Screenings and events are held at venues like the Enzian Theater (Maitland), Regal Winter Park Village, Rollins College, and local libraries.

Mission: To use films, panel discussions, and art exhibits to model peaceful change, spark imagination, and address topics like justice, resilience, and humanity.

A SEAT AT THE TABLE – In immersive vérité style, A SEAT AT THE TABLE follows several prominent South Asian political candidates during the 2024 election cycle, alongside a community galvanized by the groundbreaking campaign of the first South Asian presidential candidate. Within a hundred years, South Asians in America have gone from being disenfranchised, to seeing the first South Asian presidential candidate on a major party’s ticket. With unprecedented access to congressional and state-level campaigns, as well as grassroots organizing efforts, the film captures a historic year for the South Asian diaspora as more candidates than ever run for office, providing us a rare front-row seat to the dynamic forging of power in America.

SARITA KHURANA is an award-winning filmmaker whose feature film, A SUITABLE GIRL, won the 2017 Best New Documentary Director Prize at Tribeca Film Festival. YOAV ATTIAS is an award-winning filmmaker and creative director. He is the co-director of Fault Lines, a feature documentary about the housing crisis that premiered at Big Sky Documentary Film Festival in 2024. 

When we began filming A SEAT AT THE TABLE, we thought we were making a film about a handful of South Asian candidates running for office. But very quickly, it became clear that something much bigger was unfolding. What we were witnessing wasn’t just a series of campaigns, it was a community stepping into its political power in America in a way we had never seen before. That is the story we felt compelled to tell.

The Gymnasts of Fisherman Colony

THE GYMNASTS OF FISHERMAN COLONY is an intimate coming-of-age documentary by 3X Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Habiba Nosheen that follows three teenage girls in Pakistan, offering a rare and tender portrait of girlhood, joy, and play told through the eyes of young Pakistani girls navigating the margins of society. At its core, THE GYMNASTS OF FISHERMAN COLONY is a story of hope and quiet defiance. Through the intimate journeys of three teenagers we witness as their passion for gymnastics begins to clash with deeply rooted expectations around what girls can and cannot do. The film follows their journey as they find themselves straddling two polar opposite worlds as they push to make space for themselves through gymnastics. The result is a lyrical and deeply human portrait of three young girls from a corner of the world we rarely see on screen. These are girls who dare to dream.

Director’s Statement:

A few years ago, I found myself reflecting on the fact that we rarely hear stories about the amazing women and girls in Pakistan who are reshaping societal expectations with their boldness and determination. So I wanted to tackle a film that centered around the joy and depth in the lives of young women in Pakistan. That was the inspiration for The Gymnasts of Fisherman Colony. It is the film that I wish had existed in the world when I was growing up. In some ways, I didn’t find this story. It found me. This film is not about a young girl who wants to make it to the Olympics. For me, the message of this film is that all girls should have the opportunities to participate in sports. It’s about teaching girls to take up space. And part of the outreach that is really important to me is dismantling this myth that Islam and girls’ sports don’t coexist. That’s simply not true. We need to empower the girls who are at the forefront of challenging that myth.

On Sunday, Sept. 27 at 2 PM, AFRO TV will present Community and Family, a shorts program featuring work from (mainly) UCF students — including two powerful films by Asian‑American filmmakers.

In Andrew Nguyen’s Marching in Tune, five young adults reflect on the musical journeys that brought them together and share why preserving music programs matters now more than ever.

In AJ Johnson’s Threading the Needle, two Chinese American adoptees confront identity, belonging, and the complex threads connecting their ethnicity with their lived experiences.

A thoughtful lineup that explores connection, culture, and the stories that shape us.

On Sunday, Sept. 27 at 3 PM, AFRO TV – Theater 1 will present Asia Trend’s new documentary series, Bridging Worlds, highlighting inspiring Asian Americans in Central Florida. This six‑part series offers an inside look at community members whose dedication, leadership, and cultural impact make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Discover the full lineup of films featured at the 2026 Global Peace Film Festival by visiting the official program page at peacefilmfest2026.eventive.org/films. The schedule showcases this year’s complete selection of thought‑provoking documentaries, shorts, and international works dedicated to inspiring dialogue and advancing peace.

The post Asian Films You Can’t Miss at the 24th Annual Global Peace Film Festival in Orlando appeared first on Asia Trend.

Funny how it sneaks up. The unofficial end of summer. One last barbecue, one last long weekend, back to school.

And then I caught myself. When did this start? How did a day built for working people become a day we mostly grill and shop? What was it meant to teach us — and did we forget?

So, I did what I always do. I pulled the thread and started connecting the dots.

The first dot is 1882. On September 5, about 10,000 workers gathered in New York City for the country’s first Labor Day parade. They weren’t asking for a barbecue. They were honoring the strength and dignity of working people. Twelve years later, in 1894, Congress made it official: the first Monday of September became a national holiday.

