MYX® is the New Cat in Town
March 2, 2010
A fresh voice for Asian-American youth has been blazing trails and making noise. A new music entertainment channel is taking over and word on the street is that MYX® is the new lucky cat in town.
Despite the fact that nine million Asian-Americans are under the age of 35 and are totally media-savvy, it has been an underserved group by mainstream media and an untapped market – until now. MYX® programming is tailored to scratch everyone’s music itch, while recognizing the importance of APA cultural heritage, one that is unique, trendy and current.
In the San Francisco Bay Area, MYX® is available on Comcast Channel 368 but television isn’t the only platform that’s rocking to a new sound. Booming online and out in the community, MYX® has made a smart move by bringing the music to the people.
Current Content
Building a channel from scratch is no easy task but with a team that’s represented by local Asian-American pros in their own departments of expertise, locally-produced programming has not only changed the landscape of API media as we know it but has also received accolades from award giving bodies. Last year, MYX® was given the 2009 NAMIC thumbs up for its “Dig: Lyrics Born” in the Digital Media Short Form category. Dig is the channel’s flagship artist platform. This two-minute monthly vignette features up-and-coming indie artists at work.
Just how exceptionally anomalous is MYX®? All eyes have been on the channel with its recent launch of two new programs: Vinyl Addiction, which takes the audience to an up-close look at the Vinyl Toy Revolution which originated in Hong Kong. Visual Crunch which goes behind the scenes of groundbreaking, creative music videos produced at impossibly low budgets – veritable video miracles at this age, serving well the Asian American market, whose artists are, surprisingly, independent.
Redefining a Culture
In recent articles run on mainstream publications, like Keith Kamisugi’s piece on the Huffington Post, it is clear that Hollywood needs to catch up. Mainstream media has long portrayed a stereotypical Asian-American, typecast as amorphous, caricature-like and “good in math.” Making noise, MYX® is dubbed the community’s “fresh voice” for spotlighting the real deal, Asian-Americans as pop culture’s pilot. MYX® Channel Head, Miguel Santos explains that, “We’ve made it our mission to accurately portray the Asian-American on television. Highlighting the real prototype, we’re showing a global audience what our generation really looks like.”
San Jose State University freshman Lorenze Torres says, “It’s great to see APIs that I feel represent who I am, just rocking on TV. I look at Utada Hikaru, Nicole Scherzinger, Cassie… and I think to myself – now, that’s what I’m talking about!”
“The Asian American youth is a community of creative minds and bi-cultural propensity so MYX® has taken up the challenge to provide television-forward programming where they can see themselves represented as the innovative visionaries that they are,” shares Santos.
Tomorrow’s Bullhorn
As with any successful media venture, the key element is to be current and to give viewers substantial but popular content. It’s about finding talent that has yet to be discovered and digging into the community’s pockets where our talent abounds. “The new trend favors the independent YouTube artists, comedians and breakout artists that follow their own tune. MYX® is in the know and shines that spotlight in the right direction. I’m addicted,” says artist manager and founder of The Luna Co., Christina Luna.
So next time you’re surfing channels, drop by MYX® and see what all the buzz is about. While success may hinge on a little luck from the cat, the audience finds that with forward-looking content, progressive goals and a pool of ridiculous talent, MYX® is, officially, the new voice of Asian-American youth.
ABOUT MYX®
With its U.S. headquarters in Redwood City, California, MYX® was developed by ABS-CBN International, a US-based subsidiary of ABS-CBN Broadcasting, the largest media company in the Philippines and among the largest in Asia. MYX® is the only music entertainment and lifestyle channel dedicated to the Asian American community, utilizing music, culture and entertainment. MYX® can be seen on Channel 368 on Comcast’s Digital Preferred Tier in the San Francisco Bay Area, Comcast ON DEMAND, Cox Digital Basic Cable, DIRECTV 2067 and RCN. For more information, visit http://myx.tv.
Keesa Ocampo works for ABS CBN International and is a member of the Young Filipino Professionals Association.
Catwalk 2010 Searches for the Next Transgender Supermodel
March 2, 2010
San Francisco – New Guard Production Company recently announced that the search for the next transgender supermodel is on! Catwalk 2010 is an elite modeling competition catering to the male to female transgender community and will take place on Saturday, April 10 at 7pm at SOMARTS Gallery in San Francisco, California.
