NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) -- The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York, which functions as the region's de facto consulate, kicked off Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Tuesday with an evening of music, theater -- and, of course, food -- both from the island nation and its fellow Pacific island nation, Tuvalu.
"Tunes from the Island: An AAPI Celebration Event," kicked off the evening in midtown Manhattan -- amidst a bar serving Taiwanese cocktails (think Golden Gate High Chum and Yushan Whiskey with Taiwanese fruit) and tables of Taiwanese snacks -- with a performance by dancers from Tuvalu of the "fatele," a traditional dance performed at community events and to celebrate leaders and prominent individuals. (The dance was performed for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge during their Sept. 2012 visit.)
Prior to the main program, there was a workshop for the moon guitar, or yueqin.
"Taiwan has long played an important and vibrant role, contributing our unique culture and heritage, while in return, enriching our collective identity," ambassador James K.J. Lee told the attendees.
The evening also included a performance of the folk music-driven "The Chants of Motherland Sagas," a musical theater production commissioned by Taiwan's Pingtung County government and and produced by Tainaner Ensemble and Slashie Theatre. The production follows two young women, who "witness the beauty of life together."
The magistrate of Pingtung County, Chou Chun-mi -- the first elected female magistrate of Pingtung County, Taiwan's southernmost county -- presented a moon guitar to Tinai Temamila Kepa, the first secretary from the Permanent Mission of Tuvalu to the United Nations.
Meanwhile, Ambassador James K.J. Lee presented Magistrate Chun-mi with a New York Mets Jersey with "Taiwan 1" on the back.
Following the dance and music presentations, attendees made a beeline for for a reception consisting of Taiwanese cuisine, including braised pork rice, cherry tomatoes with dried plums, assorted Taiwanese braised platter (beef shank, dried bean curd, kelp and egg braised in soy sauce), and boba custard wheel cakes for dessert.