That’s the pattern I kept seeing as I followed the dots. Nothing we now take for granted came easily. The eight-hour workday. The five-day workweek. Laws protecting children from dangerous work. Each grew from ordinary people organizing, speaking up, and refusing to accept things as they were — until the law caught up.

Here’s a dot our textbooks often skip. Asian Americans weren’t on the sidelines of that story. We were often part of it.

In 1867, thousands of Chinese railroad workers walked off the job high in the Sierra Nevada, demanding pay equal to white workers’, shorter days, and safer conditions in the tunnels. They had no power and no titles. But they knew that when people stand together, they have a voice.

Nearly a century later, in 1965, a Filipino American named Larry Itliong led a walkout against grape growers in Delano, California. It began with Filipino workers; when Mexican American farmworkers joined, it grew into the United Farm Workers. Itliong is still a footnote in a story most Americans credit to Cesar Chavez.

He was there first.

But my favorite dot is 1903, in Oxnard, California. Japanese and Mexican farmworkers went on strike together for better wages and conditions — and won. Then came the test. When they sought recognition from the American Federation of Labor, the offer came with a condition: the Mexican workers could join, but only if the Japanese workers were excluded.

They refused.

As the story goes, one of them put it bluntly: “Better go to hell with your family than to heaven by yourself.” They would not join without their friends.

That’s the thread that ties every dot together. Not slogans. People who made a difference because they showed up and would not go home.

And here’s what’s easy to forget: that door is still open. The people who wrote our rights into law weren’t a special breed. They were neighbors, workers, immigrants — people who paid attention, spoke up, and stayed in the room. The same tools are still in our hands today: the meeting, the letter, the testimony, the vote. Less dramatic than a march down Broadway, maybe. Just as powerful.

The lesson of Labor Day isn’t in the past tense. It’s an invitation.

So, here’s mine. Almost all of us want the same things — kids who do better than we did, work that’s honored, a fair shot. We agree on the destination. We only argue about the road. So, picture the folks who shout at each other on television sharing the same backyard barbecue. Same grill. Same table. A common goal, different ideas about the route, finally close enough to talk.

That’s not naive. It’s how progress usually happens: people who wanted better, standing in one place, refusing to leave until something changed.

So, enjoy the barbecue this weekend. You’ve earned it. But save a few seats. The work of citizens is never finished — and it still gets done the way it always has: together, at the same fire.

Kam Shenai is a retired executive and civic leader in Lake Nona and co-founder of AAPI Coming Together (ACT Florida), a nonpartisan civic-participation group in Central Florida.

The post Labor Day Reflections appeared first on Asia Trend.

The event, organized by ROF International Sport Marketing Co. and the Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce of North America (TCCNA), took place during the Yankees’ 9-3 win over the Houston Astros.

Taiwanese pitcher Teng Kai-wei (鄧愷威) came on in relief for the Astros, drawing loud cheers from Taiwanese fans in attendance, the TCCNA said in a news release.

Buyers of 2026 Taiwanese Heritage Day ticket packages received co-branded caps and tote bags featuring elements of the flag of the Republic of China, Taiwan’s official name, the TCCNA said.

It was the second Taiwanese Heritage Day held at Yankee Stadium. During the game, Taiwan’s flag and the word “Taiwan” were displayed several times on the stadium’s video board, according to the TCCNA.

TCCNA Director Wen Tsai-shing (溫在興) thanked the Yankees, ROF International Sport Marketing Co., sponsors and volunteers for helping showcase Taiwan on the international stage.

Wen said he hoped to continue working with the Yankees and see Taiwanese Heritage Day return to Yankee Stadium next year.

ROF International Sport Marketing Co. General Manager Chen Ming-chu (陳銘駒) said he was pleased to partner with the Yankees and the TCCNA and hopes the event will become an annual tradition.

The Yankees’ newest Taiwanese player is 18-year-old pitching prospect Lai Chien-fan (賴謙凡), who signed with the club in June on a contract worth up to US$1 million.

Lai is the third Taiwanese player in franchise history, following former pitcher Wang Chien-ming (王建民) and infielder Kuo Fu-lin (郭阜林).

The post New York Yankees host 2026 Taiwanese Night appeared first on Asia Trend.

