Inspired by the outrageous variety shows popularized throughout Asia, ISA! features 10 celebrity contestants playing hilarious games and squaring off in head-to-head challengs. Contestants include Ted Fu, Jen (FrmHeadToToe), David Choi, Clara C, Ally Maki, Freddie Wong, Brandon Laatsch, Wesley Chan, Mike Song, and Anthony Lee. Hosted by Amy Okuda, Philip Wang, and gamemaster Yoshi (KevJumba), the first episode of ISA! begins by getting to know a little bit about each contestant in “Two Truths and a Lie.” After the intros, it’s off to the first game “Pass It On”. How will the phrases “Wizard of Oz” and “Harlem Shake” get transformed from one end of the line to the other end? Look for the pop up graphics just like on the Asian games shows to reveal what really goes through the mind of each contestant.
Did you know May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month? You do now! Join Kevin Kataoka as he celebrates a modern Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Hero and the contributions of the Asian American and Pacific Islander people. He breaks down Asian stereotype, especially ones related to Asian drivers. Listen to Kevin’s witty commentary on Asians and who we really have to look up to as role models.
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Spectacular with Kevin Kataoka on Totally Biased
Wong Fu Productions released their latest short film “To Those Nights”. It’s not your typical Wong Fu Productions short. It’s much edgier, taking your mind and heart to interesting places when under the influence of alcohol. Places you may not have expected, emotions you may usually ignore. The short tells three stories : Justin Chon’s character (Elijah) thinks about his past mistakes when he’s drunk, Karalynn’s character (Jessica) takes control and makes the first move, and Bryan and Courtney offer a story of a drunken proposal.
Writer/director Philip Wang shares, “It’s probably safe to say that this is one of the most honest shorts I’ve done. Not only am I indirectly admitting that I’ve been drunk enough to have these thoughts, I’m also bringing you into those thoughts, the ones that you, when you are drunk, keep to yourself, or within your car, or within your texts. But I don’t mind, because I don’t think it’s really a secret. I think everyone at some point in their drinking life has or will go through these emotions regarding an lost love, an ex, or someone they’re head over heels with. So while being very exposing, it’s also very intimate. I’m not saying that I went through each of these 3 stories literally (I’ve never cheated), but the ingredients are things we are all familiar with.”
The personal project offer some words of encouragement. As Phil states, “I’m nearing the end of my 20s and have been through and around enough scenarios to see many people including myself, lost and wondering about their lives, love, or lack of fulfillment in these areas. As someone, just like you, who’s felt extremely low and lonely, I understand those feelings, the fear and discomfort. But amazingly enough, with time I’ve made my way out of that period and can look back, finally understanding why all of it had to happen. I hope the viewers can see this as my encouragement to them. That while there will be difficult times ahead, or there are difficult times now, it won’t last forever. You’ll learn from it, and grow, and eventually… ‘we’ll all get there, happy’.”
