Asian Student Association Hosts 'Asianfest' and 'Pandamonium' Culture Show

by Angela Best, student newswriter, (254) 710-1961

The Asian Students Association will host its sixth annual AsianFest and second annual "Pandamonium" culture show at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9, and 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10, respectively, on the Baylor campus.

"The purpose of AsianFest is to promote Asian awareness and identity," said Stacy Chen, external vice president for the Asian Students Association. "We hope that the culture show can help others better understand the differences of each Asian culture and realize that every culture has its own beauty."

The annual banquet, which will be held in the Exhibit Hall of the Mayborn Museum Complex, will feature keynote speaker Helen Zia, author of Asian American Dreams: The Emergence of an American People. Zia will speak on Asian American identity.

"For many second generation Asians, it is difficult to relate to a certain background, whether it be our parent's traditional roles and teachings or the ones we have been brought up with in America," Chen said.

Consisting of diverse dance performances, bands, a fashion show and booths featuring different Asian cultures, the Pandamonium culture show will be held in the SUB Bowl beside the Bill Daniel Student Center.

Organizations participating in the culture show include the Filipino Students Association, Vietnamese Students Association, Korean Students Association, Indian Subcontinent Students Association, Latin Dance Society and Asians for Christ.

Tickets for the banquet are $15 and are available in the ticket office in the Bill Daniel Student Center through Monday, Nov. 6. "Pandamonium" is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Taryn Ozuna in the Baylor Multicultural Activities office at (254) 710-6949.