Aries (21 March – 19 April) – You can be presented with a new work opportunity or job, start a new work project, and get lots done on your to-do list. You don’t mind doing the grunt work, and will get it done quickly and well. This is also an excellent time to start a new healthy lifestyle, exercise program or diet. You can go on a retreat and rejuvenate yourself. This can be a good time to let go of something you no longer need, and you feel good about it. You benefit from being in touch with your emotions and being more playful. Favorable Dates : Sep 6, 7, 15, 16, 24, 25 Favorable Colors : Yellow & Blue

Taurus (20 April – 20 May) – There could well be changes heading your way. It is up to you to take charge of any work changes and ensure it leads to a positive outcome for you. You can jump into the transformations you hope to make, and take control over them. You can work on a home improvement project, take up a new hobby, let out your inner child, and feel positive about life and at ease emotionally. Remember though, to show your appreciation towards those that do take their own time from their busy lives to spend time with you. Favorable Dates : Sep 2, 4, 11, 13, 20, 22 Favorable Colors : Red & Green

Gemini (21 May – 20 June) – You can finish a bunch of small projects or an important mental task and also settle a dispute with a sibling or neighbor. This is a good time to enter into therapy, if you can or want to. You can also try to strengthen yourself spiritually, and this is therapeutic for you. You crave intimacy with your loved ones, but can be too clingy with them. If in a relationship, you can be more passionate with your partner and want to spend more time with them, but you can also be possessive. Favorable Dates : Sep 2, 6, 11, 15, 20, 24 Favorable Colors : Blue & Red

Cancer (21 June – 22 July) – You need to take your financial life seriously, and take control of it. This is the time to save, not spend, and when you do spend, you have to be smart about it. You’re less likely to splurge on anything you don’t really need, and more likely to think about saving for rainy days and your future. You can focus on what you value in life, what you need to be secure, and what you feel is worth something. If single, you’re attracted to the tall, dark, silent type, someone brooding yet passionate. Favorable Dates : Sep 4, 8, 13, 17, 20, 22 Favorable Colors : Blue & Yellow

Leo (23 July – 22 August) – You could be spending both time and effort toward an educational or creative venture. Details are important to finalize a personal goal. You benefit from having a partner now, someone to help you see what you’re missing, and support you when you come up with an idea or are presented with a new opportunity. Connections you make now have both influence and power. Put your energy behind projects that support others in their life goals. If you’re the creative type, you can go through a dry spell, and have difficulty finding inspiration for your creations. Favorable Dates : Sep 2, 4, 11, 13, 20, 22 Favorable Colors : White & Red

Virgo (23 August – 22 September) –There is a new inspiration around your long-range goals and plans. Your creativity and inventiveness shine when attached to values around higher education and learning. Words have a greater impact on you, and what people say to you matters. You feel every word you speak, and you can communicate your feelings with greater ease. Use this time to logically analyze your emotions so you have a greater understanding of them. If in a relationship, you want to be more romantic with your partner, and make it feel fresh again. Favorable Dates : Sep 1, 4, 10, 13, 19, 22 Favorable Colors : Yellow & Blue

Libra (23 September – 22 October) – Your will is strong, you feel powerful, and you can dedicate yourself to something so fully and you’re completely obsessed. Your focus can be unrelenting, and nothing can steer your focus away. This is an excellent time to do something where you need an incredible amount of willpower. Something is about to change drastically in your career, but it will end up a great benefit to you and will lead to a promotion this month. Sit back and enjoy the rewards from your efforts. You may also come across as more intense, seductive, and moody. Favorable Dates : Sep 7, 9, 16, 18, 25, 27 Favorable Colors : Yellow & Grey

Scorpio (23 October – 21 November) – You can think about the direction your life is going in, and assess if it’s the right path for you. You’re ambitious, can come up with plans that are realistic for attaining your goals, and can have an important conversation about your goals. You may be in the spotlight or are praised for work that you’ve done. It’s hard for you to separate your emotions from logic, so you’re subjective instead of objective. Anything that happens to you now and impacts you emotionally, you’ll remember forever. Favorable Dates : Sep 7, 9, 16, 18, 25, 27 Favorable Colors : Yellow & Grey

Sagittarius (22 November – 21 December) – You want the mental stimulation that other people can provide for you, and you try to keep busy, having a packed social calendar. You would like to take on lots of small projects to keep your mind occupied. You get along better with siblings and neighbors. This is an excellent time for creative projects, and you can come up with creative solutions to problems. After 23 rd , you may want to take some time away from it all to relax and enjoy yourself. You can figure out how your mind works best, and take the time to learn what you couldn’t before. Favorable Dates : Sep 3, 4, 12, 13, 21, 22 Favorable Colors : White & Blue

Capricorn (22 December – 19 January) – Patience and persistence are showing up in rewards for you this month. Connections increase and your intuition is heightened. Assistance from an experienced co-worker will streamline your efforts, while the details of a project can sidetrack your best intentions. The relationships that survive this period will usually come out stronger, and they’re relationships that will last a long time. Most of you won’t enter into new relationships, but those of you who do will take them more seriously, behave more responsibly, and try to make them as healthy as you can. Favorable Dates : Sep 3, 7, 12, 16, 21, 27 Favorable Colors : Yellow & Brown

