The country’s premier nonprofit pan-Asian newspaper
First and third Wednesdays each month.
CELEBRATING 40 YEARS
FREE EST. 1974 —SEATTLE VOLUME 41, NUMBER 7 — APRIL 2, 2014 – APRIL 15, 2014
THE NEWSPAPER OF NORTHWEST ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN COMMUNITIES. FIND YOUR INSPIRASIAN.
Creating a nation free of disparities in health and health care is something we all can work on together. The National Partnership for Action To End Health Disparities was developed with the mission of mobilizing and connecting individuals and organizations across the country to create a nation in which all people have a chance to reach their full health potential. This National Partnership for Action: Toolkit for Community Action will help individuals, communities and organizations from the public and private sectors work together to implement programs and policies and engage with the NPA to reach that goal.
8 | ’ D O O G S L E E ‘F P E W E N Z KORE ION “A nation free of disparities in health and health care.”
- Kathleen G. Sebelius, Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services
This toolkit has been developed to help individuals, organizations and policy makers: • Raise awareness about health disparities – it includes descriptions of health disparities and their causes. • Engage others in conversations about the problem and solutions – it provides tools to guide efforts to promote programs and policies for change.
L A N O I T A N S I L I R AP H T N O M H T L A E H Y MINORIT
• Take action for change – it provides information and tools to help individuals and organizations address health in their communities.
ICHS READIES NEW EXPANSION | 4
ARTISTRY OF NOGUCHI AND QI | 10
For more information the National Partnership for Action, visit: http://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/npa/ National Partnership for Action toabout End Health Disparities
2 — April 2, 2014 – April 15, 2014
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
IE OPINION
Eating family style: When to screen for H. Pylori Bacteria If you have the above symptoms, and if you have a history of ulcers, consider getting tested. If you do not have any symptoms, testing is usually not recommended. But I would consider testing in those with a family history of stomach cancer, especially if you’re of Chinese, Korean, Japanese, or Central American descent. According to UpToDate.com, These groups have a higher incidence of stomach cancer.
By Michael Corsilles IE Columnist Many people have heard that ulcers are caused by too much spicy food, excessive stomach acid, certain medications, or simply from stress. But did you know that the vast majority of ulcers are actually caused by bacteria called Helicobacter pylori? Also known as H. Pylori, the bacteria that lodge itself in the stomach lining. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this bacteria causes more than 90 percent of duodenal (first part of the small intestine) ulcers and up to 80 percent of gastric (stomach) ulcers. And this bacteria are more prevalent in Asian countries.
Furthermore, if you’ve been on a longterm regimen of proton pump inhibitors like Prilosec or Omeprazole for ulcers or heartburn, you should consider getting screened for H. Pylori. These medications can definitely help symptoms and heal ulcers, but they do not kill H. PyloPhoto by Miia Ranta ri. Remember, H. Pylori is bacteria that develop more serious problems like gas- are infecting the stomach, which could tric or duodenal ulcers. So focus on the potentially lead to stomach cancer, so a more common ulcer signs and symp- particular regimen of antibiotics is usutoms, which typically are: ally needed to eradicate it.
H. Pylori isn’t a new or isolated bacteria. It’s present in more than half of the world’s population. Most people infected with these bacteria have no symptoms at all and luckily will never develop problems. However, H. pylori is capable of causing a number of digestive problems, including duodenal and gastric ulcers. It also contributes to gastric cancer, so it is a bacteria still worthy of mention.
with a diet low in fruits and vegetables— are at a higher risk of developing gastric cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. As evidenced by the high prevalence of infection worldwide, it Lastly, it’s thought that H. Pylori is • Pain or discomfort usually in the upseems H. Pylori can really infect anyone, spread from oral contact with others’ no matter the age, race, and gender, or per abdomen saliva or fecal material. The bacteria where they live. But note that H. Pylori • Bloating seem to be more likely to spread within is more prevalent among African a family, so if one person gets infected, • Feeling full after eating a small Americans, Hispanics, and Asian relatives might pick it up too. How often amount of food According to Cancer.gov, infection with Americans, according to the CDC. does your family eat “family style?” Ex• Lack of appetite H. pylori is the primary cause of gastric HOW TO TEST FOR H. PYLORI? actly. Talk to your primary care provider • Nausea or vomiting cancer, and those infected with H. Pylori about your risk and whether you should There are a few ways to diagnose H. have a two-to-six-fold increased risk of de- Pylori. UpToDate.com lists the following get tested today. • Tar-colored stools veloping gastric cancer. It is thought that testing options: • Fatigue (ulcers that bleed can cause a Dr. Michael Corsilles, ND, PA-C, curchronic gastritis (upset stomach) leads to rently practices as a naturopathic physilow blood count and fatigue) • Urea breath tests: A simple test may chronic inflammation, which causes abcian and a physician assistant in Bellevue. be available at your primary care pronormal changes in the stomach lining, eventually leading to gastric cancer. With vider’s office where you drink a solution so much of the world infected with it, it is containing a substance that is broken still an important topic to consider getting down by the H. pylori bacteria if present. tested for these bacteria. • Stool tests: Checks for H. Pylori proKeep in mind that there are other teins in stool. risk factors to consider for gastric • Biopsies of the stomach or small incancer besides ulcers such as older age, testine done by a gastroenterologist. Please share your concerns, your solutions, and your voices. cigarette smoking, and nutrition. If you What are the symptoms of an H. Pywant to minimize your risks, just be Send a letter to the editor to editor@iexaminer.org with the aware that those that eat a diet high in lori infection? Most people with H. Pylori have no salted, smoked, or poorly preserved subject line “Letter to the Editor.” foods—which typically is associated symptoms. However, some eventually
YOUR OPINION COUNTS
IE STAFF
Established in 1974, the International Examiner is the only non-profit pan-Asian American media organization in the country. Named after the International District in Seattle, the “IE” strives to create awareness within and for our APA communities. 622 South Washington Street, Seattle, WA 98104. (206) 6243925. iexaminer@iexaminer.org.
EDITOR IN CHIEF Travis Quezon
IE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Gary Iwamoto, Vice President Arlene Oki Andy Yip Jacqueline Wu Steve Kipp
iexaminer@iexaminer.org
ADVISOR Ron Chew
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Ryan Catabay
DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Kathy Ho
editor@iexaminer.org
ARTS EDITOR Alan Chong Lau
ryan@RN2.co
advertising@iexaminer.org
HERITAGE SPECIALIST Eleanor Boba
BUSINESS MANAGER Ellen Suzuki
VIDEOGRAPHER Tuyen Kim Than
finance@iexaminer.org
LOGISTICS COORDINATOR Holly Martinez
INTERN Chelsee Yee EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Vowel Chu PROOFREADER Anna Carriveau CONTRIBUTORS Michael Corsilles Kimberly Ly Shin Yu Pai Kazuko Nakane Yayoi Winfrey Maria Batayola Ling Chua
International Examiner 622 S. Washington St. Seattle, WA 98104 Tel: (206) 624-3925 Fax: (206) 624-3046 Website: www.iexaminer.org
Have the IE delivered to your doorstep $35 a year, $60 for two years—24 indepth issues a year! Go to www.iexaminer. org and click on the “Subscribe” button or mail a check to: 622 S. Washington St., Seattle, WA 98104.
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
April 2, 2014 – April 15, 2014 — 3
IE OPINION
We must actively promote psychological, emotional well being for APIs By Ling Chua
IE Guest Columnist
I love driving around various neighborhoods during springtime, when flowers bloom and lawns come back to life after a dreary winter. Each time, I cannot help but be amazed at the peace and calm in many neighborhoods around Seattle. When one considers that our region is graced by the presence of tech companies with higher than average education and income levels, you may be led to believe that all people, particularly on the Eastside, somehow enjoy a higher quality of life.
Yet beyond the immaculately manicured lawns sometimes lurk stories of distress and despair that even so-called privileged families hesitate to acknowledge. Among these are the stories of a rapidly growing population that now comprises nearly 30 percent of cities like Bellevue—Asian immigrants and Asian Pacific Americans, many of whom are seen (and subconsciously brushed off) as stoic high-achievers. The model minority stereotype is still very much alive. In a society where work and school accomplishments supposedly indicate a well-adjusted life, where keeping up with the Joneses takes precedence over emotional well-being, individuals and families who experience psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship difficulties may not recognize their symptoms or have the language to talk about it.
