Harold and Kumar at SXSW!

Colma the Musical opens in NYC!!!

COLMA THE MUSICAL!: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=48541081

SPREAD THE WORD - COLMA: THE MUSICAL
opens this weekend in New York - exclusively at the QUAD.
Bring everyone out to this fun and crazy film.

RUN DON'T WALK!!!!


"3 Stars"
Jack Mathews, NY Daily News

“Irresistible!
From the opening tune you know it's going to be fun…and it is.”
-G. Allen Johnson, San Francisco Chroniclecol

COLMA: THE MUSICAL

A film by RICHARD WONG
Written by H.P. MENDOZA

IN THEATRES JULY 6th
EXCLUSIVE NY ENGAGEMENT at THE QUAD

34 West 13th Street

COLMA: THE MUSICAL takes the music of H.P. Mendoza and weaves it into a fresh personal look into the ups and downs of early adulthood.

Best pals Rodel, Billy, and Maribel find themselves in a state of limbo; fresh out of high school, they are just beginning to explore a new world of part-time mall jobs and crashing college parties. As newfound revelations and romances challenge their relationships with one another and their parents, the trio must assess what to hold onto, and how to best follow their dreams.

COLMA: THE MUSICAL has been awarded the Special Jury Prize
at the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival
and the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival and has been winning the hearts of everyone who has seen it!

For more information about the film, please log on to: http://www.colmafilm.com

For showtimes and tickets, please call 777-FILM #636
Or log on to: http://www.movietickets.com/house_detail.asp?house_id=216

COLMA: THE MUSICAL opens in Los Angeles this August.
-A ROADSIDE ATTRACTIONS Presentation -

EVE and the FIRE HORSE screening!

Golden Horse Productions invites you and your guests
to a special screening of


EVE AND THE FIRE HORSE

A film by Julia Kwan

Starring Vivan Wu


Monday – July 9th, 2007

Film begins at 7:30 pm

Followed by Q&A with filmmaker Julia Kwan


Fine Arts Theatre

8556 Wilshire Blvd.

Beverly Hills, CA 90211


$2.00 Validated Theatre Parking in lower garage level at:

8484 Wilshire Blvd (Flynt Communications building)

The black tower at the South-East corner of La Cienega and Wilshire.

Bring parking stub to the Fine Arts Theatre concession



RSVP IS A MUST TO:

(213) 624-7827 ext. 2

Jack Song
Please leave your name, let us know how many guests you are bringing, and please note your affiliation. Please RSVP early, as seats are limited. Early arrival is suggested to guarantee seating.

SYNOPSIS

Eve & the Fire Horse

A Film by Julia Kwan

Eve, a precocious nine year-old with an overactive imagination, was born in the Year of the Fire Horse, notorious among Chinese families for producing the most troublesome children. Dinners around Eve's family table are a raucous affair, where old world propriety and new world audacity mix in even measure. But as summer approaches, it seems like Eve's carefree childhood days are behind her.

When her mother chops down their apple tree — a superstitious omen — bad luck worms its way into their family in unexpected, tragic ways. Forced to grow up too fast, Eve learns to take pleasure in life's small gifts — like a goldfish she believes to be the reincarnated spirit of her beloved grandmother.

Meanwhile, Eve's older sister Karena is going through changes of her own, exploring a newfound fascination with Christianity. Soon, crucifixes pop up next to the Buddha in the family's house, and Eve must contend with a Sunday school class where her wild imagination is distinctly out of place.

Caught between her sister's quest for premature sainthood and her own sense of right and wrong, Eve faces the challenges of childhood with fanciful humor and wide-eyed wonder. Along the way, she proves that sometimes the most troublesome children are the ones that touch our hearts most deeply

A lyrical, lighthearted look at a young girl's spiritual experience, EVE & THE FIRE HORSE takes you on a wondrous yet deeply felt journey, where family life is strange, childhood lonely and religion perplexing.

EVE & THE FIRE HORSE is the first feature film from director Julia Kwan and features international film star Vivian Wu, Chan Chit Man Lester, Ping Sung Wong, Hollie Lo and introducing Phoebe Jojo Kut as "Eve." The film was also written by Julia Kwan and produced by Shan Tam, Erik Paulsson and Yves J. Ma.



CHECK OUT THE GREAT REVIEWS !

ROGER EBERT

"LUMINOUS! Intelligent, delicate and touching. One of the most beloved films at Sundance this year . . . "

VARIETY

"EXCEPTIONAL! A slice of delicately captured childhood."

CBC

"Absolutely enthralling! An inspired generational document"

THE GLOBE AND MAIL

"Touching, funny and thoroughly enchanting! One of the most enchanting and memorable films made in this country."

CINEMATICAL

"A delightfully imaginative tale! Eve and the Firehorse is everything good filmmaking ought to be - rich, inventive storytelling, just the right touches of humor and levity, and heart-rending acting."

SAN FRANCISCO WEEKLY

"A rare gem!"

SEATTLE TIMES
"The details of the girls' world are wonderfully captured; this film is a poignant charmer."

COLMA THE MUSICAL opens in SF 6.22!

COLMA THE MUSICAL
OPENS THIS WEEKEND 6.22!

at Embarcadero 1 Center!

BOBBY LEE is KICKIN' iT OLD SCHOOL

JOURNEY FROM THE FALL tops the charts!!!!

Dear Friends,

Help keep the momentum going - tell everyone you know to see JOURNEY FROM THE FALL!

Buy your tickets early.

For press - if you can run another story in your outlets this week, that would be great. We will open Dallas and Houston this Friday - March 30!

Let's keep pushing! This is very important!

-SPEAK ASIAN AMERICANS


UPDATE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE!

ImaginAsian Pictures’ JOURNEY FROM THE FALL tops the charts!

#1 per-screen average in the country at $21,861 per screen



NEW YORK, March 26, 2007- ImaginAsian Pictures’ first theatrical release, JOURNEY FROM THE FALL made a spectacular bow in the opening weekend of its rolling theatrical release, earning the highest per-screen average of any film, specialty or mainstream, in the country with $21,861 per screen. Playing in four theaters, the film grossed $87,442 for the weekend.


