Diverse|City

It’s here as promised – “Hapa Stories,” a seven-minute film segment about growing up mixed-race in the Asian/Pacific Islander community. It’s produced  by Sunny Wonder Media, commissioned by the City of Bellevue, and hosted by yours truly.

A Japanese-Filipina-Irish American, I hope to support the growing hapa movement in the U.S. and beyond, which encourages us of mixed-race to embrace the cultures, languages, foods and ancestors who have made us who we are.

I first became inspired by Kip Fulbeck’s “Hapa Project” exhibit at the Japanese American National Museum. Later, I added my story to the online forum, Hapa Voice.

When Kevin Henry at the City of Bellevue asked if I was interested in doing a short film, I jumped at the chance,  despite that, as a print journalist, I never thought I’d try my hand at anything that involved a video camera. I always thought I’d leave that to the pros like Lori Matsukawa.

After my one small taste of broadcast experience; writing the script, recruiting and interviewing sources and filming the intro and outro, I was exposed to a world of finesse, polish and presentation we print journos don’t typically have to deal with from our cluttered desks, frank conversation and less-than-formal attire that make up the newsroom.

But I learned that it’s always good to step out of your comfort zone. Especially when doing so helps promote a message you believe in. Like hapa pride.