asian avenue magazine
Connecting Cultures Linking Lives
DISTURBIA 4th annual Asian Avenue Halloween party at
November 2014 Volume 9 Issue 11
Emily Bourdon crowned National American Miss Colorado Princess
Metropolitan Lounge
Single IN THE CITY
Denver’s Asian-American Bachelors and Bachelorettes
RESTAURANT PEEK Empress Seafood
Harry Budisidharta
Think Smart.
Criminal Cases | Domestic Violence | DUI
(303) 377-3474 2012 Outstanding Young Lawyer of the Year Recipient Awarded by the Arapahoe County Bar Association & Asian Pacific American Bar Association
Dear Asian Avenue readers, Hope you had a wonderful Koala-ween! Thank you to everyone who attended our fourth annual Halloween party, Disturbia, at Metropolitan Lounge. It was a fun night with unique costumes and music by DJ Guest. Congrats to Linda Nguyen for winning the costume contest as Link from Zelda! We also want to thank many of you for bringing cans to be donated to those in need this winter! On to November, this month is our fourth annual Singles in the City issue where we feature Asian bachelors and bachelorettes in metro Denver. If you are interested in meeting them or other singles in the area, you are invited to the Singles Mixer on Friday, November 21, 8:30pm to 12:00am at Go Fish Lounge on South Broadway. This is a casual event for people to mingle and network. We are excited to welcome Tom Shieh to our advisors group as he will begin sharing a monthly column as an entrepreneur, father and Christian. His insights on life resonate with all our readers; you can follow him at www. facebook.com/tomshieh2. We also thank Harry Budisidharta for continuing to provide his legal column. This issue he provides the history of Denver’s Chinatown that dates back to the early 19th century. Many Chinese immigrants moved to Denver in the 1870s during the economic boom caused by the discovery of gold in the Rocky Mountains. We congratulate our Rising Stars this month, 7-year-old Emily Bourdon and University of Denver student Abhinav Gupta. Emily, the daugher of two army soldiers, was crowned the National American Miss Colorado Princess in June 2014. Since then, she has been active in her community in Colorado Springs, CO. Abhinav has also had a busy summer, spending time in Cambodia working on a project to address the lack of positive hip-hop research in academia and show evidence of hip hop’s potential to improve resiliency in at-risk youth and serve as an accessible empowerment tool. His interest is in how breakdancing can create community in countries outside of the United States. Impressive! We hope to see you at some of this month’s events! If not the Singles Mixer, you are invited to attend Mile High Japanese Citizens League’s Fall Festival on Saturday, November 8; enjoy dinner at the Asian Chamber of Commerce’s annual gala on Friday, November 14; or come out to the Nuggets vs. Bulls game on Tuesday, November 25. As always, you are welcome to connect with us and we value your input. If you have any questions or comments, e-mail or message me. Have a great November!
Annie Guo, President Asian Avenue magazine
asian avenue magazine
staff & support
Publisher & Founder: Christina Yutai Guo President: Annie Guo Senior Designer: C.G. Yao Designer: Jonathan Nguyen Marketing Coordinator: Chun Guo Staff Writer: Patricia Kaowthumrong Staff Writer: Mary Jeneverre Schultz Staff Writer: Brenda Velasquez Photographer: Trang Luong Intern: Mai Choua Lee Intern: Monica Lin Intern: Akemi Tsutsui
advisors group
General Counsel: Michael C. Song Patty Coutts, Donna LaVigne, Nestor J. Mercado, Sum C. Nguyen, Alok Sarwal, Tom Shieh, John Yee, Nai-Li Yee, George N. Yoshida
contributing writers
Harry Budisidharta, Aurelia J. Grinstead, Anie Pelletier, Andrew Romanoff, Tom Shieh
contributing photographers
Gil Asakawa, David Guo Photography, Aurelia J. Grinstead, Chris Hodgkins, Chris Macke, Zachary Madrazo
on the cover
Denver is a great city for singles with plenty to do downtown or up in the mountains. In our fourth annual Singles in the City issue, Asian-American bachelors and bachelorettes share a snippet of themselves and the solo life. Photo by David Guo Photography.
subscriptions
To subscribe, e-mail marketing@asianavenuemag azine.com. A one-year subscription is $25 for 12 issues, a two-year subscription is 40 for 24 issues. Please make checks or money orders payable to Asian Avenue magazine. For details about special corporate or group rates, please call during business hours: Monday - Friday, 9am to 5pm. Shipping and handling included.
advertising
40
Asian Avenue magazine offers businesses the most cost-effective way to reach consumers in the Denver/Boulder metro areas and beyond. For more information, call during business hours or e-mail us at marketing@asianavenuemagazine.com for our media kit and ad rates.
editorial
To submit story ideas, letters to the editor or event calendar listings, e-mail editor@asianavenuemagazine.com. Asian Avenue magazine (ISSN 1932-1449) reserves all copyrights to this issue. No parts of this edition can be reproduced in any manner without written permission. The views expressed in articles are the authors’ and not necessarily those of Asian Avenue magazine. Authors may have consulting or other business relationships with the companies they discuss.
Published by Asian Avenue Magazine, Inc. P.O. Box 221748 Denver, CO 80222-1748 Tel: 303.937.6888 | Fax: 303.750.8488 www.asianavenuemagazine.com Asian Avenue magazine is in association with the Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network.
2 20
November 2014 | President’s Note
RAMEN YAKITORI SUSHI Double Happy Hours!! (Dine in only) Daily 5pm to 6pm and 10pm to close
Sushi $2 Hakushika Hot Sake (sm) $1.50 Japanese Beer (sm) $3 Selected Hand Roll $3 and more! Bringing the ramen culture to Denver!
2907 Huron St. Unit 103 | Denver, CO 80202 Tel: 720.639.2911 | www.mytokio.com OPEN Mon-Thu & Sat: 5pm - 1am Fri: 5pm - 2am | Sun: 4pm - 10pm 48 parking spots available behind the building!
NOVEMBER SPECIAL $1.50 Salmon Sushi (1pc)
9
8
12
Find Inside >> Table of Contents
6 7
8
Event Calendar Art Exhibit See Matisse and Friends at the Denver Art Museum through February
Rising Stars 7-year-old Emily Bourdon represents Colorado Springs in national pageant
University of Denver Abhinav Gupta has aspires to change the world through the medical field and his passion for hip-hop
10
11
12 420
Book Review Mambo in Chinatown by Jean Kwok Inside Story Download the Let’s Fold Origami app! Cover Story: Single in the City
November 2014 | Table of Contents
17
18
20
21
17
26
Asian-American bachelors and bachelorettes share what it’s like to be single in Denver
Restaurant Peek Empress Seafood and Dim Sum adds dozens of new items to its menu
Comrade Brewing wins award at Great American Beer Festival
ARCINDA celebrates Indonesia
Event Recap Asian Avenue magazine hosts fourth annual Halloween Party, Disturbia Legal Column Denver’s Little-Known Chinatown Life Column Are you busy? by Tom Shieh
ON SCENE
22
18
SASE national convention
23 24
25 26
28
Colorado Dragon Boat Festival hosts Taste of Asia competition
PASCO brings Filipino music, dance and culture to Denver National News Feature Retailers of Sakura Square share the change and reminisce about the surrounding downtown area Op-Ed: “Economic approach and values” by Andrew Romanoff
events upcoming Brin
g your Aki Matsuri Fall Festival Uk
Interdisciplinary Center For more info, visit www.lakewood.org/tickets.
u
leles! Saturday, Nov. 8, 11am to 2pm
Community Ukulele Jam! Simpson United Methodist Church
mber 8
Special6001 Ukulele Performances by Wolff St. Arvada, CO 80003 Humu Humu & Wahines and Kanes For more info, contact Donna Hansen at donnasmojo@gmail.com or Suzuho Shimasaki at Suzuho.Shimasaki@gmail.com
You’re invited to attend this concert organized by NISA. Ticket sales will go toward the set-up of a new free clinic in Aurora, Colo. Primary Care Progress Colorado, local chapter of a national network of health professional trainees devoted to promoting primary care, is founding the Aurora Free Clinic as a joint campus-community venture. Housed at the Fields Foundation’s Dayton Opportunity Center and staffed by volunteering students and supervising licensed providers, the clinic aims to offer high-quality, comprehensive primary care to uninsured residents of Aurora free of charge.
