SOUTH EAST ASIAN

Snowshoeing (Pix)
Sat Jan 19 10am
MABC (Malaysia Association in British Columbia)
Snowshoeing Tours at Cypress Mountain: A great introduction to snowshoeing. Trek through snowy mountain forests and meadows with a stop at historic Hollyburn Lodge for a hot drink. Experience the beauty of nature amidst the magic of winter. Please arrive 30min early. Tour Duration: 2 Hours which includes rentals, trail ticket and guide. For more info visit: www.mabccanada.com or contact Patrick See Peter Young at 604-321-6012.
 
Dual Eclipse
Jan 20 7:30pm
Dual Eclipse: Orchestras of Two Worlds. Vancouver ensembles Turning Point and Gamelan Gita Asmara share the stage for an evening of new and classic music from Canada and Bali. Showcasing contemporary fusions of Western and Indonesian music, the evening also features live dance and video projections. Turning Point Ensemble and Gamelan Gita Asmara. The Chan Centre at UBC (6265 Crescent Road) Tickets $15.00/30.00 available at www.ticketmaster.ca or by phone at 604.280.3311

Thai food at the Temple
Sat Jan 26 10:30am 
Eat Thai food at the Thai Temple in Vancouver. Are you ready to do something good for your emotions and spirit before January ends? Normally, we go to Thai temple every New Year to get blessed by a monk -before January ends. It's always nice to remember people whom you love loved you right? It's good for a new and good beginning! Let's share a little bit of Thai culture. Please be at the temple at with your food (pot lock). After the monk prays, he will bless us in Bali language and then we can share our food and have lunch together inside the temple. Contact Ms. Ja: diningout.meetup.com

Cultural Dance  (Pix)
MABC ballroom dancing lessons and practices. Join us in lessons to learn our Malaysian Cultural Dances. We can start lesson programs, at no cost, sponsored by Tourism Malaysia. It’s open to all especially seniors and the youth. Your children will surely love it, especially the opportunity to meet and make new friends. Crystal Ballroom, 768 South West Marine Drive, Vancouver. Contact:Gina:gina@sunclubtravel.com

Couple's For Christ
Sat Feb 16 7pm
The Philippines Couples for Christ was officially recognized in Vancouver by the Archdiocese of Vancouver on Feb 14, 1995. His Grace Reverend Adam Exner appointed Rev. Fr. Peter Chiang as the Spiritual Director. CFC Vancouver grew from a mere 3 couples, doubling and tripling as the years went by. The anniversary celebration will be held at Richmond Inn. More info contact: CFC Center 250 - 2981 Simpson Road Richmond, B.C. Call (604) 270-9463

Business meeting
Thu Jan 17 7pm
The National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) Vancouver invites all to cultivate business leadership skills in the right direction! Are you ready to start your own business or have a great business idea? Or are you looking to find out the hottest trends in business for your company or your own business? Then this event is for you! More info: naaap@naaap.bc.ca

Fortune Hunters
Thu Jan 17 7pm
CBC is inviting NAAAP Vancouver members and other CBC guests for a private evening screening of CBC's new series Fortune Hunters, starting in January 2008, at their downtown studio - this series focuses on the hottest business trends right now and how hungry entrepreneurs are chasing for a piece of  the action. Get a chance to meet with some of our other NAAAP members as well. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation 700 Hamilton Street, Vancouver. RSVP is a must at our website: naaap@naaap.bc.ca

Tailor Made (Pix)
Feb 2  3pm/ 5pm
NAAAP VANCOUVER invites NAAAP members to attend a special community screening of Tailor Made, a documentary on the Wong family's famous and storied tailoring business in Chinatown, and the related tales of life during some of the earlier days of Chinatown -- a fascinating trip back in time to learn more of the history of a part of one of Vancouver's great ethnic neighbourhoods. The screening at 319 Main St. (formerly the Chinese cinema on Main and Hastings). Info and RSVP to website: naaap@naaap.bc.ca

Shinnen-kai
Sat Jan 19 5pm
Come join us for a wonderful evening of music and great food at the Annual Nikkei Community New Year’s Party (Shinnen-kai). Tickets (adult: $40 kids 12 & under: $15) available through a member of the organizing committee or at the centre. Info contact 604.777.7000 or shinnenkai@telus.net .

