about apsa
We the students of University of California at San Diego, come together to provide a forum to deal with the problems and concerns of all UCSD Asian & Pacific-Islander (API) students especially those deemed "underrepresented" by the Student Affirmative Action Committee (SAAC); to create an environment where political, educational, cultural, and social issues can be address; to increase awareness about our API history and heritage within the University and the community; to unite as a community to represent a common voice thereby empowering ourselves; and to serve as a basis for building bonds and addressing differences between students.
For more about APSA, visit our website: http://ucsdapsa.weebly.com/
For more about APSA, visit our website: http://ucsdapsa.weebly.com/
What is benefit talent show?
This is our 19th annual benefit talent show, originally providing a space to showcase Asian & Pacific-Islander talent, especially with such under-representation and now misrepresentation of the Asian/ Pacific-Islander identity in the media today. Talent show is one of APSA's three big events, (the other two are high school conference in fall quarter and grad banquet in spring quarter.)
For more information, visit our Facebook Event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1431636600407398/
For more information, visit our Facebook Event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1431636600407398/
this year's benefit
This year, we chose to send our proceeds to AF3IRM, or the Association of Filipinas, Feminists Fighting Imperialism, Refeudalization, and Marginalization. AF3IRM is a new anti-imperialist, transnational feminist women’s organization, evolving from the organization formerly known as GABNet, and 20 years of women’s organizing, activism, and struggle.
For more information, please visit: http://afffirmsandiego.tumblr.com/
For more information, please visit: http://afffirmsandiego.tumblr.com/
Featuring
In addition to our talent show, we also have many other components to this benefit event. We will be featuring a fashion component, which showcases Asian/Pacific-Islander fashion designers, as well as our first ever film festival, highlighting student-made films at UC San Diego. In addition, we will be having a high school component, where high schoolers will be touring UC San Diego, engaging in workshops about misrepresentation in the media, having a special Q&A session with our guest judges, and of course, watching our talent show to motivate them towards the performing arts aspect of higher education.
Guest judges
JR Aquino JR Aquino, also known as djkeeno (on Youtube), is from Anchorage Alaska. He has been singing since he was “knee-high.” He writes his own lyrics and melodies. He was on American Idol Season 4, and made it to the top 44. More information about him: JRAquino |
US (The Duo)
Michael and Carissa Alvarado joined musical forces back in 2012, forming a pop music duo entitled, "US". A few months later, the couple released their first self-titled album, and got married just a few weeks after that. They've been traveling and playing music ever since, enjoying the road and making new friends along the way. The husband and wife duo are extremely excited about the release of their brand new album, entitled "No Matter Where You Are": out on iTunes, as well as their store worldwide. More information about them: Us |
Ruby Ibarra
Ruby Ibarra is a Cali-bred spoken word artist/rapper/lyricist. Born in the Philippines and raised in the Bay area; she has been writing and rapping for several years, but this past year - decided to take her art to another level and to pursue it professionally. Penning her lyrical style as 90’s hip- hop sound with elements of raw poetry, Ruby describes her style as “a variety of topics -- boastful raps, about my culture, society, politics, my experiences, and stories of others that I feel haven't been told too often.” Pursuing more success as a talented a rapper and lyricist, the 24-year old is now ready to take a run at the spotlight. She soon caught the attention of XXL Magazine by being featured on their site column ‘The Break,’ and MYX TV cable channel. “I've performed in different bars, clubs, and universities across the United States in the past year - one of my more memorable experience was opening for members of Hieroglyphics in Sacramento, and when I was able to rap a few verses on the Grind Time Now stage at the 2011 Rock the Bells.” says Ibarra. More information about her: RubyIbarra |
Kristina Wong
Kristina Wong is a solo performer, writer and cultural commentator named “One of the Seven Funniest Eco-Comedians” by Mother Nature Network. She’s created five solo shows and one ensemble play that have toured all over the world at places that include the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland, Contact Theater in Manchester, UK, BGWMC in London, the Public Theater, REDCAT, Center Theater Group, La MaMa ETC, the Comedy Central Stage among dozens of others. Her most notable touring show– “Wong Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” looked at the high rates of depression and suicide among Asian American women and toured to over 40 venues since 2006. It’s now a broadcast quality film that has been acquired for worldwide distribution by documentary juggernaut, Cinema Libre Studios. (More on the film at www.flyingwong.com). She’s been a commentator for American Public Media’s Marketplace, PBS, Jezebel, xoJane, Playgirl Magazine and a guest on FXX’s “Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell” and Huffington Post Live. Her work has been awarded with grants from Creative Capital, The Map Fund, Center for Cultural Innovation, the Durfee Foundation, National Performance Network, four grants from the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, and a residency from the MacDowell Colony. Kristina was an alumna commencement speaker at UCLA’s Department of English graduation. Her new show “The Wong Street Journal” looks at global poverty and premieres in 2015. She recently spent a month in Northern Uganda researching that show and recording “Mzungu Price” a rap album with local rappers. Her mail order bride website is www.bigbadchinesemama.com. More information about her: KristinaWong |
Kane Diep
Kane's earlier work includes shorts, Slurp (2010) and Le Retour (2011) both premiering at the San Diego Asian Film Festival. Lonely (2011) premiered at the UCSD's Up & Coming Film Festival. Kane's work has also been televised on PBS's Shorts Showcase and Mnet's Short Notice programs. Kane's past experience include managing a modern music and performance venue called The Loft where he produced a sold out series titled Luminance consisting of 8 concerts, in 2 years, featuring over 30 prominent Asian American artists. Luminance aimed to showcase popular up and coming talent including AJ Rafael, Marie Digby, Clara C, and Legaci. He continues to work towards the advancement of Asian Americans in the arts and entertainment through his films. Kane has also spoken on panels at Universities throughout the nation including Princeton University, New York University, and University of California campuses in hopes to inspire and empower the next generation to pursue their passions. Kane Diep graduated from UC San Diego with a Visual Arts Media: Film and Digital Cinema degree and extended his studies in directing and cinematography at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. More information about him: KaneDiep |