Aki Matsuri 2014
Come eat delicious homemade Japanese food! MethodistInari Church Zushi - $6 | Vegetarian Curry - $10 | Teriyaki vada, CO 80003 JACL Proudly Presents Chicken Bento - Mile $12 |High Vegetable Tempura Plate - Denver’s Japanese Autumn Festival $12 | Jello Yokan - $2 | Plates come with a side of veggie rolls & simmered vegetables. Also enjoy the Come eat delicious homemade Japanese Food! community ukulele jam with special performances bywith Humu & @Wahines and Kanes. by Saturday, November 1) ($1 off items if order placed SuzuhoHumu Shimasaki Suzuho.Shimasaki@gmail.com
1373 Grant St. Denver, CO 80203 Tickets: $35 in advance | $45 at the door For more info, call 303-863-0188 or visit www.springinstitute.org.
Please join us to celebrate 35 Years of Spring: “Honoring our Roots, Growing our Future” with food and cash bar.
Asian Chamber of Commerce Dinner and Gala Friday, Nov. 14, 6pm to 9pm
King’s Land Chinese Seafood Restaurant 2200 W. Alameda Ave. #44 Denver, CO 80223 For more info, visit www.acccolorado.org Enjoy an 8-course banquet dinner, raffles, silent auction, and celebrate this year’s chamber accomplishments. Learn of the chamber’s initiatives chiffon cake and “broken glass” jell-o like you’ve never seen!
ushi - $6 | Vegetarian Curry - $10 | Teriyaki Chicken Bento - $12 | Vegetable Tempura Plate - $12 Jello Yokan - $2 (no discount for preorders) | Plates come with a side of veggie rolls & simmered vegetables
Spring Institute Anniversary Celebration and Fundraiser
Rang e Ishq
Questions? Want to volunteer? Sunday, Nov. 9, Begins at 5pm onna Hansen - donnasmojo@gmail.com Suzuho Shimasaki Thursday, Lakewood| Cultural Center - Suzuho.Shimasaki@gmail.com
470 S Allison Pkwy, Lakewood, CO 80226 Tickets: $21; proceeds benefit Aurora
Nov. 13, 6:30pm to 9:00pm 6:30 Silent Auction / 7:30 Program Spring Institute for Intercultural Learning
FREE BUFFET and
5,000 FAN CLUB POINTS
Receive a free buffet the day you enroll after playing 30 minutes. Plus, receive 5,000 Fan Club points when you give us your email address. Valid for new members only. Buffet offer valid up to 30 days from enrollment. Email address must be given at time of enrollment. 401 Main Street • Black Hawk, CO 80422 1-800-THE-ISLE (843-4753) • www.theisleblackhawk.com © 2014 Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. All rights reserved. Fan Club and Isle are registered trademarks of Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. Must be 21 years of age or older. Valid only at Isle Casino Hotel Black Hawk, CO. Promotions/events subject to change or cancellation without notice. Please visit the players club or cashier services for details. Management reserves all rights. Gambling a problem? Call 1-800-522-4700.
November 2014 | Event Calendar
Interviewing now for immediate openings. Uncapped income. Work from Home. Lots of vacation. Please call or email to set up a time: 720-460-0425 wvopportunities@gmail.com.
®
All new members at the Isle Black Hawk Casino will receive the following benefits:
6
CLASSIFIEDS
Colorado Dragon Boat Festival (CDBF), a 501c3 organization is hiring an Operations Manager. Visit www.cdbf.org or e-mail resume and cover letter to: HR@cdbf.org. First Baptist Church Saturday, November 15, 11:00am - 2:00pm 90 Emerald St, Broomfield, Colorado 80020 Please join us for a special luncheon to celebrate and give thanks to the Lord for His blessings. The purpose is for the new church building open house and to celebrate Hmong New Year. Questions? Please call: Pastor Wameng Vue 303-250-2744
g
(Left) Henri Matisse Woman Seated in an Armchair (Right) Henri Matisse Open Window, Collioure
Matisse and Friends are featured at Denver Art Museum until February 2015 The National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. has provided 14 paintings that will feature Matisse and Friends until February next year. Museum organizers have set the stage for auditory experience by providing a different insight on how to see the different painting. Each painting is hung in front of a set of couches or displayed in corners for art lovers, students and those who enjoy Matisse’s work. “Matisse and Friends is a perfect complement to the dazzle of Brilliant: Cartier in the 20th Century on view upstairs,” said Christoph Heinrich, Frederick and Jan Mayer, Director of the Denver Art Museum (DAM). “The DAM has created an in-gallery oasis for our visitors to bask in the visual delight of these vibrant paintings.” Matisse and Friend will be on view in the Gallagher Family Gallery on level one of the Hamilton Building and is included in museum admission. While not on display, Matisse has created a painting called Asia, a late masterpiece from 1946 representing a woman who, for the French artist, embodied the beauties and mysteries of that continent, and an important painting from the collection of Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass. Asian buyers snapped up works by Henri Matisse, Claude Monet and Alberto Giacometti at Sotheby’s mixed $219 million evening sale of Impressionist and modern art in New York last May. Collectors including those from Taiwan, China and Hong Kong accounted for $63.9 million in sales, almost a third of the total, which squeaked past the low estimate of $218.1 million. Of the 71 lots, 21, or 30 percent, failed to find buyers. The artists featured in Matisse and Friends shocked the art world with their raw approach and triggered a succession of innovative movements in modern art. Working in and around Paris at the turn of the 20th Century, these artists were part of a creative community that sought to redefine painting, favoring an expressive style that emphasized loose brushwork and bold colors. “The gallery setting draws inspiration from Matisse’s studio, employing vibrant walls, colorful rugs and plush couches that encourage visitors to sit back and savor the details, indulging in each painting’s vibrant palette, vigorous brushstrokes and rich surface texture,” said Danielle Stephens, master teacher for modern and contemporary art at the DAM. For more information, visit DAM’s website at www.denverart museum.org. Follow Mary Jeneverre Schultz on Twitter @Jeneverre for more museum attractions around the United States.
By Mary Jeneverre Schultz | Asian Avenue magazine
Georges Braque The Port of La Ciotat
André Derain Mountains at Collioure
Raoul Dufy Regatta at Cowes
Raoul Dufy The Beach at Sainte-Adresse
Albert Marquet Posters at Trouville
Henri Matisse Still Life with Sleeping Woman Art Exhibit | asian avenue magazine
7
Emily Bourdon
of Colorado Springs wins National American Miss crown By Annie Guo | Asian Avenue magazine
Emily Bourdon, a second grader at Chinook Trail Elementary, loves to sing, dance and perform Taekwondo. Her talents at the age of 7 helped her to win the title of National American Miss: Miss Colorado Princess 2014 on June 4, 2014 at the Denver Tech Marriott. Each year, hundreds of girls from each state between the ages of four and 18 compete in age divisions in the state finals for an appointment as the state queen. Many girls are the daughters of service members, including Bourdon. The program allows participants to gain self-confidence, demonstrate resiliency, and gain a sense of belonging in the state their parent(s) are assigned to. National American Miss provides young girls a sense of belonging in their community no matter where they are from originally. And regardless of which girls are appointed as state queens, each learns valuable life skills to be successful for their futures. Last year was Bourdon’s first time competing for National American Miss. And while she did not win the title, she was crowned Princess Cover Girl 2013 and invited to compete for nationals in Anaheim, California for the All-American title. “The competition was too great and she was crowned National Cover Model,” her mother, Lea Bourdon said. “After last year’s experience, she worked hard to be even better for the state competition.” Her devotion and hard work paid off when she won the title this year as National American Miss: Miss Colorado Princess 2014. She will travel to Anaheim, California again this November to compete for nationals and hopefully bring the title home. According to her mom, she’s very proud to represent the state of Colorado and have the privilege to represent the title with such grace. “Giving back to the community and learning at an early age the importance of hard work,” said Lea Bourdon. The National American Miss Pageants are for “today’s girl” and “tomorrow’s leaders.” The program is based on inner beauty, poise and presentation, and offers an “all American spirit” of fun for family and friends. Bourdon’s proud family consists of her younger brother, her Filipino-American mother and her German-French American father. Other activiites she enjoys are cross country, Brownie Girl Scouts and dance club. She actively volunteers in the community, hopes to raise awareness and to be a positive young role model and wants to be a pet veterinarian.
