Filipinos Slay, Stoner Friends, Dog Meat Soup
We’re also tackling the “holiday blues” with tips for Asian Americans and a guide to six holiday films that celebrate warmth and representation.
Welcome to Issue 7 of The Rebel Yellow — If you’re still here reading, thank you so much! This newsletter has been a passion project for us, and seeing your support over the past few weeks has been crucial and it’s very appreciated.
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This week, we’re celebrating Sofronio Vasquez’s historic win on The Voice, a milestone that highlights the rich musical heritage of the Filipino community and the power of representation.
We’re also diving into the “holiday blues,” offering tips and insights for Asian Americans navigating seasonal stress and family expectations, and sharing a guide to six Asian and Asian American-led holiday films that bring warmth and representation to the season.
Let’s keep building something amazing together.
— Benny Luo, Founder & CEO
Historic “The Voice” win highlights Filipino excellence in singing
Sofronio Vasquez has achieved what many musicians and singers in the Philippines — including myself, a frustrated band vocalist — have always dreamed of. Vasquez, a 32-year-old dentist, became the first Asian contestant to win the U.S.’ “The Voice” on Dec. 10. He now joins a growing list of Filipino and Filipino American singers who have showcased their talent in prestigious U.S. singing competitions, including dual-voice singer Marcelito Pomoy and former “American Idol” contestants Jasmine Trias and Jessica Sanchez.
Vasquez’s triumph reinforces the popular stereotype that Filipinos are exceptional singers, which seems apparent if judging by the countless viral videos of random Filipinos flawlessly belting out songs on a karaoke in the malls and carinderias (local eateries). But what is it about the Philippines and its culture that leads to so many Filipinos being such skilled vocalists? Let’s explore.
Why are so many Filipinos good at singing?
Early exposure to music may explain why many Filipinos excel at singing. Filipino singer Vanessa Mendoza, who is also a music instructor at the University of Santo Tomas-Angelicum College in Quezon City, highlights the influence of family in shaping musical talents. In an interview with The Rebel Yellow, she recalls how her grandfather supported her passion for music by enrolling her in music programs. “These experiences marked the beginning of my interest and love for music,” she says.
Family was also the main influence that sparked my own interest in music during my childhood years. Unlike the typical karaoke-filled Filipino gatherings, I grew up surrounded by relatives who played musical instruments and had a deep love for watching musical performances. My late uncle, a self-taught piano virtuoso, could learn classical pieces by ear, while my late aunt encouraged me to sing along to my cassette tapes, especially her favorite, Whitney Houston’s “The Greatest Love of All.”
Recognizing my potential after I taught myself to play the guitar in elementary school and honed my skills through high school, my late aunt enrolled me in classical guitar classes as a teen. She later encouraged me to take voice lessons and enrolled me at the Yamaha School of Music, jokingly suggesting that I use my newfound skills to win a competition — a dream I didn’t realize I had until I started learning how to sing.
She was the one who always encouraged me to persevere with singing, even though I never really had the aptitude for it unlike with guitar and drums. I remember her telling me with tear-filled eyes after my 2011 recital, where I rapped Travis McCoy’s part in Bruno Mars’ “Billionaire”: “Yan, I am so proud of you.” Suffice to say, she was definitely my first and probably my biggest fan.
Historical relevance
Mendoza attributes today’s influence in music to the Philippines’ rich musical heritage, including folk music, salinawit (translated songs in Filipino) and kundiman, a traditional type of Filipino song characterized by melodramatic themes and mournful laments.
The Filipino knack for singing may also have to do with the country’s past. Historical accounts suggest that early Filipinos prioritized vocal over instrumental music before the Spanish arrived to colonize them in the 1500s. Thus, singing was woven into the fabric of daily life as work songs accompanied planting and harvesting, lullabies soothed children, and epic chants preserved history and legends.
In modern times, many credit karaoke — a portmanteau of the Japanese words “karappo” (“empty” and “okesutura” (“orchestra”) — as a major influence on how they got into singing. While the late Shigeichi Negishi created the first karaoke prototype in 1967, Japanese businessman Daisuke Inoue built the world’s first karaoke machine, the Juke-8, in 1971. A few years later, Filipino entrepreneur Roberto Del Rosario patented the technology in 1975, calling it the “Karaoke Sing-Along System.” Since then, karaoke has become embedded in many Filipinos’ lives.
