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December 13, 2022

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This may have happened to you (maybe not the musical writing part), or you may know someone from an Asian background who is currently struggling as their parents had strongly expected or already had chosen a job for them.

But how many of you have bravely rejected your parents’ desires, and followed your true passion? Take it from this courageous girl, Joy Regullano. You might remember her from the viral YouTube sketch called White Fetish, or various random acting gigs like the TV Series Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (her line was “Yeah, bitch!”) or Modern Family (with her line was “You fools!”).

That’s right, Joy is quite too far from wearing a white coat. She’s an actress, comedian, and writer — every Asian parents’ nightmare. So when she told her parents that she didn’t want to be a doctor anymore, her father didn’t talk to her for 8 months. Years later, she wrote a comedy musical about it, called Supportive White Parents.

“Working on this musical has been a major part of my healing journey (my parents are imperfect people who were just passing down intergenerational trauma) and maybe it can be part of yours too,” Joy expresses.

Read through as Joy shares how she has discovered her passion for comedy, and her journey to healing and acceptance through her musical.

MY WHOLE LIFE, I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO BE A DOCTOR JUST LIKE MY PARENTS

My parents were born and raised in the Philippines. My dad grew up very poor in one of the provinces, but after scoring in the top percentage of all students across the country on an exam, he got a scholarship to a prestigious science high school in Manila that was all expenses paid. My parents met in medical school, and soon after graduating, they came to the US by way of New York. Eventually, they made their way across the country to Eagle Rock in LA and then Orange County, where I grew up. 

My whole life, I thought I was going to be a doctor just like my parents. I tried my best to be the perfect daughter. I got straight A’s and took piano lessons since I was 3 and violin lessons starting at 8. (Well, actually, I got one B+ in AP/IB Physics, but we don’t talk about that B+) I studied math outside of school at Kumon and played educational computer games because it was a productive use of my time. I read medical books my parents had lying around the house and had subscriptions to science magazines in high school, for fun.

But as I grew older, there was a part of me that was starting to love writing and making people laugh. For 7th-grade vocabulary exercises, I cared more about making my sentences funny than using the word right. My favorite part about English and Spanish group projects was writing the scripts and acting in them. I wrote bad high school poetry. But I didn’t think that was an acceptable thing to want to do with my life, so I shoved that part down, deep inside me. I did write for the school newspaper and compete in speech contests and debate teams, but that was about the extent of my (public) creative life. 

But as I grew older, there was a part of me that was starting to love writing and making people laugh.

-Joy Regullano

I LOVED FEELING LIKE I COULD MAKE THE AUDIENCE LAUGH AND CRY JUST BY TELLING AN HONEST STORY

I went to UC Berkeley pre-med and was planning to take over my dad’s clinic when he retired. But in the first semester of my freshman year, I got a B on my first math test and a C on my first chem test, and I panicked. After some soul-searching, I realized I wasn’t actually passionate about any of that and ended up cycling through a bunch of different majors before landing on Theater and Southeast Asian Studies.

I wrote a play in college about a friend who had passed away in high school, and when I put it up in front of an audience, I was hooked. I loved feeling like I could make the audience laugh and cry just by telling an honest story. Just by being myself. I wanted to do that for the rest of my life. I loved Tina Fey and Amy Poehler’s work so much that I couldn’t even watch them for a long time because it hurt that I wasn’t doing what they were doing. 

WHITE PARENTS: A MUSICAL INSPIRED BY MY LIFE

I wrote the book and the lyrics to a comedy musical called “Supportive White Parents” about an Asian girl who tells her parents she doesn’t want to be a doctor anymore, and when they’re disappointed, she wishes on a shooting star for supportive white parents. Eventually, she learns to love her Filipino parents for who they are. My friends Sam Johnides and Tony Gonzalez wrote the music.

The musical was inspired by my life. When I told my parents I didn’t want to be a doctor like them and take over my dad’s clinic, my dad yelled at me, called me selfish, and didn’t talk to me for 8 months. I was absolutely devastated, even though I knew that making people laugh and cry was what I had been put on this earth to do. 

I felt so jealous of my white theater classmates with their seemingly endlessly supportive white parents. And funny enough, they were jealous of me because I had something called “discipline”, played multiple instruments, and knew other languages. And thus, the seed of a musical was born.

Eventually, she learns to love her Filipino parents for who they are.

