November 2025

ASIAN AVENUE - PRESIDENT’S NOTE

Annie Guo VanDan, President Asian Avenue magazine

Connect with us! hello@asianavemag.com @asianavemag

We have just two months left in 2025! With community events and holiday gatherings ahead, I wish everyone a joyful, meaningful, and fulfilling end to the year.

As we enter the season of gratitude, this issue celebrates the people and places that make Colorado’s Asian communities so vibrant and resilient.

Our cover story highlights the powerful new exhibit Big Dreams in Denver’s Little Saigon at the History Colorado Center that shares the stories of Denver’s Southeast Asian communities—their journeys, hopes, and contributions to our city. It’s a reminder of how cultural preservation keeps our shared history alive for generations to come. In statewide news, La Jara Buddhist Temple and BJAA Park added to the National Register of Historic Places, ensuring that these sacred and community spaces are recognized for their lasting impact.

For our local spotlights, we’re hopping aboard the charming Double Decker Red Bus Coffee in Lakewood—a whimsical café serving creativity (and caffeine!) on every level. Meanwhile, Ma’s Kitchen opens its doors along Colfax Avenue, offering comforting dim sum and noodles while representing the perseverance of Denver’s ever-evolving food scene.

We recognize Viennie Phommatha, a Lao community leader and dance instructor whose dedication to passing down traditional dance and culture exemplifies strength, pride, and love for heritage.

As the leaves turn and we gather with loved ones this November, may we take a moment to give thanks—for our stories, our communities, and the traditions that continue to bring us together.

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ASIAN AVENUE TEAM

Publisher & Founder

CHRISTINA YUTAI GUO

President ANNIE GUO VANDAN

Editorial Director

MARY JENEVERRE SCHULTZ Graphic Designer JANE LY JON NGUYEN

JESSALYN LANGEVIN

JADYN NGUYEN KAI VONG

on the cover Big Dreams in Denver’s Little Saigon opens at History Colorado Center on October 21, 2025 and will be on display for one year.

Photo Credit: Trevor Gass, Act One Photography

Asian Avenue magazine (ISSN 1932-1449) reserves all copyrights to this issue. No parts of this edition can be reproduced in any manner without written permission. The views expressed in articles are the authors’ and not necessarily those of Asian Avenue magazine

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Asian Avenue magazine is in association with the Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network.

7 COLORADO NEWS: La Jara Buddhist Temple and BJAA Park join the National Register of Historic Places

INFORMATION: Know

9 CAFE PEEK: All Aboard! Double Decker Red Bus Coffee Opens in Lakewood

10 RESTAURANT PEEK: Ma’s Kitchen exemplifies the resilience of Colfax Avenue with its dim sum and noodles

12 SPOTLIGHT: From refugee to cultural leader: How Viennie Phommatha keeps Lao traditions alive in Colorado

COVER STORY: Big Dreams in Denver’s Little Saigon shares the stories of Denver’s Southeast Asian communities 17 BOOK PREVIEW: Cruising J-Town: Japanese American Car Culture in LA

18-21 ON SCENE:

Likha ng Lahi: Moda at Kultura

Nathan Yip Foundation Mid-Autumn Festival

Historic Denver Annual Awards

Asian Chamber of Commerce Gala

Great American Beer Festival 22 LEGAL COLUMN: The Legal Lens on Trust: Building Partnerships That Last 4

La Jara Buddhist Temple in San Luis Valley and BJAA Park in Brighton added to the National Register of Historic Places

History Colorado has reached a significant milestone in historic preservation by adding 75 new sites and places representing underrepresented communities across 17 counties to the Colorado Register of Historic Properties or the National Register of Historic Places.

These listings were completed through the Colorado Heritage for All initiative, one of the America 250 - Colorado 150 Commission’s Signature Initiatives celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the 150th anniversary of Colorado’s statehood in 2026.

The goal of this initiative is to identify 150 currently under-recognized spaces and places that tell the stories of communities of color, women, and LGBTQ+ Coloradans, and to add all of these sites to the State Register or National Register by the end of 2026.

In 2020, History Colorado conducted an audit of existing sites listed on Colorado’s Register of Historic Properties and discovered that less than 4% represented the stories of the state’s Black, Indigenous, Latino, Chicano, Asian American, LGBTQ+ communities and women. The same patterns appear on the National Register of Historic Places and in local preservation programs across the country.

Black history, 20% represent Asian American Pacific Islander history, 13% represent Latino/Chicano history, and 10% represent LGBTQ+ history. Notably, some sites are intersectional, representing communities of color and women’s history.

“We are proud to celebrate the importance of this moment, but we also rec-

to State Historical Fund grants, preservation tax credits, technical assistance, and increased awareness helps empower local communities to take care of the places they cherish. These resources offer the means to foster community pride and stimulate reinvestment and economic development, especially in areas of the state that need it the most.