Catwalk now in its’ junior year is presented by DIVAS Club, Moonstar Restaurant & Catering and The Endup Club. Aspiring transgender models from all over the country compete in various categories including Cocktail Wear, swimwear and evening wear. Hosted by community icon Tita Aida, Catwalk 2010 features special guests drag-glam lip sync group, RICE ROCKETTES and hip-hop dance group, Freeplay Dance Company. This year’s presentation benefits the AIDS Housing Alliance, a non- profit organization providing case management specifically to people living with HIV/AIDS, advocating for equal housing rights, and working to prevent homelessness.
Last year, Catwalk attracted 450 attendees from all over the Bay Area and they witnessed an amazing presentation of fashion, compassion, advocacy and style all in one runway. Carmen Cass, a native of Los Angeles took the title Catwalk ’09. Carmen said, “I will use this title to empower my fellow trans sisters to pursue their dream!” Indeed Carmen did, and she is now pursuing her modeling career in Los Angeles and New York. Catwalk 2010 expects to meet or exceed last year’s attendance and generate proceeds designated for the beneficiary, AIDS Housing Alliance.
Catwalk is one of the few events that celebrates and focuses on the profound beauty of the transgender community. Catwalk not only allows the TG community to have an event, but it also provides networking opportunities for TG focused service providers to reach out to their target population. Participating are the TRANS THRIVE and ATE Program of the A&PI Wellness Center. Catwalk also allows local businesses the chance to support the TG community via sponsorship, promotional opportunities, and making their products or services available.
Tickets are now available at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/93508. A $ 5.00 discount is available to online tickets purchases by entering “CW2010Z” when prompted for a discount code.
Catwalk 2010 is produced by New Guard Production Company, a San Francisco based California Corporation specializing in development and physical production of unique LGBT performing arts events, film, radio, television, print and new media.
Don’t Get Clawed: Tiger interactions with other zodiac animals
February 26, 2010
Julie D. Soo in interview with I-ching Master Y.C. Sun
The order of the animal zodiac is based on the order of the finishers of a race Buddha called: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig
The Tiger can work successfully and communicate well to achieve happiness and harmony in love and business with: Horse, Dog, and Pig.
The Monkey and Tiger are rivals, with the Monkey constantly running into conflict with the Tiger. Mature Monkeys should watch for bad health. Younger Monkeys will make changes in all aspects. Wear a necklace with a figure of a horse, dog, or pig to smooth the transition of rapid change.
The Tiger competes with other Tigers on all fronts with animosity and a mountain cannot accommodate more than one Tiger. Tigers should watch for poor health and avoid confrontation. Wear a necklace with a figure of a horse, dog, or pig to divert the ill attention of the Golden Tiger.
The Rat and Tiger have a moderate relationship, providing the Rat an opportunity to make changes, travel, and work hard to better its career and status.
The Ox and Tiger clash even though the Ox will try new things to accommodate the Tiger, leaving the Ox to resort to secondary plans. It is a romantic year for Ox people.
The Tiger provides the Rabbit with a romantic year but strong competition disturbs chances of lasting new romantic pursuits.
The Tiger disturbs the Dragon’s focus on making changes, travel, and study with worries about an elder’s health issue.
Though Snake and Tiger often spar with sharp tongue and competition, Snake’s wisdom and charm wins over the Tiger.
The Goat enjoys romance and happiness with the Tiger but takes care of a health issue.
The Rooster should overcome an obstacle with the Tiger but achieving its goal will require spending money.
Fiery Tiger Year: Learn to Chill Out
February 26, 2010
Julie D. Soo in interview with I-ching Master Y.C. Sun
The Year of the Tiger will be tumultuous as the Metal Tiger or Golden Tiger brings volatility and disagreement. Economic recovery for the United States will continue to be slow and worries about deflation are likely to turn to inflation.
The Tiger is the third of twelve Chinese animal zodiac signs. Tiger people are thought to be fiery and bold, good for people of action. However, fiery Tigers can also be tempestuous and quick to anger, defeating any kind of cordial relations.