-Joy Regullano

LAUGHING AT OURSELVES CAN BE ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO HEAL

There aren’t many Asian American musicals, let alone comedy Asian American musicals. One of my teachers says that comedy is the back door to the truth. I think that laughing at ourselves can be one of the best ways to heal, as well as realizing that we are not alone. 

We as a generation are going through this together, and also, we, as well as our parents, are the products of society and intergenerational trauma. We are all imperfect people who are trying the best we can with the tools we have. 

ACCEPTANCE IS THE QUICKEST WAY TO SANITY AND PEACE

I love the serenity prayer. There are some things that we can change, and we should do what we can to change those things. There are some things we can’t change, and it’ll drive you crazy trying to. You can’t control other people. You can only control yourself. The sooner you can accept other people are how they are, the sooner you’ll stop giving your energy away. 

Also, one thing I learned that blew my mind is that it’s actually not love, to wish that your parents or family were different than who they are. If what I was asking from them was to love me for exactly who I am, with all my imperfections, isn’t that what I should be giving them too? Unconditional love and acceptance? (That’s not to say that you shouldn’t have boundaries – that could be a whole other article.) But accepting things you can’t change is the quickest way to sanity and peace. 

If what I was asking from them was to love me for exactly who I am, with all my imperfections, isn’t that what I should be giving them too?

-Joy Regullano

It’s a daily practice. But try it! After reading “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck”, I tried to imagine that I only had one f– to give a day. How much energy would I be saving by only getting bent out of shape over the most important things!? I’m not really good at giving only one f– a day. But I’ll keep trying.

One more thing – some people need to be angry before they move to acceptance. I know I did, and I still feel angry sometimes. Accepting yourself and your feelings is part of the process too. Wherever you are in your journey is okay.

CONNECT WITH JOY

Instagram: @supportivewhiteparents @joyregullano

Twitter: @swpmusical @joyregullano

Website: www.supportivewhiteparents.com

Be on the lookout for the upcoming Supportive White Parent concept album, to be released in January 2023, with singles leading up to it! 

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Marquis Blends Asian Roots and Modern Flair with Innovative Energy Drinks

The energy drink industry is on an exciting upswing, having expanded by a remarkable $7 billion over the past half-decade. Stepping into this dynamic field is Marquis, a family-founded beverage brand rooted in AAPI heritage. Their approach involves crafting a sparkling drink featuring a unique caffeine blend, setting them apart in the market.

Unlike most energy drinks and functional beverages that cram 200 to 300 milligrams of caffeine into each serving, Marquis opts for a milder 100 milligrams. Interested buyers can find Marquis beverages both on the official website, drinkmarquis.com, and select Target stores, including the Downtown branch located at 735 S. Figueroa Street, as well as local Erewhon Markets.

LA natives Christopher Lai and Danny Huang, co-founders of Marquis, are leading the charge for a healthier caffeine experience. Lai shared with LA Downtown News that around 90% of American adults consume caffeine daily, but Marquis’ caffeine drink comes with added benefits.

Marquis crafts its beverages with organic ingredients, sidestepping added sugars and excess calories. Their concoction combines green tea, green coffee, and yerba mate to offer a balanced, natural energy lift throughout the day. Huang emphasized their ability to provide sustained, natural energy with a fraction of the usual caffeine content.

Marquis beverages boast antioxidants, vitamins B and C, setting them apart in promoting health-conscious choices. Lai’s focus on differentiation from other energy drink companies reflects in Marquis’ careful crafting and dedication to responsible caffeine consumption.

The brand’s flavors, including citrus yuzu, lychee peach, mango ginger, super berry, and pineapple passion, carry a unique touch shaped by their “Asian-ness,” as described by Huang. Their latest flavor, lemon lavender, adds a botanical dimension. Huang revealed that these flavors are a testament to their history, culture, and personal experiences, a way to share nostalgia and love with the world.

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An Entrepreneur’s Dream to Bring a Taste of Cambodia to the World and the Miracle That Started It All

Marlin Chan is a remarkable individual whose journey embodies determination and triumph in the face of adversity. Born to Cambodian immigrants, Marlin’s family overcame hardships that spanned continents, shaping the very essence of his character.

