Dim Sum with the new TAFers in town.

And Amy's mom too!

Welcome Jeff and James!

Thinking back to last week while hosting and hanging out with my filmmaker friend Wendy was without a doubt one of the most meaningful weeks of my life.

There's something so fulfilling about connecting with someone immediately without needing to fill the air with conversation or feeling that every minute spent should be occupied by some purposeful activity. In fact, I really quite appreciated the many times Wendy and I had nothing planned, and she would be sitting next to me lost in contemplation, analyzing deeply some aspect of her life. And finally after an extended period of silence, she would express some random thoughts or conclusions, which I would promptly say to myself, "Hey, those are my thoughts exactly" or "Wow! I feel the same way!" And I would wonder if she was some earthly angel sitting on my shoulder and whispering into my ear.

This laid-back week made me realize that all too often, our lives are simply juxtapositions of work schedules, appointments, and events assembled together to maintain the appearance of a purposeful and efficient life. Even our times spent with friends become just a gathering over a meal or a meeting at a cafe during some mutually convenient hour. What we really all should aim for is some deeper connection with each other and just appreciating some quality time gazing in the same direction.

Is it that hard to do? I don't know. But one thing is for sure, I don't have enough of it, whatever "it" is.

Maybe I am idealizing this meaningful time spent with Wendy. Maybe I just needed a break from my own hectic life and packed schedule. But what I do know is this: I will fondly remember our week together chatting during our daily drives to and from the SF International Asian American Film Festival, discussing projects, people, and ideas over fine brunches or quickie dinners, and talking about life and old age while kicking back in my living room or on the patio at 2 AM in the morning.

Perhaps this is a glimpse into what a quality friendship should be. Or what life in general should feel like.

Thanks Wendy for unconsciously making me realize this. Miss you!

Silhouettes at my "Chocolate Bar" Party.

Happy Birthday Wendy!

May your hopes and dreams come true!

Life Contemplation Series.

Taking in the view after a short hike.

Wendy at the lone gate.

Two cuties think about life in this world.

Hmmm...

I woke up way too early to go to Charlene's birthday brunch...

Cheers!

I had a semi-celebrity encounter at work, apparently for at least the second time with this mom of a patient. I only discovered this when one of my office staff members told me who it was after they had left. I need to read more. Or watch more Oprah.

What a nice evening of reunions! Lester was back from Philly visiting for the weekend, so we managed to fit a dinner into my busy schedule. Plus, old college roomie Del was in town, so we met up with Judy just before. Kelvin, who's in town filming a Gus Van Sant movie with Sean Penn, was able to join us as well! Apparently, he invited some of the other actors to the restaurant, and they were sitting just around the corner from us. Star-struck! It's exciting to see him working on such a major project which seems to be the buzz around SF these days!
Old school TAF friends! Average age too old to mention!

With Kelvin, Judy, and Del.

With old buddies Judy and Del.

Pomegrenate Champagne, Mediterranean flavors.

A visit from Nancy, the world traveller.

Feeling blah blah blah!

I'm excited to announce that TaiwaneseAmerican.org is taking an active role in promoting the San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival this year! How much do I love this festival? I schedule off 10 days and spend my time watching films daily! You never know which exciting new directors, actors, and celebrities you might meet!


Click the above image to see the poster in more detail!
TaiwaneseAmerican.org and Taiwanese American Professionals (TAP-SF) are proud to be co-presenters at the nation's premiere Asian American film festival at various locations around the SF Bay area! This is a first time for us, and we encourage you to come out to support the largest film festival of its kind in the world!

We are happy to promote the special film series "A Tribute to Edward Yang" featuring three of this late director's finest works exemplifying his contributions to Taiwanese New Wave Cinema.

The films are:
March 14, 9PM - The Terrorizer
March 19, 7PM - A Brighter Summer Day
March 20, 7PM - YiYi: A One and a Two

CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT THE FILMS AND PURCHASE TICKETS!

Then, CLICK HERE TO RSVP on our Evite so that we can keep track of who may be attending. We may organize casual meet-ups before or after the events, depending on response.

Taiwanese American filmmaker, Edward Yang, passed away in July of 2007 due to complications from a seven year battle with colon cancer. Mr. Yang was best known for his critically acclaimed film, Yi Yi, about a Taiwanese family coping with the serious illness of their elderly mother.

Yang's first major success "Taipei Story," gained world-wide attention in 1985. He followed that success with several other award winning films. Known for focusing on modern Taiwanese life and realistic problems, Yang's films have won numerous awards and are said to have a distinctive visual and narrative style. Critics praise Yang's films for their subtlety and minimal, yet powerful, dialogue.

In honor of Edward Yang and his wonderful work, please take the time to come view some of his most famous films with supporters of TaiwaneseAmerican.org and Taiwanese American Professionals SF Chapter.