Butterfly Connection: May 2013

It was quite a blessing to have a downpour of rain to our dry Utah soil over the weekend, but I had hoped it would have stopped, just for our show at the Living Tradition Festival in downtown Salt Lake. It’s been awhile since I last danced and I humored myself, “Why does it have to rain on my first dance?” On the other hand, I had myself prepared for the prospect of dancing under the rain at the festival. I thought it would just be fun! Then I visualized all my eye make-up smearing down through my face – that’s not a good picture there. Fortunately, the weather quite saw the picture of horror in my mind and – the rain stopped! Am I spoiled or what? It turned out to be just a perfect day for everyone!

I was so grateful for the cooperative weather but everything wasn’t that perfect. I started off with some car problem on my way to our pre-show rehearsal. At the rehearsal itself, I had my mind all focused trying to catch up with new instructions and revisions. Pressure and stress overcame me that I had to simplify my role. The rain already paved the way for a perfect weather, but here comes some impetuous strain. Let me say it that way. As the rehearsal went on, I humored myself again – “I can always wink, look cute, and flirt a little on stage if I ever mess up.” That was the plan.

South Stage of the County building. Our thirty-minute show started with the Singkil dance from the Muslim suite. Since I simplified my role, I got the chance to watch the first half of the presentation and I had a great view of the audience as well. As the Singkil princess was being entered into the stage, I heard people from backstage gasping and wowing. Wearing an elaborate sequined, figure-flattering gown, the princess took everyone’s breath away with her royalty candor and poise especially when she stepped gracefully in and out of the clicking bamboos, while twirling her elegant fans on both hands, all in harmony with the live beat of kulintang and kalatong (indigenous percussions). The rest of the entourage complemented the princess as they did their best rendition of their parts as the prince, umbrella maids, fan dancers, scarf dancers, malong dancers, and as male escorts and bamboo clickers. The whole piece was a picture of vibrancy, elegance and dynamics. The Muslim suite ended with the audience cheering in applause.

Toni Rose Perkins as the Singkil Princess

Now came the rural collection. I am pleased with how my plan materialized. I did improvise indeed. This time, I felt less stressed and I started having some fun. I realized it was not so bad after all. The audience’s warm applause was invigorating and I felt like I was just partying with friends. This is the best part of it all – dancing on stage just like partying with friends. The whole thematic composition of the rural suite was after all “pista sa nayon” or fiesta in the village. It really was a party on stage – we were swirling and turning with our colorful skirts, skipping and playing with our hats and other props, just plainly having some fun. It’s been awhile since I went back to the Philippines and that very scene was just like – home.

Dancing Subli

It was a busy day with some stresses along the way but all that forgotten after a well-celebrated performance. On the hindsight, I just thought I should embrace spontaneity more and just go with the flow. At times, we all need that, don’t we?

P H O T O S

by Glen and Mylene Decker

Kumintang and Kalatong players

Behind the scene. We are devoted volunteers, sacrificing our time away from our family and making arrangements with our jobs to accommodate rehearsals. We have a very talented and dedicated Creative Director, who not only choreographs our dances but also designs our costumes and props. And no, this is not his full-time job. He is an in-demand trauma nurse by profession. I don’t know how he does it but he does it – waking up as early as 2am to get our props ready, always on top of our rehearsal schedules, oversees the entire dance choreography, training volunteer dancers and he plays the percussions and dances the tinikling as well. And no, he’s not being paid to do all that. We all do this in the spirit of community service and to keep our Philippine Tradition alive in Utah.

Mike Canlas

Please support our performing group, KATUTUBO Philippine Dance Ensemble of Utah. We need donations for costumes and props and other event charges and fees. We are performing at the Asian Festival in June and we have a launching production on August 17^th.For more details about our group, please visit: www.katutubodance.org. Maraming salamat. Mabuhay tayong lahat!

The whole Cast of Katutubo Philippine Dance Ensemble of Utah

I just a attended an awarding event that highlighted respectable achievers in the Asian American community. It was such an honor and pride to be there and I can’t help but think of a recent conversation I had with a veteran, who I might say validated the ingenuity of Asians. He said he wanted to go back to school so he could teach Math as he stressed, “our children are losing it.” With his observation of academic leniency among our youth today, he expressed concern that America might lose its edge to China. Being Asian myself, I take pride in that but at the same time I don’t think it really is a bad thing – we are basically just becoming more – globally united. How about that? As much as I hate to bring up any topic that identifies any race, the “but’s” are quite obvious. I went to a college here in the US where 25% of the student body were international students from Asia who populated 40% of the honor roll. English was our second language (third for me) but we spoke the language and we ace our English classes. Asian students excelled in Math and in computers and turned in their projects and homework - on time! And I might add, we didn’t’ party, we just went to school, just eager to learn. And oh, we didn’t watch TV that much either except for CNN. On the other hand, I don’t want to be an egotistic, ungrateful immigrant because with all truthfulness, it's this country that provided great resources and convenient facilities for these students to excel. I do hope that our young generation would see these resources and turn them into gold. And, I don't worry much about losing the edge to China. We just need China, period.