8
November 2014 | Rising Star
Abhinav Gupta aspires to change the world AGE 21 ETHNICITY Indian-American SCHOOL University of Denver HOMETOWN Aurora, Colo. ABHINAV IS: quirky, selfless, hard-working INVOLVEMENTS GlobeMed, Asian Student Alliance, Pioneer Breakers, volunteering, tutoring QUOTE ABHINAV LIVES BY: “Insanity is the doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” DREAM JOB pediatric endocrinologist at the Children’s Hospital
A senior at the University of Denver, Abhinav Gupta has traveled the world visiting countries such as India, Germany, Thailand and Cambodia. He is currently applying for medical schools. “I am unsure about what kind of doctor I want to be, but I am interested in pediatrics and endocrinology,” he said. In 2009, his visit to Germany was the first time he experienced a new culture in a foreign country. “I had been to India several times before, but India always felt like a second home, Gupta said. “Everyone in Germany was extremely welcoming, and I was pleasantly surprised by my host family’s hospitality. Both my host parents were musicians. My host father even taught me to play the drums, and gave me a small drum before I returned back to the States.” In the summer of 2013, he went on a trip to Cambodia for four weeks with students from the University of Denver’s Globe Med through the International Sustainable Development Studies Institute (ISDSI) study abroad program to develop a project that will improve the lives of families and orphans suffering from HIV/AIDS in terms of providing them with the opportunity to earn income using chicken coops and gardens. “There were many emotionally intense moments during our trip. I remember one of our beneficiaries started begging us for extra money to pay for her son’s surgery.” “I felt so helpless because I knew there was nothing I could do to help her but to ensure her
that we would do all in our power to make sure our project would help her pay for her son’s surgery,” he said. One of the challenges working with the locals was the language barrier that limited communication between his team and the beneficiaries for the project. “We earned their trust by ensuring them that we were here to help them, and we made eye contact when asking them questions, even if they didn’t understand our questions.” During is ISDSI field courses, he was studied sustainable agriculture in Northern Thailand and observed how rural northwestern Thai villages managed resources in forests. One course also included snorkeling in the coral reefs of southern Thailand to study reef ecology and fishing communities. “I think learning about Buddhist principles and the subversive culture that is seen in a lot of southeastern Asian countries was particularly helpful in Thailand.” “Also, learning how to get around by tuk-tuks was an essential skill that I used in Thailand. I chose Thailand because it seemed like a particularly immersive program, and I knew I would never have another chance to study abroad in a country like Thailand.” This summer, he visited Cambodia to participate in a research project working with the organization Tiny Toones to address the lack of positive hip-hop research in academia and dispel negative stereotypes by contributing
evidence of hip hop’s potential to improve resiliency in at-risk youth and serve as an accessible empowerment tool. Gupta co-authored the proposal with Joie Ha to for the project. Through his first exposure to breakdancing in Cambodia, he realized that hip-hop and dance would be an interesting case study in Cambodia. “I feel like the country can use a movement such as hip-hop, and I am particularly interested in how breakdancing can create a community in countries outside of the United States.” His ultimate goal was to help hip-hop programs receive more funding, sponsorship, and general support from the academic and professional community. The results of the project showed that breakdancing is extremely effective in providing a community for children, especially those at risk. “I hope to use these results to assist existing breakdancing programs, especially those at the Bboy Factory and School of Breaking. I have not presented my findings yet,” he said. Gupta says he is passionate about hip-hop and dancing because it is an easily accessible art form that anyone can take advantage of. It gives voices to marginalized populations, and connects people across the world. Up next, he plans to visit India in the summer. “If I get into medical school, I want to meet my cousins and travel around the country. I would also love to visit and volunteer in Zambia and Chile.” Rising Star | asian avenue magazine Inside Story | asian avenue magazine
99
Mambo In Chinatown by Jean Kwok
A
s ballroom dancing takes center stages through reality shows, talented writers are stepping forward with their experience and love of the dance. In Mambo in Chinatown, author Jean Kwok writes about the world most familiar to her growing up in Brooklyn, New York. “My life is very similar to Charlie,” said Kwok about the main female character in this book. “I lived in a scary apartment with roaches and rats.” Summary of Book Parallel to the main character’s lives, Harvard graduate Kwok wrote from experience. “I was a clumsy daughter in every way,” she said. “I failed miserably as a Chinese daughter.” With daily drudgery described in the book, Kwok also shared how she burned food as simple as Chinese dumplings. Then, cleaning was part of work routine. “I found myself daydreaming instead of cleaning (houses),” she said. Determined to make a better life for herself, she was studious. Her book smart attitude is visible among the friends featured in the book. “As a child, I was so driven to get out of the factory,” she reminisced. “I left so many families and friends behind.” Kwok weaves a story of a young Chinese girl evolving into a young woman with a double life of ballroom dancer and dutiful Chinese daughter. Other themes surround the struggle between the east and west, visible within medicine, first-generation immigrants and fight for independence as a young 20-something female in American society. She hopes this book will break the stereotypes of Asians and Asian Americans. She believes the general public is familiar with the success stories of Asian Americans but turn a blind eye to so many Asian Americans living in poverty. “Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are the fastest growing poverty groups in the United States, even surpassing Hispanics,” she said. While the book is entertaining, Kwok hopes it paves a better understanding of Asians and Asian Americans living in poverty within the large metropolitan cities such as New York and Chicago. Kwok, mother of two boys, enjoys her cats, baking and visit the gym regularly. Advice to writers During her college life, Kwok determined she was going to be a writer. She advises to other beginners to “write out of your genuine soul.” She also believes that potential writers should think of their books as conversations. “Every reader has a different experience,” said Kwok, a current resident of the Netherlands. “As a reader, you go deeper in the heart and soul.” She confessed she thinks books are “magical.” But Kwok warns fledging writers about the competitiveness within the industry. However competitive it is, the life of the writer is an addiction or passion, depending on the point of view.
Reviewed by Mary Jeneverre Schultz
Ballroom dancing and Chinatown melts into one book
Title: Mambo in Chinatown | Author: Jean Kwok Publication date: June 2014 Price: $18.98 | ISBN: 978-1-101-63255-0
About Jean Kwok
Jean Kwok immigrated from Hong Kong to Brooklyn when she was five and worked in a Chinatown clothing factory for much of her childhood. She won early admission to Harvard, where she worked as many as four jobs at a time, and graduated with honors in English and American literature, before going on to earn an MFA in fiction at Columbia. In between her degrees, she worked for three years as a professional ballroom dancer for Fred Astaire Studios in New York City. For more information about Kwok, visit her website at www.jeankwok.com.
Future Plans During the phone interview with Kwok, she was on a two-week book tour, including New York and Las Vegas. As most authors, the movie industry has shown interest but she isn’t counting on it. Mary Jeneverre Schultz is surrounded by ballroom dancers, her daughter and her mother. Follow her on Twitter @Jeneverre. 10 10
November 2014 | Book Review
Photo by Chris Macke
Origami art comes to life in the palm of your hand Let’s Fold Fans Delight in Whimsical Approach to Ancient Practice
The traditional Japanese art of paper folding, dating back to the early 17th century, has been adapted to the digital space through the revolutionary, intuitively designed app known as “Let’s Fold.” With over 500,000 downloads across South Korea and now the U.S., Let’s Fold’s free app is giving predecessors like Paperama a run for user popularity in the arts and crafts category of gaming apps. Let’s Fold developer, Five Thirty Inc., one of South Korea’s leading mobile gaming companies, has crafted the uniquely addictive origami game with a playful design and scaling difficulty for iOS and Android users. “Our goal for Let’s Fold was to cleverly blend the logical beauty of origami with the classic puzzle game in order to create a fun, yet challenging, experience for users of all ages,” said Sanghwa Chung, one of the co-creators for Let’s Fold app. “We have brought the historic art of origami into the social present, sparking curiosity into the beautiful, and relaxing, paper-folding art form that is often overlooked in today’s culture.” Let’s Fold will soon be expanding into the Chinese and Japanese markets, preparing to unveil a new paid version of the app with unlocked hints and no advertisements. The app currently offers a playful experience for young children, while challenging adults to master each increasingly difficult level. The app’s creators are continuously exploring new developments to
expand the app’s features, such as new music for each level and even a printable option for users of all ages to bring their origami skills to life. The app’s updates will be available for download by January 2015. In the app business, it’s common p ractice for developers to look to user reviews for feedback on best practices in improving an app’s aesthetics and usability across all platforms. For Let’s Fold, Google Play and iTunes reviews have been overwhelmingly positive. As one user said, “the Let’s Fold app reminds me that non-theatrical and non-violent games can still be fun for kids, and E-rated!” Whether you’re an experienced origami artist or have yet to fold a single corner of paper, Let’s Fold invites both children and adults to be challenged and discover a fresh view on the ancient pastime art form of origami. Five Thirty, Inc. is one of South Korea’s leading mobile gaming companies. The company recently developed their Korean origami app, Let’s Fold Origami Collection, into the United States, with plans to expand into China and Japan in the near future. Five Thirty, Inc. also plans to launch a World Version of Let’s Fold by 2015, allowing users to create their own origami shapes and share with users across the globe. Let’s Fold is available to download for free on Google Play. Watch the demo at www.youtu.be/L7WFdZQMqA4 and follow Let’s Fold on Facebook at www.facebook.com/letsfold. For more information, contact Sheri Young at 423-643-4977 or syoung@waterhousepr.com. Inside Story | asian avenue magazine
11
Single
in the City:
Meet the Bachelors and Bachelorettes By Patricia Kaowthumrong Photos by David Guo Photography
Our fourth annual Asian-American singles issue highlights nine young men and women in the mile-high city. Whether they enjoy hiking and jogging or eating out on the town, these bachelors and bachelorettes show that it’s not too bad to be single in this city. More than a bustling nightlife and dynamic bar scene, Denver has scenic parks, gorgeous mountains, and the adventurous outdoors.
