Let one’s inner kaleidoscopic colors come to light through Asian Pacific American Student Association’s (APAA) 29th annual Culture Show on Nov. 16 at the UMD Ballroom. The show will aim to incorporate this year’s theme, Behind the Mask, to share and celebrate the cultural identity of Pacific Asians through performances and food.

The hopes of Behind the Mask is to help everyone reveal their true identities, and more importantly help the audience learn and connect towards Asian heritage. Co-chair of APAA Heather Quinzon, majoring in computer science with a minor in math, believes that even if it’s for one night, being able to express oneself is enough.

Heather Quinzon. Photo by Christyna Yang.

“We have to hide behind our whole identity, and we don't really show ourselves to everybody,” Quinzon said. “Even if we hide ourselves in all this stuff, for one night, we want to showcase that this is a side of us. We want to be heard, we want to be seen, we don’t want to stay hidden. So, this is all us coming together and taking off that mask.”

There’s a dramatic sense of acknowledging one's cultural identity, especially when it’s been suppressed when assimilating into today's society. Maliza Sivongsa, a third year student majoring in philosophy and double minoring in cognitive science and psychology, is the Secretary of APAA. She feels that this event helps bring out one’s inner self.

“It’s people who are trying to put on this mask to fit into society, but behind the mask is where their truest potential are, the truest potential of that person,” Sivongsa said.

The Culture Show is a student run event that will showcase a variety of different foods, clothes and performances from all around Asia. There’s more to it than just celebrating, it can serve as a prideful reminder of where one comes from.

Willy Sanavongsay (left) and Scott Yang (right) MCing for the 2018 28th annual Culture Show. Photo Courtesy for Minh-Dang Bui Nguyen.

“This is like reminding people that this is our roots, this is how our ancestors used to dress, cook, and dance,” Quinzon said. “These were their traditions. We want to showcase that to people who aren’t so knowledgeable about their culture or who aren’t so knowledgeable about other people’s culture, we want to share that. This is where we came from, this is us, we’re going to show it off.”

The Culture Show is made for others, it’s in hopes that both Asians and non-Asians can be more empathetic and understanding, or simply learn something new. It’s here to help maintain existing traditions.

Amanda Yang singing for 2018 28th annual Culture Show. Photo Courtesy for Minh-Dang Bui Nguyen.

“It’s important to celebrate so tradition and culture can keep going,” Sivongsa said. “Sometimes I’m not with my Laos roots and it’s kind of weird to speak your native language but it’s good to know it. I hope everyone gets to enjoy the show as much as we do, as well as learn what the Asian culture can give to the community.”

APAA hopes to tie the Culture Show into what their student organization stands for. They aspire to not only bring out the cultural identity that may have been buried within, but also to be the place where anybody can belong.

“Why I’m so passionate about APAA is because I wish I give off that feeling of a home away from home,” Quinzon said.

Tickets will be $10 for students and staff; $15 for off campus and at the door. The doors will be opening at 5 p.m., dinner will start at 6 p.m. and the event will last until 9 p.m.

Revealing Identity: APAA 29th Culture Show