HAPPENINGS BY THE BAY
HAPPENINGS BY THE BAY
By Gerrye Wong March 15, 2020
Santa Clara Valley’s Chinese community was excited to learn the documentary feature “FAR EAST DEEP SOUTH” would be making its world premiere here at the 30th Annual Cinequest Film and Creativity Festival last week. The San Francisco Examiner newspaper named it to be one of the “top picks” of the festival and Director Larissa Lam and husband Producer Baldwin Chiu were to be on hand for the festivities.
The film was scheduled to be premiered three times during the week. Fortunately during the first weekend two showings brought eager fans to the Redwood City Century 20 and we had the privilege of meeting Baldwin, Larissa, his parents Mr. and Mrs. Charles Chiu, and granddaughter Caliya then. Due to the concerns of the coronavirus spreading in venues of close quarters like theaters, the rest of the Cinequest Festival was cancelled after the first week, and thus the third viewing on March 14 was also cancelled.
Caption: Mr. and Mrs./ Charles Chiu, center, celebrated World Premiere of Far East Deep South film with Ernie and Mary Ann Wong and Calvin & Gerrye Wong.
Far East Deep South is the personal story of Baldwin Chiu bringing his father to Page, Mississippi to find out more about his grandfather, whom his father never knew. The film does a good job of presenting their own family story while also presenting a unique perspective on immigration, race and American identity. The film followed Baldwin and his father, Charles on a surprising trip from California to Mississippi in search of their lost family history of their grandfather, the first generation immigrant to come to America from China. Baldwin’s father Charles never saw his father beyond age 2 as he settled in San Francisco with his grandmother while his father sought a living running a small store halfway across the map in the small city of Page, Mississippi. While visiting the small town, they met people who actually remembered the grandfather as a kind businessman working hard in his own little grocery store, and a museum staffer miraculously found a box of the elder’s immigration papers and photos. While talking to these locals, many shed light on the racially complex history of the early Chinese in the segregated south. It was a tearful journey of enlightenment that led them to discover how exclusionary immigration laws like the Chinese Exclusion act of 1882 separated their family for generations.
Caption: Movie Producer Baldwin Chiu welcomes friends to the Redwood City Premiere of his new film.
When asked why he made this film by audience member during the Q and A session, Baldwin Chiu said, “All my life, I’ve struggled with my identity and wrestled with whether I was American enough or Chinese enough. Throughout my life I had encountered different people making racist comments and assumptions about me just based on how I looked. After finding out the truth about how deep my roots run in this country, I now have a stronger sense of belonging and pride as an American, and eager to ensure my young daughter feels that sense of belonging too while remembering her roots.”
Caption: Baldwin Chiu and Larissa Lam with daughter Caliya welcome San Joseans Ben Toms and Ernie Wongs to the World Premiere of their documentary movie Far East Deep South.
Wife and mother, filmmaker, TV/radio host and dance/pop recording artist Larissa Lam added during the Q and A sessions after the film showing, “Most of the history we learn in school about Asians in America is limited to Chinese railroad workers or Japanese internment camps. We all learned about segregation but rarely heard about how Asians and other people of color were also impacted by discriminative laws like the Exclusion Act. We hope that through our film it will help change how American history is told so that it paints a more accurate and inclusive picture,” added Larissa. After the showing a group gathered to congratulate the happy Chius and all celebrating in typical Chinese fashion — by eating together. Specially enjoying the film were Mississippi-reared Mary Ann Wong and husband Arkansas-reared Ernie Wong, who joined happy diners the Aaron Wongs, Randy Sabados, Pauline Jones, Ben Toms and Willy Wongs. All agreed the film of this personal memoir of the Chiu Family was very moving and expressed well how the discriminative laws hindered families joining together throughout their lives.
Caption: Director Larissa Lam, center, is heralded by movie goers Maelene and Gerrye Wong, Brenda Wong and Gerry Sabado.
With the Cinequest Festival closing and cancelling all film showings, it was sad to see the plans and eager first showings of many filmmakers new works being silenced. However, Baldwin and Larissa plan to be back when the film will be shown again during early fall when Cinequest Festival will resume. Find out more about Far East Deep South at fareastdeepsouth.com
Caption: Baldwin Chiu and Larissa Lam greet movie fans at post-showing celebration dinner of their Cinequest film.
Stay tuned when this pandemic is over hopefully and Cinequest will return to complete the showings of Baldwin’s film and othrs. To see an introductory trailer in the meantime, log in to https://vimeo.com/385162456. Thanks Baldwin and Larissa for sharing your personal excursion to find your roots in this very well produced film.
South Bay Chinese Club Honors Elder Members
Caption: South Bay Chinese Club members of ages 80 or over honored by the club with a dim sum lunch.