How would you describe yourself? Self-assured gentleman with a winning style. A born leader who makes friends instantly. What do you like to do in your free time? Seek thrills. What is your favorite food? Italian. What qualities are you attracted to in another person? Someone that is kind hearted, friendly, can laugh at herself and is not scared to tell me if I’m wrong. What qualities do you dislike? Self-centered, acts childish, fiscally irresponsible, undependable and lazy.
TERRY CHOURB, 33 Cambodian-American Safety for Oil and Gas 12
November 2014 | Cover Story
What can’t you live without? Without my kids, tomorrow wouldn’t be worth the wait and yesterday wouldn’t be worth remembering What are some words you live by? When you wake up in the morning you have two choices: Go back to sleep and dream your dreams or wake up and chase those dreams.
Singles Mingle and Mixer - Come meet the singles! Friday, November 21 | 8pm to 12am
Go Fish Bar and Lounge | 1 Broadway, B108 | Denver, CO 80203 Must be 21 years old to participate. RSVP preferred. RSVP to info@asianavenuemagazine.com, 303.937.6888 or on Facebook.
Calling all singles!
Come out for a night of fun and meet other eligible bachelors and bachelorettes including those featured in this issue. The Singles Mingle Mixer includes networking and activities for attendees to connect.
Who knows who you may meet? How would you describe yourself? Driven, charismatic, free-spirited and talkative. What is your greatest achievement? Going on a mission trip to Thailand and working with organizations there to help pull women out of the red-light district. What do you like to do in your free time? I enjoy traditional Thai dancing, hanging out with my friends and family, and being involved in church activities. What is your favorite food? Pho. What qualities are you attracted to in another person? Well-rounded, intelligent and someone who can make me laugh. What qualities do you dislike? Ignorance, arrogance and laziness. What can’t you live without? My family.
LISA YANG, 22 Hmong-American Credit Repair Analyst
What are some words you live by? Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.
How would you describe yourself? Goofy, determined, funny. I attended University of Colorado at Boulder, then CU-Denver. What is your favorite food? Tiramisu gelato. What do you like to do in your free time? I enjoy playing with my dogs. I train Brazilian jiu-jitsu; and staying physically fit is important to me as well. Of course spending time with my friends and sister are also very important. What is your perfect date? is mini golf, or indoor rock climbing followed by a nice dinner. What qualities are you attracted to in another person? Open-minded, funny, caring and love dogs. What qualities do you dislike? Judgemental and not open-minded. I like nice things as much as the next person, but I dislike someone who is extremely superficial. What can’t you live without? My dogs and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. What are some words you live by? You have to be willing to die in order to live.
NAM TRAN, 28 Vietnamese-American Coach Counselor Single in the City | asian avenue magazine
13
How would you describe yourself? I would describe myself as an adventurous, diligent and caring person. I attended Metropolitan State University of Denver and graduated with an undergraduate in Accounting. What is your greatest achievement? I have not achieved my greatest achievement, but for each goal I have set for myself I have either reached or surpassed. And every day I am doing or learning things to make myself better and more successful. Once I have accomplished everything I have set for myself, it will be my greatest achievement. What do you like to do in your free time? I like to spend my free time with family and close friends. When I’m with them, whether it’s staying in and playing board games or going out to restaurants, it doesn’t matter what we do as long as we’re just together. When I’m on my own, I like to work out, listen to music, travel, and read and watch anything that is business oriented. What is your favorite food? I just love food in general. I love all types of cuisine from Asian to European to Latin. Of course within those cuisines, there are definitely dishes I prefer over others. What qualities are you attracted to in another person? Ambitious, familyoriented, spontaneous, warm-hearted, great sense of humor and genuine. What qualities do you dislike? Arrogance and ignorance. What can’t you live without? Family, close friends and food. What are some words you live by? There is no secret to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure. — Colin Powell
JINTAE KIM, 29 Korean-American Credit Analyst
How would you describe yourself? Responsible, fun, social butterfly, hard working, passionate, loyal, open-minded, giving and determined. What is your greatest achievement? Achieving my bachelor of science degree in accounting while working full time and taking care of my son. What do you like to do in your free time? Work out, dance, bake, read and kickbox. What is your favorite food? I love all food, but especially spicy, flavorful and delicious food. What qualities are you attracted to in another person? Confidence, intelligent, considerate, humility, funny, open-minded, caring, honest and easygoing.
MELISSA NGUYEN, 36 Vietnamese-American Accountant
14
November 2014 | Cover Story
What qualities do you dislike? Arrogance, self-centered, pessimistic, ignorant, condescending and egotistical. What can’t you live without? God, my son, my family and friends. What are some words you live by? There is no passion to be had in living a life that is less than one you are capable of living. — Nelson Mandela
How would you describe yourself? I am a mellow person. I typically avoid random confrontations because it is a waste of time to argue or fight about something that’s not important. However, I have strong views on what I believe is right and will stand up for anything I hold dear or strongly believe in. I like to make random and stupid jokes and love the small inside jokes you build with your closest friends. What is your greatest achievement? Graduating from college and obtaining my CPA. Not being able to speak English for the majority of my life and also not having anybody in my family able to help me with my educational/career track, I am very proud that I was able to get through all the challenges of school on my own. What do you like to do in your free time? Watching and playing sports, going to the park or gym, attending sporting events and comedy shows. If I have a lot of free time, I like to travel and go sightseeing and try new foods. What is your favorite food? I love seafood in general, any type of shellfish that is simply cooked. For example, simply steamed blue shell crab with Cajun seasoning or lobster with a little celery salt and butter. What qualities are you attracted to in another person? I love a girl who is ambitious and always achieves better, or who is open to trying new things such as visiting new cities, eating new and different foods and trying new activities. A girl who appreciates craziness and adventures. I love a great smile and confidence. What qualities do you dislike? People who are late and people who have no ambition in their lives or career. I don’t like when I see others who have potential say no to great opportunities because they are lazy or afraid of change.
QUAN LE, 26 Vietnamese-American Financial Auditor
What are some words you live by? I’m a greater believer in luck, and I find that the harder I work, the more I have of it. How would you describe yourself? Outgoing, spontaneous, adventurous, witty and ambitious. What is your greatest achievement? My achievements include earning my bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and my doctor of optometry from Nova Southeastern University. My biggest achievement, however, is learning to fearlessly chase my dreams. What do you like to do in your free time? I absolutely love traveling and getting lost in new places. I never miss a Gator Football game, and you can usually find me watching hockey, basketball and football. I recently moved to Colorado and find myself enjoying a good hike and learning how to ski. What is your favorite food? Blue cheese-stuffed and bacon-wrapped dates. You can only have a couple in one sitting, but they’re amazing. What qualities are you attracted to in another person? Spontaneous, funny and ambitious. Someone who loves life as much as I do with a great smile and eyes (I’m an optometrist).