The past year more mellow with the earth element for the Earth Ox or Brown Ox Year brought trust and kindness to promote conflict resolution, will turn as the metal element for the Metal Tiger or Golden Tiger (4708 on the Chinese lunar calendar) begins on February 4 to a year of disagreement and hostility says Bay Area I-ching Master Y.C. Sun. Geomancers like to look at sixty-year cycles because the five elements — metal, wood, water, fire, and earth — and 12-animal zodiac generally bring circumstances full circle.
Sun predicts a year of growing global disagreement and hostility in keeping with the last Metal Tiger Year. In 1950, the United States suffered under the strains of the Korean War, the Cold War, the nuclear arms race, and McCarthyism. Read more
Return of the Annual SF International Asian American Film Festival
February 24, 2010
The 28th Annual San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival (SFIAAFF), which showcases the best Asian and Asian American films from around the globe takes place March 11-21, 2010 in San Francisco, Berkeley and San Jose. 2010 marks the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Festival’s presenting organization the Center for Asian America Media (CAAM). SFIAAFF is the nation’s largest showcase for new Asian American and Asian films, annually presenting approximately 120 works featuring thrilling films from the United States, Philippines, Japan, Thailand, China, and more.
Film screenings, filmmaker tributes, and panel discussions take place at the Castro Theatre, Sundance Kabuki Cinemas, Clay Theatre, and VIZ Cinema in San Francisco, Pacific Film Archive in Berkeley, and the Camera 12 Cinemas in San Jose. Tickets go on sale beginning February 11 for CAAM members and February 15 for the general public.
For more information or tickets please visit: http://festival.asianamericanmedia.org/2010
First Korean Film Festival to Hit LA
February 24, 2010
The Korean Film Festival in Los Angeles (KOFFLA) will take place March 4 to 7 at venues across Los Angeles. They recently held their first official press conference on Monday, February 22 at the Korean Cultural Center. Introducing the festival was executive director Chang-Wha Chung (director of martial arts classic Five Fingers of Death), festival spokesperson actor John Cho (Star Trek, ABC’s Flash Forward, Harold & Kumar Go to the White Castle) and festival partner Jeff Black, VP and General Manager of Back Stage. Each expressed their excitement and support for the upcoming festival, which will be first major Korean film festival in Los Angeles.
With a vision for bringing the best in Korean cinema to the American filmgoers, KOFFLA will feature over 60 features and shorts from established and emerging Korean filmmakers from around the world, including special sections for Korean horror, outstanding directorial debuts, Korean-American cinema, and a retrospective of action director Ryoo Seung-Wan (The Crying Fist, City of Violence). Notable special events include a Master Class with cinematographer Kim Hyung-ku (Memories of Murder, The Host) and Actorfest KOFFLA, a one-day event for actors and aspiring actors to participate in panels, workshops, and meet & greet sessions with Hollywood and Korean talent agents, actors, and casting directors.
The red carpet Opening Ceremony will take place at 6 PM on March 4 at the Egyptian Theatre with a screening of Le Grand Chef II (starring Kim Jung-Eun and Jin-Gu). The closing award ceremony will be held at the Laemmle Music Hall followed by the closing film, Hur Jin Ho’s A Good Rain Knows, starring Jung Woo-Sung and Gao Yuan Yuan.
The latest information on KOFFLA is available on their website, www.koffla.org.
Chinese Night Club Scene Revived at Two Benefits
February 22, 2010
For two nights in San Francisco this past month, patrons at two fundraising events were given the opportunity to reminisce or learn about the “Swinging Chinatown Days: The Golden Age of Chinese Nightclubs,” the title of an exhibit currently being shown at The Old Mint located at 88 Fifth Street in San Francisco.
