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Buzz Feed
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Celebs Share Favorite Parts Of Their Culture
It's AAPI Month in the US! To celebrate, I sat down with a number of Pacific Islander celebs to chat about their careers and cultures for BuzzFeed's Voices of the Pacific series. In each interview, I asked them about their favorite part of their culture. And wow, did they have some beautiful responses: Simone Kessell (Māori) "I'll cry if I think about it. See, I'm getting teary. When you're honored with the haka, and when it's the ultimate respect to honor somebody or something with a waiata [song] and a haka, from welcoming them onto your marae [communal meeting grounds], from sports to somebody's tangi at their funeral, or wedding celebration. In the Māori culture [visibly tears up] see, look, I cry every time I think about the haka. It's so incredible, and it's so powerful, and it's so uplifting." Drew Afualo (Samoan) "Family is my favorite part. Family and humor are essential, integral parts to Samoan culture. I'm constantly telling people about Samoan people because there's so little exposure, especially in the entertainment world. Samoan culture is a culture rooted in service to your family, to your culture, to the lord, to your elders, to anyone, really. It's inherently selfless — selfless to a fault in a lot of ways. But we love to give with no expectation of anything in the thread line you can see in so many different aspects of our culture, whether it's food, in the way we serve, the way we eat together, the way that we spend all of our waking moments together. There has never been a moment in my life where I was not surrounded by family in some capacity; everything is rooted with family and love, and the same thing with humor. I learned how to be funny with my family. I learned how to take a joke with my family. I learned how to roast with my family. My favorite parts of Samoan culture are definitely family and humor because every Samoan I've ever met is the funniest motherfucker I've ever met my life. I've never met a funnier person in my life than Samoan people, so I have to attribute all of my humor and jokes to them. They've made me funny." Dinah Jane (Tongan) "My favorite part of our culture is the singing and the chanting. I was in Hawai'i in December, and I closed off my tour out there. The next day, I was able to go to PCC [Polynesian Cultural Center]. Anytime I hear Polynesians sing together in unison of any type of song without any instruments, it's so chilling to me, and it takes me back home. It makes me feel like I'm back on the islands. It makes me feel like I'm back where my grandparents were walking, where their footprints started. When I was there in Hawai'i, I remembered experiencing them singing to us, to this day, I still get chills about it because it was from the heart. The music is what really drives me and makes me cry. If they're singing so beautiful and it's a nice song, I feel like it's such a lullaby when our people sing. That's the type of lullaby I could sleep to, cry to, champion. I would love to listen to us singing before I go on stage because that's what will hype me up. There's just so much power and spirit. You just feel like your ancestors are in the room, singing with them and speaking. They were singing Māori, and I don't know much of the language, but I feel like that's what makes our people feel like one. If it's Tongan, if it's Fijian, if it's Samoan, whatever language it is, it still feels like home." Alex Tarrant (Māori, Samoan, and Niuean) "That's a tough question. I am three ethnicities. I am Māori, Samoan, and Niuean. With that being said, I love the mixture I can feel within myself. There's certain abilities that I know I get from each culture. But what I love the most about my culture is the sense of a strong community. And I mean it when I say: if one of us succeeds, I'm so proud of from New Zealand, it's interesting because I keep on coming back to this idea of when one of us wins, we all win. We're very much shoulder to shoulder, hand to hand, moving forward in this big idea of the film and television industry. The end of Moana 2 really struck us, just the idea of all of these islands coming together. We have a beautiful, amazing friend/mentor who says we're not divided by land; we're connected by water." Sasha Colby (Native Hawaiian) "Oh, I have so many favorite aspects. The food alone [laughs] that's