Among the 16 sites recently added in fall 2025 are:

Since the inception of Colorado Heritage for All, History Colorado and the State Historic Preservation Office have implemented an innovative approach to engage with and address the barriers faced by underrepresented communities, supporting inclusive preservation policies and processes.

As a result, of the 75 new sites added through the program, 35% represent

ognize that there is much more work to be done,” said Dawn DiPrince, president/ CEO of History Colorado & the State Historic Preservation Officer. “The Colorado Heritage for All initiative is a generational investment to build a historic record that recognizes, honors, and protects the full history of our state.”

Colorado Heritage for All also provides essential preservation tools and incentives for recognized sites. Access

La Jara Buddhist Temple served as a place of Buddhist worship and community gathering for the Japanese American population of Alamosa, Conejos, and Costilla counties. It first opened in 1937 and continued as a Buddhist Temple until 1993. The building also provided Japanese cultural and language classes to youth and hosted prominent members of Colorado’s Japanese Buddhist population, such as Reverend Yoshitaka Tamai.

BJAA Park began as a ball park for Japanese American youth, with the land purchased by the Brighton Japanese American Association (BJAA) in 1951. The park allowed Japanese American youth in the region to participate in sports at a time when they were banned from other sports leagues. In 1973, the BJAA donated the park to the City of Brighton, which developed the land into a sodded park.

“BJAA Park is a beautiful example of the building momentum for historic preservation, as the community was inspired to take action when they learned of the addition of Brighton Buddhist Church to the State Register last year,” shared DiPrince.

History Colorado is seeking community suggestions for properties that are vital to understanding the history of the Centennial State. Coloradans are encouraged to submit suggestions for sites that should be added to the State and National Registers of Historic Places by contacting the State Historic Preservation Office via email at hc_oahp@state.co.us. Follow social media at @Am250CO150 or visit Am250CO150.org.

All immigrants have legal rights, even if they do not have legal immigration status.

Know what documents you should always have with you, and when to show them to immigration or police.

• Make copies of the documents below.

• Keep the originals in a safe place if they are not with you. Tell a relative or friend how to find them, if needed.

• Do NOT carry or show law enforcement anything that shows you were born outside the U.S., like a foreign passport. They can use that to try to deport you.

• Be ready. Find your situation below, practice, and be prepared.

If you have valid immigration status, such as: a green card, asylum or refugee status, a valid student or other visa, or unexpired TPS (Temporary Protected

Status).

The law says you must carry with you your lawful permanent resident card or immigration papers that show your status. If law enforcement asks to see your papers, show them your copy.

If you do NOT have valid immigration status, but you applied for status or have an open case, such as:

• A pending asylum application

• An open immigration court case

• An immigration appeal

• Carry: Have a copy of your immigration papers that show you applied for status or are appealing an immigration decision.

• Show: If you get arrested, show your papers to the immigration agent. Important! If you are not being arrested, stay silent.

What to do if you get stopped on the street, near your home, at work, or other public place

• You do not have to talk to them or

answer any questions. You can “remain silent.”

• If you do not have status, do not talk and do not answer any questions.

• You can say, “I am using my right to remain silent” or

• Give them your Know Your Rights card, if you have one.

If immigration knocks on your door: You do not have to let them in your home unless they first show you a judicial warrant. If you do let them in your home, you still have the right to stay silent.

If immigration arrests or detains you: You have the right to stay silent; call a lawyer; receive visits from a lawyer, your consulate, and your family if you are detained. Jails have lists of phone numbers for consulates. Ask to see the list.

Disclaimer: This is legal information, not legal advice. Talk to an immigration lawyer about your situation. Source: National Immigration Law Center

All Aboard!

Double Decker Red Bus Coffee Opens in Lakewood

Get ready, Lakewood! Red Bus Coffee has opened—inviting coffee lovers to hop aboard for exceptional coffee and a cozy, unique atmosphere!

Celebrate their grand opening in November with a 20% discount on all drinks! You can expect:

• Convenient Drive Thru: Stay in the car with the convenient drive thru if you are in a hurry or just want to grab your coffee on the go.

• Second-Floor Seating: Climb the stairs and settle into the exclusive top-floor seating area, a space designed right inside the iconic red bus structure, with plenty of seating and outlets, fast WiFi.

• Specialty Coffee Drinks: Enjoy the locally-sourced Dazbog coffee, available in classic brews and specialty lattes.

The cold brew uses coffee ice, and the yuenyang is a mix of coffee and tea.

• Local Treats: Red Bus Coffee serves a selection of pastries from Aspen Bakery, treats from Gnarly Cookies, and breakfast burritos from Dis Burrito. Supporting local is an important part of their mission!