Add to that the cultural stigma of having a mental illness, and many
issues go undetected until they become severe. In some tragic cases it becomes too late to intervene, such as when undiagnosed depression ends in suicide. People who are down may reach out for help out of desperation, but how do people who epitomize success (at least, by society’s measures) put aside their pride, overcome cultural stigma, and acknowledge the psychological distress they experience? Here are two real stories (names changed to protect identity):
Shun came from China a year ago for a job in the greater Seattle area. Despite having a doctorate and a highly successful career that was the envy of her peers in her home country, Shun felt socially isolated and suffered from panic attacks. When thoughts of suicide finally drove her to seek medical help, a doctor referred her to a mental health counselor. For the first time, she learned about depression. Until then she had not thought much about her psychological well-being aside from the occasional stress she experienced from school and work. It had not occurred to her that lifelong pressure to perform, a change in environment and cultural expectations of her as a woman (she was 32 and single) could converge to create the perfect storm for an identity crisis that pushed her to the brink of a mental collapse. Kai is a high school senior in a prestigious public school on the Eastside. A first generation Asian American, he faces tremendous pressure to keep up his grades so he can
get into medical school. His middleclass immigrant family has given him all they could in the hopes that he will one day make them proud with a highly reputable profession. Kai became severely depressed and eventually told his counselor, “I can’t make my parents understand that all I ever want to do is teach history. They say they love me but they just don’t listen to what I want.” Stories like Kai and Shun’s are not uncommon today. Like many immigrants, they and their families came to the United States for better opportunities. However, their successes often mask untold struggles and pain.
For 40 years, Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS) has met the needs of underserved populations, providing linguistically and culturally sensitive services. More than 25,000 people seek our services or participate in ACRS community outreach events, with more than 2,000 individuals and families taking part in our mental health programs.
In 2008, the federal government passed the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act to ensure insurance plans provide mental health coverage comparable to medical and surgical coverage. Six years later, the Affordable Care Act further strengthens access for individuals with mental health issues. However, these alone cannot connect people like Shun and Kai to the therapy they direly need. It is now up to us—service providers, employers, schools, and the community—to actively participate
in promoting psychological emotional well-being.
and
In our continuing mission to serve the Asian and Pacific Islander community, ACRS recently expanded its scope of programs to include therapy services for individuals and families who have access to healthcare. Called ACRS Therapy Associates, this new office in Bellevue accepts most private insurance plans and offers a sliding scale fee for clients who pay out of pocket. Therapy Associates is also starting a Wellness Series, held the first Saturday each month, where we invite community members all over Puget Sound to come and learn about mental health topics. Our first workshop, Love, Money and God: Young Adulthood in the Asian American Community, takes place this Saturday, April 5, at our Bellevue office on 1808 Richards Road. Our second discussion, How to Fight So You Both Win: A Couples Communication Workshop, takes place May 3.
It is our hope that one day we may be able to talk openly about depression and anxiety the way we now do for cancer and diabetes. The sooner we can facilitate an ongoing dialogue about mental health, the better we can help people overcome such difficulties so they can lead happier, more fulfilling lives. For more information, visit www. acrstherapy.org. Ling Chua, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist at ACRS Therapy Associates.
API perspective: Clean teeth can save money, lead to a healthier lifestyle By Kimberly Ly IE Guest Columnist I have been working as a dental assistant for about six years now for Dr. Jennifer Ngai in Edmonds, Washington. Before getting into the dental field I never knew the importance of basic oral healthcare. Growing up in a Vietnamese household I only learned the basics and was taught that going to the dentist was not important.
My family only went to the dentist when we really needed to. This is a common practice for many patients that come to our office. Many people believe that if they just floss and brush twice a day, everything will be okay. Others feel certain dental procedures might not be necessary just because the doctor suggested them. Dr. Ngai said: “Basic level [of dental care] is important. However, the immigrant community is not up to its
• Make sure to get your six-month cleaning/check up.
standards in oral healthcare and there are a lot of myths and misconceptions that we need to overcome.”
Being in the healthcare profession, we really are looking out for the patients’ best interests. Patients need to understand that taking care of your teeth also leads to taking care of your body. Health issues in your mouth can get into your blood stream and lead to other health issues, such as heart problems. Some easy tips patients should remember are: • Make sure to brush twice a day.
• Brush longer and towards your gum line, especially when using a manual toothbrush. • When using an electric toothbrush, you do not need to apply a lot of pressure. Hold your toothbrush like a pencil and gently brush your teeth. • Floss at least once a day (especially after meals). • Try to brush or rinse out your mouth after drinking soda or sweet products. Letting the sugar sit in your mouth through out the day can lead to cavities.
Even if you are really good at taking care of your teeth, everyone still needs to get their teeth cleaned by the special equipment at the dentist. Brushing and flossing alone cannot take care of all bacteria and the stains that can build up. Finally, if you are experiencing any toothache, make sure to make an appointment to have it checked out sooner than later. Finding out what the problem is right when it happens can save you from discomfort and money in the long run. Waiting it out can lead from an easy filling procedure to a root canal or losing a tooth.
We understand that people are very busy these days, but taking a moment out of your day just to make sure your teeth are clean can lead to a healthier lifestyle and save you more money in the long run.
4 — April 2, 2014 – April 15, 2014
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
IE OPINION
ICHS ready to serve Eastside, Bellevue clinic manager speaks four languages By Ron Chew IE Guest Contributor International Community Health Services (ICHS) Manager Jenny Tsinker feels right at home at the helm of the new medical-dental clinic in Bellevue.
The 6,500 square-foot clinic, slated to open for business in May, is ICHS’s first foray into providing services on the Eastside. As the largest health care provider for Asian Pacific Islanders in Washington State, ICHS is one of the most diverse health care organizations in the nation, offering services in more than 50 different languages. ICHS has welcomed waves of non-English-speaking immigrants and refugees through its doors since its founding as a tiny storefront clinic in the International District nearly 41 years ago.
“I’ve gone through the same experiences as the staff and patients of ICHS,” Tsinker explained. “When I hear the difficult stories of people relocating from ICHS Bellevue Clinic Manager Jenny Tsinker • Courtesy Photo Laos to Vietnam to the United States, I’ve been through the same kind of thing, at Tel HaShomer Hospital, the largest In her spare time, Tsinker enjoys fig- I always dreamed about figure skating,” except in another part of the world.” hospital in Israel. She later worked as a ure skating at an ice rink in Renton. she said. “The first thing I did when I Tsinker, who was born in Kiev, nurse at an outpatient clinic in Ashodod. “Since I come from Israel, which is a came over here was to enroll in classes Ukraine, speaks four languages: RusTsinker moved to the United States very hot country with only one ice rink, for figure skating. And now I do figuresian, Hebrew, Spanish, and English. Her skating as a hobby.” language fluency alone will be put to with her husband after he decided to good use managing activities at a new pursue a business degree in New Hamphealth center, which expects to draw pa- shire. After he graduated, the family tients from a sizable Asian, Latino, and moved to Seattle. Tsinker worked as a Russian population that now claims the public health nurse at the King County Public Health Department from 2011 Eastside as its home. The Bellevue clinic is located at 1050 until she joined ICHS in December 2013 140th Avenue Northeast, three miles as Health Center Manager. east of downtown Bellevue, bordering the ethnically-diverse Crossroads neighborhood. The clinic includes 10 medical exam rooms, eight dental operatories, behavioral health rooms, patient waiting space, and staff offices.
“I would like to see ICHS expand, become a regional player, serve more diverse populations, and continue our mission of serving the underserved,” she said. “It’s wonderful that we provide interpretation services at ICHS. We have such an important role to play because it’s really intimidating for immigrants navigating the system. I know from my own personal experience.”
Tsinker was only seven when her family left the Ukraine in 1990, seeking religious asylum as Jews. The initial plan was to move to New York where TsinkEven though Tsinker feels at home at er’s family had relatives; however, they chose to move to Israel instead, lured by ICHS—as a self-described “Russianthe welcoming pronouncements of the Israeli” who’s still fairly new to America—she’s just beginning to discover the Israeli government. “When I started school, I had a hard joys of Asian cuisine. “I’m still learning about Asian cultures and about ICHS,” Tsinker said. “The first time I ever tasted Chinese, Thai, or Vietnamese food was three years ago. I love it. My favorite is phad thai. But I have zero tolerance for spicy foods. Every time I go to lunch with my staff, they laugh at me because I don’t eat the spicy foods and I don’t know how Tsinker, who lived for 18 years in Is- to use chopsticks.” Tsinker says she has no plans to return rael, completed her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the Hebrew University and to the Ukraine to visit. Her family memworked in the bone marrow transplant bers are now in Israel. She goes back to unit and pediatric oncology department visit Israel almost every year.
time because kids weren’t always friendly to outsiders,” she said. “I remember how it felt when we first immigrated to Israel and we were going to the doctor. My mom couldn’t understand what was being said. She was clueless and was looking to me to help interpret. She thought I could speak Hebrew perfectly, but I was struggling.”