definitely home base for me. But I love the music and the hula, the dancing. As a dancer, I love the idea that we came up with mythology to explain natural occurrences in nature, and then to remember it, we would write it into a poem, and then to remember it and pass it on, we would make it into a mele or a song. And to pass it along again and to reiterate it more into our culture, we would make a hula out of it. So, it was all these things that naturally combined. But that's what I really loved because I love learning about our history, through that flow." Uli Latukefu (Tongan) "This one might get me choked up a little bit. The singing for me [starts tearing up]. My grandmother was a preacher, and we spent a lot of time growing up in the church. There's something about when you go to church: you hear the voices in 1) in our own language, and 2) the harmonies and all that kind of thing. Just the thought of it moves me a lot. And it's not unique to Tonga, obviously, everywhere across the changed a lot [from] when our fathers and our grandparents first came over to America or Australia or New Zealand or wherever. That freedom of expression of our culture wasn't always embraced. It wasn't always understood. But that's very much changed now, where our kids are very proud of who they are and their cultural heritage, proud to represent Samoa, Tonga, wherever. And so, when I see that in our young kids, it makes me feel very warm inside. Māfana is how we would say it in Tongan. When I hear the kids singing like that, it really hits home." Rachel House (Māori) "It's our relationship with nature. It's the way we see nature. It's what I tried to really infuse The Mountain with, actually, as I want people to remember that we used to see — well, a lot of us still do — but that we used to see nature as family. So, if we can start thinking that way again, we might treat her better." Oscar Kightley (Samoan) "One of my favorite Samoan words is va, meaning the set of rules and protocols that dictates your social connection with other people, your relationships. I love that aspect of our culture, that the space between you and someone else is not just empty space — it's what actually connects you. Epeli Hauʻofa, a great Tongan academic and thinker, said something like, 'People look at the Pacific Ocean and see these little islands dotted around, and they think [it's] this vast empty space. We look at it and see, no, it's a sea of islands.' That is the landmass that connects us.I think my favorite part of our culture is concepts like that, that are important to us. I love that whole concept of interconnectedness. Pasifika is so many different groups, too, right? There's Micronesia, there's Polynesia, there's Melanesia. And we're connected to each other, whichever one of those nations you fit into. You can be in a room of Fijians and Solomon Islanders and Tongans, Niuean, Cook Island, Micronesian, and you will feel a common thread that I think links us all." And finally, Luciane Buchanan (Tongan) "I think about this all the time. I'm just like, 'I love being Tongan.' I love everything about it. I love our humor. I love the way that we love. We're also just so dramatic. I think my calling to be a storyteller definitely comes from the way that my aunties record stories over and over, and the way they would perform it. I've definitely inherited that. We have this concept called māfana, which is like the love, the warmth inside that we have and we love. And I think that's so special, and I try to capture that in anything I try to do that is specific to the Tongan way that my grandma showed love was keeping in touch with people. Sometimes, me and my cousin joke around. We're like, 'Could we actually do what she did?' Because now, we live in a time where we're like, 'Boundaries. [Laughs] I can't live like that. I can't open the door for everyone.' But she always made time, and she had this phone book. Do you remember you'd write everyone's landline numbers? Her phone book was so tattered because it was used so much that my auntie had to laminate the pages because it was so ruined. And me and my cousin say this now, we feel like we're exactly the same. We're constantly on FaceTime, and I live overseas. I'm constantly on the road, so I try to inherit that way of connecting with people. I think that's the way that she showed love. It's my favorite part of my culture that I want to continue to do." You can read the full Voices of the Pacific interviews here.
