.

Commerce

»Chinese carmaker purchases Volvo

Paris – Chinese carmaker Zeihang Geely Holding Group has completed its purchase of Volvo Car Corp from Ford Motor.

Li Shufu, head of Geely, announced the purchase as a “historic day” acquiring the assets of a foreign rival. Geely named Stefan Jacoby, head of Volkswagen of America to be chief executive and president of Swedish-based Volvo. Volvo will remain based in Sweden and keep its factories in Belgium.

The purchase came with a price tag of $1.3 billion and a $200 million note payable to Ford. Further payments are expected. The original deal in March called for $1.8 billion. The terms were changed due after due diligence in things such as retirement plans and working capital.