The International Examiner website is now updated daily. Visit iexaminer.org every day!
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
April 2, 2014 – April 15, 2014 — 5
IE NEWS
Mayor Murray expands Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs IE News Services On Wednesday, Seattle Mayor Ed Murray and Aaliyah Gupta, the Director of Seattle’s Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA), announced an office expansion and a five-point plan to strengthen immigrant and refugee communities through 2015.
to access the services the City provides in the languages that these residents need. OIRA will also work with city departments to design protocols and strengthen systems to effectively serve immigrants and refugees. • Point 2: Expand access to ESL programs
Learning English is critical to getting a job, engaging with the school district and being involved in the community. Seattle needs to look closely at the range of ESL programs in the Greater Seattle area and identify any gaps.
“We are a nation of immigrants and there is a huge opportunity for us, as a city, to ensure that all of our residents have the opportunity to fully participate in all aspects of life in Seattle,” Murray said in a statement. “My proposal will • Point 3: Support for immigrant owned double the size of the office that works closest with the new Americans in our City and will small businesses provide them with better services.” OIRA will explore ways to ensure that One in five Seattle residents are foreign our small immigrant and refugee-owned businesses thrive by supporting small born, the mayor said. business development and providing technical OIRA was established in 2012, with the assistance. While immigrants have a high mission to facilitate, celebrate, and advocate rate of opening businesses, many of those the successful integration of immigrants and businesses struggle to survive and the rate of refugees into Seattle’s civic, economic, and closure is high. cultural life. • Point 4: Citizenship corners and Murray’s proposal requests additional naturalization campaign funding through the first quarter supplemental Many Seattle residents are eligible to be budget, submitted to the Seattle City Council on Monday, March 24. Once approved by the naturalized, but have not done so. OIRA will Council, the $409,238 will be used to double work with the libraries, community centers, the size of the office and hire two additional and neighborhood hubs that are run by the full-time staffers and provide some consultant city to promote citizenship and the benefits of work. The office will be expanded in April and naturalization. will begin work on the newly introduced five• Point 5: Community safety point action plan. Based on the recommendations of the Safe “The talent of our immigrants and refugees Communities project last year, OIRA will is considerable and the challenges they face are implement a Refugee Women’s Institute this unique. The City can—and should—play a role fall. This is a pilot project, a new innovative in helping them,” Murray said. “This action way of thinking about building relationships plan is a multi-faceted approach to providing between our refugee communities and our the help that our immigrant and refugee police department. This institute will pair communities need.” female police officers with refugee women The five-point plan, listed below, illustrates over eight weeks, with the goal to breaking down the communication and trust barriers a work plan for the expanded office. and towards building stronger, more trusting • Point 1: Strengthen Seattle’s language relationships. access policies and protocols Language access is a basic customer service necessity. OIRA will assist in making it easier for Seattle’s immigrant and refugee residents
For more information on the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, visit http://www.seattle.gov/ office-of-immigrant-and-refugee-affairs.
Pacific Islanders dance around the state seal at the first Asian Pacific American Legislative Day in Olympia, 1999. • Photo by Dean Wong
6 — April 2, 2014 – April 15, 2014
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
IE COMMUNITY
National Minority Health Month raises awareness about disparities By Chelsee Yee IE Contributor According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office of Minority Health (OMH), we spend more on health care than any other industrialized nation, yet millions of Americans lack the opportunity to lead a healthy life. Differences in health related to social, economic, and environmental factors are known as the health disparities that generate systemic oppression for racial, ethnic, and other underserved communities that lack opportunities to lead a healthy life. This month marks National Minority Health Month, which is focused on raising awareness about these health disparities that continue to affect racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, residents of rural areas, and other disadvantaged groups in our nation who face systemic barriers to achieving good health and wellbeing.
• One in five cases of asthma are linked to mold and moisture in the home.
• In neighborhoods characterized by high levels of community violence, children may be more likely to be confined to their homes after school rather than allowed to go outside and be physically active. • Some families, especially the poor, struggle to maintain a steady diet of nutritional food. Nearly 15 percent of American households were food insecure and unable to put food on the table at times in 2008.
Thus, the problem in minority health is not a simple case of making healthy and safe choices. Where we live, learn, and work impacts our ability to make healthy decisions. It’s difficult to eat healthy if you only live near fast-food restaurants, and it’s difficult to be physically active if your neighborhood is unsafe and offers no space for running.
To make a difference in the growing gap between health disparities, we must also address housing, education, workplaces, the environment, recreational opportunities, transportation, and other social factors that influence our health and wellbeing. With the rising cost of health care and labor force becoming more raThus, the conditions in which people cially and ethnically diverse, it renders are in, from where they were born to how an even more crucial time for change. “By 2015, racial and ethnic minorities they grew up, play a huge role in health inequalities. However, it’s important to are expected to comprise more than 41 note that these health disparities are not percent of the workforce population. specific to disadvantaged individuals and With even greater diversity in younger communities—they also hurt the nation generations, the workforce is only as a whole, as it imposes a steep cost on going to continue diversifying: In 2010, Hispanics made up 23 percent the U.S. economy. According to the OMH, the dispropor- of people under the age 18. By 2050, tionate burden of disease and poor health ethnic and racial minorities in the U.S. resulting from disparities in health in- will collectively become the majority.” surance coverage, access to quality (OMH) “Too many Americans, because of where they live, their race, their education or their income, don’t have the opportunity to lead a healthy life and, as a result, they suffer from substantially more health problems than others,” according to the OMH.
InterIm CDA is a nonprofit affordable housing and community development organization based in Seattle’s Chinatown/International District. For the last 45 years, InterIm CDA has followed their mission in promoting resiliency in API, immigrant, and refugee communities through culturally and linguistically responsive community building. Through real estate development, direct housing services, environmental sustainability, advocacy, and intergenerational leadership, InterIm CDA has been able to achieve their mission and continues to serve the greater Seattle area.
This year, InterIm CDA celebrates their 45th Anniversary at the Seattle Marriott Waterfront on Saturday, April 12. Reception begins at 5:30 p.m. Dinner is at 7:00 p.m.
Make sure to wear your fancy shoes because this is a festive event to celebrate your local leaders. This year’s Distinguished Service Award goes to Tomio Moriguchi, Chairman of Uwajimaya, and Sue Taoka, Executive VP at Craft3, for her Bob Santos Leadership in Sustainability Award. Tickets are priced at $150 per seat and $1500 per table (10 seats). Purchase tickets online at www.interimieda.org or by phone at (206) 624-1802 x 10.
CORRECTION: The story, “Community voices: Filipina trafficked teachers speak out, spark international actions against human trafficking,” that appeared in the March 19, 2014 issue of the International Examiner incorrectly stated that the teachers obtained T-Visas and were pursuing a human trafficking case through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and U.S. Department of Justice. The teachers had in fact not obtained T-Visas but applied for them and they are not proceeding with cases with USDOJ and USICS (only with the case in the Philippines).
在 21 世紀為整個 西雅圖供電 檢視並評論擬議的丹尼變電站項目 (Denny Substation) ： 變電站、輸電路線、配電網及誘導器。
擬議的丹尼變電站地點 2
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1. Increase awareness about health For example, health care costs by pa- disparities. tients, providers, employers and govern2. Become a leader for addressing ment share a sum of more than $2.5 tril- health disparities. lion annually and continues to grow every 3. Support healthy and safe behaviors year. Moreover, the combined costs of health inequalities and premature death in your community. in the U.S. were estimated to be $1.24 4. Improve access to health care. trillion between 2003 and 2006. 5. Create healthy neighborhoods. Thus, achieving good health requires For more information about the health more than just good health care or healthy disparities raised in our issue for National behavior. It requires improving and susMinority Health Month, visit minorityhealth. taining the conditions that keep people hhs.gov/nmhm14. healthy. Take the following examples:
IE News Services
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In its mission to work toward helping communities and organizations from public and private sectors implement programs and policies to aid health disparities, the OMH has provided a five-step plan to address these disparities in minority health that can be locally initiated for a global impact:
Interim CDA celebrates 45 years
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care, and other social, environmental, and economic factors is associated with higher health costs, increased number of missed work days due to illness, and lower household earnings. Consequentially, this drives up health spending, inhibits productivity, and puts a burden on economic growth and competitiveness at home and abroad.