Time Out
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
This is Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto's ultimate comfort dish
For the month of May, Time Out New York is celebrating the culture and contributions of Asian Americans across the diaspora for Asian American and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month. To that end, we are highlighting some of our AAPI vendors at Time Out Market New York. So far, we got intel from owner and head chef Matthew Lim of Okiboru on how we should be eating ramen's bolder cousin. This week, we chatted with the culinary legend himself: Masaharu Morimoto of Mori Mori. We spoke with the 'Iron Chef' to hear about his comfort foods, a cooking tool he can't live without and how he ushered in AAPI Month at one of the largest Japanese cultural celebrations in New York. This year, you ushered in the 4th annual Japan Parade and Street Fair as the Grand Marshal. What did that mean to you? Masaharu Morimoto: It's a big honor for me to be the Grand Marshal of this year's Japan Parade. I've spent many years sharing Japanese food and culture in America, so this feels very meaningful. It's a great chance to celebrate Japan with the New York community, and I'm excited to see everyone and be part of this special event. How are you continuing to celebrate your heritage during AAPI Month and beyond? MM: Through my restaurants, cooking and teaching people about Japanese cuisine. During AAPI Month and beyond, I highlight authentic Japanese ingredients and techniques in everything I do. It's important, to me, to honor tradition while also introducing more people to the flavors of Japan. What is your comfort food? MM: While sushi will always be one of my favorite meals, a hot plate of okonomiyaki is my top comfort food. It's filling, easy to enjoy and reminds me of my childhood. I eat it when I want something quick and satisfying that reminds me of my hometown, Hiroshima. What is a cooking tool you can't live without? MM: My set of Japanese knives. They're the ultimate weapon of an 'Iron Chef.' I sharpen them regularly to always keep them in good shape. What is a dish that you could eat every day without getting sick of it? MM: Sushi. There are so many types and flavors, and it always feels fresh and balanced. At Mori Mori, I enjoyed experimenting with different ingredients, which made it even more exciting to both create and eat. What is a Japanese dish that is overrated in American culture? MM: I don't like to say any Japanese dish is overrated, because every dish has meaning and tradition. Each one tells a story, whether it's from a specific region or based on a long-standing cultural practice. The way food is prepared and served is just as important as the ingredients themselves, which is why every dish deserves respect. What is a Japanese dish that you think deserves more shine? MM: I believe dishes like tempura deserve more shine. It's a simple yet refined dish that showcases the beauty of light, crispy batter and fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Forbes
01-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Crafted By Generations: How Susanna And Sai Chow Built A Brand On Love And Legacy
Susanna and Sai Chow - Co-Founders of Susanna Chow Every year, on Mother's Day, I highlight a business founded by a mother and daughter. This year is particularly special, as it coincides with AAPI Month. I had the privilege of sitting with Susanna Chow and her mother, Sai Chow, the dynamic duo behind the women-led, family-owned luxury outerwear, dresses, and bridal brand Susanna Chow. Susanna and Sai launched their business with only $500, just enough to build a website. They didn't have outside investors, fashion industry connections, or inventory. However, they possessed firm conviction, resilience, and a shared belief that fashion should be intentional and well-crafted. 'We started this brand with a simple mission: to create a sustainable luxury label rooted in timeless design and ethical values. Our mantra: Buy once, wear forever.' Sai immigrated to the U.S. from Hong Kong in 1970 at age 21, speaking little English. Determined to succeed in her new country, she enrolled at Baruch College to study accounting while working in New York City's Chinatown garment factories. Beading and sewing run deep in the Chow family: Sai learned the craft from her mother, who supported their family by beading and sewing garments at home after World War II. Sai later earned a master's degree from Pace University while working full-time as a manager in Citigroup's margin and derivatives department—and raising three children. A breast cancer survivor and a lifelong learner, she remains, to this day, deeply engaged in craft and community, teaching beadwork and origami at senior centers. Susanna and Sai's story challenges the traditional norms and celebrates reinvention. Before founding their brand, Susanna worked in global beauty marketing for MAC and NARS. At Estée Lauder, she led digital marketing strategy and collaborated with global e-commerce teams. Susanna knew what an ideal user experience should be like, but had never built a website from scratch. "Knowing what you want is one thing, but executing