The road is life and is a dilligent and long one….I was in awe of him; he is truly an inspiration. ~ Editor-in-Chief Alcvin Ryuzen Ramos Shakuhachi Artist (Japanese Bamboo Flute Musician and Teacher) Interviewed by Editor-in-Chief Photographed by Noriko Nasu-Tidball Q:   Could you please tell us your cross-cultural backgrounds? What was your upbringing like in Japan (as non-Japanese ethnically speaking)? How did you feel being “gaijin” in Japan? What is your identity now? A: My parents are from the Philippines but I was born in Japan. We lived on a US military base but made frequent visits outside to be with Japanese friends. I was very young so I don’t really remember too much about Japan so I had no conceptual understanding of what a gaijin was. I moved to the US when I was about 6 and went to school there completing university. I returned to Japan after university to study shakuhachi for the first time, which is when I understood more deeply what a gaijin was. Although I have a western mindset, my spirit has always been Asian with a particular affinity to Japan. I moved to Canada in 1997 and have since attained my Canadian citizenship. But I feel that I am more a citizen of the world that is open and loves learning about other cultures and traditions. But there is something in the centre of my spirit that is Japanese. Q:  When made you first realize you wanted to pursue a career in Shakuhachi master? Who were the early influences? A: My major in University was Eastern Comparative Religious Studies and I was originally attracted to the monastic life and/or academic life and was headed that way. But when I first heard the shakuhachi flute, I wanted to go to Japan to study...

‘To Do What One Loves’: An Interview with Paul Tavai-Latta   ‘To Do What One Loves’: An Interview with Paul Tavai-Latta Interviewed and written by Trina Moran On a drizzly (typical) Vancouver day, Paul Latta dons a red Hawaiian print shirt and sunglasses as he zips around the Lower Mainland to one of his many busy dance studios, one of them being based here at the Kerrisdale Community Centre. Hailing from Rarotonga on the Cook Islands, Paul is dedicated to teaching, performing, and managing Polynesian dance through his dance school, Paul Latta Dance Studios, and his dance company, Paul Latta Show Productions. From his productions and performances Paul Latta is well-known for his authentic dance performances in traditional authentic Polynesian costumes and for being an international Polynesian dance champion. Upon moving to Canada when he was six years old, Paul mentions that as a child Polynesian culture, which included dance is all that he knew and struggled that during his childhood in Canada there was nowhere for him to pursue this particular passion. However, Paul discovered tap dancing and instantly became fascinated by the sounds and synchronized rhythms of it which he related to the intense drumming of Tahitian dance. During his studies in tap dance & stage performance Paul learned the business side of the dance world. In this included a vast knowledge of: staging, bookings, lights, theatre, commerce, television, media, and all other commercial aspects. As well, Paul quickly learned some of the negative aspects of show business such PR aspects, awards vs. jealousy, and financial aspects. Paul describes this experience as ‘[learning] at a young age how to deal with the good with the bad.’ As a young adult Paul studied at the Brigham University, Polynesian Cultural Centre in Hawaii and received his Master...

  Interviewed and written by Trina Moran Photographed by Noriko Nasu-Tidball Near the corner of West 41st Avenue and Maple Street lies Gem Chocolates. Radiant in its chic white and deep sky blue hue, this artisan chocolate delicatessen is owned and run by foodie and chocolatier, Glenn Knowles. Behind the counter Glenn is accommodating, approachable, and is a wealth of knowledge about each and every product in store. Whether he is behind the counter constructing an original Gem collection for a customer, in his candy kitchen crafting award winning caramels, or simply making the best hot chocolate of you will ever taste, Glenn is a chocolate mastermind and his creations are so delicious they could be criminal!                   Gem Chocolates opened on December 19th 2011 and quickly thrived under the Holiday demand for sweet treats as presents. Previously Gem Chocolates was only available through third parties and online. Today, Gem Chocolates is proud to say that it has settled its roots in its Kerrisdale location and has already gained numerous regular clientele. As well, Gem Chocolates has shipped chocolates as far as eastern Canada, Florida, Virginia, New York, California, Japan, Hawaii, and Brazil. After many years of working in finance and securities in both Canada and abroad, Glenn felt that he had to pursue another passion in life. Glenn notes that he was always a foodie and was interested in the culinary arts. After learning of an online chocolatier school, École Chocolat, (http://www.ecolechocolat.com/chocolate-program.php), Glenn found his passion: Chocolate. Needless to say, after much practice and recipe perfecting, Glenn was on his way to being one of the top chocolatiers in Vancouver. When deciding to become a commercial business, Glenn spawned the name ‘Gem’ in congruence with his two children: Eamon and Madeleine. Glenn’s chocolates consist of...

A former Chief of Musqueam Band Interviewed by Keiko Honda, Editor-in-Chief Photographed by Noriko Nasu-TidBall Videotaped by Rosanna Goncalves “What was your take home...