KRITIKA SALOOJA, 30 Indian-American Optometrist
What qualities do you dislike? Narrow-minded approach to life, smoking and egotism. What can’t you live without? The Bible, my flatiron, dog, passport, family, friends, e-reader and craft beer (in no particular order). What are some words you live by? This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. — Joshua 1:9 NLT Single in the City | asian avenue magazine
15
How would you describe yourself? I am a nerd at heart and enjoy learning about and getting the latest technology and gadgets. I enjoy meeting new people and hearing their stories as everyone has something unique to tell. I would describe myself as very driven and focused in my career and goals. My family and friends are important to me. What is your greatest achievement? My ability to stay strong and find the positive when in difficult situations. What do you like to do in your free time? I am a curler, the Olympic sport, and enjoy traveling to compete and teaching others about the game. As a Colorado native, I enjoy trying new craft breweries and on the hunt to find the best IPA in town! Cycling is a new passion of mine, and I love exploring the beautiful paths of Colorado in the summer. In the winter, you can find me hitting the slopes of Colorado. What is your favorite food? Dim Sum, Bun Rieu, and the Colorado favorite — Santiago’s breakfast burritos! What qualities are you attracted to in another person? Driven and motivated in their careers and goals, but can also take time to be with those he cares about. I like people that can make me laugh and get me to be spontaneous. What qualities do you dislike? Narrow-minded individuals or those who are quick to judge those around them. What can’t you live without? My family. They are my rock and foundation even though they may drive me crazy from time to time. Runner-up: My iPhone — a world of knowledge at my fingertips and the ability to contact those I care about. What are some words you live by? Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes... they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do. — Steve Jobs
JEN NGUYEN, 27 Chinese-American College Advisor
How would you describe yourself? King of inappropriate jokes and terrible puns. Unhealthy obsession with spooning. Dance moves resemble that of an 80-year-old woman with a new hip replacement. What is your greatest achievement? Almost making it onto Season 2 of “Beauty and the Geek.” What do you like to do in your free time? Working out, cooking and perfecting my Matthew McConaughey “alright, alright, alright” impression. What is your favorite food? Pho. Unless it’s after 2am, in which case it’s a toss up between Taco Bell and Totino’s Pizza Rolls. What qualities are you attracted to in another person? Ambition, confidence, knowing the difference between “you’re” and “your.”
BO TANG, 29 Chinese-Russian-American CFO of Open Lines Speech and Communication 16
November 2014 | Cover Story
What qualities do you dislike? Facial hair. What can’t you live without? Daily showers. What are some words you live by? When everything feels like an uphill struggle, just think of the view from the top.
Empress Seafood
& Dim Sum
Monica Lin Asian Avenue magazine
Monica Lin Asian Avenue magazine
E
Empress Seafood Restaurant is proudly one of Denver’s first dim sum restaurants. Since 1993, the eatery has continually recreated its menu in order to stay fresh, creative and appealing to the mile-high area! Now under new management, Empress Seafood is taking their dishes to the next level, hiring a new head chef from California to add his experience and exceptional dishes to the menu. Dozens of unique items that are hard to find in Denver are introduced, including whole abalone in oyster sauce, radish sirloin and braised pigeon. In addition to a revamp of the staff, the restaurant underwent remodeling and reopened officially on October 28. While Empress is excited for these changes, the restaurant still aims to serve its array of Cantonese-style dim sum available to order all day everyday, For those unfamiliar with dim sum, it is a type of cuisine serving small bite-sized Chinese dishes typically in steamer baskets or on small plates. Dishes are made fresh and placed on carts wheeled around the restaurant by servers. Delicious soups available include chicken corn soup, crab meat soup and mustard soup. Vegetable dishes available include egg-plant pot, dry flat green beans and fried garlic cabbage. With its spacious interior, the restaurant frequently hosts banquets and wedding receptions throughout the year. Empress Seafood is also great for casual lunch or dinner with easily accessible parking. The new decor and new dishes welcome old and new guests alike!
2825 W. Alameda Avenue, Denver, CO 80219 Tel: 303-922-2822 www.empressdenver.com Open Hours
Monday to Friday 11am-12am | Saturday & Sunday 10am-12am Restaurant Peek | asian avenue magazine
17
disturbia 2nd place in costume contest (right) David Tran as Rufio from Hook
1st place in costume contest Linda Nguyen as Link from Zelda
18
November 2014 | Event Recap
Asian Avenue Halloween Party October 25 at Metropolitan Lounge More photos at www.facebook.com/asianavemag
DJ Guest - www.facebook.com/djguesto
Halloween Party | asian avenue magazine
19
Denver’s little-known Chinatown In this month’s legal column, I want to talk about the history of Denver’s Chinatown. The first major wave of Chinese immigrants arrived in the United States in early 19th century as a result of the California Gold Rush. They worked as laborers in the mining and railroad industry, and were often paid poorly and exploited by their employers. Furthermore, they were also subjected to racial hostility and many newspapers would publish articles denouncing them as “Yellow Peril.” In 1870, Colorado was experiencing an economic boom brought about by the discovery of gold in the Rocky Mountain and many Chinese immigrants moved to Denver to seek a better life for themselves. They established a small settlement along Wazee Street in Denver, with Chinese-owned stores and businesses to provide work for the hundreds of Chinese residents living there. The area was called Chinatown, but white residents would refer to it as “Hop Alley,” a derogatory term that referred to the opium dens in the area. Sadly, Colorado was not immune to anti-Chinese hostility and hysteria. During the presidential election of 1880, Denver’s Rocky Mountain News launched an anti-Chinese campaign and falsely claimed that Chinese residents would steal jobs from white men and forced white women to go into prostitution. Tensions between white and Chinese residents exploded on October 31, 1880, when several drunk white men entered a saloon and began fighting with Chinese
people inside the saloon. Soon after, a crowd gathered near the saloon and quickly swelled into a mob of 3,000. The mob proceeded to destroy businesses, assault Chinese residents, and beat a Chinese man to death. The Denver police force was not able to control the mob and they had to protect the Chinese residents by locking them inside the county jail. The next morning, Denver’s Chinatown was completely destroyed and it was estimated that there were over $50,000 in property damage. Nobody was ever prosecuted for the riot and the court system acquitted the people that murdered the Chinese man. After the riot, Chinese residents decided to stay and rebuild Chinatown. The Chinese population grew and at its 19th century peak, Colorado was home to roughly 1,400 Chinese people, most of whom lived in Chinatown. However, United States Congress passed the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1882 and outlawed Chinese immigration to the United States. Denver’s Chinatown slowly declined in population and its buildings were razed after World War II in the name of urban renewal. The only visible sign of Denver’s Chinatown is a commemorative plaque near Blake and 20th Street.
About HARRY BUDISIDHARTA
Harry received his law degree from the University of Colorado Law School. He has his own law firm and is the current president of the Mile High chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League, the oldest and largest Asian American civil rights organization in the United States. Contact him at harry@denverfirm.com Harry would like to thank Anthony Bowman from Asian Americans Advancing Justice for his help in drafting this column and for the background information regarding VRA and VRAA.
20
November 2014 | Legal Column
Are you busy? Tom Shieh is a creative,
serial entrepreneur with a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering and Master’s Degree in Telecommunications. Originally from Taiwan, he has several years of technical and management experience at IBM, Level 3 Communications, and Northrop Grumman. He currently owns and manages over 100+ revenuegenerating websites within his private-equity fund. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and three kids, working out, playing the guitar, basketball, and is active in his church.