Aquarius (20 January – 18 February) – You enjoy working right now, and can be in the spotlight for work that you’ve done. The projects that you work on will likely be well within your comfort zone, and you’re not in the mood for anything that rocks the boat. This is also a good time to make a transformation of something in your life. In relationships, you’re more passionate, but also more intense and possessive. You can also focus on your health, and work on becoming a healthier person. If in a relationship, you try to connect with your partner mentally, and can converse with them more. Favorable Dates : Sep 3, 6, 12, 15, 21, 24 Favorable Colors : Blue & Green

Pisces (19 February – 20 March) – You can feel restricted financially for some reason, like having to pay off old loans and credit card bills, and if you’ve been financially irresponsible, you can really pay for it now. You can also fall out of love, and realize that you don’t want to be with them anymore, or they break up with you. You focus on serious issues and can get lost in the darkness, so you have to work on finding ways to pull yourself out before you get sucked in.You need to face up to your fears. Favorable Dates : Sep 2, 6, 11, 15, 20, 24 Favorable Colors : Purple & White

The post Manish’s Zodiac Signs Predictions – SEP 2026 appeared first on Asia Trend.

On Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 6:00 PM, the Grand Sampaguita Ballroom at the Bayanihan Arts and Events Center will be transformed into an elegant showcase of Filipino refinement under this year’s theme, “Engrande.” Every detail of the evening has been thoughtfully curated to create an atmosphere of grandeur—from its exquisite décor and warm hospitality to its world-class entertainment and exceptional cuisine.

This year’s celebration is led by PCFI Board Members Lorelei Uy and Jerlyn Spicer, whose vision and leadership continue to elevate the Sampaguita Ball as one of the Foundation’s signature events. They are joined by Lissa Biglete, Chair of the Sampaguita Ladies Society, with Arnell Biglete, PCFI Chairman of the Board, serving as Overall Advisor. Together with the dedicated women of the Sampaguita Ladies Society, they carry forward a tradition that has flourished for more than three decades through passion, volunteerism, and an unwavering commitment to preserving Filipino culture.

Dinner and Entertainment

Approximately 500 guests will enjoy an extraordinary evening featuring a sumptuous seven-course Lauriat dinner by Hao Wah Restaurant, complimentary valet parking, a deluxe open bar, and dancing to the music of Hiram Hazley and Le Jazz Trio along with special guests, Raffy Bleu, Josh Dado (aka Dodie Rabanso, Jr.), and Ronel Suarez, and DJ Jomar. The evening will also feature an inspiring cultural presentation conceived by PCFI Cultural Director Nhick Ramiro Pacis, highlighting the artistry of the Philippine Choral Group, directed by Connie Chanrasmi; the Musikong Kawayan Bamboo Ensemble, under the baton of Nhick Ramiro Pacis; and the Philippine Performing Arts Company, choreographed by Kamille Janess and Renato Candelario.

Event with a Purpose

Beyond its elegance and pageantry, the Sampaguita Ball serves a greater purpose. As PCFI’s premier fundraising gala, it provides vital support for the Foundation’s educational, cultural, and artistic initiatives, ensuring that the richness of Philippine heritage continues to inspire generations to come. More than an evening of celebration, the Sampaguita Ball is a tribute to the enduring beauty of Filipino culture, the generosity of its community, and the legacy that continues to flourish through the Philippine Cultural Foundation, Inc.

Formal Attire Required

To preserve the sophistication of the occasion, attendees are expected to wear long evening gowns or Terno/Filipiniana gowns for ladies, and tuxedos or Barong Tagalog for gentlemen. This dress code will be strictly enforced.

Advertising and Sponsorship Opportunities

We are currently accepting full-color advertisements and personal greetings for inclusion in the official Sampaguita Ball souvenir program. Full-page ads are available for $160, and contributions are tax-deductible, as PCFI is a certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit cultural organization. All proceeds will benefit PCFI’s cultural programming and the continued preservation of the Philippine Cultural Enrichment Complex and the Bayanihan Arts and Events Center.

Hotel Accommodations

For out-of-town guests, Courtyard and Residence Inn by Marriott Tampa/Oldsmar are offering special rates:
Reservations by phone only: (813) 925-8887
Reserve Early – Seats Are Limited!

Seating and Reservations

This is a reservations-only event, and space is filling quickly. Seating is on a first-paid basis, so we encourage early confirmation.

For more information, please contact:
PCFI Office: (813) 925-1232
Lissa Biglete: (813) 909-6470
Lorelei Uy: (813) 545-4214
Jerlyn Spicer: (813) 842-2278

The post GET READY FOR SAMPAGUITA BALL 2026 “ENGRANDE!” appeared first on Asia Trend.

That workforce helps keep a strained system functioning. In 2024, America spent $5.3 trillion on healthcare — about $15,474 per person and 18% of GDP. Yet about 27 million Americans remained uninsured, and millions more live in communities with shortages of primary-care providers. We spend more than other wealthy nations, yet our health outcomes often lag behind them.