is a different game," she says. One core lesson from her corporate career stuck with her: "Everyone brings their skills to the table. That's how you build a great team." Susanna embraced Estée Lauder's strength-based leadership philosophy and continues to apply it today. Since their very first days, everything has been made-to-order or produced in small, sustainable batches. "We didn't want to just focus on what we were making, but how we were making it," says Susanna. Their commitment to craftsmanship extends to eco-conscious packaging and minimizing waste in every step of the production process. The original spark for the brand came when Susanna visited her mother's apartment—now their studio—and saw a table full of beaded tissue boxes and dolls. Her marketing instincts said, 'We can make handbags out of this.' In 2018, the two began creating handmade prototypes. Their first significant retail order came from Tribeca Boutique Ever After. As the business began to grow, Susanna left her corporate career to build her namesake brand alongside her mother. Ariana Grande - Saturday Night Live (SNL) While the handbags gave them their start, a coat named JoJo, after Susanna's sister Joanna, changed everything. Joanna couldn't find a stylish maternity coat during the pandemic, so Susanna and Sai designed one. It became their bestseller, and the brand's pivot into outerwear took off. The outerwear pieces quickly went viral on Instagram. Celebrities like Ariana Grande and Nicky Hilton were spotted in their coats. Soon, the Chows expanded into full outerwear production and are now stocked in over 30 stores globally, including Revolve and Bloomingdale's. Their feather-trimmed Dorothy coat remains a standout. The Dorothy Coat Susanna Chow This spring, they launched their first bridal capsule collection. Designed and handmade in New York City, the collection honors generations of craftsmanship—her mother stitched Sai's wedding dress. Susanna carries that tradition forward with heirloom-quality gowns meant to last a lifetime. Bridal dresses range from $695 to $895, and coats from $595 to $1,695. Each piece is crafted with care, minimal waste, and zero overproduction. Susanna Chow Sai, now 71, remains the creative force behind the brand. She describes herself as a maximalist who designs intuitively rather than through sketching. She can create a pattern simply by visualizing the design. Susanna leads brand marketing, e-commerce, and styling. While their aesthetics sometimes differ, the creative tension results in some of their best work. "When we compromise, we create our most beautiful pieces," Susanna explains. Their deep ties to New York's Chinatown remain foundational. It's where Sai once worked in a garment factory while studying at Baruch and where the brand's studio operates today. Supporting the local community is central to their mission. Their story is more than just building a fashion business—it's about resilience, identity, and the power of family and legacy. "It's okay to feel scared when you try something new," Susanna says. "Let's normalize this fear, overcome it, and embrace it. Just push forward anyway." Much of that mindset, she adds, came from watching her mother overcome breast cancer and the sudden loss of her parents in a motor vehicle crash. "When faced with unimaginable life circumstances, it puts things into perspective. What do you have to lose? Or another way to think about it is—'Oh, but what if you fly?'" "She always says she's proud of me," Susanna reflects, 'but the reality is—I'm so proud of her. And the best part is, we're just getting started.' Sai's advice? "Keep going. Keep learning."
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Fox Cities Performing Arts Center celebrates culture & arrival of new Hmong American school
APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) – Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is celebrated annually each May, and this year marks the 50th anniversary of Hmong refugees resettling in the United States. The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center hosted a celebration of Hmong culture on Thursday evening to get the party started early. Appleton International Airport unveils completion of new concourse expansion ahead of NFL Draft The event was assisted by multiple Hmong organizations, including the new Hmong American Immersion School (HAIS), which opens this Fall. Dr. Thai Xiong, the Impact Director for HAIS, said it's a Charter School in Appleton to teach the language and history of Hmong culture in the core curriculum. Dr. Xiong said that Hmong culture has made its mark on the community over the past 50 years, exemplified by the arrival of HAIS. Longtime member of Blue Man Group and Oshkosh North alum honored in ceremony 'Culturally, back then, little was known,' Dr. Xiong said. 'Right now, in the present, we're having the first Hmong charter school in northeast Wisconsin, 50 years after the Hmong people settled in the United States. The AAPI Month Community event kicked off at 5 p.m., featuring multiple ways to pay homage to the culture and history through performances, music, food and stories. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