Lately, one of the questions I seem to get asked most frequently is: “Tom, have you been busy?” It’s a common and safe ice-breaker question. And, we tend to ask each other this question without really thinking twice about what we’re truly inquiring. However, it always triggers within me this desire to respond in a more philosophical way than most are prepared for. Let me explain. The truth is we are all “busy”. I’m busy. You’re busy. My 7-year-old son says he’s busy. Everyone is busy. So, it’s not a question of whether we’re busy. A better quality question to ask is, “What are we busy doing?” Notice how many times that you hear these types of statements: • I wish I had more time. • Where did the time go? • There aren’t enough hours in the day. • If I only had a little more time, I would … • I don’t have time to do that right now. Let’s be honest, a lack of time is really a lack of clarity in your priorities and purpose. We all have 86,400 seconds per day. It’s a fixed number. However, what we do with this number is not fixed; we choose. We don’t all have the same educational background, financial resources, experience, and abilities. However, as long as we have breath, the great equalizer of all men and
women is the amount of time we have within a day. When we think about time and our busyness from a perspective that’s “outside” our control, we unconsciously speak as though we are victims of time. It’s an indirect complaint that time is this arduous taskmaster and we are somehow grunt slaves, desperately grinding away to avoid its devastating whip. Just think about a moment of what this phrase really means: “I don’t have time to do that right now.” It’s a lie for at least a couple of reasons. One, you actually do have the time. Time is not something you do or don’t have. You’re the reference point of how you spend your time. Second, more often than not, you are really actually just trying to say politely, “I don’t want to do that right now.” Either way, we make an excuse and speak nonsense when we convey thoughts like this. Instead, we actually do have a choice with our time. It’s up to you to choose wisely. Stop using “not having enough time” as an excuse to not pursue your dreams. Stop using busyness as a reason that you are not taking your life to greater heights. Stop deceiving yourself that you are a victim to time. Choose to spend your time and live your life intentionally and abundantly. With love and respect, Tom Shieh
Aurelia J. Grinstead Broker/ Realtor
3547 S. Monaco Pkwy. Denver, CO 80237 Dedicated to the Principles of Traditional Japanese Martial Arts One week of FREE karate classes for new students Classes for ages 3 and up Classes available Mon - Sat and private lessons Tel: 720.253.7473 | www.coloradobudokan.com
YOUR SOURCE FOR SUSHI-GRADE FISH FOR OVER SINCE 1944
PACIFIC MERCANTILE COMPANY
65 YEARS
Cell: 720-979-3049 Company: Keller Williams Preferred Realty Email: aureliag@kw.com Website: www.aurelia.kwrealty.com Member of: Aurora Association of Realtors, Colorado Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors Specializing in :
Fine Asian Foods & Gifts
Residential and Investment Properties
www.pacificeastwest.com
Store Hours: Monday-Saturday 9:00AM - 6:00PM, Sunday 9:00AM - 2:00PM 1925 Lawrence Street, Denver, CO 80202 | Phone:303-295-0293 | FAX:303-295-2753 Life Column | asian avenue magazine
21
Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE) is molding its next generation of leaders
By Mary Jeneverre Schultz | Photos by: Chris Hodgkins
P
hiladelphia was the city of choice for the fourth annual conference of the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE). More than 1,800 college students, entry-level professionals and job hunters registered for the annual conference with close to 70 sponsoring companies. “SASE has really arrived as being the largest conference for Asian Americans particular with the Career Fair,” said Khanh Vu, executive director of SASE. “ NC2014 looked and felt like other conferences.” Scheduled from October 16 to 18, the conference covered workshops, seminars, general sessions and ended with a career fair. Human resource professionals and hiring directors were impressed with the “caliber of qualified candidates,” said Jessica Moy, national conference coordinator of SASE. In addition, the conference was managed by national volunteers throughout the United States, totaling 40. In its infancy, the executive staff learned nuances of conference organization, including planning for specific time frames, attendance of meals and workshop sessions. “One of the best learning (curve) was to better
match the number of participants arriving to the number of meals and workshops,” Vu said. “People were arriving later Friday, so breakfast and the early workshops were not well attended. Despite the first day attendance, participants increased in size as the week moved toward the weekend, bringing in more entry-level professionals. Planning for next year’s conference has started, according to Moy. The conference is scheduled October 8 to 10, 2015 in Houston, Texas. The host hotel is Hilton-Americas Houston with an expectant attendance of more than 2,200. Conference organizers hope to lure others. “It is not strictly limited to Asian Americans or STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) majors/professionals. “As the saying goes in Texas, go big or go home,” Vu said. “We plan on going big.” Future goals include increasing conference attendance to be around 10,000 strong. Interested in learning more about SASE, visit its website at www.saseconnect.org. Mary Jeneverre Schultz enjoyed the high energy of SASE’s participants. Follow her on Twitter @Jeneverre.
SASE Dinner Gala
Executive Director, Khanh Vu’s, fireside chat with Nina Davuluri (Miss America 2014)
National volunteers
A Taste of Asia- Colorado Dragon Chef Night
C
By Aurelia J. Grinstead | Photos by: Gil Asakawa
olorado Dragon Boat Festival (CDBF) and MillerCoors had its first Dragon Chef contest featuring three top notch asian chef in Denver as part of their annual fundraising event. The event was held on October 16 at the Tuscan Ballroom in University of Denver, supported by leaders from different asian communities, their friends and was hosted by Nelson Garcia of KUSA 9News. A special number was also rendered by the T&T Band. Guests were able to enjoy three different asian cuisines from the 2014 dragon chefs. Heng Lim the owner of Woody’s Wings N Things from Cambodia served cambodian-style beef skewers, Green Papaya Salad, Chopped Chicken Salad and Sticky Rice. Chong Nguyen owner of Coal Mine Dragon who specializ-
Chong Nguyen and children
22
November 2014 | On Scene
es in Chinese food served Chicken Sesame and Crusted Cheezecake with Chinese-Style Crispy Fried Banana. Kathy Poland owner of A Taste of the Philippines, served one of her most popular dish Manok sa Gata, Lumpia and Turon as her dessert. The guests had an opportunity to taste all of the dishes that were served by the chefs and casted their votes using a red ticket which prevailed Kathy Poland as the 2014 Dragon Chef. The award was presented by Paul Kay, MillerCoors’ Chief Security Officer. A Taste of the Philippine is celebrating its third anniversary this month. The colorful cart started out in the heart of downtown’s 16th Street Mall serving lunch to hungry downtown patrons. It now has it’s own
Kathy Poland and her Filipino friends
brand of lumpia and sauce which can also be bought from selected grocery stores. The idea of the fund raising event came about from people’s comments about how much they love the food served at the festival. “CDBF aims not only to celebrate the asian pacific islander culture but also to educate people,” said Erin Yoshimura one of CDBF’s Executive Director. Tom Kazutomi would also like to thank all the sponsors and the organization’s Executive Directors and Operations for providing leadership and continuously transforming the way the organization reach out to the community. To learn more about Colorado Dragon Boat Festival, visit their website at www.cdbf.org. Like their page www.facebook.com/colodbf.
The three dragon chefs
Comrade Brewing wins silver at Great American Beer Festival
Mary Jeneverre Schultz Asian Avenue magazine
C
omrade Brewing, who just opened its brewery this year, took home the silver medal for the category of Fresh Hop Superpower IPA. Thirty-six breweries entered this category. Owner David Lin admits it was not a competitive contest and blames the cooler climates throughout the United States on breweries not entering this particular category. “I wasn’t sure what to expect,” he said. “But I’m excited about the medal.” Other categories could have more than 150 breweries entering the competitions. Lin predicts he won’t enter the same category next year because he knows he won’t be able to make this style of beer in time for the competition next year. “We really lucked out this year,” Lin said. Comrade Brewing is planning to brew Russian Imperial Stout in December. They are tapping a new pale ale he calls Honeyman. In 2015, the brewery on Iliff, will create its first lager. Mary Jeneverre Schultz loves stouts and cider beers. Follow her on Twitter @Jeneverre.
ARCINDA demonstrated the ultimate diversity of Indonesian culture Anie Pelletier The Arts and Culture of Indonesia
The ultimate diversity of Indonesian Culture was demonstrated by ARCINDA at the Central Park Recreation Center, Denver, at the Celebration of the 69th Indonesian Independence Day. The dances performed were: Peacock Dance (Java), Jali-Jali (Betawi/Jakarta), Lombok Dance (Nusatenggara), Yapong (Java), Giring-Giring (Borneo). Sajojo (Papua). Several other programs were presented, such as Chorale with Indonesian Patriotic songs, an Indonesian Food Bazaar and a Democratic Celebration to recognize the newly elected Indonesian President. ARCINDA became part of an International and National Network by inviting the guest artist teacher, I.M Harjito, to join us in June 2014. I.M. Harjito is a graduate of Indonesia’s state conservatory for the performing arts in Surakarta, Central Java, where he worked closely with one of the major figures of 20th-century Javanese music, R.T. Martodipura. Harjito has taught Javanese gamelan, directed ensembles and performed throughout Indonesia, the United States, Canada and Europe. He is also a composer of traditional and innovative works for gamelan and other instruments. ARCINDA explored more cultures throughout Indonesian Regions such as Java, Sumatera, Borneo, Sulawesi and Papua. Arcinda got invited to perform
Papua music at the grand opening of IMAX Theater “Journey to South Pacific” at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. The event was attended by Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper. Another ARCINDA highlight was the Taste of Indonesia at Fort Collins, Colorado. This event was sponsored by City of Fort Collins – awarded by the Fort Fund Grant to ARCINDA. Other sponsors were: Colorado State University International Center Program, Indonesian Student Association of CSU and the American and Indonesian Communities. One of the unique features was the music collaboration between gamelan, violin and piano. This is a unique collaboration to transpose and tune a Javanese Music into a modern western music, and be played together with a piano, violin, guitar or other modern band. The beauty of the traditional music by itself won’t be easily recognized by modern musicians until it is brought in harmony and in tune with modern music. The presenter is Mrs. Asia USA (Runner Up) 2014, Imelda Budiman. She is Indonesian and Colorado resident. She was crowned based on the criteria: Beyond the Beauty, Leadership Academy, Influence – Inspire - Impact. Graduated with honor in industrial engineering with extensive management experience in Indonesian and U.S. corporation, She is working with ARCINDA in line with her mission to promote Indonesian culture. On Scene | asian avenue magazine
23
“Pilipinas”- Beauty Beyond the Postcards Aurelia J. Grinstead National Federation of Filipino American Associations
The Philippine American Society of Colorado (PASCO) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating, preserving, promoting and sharing the Philippine culture and heritage through educational and cultural opportunities that aims to enrich and enhance the lives of its members and the people of Colorado. A successful production headed by Marelyne Chung, PASCO President; and directed by Cecilia Hill, PASCO VP of Cultural Affairs; in partnership with Filipino-American Community of Colorado (FACC) dancers and Sambayaw, was held on stage at Aurora South Middle School on September 27, 2014 as the culmination of PASCO’s 30th Anniversary. The night was enjoyed by about 200 people who supported and attended the event. “I am glad that my daughter could see this so they
can relate to our culture,” said Lynnette Velasques one of the guests. “It provided a way for people in our community to experience a little bit of home away from home”, said Marelyne. You can follow the group’s performance and appearances at different cultural events and festivals. For anyone who is interested in connecting with the group you can visit www. coloradopasco.org. Recorded DVD’s of the production are also on sale for only $15 at www.coloradopasco.org/store. PASCO’S future events are: • Senior’s Night: November 8 will be held at St. Pius X Parish (13680 E. 14th Place, Aurora) • Parol Making (Lantern Workshop): November 15 will be held at the Aurora History Museum • New Year’s Eve Party: December 31 will be held at Marriott Denver South (4900 S. Syracuse St., Denver)
Photos by Edith Pasion
HUMBLE TABLE, WISE FARE By Venerable Master Hsing Yun
A person's accomplishment depends on daily accumulation; A person's success depends on perseverance.