Vasquez, who moved to Utica, New York, to further his dental career before joining “The Voice,” traces his music roots to karaoke, which was a staple in his neighborhood. He fondly remembers always hearing his parents sing while he was growing up “in a squatters’ area.”
Like Vasquez, Mendoza also cites karaoke, which she believes is “a staple of Filipino culture and has played a significant role in developing musical talent,” as her entry point into music. “I used to join my lola (grandmother) and her kumares’ (female friends’) karaoke bonding sessions,” she says. “I even remember crying when my [grandmother] wouldn’t let me join them because I wanted to sing so badly.”
“It nurtures a love for performing, as families and friends gather to celebrate and bond over music,” she adds. “It encourages everyone to participate and provides an opportunity to experiment and discover their singing/vocal abilities.”
A ticket out of poverty
For some Filipinos, singing offers a chance to escape poverty. Families train their young children to become performers so they can enter local singing competitions to help with their finances. Among them is Jake Zyrus, who once shared to Oprah Winfrey that his winnings were used to buy food for his family. Meanwhile, others pursue careers as overseas musicians or singers in high-end Middle Eastern bars or Las Vegas casinos to support their families back home.
According to a survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations in September, 59% of Filipinos (16.3 million) rated themselves as “poor.” The daily minimum wage in the Philippines as of July 2024 for non-agriculture jobs is $11, or roughly $220 per month. This financial struggle also applies to many local musicians, who spend countless hours honing their craft, producing or performing. A national music stakeholders survey revealed that 50% of 700 respondents earned less than $340 a month.
Regardless of one’s reasons for pursuing music, singing remains a powerful tool to change lives, as evidenced by Vasquez’s historic win. Not only did he secure a record deal and a $100,000 prize, but he also had the chance to meet his idol, Michael Bublé.
Bublé, chosen by Vasquez to be his coach, emphasized the significance of his big win the day before the final vote: “There’s a bunch of beautiful Asians all over America and the world who, you know, somebody that looks like them has a chance to be the winner of the biggest singing show in the world.”
Got the holiday blues? Here’s how you can deal with them.
The holiday season is often described as a time of joy, connection and celebration. But for many, it can also be a period marked by heightened stress, feelings of loneliness and even a sense of doom. Such negative emotions are what we have come to know as the “holiday blues.”
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the holiday blues are “temporary feelings of anxiety or depression during the holidays that can be associated with extra stress, unrealistic expectations or even memories that accompany the season.” While these feelings are common, it’s important to distinguish them from more severe conditions like clinical depression or seasonal affective disorder (SAD). For Asians and Asian Americans navigating the unique cultural dynamics of this time, these emotions may resonate even more deeply, influenced by familial expectations, cultural dissonance and societal pressures.
Joyous but stressed
A 2023 poll by the American Psychological Association (APA) reveals that while 80% of U.S. adults describe the holidays with positive words like “fun” and “joyous,” 63% also use terms like “stressful” and “overwhelming.” Nearly nine in 10 (89%) cite concerns like financial strain, family conflicts and the pain of missing loved ones as primary stressors.
“The holiday season can be both a happy and stressful time of year in part due to expectations to spend time with family and friends, navigate family conflicts and uphold important traditions,” says APA CEO Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD. This resonates with many Asians and Asian Americans who often find themselves facing pressures amplified by cultural expectations.
War within oneself
For “Rowena,” 28, the holiday blues have felt like a “war of attrition” within herself. “I resisted for years that they were actually happening — that the 25th of December was really just another day,” she tells the Rebel Yellow. However, a turning point came in 2023. “I realized that clinging onto the memory of joy prevented me from actually experiencing joyful moments. So I’m trying a non-combative, let-it-be approach this year,” she shares.
Israa Nasir, a psychotherapist and director of clinical strategy at Anise Health — a digital mental health care platform focused on Asian Americans — offers a thoughtful perspective on Rowena’s strategy. “Letting it be is not a passive state of mind,” Nasir tells Rebel Yellow. “It means that you’re not reactive, but you do need to make space for acceptance, processing the feelings and then releasing them.”