• Unique Atmosphere: The space is designed to be a comfortable retreat—perfect for studying, catching up with friends, or just enjoying a moment of peace.

Stop by and experience the charm of Red Bus Coffee, a coffee spot in Lakewood on Wadsworth Boulevard in between 8th and 9th Avenues. Follow Red Bus Coffee on Instagram and TikTok @redbuscoffeeco.

Ma’s Kitchen exemplifies the resilience of Colfax Avenue with its dim sum and noodles

Denver’s Colfax Avenue has always been a hub of culture, and with the opening of family-owned Ma’s Kitchen – Dim Sum & Noodles this fall, the City Park neighborhood welcomes its first dedicated house of authentic Cantonese yum cha and noodles.

Stepping into the beautifully restored space at 1514 York Street, formerly home to Tacos Tequila Whiskey, you are immediately enveloped in a sense of comforting tradition. The vision is driven by brothers Xi Yong Zheng and Chef Xi Nuan Zheng.

By Mary Jeneverre Schultz

Xi Yong is the longtime owner of the neighboring Okinawa Japanese Cuisine. He brings over 15 years of local roots and entrepreneurial experience. Chef Xi Nuan trained for months in top dim sum houses in China as he prepared for Ma’s Kitchen. This is in addition to his years of experience creating restaurant concepts and leading kitchens back home.

Ma’s Kitchen sprung from growing up in a home, where food and cooking were a huge part of their lives. Many of the flavors and recipes are inspired by their mother, in addition to their Cantonese and Singaporean influences as chefs.

Xi Yong Zheng. said: “We’re proud to contribute something new and authentic to the neighborhood, especially at a time when so many local businesses are working hard to overcome the challenges of the East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) construction.”

The Colfax corridor has faced significant disruption as crews

work on the new transit line, with small businesses seeing reduced foot traffic and accessibility challenges. Ma’s Kitchen hopes its opening will not only introduce unique flavors to Denver diners but also spotlight the resilience of Colfax’s independent business community.

This blend of deep neighborhood love and uncompromising culinary technique is palpable. Guests can expect a curated menu that honors tradition while delivering exceptional, high-quality flavor across the entire spectrum, from classic dumplings to a satisfying range of appetizers, plates, and noodle dishes.

We came to test the classics of the dim sum cart, which is truly the heart of the Ma’s experience. The cheerful servers navigate the aisles, while lifting the lids of bamboo baskets to reveal treasures within.

The benchmark for any proper dim sum establishment is the Har Gow (Shrimp Dumpling). Ma’s version is spectacular. The wrapper, almost translucent, possesses the perfect level of chewiness, clinging delicately to a filling of massive, crunchy shrimp. Next, the Siu Mai (Pork and Shrimp Open-Faced Dumpling) arrives, savory, meaty, and expertly seasoned. For newcomers, the Dim Sum Combination plate offers a brilliant introduction to these staples.

Beyond the classics, the menu offers an exciting depth of flavor, starting with bright appetizers like the refreshing Wood

Ear Mushroom Salad and the vibrant Sichuan Chicken in Red Oil Sauce—a perfect cold dish with a gentle heat that wakes up the palate. We also enjoyed the rich, savory depth of the Braised Pork Ribs and the beautiful simplicity of the perfectly cooked Chinese Broccoli (Gai Lan). The rich, complex Clay Pot Eggplant offers a deeply satisfying main course.

The promise of the “Noodles” portion of the name shines in the classic Wonton Shrimp & Pork Noodle Soup—a comforting bowl with robust broth and delicate, expertly wrapped wontons. Finally, no yum cha is complete without a sweet or savory bun. The pillowy BBQ Buns (Char Siu Bao) and the delightful richness of the Coconut Buns provide the perfect finish.

Ma’s Kitchen is more than just a restaurant; it’s a commitment to supporting local businesses and creating a warm gathering space. The restaurant’s grand opening was on November 1, 2025.

For Asian Avenue readers seeking a place that respects the craft and spotlights the authentic flavors of China in a neighborhood fighting to thrive, Ma’s Kitchen is not just worth the visit—it’s an essential part of the Colfax community’s resurgence.

Ma’s Kitchen – Dim Sum & Noodles

1514 York Street, Denver, CO (South City Park)

Tel: 303.736.8037

Instagram @maskitchendenver

Recommended Dishes: Har Gow, Sichuan Chicken in Red Oil Sauce, Wonton Shrimp & Pork Noodle, Coconut Buns Atmosphere: Lively, Traditional Cantonese Tea House, Community-Focused

From Refugee to Cultural Leader: How Viennie Phommatha Keeps Lao Traditions

Alive in Colorado

By Jadyn Nguyen

How does a war refugee find a way to keep their culture alive and thriving? Community leader Viennie Phommatha offers an inspiring example. Born in Vangvieng, Laos, a small town about two hours from the capital city of Vientiane, Viennie and her family migrated to Denver, Colo. in 1983 due to the aftermath of the Vietnam War. She embraces the growth mindset—the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedicated effort and perseverance.

