Representing your home country in a major sport is one of the many important responsibilities athletes hold. It is unfortunate that most cannot represent their country because of the potential risk of injury before a sport season starts. It is also rare to see an Asian athlete, let alone a Filipino, in baseball, football, basketball and hockey, which are the four major sports in the U.S. However, there is one individual that truly stands out as one of the best to represent th

In the Vietnamese culture, husbands are expected to hold dominant positions in the family. There is no doubt conflicts will arise when patriarchal beliefs changes. Norms and values between husbands and wives are shifting as assimilation takes place in America. As a result, domestic abuse arises--especially due to changes in socioeconomic structure and culture. For Vietnamese Americans, women’s economic contributions do not reduce their husbands’ dominant positions or violence

Trauma and its enduring legacy--a well-known but rarely admitted secret among many Vietnamese elders and immigrants. The fall of Saigon in 1975 has left many Vietnamese grappling with the horrors of the war, communist “reeducation”, escapes by boats, and refugee camps. Decades after the end of war, at least half a million refugees have arrived to the United States in search of a better future for themselves and their families. As a result of fleeing from the communists and th

Typhoon Doksuri is one of many severe tropical cyclones that have taken plight in recent months, in both the Atlantic and Pacific regions. Hurricanes Irma, Harvey, and Maria have attracted global social media coverage and attention, with much of the content focusing on urban planning, politics, and the perennial question of climate change. However, where is the news outlet when it comes to Southeast Asia’s tropical disasters? Typhoon Doksuri came into central Vietnam on Septe

This story has been republished from VietnamEazy.com As a kid in Saigon I remember my grandmother taking me to watch Lên Đồng, or Spirit Possession Rituals, in the evenings after dinner has been served. She dressed up and took me down alley ways somewhere in our neighborhood to someone's house. The home is packed with people sitting or standing around a small stage. It is large enough for about five people, 4 were attendants and the person who is designated as the receiver of

Have you ever noticed when walking by Vietnamese coffee shops, restaurants or cafes, there is a distinct smell of cigarette smoke in the air both indoor and outdoor? Though in California, we are not allowed to smoke in public spaces and are only allowed to smoke at least 25 feet away from the building many Vietnamese businesses still tolerate smoking due to their clientele, mostly non-English speaking, older Vietnamese men. According to a study done with the Centers for Disea

Research studies on health disparities have been conducted on Vietnamese elders since their resettlement in the US the last 40 years. Earlier studies were primarily focused on mental health conditions. However, recent research began to emerge and shows the general Vietnamese population in the United States is more susceptible to chronic illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, strokes, hypertension, and diabetes as compared to other Asian American groups. A surprising fact is

If you have ever visited Vietnam, one of the first instances you will come across are drivers and pedestrians covered from head-to-toe in scarves, gloves and sunglasses in 90 degrees plus weather! People are not only fearful of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays or dust-covered roads and air, they typically desire the extra protection for flawless, porcelain skin. Many Asian countries, including Vietnam, pale skin is preferred over tanned skin. Why? Pale skin is a sign of sop

If you had a chance to tune in to Chopsticks Alley Talk Live Show on January 22, 2016, these Áo Dài, The following Vietnamese traditional dresses were worn by our models as they explained the history behind each outfit. All Photos by Josiah Heng Model: Alexandra Huynh This áo dài was designed by Madame Nhu, wife of politician Ngô Đình Nhu. This version of the áo dài became controversial because it strayed away from the traditional design with a high-collared neck. The boat ne

Setting up a Bàn Thờ or Shrine for Tết Lunar New Year is an easy yet complex task. Watch our Chopsticks Alley Talk - Live Tet Edition - Episode 11 to learn more about our traditions. The idea behind having a Bàn Thờ or Shrine is to give thanks to our ancestors and to the gods once a year for all the blessings we've received. It is also an opportunity to pray for the blessings and things we would like to achieve. Cúng, to pray, is an important part of every Vietnamese Tet cel

Miss Đặng Thị Lệ Hằng is representing Vietnam in the 65th Miss Universe, which will be held on January 30, 2017. In hopes of having Lệ Hằng stand out on the Miss Universe stage among the other 85 contestants, the Miss Universe Vietnam organization held a contest for designers throughout the country to create her national costume. Customarily, Vietnam’s delegates adorn the áo dài and khăn đóng, an iconic image in Vietnamese fashion, however, this year, the organization is goin

Tet is an important Holiday for the Vietnamese. Watch Chopsticks Alley Talks Live - Episode 11 Topic: Tet Edition - Learn more about Vietnamese traditions, Do's and Don'ts. Sponsor: LearningVietnamese.net Hosts: Trami Cron, Jenn Chung, Carolyn Le, Viviane Nguyen Producer: Carolyn Le Camera: Josiah Heng Models: Theresa Ngo, Alexandra Huynh, Danny Doan, and Viviane Nguyen Model styling, fashion, and Music: Theresa Ngo Set Designers: Carolyn Le and Samia Verbist If you'd like

The relationship between the canine and the Vietnamese is not a simple one. Not all Vietnamese embrace dog meat, and not all Vietnamese regard their dogs as companions. In Vietnam, those who consume dog meat often try to compartmentalize their feelings toward dogs, just as Westerners who eat meat might try to compartmentalize their feelings toward livestock—particularly small livestock, such as chickens. In the United States, urban poultry keeping, or backyard chickens, has b

Tune in as Grandma Chung demonstrates how to make Banh Xeo, sizzling rice cake and see how Vietnamese American celebrate Thanksgiving. We will also be sharing our own family celebrations such as Death Anniversaries. If you'd like to sponsor our next Chospticks Alley Talk, send an email to chopsticksalley@gmail.com #talkshow #Life #thanksgiving

In Vietnam, the bamboo tree is a significant symbol of our culture and daily life. The solid, straight and high bamboo trees represent resil

With Fashion Month behind us, world-renowned designers including Dolce & Gabbana and Versace presented their latest collections to the entire world. As a Vietnamese American, what was noticeably missing to me were runway designs created by Vietnamese fashion designers. The following are Vietnamese designers I believe have the potential to become big names in mainstream fashion. Chloe Dao (Houston, Texas) After winning season two of Project Runway, the name Chloe Dao was launc

If you'd like to sponsor our next Chospticks Alley Talk, send an email to chopsticksalley@gmail.com #talkshow #Life #superstition #halloween

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” Amongst the pumpkin spice lattes and cozy, oversized sweaters, Fall brings a sense of calmness to our lives. We catch ourselves excited for the colder temperatures and refreshing breeze after a long, humid summer. But with colder and drier air, our skin can fall victim to dull and dehydrated conditions if we don’t prep it for the coming months. A good moisturizer and healthy water consumption can certainly do the trick

Sunny California as it is more commonly known, but today of all days, the rain poured in above the City San Jose.  Despite it all, the celeb

The áo dài is a piece of Vietnamese culture that symbolizes the history and beauty of our people. Its simple yet flattering silhouette has the ability to make a woman feel beautiful and elegant. Over the summer, I had the chance to visit Vietnam and saw an áo Dài exhibit at the Bitexco Financial Tower in Ho Chi Minh City. I was immediately amazed and intrigued by all the different designs and how the dress has evolved over the course of Vietnam’s history. So what exactly is a