Unforgettable Gala: Celebrating AAPI Trailblazers in Media
Now in its 22nd year, the Unforgettable Gala has hosted yet another magnificent night of celebration of outstanding Asian and Pacific Islander influencers and leaders in media, entertainment, and culture. With cross-generational attendance of longtime trailblazers and young talent breaking into the scene to carry the torch, it was moving to see so many stages of evolution in API representation in one room.
When Belief Becomes a Barrier
Religion can often be a source of comfort and community, a place where people find connection, purpose, and a sense of belonging. But for me, religion became a source of conflict and disunity when the beliefs that shaped the way we interact with one another, particularly within my family, did not align with my own identity.
How I Learned to Balance Filipino Traditions and My Modern Identity
As the only girl among four siblings, I’ve always felt a sense of being damaged. My parents, immigrants from the Philippines, have worked tirelessly throughout their time in America. In addition to being the only girl, I’m also the youngest of three brothers. People often say, “You’re so lucky,” or “You’re the baby of the family.” However, they fail to recognize the anxiety and burden that comes with it.
Director John Hsu Redefines Success with “Dead Talents Society”
Featured in the Taiwan Showcase collection at the San Diego Asian Film Festival, Dead Talents Society’s two-day run brought in crowds of all ages and walks of life, eager to see young Taiwanese director John Hsu’s newest film. John made the grueling flight from Taiwan to attend the screenings, and he took some time to give a Q&A session with the audience and chat with me personally.
What is up with the Asian Glow?
Featuring: JOYN
Heading into the holidays, we may find ourselves consuming more of that liquid joy…but for some of us, that joy comes with a certain glow. Not the kind that you work for with your 10-step skincare routine, but one you can’t really help. And then the comments start flowing in–you’ve probably heard them all. “Wow, you match your shirt.” “Are you alright? You’re looking a little red…” Why does this happen?!
The San Diego Asian Film Festival Unveils Huge Film Lineup for 25th Anniversary, Featuring World Premieres and Global Cinema
Pacific Arts Movement (Pac Arts) is thrilled to announce the 25th Annual San Diego Asian Film Festival (SDAFF), taking place November 7-16, 2024. The festival will take place at the Regal Edwards Mira Mesa, with additional screenings and special events at the San Diego Natural History Museum and Museum of Photographic Arts @ SDMA in Balboa Park.
VTubers and How Their Community Made the Pandemic Less Lonely
The year was 2019, and I had just graduated college. Things were looking good… But then, the pandemic struck. At first, it was just vaguely in the news, but as the virus spread, so did the fear. And so we entered lockdown. With it went most of my IRL interactions with people non-digitally, and the start of a very long period of seemingly endless isolation...that is, until I discovered the world of VTubers.
Spooks, Ghosts and Goblins . . . Asian Style
In the spirit of Halloween, Chinese-American author and newspaper columnist Qin Sun Stubis shares a short musing about some parts of the ghostly heritage of Asian culture, in particular a bizarre phenomenon that happens to play a central part in her new historical memoir, “Once in Our Lives.”
The Legend Behind the Mid-Autumn Festival
The Mid-Autumn Festival, or 中秋節 (zhōng qiū jié), is one of the most well-known traditional Chinese festivals, and is considered the second most important event behind the Spring Festival (Lunar New Year). The celebration occurs on the 15th day of the 8th moon on the Chinese Lunar Calendar. This year, it takes place on September 29, 2023.
Vegan Richa Eats
Vegan Richa is the award-winning recipe developer, blogger, and creator behind VeganRicha.com. Try some of the recipes that she has kindly shared with us! Here you will find recipes for her Vegan Matar Tofu and Carrot Halwa Coconut Burfi Bars, which you can learn more about directly on her blog.
Maison Mikumo
For Tina Xia, her passion for fashion has always worked hand-in-hand with her artistic talents ever since she was little. Years later in 2022, she launched Maison Mikumo, a sustainable clothing brand.
Soup du Jour
Visit Soup du Jour, a local family-owned business in San Diego that serves delicious, freshly made comfort foods!