I have always been impressed with the South Bay Chinese Club’s annual luncheon honoring any members 80 years and older to dine as member guests of the club. It isn’t often that the long standing elders of a club are ever acknowledged and recognized so what a nice gesture that SBCC continues annually with a happy dim sum lunch occasion. Organizer Cecilia Leon made attractive red rose corsages from her own garden for the honorees who confessed to being over 80 years of age. Aliene Lee and Lorrie Wong assisted in handing out little food favors to take home as remembrances of the occasion.
Caption: 90 year old Frank Louie celebrated his birthday with a high jumping clicking of heels.
With a young spirit, Frank Louie celebrated his 90th birthday that day, jumping for joy and clicking his heels midair as only he could do to show his youthful joy for an active life. Five others proud to be in their ninth decade of happy living with Frank were his brother George and Dorothy Louie, Calvin Wong, Lai Fong Leon, and Mae Xavier.
Caption: Congratulatory applause went to these 90 year old lively SBCC seniors.
This young group of honoree diners all had healthy appetites enjoying the SBCC luncheon at the Asian Pearl Restaurant. Posing proudly claiming to be octogenarians were Gene Lim, Wilson and Pauline Fong, Michiko Yee, Steven and Phyllis Gee, Gladys Lee, Thomas Chun, Gerrye Wong, Kay Chu, Esther Yee, Joe Woo, Richard Yee, Aliene Yee, and President Anna Muh.
The 2020 SBCC Officers leading this active club are President Anna Muh, VP Willy Yichoy, Secretary Angelina Heywood and Treasurer Gordon Jang. Assisting in major roles are Board Directors Ben Chew, Judy Chong, Cecilia Leon, Aaron Wong, Ben Wong, Ron Wong, Joe Woo, and Aliene Yee. The SBCC was formed in 1965 in order to preserve the culture and customs of the Chinese heritage, to foster and encourage better understanding of civic responsibilities and the American way of life, and to promote the general welfare of the community. Great job, everyone, and on behalf of the aging members of your club, thanks for remembering them.
BLOOMINGDALE’S COMES TO SAN JOSE
In high class fashion and in keeping with its world renowned image, Bloomingdale’s store opened in San Jose’s Valley Fair Westfield Center in a splash bang grand opening celebration evening. Loyal patrons of its other Bay Area stores were invited to a most glamorous opening night and were greeted by welcoming valet service and caterers from the glittering #LadyMxBaccarat Cake Truck serving sample Lady M’s Signature Mille Crepes. The invitation read Welcome to the Fair and true to form, we were greeted by circus performers, a lovely lady on 10 foot high stilts, and a night of fun and games to celebrate the new store opening.
Caption: Stilt walker greeted Bloomingdale’s shoppers Gerrye Wong and Melissa Matsuura
With game tokens given to all guests, masses were lined up to try their luck at a Claw Machine to win fabulous prizes. Chi Am Circle President Carol Yiu won an espresso machine with a lucky grab and fellow member Eva Wong won a bagful of Bloomingdale’s umbrellas. A charming Hoi Ling Wong enticed us to her La Prairie section where Kelly and Melissa Matsuura were introduced to the new Caviar La Prairie skin replenishing creams. One always wants to try new products so the team with Specialist Wong, Business Manager Wei Sun and Account Executive Naomi Sanchez were very welcoming to invite us back on a less busy day for future beauty consultations and sent us off with a La Prairie sample goodie bag.
Caption: Kelly Matsuura is given beauty consultation by La Prairie advisors at Bloomingdale’s.
With drinks in hand, we ascended to the second floor to find the downward escalator had been put out of service due to an eager customer getting her Jimmy Choo stiletto heel unfortunately stuck in one of the steps. That didn’t deter any of the fun loving spirit though as on- lookers gawked at a lady contortionist and an acrobatic team performing expert poses and postures. I had my future determined by mah jong tiles I picked and were read by a master mentalist. It said I would lead a healthy 2020 so happily I jumped on to the Fashion Carousel with granddaughter Melissa for a Bloomingdale’s photo op among the women’s active wear department.
Caption: Welcome photo op in front of namesake poster given to all.
Excited crowds milled around all the drink bars and attractive appetizers were served continually by cheerful servers. Lines formed to get a fortune from a windowed Zoltar figure with sometimes prize winning tickets, while other more action seeking patrons took basketball shots at a Hugo Boss Hoop for prizes from that fashion line. Music filled the air, beautiful floral displays were all around, and I am sure all of the energized patrons will surely return to the store in less exciting times. There was just too much to see and do that night to take any moment to look at the merchandise Bloomingdale’s is known for.
Caption: Opening night celebrants, Gerrye Wong with Kelly and Melissa Matsuura pose with Bloomingdale’s signature purse.