Rock Paper Scissors
Family Games Day
Sat Feb 23 11am-2pm
Japanese Canadian National Museum presents Jan Ken Pon! (Rock Paper Scissors). Experience over twenty traditional Japanese heritage games and toys at the fourth annual Jan Ken Pon! Family Games Day. Play with colourful tops and a Japanese style cup & ball, make your own sumo wrestlers and beanbags, and run around and burn off some energy. The highlight of the day is a rock-paper-scissors tournament with prizes. Old Japanese heritage toys will also be on display. Information and registration: 604.777.7000 ext 109.Free admission.

Heritage Lounge
Fri Jan 25 7pm
Heritage Lounge Speaker Series. Please join us on Friday January 25, 2008 at 7pm for the Heritage Lounge Speaker Series with Arthur Shogo Kobayashi and Ako Matsubayashi, two former Lemon Creek, B.C. internment camp survivors who will share their memories of being teen-aged prisoners through the WWII years. The host is Nikkei Voice writer Norm Ibuki. Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre. Refreshments will be served after the talk. Admission is free.

Samurai Assassin
Thurs Jan 31, 2008 7pm

The Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (JCCC) movie night. This film is the first in a series of screening in 2008 to acknowledge the 140th anniversary of the bakumatsu and the birth of modern Japan. Directed by Okamoto Kihachi, starring Mifune Toshiro. Admission is $5 for JCCC members, $7 for non-members. In Japanese with English subtitles.

EAST ASIAN

Adrienne Clarkson (Pix)
Jan 30 7:30pm
Unique lives & experiences of Adrienne Clarkson. Forced to flee Hong Kong in 1941 when Japan invaded, Adrienne Clarkson arrived in Canada as a refugee at the age of 12. From humble beginnings, she forged her way from turmoil to triumph and became the first Chinese Canadian Governor-General. Don't miss an evening with this remarkable national treasure – as she continues to make her mark on Canada. Tix call 1-877-873-8124 or visit the website of the OrpheumTheatre: www.city.vancouver.bc.ca .

Chinese art exhibit
Ongoing 2pm until Feb 10
The Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Vancouver in collaboration  with the Alliance Francaise Vancouver presents Gina Verster who holds a Fine Arts degree from UBC and has served as director at the Canadian Craft Museum. She currently working on a collection of poetic and prose pieces inspired by her travels in France. 555 Columbia St. Vancouver. More info: www. cccvan.com or 604-658-8881

The Banana Boys
Jan 17 until Feb 9
A Firehall Arts Centre presentation by Leon Aureus following on sold out shows last season. The BBoys - clever and witty story of five university buddies who try to balance the joys of video games and beer with the frustrations of feeling caught between two cultures.

China’s Children Chorus
Sun Feb 3 7.30pm
On Wings of Songs. The Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Vancouver in association with Morning Star Singers presents the Children and Young Women Chorus of China National Symphony Orchestra under the distinguished conducting of Yang Hongnian in a program of Chinese and international classical & folk songs: Michael J. Fox Theatre, Burnaby Tix:$15, $25, available at CCC (604-658-8850 & 604-659-8875)www.cccvan.com

Adults’ karaoke club
Ongoing, every Mon & Thu 1-3pm
Exercise your vocal chords and the diva inside with English karaoke on Mon and Chinese karaoke on Thu.
Bring your own karaoke discs if you have any. Renfrew Park Community Ctr (2929 E 22nd Ave).  Info:604-257-8390

Fundraising Gala  (Pix-Success)   
Wed Feb 2 6pm
Time: Banquet at 6 pm; Show begins at 8 pm
Venue: General Motors Place (800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver)
Back by popular demand, the Annual S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Fundraising Gala returns to General Motors Place on the 7th Day of the Lunar New Year. The Gala will begins with an exclusive banquet followed by an exciting variety show starring the brightest and most talented performers and artists in the Hong Kong entertainment arena. With an annual audience of over 13,000, the Gala is one of the premier and most anticipated community events in Vancouver. Contact: 604-408-7228 or visit: www.successfoundation.ca  for more details.

Festive Arts
Ongoing until Feb 15
Display of Past Works by Cha Guojun, Qin Feng, Yang Jiechang and Chen Hai Yan. Art Beatus (Vancouver) Consultancy Ltd. is pleased to present an energetic and diverse display of artworks inspired by the holiday season.  Mixed media paintings by Cha Guojun, ink on rice paper works by Qin Feng, etchings Chen Hai Yan and ink works by Yang Jie Chang will be featured. The winter group display will runs up to Feb 15. Visit: artbeatus.com for more info.