After graduating from Standley Lake High School, Viennie attended the University of Colorado Boulder, earning a bachelor’s degree in Finance.

While at CU, she and her friend Savivan founded the Lao Student Association (LSA), recruiting members from nearby universities. This became the foundation for Viennie’s lifelong dedication to cultural pride and community building. The club successfully brought the Lao community together through cultural events on campus and inspired others to pursue higher education. Although the LSA dissolved after its founders graduated, its impact endured.

Years later, Viennie achieved another personal milestone by earning an MBA in Accounting and Finance from Regis University. A dedicated member of the Lao Buddhist Temple of Colorado in Westminster, Viennie takes great pride in the community’s vibrant festivals, flavorful cuisine, and deep respect for elders and ancestors.

“I’m proud of our culture, our vibrant festivals, our flavorful cuisine, and the deep respect we hold for elders and ancestors,” she said.

She is also one of the Lao dance instructors who organizes the Lao Art Performers of Colorado, a volunteer-based cultural dance group composed mainly of young Laotian girls and their parents from across the Denver metro area.

Viennie Phommatha’s Family

Initially joining as a parent when her two daughters began dancing at ages five and six, Viennie has since helped organize more than 40 performances at venues such as Charles Schwab, Denver’s McNichols Civic Center, Levitt Pavilion, CU Denver, Lao Lue Buddhist Temple, Hmong New Year, and the Vietnamese Buddhist Temple. Her daughters have since grown older and attend CU Boulder and Colorado State University.

Her favorite performances take place during Lao New Year, celebrated around April 13–16, with the main festivities held in May.

Lao New Year is the center of pride and joy for the wider Laotian community. From detailed planning to new dance student meet and greets and forming dance groups. Preparation for the event begins about ten weeks in advance, with eight weeks devoted to dance practice.

“Watching the dancers perform is incredibly rewarding. They work so hard, and I’m so proud of them, it brings tears to my eyes every time,” she said.

This volunteer-led effort, driven primarily by women, reflects Viennie’s commitment to cultural preservation. With only an estimated 245,000 Laotian-identifying individuals in the United States (Pew Research Center, 2025),

“I’m proud of our culture, our vibrant festivals, our flavorful cuisine, and the deep respect we hold for elders and ancestors.”

maintaining cultural traditions takes intentional effort. In comparison, Denver has a population of 729,019 (U.S Census Bureau, 2024).

Viennie’s leadership with the Lao Art Performers of Colorado is an act of cul-

tural preservation: “Whether I’m speaking Lao, eating sticky rice or tum mak hoong (Lao papaya salad), or wearing traditional sinh, I feel a deep connection to my roots. It’s a source of pride that grounds me and gives me a sense of belonging wherever I go.”

Viennie encourages younger generations of Laotian Americans to continue embracing their heritage. Her advice: learn and share the language, even if not fluent. Knowing key phrases, songs, dances, or stories helps strengthen cultural identity and connection.

Languages and cultures serve as bridges that allow communities to understand and connect with one another. For minority groups such as Laotian Americans, preserving language and culture is vital.

As Viennie emphasizes, “Learn and share your culture and language. Ask your parents and grandparents about their lives, their migration stories, their dreams. Record them. These stories are treasures.”

“Big Dreams in Denver’s Little Saigon” tells

the story of immigrants’

By Gil Asakawa

American dream

Anyone familiar with Denver’s rich and diverse Asian communities has at one time or other driven through the South Federal Boulevard strip of Asian businesses running from East Alameda Avenue south to Mississippi Avenue, starting with the iconic gate that stands at the entrance of the Far East Center.

That strip mall includes 19 businesses, big and small, from Little Saigon Supermarket to Vinh Xuong Bakery (and other bakeries), to Truong An Gifts (and other shops including Kim Jewelers), to Viet’s Restaurant, Saigon Bowl, Pho Hong, and TeaHee Bubble Tea, as well as businesses along a second-story overlooking the parking lot. The Far East Center has a storied local history, and it’s a cultural and commercial hub for Denver’s Southeast Asian community. It is the first

Asian addition on the list of Colorado’s Register of Historic Properties, and it hosts popular events like an annual Lunar New Year celebration and a popular Mid-Autumn Festival. It’s the heartbeat of Denver’s Southeast Asian community, but it’s not the extent of that community. That stretch of South Federal is officially called the Little Saigon Business District, along with the part of Alameda that east goes from Federal to Yuma Street, to a shopping center that’s anchored by the area’s sole Costco Business Center but also boasts another location of Vinh Xuong Bakery, the Great Wall Asian Market, Harbor Dim Sum, Denver Hot Pot BBQ and other businesses.