To start down memory lane, Cynthia Yee and her Grant Avenue Follies ladies presented their night of nostalgia at the Four Seas Restaurant in the middle of Chinatown before a sell out dinner crowd of over 200. Old timers who had been patrons of the old nightclubs – such as Andy Wong’s Sky Room, Kubla Kahn, Forbidden City, the Shangri-La and others – and younger patrons who had heard of these infamous clubs, were taken back to the 1940s-1960s when the clubs were flourishing. When they first entered the packed dining room being, they were serenaded by Rosemary Wong singing old favorites accompanied by George Chan. Soon after they saw performances by the ladies of the Grant Avenue Follies, three of whom were a part of the original Chinatown night club scene themselves: Pat Chin, Ivy Tam and Cynthia Yee. Other dancers included Avis See-Tho, Alice Chan, Marlene Luke, Betty Louie, Gloria Gee, Lani Owyoung and Emily Chin.
Always entertaining as MC was Chuck Gee, a former costume designer. Gee introduced Hank Quock who performed his he-she act, Cynthia Yee did a magic act and longtime retired Chinatown nightclub vocalists Jimmy Borges and Eleanor Young sang. Shanghai Pearl was flown in from Seattle to entertain a la Gypsy Rose Lee strip style which raised the blood pressures of the males in the audience.
A couple of nights later, the San Francisco Museum and Historical Society and The Chinese Historical Society of America had an opening night gala to introduce the new exhibit with MC Ben Fong-Torres who belted out a very nice singing number himself.
Trina Robbins, who just authored a book on Chinatown Nightclubs signed books, while Doris Grover performed her ribbon dance, Jimmy “Jay” Borges and Richard Kishimoto did some vocals of old favorites while Ivy Tam did a solo dance with feathered fans. In the audience swaying to the old favorites were KRON movie critic Jan Wahl, Scoma Restaurateur Cheryl Scoma, Judge Harry Harry Low, Coby Yee, first Miss Chinatown Penny Wong, and one time Hollywood and Broadway dance star Dorothy Toy Fong. Photographs of the old nightclubs with their signature beautiful showgirls were interspersed in rooms for the exhibit.
From the late 1930s to the early 1960s, Chinese nightclubs flourished in San Francisco’s Chinatown. Chinatown nightclubs were the only venue for talented Asian performers at that era, so tourists and celebrities coming through were entertained by the Chinese Frank Sinatra, Larry Ching, the Chinese Sally Rand – Noel Toy Young, and the Chinese Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers - Paul Wing and Dorothy Toy. The exhibition features over 120 vintage photographs, costumes, dancing shoes and momentos from several famous San Francisco nightclubs.
Chinese Immigration and Exclusion Documented in New Book
February 22, 2010
Chinese American Society (CAS) will premiere its book “The Rocky Road to Liberty: A Documented History of Chinese Immigration and Exclusion” at its March 27th 3-5pm fundraising cocktail luncheon event at the California History Center, next to Flint Center in DeAnza College, located at 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino.
CAS is a new non-profit organization set to inspire Chinese Americans’ social and political participation and contribution; to foster Chinese cultural heritage; to promote Chinese Americans’ social, political and economic well-being; to enhance understanding among all peoples, and to advocate world peace.
As president, Jielin Dong, and Partnership Development Director Kelly Zhang explained, “CAS was officially formed in November, 2009 with 13 founders in different states. Board members include Jielin Dong, Dongping Deng, Sen Hu, Tao Ni, Ming Chen, and Yungui Ding. Authored by Zielin Dong and Dr. Sen Hu, the book is a vast study of population statistics and explores the growth of the Chinese population due to immigration spurts from once Taiwan, and now Mainland China.
Author Jielin Dong and Kelly Zhang show off the Chinese American Society’s upcoming book
The goal of the book, said Dong, is to give copies to leading politicians as educational material for them to understand the history of Chinese American immigration. I think it is a treasure chest of information on the time periods of immigration and would be a good reference book for young people interested in history. Tickets for luncheon and book are $60. For more information contact Dong Jiang, dongjiangdj@gmail.com or (510) 585-8376.
President and mover behind the book project, Jielin Dong came to the US in 1982 via the CUSPEA (China-US Physics Examination and Application) program and has authored 5 books in the technical and business areas. An active speaker in business, tech, and social communities, she has served on the Boards of Monte Jade Sciene and Technology Association and the Chinese Information and Networking Association (CINA) in Silicon Valley. Although a new organization, the enthusiasm and fervor of its leaders promises that it will make an impact on Chinese American issues and projects in the future.