Literary (Pix of lee_jen_ sookfong)
Thurs Jan 31 7:30 pm
One of Canada's bright new literary stars, Jen Sookfong Lee, reads from The End of East, her moving portrait of three generations of the Chan family, living in Vancouver's Chinatown.The novel sets family conflicts against the backdrop of Vancouver's Chinatown - a city within a city where dreams are shattered as quickly as they're built, and where history repeats itself through the generations. Free admission. Vancouver Public Library Alice MacKay Room, Lower Level Central Library 350 West Georgia Street.

Year of the Rat (Pix)
Sat Feb 16 5:30pm
Join the Association of Chinese Canadian Professionals (ACCP) in welcoming The Year of the Rat- Chinese New Year dinner, featuring a keynote speech by Honorary Advisor Ms. Anna Fung who will share her experiences with being the immediate past president of the B.C. Law Society and what it means to be a Chinese Canadian professional and her role as a community leader.  Shun Feng Seafood Restaurant (the former Floata Restaurant in Parker Place mall) Unit 1425, 4380 No. 3 Road (Parker Place) Richmond. For more info call 604-304-6088.

Festival Day (pix-Dr Sun Yat...)
Feb 10 10.00am – 4.30 pm
On this day, celebrate Chinese New Year in style at the garden. A number of activities and events will be taking place such as fortune telling, tai chi, traditional Chinese music and crafts, and other fun demonstrations. So. Mark this date down on your calendar and we hope to see you and your family and friends at the Garden! Donations appreciated. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden 578 Carrall Street, Vancouver, BC Info:  
www.vancouverchinesegarden.com

Friendly Start (pixSTEAMWORKS)
Thurs Jan 17 6pm
Welcome 2008! There's good cheer everywhere. Spread it among all your friends from the Association of Chinese Canadian Professionals (ACCP) and make this a joyful beginning for them on this monthly social event. Join us in a casual New Year gathering at Steamworks (Gastown) and share with us your exciting holiday experiences as well as new year resolutions! RSVP at accp.social@gmail.com .

Tokyo anime fair

Call for exhibitors. The Canadian embassy in Tokyo invites Canadian companies interested in exploring the Japanese and Asian markets to take part in the Tokyo International Anime Fair, March 27-30, 2008. Info & reg: www.tokyoanime.jp/en.

The Donwakai
Every 3rd Thurs of the month
It is a great opportunity to learn about the Vancouver Mokuyokai Society. Established in 1982 for people of all nationalities with a strong professional or personal interest in Japan. We look forward to seeing you at Steamworks (Gastown) 375 Water Street, Vancouver, BC. A small charge of $4.00/person for non-members as a contribution towards snacks. For more info: donwa@mokuyokai.bc.ca or call 604-689-2739.

SOUTH ASIAN

No Holds Bar
Jan 24 9pm
No Holds Bar is a carefully orchestrated, off-the-cuff explosion of Vancouver’s finest musicians, bringing together world drums, including the dhol and tabla, as well as bagpipes, and fiddle at the Atlantis Night Club. Throw in the Bay Area’s hottest DJ Jimmy Love with Seattle’s DJ Collage and local spinster DJ Tspoon, and witness a cyclone of energy. See: www.ticketstonight.ca or www.pushfestival.ca

Canada, My India!
Feb 10 7pm
Travels through Greater Vancouver’s ethnic diversity, from Abbotsford all the way to Whistler. There is South Asian drizzle throughout! This musical play is performed in English, and highlights the similarities and differences between various Indian arts and western fusions. Canada, My India! is the first locally produced, professional show encompassing classical, folk and fusion arts with the very best that Vancouver has to offer at the Norman Rothstein Theatre. Tickets: www.ticketstonight.ca

Surrey Girlz
Every Monday  2-4pm
SurreyGirlz is offering a drop-in for and by sex workers. Looking for more discretion or need support outside of these hours?  Call 778-240-1055 to speak with one of the SurreyGirlz.  To visit the SurreyGirlz website www.surreygirlz.org. To purchase SurreyGirlz Clothing (proceeds support the drop-in) visit www.surreygirlzfashions.com

SAFA arts youth nights
Ongoing every Fri 7-9pm
The South Asian Family Association’s Arts Youth Nights are for kids and teens between seven and 16. Programs are geared to promoting South Asian culture, a positive image of South Asian youth and achieving cultural harmony. Moberly Arts & Cultural Ctr (7642 Prince Albert St). Info: www.safa.ca.