ANNOUNCEMENT
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公開聽證會 • 4 月 16 日 • 晚上 7–9 時 開放日 • 晚上 6–7 時 Bertha Knight Landes Room 西雅圖市政廳 • 600 4th Avenue 書面意見必須於 2014 年 4 月 26 日午夜十二時前提交。如需查看詳細資訊和 《環境影響聲明草案》，請登入 www.seattle.gov/light/dennysub 或親臨以下西 雅圖公共圖書館：Downtown、ID-Chinatown 及 Capitol Hill
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
April 2, 2014 – April 15, 2014 — 7
IE COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Equal Pay Day rally
Joby Shimomura to speak at Nikkei Leadership Series
By Vowel Chu IE Contributor Radical Women (RW), a socialist feminist, grassroots activist organization, is hosting a rally at Seattle City Hall from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Equal Pay Day, which will occur on April 8 this year, aiming to end the pay gap between genders and races in Seattle.
Equal Pay Day is a public awareness event created by the National Committee on Pay Equity to illustrate the gap between men’s and women’s wages. According to RW, Seattle has the biggest pay gap between men and women among other major metropolitan areas in the United States. The rally, “Scrap the wage gap,” will gather feminists, unionists, and community activists to speak out regarding the pay gap. Participants will also urge members of City Council to take actions, such as implementing comparable worth policies and creating public works job programs open to all workers.
Helping Link is a non-profit Vietnamese organization assisting Vietnamese immigrants adjusting to American culture. Helping Link will be holding a “Give Big” event on May 6 with the goal of raising $10,000 for the organization. They are seeking Shimomura, as a young leader, is individual donors or businesses to trailblazing a path for leaders of the donate. For more information on the next generations. In this program, she event, visit www.helpinglink.org. will not only talk about her career path, In the community, Helping Link lessons learned, and challenges she has encountered while pursuing the spot she offers tutoring programs in addition has in the Governor’s Office now, but also to adult classes in ESL, citizenship her perspective on issues the Washington preparation, and basic computer skills. Programs run on a quarterly (10 weeks) state is currently facing. schedule. The tuition fee is $25.00 per The event will take place at Nagomi Tea quarter for all programs. House in International District. RSVP is required and the deadline is April 10, Here are the current programs: 2014. RSVP at http://jobyshimomura.eventbrite. WORKPLACE com. CONVERSATION SKILLS The upcoming event of Nikkei Leadership Series Event, which will occur from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on April 13, features fourth-generation Japanese American Joby Shimomura, who is the Chief of Staff for Washington Gov. Jay Inslee.
Powering Seattle Through the 21st Century Review and comment on substation alternatives and transmission routes for proposed Denny Substation
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Comcast Cares Day: Helping Link fundraiser May 6, 500 volunteers ready The Comcast Cares Day, previously classes available called International District Spring
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Public Hearing • April 16 • 7–9 pm Open House • 6–7 pm Bertha Knight Landes Room Seattle City Hall • 600 4th Avenue
Find the Draft Environmental Impact Statement at www.seattle.gov/light/dennysub and at these Seattle Public Libraries: Downtown, ID-Chinatown & Capitol Hill
Clean, is happening from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 26.
During the event, participants will have the chance to pressure-wash sidewalks, paint over graffiti, clean the Danny Woo Garden, as well as give the ACRS Food Bank a makeover. Comcast, which co-hosts the event, has been working closely with Chinatown-International District Business Improvement Area (CIDBIA), Seattle Chinatown International District Preservation and Development Authority (SCIDpda), and other local APA nonprofit organizations. They’ve gathered more than 500 volunteers to participate in the Spring Clean this year. For registration or other inquires, contact Nic Li at (206)838-8718 or nicl@scidpda.org by April 11, 2014.
Where: Helping Link, 1032 S. Jackson St. Suite “C” Seattle, WA 98104 When: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays DIGITAL IMAGING CLASSES Where: Helping Link, 1032 S. Jackson St. Suite “C” Seattle, WA 98104 When: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Mondays BASIC COMPUTER CLASSES Where: Helping Link, 1032 S. Jackson St. Suite “C” Seattle, WA 98104 When: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesdays
INTRODUCTION TO IPAD Where: Helping Link, 1032 S. Jackson St. Suite “C” Seattle, WA 98104 When: 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursdays AFTER SCHOOL YOUTH TUTORING Where: Helping Link, 1032 S. Jackson St. Suite “C” Seattle, WA 98104 When: 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays For more information, call (206) 568-5160 or visit www.helpinglink. org.
Ellise “Ping Ping” Yo, three years old, with her lantern on August 6, 2000 during “From Hiroshima to Hope.” The annual event, in which participants create and float paper lanterns on Green Lake in Seattle, has been held since 1985 commemorating those who died in the World War II bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. • Photo by Dean Wong
Visit www.flickr.com/photos/examinerarchives/ for more Snapshots in Time!
8 — April 2, 2014 – April 15, 2014
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
IE ARTS
Daniel Pak at the “Feels Good” music video shoot at Kaneohe Bay, November 2013. • Photo by Jeff Santos
An ode to Hawai‘i: Seattle’s Kore Ionz releases new five-song EP By Shin Yu Pai IE Contributor Local reggae band Kore Ionz will launch its new EP, Feels Good, on April 1, with the simultaneous release of a new music video directed by Jeff Santos. The band’s new album, which focuses on digital studio production, marks a stylistic departure for the eight-man ensemble known for its live performances. The EP will be released and distributed by the band’s own independent record label Fire Spider.
Demand for Kore Ionz has been high my van on the driveway. I opened up a opted to postpone their tour for Feels in California, particularly in San Diego note on my iPhone and started writing.” Good. “We decided to concentrate on putting and the San Francisco Bay Area, where When the artist woke up the next morning, Pak reached for his guitar and out music videos as a form of ‘touring,’” the region is experiencing a reggae renaissance with several area festivals quickly came up with a series of simple Pak said. devoted to the roots reggae genre. chords to accompany his lyrics. With two young sons at home, Pak is Kore Ionz hopes to focus its efforts on Feels Good brings together four new reluctant to take the band on the road. bringing its show down the coast in the tracks, along with a remix of the band’s “I am not excited about the idea of near future. hit single “Love You Better,” which first jumping in a van and touring non-stop An album release party for Feels Good debuted in a live in-studio performance and submitting the band and crew to a is planned for April 5 at The Crocodile at on Seattle’s KEXP 90.3 FM. less-than-minimum-wage investment 2200 2nd Ave. in Belltown. Joining Kore “We wanted to revisit a popular song strategy on the music,” Pak said. “We’re Ionz will be musical guests Two Story from our previous releases to apply these excited to bring the music on the road, Zori, Soul One, DK Band, and others. new production techniques, bringing but for now, we’re really concentrating Tickets are $10 pre-sale, and $15 at the our efforts on a new video project that door. For more info on Kore Ionz, visit new life to the song,” Pak said. The album was recorded with support will help make more economic sense out www.koreionz.com. from Greg Fields at Chrystal Haze and of touring.” Mell Dettmer at Studio Soli, with Pak and drummer Teo Shantz producing.
Kore Ionz engaged Seattle-based director Jeff Santos in filming the musical video for “Feels Good.” Santos, who is currently at work on a documentary of the Seattle hip hop scene called The Otherside, runs an independent production company and first collaborated with Kore Developments in social media Ionz in making the video of the band’s and access to music aggregators like 2013 single “First Avenue.” CDBaby and TuneCore, which provide Penned as an ode to singer Daniel content for sites like Spotify, have made Pak’s Hawaiian motherland, Santos said it possible for more musicians than ever the visual concept for “Feels Good” before to distribute their work to larger evolved through conversations with the audiences. singer about his “thoughts and dreams “Statistics show that in 2013, the top of missing his homeland, which became 1 percent of musical works accounted the narrative.” for 77 percent of total artist revenues,” Pak said he returned home late one Pak said. “What that tells us is that the night from a gig and found himself old guard still fortifies and protects the missing Hawai‘i. castle, although anyone can pitch camp “It must have been four in the outside the moat.” morning,” Pak said. “It was freezing With a new focus on digital distribution the Pali Lookout on the first Kore Ionz tour to Hawai‘i, August 2011. Left to right: Teo Shantz, cold and raining. I remember sitting in and viral video marketing, the band has At Thaddeus Turner, Daniel Pak, Kiley Sullivan, and Ahkeenu Musa. • Photo by Gary Pak
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER CELEBRATING 40 YEARS ANNIVERSARY GALA Honoring Ron Chew SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2014 AT 6:00 P.M. MEYDENBAUER CENTER IN BELLEVUE Sponsorship, table captaining, volunteering, and other opportunities available. Contact Kathy Ho at advertising@iexaminer.org to learn more.
PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE AT www.IEXAMINER.ORG/40THGALA $100/pp
April 2, 2014 – April 15, 2014 — 9
10 — April 2, 2014 – April 15, 2014
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Bridge crossing: Odyssey of Noguchi and Tobey’s East Asian sojourns By Kazuko Nakane IE Contributor The exhibition at Frye Art Museum of drawings by Isamu Noguchi and paintings by Qi Baishi is masterful. For Noguchi, who has tackled media such as sculpture, stage sets, garden design, furniture, and akari (lamp), this was one of those rare occasions where his talent so naturally revealed itself. An exuberant spirit flows out of the lines, capturing the essence of each subject. It is spontaneous and warm. By this time in 1930s Beijing, where Noguchi stayed for six months, he had adopted Qi Baishi as his teacher. Qi was 66 years old and had reached the height of popularity as a modern Chinese master brush painter not only in China, but also in Japan and the West. An East Asian brush soaks up a generous amount of ink inside. The supple hairs of a brush spreads smoothly over the surface of the paper. Yet the versatile qualities of the brush can vary with the width and textures of lines; washed, splashed, flying white, or dry and blurred. It all depends on the control of the artist. This mastery demands patient lessons and much practice. Throughout the show, you can see Noguchi’s development of dexterity and ingenuity of vision. Though the style of 17th century landscape painting with dry small strokes continued to be the norm, Qi specialized in the theme of common subjects like vegetables, fruits, and insects.
Noguchi
crisscrossed in close approximation throughout time during their formative years in the 1920s and 1930s in New York, Paris, and Asia. They encountered the same revolutionary arts and literature movements that spread across continents at the turn of the 20th century.
The upbringing of both Noguchi and Tobey must have made them resilient in their own unending search for their own visions. In an old photo, Noguchi can be seen as the lone curly haired boy with a white shirt amidst a sea of boys and girls in traditional kimono at an elementary school in Yokohama in 1911, late Meiji Era. He was sent back alone to the It must be stated that the theme was United States at the age of 13, and lived not solely his own as the Southern in New York by 1922. Sung master Muqi also painted similar For Tobey, the happy bare-feet days in subject matter. To contemporary eyes, nature was over by the time the family Qi’s brush is immediately identifiable, and expresses a naive and humorous moved from the nearby banks of the character, which might have opened up Mississippi in Wisconsin to Chicago. After his father was unable to work, Noguchi’s own talent. Tobey barely survived doing odd jobs, There is another small exhibition at and moved to New York in 1911. In Frye Art Museum featuring two artists New York, he became a portrait painter with a local slant, that of Mark Tobey and had an exhibition at a bohemian and his friend, Teng Kwei (Baiye). hangout known as Romany Marie’s A foreign student, Teng first arrived Café in 1929. In the same year, Noguchi from a university in Suzhou to study came back to New York from Europe, architecture and art at the University of and had to make commissioned portrait Washington when he met Tobey in Seattle busts to survive. That was how he met in the early 1920s. Teng practiced finger his long-time friend, the eccentric painting with ink on paper. Noguchi and architect, Buckminster Fuller and all Tobey shared the image of a lone figure sorts of other creative people at the with distinct, unique qualities, and were same café. known as artists who crossed the barrier In Paris, they also witnessed new between East and West. evolving avant-garde movements in When their mature works are Europe. In 1925, Tobey met a writer compared—e.g. a black marble and collector of European art, Gertrude sculpture “Black Sun,” which spreads Stein who was the center of art and out its presence into the sky in front of culture among the expatriates in Paris. In Seattle Asian Art Museum, and smaller 1927, Noguchi made himself a disciple intimate abstract paintings—it seems to Constantin Brancusi, the father of like Noguchi and Tobey had lived modern sculpture. in a different cultural arena. Yet it is Noguchi recollected his teacher’s illuminating to realize that their paths studio: “My memory of Brancusi is
always of whiteness and of his bright and smiling eyes. Pure abstract left me cold. [It was] direct contact of man and matter. There was this unity throughout.” The two artists also shared their closeness to other arts such as literature and theater. Tobey was interested in music and poetry. Noguchi’s father was the famous poet, Yone Noguchi, who knew the circle of younger poets of the time. In 1926, Isamu made a mask for the dancer Michio Ito to perform in a Noh play originally written by William Butler Yeats. Yeats made the acquaintance of the elder Noguchi when he lectured on Noh in London. It would mark the sculptor’s first work for theatre. During the 19th century, the West cherished the glorious past of civilizations in Asia, which they colonized. Several years after Noguchi visited China and Japan, Tobey visited his old friend, Teng, in Shanghai and continued his journey to Japan in 1934.
Qi
order to reach out and communicate with humanity. Looking at abstract paintings by Tobey and traditional brush painting by Teng, one feels how two old friends rejoiced in finding each other again after so many years pursuing different paths. For Noguchi, the playfulness of Qi Baishi may have loosened him up enough to shed some warmer light onto the dark closet of his own past. Admission to the Frye Art Museum is free. It is located at 704 Terry Avenue on First Hill in Seattle. For more information, call (206) 622-9250 or visit fryemuseum.org. “Leonie,” a film about Isamu Noguchi’s mother and her experience in Japan by Hisako Matsui will screen on Sunday, April 13 at 2:00 p.m. There will be “Ink and Brush Painting Classes” by Lois Yoshida offered on April 27, May 4, 11, and 18 on Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Chinese poetry in translation is a reading by Red Pine offered on Thursday, May 22 with “The Mountain Poems of Stonehouse: A Celebration in Translation and Song” at 7:00 p.m. It features a musical performance by vocalist/composer Jessica Kenny with musicians Eyvind Kang and Jarrad Powell and is presented by the Museum, Copper Canyon Press and the Rose Theatre. There will be informal, discussion-based talks in the galleries during the exhibition. For exact times, go to fryemuseum. org. Both exhibitions close on Sunday, May 25 at 5:00 p.m.
It is a well-known story that Tobey practiced brush movement at a Zen temple in Kyoto where he stayed for about a month. It is interesting to note that both Noguchi and Tobey did not actively try to incorporate the Asian brushstroke into their mature works though Tobey made numerous untrained splash ink drawings in the winter of 1957. For Noguchi, who at that time struggled to grow out of the phenomenal influence of Brancusi, it seems, this was one way to search for an identity while expanding that with global experiences Isamu Noguchi and Qi Baishi: that went beyond the narrow identity of Beijing 1930 a certain culture. Buckminster Fuller described Noguchi Mark Tobey and Teng Baiye: as “a founding member of an omni- Seattle/Shanghai crossbred world society.” And for Tobey, Frye Art Museum who converted to the Bah’ai faith in 1918 704 Terry Ave, Seattle, WA 98104 to seek a universality of mankind, it was February 22 to May 25 a tool to free his inner expression in
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
April 2, 2014 – April 15, 2014 — 11
IE ARTS
Ballard boutique owner Chika Eustace curates design at Velouria By Shin Yu Pai IE Contributor
Not long after arriving in Seattle, Eustace came across a job posting at R.E. Load, a custom handmade messenger bag company.
Chika Eustace recently returned from a trip to New York attending trade shows and meetings with independent designers to restock her Ballard boutique. Since 2012, Eustace and business partner Cat Wilcox have run Velouria, an indie design shop first established by Tes de Luna in downtown Ballard. The shop specializes in small production, independently-made clothing, jewelry, and accessories.
“When I joined up with [R.E. Load],” Eustace said, “the DIY movement was pretty new. You could put a bird graphic on anything and it would sell.” Eustace started making wallets from fabric scraps and sold them at I Heart Rummage, and later Etsy. “I knew what I was doing wasn’t very profitable, but it felt so good to be passionate about designing and making my little line,” Eustace said. “I just kept at it. Eventually, I redesigned my line of wallets to be easier for me to manufacture and the focus really became notebook covers.”