"This is a defining moment for Asian American cinema and is a testament to the talent, determination and vision of the filmmakers and producers involved. All those who champion independent productions should draw inspiration from this!" said Michael Hong, CEO of ImaginAsian Entertainment, Inc.

Currently playing sold-out screenings in New York City, Westminster, and San Jose, and expanding nationwide beginning March 30, 2007, Journey from the Fall is directed by Ham Tran and is inspired by the true stories of Vietnamese refugees who fled their land after the fall of Saigon, and the struggles of those who stayed behind and suffered the brutalities of the re-education camps. The critically acclaimed film was an official selection of both the Sundance and the Pusan Film Festivals, and has won more than 10 awards at 20 festivals around the world.

The film stars Kieu Chinh, Long Nguyen, Diem Lien, Nguyen Thai Nguyen, and Jayvee Mai The Hiep.

Journey from the Fall (www.JourneyFromTheFall.com) is an ImaginAsian Pictures release, a division of ImaginAsian Entertainment, Inc.

About ImaginAsian Pictures
ImaginAsian Pictures (www.iapictures.tv ) is ImaginAsian Entertainment’s feature film distribution division dedicated to cutting-edge and critically acclaimed Asian films. It aims to establish a slate of diverse releases, bringing the best of Asian cinema to American screens.

About ImaginAsian Entertainment
ImaginAsian Entertainment, Inc. (www.iaei.tv) is a multimedia company that promotes Asian Pacific American culture to mainstream America. Headquartered in New York City, ImaginAsian Entertainment uses a fully integrated marketing strategy through multiple platforms: ImaginAsian TV (America’s First 24/7 Asian American Network), The ImaginAsian Theater (New York’s Premier Asian American Theater), ImaginAsian Pictures (distribution of cutting-edge and critically acclaimed Asian films), ImaginAsian Home Entertainment (video/DVD unit dedicated to quality Asian home entertainment), ImaginAsian Radio (the sound of Asian America), and iaLink (ImaginAsian’s community-based e-zine).

###

JOURNEY FROM THE FALL opens TODAY!

Please support director HAM TRAN's superb feature film debut: JOURNEY FROM THE FALL, opening TODAY!

JOURNEY FROM THE FALL, an official 2006 Sundance Film Festival selection, is an award-winning film that finally reveals the untold story of what happened to millions of Vietnamese after the fall of Saigon.

Determined not to let one of the most pivotal events in modern history be forgotten, director Ham Tran has crafted a searing epic that traces the route of the boat people, from Vietnam to America, and the fate of those left behind.

Starring Kieu Chinh and Long Nguyen, and winner of 12 international film awards, including the official selection of the 2006 Sundance Film Festival, JOURNEY FROM THE FALL has been hailed by critics as "striking in its timeliness, unforgettable in its impact."

Check out LA TIMES rave on JOURNEY FROM THE FALL!

Finally, a film about our community, made from our perspective...

For more info, please see: www.journeyfromthefall.com.


***Exclusively at the Regal Garden Grove Stadium 16, 9741 Chapman Ave., Garden Grove, (800) 326-3284; and the Edwards Westminster 10, 6721 Westminster Blvd., Westminster, (800) 326-3264, #172.***

Harvest Moon Festival 2006

Date: Sunday, October 1, 2006
Time: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Location: Arcadia County Park in Arcadia
405 S. Santa Anita Avenue
Arcadia, CA 91006-3509

The Harvest Moon Festival is a day for the entire family to enjoy!
FREE Activities & entertainment for kids
Asian cuisine & food sampling
Contest and prize giveaway – VOLVO S40 CAR GIVEAWAY
American Idol JASMINE TRIAS and top notch Asian musical & cultural performers

Park at Santa Anita Race Track and take the free shuttle bus service to Arcadia County Park.

From the 210 Freeway, exit Baldwin Avenue, Huntington Drive or Santa Anita Avenue heading South and follow the signs to parking at Santa Anita Racetrack.
　
To access a printable map of bus routes available in the City of Arcadia, please click here.
Can’t view the link? Please click here to download Adobe Reader to read the map.


For more information, contact: Joyce Shimazu at (310)442-2353 or email jshimazu@la18.tv
　
Special Performances by
　

American Idol's JASMINE TRIAS !!!!

FAR*EAST MOVEMENT, featured in the summer movie hit The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift

JET LI'S FEARLESS OPENS at #2!!

JET LI AND RONNY YU TEAM UP TO BRING "JET LI'S FEARLESS" - HIS FINAL MARTIAL ARTS FILM OPENING HUGE NATIONWIDE!

#2 at the BOXOFFICE !!

Yes, it's Jet Li's final martial arts film and this time he goes out with a bang. Amazing fight scenes, great acting and a compelling story based on the life of of Wushu martial arts founder HUO YUANJIA makes JET LI's FEARLESS one of his best films. Fans of Jet and of Wushu will not be disappointed. This is a must see for all fans and friends.

Big props to Rogue Pictures for bringing this to the US. And some of you have seen it on the bootleg dvd from Chinatown - but trust that seeing this on the big screen will make this brilliant film come to life.

JET LI'S FEARLESS delivers on all counts with action, heart and Asian pride! Don't miss it. Opening in over 1800 screens across the land - you can be sure to catch it and it's rated PG 13 - so you can bring your neighbors, too. We love Jet Li!

Also did you know that director RONNY YU was originally attached to direct SNAKES ON A PLANE? Lucky for him, it did not pan out.

~from APA FirstWeekend

APA FIRST Weekend ... SPECIAL BULLETIN!

SPECIAL BULLETIN! DON'T MISS THIS WEEKEND!

AWARD WINNING "THE BLOSSOMING OF MAXIMO OLIVEROS"
FROM PHILIPPINE DIRECTOR AUREAUS SOLITO
MAKES ITS US PREMIERE IN NEW YORK AT CINEMA VILLAGE
AMAZING FILM IS THE OFFICIAL ENTRY FROM THE PHILIPPINES TO THE ACADEMY AWARDS
FOR BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM

This amazing little film from the Philippines has warmed the hearts of
audiences and judges at every festival it has played and has walked away with
numerous awards.