Community Centre
Ongoing until Mar 31
Moberly Arts & Performing and Creative Arts Programs will be conducting lessons on Belly Dancing, Dhol drumming, Bhangra dance and Indo-Jazz dance to young Indo-Canadians. To register for programs call Sunset Community Centre at 604.718.6505 or visit the centre at 7646 Prince Albert Street Vancouver, B.C.

Belly Dance
 5:45 pm-7:00 pm
Juanita Reimer teaches middle-eastern belly dance, a timeless dance, rich in history and culture. Belly dancing is a way of learning to recognize the beauty in you, no matter what age, shape or size. Reconnect with your body in this joyous form of expression.

Dhol Drumming
Come and feel the beat! Learn to play the Dhol, an Indian drum used in bhangra. Gurpreet Sian provides lesson to students to learn the basic techniques of playing, as well as the vocabulary required for reading different rhythmic beats. These are semi-private lessons. Please bring a drum if you have one. www.southasianarts.ca.

Bhangra Dance
Until Mar 16
Sun 11:30 am -12:30 pm
Baljeet Pattar and Raakhi Sinha will teach students to learn the fundamental techniques of bhangra, a folk dance from India. Learn proper hand movements and dance steps to both fast and slow beats. www.southasianarts.ca.

Indo Jazz Dance Movement
Ongoing until Mar 12
4:45 pm-5:45 pm
This class is a unique form of fitness and dance that blends jazz and hip hop techniques with Indian folk and contemporary movement, done to “Bollywood” music and world rhythms. www.shiamak.com . To register for programs call Sunset Community Centre at 604.718.6505

Sculpted and Adorned
Tues Jan 29 7pm
Mud Architecture in India. Art historian, curator, anthropologist, photographer, and author Dr. Stephen Huyler shares images and insights gained through 37 years of travel documenting folk art and aesthetics in rural India. This is the second of three talks in our series, "Mud Matters," highlighting the creative and destructive aspects of mud. The final talk takes place on February 5, 2008. Museum of Anthropology at UBC. Info: www.moa.ubc.ca

Bhangra Celebration
Feb 29 - Mar 8
The annual festival continues to evolve with new and exciting events to complement the competition, art exhibit and outdoor evening stage. The City of Bhangra 2008 will include the Drum Circle, exploring global styles of drumming and performance; transfusion, where  contemporary and traditional dance styles of the world meet and blend; and Disorienting Bhangra, a panel discussion examining  the global popularity of Bhangra. For tickets and information, visit www.vibc.org

Folk dance festival
Sun Mar 2 3pm
We yah hani nah Coastal First Nations Dance Festival. In partnership with the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad, the Dancers of Damelahamid and MOA welcome you to the inaugural We yah hani nah Coastal First Nations Dance Festival. Come and experience dramatic masked dances, ancient songs, beautiful button blankets, and Northwest Coast art. (All performances free with regular admission.) Info: www.moa.ubc.ca

Daddy Storytime
Tues Feb 5 6:30pm

Surrey Public Library presents Daddy Storytime, a special New story time designated for men and the important kids in their lives. Dads, Grandpas, Uncles, Big Brothers & other Important Guys are  invited to bring the kids to enjoy stories and songs together. Daddy Storytime will be held every Thursday until March 11 at the Cloverdale Library, located at 5642 - 176A  Street. Panamas are optional! Open to kids of all ages. To register, call 604-598-7320.

Dot Art for Big Ones
Why should kids have all the fun? Learn an ancient art form and support the environment!  Try Dot Art with artist & environmentalist, Rogest on Thursdays, Jan. 31 and Feb. 7, 6 - 9 pm at the Semiahmoo Library.  Auction of the paintings will be held on Feb. 21. Proceeds will go to the Friends of Semiahmoo Bay Society and Surrey Public Library in support of the Library Grove. There is a $10 charge for the art workshop. Please register at 604-592-6908.

WEST ASIA

MIKA (Pix)
Feb 15 8pm
95 Crave FM and the Georgia Straight present pop sensation Mika, live in concert. Lebanese-born, London based MIKA Penniman known as Mika has been nominated for a Grammy for Best Dance Recording for 'Love Today'. This is excellent and well earned recognition for the massive global impact that he has had this year. This will be the 50th Annual Grammy Awards, prestigious stuff, and will take place on 10 February 2008 at the Staples Center, Los Angeles. MIKA will also have the opportunity to thank his American fans when he tours the US and Canada at the end of January and early February. Catch Mika at the ORPHEUM theatre 649 Cambie St Vancouver, BC, Canada or call For more information call 604-665-3050.