I felt really very privileged to have worked with the Utah Asian Chamber of Commerce this year to celebrate and award outstanding Asian Americans in the community. It was an honor to be one of the graphic designers and photographers for the event.

With the collaboration of the UACC board, we came up with a theme, designed to celebrate the Asian American and the Pacific Islander heritage month.

The committee is composed of volunteers and for such big an event, it’s impressive how the committee was able put together a well-coordinated event in a short amount of time. Congratulations to the Gala committee!

Gala Chair, Maria Recto (2nd left) with family and event sponsors, Manny and Heidi Evangelista (right)

Gala Committee

Maria Celia Recto – Chair

Agnes Higley – Co Chair

Board Members:

Eunice Jones

Ze Min Xiao

Lisa Cheng

Shilpi Culmer

Mary Jose Smith

Rick Lam

Silvana Watanabe

Judge Ray Uno

Robert Rendon

Sindee Ngo

Cindy Thomas

Leslie Nuon

Roger Tsai

Sarah Lu

Pamela Okumura

Maria Maier

Shu Zhao

Yvonne Tran-Estrada

The event started with a silent auction, an avenue to generate funds for the organization's scholarship program.

Hosted by lovely and articulate, Erin Collard of B98.7 FM, the show itself kicked off with a live drum beat as graceful, jovial polynesian dancers lined into the ballroom hall.

Ailine's Touch of Polynesia

While enjoying a sumptuous dinner prepared by Executive Chef Scott Monell, the audience were entertained by the Katutubo Philippine Dance Ensemble. The cultural group presented a colorful pre-colonization royalty dance from the Southern part of Philippine called Singkil.

The Katutubo Philippine Dance Ensemble, Singkil

Knowing the awardees and what they have accomplished is just the best of all! Their work and stories are quite an inspiration.

Honoring our Awardees:

2013 Outstanding Asian Professionals

Vivian S. Lee, MD. PhD, MBA

Dr. Vivian Lee has served as Senior VP for Health Sciences at the U of U, Dean of the University's School of Medicine, and CEO of University of Utah Health Care. In this position, she is responsible for an annual budget of more than $2.3 billion; a healthcare system comprising of four hospitals, numerous clinical and research specialty centers like the Hunstman Cancer Institute and John Moran Eye Center, a network of 10 neighborhood health centers, an insurance plan, and over 1,200 board of certified physicians, and five colleges including the School of Medicine, of which she also serves as Dean, the College of Nursing, Pharmacy, Health and the most recently, Dentistry.

Michael Le, Principal Broker Trinamic Realty

Michael owns and manages over six commercial strip malls, downtown convenience stores and patented a novelty product that is being sold and distributed in many retail stores throughout the United States. He also owns a manufactured home park with 40 units and 12 acres residential development zoned for 100 homes.

Xiaoming Sheng, Ph.D. Chairman of Board of Governors, Chinese Association for Science and Technology, USA

Dr. Xiaoming Sheng received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Engineering from University of Science and Technology of China, and Ph.D. in Statistics from University of Alberta. He is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at University of Utah. He is co-director of the Study Design and Biostatistics Center at the University of Utah Center for Clinical and Translational Science, and appointed chair of the University's Statistics Committee and director of the Master of Statistics program in 2013-2016. He is a lifetime member of the Chinese Association for Science and Technology, USA and its Utah Chapter. He was elected CAST-USA President in 2012, and CAST-UT President in 2008 and 2009.

2013 Outstanding Asian Business Owner Awards

Eugene Han is the owner of the Ocean Mart, formerly known as Super China and Asian City Mall. For over 15 years, he owned and operated Ocean Mart. Eugene opened another store, Asian City, in 2012 where he employs over 70 people in both locations. Ocean mart is one of the biggest Asian Grocery stores in the valley. Asian City is tailored to Asian Arts and Crafts but also includes restaurant supplies, jewelries, cosmetic products, etc.

Imelda "Erni" Hernandez Armstrong is the President and CEO of Freestyle Marketing Group, an advertising agency. Erni started this business in 2000. In 2012, Freestyle Marketing Group had capitalized billings of $2.53 million. The business has its 2013 projection set at $2.95 million- a 17% increase from last year. From new business development to copywriting, account planning, and other roles within marketing -Erni's done it and she produced incredible results. Her largest clients include Industrial Supply, Xinsurance, and Heatwurx.

Paul Seo is the owner of Creative Award, a trophy and award business. Creative Awards started in 1976 after Paul's father left O.C. Tanner. In 1986, Paul took over his father's business so that his Dad could finally retire. Under Paul's management and new creative ideas in customizing awards, the business gradually expanded. Out of state clients as far as New York has remained faithful and very pleased with Paul's creative attention to details and contemporary design. One of Paul's major achievements is making a pioneer breakthrough in this cookie cutter industry.