Hyphen Celebrates Trailblazing Issue
February 19, 2010
It’s time for the Trailblazing Issue Release Party! Come party with Hyphen as they celebrate our latest issue hot off the press and give our kudos to some notable trailblazers. DJs Citizen Ten, DJL!, and Malicious Lee (Golden Age) will spin guests right round and performing live will be The Gold Medalists, Jack Tung, Jelani Lateef & DJ Shawn Dub (Movimento Negro) and Power Struggle. Live art will also be on tap courtesy of Lawrence Yang.
WHAT: #19 Trailblazing Issue Release Party
WHEN: Friday, February 26, 2010 | 9 pm - 2 am
WHERE: 111 Minna Gallery | 111 Minna St, San Francisco
COST: $10 | $20 w/ a subscription (50% off) | 21+
LIVE ART
Lawrence Yang
LIVE MUSIC
Power Struggle
The Gold Medalists
Jack Tung
Jelani Lateef & DJ Shawn Dub (Movimento Negro)
LIVE BEATS
Citizen Ten (change the beat, SMT)
DJL!
MaliciousLee (Golden Age)
Free Exhibit Explores Jewish Experience in China
February 17, 2010
A unique and little known chapter in Chinese and Jewish history comes to life in a new exhibit opening at the Presidio Officers’ Club. Through dozens of photographs, documents and other memorabilia, The Jews in Modern China traces the experience of Jewish refugees who sought, and found, sanctuary in China in the mid-19th and 20th centuries. The free exhibit opens February 24 and runs through May 16.
“This is such a relatively unknown piece of history, I was excited to have the opportunity to tell the story”, says Jeff Weik public programs manager for the Presidio Trust. “Much of what the Presidio is about is history. Though this exhibit is not specifically a part of the Presidio’s history, it is a chance to bring the Chinese and Jewish communities together and for them to explore this shared part of their histories.”
“I think there is something really communal and neutral about the Presidio,” says Linda Frank, a board member of the American Jewish Committee of San Francisco (AJC-SF) and the chairperson of the exhibit. “There’s nothing inherently Jewish or Chinese about it, rather it’s a landmark, a symbol of the United States—with its picturesque views of the Golden Gate Bridge—and of people being welcomed here.”
Co-sponsored by the AJC-SF and the China International Cultural Exchange Center, the exhibit follows three distinct waves of Jewish immigrants that sought refuge in China between 1840 and 1949. The refugees found Shanghai, and other cities in which they settled, welcoming and lived in harmony with their Chinese neighbors.
The first of the refugees—Sephardic merchants from Iraq—came largely for business reasons and were instrumental in the architectural and commercial development of Shanghai. They built synagogues and established Jewish social service agencies, schools and other institutions that laid a foundation for Jewish communal life.
The Sephardim were followed by Russian Jews fleeing czarist pogroms and the Russian Revolution. This community brought Zionist organizations, Yiddish publications and other cultural activity to Shanghai’s French Concession, as well as to Harbin, further north.
Later, European Jews escaping Nazi persecution landed in Shanghai, which was an open city that did not require visa or passports to enter. Despite the Japanese occupation of the city, the refugees lived in relative comfort thanks to the established Jewish community. However, in 1942, the Japanese, bowing to the wishes of their German allies, confined the newest immigrants (those who had come from Europe after 1937) to a squalid ghetto until the end of the war.
The Jews in Modern China runs February 24 through May 16 at the Presidio Officers’ Club, 50 Moraga Avenue, San Francisco. It is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11am to 5pm. Admission is free. For more information, and a schedule of special events accompanying the exhibit, visit www.presidio.gov/calendar or www.ajcsanfrancisco.org/china/ or call the Presidio events line (415-561-5500).
The exhibit is part of the Shanghai celebration. For more information on this year-long, Bay Area-wide collaboration and its programs, please visit www.shanghaicelebration.com
Cooking With The Ancients: “Today’s Special”
February 17, 2010
By Annabelle A. Udo-O’Malley
There is an allegorical painting called “The Vinegar Tasters” which shows the three founders of China’s renowned philosophers, Confucius, Buddha, and Lao-tse, each dipping his finger in a vat of vinegar, each with individual expressions on his face that offers three different perspectives on life. And so comes in this year’s Opening Night film at the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival.