The workforce math is brutal. The country faces a projected shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036, and the nursing workforce faces continuing shortages as experienced nurses retire. Immigrant nurses and doctors have helped fill those gaps for decades, disproportionately including Filipino and South Asian professionals. They often serve in communities where recruiting healthcare workers is difficult.

Here in Central Florida, the shortage is not theoretical. Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties all have federally designated primary-care shortage areas — as do 66 of Florida’s 67 counties. Florida also faces significant physician workforce pressures. Hospitals throughout the region rely on nurses and physicians trained abroad, including many from the Philippines and India.

So, the immigration debate is not abstract for us — it is a healthcare debate. Every unnecessary barrier to recognizing the credentials of a foreign-trained nurse or physician can make a workforce shortage harder to solve. And every message that treats immigrants as a burden rather than a contributor ignores the people helping care for our families.

None of this is inevitable. It is shaped by policy choices: a system that has historically rewarded specialists more than primary care, too few residency positions to meet projected demand, and a complicated insurance and payment system that creates enormous administrative costs. We spend more than anyone and often tell ourselves we have the best healthcare system in the world. The Commonwealth Fund’s 2024 comparison of 10 wealthy nations ranked the United States last overall, including last in health outcomes.

We can choose differently — more primary care, more nursing and medical training, immigration policies that make better use of qualified health workers, broader access to coverage, and less administrative waste. But policy is not moved by numbers alone. Our community can staff the night shifts and shortage areas and still be an afterthought where healthcare policy is written. Being essential to the system has never been the same as having a say in it. That gap closes only one way: by showing up.

So, show up. Register. Call your commissioner, testify at a hearing, serve on a board. We have earned our place through decades of labor and care; now we must claim our voice. The people keeping America healthy increasingly look like us. When the decisions get made, the people at the table should too. That begins at the ballot box — and the next chance is the November midterm. Go vote.

Kam Shenai is a retired executive and civic leader in Lake Nona and co-founder of AAPI Coming Together (ACT Florida), a nonpartisan civic-participation group in Central Florida.

The post America’s Healthcare System Runs on Immigrants —and Many of Them Are Us appeared first on Asia Trend.

Shally has been known for her tireless efforts to bring people together, foster collaboration across different ethnicities and cultures, and create opportunities for communities to connect, learn from one another, and support one another. She is grateful for the opportunity to continue her passion for public service as the first Asian American Special Assistant to Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings, serving throughout both terms of his administration.

Throughout her community work, Shally has believed strongly in the importance of using our own voices and telling our own stories. She encourages communities to be organized, united, and willing to advocate for themselves rather than allowing others to define their experiences or speak on their behalf.

In accepting the award, Shally shared her appreciation for the many community leaders, organizations, volunteers, and friends who have joined her along the way. She also emphasized that meaningful change happens when we build bridges, create partnerships, and invite others to become part of the solution.

She concluded her speech by sharing one of her favorite quotes from the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg:

“Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”

The evening was especially meaningful because it celebrated the important mission of Shakthi US, a Central Florida nonprofit dedicated to empowering survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence, with a particular focus on the South Asian community. Founded in Florida in 2018, Shakthi’s mission is to provide education, empowerment, culturally sensitive resources, and support to help individuals and families break the cycle of violence and build safe, independent lives.

Shakthi understands that survivors from immigrant and culturally diverse communities can face unique barriers when seeking help, including language differences, cultural expectations, financial dependence, immigration concerns, transportation challenges, and fear of losing family or community support. Through culturally responsive programs and partnerships, Shakthi works to ensure that survivors know they are not alone and that help is available.

This year’s Shakthi US Gala brought together a sold-out crowd and raised $40,000 to support essential programs, including emergency housing, legal assistance, survivor support, and the Driving for Independence initiative. The evening featured powerful survivor stories, community solidarity, meaningful conversations, and a shared commitment to creating safer and stronger families.

Shakthi’s Driving for Independence program is particularly meaningful because transportation can be a critical step toward independence. Helping survivors obtain a driver’s license and reliable mobility can open doors to employment, healthcare, education, childcare, and other essential services.

A heartfelt thank you to the entire Shakthi US Board of Directors, Emcees Yog Melwani and Keith Landry, volunteers, sponsors, donors, advocates, and everyone who made this inspiring evening possible. Your commitment to standing with survivors and advocating for vulnerable members of our community makes a lasting difference.

Congratulations to all of the honorees, and thank you to Shakthi US for recognizing community service while continuing its life-changing work throughout Central Florida.

Together, we can use our voices, build bridges, uplift one another, and create a stronger and more compassionate community.

Learn more about Shakthi US and its life-changing work: Shakthi US

The post Founder of Asia Trend Receives Social Justice Award from Shakthi US appeared first on Asia Trend.