THE BLOSSOMING OF MAXIMO OLIVEROS from director AUREAUS SOLITO will make its
US theatrical premiere this weekend in NEW YORK at the CINEMA VILLAGE.

The film and director embody the new asthetic for Philippine cinema
encompassing great performances with great stories about real people. Moving away from normally cliched melodrama, THE BLOSSOMING OF MAXIMO OLIVEROS tells the story of gay12 year old Maximo who lives with his father and two brothers in one of Manila's slums and falls in love with a local handsome policeman. Who will
young Maximo choose - love or his family? The film is tender and handles the
subject of pre-teen gay identity brilliantly without making it an issue. If
anything, the film is truly about family.

Big congratulations to filmmaker Solito for making a very moving and honest
film. And props to Unico Pictures and Unitel Films for distributing the film.
Check out Rotten Tomatoes - it's at 100%

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/pagdadalaga_ni_maximo_oliveros/

OPENING -
SEPTEMBER 22
NEW YORK - CINEMA VILLAGE
22 East 12 th Street
New York, New York 10003


SEPTEMBER 29 -
LOS ANGELES
REGENT SHOWCASE
LABREA just south of MELROSE
Los Angeles, CA

JET LI'S FEARLESS OPENS NATIONWIDE TODAY!!! 9/22!!

JET LI'S POETIC TRIBUTE TO THE ART OF WUSHU, or also known as MARTIAL ARTS.

EXCLUSIVE- FROM SPEAKAsianAmericans!

EXCLUSIVE from MELVIN MARTINEZ of SpeakAsianAmericans.blogpost.com !!! Pictures above: Tim (who worked with Jet Li on CRADLE 2 the Grave) and Tony (catch him in JET LI'S FEARLESS) demonstrates how a sword fight scene is done.

The Slanted Screen Premiere!

THE SLANTED SCREEN

a Los Angeles Premiere!

WHEN: Thursday, October 5, 2006
7:30pm Premiere of The Slanted Screen
8:45 pm Networking Panel: “Influencing the Image-Makers”


WHERE: Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
Samuel Goldwyn Theater, 8949 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90211

RSVP by September 30th to speak.pr@gmail.com

ABOUT:
Directed by political-entertainment crossover JEFF ADACHI, the elected Public Defender of San Francisco County, THE SLANTED SCREEN (www.slantedscreen.com) pokes fun at Hollywood’s one-dimensional portrayal of Asian men by focusing on Asian American men in film and television. THE SLANTED SCREEN features in-depth interviews with actors such as Will Yun Lee, Dustin Nguyen, Jason Scott Lee, Bobby Lee, and Mako, who has made over 90 feature films and appeared in over 100 television programs over his 40 year career, and many others.

Immediately following the screening, a panel discussion entitled “Influencing the Image-Makers,” entertainment industry executives will discuss strategies to increase diversity in film and television. The panel members will be asked to respond to specific questions and share their ideas on how to increase and improve diversity within the industry.

The program will also include a special tribute to Mako, who passed away last July. EVENT SPONSORS: This event is sponsored by the following organizations:
Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Casting Society of America Center for Asian American Media Coalition of Asian-Pacifics in Entertainment Directors Guild of America Producers Guild of America Screen Actors Guild Wallace Alexander Gerbode Foundation West Asian American Writers Committee Writers Guild of America

PARKING
Free parking is available at 8920 or 9025 Wilshire Blvd.
Dress: Business or cocktail attire

APIA Voters... the new political sleepin' giant.

Asian voters' dormant power

Language, cultures hinder political clout

By Patricia Jiayi Ho Staff Writer
Pasadena Star-News

A UCLA report released Thursday describes Asian Americans as the new "sleeping giant" in California politics, pointing to the ethnic group's increased population and citizenship rate in the past five years.

However, when compared with white and African-American populations, Asian Americans are still less likely to register to vote, the study said.

"We've gone through that first hurdle - getting a sizeable population that is eligible to vote," said Paul Ong, who compiled the data and is a professor with UCLA's School of Public Affairs. "The real challenge is now translating that number into registered voters who go and vote."

Asian Americans made up 12 percent of the state's eligible voters in 2005, up from 10 percent in 2000, the study found.

That represents an increase from 2 million to 2.5 million Asian Americans who are both citizens and 18 years old or older, according to the report, which looked at data from U.S. Census Bureau counts and the recently released 2005 American Community Survey.

Despite the increases, Asian Americans do not have the political clout their numbers would suggest. Only 52 percent of Asians who are eligible to vote have done so, compared with 71 percent of whites, 64percent of blacks, and 54percent of Latinos.

Part of the barrier to engaging Asian Americans in politics is language, said Sharon Owyang, executive director of the Center for Asian American United For Self Empowerment in Pasadena.

"We have a multitude of languages under the `Asian American' rubric," she said.

Besides Chinese and its assorted dialects, there are Southeast Asian languages such as Thai, Lao, Khmer and Vietnamese that present communication challenges.

Another reason for low voter-registration rates may be cultural. Recent immigrants may be more accustomed to an autocratic tradition than a democratic one, said former Monterey Park Mayor Lily Lee Chen.

In Asian countries, "politics was something far away from the real people," Chen said. "The basic idea of serving the people, providing services, representing the voice of the people is different. When you are a ruler, you are powerful, you can do harm."

Chinese Americans - the largest Asian subgroup in the San Gabriel Valley - have not had the kinds of galvanizing political battles that other ethnic groups have experienced, Chen noted.

Assemblywoman Judy Chu, D-Monterey Park, said the report makes clear that there need to be more services targeted to Asian Americans and elected officials who will represent the needs of the community.

"It's an opportunity to make sure that Asian Americans can increase in influence and in clout," Chu said.

Martin Truitt, a Pasadena political consultant, said one reason Asian Americans may find it harder to form coalitions to exert political influence is the communities are not homogenous.

"There's just such a disparity," Truitt said. "Fifth-generation Japanese and new immigrants from Mainland China - Where's the commonality?"

Asian Americans also practice different religions, have been in the country for varying periods of time, and may remember animosity toward their former neighbors, he said.

"Over time, you may see an Asian coalition \ cultural differences fall away," Truitt said. "But in California the immigration rate is so high, that the dream is deferred."