His parents faced the harsh realities of the 1970’s Cambodian Genocide that forced their separation for nearly 2 decades. After being apart for 18 years, a fortunate stroke of serendipity allowed them to miraculously reunite and lead to the birth of the miracle baby Marlin.

Inspired by his grandmother’s beef crisps, Marlin started a business venture called “Yay’s” to pay homage to his culture. Through Yay’s, Marlin continues his family’s legacy of hard work and determination, sharing a unique taste of Cambodia to the world.

Asian Hustle Network had the privilege to sit down with Marlin Chan and delve into his inspiring journey. Join us as we explore his remarkable story of strength, dreams, and resilience.

CHALLENGES THAT MARLIN’S PARENTS FACED AS CAMBODIAN IMMIGRANTS

During the Cambodian Genocide, my parents faced the challenge of survival, as those of higher status, like artists, government officials, and intellectuals were among the first to be targeted and eliminated. 

Because there were countless horror stories of Khmer U.S. Air Force members being killed upon arrival at the Phnom Penh’s air station, it prevented my dad from returning home after serving the U.S. Air Force to save his family. This marked the onset of my parents 18-year separation.

Amid their time in the work camps, my mom tragically lost my sister to chickenpox and malnutrition due to the mistreatment by the Khmer Rouge. This tragic event left her devastated. To escape the work camps, my mom and her family had to navigate minefields at night to be unseen.

Like many immigrants, my dad faced the challenge of not knowing the English language upon his arrival in America so he turned to television to learn how to speak the language. Meanwhile, my mother successfully made her way to America to start a new life and began selling noodles on the streets of Stockton, California to support our family.

THE REMARKABLE REUNION OF LONG-LOST LOVE AFTER 18 YEARS

One day, my father visited a local donut shop for the first time to meet with an old friend, and the donut shop owner recognized him from their days in Cambodia. 

As the owner was inquiring about my mother, he revealed that the last he heard about her and her family’s whereabouts was in Stockton, California. My father’s face drained of color, and he froze upon hearing this shocking revelation. Immediately, he asked if the owner had their contact information and without skipping a beat, he got in touch and embarked on a road trip to Northern California the very next morning.

Upon arriving in Stockton, California, my dad found my mom, still hopeful and strong-willed as she had always been, but her health wasn’t in the best condition. She was living in a one-bedroom shared apartment with multiple other families. They promptly went for health check-ups and discussed restarting a life together again. In that same year, I was born on October 7, 1993. The Stockton Newspaper published an article of Marlin Chan as the miracle baby that beat the odds of survival with my parents’ long-lost reunion and my mother’s ability to bear children at forty.

LESSONS THAT SHAPE MARLIN’S JOURNEY

As a child of Cambodian immigrants, here are some of the things I learned:

  • Stay curious, for knowledge is a treasure that never diminishes and our curiosity fuels our drive to innovate. 
  • Having a positive outlook can transform our perception of life, particularly during trials.
  • Material wealth is temporary. The value in developing your knowledge and skills is what truly holds the key to unlocking your infinite potential for abundance, which created a drive for me to continually invest in myself.

Relentlessness and grit are values I learned from my parents’ stories at a young age. I come from a determined, resilient family that fights for love. Hearing stories of my mom walking from Cambodia to the border of Thailand in search of refuge taught me the power of determination. Based on these principles, I have always believed in my potential and fostering a strong work ethic. While I may not always be the most attractive or intelligent person in the room, I strive to outwork everyone to the best of my abilities.

FACING FAILURE, FINDING STRENGTH

When I was eighteen years old, I was selected as one of the top 10 finalists to compete on ‘Internet Icon,’ a show created by Ryan Higa, my content creator idol. Unfortunately, I ended up placing 8th on the show, and as a young eighteen-year-old, I was devastated. I doubted whether I could become a full-time content creator if I couldn’t win this competition.

In the following year, I took a service industry job at Chipotle and completely stopped making videos. By the end of that year, I felt a renewed sense of fervor and determination to pursue my career in content creation. The skills I learned from my job at Chipotle, such as executing with excellence to avoid repetition, transferred to my work ethic for content creation.

By doing something that wasn’t creative, it shifted my perspective with content creation and allowed me to pursue my passions with more fervor and focus. I realized that I would only be a failure if I gave up since you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. This experience resonated with the Japanese proverb, “Fall seven times, stand up eight.”