The succession ceremony was a traditional, sacred event attended by senior instructors, long-time students, and distinguished guests from across the globe. The transition signifies a new chapter for the organization, which was established in 1980 by now Great Grandmaster Pui Chan to preserve and promote the traditional Kung Fu and Tai Chi lineage.

In assuming her new role, Grandmaster Mimi Chan expressed a commitment to honoring her father’s foundation of discipline, heritage, and community while evolving the system’s teachings for future generations of practitioners. Founder Great Grandmaster Pui Chan is retired but retains emeritus status in the system. 

About the Wah Lum Kung Fu System Founded in the United States in 1970 by Great Grandmaster Pui Chan. In 1980, he built the first kung fu temple in America, the Wah Lum Kung Fu Temple in Orlando, Florida. The Wah Lum Temple serves as the international headquarters for the Wah Lum System. The organization is dedicated to the authentic preservation of Wah Lum Tam Tai Northern Praying Mantis Kung Fu and Tai Chi, offering comprehensive training programs, cultural exhibitions, and community outreach. Under the leadership of Grandmaster Mimi Chan, the temple continues to be a center for martial arts education and traditional Chinese lion and dragon dance performances.

The post Wah Lum Kung Fu System Announces Historic Leadership Succession; Sifu Mimi Chan Appointed as New Grandmaster appeared first on Asia Trend.

Teri: Hitomi, thank you so much for your time today. I’m very happy that we could meet in person and have this conversation. I know that one of your senior colleagues, Chiaki Yasukawa, also danced with Orlando Ballet, and it’s wonderful to see Japanese dancers continuing to thrive in the company.
By the way…
What inspired you to start learning ballet? How old were you when you began?

Hitomi: I started ballet when I was about four years old. My grandmother had always wanted her daughter to learn ballet, so she hoped her granddaughter would take it up instead.

Teri: How many years have you been a professional ballerina?

Hitomi: This year marks my 11th year as a professional dancer!

Teri: That’s wonderful! When you were taking lessons as a child, what did you enjoy most, and what did you find challenging?

Hitomi: What I enjoyed most was creating a performance together with my friends and fellow dancers at the ballet school. I always loved working as part of a team. The most difficult times were when I didn’t achieve the results I had hoped for in competitions.

Teri: Now that you are a professional ballerina, what do you find rewarding, what challenges do you face, and what are your goals?

Hitomi: One of the most rewarding things is being able to perform roles and works that I once dreamed of dancing. I also still enjoy collaborating with my fellow dancers to create large-scale productions. The most challenging times are when I am injured or in pain and cannot dance the way I want to.

Teri: I can imagine… How did you come to join Orlando Ballet, and when did you join the company?

Hitomi: Before coming to Orlando, I attended a ballet school in Houston. While auditioning for several programs, the director of Orlando Ballet School noticed me and offered me an opportunity. From there, I joined the second company and eventually became a member of the main company.

Teri: What does a ballet company dancer’s training schedule look like? Do you train every day? How many hours do you practice?

Hitomi: We work five days a week, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., which is actually quite similar to a regular office job schedule.

Teri: Have you noticed any differences between ballet in Japan and ballet in the United States? If you have experience in other countries as well, how do they compare?

Hitomi: It’s not so much the ballet itself, but the audience that feels different. In Japan, ballet is often viewed as something exclusive or difficult to access. In the United States and Europe, however, it is part of everyday culture and something anyone can enjoy. Because of that, I feel there is generally more support for ballet in those countries.

Teri: What are your top three favorite ballets to perform, and your top three works you would most like to see?

Hitomi: My top three favorite ballets to perform are Romeo and Juliet, Giselle, and Don Quixote. And the top three works I would most like to see are Manon, Works by William Forsythe, and Works by Crystal Pite.

Teri: We’ve talked a bit about your life as a ballet dancer, Hitomi, and now I’d like to hear a little about your personal life as well. How do you spend your days off? Do you have any hobbies?

Hitomi: On my days off, I like to take it easy and give my body plenty of rest. I enjoy spending time with my dog, Nina, baking sweets, and watching movies.

Teri: What kinds of sweets do you like to bake?

Hitomi: Lately, I’ve been making muffins quite often! I usually bake a large batch, and if there are any extras, I like to share them with the other dancers.

Teri: What is your favorite food?

Hitomi: I have a sweet tooth, so I love desserts – especially baked goods and sweet breads from bakeries.

Teri: Where do you usually buy sweet breads and pastries? And what are some of your favorites?

Hitomi: It’s actually quite difficult to find Japanese-style sweet breads in Orlando. My favorite bakeries in Orlando are Buttermilk Bakery and Chiffon Culture Bakery Café.

Teri: Besides sweet breads, do you ever miss Japanese food? What’s your favorite Japanese dish?

Hitomi: Japanese yakiniku is something I always make sure to eat whenever I return to Japan.