The report also found that of the general Asian-American population, the proportion that are citizen adults increased from 67 percent to 71 percent from 2000 to 2005.

The growth in the potential Asian American electorate continues a pattern that began in the 1990s. In 1990, of all the adult citizens in the state, Asian American's comprised about

6 percent. If trends continue, that figure will increase to 14 percent by 2010, the report stated.

patricia.ho@sgvn.com
(626) 578-6300, Ext. 4586

SEEDS OF TOLERANCE CONTEST:

$100,000 GRAND PRIZE

ATTENTION FILMMAKERS!
Current TV, in partnership with the Third Millennium Foundation, is accepting submissions of short form (3-5 minute) non-fiction videos that explore the theme of tolerance, which may include topics such as racism, sexism, homophobia, or issues related to class, disability, age or religion.


PRIZES:
* $100,000 Grand Prize with an additional $15,000 to a relevant charity.
* $10,000 Finalists Prize (2 to be awarded)

The five top winning entries (Grand Prize winner, two finalists and two semi-finalists) will be broadcast on Current TV; all other entries are also eligible for broadcast on the network.

DEADLINE:
Seeds of Tolerance submissions are due October 2, 2006

JUDGES:
Guest judges M. Night Shymalan, Edward Norton, Paul Haggis, Melissa Etheridge and Margaret Cho along with a panel of Current and Third Millennium staff will help select our five semi-finalists. The final vote will be cast by viewers via our website, www.currrent.tv.


FOR CONTEST RULES, GO TO:
http://www.current.tv/tolerance

Bebot!! 15th Annual Festival of Philippin Arts & Culture!

This is from SpeakAsianAmerican's big kuya... Winston Emano. We love him, and that's why we are going to go to the 15th Annual Festival of Philippine Arts & Culture (FPAC).

Filipino! Filipino! Filipino!

Contact: Winston Emano winstson@filamarts.org
Alison De La Cruz alison@filamarts.org
Tel. (323) 913-4663

WHAT: Southern California's largest community tradition of Filipino
arts and culture, the Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture (FPAC)
celebrates its 15th Annual with the theme "Diwang Sumisikat" (The Spirit of the
Community Rising).

The two-day event features:
· Live Entertainment on two stages featuring:
Rex Navarette, Florante, Bernardo Bernardo, The Visionaries, Native
Guns, Joey Guila, Charmaine Clamor, a special appearance by Kuh Ledesma, and
very special celebrity guests!
· Films at the 13th Annual PinoyVisions
· 8th Annual FPAC Balagtasan Poetry Slam
· 7th Annual Vegetable Competition
· 6rd Annual FPAC Amateur DJ Battle (w/ Stacks Vinyl)
· Literary Festival and Filipiniana Books
· Arts and crafts, storytelling at the Youth Pavilion
· Ati-atihan parade
· Live Art and Paintings
· Filipino & Asian Cuisine
· Traditional Dance & Martial Arts
· Shopping at the Marketplace by the Sea, and MORE!!!

WHO: The annual Festival of Philippine Arts & Culture is annually
produced by FilAm ARTS, a non-profit, multi-disciplinary community arts
organization whose mission is to advance the understanding of the arts
and rich cultural heritage of Filipino Americans in the United States
through presentation, education and art services.

WHEN: September 9 and 10, 2006 - Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

WHERE: Point Fermin Park - 807 W. Paseo del Mar, San Pedro, CA 90731

CONTACT INFO: www.FilAmARTS.org

COST: Two Day Pass @ $5, Single Day @ $3, Parking is FREE.

SPONSORED BY: National Endowment for the Arts, California Arts Council,
Los Angeles County Arts Commission, City of Los Angeles Dept. of
Cultural Affairs, 13th District Councilman Eric Garcetti, 15th District
Councilwoman Janice Hahn, Entertainment Industry Foundation, Alliance
for CA Traditional Arts, and The Getty Foundation. Corporate Sponsors: AAA
Automobile Club, Bestway Supermarkets, Blue Cross of CA, Mama Sita's,
Normandie Casino, Philippine Expressions Bookshop, Washington Mutual,
Wells Fargo Bank.

Media Sponsors: LA-18, KPFK, and The Filipino Channel.

The California Democratic Party Presents


Raise your glass, not your hand!

Let’s gather over “homeroom” at Cinespace in Hollywood.
Meet other young professionals in the LA area

as we discuss education and ongoing democratic campaigns.


Date: Friday, September 8, 2006
Time: 6-8pm
Location: CineSpace
6356 Hollywood Blvd
Second Level
Hollywood, CA 90028


*Feel free to bring school supplies to donate for LA public schools.


call 213 239 8730 for more info!

Come meet Phil Angelides & APIA leaders!

Be there to represent' our awesomely diverse community !!

GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE
Phil Angelides

for an
APIA Leadership Forum

with


Congressman Mike Honda
Candidate for Controller John Chiang
Candidate for Board of Equalization Judy Chu
Assembly member Ted Lieu
LA Community College Trustee Warren Furutani

and other APIA Leaders



Saturday, September 2nd
10:00-11:30am
Empress Pavilion
988 North Hill Street
Los Angeles, CA



REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED

Please RSVP with Mónica Henestroza at
916-448-1998 or rsvp@angelides.com

APL.De.AP honored on Oct 14 2006!

APL.DE.AP!!

SAT, OCT 14 - The Filipino American Library will honor Black Eyed Peas' APL.DE.AP at the 6th Annual Spirit Awards and Dinner Benefit GALA

LOS ANGELES - Allen Pineda Lindo ("apl.de.ap") of the Grammy award-winning hip hop group Black Eyed Peas will receive the Role Model Award at the Filipino American Library's 6th Annual Spirit Awards and Dinner Benefit GALA on Saturday, October 14 at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel (506 S. Grand Ave.) in downtown Los Angeles. This year's GALA will commemorate the centennial of Filipino migration to the United States.

Cocktails will begin at 6:00 pm followed by the dinner and program at 7:00 pm. Guests will be treated to an elegant night of entertainment featuring a ballroom dance competition with celebrity judges. More than 400 people are expected to attend this largest fundraising event of the year for the Filipino American Library (FAL). Numerous sponsorship and advertisement opportunities are still available. Pre-sale dinner tickets are $125 each and $150 at the door.