Over the next three years, I moved to Los Angeles, California, and gained over 1 million subscribers, turning content creation into a full-time job. I learned that if I could visualize my goals, they could become my reality, or even exceed beyond my imagination.

LOOKING AHEAD

My greatest accomplishment would be giving my parents a better life and inspiring kids to foster their talents and pursue their passions.

Looking ahead, my goals for the future are centered around bringing joy and delight to the world with my food and creations. I aspire to represent Asian Americans, who are under-represented in American media and encourage my Asian community to share a piece of their culture with others.

My dream is to become the first Cambodian American to bring a taste of Cambodia to every home with Snack Yay’s on a global scale. Bringing exposure to the Cambodian community would be a true fulfillment of my mission in life.

ABOUT HIS BRAND YAY’S

My Grandma, known as ‘Yay’ in Khmer, has been crafting beef crisps since the early 90’s to cover her apartment rent in Stockton, California. Beef crisps consist of thinly sliced marinated beef air-dried to a delightful crunch with flavor profiles that offer a symphony of umami, sweetness, and spiciness. Consumer goods expert Kathryn Tuttle described them as a fusion of ‘Beef Carpaccio meets potato chips meets bright Asian flavors.’ What sets these apart from traditional American beef jerky is their light and crispy texture. While regular beef jerky takes about 3 hours to dehydrate, beef crisps demand up to 20 hours for that perfect crispiness.

Growing up, I thought beef crisps was a snack that was readily available in stores. My earliest memories involved enjoying this delectable treat outdoors, helping my grandma sell them to our community. The concept of making Yay’s as a brand first came to me in December 2017. Though the idea took root then, I didn’t start the business until June 2023. Pioneering and expanding something unprecedented like this has not been an easy feat. It was very discouraging at first to reach out to over 57 different manufacturers and be told numerous times that it couldn’t be done because of the technical hurdles in producing beef jerky with this level of crispiness.

Yay’s is currently self-manufactured to ensure we use the highest quality ingredients. Every bag we send out meets our standards because we take the time to slow-dry the meat for over 20 hours, while typical beef jerky takes 3 hours to produce.

We initially started out in a small commercial kitchen in Camarillo, California, and transferred to a medium-sized commercial kitchen in New Jersey this year to increase production. We are sourcing USDA Prime meat from the same suppliers that many Michelin-starred restaurants in New York City use. Every bag of Yay’s is handcrafted because we value quality. For me, the possibility of sharing a taste of Cambodia to the world is a dream come true.

MARLIN CHAN’S INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE TO YOUNG AAPI INDIVIDUALS

Never give up. Remember to focus on your own journey because you are uniquely you, and your authenticity is your ultimate gift to share with the world. Being referred to as a miracle baby since birth has shaped my perspective to preserve through the seasons of life and be grateful of the blessings in my life. Maintaining a positive attitude is a powerful tool to develop unwavering confidence in your potential to achieve anything you set your mind to.

CONNECT WITH MARLIN CHAN

Instagram: @marlinramseychan

Youtube: @snackmarlin

Yay’s Instagram: @snackyays

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JFERRER’s Mission to Empower Young Asian Creatives Through His Documentary

JFERRER is a talented Creative Director from Southern California. His journey began in high school when he discovered his love for film. Little did he know that this passion would lead him to an incredible path of self-discovery and empowerment.

It was in college that JFERRER embraced his cultural heritage as a Filipino American, realizing the significance of being Asian in shaping his identity. Despite facing doubts from others, he remained determined to pursue his dreams. This led him to create a documentary titled “DO WHAT I WANT,” shining a spotlight on the incredible work of young Asian creatives.

Now, JFERRER is gearing up for his next mission with “DO WHAT I WANT: SPIN OFF EDITION,” focusing on up-and-coming Asian American DJs in Southern California. Join us as we delve deeper into his story and his mission through an insightful interview with Asian Hustle Network.

THE ARTISTIC VOYAGE OF JFERRER

The world of music has been a constant inspiration for me. When I listen to a song, my mind instinctively creates music video scenes that synchronize perfectly with each beat. I knew that I had to make these vivid visions into reality and on the screen. I started taking clips of videos and putting them into music and created a whole new vibe and energy for the song. It was exciting to help people experience the song in a whole new way.