Miracle Touch
Massage & Reflexology 30 min Foot Massage $15 30 min Back Massage $20 60 min Foot & Back Massage $25 60 min Back Massage$35 Our massages soothe aches and relax your body. Restore balance and rejuvenate your energy at an affordable price!
Mon - Sun: 10am to 10pm 1004 S. Federal Blvd. Denver, CO 80219 Tel: 303-936-3888
24
November 2014 | On Scene
HYL Health-Youth-Life Foot and Body Massage
Foot Massage 60 min $25 Full Body Oil Massage 60 min $30 Deep Tissue Massage 60 min $39.99
and MORE!
720.929.2222 www.HYL-MASSAGE.com
3945-B East 120th Ave. • Thornton, CO 80233 • Mission Trace Shopping Center
Expires: 11/15/2014
Open 7 days a week • Appointments/Walk-Ins Welcome
Japanese American wins Nobel Prize for physics
Vietnamese Americans rally behind Ebola victim
Indian American named to lead US civil rights division
J
apanese American Shuji Nakamura along with his two colleagues from Japan won the Nobel Prize for Physics of this year. Nakamura along with Isamu Akasaki and Hiroshi Amano won the honor for their work which lead to the invention of the modern day LED light bulb. The trio developed blue light-emitting diodes in the 1990s which made the LED bulbs possible. “I am very honored to receive the Nobel Prize from The Royal Swedish Academy of Science for my invention of the blue LED,” said Nakamura. “It is very satisfying to see that my dream of LED lighting has become a reality. I hope that energy-efficient LED light bulbs will help reduce energy use and lower the cost of lighting worldwide.” Nakamura is a professor at the University of California at Santa Barbara and is co-director of its Solid State Lighting & Energy Electronics Center.
Kyla Ross wins her first gold medal in Worlds
O
lympic Gold Medalist Kyla Ross has won her first gold medal in Worlds in Nanning, China. It was the second straight gold medal for the United States, becoming the first team to win back to back championships in a decade. Ross lead off for Team USA in three of four events. “I was glad to be able to contribute to all four events. I know it was crazy when they told me I had to do all four for the team, but I was happy , glad I was able to contribute well,” said Ross. Ross was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. Her father is of African American and Japanese ancestry. Her mother is of Filipino and Puerto Rican descent.
I
ndian-American lawyer Vanita Gupta has been chosen to lead US justice department’s civil rights division charged with enforcing laws that prevent discrimination and inequitable practices in housing, education and employment. ”Vanita has spent her entire career working to ensure that our nation lives up to its promise of equal justice for all,” said Attorney General Eric Holder announcing her appointment. “Even as she has done trailblazing work as a civil rights lawyer, Vanita is also known as a unifier and consensus builder. She has a knack for bridging differences and building coalitions to drive progress. I am certain that Vanita will serve as a sound steward of this critical division,” Holder said. Prior to joining the justice department, Gupta served as deputy legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union and director of its Centre for Justice. Previously, she was an attorney for its Racial Justice Programme.
Three Asian Americans play in World Series
Travis Ishikawa is the first baseman for the San Francisco Giants. Ishikawa’s father is a third-generation Japanese American. His paternal grandparents were held in an internment camp in Colorado during World War II.
Tim Lincecum is a pitcher for the San Francisco Giants. Lincecum’s mother is Filipino American.
Jeremy Guthrie is a pitcher for the Kansas City Royals. Guthrie’s mom is Japanese American from Hawaii.
T
he Vietnamese American community has raised $30,000 for Nina Pham, the Vietnamese American nurse who contracted Ebola while caring for a patient in a Dallas hospital. In the Vietnamese American media, Pham’s story has been major news. “She agreed to sacrifice herself for the sake of other people,” said Nam Nguyen, editor for the multimedia Vietnamese language-network Cali Today. “When you sacrifice yourself for the good of the society, for the good of patients, for the good of people, I feel, she’s a good Vietnamese American.”
Three Asian Americans Olympians make history
I
t was a great night for Team USA at the 2014 Hilton HHonors Skate America ice dance competition in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. Madison Chock and Evan Bates skated away with the gold and the Shib Sibs, Maia Shibutani and Alex Shibutani, earned the silver. That gave Team USA its first 1-2 finish in the history of the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series. Chock is Hawaiian-Chinese on her father’s side and the Shibutanis are Japanese American.
Madison Chock and Evan Bates
Shib Sibs
National News | asian avenue magazine
25
Retailers of Sakura Square share the change and reminisce about the surrounding downtown area By Mary Jeneverre Schultz | Asian Avenue magazine When thinking of Sakura Square, most Denver residents, including the Asian Americans, consider Pacific Mercantile to be the oldest and flagship retailer. However, other retailers are situated in the first and second floors of Sakura Square. They include a barber shop, dentists, an ophthalmologist, travel agency specializing itineraries for Japan, and several mom-and-pop restaurants. “It’s nice to see a vibrant community,” said Eric W. Van Zytveld, D.D.S., one of the three dentists located on the second floor. “Lots of younger people are living in the downtown area and it has really changed.” Barber shop At 81 years old, Mas Yonekura works as a barber on the second floor. With his residence across the street, Yonekura enjoys meeting interesting people during his career. He reminisced about an interview with the Rocky Mountain News. Born in California, Yonekura, as an eightyear-old was sent to Japan with his brother and mother. “The timing was wrong,” he said about the times during the years of World War II. He and his family was separated from his father, who was sent to Arkansas. He returned to the United States when he was 14 years old, learning English all over again. A retired English teacher in Sydney, Nebraska helped him learn English. He never finished high school because the U.S. Army drafted him in 1953. His army service turned into a “vacation” since he was stationed in Hawaii for two years. He completed two years in the army, then returned to the United States. Working on different jobs, he found his calling as barber when a Hispanic friend asked him to consider this line of work.
Yonekura brags his youngest client is 60. Most of his hair appointments are regular clients, who have been coming to him for years. He charges $10 a haircut and spends about 30 minutes. When he’s not working, he enjoys spending
26
November 2014 | Feature
time at Blackhawk with friends. He admits he won’t stop working until “he kicks the bucket.”
tice. As a second-generation of dentists, he followed the path of both his uncle and father.