The Role Model Award will be given to Mr. Lindo for the outstanding example he sets for the community. This year's awardees also include John Chiang, Chair State Board of Equalization (Public Service Award), ABS-CBN Global, LTD. (Community-Building Journalism Award), Filipino American Service Group, Inc. ("FASGI") for community service, and Washington Mutual (Corporate Philanthropy Award). The Spirit Awards and Dinner Benefit GALA honors the outstanding achievements of Filipinos and Filipino Americans.

Come meet John Chiang! Candidate for State Controller!

THE HONORABLE JOHN CHIANG

Chair, State Board of Equalization

Invites you to a

FREE SAN GABRIEL VALLEY SMALL BUSINESS FAIR

Keynote Speaker

Ron Kilgore

KNX 1070 NewsRadio Busines Reporter

Friday, September 8, 2006

8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Hilton Los Angeles/San Gabriel

225 West Valley Boulevard

San Gabriel, CA 91776

For information and RSVP's call: 213-593-1311

Or visit our website at: http://www.boe.ca.gov/sutax/tpsched.htm

Tofu Festival: 8/12-8/13

TOFU FESTIVAL THIS WEEKEND!

(thanks to Stacy Toda for the info!)

FREE PUBLIC PARKING!!!!!!
available for LA Tofu Festival Goers
Under Groud at City Hall - 201 N Los Angeles Street, Los Angeles
Enter Southbound on Los Angeles Street between 1st and 2nd Street

For you "Initial D" Anime Fans out there,
come see a replica of the Toyota Corolla AE86
from Season 3 at the LA Tofu Festival!

********************************************************

"It's Hip to Be Square!"
11th Annual 2006 LA Tofu Festival

Saturday, August 12th 2 pm -10 pm
Sunday, August 13th 12 pm - 6 pm

237 S San Pedro St (at 2nd and S San Pedro)
Little Tokyo, Downtown LA

NEW CELEBRITY CHEF COOKING DEMO STAGE
Featuring
Tommy Tang, PBS Chef and Cookbook Author
IRON CHEF MORIMOTO of "Iron Chef America"
Troy N. Thompson of "Iron Chef America"
Scott Liebfried of "Hell's Kitchen"
Reggie Sutherland, finalist on "Next Food Network Star"
Candice Kumai of "Top Chef"
Ann Gentry, Real Food Daily
and more!

Live Entertainment including
SickStep, all male hip hop and bboy dance crew, recently appeared on FOX's
"So You Think You Can Dance"
TAIKOPROJECT, first American Group to compete and win top honors at the
Tokyo
International Taiko Contest
and much more!

SATURDAY NIGHT CONCERT PERFORMANCE BY
BLACKALICIOUS
with Ill Again & The Gaslamp Killer (DJ)

"JACK" from the Jamie, Jack & Stench Morning Show on STAR 98.7
will MC the LEE KUM KEE TOFU EATING CONTEST on Sunday
Compete for a chance to WIN A 13-DAY TRIP to Hong Kong, Vietnam & Thailand
with the
New Asian Cuisine Chefs Tour!

For Anime Fans, first time in the U.S.
INITIAL D ANIME MARATHON IN ENGLISH

The Tofu Festival is Wireless!
Little Tokyo Wi-fi Scavenger Hunt
Come join us and play in the first wireless scavenger hunt at the Los
Angeles
Tofu Festival!

TOYOTA YARIS ROADSHOW (Saturday Only)
Featuring the Toyota Yaris and
Scarf Making Workshops
T-Shirt Making Workshops
Food Dehydration Workshops

PreSale Package Available Online, Deadline to Purchase is Wednesday, August
9th at 5pm.
$42 Value for $30

General Admission $8
Seniors (60+) $5
Children (5-12) $5
Children (Under 5) Free

DISCOUNT COUPON ONLINE

For complete event info, visit www.tofufestival.com

Hope to see you there!

All proceeds benefit the Little Tokyo Service Center
"Helping People, Building Community" for over 26 years
www.LTSC.org

Upcoming L-A APA Events!

TOFU FESTIVAL
Los Angeles
Saturday, August 12th 2 pm -10 pmSunday, August 13th 12 pm - 6 pm

Chinese American Museum Banquet (can we get a signed poster/something event)
Sunday, September 10, 20065:30pm Cocktail Hour and Silent Auction7:00pm Dinner

Chinese Chamber of Commerce Mid-Autumn Moon FestivalSaturday, September 17 2006Los Angeles Chinatown

Chinese Chamber of Commerce Screening:

LEGEND OF THE DRUNKEN MASTER August 3 at Jade Pavilion 686 N. Spring Street
THE BIG BRAWL August 10 at Mandarin Plaza 970 N. Broadway

ONCE UPON A TIME IN CHINA August 17 at Far East Plaza 727 N. Broadway - 2nd Floor

IRON MONKEY August 24 at Central Plaza 951 N. Broadway


Asian Professional Exchange (APEX) GALA
Saturday, September 9th, 2006
Omni Hotel

JET LI'S ( 李連杰) FEARLESS

Will Open in the US on September 22

Already a boxoffice hit in Asia, JET LI'S FEARLESS, directed by Ronny Yu (helmer of the Hong Kong classic "The Bride with White Hair") is Jet Li's final martial arts masterpiece, capping a tremendous body of work in that genre. JET LI'S FEARLESS reunites the actor with producer Bill Kong ("Hero") and action choreographer Yuen Wo Ping ("Unleashed") as he portrays real-life martial arts legend Huo Yuanjia, who became the most famous fighter in all of China at the turn of the 20th Century. The film will open nationwide on September 22 in theaters.

Huo faced incredible personal tragedy, but ultimately fought his way out of darkness and into history, forever defining the true spirit of martial arts. His self-discovery, and the choices he made, inspired his nation. The son of a great fighter who did not wish for his child to follow in his footsteps, the bullied Huo Yuanjia resolves to teach himself how to fight - and win. Years of training enable him to ace match after match in his home region of Tianjin. But as his fame as a martial arts master grows, so does his pride. After an ill-advised fight leads to another master's death, members of Huo's family are slain in revenge.