Little Saigon isn’t just outlined by a specific stretch of road. And, it’s not defined by just the Vietnamese com-

munity, though many people might think it is.

For one thing, many of the refugees that left Southeast Asia in the wake of the Vietnam War in the late 1970s may have been living in Vietnam, but they may also have been ethnically Chinese, fleeing Communism and settling in Vietnam.

Or, the refugees may have come from Cambodia or Laos (or they could have been Hmong who lived in mountain regions of Laos), who were caught up in the war, and were forced to flee as the Communists won and the U.S. pulled out of Saigon in 1975.

If you’ve seen the icky Broadway musical “Miss Saigon,” it tells a version of the same racially biased colonizer tale at the heart of the Puccini opera “Madama Butterfly,” about an

American soldier stationed in Japan in the late 1800s.

Some of the Southeast Asians were in refugee camps in Thailand before going to the Philippines and eventually to the U.S.

Many became known as “boat people,” who suffered through a gauntlet of pirates and a difficult journey but ended up in America. Most settled in ethnic enclaves like what has become Denver’s Little Saigon.

Little Saigon over the decades became a thriving stretch that welcomed Asian businesses (one of the best Chinese restaurants, Lao Wang Noodle House, was on the stretch until it closed early this year, and Star Kitchen at Federal and Mississippi is still crowded with fans for its dim sum) alongside Latino-owned shops.

The families that opened businesses on the strip had kids that grew up in the district, who have indelible memories of life in the immigrant community.

And last year Colorado Asian Pacific United (CAPU), the nonprofit organization behind the efforts to educate Denver about the once-thriving but long-forgotten Chinatown in LoDo,

teamed up with History Colorado Center’s Museum of Memory to collect oral histories and record interviews with people who have shopped, dined and grown up in Little Saigon.

Those oral histories are now online at History Colorado’s website (www. historycolorado.org/little-saigonmemory-project).

But also, the Museum of Memory and CAPU have teamed up to host a powerful educational, in-person exhibit at History Colorado Center, “Big Dreams in Denver’s Little Saigon,” which opened last month and will run through October of 2026.

The Little Saigon exhibit includes some of the oral histories that people can listen to, but it features so much more, including photographs and artifacts that capture the history of Little Saigon’s people and places.

Colorado filmmaker, Hannah Tran, who grew up in the district, is developing a documentary titled, “There’s a Lane for Us Here,” to release in 2026.

There are also original works of art commissioned by CAPU featuring local Asian American artists such as Akemi Tsutsui-Kunitake, Jane Ly, and Quynh Nhu Nguyen that pay tribute to

“Little Saigon is the beating heart of our community. Like the lotus that emerges from mud, we have risen resolute regardless of the circumstances. It is a testament of our people’s resilience, that despite being displaced from our homelands thousands of miles away, we can still blossom.

– Joie Ha, Executive Director of Colorado Asian Pacific United (CAPU)

the area and its colorful culture.

The exhibit is displayed along one wall of the fourth floor mezzanine at History Colorado, with a beautifully arranged interactive flow of text and images that starts with bright yellow daylight on the wall at one end and ends with dark blue night at the other end of the wall.

The Asian American community can be proud to be showcased

this thoroughly by History Colorado Center, the Museum of Memory and CAPU, and have this narrative on display for a full year. It pays terrific tribute to the generation of immigrants who arrived in Denver four decades ago, and the next generation of their children who grew up with their trauma, but also their traditions and cultural values to keep the community strong and thriving.

Visitors can appreciate the sights, sounds, and smells that define Little Saigon and see how this dynamic community continues to inspire, delight, and bring people together.

History Colorado Center is at 1200 Broadway in Denver, open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. The exhibit is included in the admission ticket. Visit historycolorado.org for more information.

Cruising J-Town: Japanese American Car Culture in Los Angeles

By Oliver Wang

Foreword by George Takei

Published by Angel City Press at the Los Angeles Public Library

A visual history of Japanese American car culture in Los Angeles, from gardeners’ trucks and family sedans to hot rods and race cars.

Cruising J-Town: Japanese American Car Culture in Los Angeles by Oliver Wang explores how generations of Japanese Americans in Southern California shaped, and were shaped by, local automobile cultures and industries. From desert lake beds to concrete speedways, gas stations to design centers, souped-up import tuners to humble gardening trucks, automobiles impacted the Japanese American in profound ways. Along the way, cars and trucks became literal and figurative vehicles for Japanese American self-expression, social mobility, community identity, and much more. Cruising J-Town is driven to explore how these diverse relationships between people and the world of cars have steered the Nikkei community’s American stories across the generations.