Each month, Velouria participates in the neighborhood Artwalk and has featured artists such as Jenny Vorwaller, Frida Clements, Isabelle Robertson, and The Society of National Industry. This month, Velouria highlighted the work of painter Drie Chapek and Ballard jewelry designer Jules Cechony. And in April, the shop will host an exhibition of Melanie Biehle’s work. Eustace discovers many of the shop’s artists through word of mouth and social media.
“One of our favorite artists came into our shop because of a picture we posted on Instagram,” Eustace said. “She passed along her beautiful business card. I had to look Jenny up right away and book her for a show.”
In addition to providing a platform for visual artists, Velouria offers carefully curated pieces by a range of talented independent designers. Herman Yu, who acquired her childhood nickname “Herman” at summer camp, creates spare and elegant cards and prints with botanical imagery. The shop carries illustrated note cards by Irene Akio, author of T is for Tokyo, a bilingual children’s book. SODO artist Tiffany Ju presents a line of ombre hand-dyed tights. Alice Wu, who is one half of the duo behind Feral Childe, features beautiful prints and inventive tailoring. Mimot Designs is a line of bags made by Thomas Im out of Los Angeles. Velouria also carries stylized garments by Sunhee Moon, a San Francisco-based clothing designer who produces a line aimed at professional women.
In June, Velouria will mark its tenyear anniversary.
“It’s hard and constant work, but when it’s great it’s incredibly rewarding,” Eustace said. Chika Eustace’s designs can be found at www.randlgoods.com. The next Eustace Ballard Artwalk takes place on April part of a community of highly driven, available for children. “The fact that 12. Visit Velouria at 2205 NW Market there’s a demand is pretty different from Street in Ballard, or online at www. and skilled, young designers. shopvelouria.com. when and where I grew up,” she said. “It was so motivating during freshman year to pull all-nighters on drawings next to other people doing the same,” Eustace said. “There was a lot of solidarity in the industrial design major, you could always get feedback or help from someone around you if you needed it.” The staff at Evergreen-Washelli thank you for entrusting us with the care
Ching Ming Celebration
Eustace first witnessed the results and the act of independent and rigorous effort during her experiences at RISD.
“I feel very fulfilled when I can pursue an idea with the effort I feel it deserves,” Eustace said. After graduating from RISD, Eustace and her partner moved to the West Coast. “We really thought we’d be in Seattle for a couple of years before we moved to Japan or Europe or New York,” she said.
Eustace, who has a Japanese mother, spent her early childhood in Saudi Arabia, where she and her brother were surrounded by families of mixed ethnicities. Her family later moved to the Boston area where Eustace recalled standing out.
Velouria also stocks the work of jewelry designers that include Flora and Fawn’s Angela Muhlnickel and Jean Lee and Dylan Davis of Ladies & Gentlemen, in addition to designs by “We stood out for having unusual metal artist Dorothy Cheng. names, being well traveled at young ages “Dorothy has an exceptionally high (37 different countries by the time we level of craftsmanship and artistry were 8 and 10) and biracial,” Eustace present in her work,” Eustace said. “Her said. “We found ourselves explaining interest in medieval art history reveals to a lot of kids that Japan and China are itself in her design language, which is different countries.” simultaneously very modern.”
Eustace observes that most Seattleites seem more familiar with different Eustace’s passion for design dates Asian cultures, particularly with the back to her studies at the Rhode Island predominance of language schools School of Design (RISD), where she was
of your loved ones. In honor of Ching Ming 2014, we are proud to announce a special offer to our friends in Seattle’s Asian American Community.
Any individual presenting or mentioning this AD will receive a 10% discount on all new pre-arranged cemetery and/or funeral goods and services—on top any other discount offers that may exist on items selected.
Washelli Columbarium Indoor Niches
Abbey Garden Oasis Feng Shui Approved
Tahoma Vista Monument Land
For more information or to schedule an appointment
206-834-1984 Cantonese 206-834-1990 Mandarin 206-362-5200 ext. 225 English
12 — April 2, 2014 – April 15, 2014
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
IE ARTS
DONATE to NAFCON’S Typhoon Relief Program For info on how to donate, visit nafconusa.org.
Reliving loss: Ilo Ilo a multinational blast to the past By Yayoi L. Winfrey IE Contributor
Abusive both verbally and physically (by shoving her around), he gets away with such obnoxious behavior seemingly Ilo Ilo is a multinational film that because his parents are too apathetic to manages to bring its viewers back in time discipline him. Indeed, they have their by reliving loss through ’90s nostalgia own narcissistic anxieties to divert them. and a touch of realism. Also the name The pregnant and overworked Hwee is of a Philippines province, Iloilo is the preoccupied with her stressful assignment home that Terry (Angeli Bayani) left to of helping her boss lay off coworkers be outsourced as a maid in Singapore. At while her husband is on the other side 29, the timid mother is forced to leave of the spectrum, having lost his job but her baby boy with relatives in order to unable to tell her. All around, the signs work. of economical failure are apparent yet Arriving at her new employers’ home, the Leng’s’ concerns are for themselves. Terry is guarded. One of the first words A neighbor leaps from their apartment of welcome she hears from the wife, building, but Hwee is unmoved. Instead, Hwee Leng (Yeo Yann Yann), is: “Terry, she’s annoyed by the raucous mourners at give me your passport.” his funeral. When husband Teck (Chen Tian Wen) Perhaps, the Leng’s are just too asks his spouse why she confiscated exhausted. Hwee is carrying a baby, Teck Terry’s identification, Hwee answers is carrying a burden, but Terry is also indifferently: “In case she tries to run carrying her own troubles along with away.” those of the family she cares for. Serene Then, nonchalantly, she plays the in her quiet rage, Terry demonstrates lottery using Terry’s passport numbers. acute maturity even as she’s falsely Thus, begins the dehumanization of the accused of petty infractions or stripped of family maid. Living an average middle- her identity. Even her religion is no longer class life in Singapore, the Leng’s are still her own. In one scene, the family visits better off than the impoverished Terry, Jaile’s grandfather’s grave, forcing Terry able to afford someone who will wash to join in their Buddhist prayers. Yet their floors and raise their 10-year-old earlier, at their first meal together, when son. But soon, they’re caught up in the Terry crossed herself before eating, the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, watching family stared at her. helplessly as their socio-economic “Don’t worry,” Teck said then, standing begins to unravel and threatens patronizingly, “We don’t mind.” to place them at the same level as their At first, Jiale is incredulous about hired help. having to share his room with Terry. As Terry goes about her grubby tasks, But as various tragedies befall him, he she realizes the son the parents call Ah begins to accept her and the two start Boy, but whom she addresses as Jiale bonding. As Terry and Jiale inch towards (Koh Jia Ler), is a spoiled, selfish brat. friendship, their scenes become more
intimate. When Jiale hurts himself, Terry washes him in the shower as he playfully splashes her. When she meets him after school to carry his backpack, he asks for one of her ear buds so they can share the music she’s listening to on her Walkman. Along with details like the Walkman, there are constant reminders that the setting is the mid-1990s with Teck’s pager, the oversized computer monitors at Hwee’s office, and Jiale’s constant obsession with his Tamagochi. And, other than some beautifully shot scenes of the city skyline (such as a train gliding in the darkness), the camera stays trained on the actors lending them authenticity—like when Hwee wipes the toilet seat after Teck drips onto it. There’s also no accompanying music, which makes Ilo Ilo easily acceptable as reality. The multinational cast features a Singaporean (Tian Wen), Malaysian (Yann Yann), and Filipina (Bayani); and, English subtitles are used for heavily accented English, some Mandarin and Tagalog. Director Anthony Chen won the Camera d’or at Cannes for this, his first feature-length film. Based on a true story about his own childhood, 29 yearold Chen never forgot the surrogate mother their family maid was to him for 16 years. Amazingly, he searched for, located and reunited with the reallife Terry—in Iloilo. Ilo Ilo opens April 11 at Landmark’s Varsity Theatre, 4329 University Way NE.
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
April 2, 2014 – April 15, 2014 — 13
IE COMMUNITY
‘Ninja warrior’ Hoan Do challenges API youth to follow their dreams By Travis Quezon IE Editor-in-Chief One week before the recent filming of the Ninja Warrior competition in Yokohama, Japan, competitor Hoan Do, 28, hurt his ankle during a trip to Trampoline Nation. Do had been training for the competition for two and a half months. Do had hurt his ankle and was on crutches that Monday. By Friday he was walking and getting ready to compete in one of the most notoriously difficult obstacle courses in the world.