Grieving and ashamed, Huo wanders the country in shock. Near death, he is rescued by women from an idyllic village, and is offered simple kindness and generosity that helps him heal and regain his equilibrium over a period of several years. Huo realizes that the future of martial arts lies in sportsmanship and not brutality, and he rejoins society to apply what he has learned.

Returning to Tianjin, Huo takes steps to come to terms with his past and restore his family's name. His evolving, graceful Mizong (Missing) Fist method of fighting brings Huo renewed success, and he forms the progressive Jingwu Sports Federation. Taking note, duplicitous members of the Foreign Chamber of Commerce engineer a Shanghai tournament pitting Huo against four fighters, each representing the major foreign powers in China. Huo commits to the bout and faces off against, respectively, a British boxer, a Spanish swordsman, a Belgian soldier, and a Japanese martial artist. What happened that day in 1910 has never been, and will never be, forgotten in China.

"I believe JET LI'S FEARLESS is my most personal and important martial arts movie. This film captures the martial arts beliefs and philosophies I have learned and experienced over the past 30 years." - Jet Li


JET LI'S FEARLESS comes to theaters in the US on Friday, September 22, 2006 directed by Ronny Yu and written by Chris Chow and Christine To. The cast includes Jet Lil, Nakamura Shindou, Sun Li and Dong Yong. The film will be released by Rogue Pictures and has an MPAA Rating: PG-13. Mark your calendars!

Juice !! Tokyo Drift

E-mail us at speak.pr@gmail.com to get an exclusive soundtrack of THE FAST and THE FURIOUS: TOKYO DRIFT soundtrack!

THE WORLD IS A STAGE!

http://xd2.xanga.com/f71a547b3723262679508/b42022479.jpg

(Click on the link above to enlarge pic)

LA FILM FEST!

The 2006 Los Angeles Film Festival (June 22- July 2) is proud to present this year’s line up, which features a diverse selection of Asian and Asian American films. From special screenings to US/World premieres, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

ALL TOMORROW'S PARTIES
Mingri Tianya
Special Screening
Director Yu Lik-wai
China/France/96 min.

In the near future of a China ruled by a bizarre cult, two brothers face an uncertain fate in this beautiful and slyly elliptical examination of fears in the new China.

Sat. July 1, 7:00pm, UCLA James Bridges Theater


THE ARCH
Dong Furen
Special Screening
Director Shu Shuen
Hong Kong/99 min.

This stylized period melodrama stars Lisa Lu as a widow who suppresses her requited desire for a virile young man, in favor of feudal virtue and her daughter.

Sun. June 25, 7:00pm, UCLA James Bridges Theater


BEFORE BORN
Jie Guo
Director Zhang Ming
China/104 min.

The paths of three people cross as they search for the same mysterious man. With echoes of Antonioni's L'Avventura, Before Born employs provocative character doublings, role reversals and disappearances to weave a mesmerizing study of isolation.

Fri. June 23, 2:30pm, Italian Cultural Institute
Sat. June 24, 7:30pm, Italian Cultural Institute


GRAIN IN EAR (SOUTH KOREA/CHINA)
Mang Zhong
Director Zhang Lu
South Korea/China/109 min.

In this quietly beautiful film, single mom Cui Shunji sells illegal kimchi and struggles to adapt as best she can to her difficult circumstances, but nothing could prepare her for what lies ahead.

Fri. June 23, 9:45pm, Italian Cultural Institute
Sat. June 24, 4:45pm, Italian Cultural Institute


IN BETWEEN DAYS
Director So Yong Kim
USA/South Korea/Canada/83 min.

Chronicling the daily life of Aimie, a young Korean immigrant who lives with her mother in the suburbs, this stunningly beautiful film offers a passionate study of cultural adaptation and adolescent longing.

Thu. June 29, 9:30pm, Landmark Regent Theatre
Sat. July 1, 7:00pm, Landmark Regent Theatre


MY MOTHER AND HER GUEST
Sarangbang Sonnimgwa Eomeoni
Special Screening
Director Shin Sang-ok
South Korea/103 min.

This classic of South Korea's Golden Age cinema is a subtle work of longing about a widow torn between propriety and her feelings for an artist renting a room in her rural home.

Sat. June 24, 7:00pm, UCLA James Bridges Theater


PAPER DOLLS
Bubot Niyar
Director Tomer Heymann
Israel/84 min.

This sensitive, complex documentary follows a group of gay Filipino immigrant workers in Israel who spend their days caring for the Jewish sick and elderly, and their nights performing in drag.

Sat. July 1, 11:59pm, The Majestic Crest Theatre
Sun. July 2, 1:00pm, Landmark Regent Theatre


THE SEVEN SAMURAI
Shichinin No Samurai
Director Akira Kurosawa
Japan/207 min.

Japanese master Akira Kurosawa’s boldly elaborate chambara tale of wandering swordsmen who band together to protect a village against marauding bandits remains a touchstone of the genre and a classic of world cinema.

Sun. July 2, 6:00pm, UCLA James Bridges Theater


UNDOING
Director Chris Chan Lee
USA/90 min.

After mysteriously disappearing one year ago, Samuel returns to the mean streets of Los Angeles’ Koreatown, determined to amend for the mistakes of the past. But balancing revenge with reconciliation is a tricky business in this stylish, character-driven neo-noir.

Sat. June 24, 10:15pm, Landmark Regent Theatre
Tue. June 27, 4:30pm, Landmark Regent Theatre
Fri. June 30, 7:30pm, Laemmle Sunset 5


THE UNFORGIVEN
Yongseo-batji-motan-ja
Director Yoon Jong-bin
South Korea/122 min.

This poignant, compelling drama examines the strained relationship between a sensitive young man just beginning his mandatory Korean military service and a childhood friend who serves as his senior officer.

Mon. June 26, 9:45pm, Laemmle Sunset 5
Tue. June 27, 7:00pm, Mann Festival Theatre


VOICE
Yeo-go-gwae-dam Sa Mok-so-ri
Director Equan Choi
South Korea/104 min.