Cruising J-Town is a companion publication to a new exhibition from the Japanese American National Museum, Cruising J-Town: Behind the Wheel of the Nikkei Community, which also chronicles how Japanese Americans have played vital roles in countless car scenes across Los Angeles.

The book traces the history of the Japanese American community alongside the development of the car, from the earliest days of the automobile. Japanese American farmers became some of Los Angeles’s earliest drivers as they trucked their crops from field to market. These communities embraced the automobile as a new horizon for their prospects in the US.

Car clubs, such as the Japanese Auto Club of Southern California (JACSC) were created to connect Nikkei car owners and educate them about basic road safety and etiquette. With the

increasing popularity of cars came the need to maintain them, so mechanics and gas stations in J-Town (also known as Little Tokyo) became community centers where families and individuals came together to maintain both their cars and their relationships with the community. During World War II, many Japanese Americans drove themselves to incarceration camps, and their impounded cars became literal and visible reminders of the freedoms they had left behind.

After the war, Japanese Americans embraced the mid-century car culture that swept across Southern California, becoming devoted hot-rodders, drag racers, and car customizers.

“Cruising” became a popular pastime for JA teenagers, culminating in the Nisei Week Cruise in Little Tokyo, which was undoubtedly the coolest place to show off a custom car. In fact, one of the most famous custom cars in America, the Hirohata Merc, was modified in East LA for a Japanese American, Bob Hiroata. As import car scenes of the 1980s and 1990s took over the landscape, Japanese Americans were among the first to embrace the new Toyotas and Nissans coming across the ocean, and popularized the art and sport of drifting, which originated in Japan.

But Cruising J-Town is more than a history of a machine, or even an art form. The book is filled with vintage and contemporary photographs, drawings, and ephemera that tell the story of a community in a state of constant transition and growth, using cars as a literal vehicle for creativity, dreams, and the enduring quest for freedom. It’s a story of generations coming together to pass down knowledge and their love of cars.

Likha ng Lahi: Moda at Kultura – A Celebration of Filipino Flair

By Asian Avenue Magazine Staff

The History Colorado Center was abuzz with vibrant energy on Sunday, October 19, 2025, as it hosted Likha ng Lahi: Moda at Kultura (Creation of the Race: Fashion and Culture).

This spectacular event, presented by the National Federation of Filipino American Association (NaFFAA) Colorado and community partners, was a highlight of Filipino-American History Month (FAHM), showcasing the rich tapestry of Filipino heritage through artistry, fashion, and performance.

The afternoon session drew an impressive crowd, with an estimated 650 attendees gathering to celebrate.

“’Likha Ng Lahi’ is a Tagalog phrase that translates to ‘creations of our heritage’. This year, the focus was on fashion and culture,” said Gigi de Gala, one of the organizing event team members.

“The successful fashion show was not just about clothing and style -- it was about telling the story of who we are as Filipinos.”

A Feast for the Senses

Attendees were treated to a full-sensory cultural experience that beautifully melded tradition and contemporary trend. The day-long celebration, kicking off brought the spirit of the Philippines to life in the heart of Denver.

Cultural Fashion Show: The centerpiece was a stunning cultural fashion show, which truly embodied the event’s name. It was a magnificent display of Filipino craftsmanship, featuring everything from intricately embroidered barongs and elegant ternos to modern silhouettes that celebrated “Pinoy power.” Every piece told a story of identity, resilience, and the beauty of a heritage passed down through generations.

Dynamic Performances: The stage featured mesmerizing cultural dancing and powerful singing performances that had the audience on their feet. The event also included a lively performance from a big live band, creating a truly festive and communal atmosphere.

Filipino Cuisine: No celebration is complete without food! Guests enjoyed delicious Filipino cuisine that satisfied every craving and added another authentic layer to the cultural experience.

More Than Just a Show

“Likha ng Lahi” transcended a simple fashion show; it was a powerful love letter to Filipino heritage, celebrating the artistry, resilience, and community spirit of Filipino-Americans. By bringing together fashion, music, food, and history, the event successfully highlighted the enduring influence and creativity of the Filipino community in Colorado and beyond.

“Colorful and intricate attire of our indigenous tribes to the elegant formal wear for men, women and children --every piece reflected our culture and pride,” de Gala said.

FAHM is so important to recognize and celebrate the immense contributions and stories of the second-largest Asian American group in the country.

Nathan Yip Foundation Mid-Autumn Festival Celebrates

Rural Education

The Nathan Yip Foundation hosted its annual Mid-Autumn Moon Festival on Sunday, October 5 at Rockley’s Event Center in Lakewood, drawing a crowd of over 350 guests.

Often referred to as the “Thanksgiving of the East,” the event provided a festive atmosphere blending cultural celebration with philanthropy. Attendees enjoyed a traditional, multi-course, family-style meal, with the luncheon sponsored by Panda Express, and complete with homemade mooncakes, which symbolize togetherness and the full moon.