As people streamed from the beautiful Bloomingdale’s store, they were pleasantly surprised to receive a burlap Bloomingdale’s Logo Little Brown Bag filled with a $50 gift certificate which surely will entice everyone to return soon. Bloomingdale’s opens a completely new section of Valley Fair with fashion finds of name brand high end stores, So if you want a day of shopping adventure, come down to visit the new Bloomies store. For added incentive, the highly popular Din Tai Fung dim sum favorite will be a nice stopping point when you’re loaded down with your best buys. Happy shopping! Welcome Bloomingdale’s to Silicon Valley shoppers
LUCKY ORINDA GETS SHARETEA
We in Silicon Valley have been privileged to have many Boba drink places around us, but just a month ago, Orinda citizens were introduced to their first local opening of SHARETEA in their own downtown. Thanks to Attorney Shawn Yee’s business entrepreneur enthusiasm, the popular item is now available to this lucky East Bay community.
Caption: Owner Shawn Yee welcomes all to his newly opened Sharetea shop in Orinda.
Orinda hometown native Shawn and his equally excited parents Dr. David and Jayne Yee told us Sharetea is the most authentic Boba tea brand from Taiwan. Shawn added, “Sharetea’s Boba Tea or called Bubble Tea are made from high quality and selected ingredients shipped directly from Taiwan so all products are 100% guaranteed to arrive fresh and tasty.”
Caption: Owners Shawn and Jayne Yee, center, welcome friends Sylvia Eng, Susan Chang and Gerrye Wong to newly opened Sharetea boba drink store.
I was particularly impressed with the wide variety of Tea selections on the menu. I could have Fruit Teas of many flavors, and equally so with Milk Tea and Fresh Milk (milk alternatives) options. The menu offered also Signature Mojito drinks, Brewed teas and Ice Blended teas. Husband Calvin raved over his delicious Mango Ice Blended with ice cream drink and fellow diner Margaret Louie exclaimed her Strawberry Ice Blended with Lychee Jelly and ice cream was the BEST. Susan Chang and I enjoyed our Mango & Passion Fruit Tea with Aiju jelly added in.
I especially liked the feature that Shawn asked us if we wanted a lesser percentage of less sweetened milk or fruit syrup which is important for diabetic individuals and those preferring a less sweetened taste. So welcome, Shawn Yee’s Sharetea attractive little shop to Orinda’s downtown at 41 Moraga Way, and citizens, during this stressful time of virus-stricken environment, treat yourself to a soul satisfying Boba drink in your new Sharetea clean attractive new shop. Happy crowds packed the shop during Opening so join the happy throngs and I assure you you will leave with a satisfied smile while sipping this popular Boba style drink.
PRE-QUARANTINE HAPPY GATHERINGS
Although most gatherings of any sorts were cancelled this March, many happy times were enjoyed during and following Chinese New Years traditions – the best being, dining with friends and family. I was blessed to have been included in many.
Since the suggestion is for people to avoid gatherings and stay home from restaurants, we must remember that these establishments rely on business to keep their wait staffs employed and receiving tips and wages. Establishments like Frank Chang’s China Stix Restaurant in Santa Clara have removed tables enabling at least 10 feet between table spaces and Chef Chu’s of Los Altos is offering car to restaurant’s front door service for any take-out orders. So if you’re tired of your home cooking, support these loyal restaurants and your other favorites who have served you well for many years.
Caption: El Cerrito’s Sonya Lee hosts a Chinese New Years meal with friends and family.
Caption: Cancelled Vietnam Tour men still smiling at Tour Leader Frank Chang’s Consolation Luncheon. l to r seated Howard Cheung, Tom Tanabe, Erwin Wong, Victor Gin; Standing Wilson Fong, Ralph Gin, Willy Yichoy, Calvin Wong
Caption: Howard and Rosemarie Cheung celebrate Chinese New Years at Great Wall Restaurant in Berkeley. Seated Steven Gee, Howard Cheung, Calvin and Gerrye Wong, Sandra Gin; Standing: Muriel and John Kao, hostess Rosemarie Cheung and Phyllis Gee
Caption: Host Eddie Jang welcomes the Wilson Fongs, Virginia Bakken and Calvin Wong to home CNY celebration.
Caption: Lawrence and Ruth Chu welcome Chinese Historical Society friends Alvin Lau, Jane Chin and Gerrye Wong to their Chef Chu’s Restaurant.
Caption: At Chinese American Citizens League CNY dinner, long time members Dr. Peter Yee with son and Betty Wong, seated, are welcomed back by Wilson Fong and Calvin Wong.
Caption: Chinese American Citizens League of Santa Clara County dinner members Lily Chim, Gloria Hom, Gerrye Wong and Lai Webster renew longtime friendships.
Caption: Santa Clara China Stix Restaurant owner Betty Chang greets DingDingTV owner Diana Ding and columnist Gerrye Wong for lunch.
