Insider Irene

As an ambassador for the Taiwanese community it was my honor and privilege to attend the Lunar New Year performance at the Culture Center in Santa Ana. The showcase featured students from local Chinese schools throughout Orange County and as a Chinese school alumni, it held a special place in my heart to support the youth and arts.

The afternoon program was filled entertaining acts from various Chinese Schools including: Irvine Chinese School, Yulin Chinese School (in Fountain Valley), Fullerton Chinese School and the two emcees were current Chinese school students who blended English and Chinese seamlessly. I was incredibly impressed by their confidence and speech. Performances included a Chinese comedy act (definitely my favorite), several traditional Chinese folkloric dances, traditional Chinese instruments, martial arts demonstration, as well as classroom presentations. The children were adorable and I couldn’t be more proud of them.

Growing up I myself attended Chinese language school and while waking up early each Saturday morning to learn Mandarin wasn’t my first choice, I always loved starting the morning with the elective classes. I’d taken a wide range of courses including: calligraphy, Wushu, choir, among other visual and performing arts although I was most involved with the traditional Chinese folkloric dance program and actually went back to teach!

I also had the opportunity to reconnect with teachers and administrators from my former language school.  Pictured above are two incredible women who are very active in the community. Thank you for dedicating so much of your time and energy in helping us to preserve our language and culture.

So much of culture stems from the arts, what form of expression is your favorite? Mine was dance!

XOXO,

Rockstar

In partnership with South Coast Plaza, 85 Degree, Tour Taiwan, among other sponsors, the University of California, Irvine (UCI) hosted the 2nd Annual Lunar New Year Festival outside the Paul Merage School of Business to celebrate the “Year of the Rooster.” The event included various local and international entertainment and I was invited as one of the VIP guests.

On the main stage a full program of performances were scheduled to entertain guests including: lion dance, a dragon parade, a zither performance and traditional Chinese folk dance pieces. Off-stage there was a live Chinese cooking demonstration, silt walkers and the UCI mascot roaming the area.

UCI students also volunteered their time and talent to the festival by hosting complimentary games and food booths. Some of the carnival games reminded me of the night-market games in Taiwan and the free food samples were very generous.

The festival also featured a collection of very elaborate Chinese puppets, which you’d have to see to appreciate all the attention to detail.

Overall the festival was an incredibly fun and enjoyable experience. I loved the vibrant and welcoming community and celebrating this joyous occasion. The event planners hope to make it an even bigger and better event next year so I hope you’ll all attend this free event in 2018!

What’s your favorite type of entertainment? Lion dance, Chinese folk dance etc…

XOXO,

Rockstar

On the Sunday following Lunar New Year the royal court was invited to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles (TECO-LA) to celebrate the “Year of the Rooster.” At the entrance, local Chinese artists created crafts and painted traditional Chinese words for patrons to enjoy and local Taiwanese high school students from the Formosa Association of Student Cultural Ambassadors (FASCA) organization welcomed guests to the main room.

The program started with an energetic lion dance routine and VIP guests fed the hungry lions red envelops. Then local and state council members individually presented gifts and wished everyone a prosperous new year. Each speech ended with a government official hitting the gong to really ring in the new year!

After the program concluded a light lunch was served and the royal court poised for photos and were interviewed by local tv and newspaper publications. We also had an opportunity to converse with different politicians on the upcoming year’s goals.

I had the privileged to speak to the honorable Mary Su, the first Asian Female to serve as the Mayor of Walnut. We discussed about Asian American representation and she encouraged me to consider running for a position in the future. Who knows maybe in a few years I’ll be able impact my community at this capacity. 🙂

What kind of goals do you have for the new year?

XOXO,

Rockstar 

Happy Lunar New Year! I hope you all had a wonderful start to your second new year. I kicked mine off my attending the Inland Empire’s Annual Asian Pacific Lunar Festival in downtown Riverside where I got to ride in another parade!

It was a bright and sunny day making it the perfect day for a parade and outdoor celebration! The royal court and other VIPS were transported by pedi-cab by none other than Riverside Council members! Mike Soubirous of Ward 3 zig zagged us around downtown to show us Riverside’s best all while making pit stops for children to take photos with us. The parade ended on Mission Inn Avenue where we had front row seat to watch local talent. Here’s a photo of the UCR Taiko team.

During this event I also had the opportunity to meet assembly member Sabrina Cervantes, the first millennial to serve in office. She was recently elected and hopes for more young adults to get involved and diversify the government workforce.

This festival was a wonderful and fun family friendly affair. There was so much to see and do, but I needed to depart early for family meal obligations. Food brings people together and Lunar New Year meals is one of my favorites! I’m excited for what the new year has to bring and hope you all will celebrate the year of the rooster with delicious food and loved ones.

How did you spend your Lunar New Year?

XOXO,

Rockstar

Recently it’s been pouring cats and dogs in Southern California, but back when I attended the Double Ten National Flag Day at Monterey Park it was the exact opposite. The sun was out and about and I was all sweating bullets – scratch that I was glistening from head to toe. Beauty queens don’t perspire o:)

The National Flag Day event began with a mini parade and presentation of certificates by local and state representatives. We then all moved towards the flag podium and the ceremony concluded with an epic ending. Speeches were made, doves were released, and three private jets flew above the crowd as patriotic music blasted the stadium. Unfortunately, I didn’t snap photos at those times (as I was enjoying the moment) but it was quite a spectacular sight!

Afterwards the program transitioned to a vibrant line-up of various entertainment including: traditional lion dance, Taiwanese song and dance among other performances. The royal court also prepared for a runway show. Here I am backstage getting ready for the catwalk! 🙂

Among the events I’ve attended I was incredibly impressed with the community involvement and the patriotism instilled by all the attendees and participants. It was quite a celebration and while I may need to apply more sunscreen in the future, it’s an honor to represent my home country at this annual gathering. We also all got to cool down with some shaved ice, condensed milk, and boba. Yum!

What’s your favorite treat to snack on during a hot day?

XOXO,

Rockstar

Double Ten is one of biggest and most important dates for the Taiwanese culture. The royal court was invited to several celebrations that week; however,the annual National Day Celebration at the Hilton in Los Angeles was a black tie event fit for a queen.

Local and regional government officials from California and Taiwan were present for this extravagant celebration. From the bouquets of flowers to the ice sculpture, the organizers went all out to make it a very snazzy event.  Above we’re photographed with a former Taiwan official in front of one of the biggest cakes I’ve ever seen – and yes we did snag a bite at the end of the evening.

The evening was filled with a program full of live entertainment including a military processional, lion dance, various skits, and the presentation of certificates by council and congressmen. Plenty of photos were taken throughout the night as individuals networks and enjoyed an expansive buffet featuring a mix of traditional Asian and western cuisine.

People from all walks of life were present for this event ranging from young high school students to elders who played an integral role in Taiwan politics. Also in attendance were members of the Taiwanese American Professional  (TAP) organization as well as other Taiwanese related non profit organizations. It was a great night filled with people who love Taiwan and I was happy to enjoy the festivities in good company.

If you threw a party what would be the highlights?

XOXO,

Rockstar