The family-friendly festival featured a variety of engaging activities and booths, offering a chance for guests of all ages to connect with the holiday’s rich traditions. Most importantly, the event served as a vital fundraiser. Proceeds from the Mid-Autumn Festival directly benefit the foundation’s mission, supporting its multi-year rural Colorado grants to provide equitable and innovative educational opportunities for teachers and students in rural Colorado school districts.

The overwhelming turnout underscored the community’s strong support for the Nathan Yip Foundation’s work in strengthening rural schools and investing in the future of Colorado’s students. Learn more about the organization by visiting nathanyipfoundation.org.

History Denver honors the people and projects that maintain the city’s historic fabric

On October 16, 2025, Historic Denver recognized individuals and projects that have made significant contributions to preserving Denver’s unique architectural and cultural heritage at its 55th Annual Gala, held at Denver’s Brown Palace Hotel.

The Ann Love Award honors individuals who may not consider themselves traditional preservationists but who have demonstrated initiative, creativity, and commitment in preserving the history, culture, and architecture of Denver.

Derek Okubo, the 2025 recipient, has led efforts to recognize and capture the oral histories and physical places that mark difficult chapters of history—including the imprisonment of Japanese Americans during World War II at what is now the Amache National Historic Site in southern Colorado, where three generations of his family were held.

The Community Preservation Awards are presented annually to projects, institutions, and individuals that have made exceptional contributions to preserving Denver’s heritage. These projects exemplify high-quality restoration, careful consideration of the city’s historic fabric, and a deep commitment to community. Barely a decade after escaping Vietnam,

the Luong family acquired the 2.5-acre property that would become home to the Far East Center. It served as a gathering place where others displaced from Southeast Asia could find a little taste of their former homes. Over the decades, the shopping center has grown into a powerful symbol of resilience, community, and cultural preservation for Denver’s diverse Asian American communities—including Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, Lao, and Thai, among others. The 19 small businesses in this vibrant shopping plaza range from markets, gift shops, restaurants, and bakeries to salons and specialty stores. Together, they provide a connection to traditions and heritage that continue to be passed down through generations.

The Far East Center is a place where culture is lived daily—especially during beloved events such as the Lunar New Year Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival. Thanks to a grant funded by the Colorado State Historical Fund, this vital community anchor was added to the Colorado State Register of Historic Places in 2024.

Founded in 1970, Historic Denver is one of the nation’s premier nonprofit urban preservation organizations. Learn more about the awardees at historicdenver.org.

Asian Chamber of Commerce Awards Gala celebrates AAPI excellence, showcases rich culinary and cultural heritage

The Asian Chamber of Commerce (ACC) of Colorado held its annual Awards Gala on October 3, at the Ameristar Casino and Hotel in Blackhawk. It was a glittering, soldout event that honored outstanding entrepreneurs and corporate partners while offering attendees a rich journey through Asian cuisine and traditional arts. The evening was a testament to the resilience, innovation, and community impact of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) business community.

Guests were treated to an extensive, pan-Asian dinner menu that showcased diverse culinary traditions. The offerings ranged from Indian classics to Thai delicacies prepared by Chef Jhune Battung, Ameristar Executive Chef and the Ameristar banquet staff.

The Thai Harmony Traditional Arts Ensemble delivered a captivating performance dedicated to preserving and showcasing Thai classical and folk arts. Their presentation was a vibrant expression of the cultural heritage the ACC seeks to celebrate and uplift.

The event also featured an engaging fundraising segment with a wine and sake pull, door prizes, a silent auction and a rousing live auction. Fundraising items were donated by corporate, small business and individual donors. Proceeds benefit the Chamber’s operations and initiatives.

The heart of the evening was the presentation of the ACC Awards, recognizing those who have made significant contributions to the economy and AAPI community.

Small Business Community Impact Award: This award is in recognition of an outstanding

small business or nonprofit who participates in ACC’s Small Business Initiative Project Regions (Northern Colorado, Southern Colorado, Western Slope).

The award was presented to the nonprofit Heart and Sol—and received by Nessa Whitney—whose mission is to promote diversity and cultural appreciation in Loveland, Colorado. Heart and Sol creates opportunities to showcase the diversity of Loveland’s creative community and small businesses.

Corporate Partner of the Year Award: This award was presented to the RTD Small Business Opportunity Office, Civil Rights Division. It celebrates a partner that provides substantial resources and opportunities, highlighting the critical role corporations play in strengthening cultural inclusion and economic empowerment within the AAPI community. The award was received by Alexis Serrano Castro, Manager, RTD Small Business Opportunity Office.

Small Business of the Year Award: This prestigious award was presented to Truong An Gifts, and its owner Mimi Luong. Truong An Gifts embodies the values of resilience in the face of challenges, innovation in business, and community leadership while maintaining a commitment to their cultural heritage.