Ninja Warrior is an edited-forAmerican-TV version of the Japanese show Sasuke. Its famed obstacle course has challenged freerunners, athletes, and thrill seekers throughout the world since 1997. Of the thousands who have attempted the competition, only a few hundred have even made it past the first round. You can count the number of people who have even completed all four rounds of the course on one hand. Do was able to bounce back from his injury with a combination of ice and heating, laser therapy, acupuncture, physical therapy, and positive thinking.
Motivational speaker Hoan Do training for the Ninja Warrior competition. • Photo by Ross Coyle, Ross Coyle Media
While Do’s injured ankle caused him any mission. I do that every day. I some frustration, it was just another listen to my body.” As for the odds of actually making it obstacle to overcome. past the first round, much less winning “One of my big beliefs in life is that the Ninja Warrior competition, Do everything happens for a reason,” Do doesn’t get distracted from what it is he told the International Examiner during has to do. a phone interview the day before flying out to Japan for the competition. “While we can’t always control what happens to us, we can control what we do about it.”
or not it makes money, Do explained, life. He wants young people to realize because of the pressure they put on that all parents truly want for them is to themselves to make enough money to be happy. take care of their parents. “When you give yourself permission “All Asians have that pressure,” Do to do what you are passionate about, you said. “What helps is to have candid inspire others to do the same,” Do said. conversations with your parents. Have “What I focus most importantly on is faith. When you constantly communicate, The results of the Ninja Warrior my effort because that’s something I can problems get solved. Problems happen Competition will not be revealed until control,” Do said. “If it happens [that I when you don’t communicate.” the program airs later this year. Check win or lose the competition], it doesn’t The most important issue APIs face in your local listings and tune in to see how matter. What matters is I gave it my best.” the United States, Do said, is that they Hoan Do did. For more information on This is the essence of what he hopes are not able to pursue what they want in Do, visit hoando.com.
These are words that Do lives by—and asks others to do as well. Aside from being a world-class athlete, Do is an inspirational speaker, youth mentor, and to inspire people, particularly young people, to do, which is to do your best author. Raised by poor immigrant parents so that you inspire others to do the same. who nearly lost their lives to escape the Vietnam War, Do grew up in Federal Way, Washington. After graduating from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, Do has spent the last six years traveling the country as an inspirational speaker and corporate trainer.
When asked about how he is able to balance his time as a speaker, athlete, and community activist, Do said he takes the time to check in on his physical, mental, and spiritual health.
To help drive this message home, Do quoted author Marianne Williamson: “We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone and as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Do also has a message for Asian Pacific Islander youth, many of whom, like He described taking time everyday himself, are the children of immigrants to assess his health while walking and who did not come from a lot of money. listening to music. Much like keeping “When I speak to students, I tell them a car tuned up, you have to be aware of they have to pursue their passion,” Do what needs adjusting, he explained. “I make time for me,” Do said. said. “What ends up happening for “When we’re stressed out, the engine them is everybody is happy for them but light goes on. … I sing songs out loud themselves.” When APIs choose a career path, and thank God for the blessings he’s given me. I think about the goals of they’re too concerned about whether
Do
14 — April 2, 2014 – April 15, 2014
INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
IE COMMUNITY RESOURCE DIRECTORY Arts & Culture
Professional & Leadership Development
Asian Counseling & Referral Service
Asia Pacific Cultural Center 4851 So. Tacoma Way Tacoma, WA 98409 Ph: 253-383-3900 Fx: 253-292-1551 faalua@comcast.net www.asiapacificculturalcenter.org Bridging communities and generations through arts, culture, education and business.
1300 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101 Ph: 206-654-3209 Fx: 206-654-3135 SAM connects art to life through special exhibitions, educational programs and installations drawn from its collection of approximately 25,000 objects. Through its three sites, SAM presents global perspectives, making the arts a part of everyday life for people of all ages, interests, backgrounds and cultures.
Education 3327 Beacon Ave S. Seattle, WA 98144 ph: 206-725-9740
3639 Martin Luther King Jr. Way S, Seattle, WA 98144 ph: 206-695-7600 fx: 206-695-7606 events@acrs.org www.acrs.org ACRS offers multilingual, behavioral health and social services to Asian Pacific Americans and other lowincome people in King County.
Executive Development Institute 310 – 120th Ave NE. Suite A102 Bellevue, WA Ph. 425-467-9365 • Fax: 425-467-1244 Email: edi@ediorg.org • Website: www.ediorg.org EDI offers culturally relevant leadership development programs.
WE MAKE LEADERS Queen Anne Station, P.O. Box 19888, Seattle, WA 98109 info@naaapseattle.org, www.naaapseattle.org Fostering future leaders through education, networking and community services for Asian American professionals and entrepreneurs. Facebook: NAAAP-Seattle Twitter: twitter.com/naaapseattle
Senior Services
VNSF enables underprivileged students in Viet Nam to achieve success and happiness through education. We are looking for volunteers and board members to join the team and make a difference in the lives of kids in Vietnam.
Housing & Neighborhood Planning HomeSight 5117 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118 ph: 206-723-4355 fx: 206-760-4210 www.homesightwa.org HomeSight creates homeownership opportunities through real estate development, home buyer education and counseling, and lending.
Address tobacco control and other health justice issues in the Asian American/Pacific Islander communities.
PO Box 14047, Seattle WA 98114 (206) 325.0325 (Helpline) info@apichaya.org www. apichaya.org API Chaya is dedicated to serving survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence and human trafficking in the Asian, South Asian and Pacific Islander communities. We offer multi-lingual services that are free and confidential.
Community Care Network of Kin On
815 S Weller St, Suite 212, Seattle, WA 98104 ph: 206-652-2330 fx: 206-652-2344 contact@kinon.org www.kinon.org Provides home care, Alzheimer’s and caregiver support, community education and chronic care management; coordinates medical supply delivery for Asian/Chinese seniors and families in King County.
Kin On Health Care Center
4416 S Brandon St, Seattle, WA 98118 ph: 206-721-3630 fx: 206-721-3626 contact@kinon.org www.kinon.org A 100-bed, Medicare and Medicaid certified, not-for-profit skilled nursing facility offering long-term skilled nursing and short-term rehab care for Asian/Chinese seniors.
803 South Lane Street Seattle, WA 98104 ph: 206-292-5184 fx: 206-838-3057 info@legacyhouse.org www.scidpda.org/programs/legacyhouse.aspx Description of organization/services offered: Assisted Living, Adult Day Services, meal programs for low-income seniors. Medicaid accepted.
National Asian Pacific Center on Aging Kawabe Memorial House 221 18th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144 ph: 206-322-4550 fx: 206-329-3330 connie.devaney@gmail.com We provide affordable, safe, culturally sensitive housing and support services to people aged 62 and older.
601 S King St. Seattle, WA 98104 ph: 206-682-1668 website www.apicat.org
CISC helps Asian immigrants make the transition to a new life while keeping later generations on touch with their rich heritage.
Legacy House InterIm Community Development Association 310 Maynard Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104 Ph: 206.624-1802 Services: 601 S King St, Ph: 206. 623-5132 Interimicda.org Multilingual community building: housing & parking, housing/ asset counseling, projects, teen leadership and gardening programs.
Senior Community Service Employment Program ph: 206-322-5272 fx: 206-322-5387 www.napca.org Part-time training program for low income Asian Pacific Islanders age 55+ in Seattle/ King & Pierce Counties.
International District Medical & Dental Clinic 720 8th Ave S, Suite 100, Seattle, WA 98104 ph: 206-788-3650 fax: 206-490-4011 email: info@ichs.com website: www.ichs.com Shoreline Medical & Dental Clinic Coming in 2014! ICHS is a non-profit medical and dental center that provides health care to low income Asian, Pacific Islanders, immigrants and refugees in Washington State.
Seattle Rotary Club Bill Nagel Meets Every Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. New Hong Kong Restaurant Bill.nagel@gmail.com http://www.seattleidrotary.org/ Improve the local community by engaging activities such as community improvement projects, scholarship opportunities, and undertakings that promote education.