Teri: That sounds delicious! I love yakiniku too. Where in Japan are you from? Could you tell us a little about your hometown?

Hitomi: My hometown is Kiyose City in Tokyo, located on the western side of the city near Saitama Prefecture. It is rich in nature, with plenty of farms and forests. It’s a peaceful and comfortable place to live—so much so that it hardly feels like Tokyo. Kiyose’s carrots are famous. There’s a long-established confectionary house called “Seigetsu” where my father regularly goes to.

Teri: That sounds lovely. What was your impression of Orlando when you first arrived? Is there anything you wish Orlando had more of today?

Hitomi: When I first came to Orlando, I felt there wasn’t much here besides Disney and Universal. However, in recent years, I’ve seen the city grow and develop significantly, with many new neighborhoods, facilities, and attractions. One thing I would love to see more of is Japanese shops and restaurants.

Teri: I know exactly what you mean! Now we’ve learned a little about your life outside of ballet – spending time with your furry baby, Nina, baking sweets, watching movies, and getting plenty of rest. Before we wrap up, I’d like to ask you a few more questions about your ballet career… What would you like audiences to experience when they watch a ballet performance? What do you hope they will feel and enjoy?

Hitomi: It depends on the production. For story ballets, I hope audiences will enjoy experiencing the emotions of the characters and seeing the story from each character’s perspective through dance. For non-narrative works, I hope they can appreciate the joy of movement itself and enjoy dance as an art form that expresses emotions and ideas through the body.

Teri: I see… What kinds of productions have you performed in with Orlando Ballet?

Hitomi: I have performed in many different types of productions over the years, but my favorites are story ballets – works that tell a story through dance.

Teri: What is the best way to attend and enjoy a ballet performance? Is there a preferred dress code or etiquette? In Japan, the ballet environment is often seen as rather formal, while in the U.S. it seems to be more relaxed.

Hitomi: I think people should feel free to wear whatever they are comfortable in! Compared to Japan, ballet performances in the United States tend to be much more casual and accessible.

Teri: What are your top three ballet recommendations for first-time audience members?

Hitomi: I’d say Romeo and Juliet, Giselle, and Swan Lake.

Teri: What message would you like to share with children who are currently studying ballet or who are thinking about starting ballet?

Hitomi: The path of ballet is certainly not an easy one, but I believe that as long as you believe in yourself, there will always be a way forward. Don’t compare yourself to others. Focus on your own journey, and most importantly, enjoy dancing.

Teri: That’s great to hear! Thank you so much, Hitomi. It was a real pleasure talking with you today. I wish you continued success in your ballet career, and all the very best for the future!

The post 人．．．ひと．．．People – J. Talents in Orlando appeared first on Asia Trend.

The other day, I had the opportunity to experience a kōdō (the Japanese Way of Incense) gathering. I’d like to introduce the world of kōdō following the flow of that gathering.

In kōdō, rather than using incense sticks or kneaded incense, participants appreciate the fragrance of kōboku, or fragrant wood. Instead of burning the wood directly, it is gently heated over charcoal, allowing its delicate aroma to emerge. One of the unique features of kōdō is that this experience is described as “listening to the fragrance.”

Japan is home to many traditional arts that have been cultivated over centuries. Among them are Sado, the Way of Tea, which transforms the act of drinking tea into a spiritual practice, and Kado, the art of flower arrangement. Alongside these stands another refined art form: Kodo, the Way of Incense.

Kodo is a uniquely Japanese cultural practice centered on appreciating and discerning the subtle qualities of fragrant woods. More than simply enjoying aroma, it is a highly sophisticated art that integrates literature, seasonality, aesthetics, and spirituality.

The History of Kodo

The origins of Kodo can be traced back to the Muromachi period (1336-1573).
During the era of Ashikaga Yoshimasa, who fostered the Higashiyama culture and the aesthetics of wabi-sabi, Kyoto became a center for the development of Japan’s classical arts. It was in this cultural atmosphere, particularly around Ginkaku-ji Temple, that the three great Japanese arts—Tea, Flower, and Incense—were refined into formal traditions.

In the 16th century, Kodo was systematized by Shino Soshin, a samurai, and Sanjonishi Sanetaka, one of the highest-ranking cultural figures of the Imperial Court. From that time onward, Kodo was cultivated as a refined accomplishment among both aristocrats and samurai families.

In Kodo, the act of appreciating fragrance is described not as “smelling” but as “listening” to incense. This expression reflects the idea that one should quiet the mind, focus the senses, and engage with fragrance through the whole body and spirit.

Fragrance in Kodo is believed to awaken the five senses, create stillness within the mind, and invite participants into a contemplative world of tranquility and awareness. It is a comprehensive art form deeply connected to poetry, literature, seasonal aesthetics, visual design, and philosophical thought.