Finding connection and meaning
Loneliness is a common trigger for the holiday blues, especially for those who feel culturally or socially disconnected from mainstream celebrations. Nasir emphasizes the importance of crafting personal traditions to foster connection and joy. “Start a tradition with yourself that you enjoy doing every year. This can be going to a specific winter market, taking yourself on an ice-skating date, or creating crafts that you can give to other people,” she suggests. “Maintaining such traditions helps you stay connected to yourself, have something to look forward to and also is a form of emotional release. At this time, it’s also important to remember that quality matters over quantity. You don’t need to have dinner with 20 people to have a meaningful holiday tradition — you can do it with two friends who matter a lot to you.”
For those seeking a deeper sense of community, volunteering can be transformative. “It has been shown by research to release endorphins and happiness hormones,” Nasir explains. “It also helps us feel connected to a larger cause that can combat loneliness, especially around the holidays, and it’s a good way to connect with the community.”
Balance is key
Despite the challenges, the APA poll shows that nearly seven in 10 adults agree the stress of the holidays is worth it. For Asians and Asian Americans, navigating the holiday blues may involve balancing cultural expectations with personal needs through self-care. At the physiological level, Nasir advises sticking to routines, eating balanced meals and limiting alcohol consumption. “You don’t have to restrict your eating,” she notes, “but you have to make sure that you are eating fresh greens, fresh fruits, grains and protein, along with the more fun holiday things.”
“Beyond that, it’s important to practice emotional self-care as well,” Nasir adds. “Make sure that you are taking time to process any difficult emotions that are coming up (set a therapy appointment if you need to), set healthy boundaries with family and friends as needed, be present with the people you love and have some alone time.”
As the holidays approach, it’s crucial to acknowledge the complex emotions they can evoke. For those struggling with the blues, the season offers an opportunity not just to endure but to reimagine joy on one’s own terms.
Whether it’s through self-reflection, creating new traditions or connecting with others, the key lies in embracing both the joys and challenges of the season. Like Rowena’s approach, letting go of the past and focusing on the present can help us find new ways to celebrate — and perhaps, rediscover the magic of the holidays.
Why “A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas” deserves to be on your holiday watch list
"A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas" hit theaters in 2011 as the third installment in the beloved stoner comedy franchise. While it didn't quite reach the box office heights of its predecessors, 2004’s "Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle" and 2008’s "Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay,” it delivers a hilarious and heartwarming cinematic adventure with a unique charm that deserves a spot in every "Harold & Kumar" fan's holiday movie marathon.
For the uninitiated, the "Harold & Kumar" films follow the misadventures of Harold Lee (John Cho) and Kumar Patel (Kal Penn), two Asian American stoner friends with a penchant for getting into absurd situations.
In their Christmas escapade, we find Harold all grown up. He's landed a successful Wall Street job, married a beautiful woman and is trying to impress his father-in-law (played by Danny Trejo) during the holidays. Kumar, on the other hand, is still the same lovable man-child, smoking weed and generally avoiding responsibility. When Kumar accidentally burns down Harold's Christmas tree with a giant joint, it sets off a chain of increasingly absurd and hilarious events.
Comedy in three dimensions
One of the most distinctive elements of "A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas" is its playful use of 3D technology. Released during the 3D craze sparked by films like 2009’s "Avatar," the film cleverly satirizes the trend while simultaneously embracing its potential.
Even though Harold himself declares that 3D has "jumped the shark" early in the film, director Todd Strauss-Schulson finds creative and hilarious ways to utilize the technology, creating memorable scenes like Neil Patrick Harris's show-stopping musical number and a sequence where Harold and Kumar become claymation characters.
In an interview with Rebel Yellow, Strauss-Schulson admitted, "It was my first movie, and I really wanted to show off a bit. I loved the idea of 3D because it allowed me to combine William Castle-style showmanship with genuine Capra/Hughes heart." He said he aimed to create a film that was both "a bratty punk middle finger and incredibly warm … a Trojan horse movie … bawdy and aggressive on the outside and cozy and warm on the inside."
“Cinematic Christmas cookie”
The "Harold & Kumar" films came out in an era when seeing two Asian American leads carrying a mainstream comedy film, especially one that subverted stereotypes and embraced cultural nuances, was groundbreaking.