The Asian Chamber of Commerce extends its sincere gratitude to their sponsors for their generous support, which made the evening possible. The gala concluded with a dedicated networking hour, allowing attendees to foster new connections within the vibrant AAPI business community. Learn more about the chamber at: acccolorado.org.

GREAT AMERICAN BEER FESTIVAL 2025: The Asian Twist Redefining American Craft

The air in the Colorado Convention Center was electric last month in October as the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) concluded its 2025 run. While the sheer scale of the event—thousands of beers from across the nation—remains breathtaking, the most exciting narrative emerging from this year’s competition and tasting floor was undeniable: the rise of Asian-influenced flavors and AsianAmerican owned breweries. GABF 2025 was less about a single beer style and more about cultural integration, celebrating heritage one delicious pint at a time.

Heritage in Every Hop

For years, Asian-American brewers have worked tirelessly to move beyond the “niche” label, proving that traditional Asian ingredients belong at the forefront of American craft beer innovation. This year, that commitment paid off with major visibility.

Breweries that embrace their heritage were among the most sought-after booths. We saw the continued success of pioneers like Seattle-based Lucky Envelope Brewing, which dazzles with brews incorporating Thai lime leaf or five-spice powder. The movement is now expanding beyond regional staples into highly specific cultural territories. For instance, Dokkaebier—known for blending brewing tradition with Korean heritage— showcased its tangy and savory Kimchi Sour, a surprisingly refreshing testament to bold fermentation.

By Mary Jeneverre Schultz

These brewers aren’t just adding ingredients; they are rewriting the rules of what an American craft beer can be, blending the crisp, clean finish of a great lager with the complex aromatics of their family kitchens.

The Rise of the Refined Lager

Beyond the experimental sours, GABF 2025 cemented the growing popularity of refined lagers—a style deeply cherished in many Asian beer cultures. Breweries are moving away from overly heavy, macrostyle lagers toward crisp, meticulously crafted Japanese Lagers and Koshihikari Rice Lagers.

These beers, characterized by their dry finish and smooth mouthfeel, are designed for pairing with the nuanced flavors of Asian cuisine. They represent an elevated appreciation for purity and precision, echoing the meticulous brewing practices seen in Japan.

The Aromatic Allure of Tea Beer

Perhaps the most talked-about microtrend at GABF this year was the rapid adoption of the “New Chinese Style” brewing aesthetic, particularly centered around tea beers. This innovative style, which has exploded among young, urban consumers in Asia, is quickly making its mark stateside.

Brewers are skillfully infusing classic beer bases—often light wheat beers or crisp pilsners—with premium teas like floral Jasmine, earthy Longjing green

tea, or aromatic Tieguanyin oolong. They appeal directly to a demographic seeking flavorful, unique, and often lower-alcohol beverages, transforming the act of drinking beer into a sophisticated, highly social experience.

Culinary Craft: Asian Flavors at PAIRED

The biggest nod to this cultural shift came from the prestigious PAIRED event, GABF’s high-end food and beer collaboration. This year, leading culinary teams were eager to showcase Asian flavors in their pairings.

A standout moment was the collaboration featuring Chefs Danny Lee and Scott Drewno of The Fried Rice Collective. They partnered with Formula Brewing to create a dish perfectly matched to a light, hop-forward international pale ale. The result? An innovative bite of traditional bibim guksu (spicy cold noodles) that was beautifully complemented by the subtle fruit and spice notes of the beer.

This pairing was more than just a meal— it was a statement that Asian flavors are not just complementary but essential to the cutting edge of American culinary and brewing arts.

GABF 2025 proved that the future of American craft beer is vibrant, diverse, and deliciously global.

Curious about the annual Great American Beer Festival? Save the date for October 8 to 10, 2026. Visit greatamericanbeerfestival.com for more information.

Ways to Support Social Fabric

• Reserve offices (175-205 sq feet) or shared desks monthly, weekly, or daily, which include a mailing address, utilities, internet, and other benefits

• Check out books from the community library featuring AANHPI books and authors, and join a book club

• Sign up for wellness activities (tai chi, yoga, martial arts), or ride bicycles that help power the building

• Join as a member to enjoy access to solo pods (for meetings/calls) and conference rooms, discounts to local restaurants/vendors, discounted Social Fabric events and space rentals, and giveaways ($50/month)

• Book event space for gatherings of all sizes such as meetings, conferences, and markets/festivals

Social Fabric Hub is operated by Colorado Asian Culture and Education Network (CACEN), a 501c3 organization that serves Colorado’s AANHPI communities.

We could use support with funding for our renovation costs, donations (furniture, books, supplies, etc.), and getting the word out about the hub! Volunteers are also needed!

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