Rikkoku Gomi 六国五味: The Foundation of Kodo

Kodo is built upon two essential elements: Rikkoku Gomi and Kumiko.

What Is Rikkoku Gomi?

The fragrant wood used in Kodo is primarily jinko (aloeswood), a rare aromatic wood formed only under highly specific natural conditions over many years in limited regions of Southeast Asia.

The highest grade of aloeswood is called Kyara, an exceptionally precious material that today is said to be worth many times more than gold by weight.

In Kodo tradition, aromatic woods are classified into six categories:

 Kyara 伽羅
 Rakoku 羅国
 Manaka 真那賀
 Manaban 真南蛮
 Sumotara 寸聞多羅
 Sasora 佐曽羅

Their fragrances are further described through five “flavors”:
 Sweet
 Spicy
 Bitter
 Sour
 Salty
This system is known as Rikkoku Gomi, meaning “Six Countries and Five Flavors.”
The use of taste vocabulary to describe scent reflects the uniquely refined sensitivity of Japanese
aesthetics.

Kumiko 組香: A Literary Game of Fragrance

The second major pillar of Kodo is Kumiko.

Kumiko is a game in which participants listen to several fragrances and identify their combinations. Yet it is far more than a simple guessing game. Kumiko developed into an artistic and spiritual practice intertwined with seasonal themes, classical poetry, and literary references.

There are said to be more than 700 types of Kumiko, selected according to the season or occasion. New compositions continue to be created even today, demonstrating that Kodo remains a living tradition.

Genji-ko 源氏香: Fragrance Inspired by The Tale of Genji

Among all forms of Kumiko, one of the most celebrated is Genji-ko.

Genji-ko is based on The Tale of Genji, the masterpiece written by Murasaki Shikibu over one thousand years ago during the Heian period. Often regarded as the world’s oldest full-length novel, the work serves as the literary foundation for this elegant incense game.

How Genji-ko Works

In Genji-ko, five different fragrant woods are each prepared in sets of five packets, creating a total of twenty-five packets.

From these, five packets are selected at random and heated one by one in incense burners.

Participants carefully “listen” to each fragrance and determine:

 which aromas are the same,
 and which are different.

The results are recorded using a diagram composed of five vertical lines.
If two fragrances are judged to be the same, their lines are connected at the top by a horizontal bar.
Different fragrances remain unconnected.

These combinations produce fifty-two possible patterns.
Each pattern corresponds to one of the fifty-two chapters of The Tale of Genji, and each bears the chapter’s name, such as Hanachirusato, Yugao, or Wakamurasaki.

These elegant designs are known as the Genji-ko diagrams.

Although composed only of simple straight lines, the diagrams embody remarkable abstraction, literary depth, and visual beauty.

The Etiquette of the Incense Gathering

During a Kodo gathering, incense burners are passed from guest to guest in silence and concentration.

Participants appreciate the fragrance through three gentle breaths, traditionally from the right, left, and center. This method encourages a deep attentiveness to subtle variations in aroma.

In Kodo, this practice is called Monko 聞香 — “listening to incense.”

The word “listening” expresses an attitude of mindfulness: quieting the heart, facing oneself honestly, and fully concentrating on the fragrance.

When the first incense burner is passed, participants also bow lightly to the next guest and say “Osakini” (“Excuse me for going before you”), reflecting the importance of courtesy and harmony within the incense gathering.

What Kodo Truly Values

In a Kodo gathering, the host responsible for preparing the incense is called the Kohmoto.

The adjustment of charcoal heat is considered extremely important, as even the slightest difference can affect the fragrance released by the wood. Great skill and sensitivity are required to present the incense in its finest condition.

According to the masters of Kodo, the most important principle is to allow guests to experience fragrance at its absolute best.

At the same time, Kodo values the human connections created within the gathering itself. Through sharing fragrance together, participants may discover new awareness, deepen relationships, and experience a fleeting yet meaningful sense of communion.

At the close of the gathering, the Kohmoto announces:

“Koh michimashita.”

“The fragrance has reached fullness.”

This poetic expression signifies that the aroma has filled not only the room, but also the hearts of everyone present, leaving behind a rich and lingering emotional resonance.

Thank you very much for joining this journey into the world of Kodo. We hope the experience leaves a lasting fragrance in your memory.

Koseki 香席  Presented by; Nippon Kodo　日本香堂
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Nippon Kodo is a leading Japanese incense and home fragrance company with a heritage dating back to 1575. Headquartered in Ginza, Tokyo, the company combines centuries-old incense-making traditions with modern fragrance innovation to create products that promote relaxation, mindfulness, and everyday well-being. Today, Nippon Kodo is recognized worldwide for its high-quality incense, candles, and home fragrance collections, bringing the art of Japanese fragrance to customers across the globe.

The post Listening to Fragrance – The World of Kōdō 香道 and Genji-kō 香木 appeared first on Asia Trend.