As Cho reflected in 2022, “Its posture towards race is to laugh at it. Instead of elevating it, it took the stereotypes and turned the sock inside out. Looking back, I think we were ahead of our time a little bit.”
"A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas" continued the franchise’s trend of pushing boundaries, but its critical reception was a bit more mixed. In his review of "A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas" for Variety, Pulitzer-winning film critic Justin Chang dinged the film’s “hit-or-miss” approach for scaling back "its predecessors’ racially and politically charged humor," but still admitted that despite its flaws, the film is "a heartwarming affair, a cinematic Christmas cookie almost sweet and flaky enough to cover the fact that it’s laced with hash, cocaine and assorted bodily fluids, blood included."
The over-the-top embrace of the film’s absurdity is exactly what Strauss-Schulson aimed for.
"I think a lot of filmmakers feel ashamed or don’t wanna do a lot of stuff with the camera because they don’t wanna seem self-conscious or celebrate the joy of making a movie and that’s bullshit,” he explained. “This is a good story for a lot of show-off moments. And hopefully, I took advantage of all of them and did some stuff that you haven’t seen before.”
Watch it already
Sure, some of the humor in “A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas” may feel slightly dated in 2024, but the film's self-aware absurdity and genuine heart more than compensate. The film has Machete, Santa Claus and a robot that makes the perfect waffles and saves the day. What more there is to ask?
Ultimately, "A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas" is a wild, hilarious and surprisingly heartwarming ride that will have you laughing, cringing and maybe even shedding a tear or two. If you're a fan of the franchise, or simply looking for a truly unconventional Christmas comedy that breaks the mold, the film is a must-watch.
6 Asian and Asian American-led Christmas films to binge watch this week
Ready to cozy up with some holiday movies this week? Check out these Christmas films featuring Asian and Asian American leads for a heartwarming and entertaining watch.
What it's about: Inspired by the music of George Michael and Wham!, "Last Christmas" is a 2019 romantic comedy film starring Emilia Clarke as Kate, a struggling young woman in London working as a Christmas store elf. She meets a mysterious and charming man named Tom (Henry Golding) who helps her find some direction in her life.
What makes it special: Clarke and Golding deliver charming and relatable performances and their chemistry is undeniable. The film also touches on deeper themes like family dynamics, immigrant experiences and the importance of finding your purpose. While it may have some predictable elements, "Last Christmas" ultimately delivers a feel-good holiday story with a touch of magic.
Standout moment: The ice skating scene with Kate and Tom is romantic and magical
What it's about: This Netflix romantic comedy from 2021 stars Nina Dobrev as Natalie, a Los Angeles writer who travels to her online crush's hometown for Christmas only to discover she's been catfished. Jimmy O. Yang plays Josh, the man behind the catfish, who offers to set Natalie up with the real object of her affection (Darren Barnet) if she pretends to be his girlfriend for the holidays. Hijinks, family drama and unexpected feelings ensue.
What makes it special: This film offers a fun twist on the classic holiday rom-com with its exploration of online dating. Yang shines as a refreshingly relatable romantic lead, and the film features a competitive sibling dynamic and some genuinely funny moments. While "Love Hard" may not break the mold, it delivers a charming and entertaining holiday watch with a message about staying true to yourself.
Standout moment: The karaoke scene where Natalie and Josh perform "Baby, It's Cold Outside" is full of chemistry and humor.
What it's about: This 2018 Netflix Christmas romantic comedy stars Vanessa Hudgens in a dual role, playing both Stacy, a baker from Chicago and Margaret, the Duchess of Montenaro. When the two discover they look identical, they decide to switch places, leading to a series of comedic mishaps and unexpected romances. With a classic "Prince and the Pauper" storyline and a healthy dose of holiday cheer, this film offers a lighthearted and entertaining watch.
What makes it special: While "The Princess Switch" might be filled with familiar tropes and predictable plot lines, it's elevated by Hudgens' charming performance(s). The film embraces its cheesy and lighthearted nature, offering pure escapist fun for the holiday season.
Standout moment: The baking competition scene where Stacy (as Margaret) struggles to bake a simple cake is hilarious and highlights the differences between their lives.