As my passion for storytelling through visuals grew, so did the scope of my aspirations. Beyond music videos, I became interested in capturing and celebrating diverse narratives and talent. This interest and experience took on a life of its own and I became involved with crafting and managing live events tailored specifically for emerging creatives.

These events became platforms for budding talents to shine, fostering a community of artistic expression and collaboration. I realize that creativity knows no bounds and I want to unleash it and inspire others to find their own creative gifts.

THE IMPACT OF HIS CULTURAL UPBRINGING ON HIS CREATIVE DIRECTION

I grew up in a Filipino American family. Throughout my life, I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by creative family members and friends. Knowing the immense talent and gifts of Asian Americans around me, yet seeing the simple, one-dimensional portrayals of Asian/Asian American characters in movies and television was disappointing.

I want to showcase the rich diversity and talents of Asian Americans and promote positive and authentic representation.

BREAKING BOUNDARIES WITH “DO WHAT I WANT”

Asian Americans do not rely on their creative side to make money. If we wanted financial stability, we would typically look at careers in the medical field, business, or engineering, right? Creative energy would just be reserved for hobbies. But why can’t it be our full-time career? That’s what I wanted to challenge in “Do What I Want”. I wanted to break free from the stereotypes and challenge the notion that you can’t be successful doing something creative and fun. 

I believe in eliminating the fear of pursuing our passions and going against the grain. We have the power to choose our own paths and find immense success in doing what we love. This is the essence of the documentary I want to create – to shine a light on a community of like-minded individuals who have shattered barriers and defied expectations.

In this documentary, we will meet incredible artists, each driven by their unique passions and determined to leave their mark on the creative world. They stand as living examples of why this project exists – to showcase Asian creatives who fearlessly pursued their dreams, despite parental and societal pressures.

The title “DO WHAT I WANT” embodies the spirit of this documentary, as each person featured chose to follow their heart’s desires. They rejected the notion that their career should be dictated by others and, instead, embraced their true calling. This is a celebration of those who broke free from the confines of societal expectations and carved out their own path to success.

NAVIGATING CHALLENGES AND SEIZING OPPORTUNITIES AS A YOUNG CREATIVE

In the realm of young creatives today, networking their art stands as a paramount challenge. Excelling in their craft is undoubtedly crucial, yet without the ability to effectively brand their work and themselves, opportunities for exposure may be limited.

Embracing the significance of self-branding, however, holds the key to unlocking a broader audience and creating a multitude of opportunities that lie ahead. So, dare to showcase your true potential, and let your art shine brightly in the vast sea of possibilities. Together, your creativity and strategic branding will pave the way for a remarkable journey of growth and success. Keep believing in yourself, and the world will undoubtedly take notice of your inspiring creations.

A MESSAGE OF EMPOWERMENT FOR ASIAN AMERICAN ARTISTS THROUGH DO WHAT I WANT

I believe that “DO WHAT I WANT” has the power to ignite a flame of empowerment within the Asian and Asian American communities. It serves as a reminder for individuals to embrace their authenticity and follow their true passions, refusing to conform to societal norms or the cookie-cutter lifestyle. I envision a wave of inspiration, encouraging people to break free from limiting beliefs and embrace the unique paths that await them.

“DO WHAT I WANT” carries a profound significance for Asian American youth. As they witness the success and creativity of these artists, they can find a sense of connection and envision their own future selves achieving greatness. The documentary not only inspires confidence but also fosters a sense of community and unity among Asian Americans, reminding them that they too, can embrace their dreams and make a lasting impact in the world.

INSIGHTS AND ADVICE FROM JFERRER

Throughout my creative journey, the most valuable lesson I’ve learned is the importance of letting go of seeking validation from others. Happiness cannot be solely dependent on the approval of others. While I appreciate and consider the professional opinions of others when it comes to my work, I firmly believe that I must retain ownership of my decisions. Embracing this mindset empowers me to stay true to my vision and creative expression, paving the way for genuine fulfillment and growth.

By freeing myself from the need for constant validation, I can embark on a path driven by authenticity and self-belief. This newfound sense of independence fuels my creativity and allows me to push boundaries without being confined by external expectations. As I continue to evolve creatively, I welcome constructive feedback and embrace the opportunities to learn and grow, but I will always hold firm to my convictions, knowing that the true essence of my work lies within my passion and dedication to making a meaningful impact.

CONNECT WITH JFERRER

Instagram: @itsjferrer

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