“Today’s Special” stars Aasif Mandiv (“The Daily Show”) playing Samir, the protagonist chef, who crosses paths with a cab driver, Akbar (Naseeruddin Shah) and allows Samir to find his flavor in the garam masala of life. Through the brilliant writing and direction of David Kaplan (“Year of the Fish”/2007), this film, which takes place in New York, is a breath of fresh air when it comes to addressing the South Asian immigrant experience in America and serves up several LOL moments on a plate with a dash of “Like Water For Chocolate” and flavorful doses of food as a metaphor of life’s lessons. Fans of renowned world veggie cuisine chef and veteran actress, Madhur Jaffrey, will be absolutely tickled by her role as Samir’s mother who unleashes her charm on the big screen without ever picking up a knife to chop garlic or onions.
Running at 99 minutes, Kaplan strikes a fine balance by piecing together a film that keeps the audience engaged with the right concoction of suspense, romance, comedy, and philosophy.“Today’s Special” screens with the 28th SFIAAFF opening night gala on Thursday, March 11, 7 p.m. at the Asian Art Museum, 200 Larkin Street, San Francisco.
Visit www.asianamericanmedia.org for ticket information.
Asian American Short Story Contest
February 16, 2010
Are you an unpublished writer, waiting to be discovered? Think you have what it takes to win a national, pan-Asian American writing competition? Here’s your shot at showing off your roots and writing. Hyphen Magazine and The Asian American Writers’ Workshop are hosting the 2010 Asian American Short Story Contest.
Now in its third year, the 2010 Asian American Short Story Contest will name 10 finalists and one grand prize-winner who will win a cash prize of $1000 and have the winning story published in an upcoming issue of Hyphen.
Judges for the 2010 contest include renowned Asian American writers:
Alexander Chee, author of Edinburgh (Picador), and winner of the Whiting award, the Michener Copernicus Prize, the AAWW Lit Award and the Lambda Editor’s Choice Prize
Jaed Coffin, the author of A Chant to Soothe Wild Elephants (Da Capo Press).
Our first contest winner Preeta Samarasan was discovered based on her contest winning story. She went on to write the acclaimed novel Evening is the Whole Day (Houghton Mifflin), which was long-listed for the Orange Prize.
One (1) GRAND PRIZE WINNER
$1,000 cash prize
Publication in Hyphen to 10,000 eager readers
One-year subscription to Hyphen magazine
One-year membership to AAWW, the premiere literary arts nonprofit in the country dedicated to Asian American literature.
Ten (10) FINALISTS will be chosen and will recieve:
One-year subscription to Hyphen magazine
One-year membership to AAWW, the premiere literary arts nonprofit in the country dedicated to Asian American literature.
Qualifications and Guidelines
Open to all writers of Asian descent living in the United States and Canada. Previous employees, consultants, or volunteers of Hyphen or AAWW are not eligible.
Limited to short works of previously unpublished fiction, including short stories, novellas and excerpts from novels; the latter must stand alone as a separate work. No required theme.
Up to 6,000 words in length.
Instructions
The submission process has two easy steps, both of which must be completed by March 31, 2010 and accompanied by a $20 entry fee.
First, register here and pay the $20 entry fee by buying one ticket. You will receive a registration email with a Transaction ID, so please double check that you are typing your email correctly.
Next, mail us TWO COPIES of your short story with the title, page numbers, and Transaction ID on the top right of every page. The story should not feature any other identifying information, such as your name, phone number, or email address. Submissions should be double-spaced and mailed to:
Asian American Short Story Contest
Hyphen
17 Walter U. Lum Place
San Francisco, CA 94108.
Manuscripts may be under consideration elsewhere, but please notify us immediately if your story is accepted for publication. Hyphen retains first publication rights and the right to publish a portion of the story on its website. All rights revert to the author upon publication.
Entrants will be notified by or on Wednesday June 16th, 2010. Winner will receive award and payment when story is published in Fall 2010 issue of Hyphen on Aug. 15th, 2010.
For questions: please contact Neelanjana Banerjee at neelanjana.banerjee@hyphenmagazine.com.