What it's about: This 2020 film is Lifetime's first Christmas movie centered around a Chinese American family. It stars Jacky Lai as Suzie, an architect who returns home for the holidays after the passing of her grandmother and gets roped into entering a local gingerbread house competition with her former crush, Billy (Tony Giroux). With a big work deadline looming, Suzie has to juggle the competition, time with her family and a potential rekindled romance.
What makes it special: Created by an Asian-female led team and featuringes a predominantly Asian cast, the movie stands out for its authentic portrayal of a supportive and loving Chinese American family. The film showcases the family’s traditions and cultural nuances without ever feeling forced or stereotypical.
Standout moment: Suzie and her family make dumplings together, showcasing the strong bond they share.
What it's about: In this 2003 Japanese anime film, three homeless individuals, Gin, Hana and Miyuki, find an abandoned baby on Christmas Eve. Together, they embark on a journey through the streets of Tokyo to find the baby's parents, encountering a series of unexpected adventures and heartwarming encounters along the way. This touching and humorous film explores themes of family, compassion, and redemption.
What makes it special: Despite being an animated film, "Tokyo Godfathers" offers a grounded and realistic portrayal of homelessness and social outcasts in Tokyo. It features complex characters with unique struggles, including Hana, a transgender woman, whose experiences are depicted with sensitivity and depth. “Tokyo Godfathers" delivers a powerful message about the importance of human connection and finding family in unexpected places.
Standout moment: The hospital scene where Hana confronts her past is both heartbreaking and powerful.
What it's about: The 2016 Korean fantasy drama film involves a 38-year-old woman named Woojoo (Kim Ji-soo), who, while grieving the loss of her mother, opens a cafe in a rural town. In an unexpected twist, she encounters two other women who share her name and strikingly similar past experiences, leading to a magical journey of self-reflection and discovery.
What makes it special: "Woojoo's Christmas" goes beyond typical Christmas movie tropes to delve into deeper questions about identity and the impact of our choices. This unique film offers a captivating blend of fantasy, drama and heartwarming holiday spirit that will keep viewers hooked.
Standout moment: The three Woojoos meeting for the first time.
SoCal radio host adds to his history of anti-Asian controversies
Asian American groups are demanding the suspension of Bill Handel, a long-time morning host on iHeartMedia’s Southern California radio station KFI-AM 640, for making repeated remarks on his “The Bill Handel Show” about Koreans, Korean Americans and Chinese restaurants eating and serving dog and cat meat.
Recent remarks:
May 21, 2024: Handel said, “You just can’t have Korean people do it,” in response to a discussion about adopting dogs from shelters so they are not euthanized.
Sept. 16: Handel mocked President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance’s claims that Haitians eat their pets by bringing up Koreans and Chinese. He joked about posting a recipe for “dog meat soup and fiery Szechuan cat stir fry with instructions on cooking cats and dogs” on his Instagram.
Oct. 3: In response to co-hosts King and Neil Saavedra’s discussion on a children’s book about dogs, Handel quipped, “Is it translated in Korean? Don’t use too much ketchup.”
Call to action
Guy Aoki, the co-founder of MANAA, which advocates for fair media portrayals of Asian Americans, brought the issue to iHeartMedia’s attention by emailing the media corporation’s division president Paul Corvino and executive vice president of news, talk and sports Chris Berry. In a Nov. 22 email, Aoki described Handel’s behavior as “unacceptable and disrespectful.” He added, “By repeatedly spouting cheap jokes at their expense, this opens all Asian Americans up to ridicule and violence, as we have seen especially since the outbreak of COVID-19. While some people in Korea have eaten dogs, the majority of Korean Americans have not.”
MANAA, joined by the Asian American Journalists Association and its Los Angeles chapter, is demanding that iHeartMedia suspend the 73-year-old radio host without pay, issue a public apology to Koreans, Korean Americans and Chinese Americans, and mandate appropriate community service.
“I don't want to see eyes that are all slanted and Oriental”
This is the second time MANAA has demanded Handel apologize for on-air comments. In 1996, after pressure from MANAA and other advocacy groups, he apologized after suggesting that Tonya Harding should return to figure skating because he was “tired of seeing slanted-eyed figure skaters winning all the time.” He was also quoted as saying, “ And when I look at a box of Wheaties, all right? I don't want to see eyes that are like all slanted and Oriental and almond shaped. I want American eyes looking at me.” That apology came after pressure from MANAA and other advocacy groups.