Utah Asian Charitable Foundation

2013 Scholars with Utah Asian Charitable Foundation Chair, Eunice Jones and Co-Chair, Robert Rendon

2013 Scholarship Recipients

$1000 Scholarship Recipients

Quyah Tram Pham is pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Utah. An immigrant from Vietnam, her father always reminds her “education is the only way you can change your life”. Quyah is an active member of the Bennion Center Service Corp. and the Asian American Student Association. She has been awarded with several art and academic awards and honors in Mathematics and Physics. “Participating in these organizations gives me the opportunity to help our community through variety of events, such as raising money for poor people and disabled children”. This scholarship is sponsored by Dr. Dinesh and Kalpana Patel.

Ler Wah is a refugee from Thailand, currently attending Salt Lake Community College. His goal is to attain a Master’s degree in Public Administration (MPA) at the University of Utah. While attending school and working full-time to support his family, Ler also finds time to help in his community by helping the needy and those who are struggling with the English language.

Kevin Han migrated to United States from China with his family when he was 3 years of age. Growing up, Kevin has always been fascinated with how and why things work, especially with the mechanics behind a car’s power train. Because of this, he is majoring in Mechanical Engineering and he eventually wants to achieve his Master’s Degree. Kevin is currently practicing as a support engineer at Edwards Life Sciences. He is an active member of the Asian Student Association at Salt Lake Community College and the UOCA, organizations that raise awareness of the Asian cultures.

Victoria Au is attending Itineris Early College High School in West Jordan, with hopes to pursue a degree in Sports Science at the University of Utah. Her dream is to become a physician one day. “I am passionate about helping those with health problems, especially those who are not able to obtain health care due to financial reasons. Making a difference and knowing I have changed someone’s life for the better is what’s most rewarding”. Victoria is currently a student liaison officer to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Campus Initiative Chapter at the University of Utah.

Emilio Camu is a 20-year old Filipino advocate of Asian Americans pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication, minor in Asian American Studies at the University of Utah. Emilio plans on pursuing a Master’s degree in either Educational Leadership & Policy or Asian American Studies, in order to obtain a position in Higher Education Student Affairs. “I want to be an advocate on an administrative level for Asians and Asian Americans in higher institutions especially for Middle East, Southeast and South Asian groups that have been underrepresented”.

Brian Truong is a sophomore student at the University of Utah. He is pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biology, preparatory to Dental Medicine. Brian first started to explore his leadership skills and abilities by becoming Vice President of M.E.S.A, Bulletin Editor of Key Club, and becoming appointed as a Senator in West High School’s Student Government. “I identify myself as Vietnamese American because I believe that it is important to know and understand where one comes from. This understanding gives an individual a greater social-psychological perspective on society and it helps diversify the community”.

Stephanie Yu is a freshman at the University of Utah. She is currently in the cohort of the Diversity Scholars program and a member of the Honors College on campus. She is involved in the Vietnamese American Student Association and Chinese American Association. Stephanie also plans to double major in Business and Mandarin Chinese. “I am hoping to use these skills to form a friendly connection between China and the United States’ marketing system”.

500 Scholarship Recipients

Augustina Tang is a full-time student at Salt Lake Community College, as well as a high school student while maintaining a cumulative 3.9 GPA for both. Augustina has deep interest in the environment and animals.

Sudha Shrestha is a junior at the University of Utah. She is currently working on a double major in Mass Communication and Sociology. She is pursuing her PhD in Sociology and teaching as a professor. This scholarship is sponsored by Ishleen Management Corporation.

Thinh Nguyen is at freshman at the University of Utah. His dream is to expand the development of the aviation field and to graduate with a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering. This scholarship is sponsored by Capital Trading.

Pang Prounh is a freshman at the Salt Lake Community College. Her goal is to be the first Cambodian woman dentist in Salt Lake City. This scholarship is sponsored by First Utah Bank.

Karen Quach is a senior in high school and a sophomore in college. She is currently on track for getting her Associate’s Degree in General Studies at Itineris Early College High School and Salt Lake Community College.

Alec Lam started his undergraduate studies at the University of Utah when he was 15. He has been published in two separate scientific papers: one where he investigated the long-term health effects of high fructose corn syrup and the other where he did a further investigation of failed pharmaceuticals. This scholarship is sponsored by J.J. Wong.

Dharani Adhikari is a junior at Salt Lake Community College and is planning to transfer to the University of Utah in the fall. He is directly involved with the Bhutanese Community in Utah (BCA) as a founder member.

Andrea Soleta is an International student from the Philippines. She finished her Associate of Science in General Studies at LDS Business College. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science at Brigham Young University.

Congratulations to all our awardees. You all are an inspiration!