Equan Choi's atmospheric thriller layers tension with philosophy. In the hallways of their all-girls school, Sun-min still hears Young-eon's ghost begging for attention, forcing them to confront the limits of loyalty and remembrance.

Sat. July 1, 11:59pm, The Majestic Crest Theatre
Sun. July 2, 1:00pm, Landmark Regent Theatre



TICKETS AND PASSES ARE NOW ON SALE!
To purchase passes or tickets and for more information about the films, call
1-866-FilmFest or visit www.lafilmfest.com

SAVE THE DATE! TOFU FESTIVAL!

DRIFT ON!

THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT, and THOSE WHO CAME TO THE SPECIAL Screening!

check out MY TOKYO DRIFT for latest FAST N FURIOUS info!

from our friend at APA FIRST WEEKEND

THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS opens TOMORROW!

Friday, June 16, 2006!

Shows some APIA love:

Director Justin Lin
Director Evan Leong, Round Round (music video)
Far-East Movement [FM]
Sung Kang
Bryan Tee (UC Berkeley grad! WoOt! WoOt!)
Visual Communications!

Buy a ticket on opening weekend for TOKYO DRIFT (remember, you always have the choice of attending another movie, but the key is BUYING a ticket for TOKYO DRIFT!)

LIKE A VIRGIN!
SPINNING FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME!

Making his virgin debut... PKDJ will be spinning at GAMeBoi SF!

This guy spins awesome mixes, today's top hits. Congratulations PKDJ!

Catch PKDJ tonight at GAMeBoi SF, at http://www.lunaloungesf.org/

THE FAST N THE FURIOUS: TOKYO DRIFT PREMIERE!

sSHhhhHShhhh...a premiere is coming...

get a peak at the FAST and the FURIOUS: TOKYO DRIFT !

WHEN:
SUNDAY JUNE 4 2006

WHERE:

Universal Studios Backlot.

Universal City, CA

WHAT TIME:

4pm

WHO:

Cast of TFTF: TOKYO DRIFT

John Cho of Harold & Kumar go to White Castle, Better Luck Tomorrow, American Dreamz, American Pie. Left of Zed

Kel Penn of Superman, Harold & Kumar go to White Castle.

Maggie Q of Mission Impossible 3

Daniel Kim of LOST

FM= Fareast Movement: the HOT HOT hip hop group.

...and much more!!

YOU HEAR IT FIRXT ! ! ! episode #324

Be on the look out for

Justin Lin's THE FAST & THE FURIOUS: TOKYO DRIFT, in theaters June 16th, 2006

Jet Lee's FEARLESS, in theaters in July 2006

Dubbed as Korea Cinema's Mission Impossible, Typhoon will open on June 2nd, 2006

go to www.typhoonthemovie.com and visit www.xanga.com/typhoonthemovie. for more information!

Bang-bang: 72 Hr. Shoot Out!

3RD ANNUAL 72 HOUR FILM SHOOTOUT
June 9-12, 2006 Nationwide



The Shootout is a nationwide competition where filmmaking teams have 72 hours to write, shoot, edit and produce short digital films up to six minutes in length and based on a common theme. The intention of this competition is to create opportunities for Asian Americans to demonstrate their talent, gain exposure in the entertainment industry, and impact the visibility of Asian American stories and characters in film and television. At least one key production member and a principal actor from each team must be of Asian descent.


On June 9th, 2006, at 8:00pm, the 3rd Annual 72 Hour Film Shootout will commence. The competition theme will be announced at the New York City launch party and simultaneously relayed over the internet to out of town competitors. This year, The Shootout anticipates 75 to 100 teams with an average of five people per team (a total of 375 to 500 participants). In addition, over 300 attendees are expected at each of The Shootout events (Launch Party, Wrap Party, After Party, Screening) not including the countless numbers of spirited supporters and enthusiasts.


REGISTRATION DEADLINES: Early bird May 12; Regular June 2; Late June 8.


For more information, visit www.asiancinevision.org or www.aafilmlab.com


_______________________________________________
VCFilmMaker2006 mailing list
VCFilmMaker2006@lists.apanet.org
http://lists.apanet.org/mailman/listinfo/vcfilmmaker2006

SHUT OUT: higher education not public?!

Hi folks! Hope you can join us for this very important panel discussion. Bento box dinners provided only for those who RSVP by today, May 19 by e-mailing or calling Paul Estuar at pestuar@littlaw.com or (213) 386-3114 ext. 210. Please distribute widely and have a nice weekend! ~Speak.AsianAmericans


Join us on May 24th: SHUT OUT: Is Higher Education Truly Public? Ten Years After Proposition 209

Do you think diversity, equity and equal representation in public education is a good thing? If so, then this is the place to be next Wednesday evening!

2006 marks the 10-year anniversary of the passage of Prop. 209. Join us for an expert panel discussion on the effects of Prop. 209 on higher education - past, present and future efforts. Find out about the latest initiatives to address those effects and efforts to possibly overturn 209. The event will be an opportunity to learn the lessons that 10 years of Prop. 209 has taught us, bring our communities together around initiatives to fight for equity and equal representation in our higher education system and meet some of the top community leaders who are at the forefront of this issue.


WHAT: SHUT OUT: Is Higher Education Truly Public? Ten Years After Proposition 209

SCREENING: “Beyond Black & White: Affirmative Action In America”

PANEL DISCUSSION

§ Kathay Feng, Executive Director of Common Cause
§ Jerry Kang, Professor at UCLA School of Law
§ Evonne Lai, Law Student at UCLA School of Law
§ Eva Paterson, Executive Director of Equal Justice Society
§ Julie Su, Litigation Director at the Asian Pacific American Legal Center
§ Saul Sarabia, UCLA School of Law

WHEN: Wednesday, May 24th; 5:45 - 6:30 pm light dinner and reception; 6:30 - 8:30 pm program

WHERE: David Henry Hwang Theater; 120 Judge John Aiso St. in the Little Tokyo area of Los Angeles

COST: $10 for APABA members; $15 for non-members; FREE for ALL STUDENTS - Light dinner provided for all attendees who RSVP by Today, Friday, May 19

If you're interested in attending, please RSVP to Paul Estuar at pestuar@littlaw.com or (213) 386-3114 ext. 210 by Today, Friday, May 19.