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INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
April 2, 2014 – April 15, 2014 — 15
IE ARTS
Review: Cloud Gate Dance Theatre performance a gift to Seattleites By Maria Batayola IE Contributor
One wonderful, albeit unnerving, surprise was the use of 3-and-a-half ton of rice—yes, sacred rice—as part of the The UW World Series and the local set. Growing up, rice was never to be Taiwanese community with China played with; never to be wasted, always Harbor’s Lo Yu Sun gave a gift of peace to be kept safe, dry, and secure. and awe to Seattle audiences when they Emotionally and visually, Lin presented Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of achieved his goal to create a sacred, Taiwan at UW Meany Hall during the erotic, and dynamic space. He started weekend of March 8. by using a singular stream of golden Cloud Gate Dance Theatre performed rice falling on a praying monk who its signature Songs of Wanderers, a stood still for the entire 90-minute sustained visual delight and meditation performance. Time and space was using Western modern dance, Georgian transformed again and again when a folk songs, and Eastern aesthetics. ton of rice was dropped from the rafters Choreographed by genius Lin Hwai- onto center stage with a solo dancer min, it is indeed theatre of the dance flailing on his back mercilessly. The taking us through the human spiritual mood morphed again when the entire journey in ten movements: Prayer I, stage was filled with raining rice akin Holy River, Prayer II, On the Road I, to a monsoon with manna falling from Rite of Tree, Prayer III, On the Road II, heaven. Finally, exhausted from all Rite of Fire, Prayer IV and Finale or the the activity, rice laying on the ground Beginning. as sand, the last performer sweeping Founded in 1974 by director/ it meticulously into a meditational choreographer Lin, he was inspired labyrinth. to choreograph Wanderers during his Lin’s brilliant choreography took full visit to India when he meditated at a advantage of the physical characteristics sacred holy place, underneath the tree of rice, etching circles and lines with where Buddha is said to have achieved it in the air when dancers sprayed it in enlightenment. the air, slid, splashed, rolled on it, their What he conjured up must be seen to movements accented by the cacophony be believed. Imagine dance movements of sounds as rice grains swish and fall anchored in solid Western modern dance on the ground. The evening’s magic was choreography executed with abandon, greatly enhanced by the Chang Tsan-Tao discipline, and incredible strength and sophisticated lighting design. grace. Wanderers flip us back and forth Lin was a already a critically between montage and theatre using acclaimed writer in Taiwan at an early the language of dance to surprise and age of 22 when he came to the United delight all of the senses. States in 1969. He obtained a Master of
Fine Arts degree from the University of Iowa International Writer’s Workshop under the renowned poet Paul Engle. He picked back up his old interest in dance and studied modern art dance in Iowa as well as in New York.
H. Scripps/American Dance Festival Award for Lifetime Achievement, following in the footsteps of Martha Graham, Merce Cunningham, and Pina Bausch.
My only wish was that we as an In July of 2013, was heralded as “the audience started meditating in the dark most important choreographer in Asia” before the start of this incredible sacred when he received the prestigious Samuel journey.
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16 — April 2, 2014 – April 15, 2014
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INTERNATIONAL EXAMINER
Muckleshoot
Indian Tribe
We are Honored to Support Our Neighbors Throughout Washington State As a sovereign tribal nation, the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe is a government. The Tribe uses its revenues from economic enterprises to fund infrastructure, educational opportunities, healthcare, housing assistance, conservation, and an array of other vital programs and services. These enterprise revenues serve the same government purposes as tax revenues received by state and local governments. The Tribe also honors a cultural tradition of sharing with neighbors and with those in need. In 2013, we are proud to have supported our neighboring communities with over $3.6 million of assistance to the following Washington nonprofit organizations and to local governments’ fire, police, and other services. We thank them for their service and reaffirm our commitment to helping our neighbors and building communities throughout the state. 100 Black Men of Greater Seattle 1910 Malott Indian Shaker Church Airway Heights Correction Center Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church Alzheimer’s Association - Western Wa American Cancer Society American Heart Association American Indian Film Institute American Lung Association of the Mountain Pacific American Parkinson Disease Association - Washington Arboretum Foundation Ashley House Asia Pacific Cultural Center Asian Counseling & Referral Service Auburn City Church The Auburn Food Bank Auburn Mountainview Booster Club Auburn Respite Program Auburn Riverside High Grad Night Auburn Valley YMCA Auburn Youth Resources Bates Technical College Behind the Badge Foundation WA State Birth to Three Developmental Center Blaze Firecamp for Young Women Boyer Children’s Clinic Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County Brain Injury Association of WA The Breakfast Group Burned Children Recovery Foundation Byron Kibler Elementary School Capitol Hill Housing Foundation CAST for Kids Foundation Cedar Creek Corrections Center Native Circle Center for Children & Youth Justice Center for Women and Democracy Central Area Senior Center Central for Multicultural Health Central Washington University Chief Seattle Club Children’s Alliance Chinese Information & Service Center Chinook Elementary City of Auburn City Year Seattle/King County Clallam Bay Corrections Center Compass Health Congregations For The Homeless Consejo Counseling & Referral Service Coyote Ridge Corrections Center Native Circle Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Dawn - Domestic Abuse Women’s Network Disability Advocates for Cystic Fibrosis Eastern Washington University Eastern Washington University Foundation Eastside Native American Education Edmonds Community College El Centro de la Raza Emergency Feeding Program Emergency Food Network Entre Hermanos Enumclaw Regional Healthcare Foundation Ethnic Studies Students Association Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling The Evergreen State College The Evergreen State College Native American Students Association Enumclaw Middle School Executive Development Institute Experimental Education Unit - UW Family Law Casa of King County
Firestarters Ministries First Nations at the University of Washington First Place School The Foodbank at St Marys Food LifeLine The Friendship Circle of Washington Gateway International Ministries Gilda’s Club of Seattle Goodthinking 4 All Our Relations Goodwill Development Association Greater Bonney Lake Historical Society Greater Issaquah Chamber of Commerce Greater Love Ministries Evangelistic Association Greater Washington Alpha Phi Omega Green River Community College Habitat for Humanity International Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations Health Point Heartbeat Serving Wounded Warriors Heritage University Highline Community College Highline Medical Center Foundation Hokubei Hochi Foundation Indian Shaker Church of Washington Institute for Community Leadership Institute for Systems Biology Interim Community Development International Community Health Care International Examiner InvestED Japanese American Citizen League JC Restoration Rehabilitation Center Kent Black Action Commission Kent Elementary School - Kent School District Kent Firefighters Foundation Kent Food Bank & Emergency Services Kent International Festival Kent Meridian High School PSTA Kent School District - Native American Program Kin On Community Health Care Kindering Center King County Fire District # 44 King County Sheriffs Office Kiwanis Club of Enumclaw Foundation Larch Corrections Center Native Circle League of Education Voters Foundation The Learning Seed Foundation Legacy Foundation The Lighthouse for the Blind
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Seattle Cancer Care Alliance Seattle Central Community College Foundation Seattle Children’s Hospital Foundation Seattle Counseling Service The Seattle Foundation Newspapers Seattle Indian Center Seattle Indian Health Board Seattle Seafair Pirates Secret Harbor Shunpike Arts Collective SIFF SKCAC Industries & Employment Services Soroptimist International of Auburn The Soup Ladies South Kitsap Helpline Food Bank South Puget Sound Community College South Puget Sound Intertribal Agency South Puget Sound Mobile Search & Rescue South Shore PTSA South Valley Police Explorers Spokane Falls Community College St Matthew/San Mateo Episcopal Church Stafford Creek Correction Center Native Circle Starlight Children’s Foundation Sunrise Elementary School - Enumclaw School District Sunshine Physically Handicapped Foundation Susan G Komen for the Cure Tacoma Public School District Tahoma Indian Center Technology Access Foundation The Tears Foundation Thunder Mountain Middle School Tierra Madre Fund Tlinget & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska Touch the Life of a Child Town of Wilkeson United Indians of All Tribes Foundation United Negro College Fund United States Conference of Catholic Bishops United Way of King County University of Puget Sound University of Washington - American Ethnic Studies University of Washington - American Indian Studies University of Washington - Multicultural Alumni Partnership University of Washington - Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity University of Washington Foundation Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle Urban Native Education Alliance US Conference of Catholic Bishops Valley Cities Counseling Valley Regional Fire Authority Victory Outreach Seattle Vietnamese Friendship Association of Greater Seattle Village of Hope Washington Conservation Voters Washington Premier Football Club Washington State Gambling Commission Washington State Patrol Washington State University West Auburn High School Western Coalition of Alaska Natives Western Washington University Foundation Westwood Elementary School White Center Community Development Association White River HS Hornets PTSA - Class of 2013 White River School District Willow’s Place Wing Luke Memorial Foundation Youth Violence Prevention Network YouthCare