Three dental practices Back in 2002, management of current building of the utility company, Excel began renovations; three dentists collaborated to move their offices to Sakura Square. Already, the dental practices were using the parking garages for its employees so transitioning to Sakura Square did not pose any problems. Eric W. Van Zytveld, D.D.S. Thomas E. Ouellette, D.D.S., P.C. Dr. Ouellette, 51, recalled when Larimer Street was edgy with homeless people, walking around the area. He credits the start of changing downtown to the first year of the ballpark. “When my first patient from Roggen was sitting in the chair, I joked about him having a root canal and watching your car get stolen all at one time,” Dr. Ouellette said. For Van Zytveld, 62, memories of his first date and marriage centered on a former Japanese restaurant, that sat in Sakura Square. A former employee gave him one of the memorable platters from the restaurant as a remembrance of those fortuitous moments in his personal life. For 23 years, he owned his practice with a total of four employees, including himself. For the last 35 years, he bikes 20 miles one way to his downtown practice from Hampden and I-25, even during winter weather. In addition to his practice he volunteers for the Dental Line Life Network, agreeing to accept disability, mental and senior citizens as patients. “We have life-long patients,” he said. But this busy dentist also teachers at a local dental school and conducts research on longitudinal studies. Richard J. Ito, D.D.S. Convenience is how Dr. Ito, 70, describes Sakura Square. He credits the success of his practice to the location and available parking spaces in the downtown area. He describes the lack of traffic in the downtown area during the early 1970s. “It was a dead downtown,” Dr. Ito said. “Now, it’s starting to blossom.” The Japanese American dentists operates 3.5 days a week to escape the Friday foot traffic near the ballpark district. With a full load of adult patients, Dr. Ito describes his state-of-the art prac-
He shared his patients drive from all over Colorado, as far away as Leadville and Larksburg, adding word-of-mouth referrals are integral part of his practice. The close proximity of restaurants and Pacific Mercantile is a plus for Dr. Ouellette, adding he keeps a bottle of soy sauce in his office. Eye doctor
MyOptics faces Larimer Street on the first floor. Dr. David Drucker, M.D., P.C. and Ann Jill Drucker have operated its business for the last seven years at this prime location. Previously, the Museum of Contemporary Art stood in this same location. The duo operated its business for the last 30 years in downtown Denver before leaving Brooklyn. The community feel of Sakura Square is a plus for the husband and wife team. “We love to see the area growing and maturing,” said Ms. Drucker, 65, CEO of MY Optics. With a staff of 20, the office interior is filled with offices, rooms for facial treatments and operating sections for eye surgeries. The office is equipped with a medical spa, providing laser hair, facials and spot removals.
MEM Travel sits in Sakura Square to attract those who want to travel to Japan and Japanese citizens who are interested in touring Colorado. With regular bankers’ hours, the travel agency works closely with local high schools to collaborate on student youth exchange to experienced the American life. Since 1991, the agency has operated as a service for Japanese tourists, conventioneers and dignitaries. During the G8 Summit, MEM worked behind the scenes to offer translation and transportation services. Japanese tourists with the assistance of MEM Travel select favorite Colorado destinations that include the Rocky Mountain National Park, Red Rocks Amphitheater and Coors Brewery in Golden.
Travel agency
Two restaurants Sakura House and J.J.’s Bistro relies on walkby traffic, take-outs from Tamai Tower and faithful patrons. While Sakura House offers noodle entrees, J.J.’s Bistro offers a plethora of Chinese-American dishes plus sushi and bobba drinks made to order. Sakura Square has operated at its site for the last five years. The first floor location lures walk-in traffic from downtown workers during the week. J.J.’s Bistro has operated at its site for the last nine years on the second floor.
Loyal customers don’t require menu, knowing it by heart and ordering favorites from both restaurants. Popular favorites from J.J.’s Bistro include Mongolian Beer and Sesame Chicken. Sakura Square creates favorites including Negi Ramen, Chashu Ramen and Spicy Miso Ramen.
Jia Rong Wang, co-owner of J.J.’s Bistro
Future plans Retailers and doctors’ offices are feeling confident about the future of Sakura Square. Standing as the gateway to downtown Denver, the nonprofit entity of Sakura Square is exploring many possibilities. Mary Jeneverre Schultz is fascinated on how this area is growing and thriving around Sakura Square. Follow her on Twitter @Jeneverre.
Yoko Mitsumochi of M.E.M.Travel, Inc. and staff
For more information call 720-873-6243 or visit our website today at: www.ColoEggDonor.com William Schoolcraft, MD • Eric Surrey, MD • Debra Minjarez, MD Robert Gustofson, MD • Jennifer Brown, MD
Op-ed: economic approach and values By: Andrew Romanoff, 2014 candidate for U.S. Representative of Colorado’s 6th Congressional District
After immigrating to America, my grandparents opened a little grocery store and lived above it when my dad was growing up. It was tough to make ends meet, especially during the war. Most of their customers were immigrants, like they were, and they weren’t well off. But my grandparents were determined to give their children a better life. So they saved. And they sacrificed. And they succeeded. My dad and his sister became the first in their family ever to graduate from college. My grandparents had an abiding faith in the American Dream: the fundamental promise that if you work hard and play by the rules, you can get ahead, and your children can enjoy a better quality of life than you did. Today, too many families are seeing that dream slip away. Families who worked hard for decades to pay off a mortgage and save for retirement saw their savings wiped out when Wall Street drove our economy off the cliff. Young people who work hard for years to earn a degree find that their only reward is a weak job market and a mountain of student debt. Too many of the new jobs being created don’t offer the kind of salaries or advancement opportunities that would restore real economic security.
That’s not acceptable. I’m running for Congress because I want to keep the American Dream – my grandparents’ dream – within reach. I know you’ve heard a lot of candidates say the same thing over the past few months. They’ll tell you they want to create jobs and strengthen the economy and grow the middle class. The real question – and what this race is about – is how we get there. Here’s my approach: • I believe you grow the middle class by educating our workforce – by making college more affordable and providing student loans at reasonable rates, so that the doors of higher education remain open to students of every background. I’ve taught at the Community College of Aurora, among other schools, and I’m inspired every day to see students who became the first in their family, as my dad was, to earn a degree. • I believe you grow the middle class by investing in America – by reducing our reliance on foreign oil and creating clean-energy jobs here at home. I visited the Aurora Campus for Renewable Energy recently, and I can’t tell you how exciting it was to see some of the world’s most innovative technology being tested in our backyard. These jobs – jobs in renewable energy – should be encouraged, not stifled in order to maintain tax breaks for big oil companies.
• I believe you grow the middle class by ensuring equal pay for equal work, because women still make 78 cents on the dollar that men make. Wage discrimination still occurs, and that’s got to change. Not only is it unfair, but it’s a major burden on families’ budgets. • I believe we ought to protect and strengthen the promise of Medicare and Social Security so that every American can retire with dignity. • And I believe we must reform our broken immigration system by passing legislation that will improve border security and provide a pathway to citizenship for individuals who have been living in and contributing to our community for years. Not only will comprehensive reform boost our economy and reduce the deficit – but it is the right thing to do. If you’re serious about supporting the middle class, you don’t vote privatize Social Security or increase out-of-pocket Medicare costs by $6,000 per year. You don’t make it harder for kids to afford college, or for women to earn equal pay for equal work. You don’t stand in the way of bipartisan efforts to fix our immigration system. And you certainly don’t give tax breaks to companies that ship jobs overseas. If we’re going to restore the promise of the American Dream, we need leaders in Washington who will fight for the middle class. And that’s the kind of representative I’ll be.
Golden Shanghai Asian Restaurant
● The Best Chinese Restaurant by 710 AM Restaurant Show ● The Best Chinese Restaurant by the 1430 KEZW Restaurant Show ● Voted 2007 Top 100 Chinese Restaurant in the US
1412 S. Parker Rd. A-134 Denver, CO 80231 (303) 743-7666 (303)743-9079 (303)743-8210 20 28
November 2014 | Op-Ed
All-YOu-CAn-EAt
crab legs Seven Nights A Week At Calypso’s Buffet ®
Biggest and best in Black Hawk Sunday through Thursday 3:30pm to 9:30pm
Friday and Saturday 3:30pm to 11:00pm
Buy One, Get One FREE Buffet
AAB1G1
Valid Sunday – Friday, November 1 - November 26, 2014. Visit the players club or cashier services to validate offer. © 2014 Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. Isle, Fan Club and Calypso’s are registered trademarks of Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. Must be 21 and have an Fan Club® card. Not valid with any other offer. Not valid for 50% off of one buffet. Valid only at Isle Black Hawk. Gratuity is not included. Limit of one coupon per person, per day. Management reserves all rights. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-522-4700.
MKT3
401 Main Street Black Hawk, CO 80422 1-800-THE-ISLE (843-4753) www.theisleblackhawk.com