Presented by The Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Los Angeles County (APABA at www.apabala.org) in celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

REMINDER: REGISTER TO VOTE!!

This is a reminder to all the Asian Brothas and Sistahs out there:

Remember to register to vote, so you can vote on the primary. Here are the steps for those who are civic-participation confused:

Step 1. Register to vote. You can register to vote with CAUSE. They are the experts in Asian American voter outreach, and you can request different Asian languages. If you do not register, then you cannot vote. Last day to register is May 22nd 2006. DO IT NOW! www.causeusa.org

Step 2. Vote in the Primary: (n) Vote for the candidate within your party (Democratic or Republican, depending on your registration). For California, 06-06-06 is the OMEN... the date to vote for your PARTY candidate.

Who ever wins out the primary will go on to the general election.

Step 3. Vote in the General Election: (n) November. Vote for YOUR most favorable candidate on the ballot. Republican or Democrat (Speak.Asian Americans PREFERS you to vote Democrat, of course.)

Why do we need to vote: As Asian Americans, we are the second largest voting bloc, coming behind the Latinos. It has been disheartening listening to the first generation Asian community (mostly, our parents) to be civically-disengaged. Most are more passionate about motherland politics than what is going on with our State. As 1.5 and second generation Asian Americans, we need to galvanize our community and educate them the importance of voting. Voting is like buying power. We express our opinions and choices through our votes. We help to elect officials to represent us in the decision-making process and obtaining a piece of the pie: Education, Work Compensation, Justice... to name a few. Please REGISTER to VOTE... and VOTE!

Hot Stories:
Asian Votes= Hot Commodity (San Jose Mercury News)
Democrats Courting Asian American Community (Contra Costa Times)

Thank you Asian Brothas and Sistas!

Thank you to AngryAsianMan.com, the GODfather of ALL Asian American blogs.

Speak.AsianAmericans got a quick mention on the May 16th entry.

yea!

we also got a mention in AArising. Yea!

~ S.A-A

YOU HEAR IT FIRST! TOKYO DRIFT!

YOU HEAR IT FIRST ! THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS: TOKYO DRIFT

Director Justin Lin presents The Fast and The Furious: Tokyo Drift

Our brotha, Director Justin Lin, puts finishing touches to THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS: TOKYO DRIFT. *check out the trailer below*

Over the past Sunday (bless all mums, it was Mothers' Day), Speak.AsianAmericans caught a sneak preview at Universal's editing studio at full length, of The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, directed by Better Luck Tomorrow's Justin Lin. Justin shared with me the story behind the making of this movie. While I cannot share too much (yet! ), I gotta say I truly enjoyed the movie! What an eye-candy! The silverscreen image of the post-modern industrial feel to Japan is refreshing. It absolutely rocked for the following reasons:

-RESPECT: The previous FNF installments paid NO repsect to the importing/tuning scene, which is a predominantly Asian/Asian American scene. On the other hand, Tokyo Drift, was down-to-the-details to show what 'drifting' was all about. Asians were not seen as the stereotypical 'evildoers.' They were 3-dimensional, slick, and cool. The always rico-suave Sung Kang's character really helped to move the story along as well.

In addition, one of the biggest character in this film are the cars. the CARS are absolutely HOT.

- ASIAN PRIDE: Justin was very all about 'respectin' his past' in having Jason Tobin, Sung Kang, and Bryan Tee as lead Asian MALE actors. Both Jason's and Sung's names also are the same as Better Luck Tomorrow, respectively Virgil and Han. Alden from East West Players also makes his appearance as part of Han's posse.

- MUSIC: This movie is like a hot 95 min. music video. Pharrell of N.E.R.D loved the film so much that he did a HOT HOT track for Tokyo Drift. I cannot wait for the soundtrack to come out; this is going to be those CDs you'd be pumpin' while driving down (not drift, because it is illegal. ) the 110 Hwy.

- LIN FACTOR: Director Justin Lin is truly an amazing talent. He changed the original script from a tacky, stereotypical-deAsian film (and I do have the original script in front of me, I read 75% of it, and it WAS crap) to an Asian American empowering film. Lin also made a conscious attempt to make a diverse cast that truly represents the global community: the cast included: there are white, black, Peruvian/Australian, Pinoys, Chinese, Korean, Japanese. Moreover, the cinematography is amazing. There is one screen shot where Lucas Black's car drifted and the audience can see reflections of people and building on the windshield. Better Luck Tomorrow fans will have a blast when they see the film: be on the look out for some scenes reminiscent of BLT. Oil drill, anyone? I remember when I sat down with Justin back in UCBerkeley days, he was an up and coming director. He was full of passion and spoke about BLT as not about a film project, but a vehicle to open up the road of opportunities for other Asian American actors and actress. 3 years later, he kept that vision and is still pushing for more APA representation via Tokyo Drift, even thought Justin had to deal with an uphill battle with studio heads.

Please go support Justin Lin's Tokyo Drift, which premiere in L-A on June 4th.

April 11, 2003. Better Luck Tomorrow opens

and 3 years later... Justin Lin has BLOWN UP!

May 13th Canvassing

May 13th Canvassing

On May 13th 2006, Democratic activists and grassroots organizers gathered and canvassed for the state-wide May 13th Neighbor-to-Neighbor event. There were preccinct-walkings in various Southern California neighborhoods from Los Angeles, San Gabriel Valley, Hollywood, San Fernando Valley, Orange County, and Riverside.

"In seeing us out there, they were getting the picture that [California Democratic Party] is really trying to turn things around," said Susanne Savage, a longtime activist. "It was a good event and one that was very worthwhile in executing."

What was different about this effort was that no preccinct maps or lists were used. Activists simply talked to their neighbors in their immediate communities to discuss what mattered to them: Honest leadership and open government; Real security; Energy independnece, Economic prosperity and educational excellence; a healthcare system that works for everyone; and Retirement security. Democrats are changing the nation by speaking from the heart to the communities.

With the success of this first effort, the California Democratic Party is planning to launch another Neighbor-to-Neighbor event in July.

Below are some pictures taken on May 13th.