The 2012 Asian Culture festivities kicked off in the Old Administration Building auditorium on March 30.

The master of ceremonies, Janice Wong, began by welcoming and thanking those in attendance

“Today’s opening show will give you a glimpse of some of the activities that will take place throughout the month. You’ll see some great panel discussions, performances, guest speakers, workshops, musical performances, celebration night and, of course, our culminating Asian Fest at the end of the month,” Wong explained.

FCC president Tony Cantu was on hand to help usher in the opening celebrations.

“Spring is the best time I think to be at Fresno City College. Because that’s when we really start to celebrate the diversity that we have here at the college,” Cantu remarked.

Cantu gave particular distinction to one of the founders of the event, Professor John Cho, who attended the opening ceremony.

“Every time we get into April, I always think of John Cho,” Cantu

After hiring Cho full-time back in 2000,  Cantu recalled that, “One of the questions that he asked us was, ‘would it be possible to do an Asian-American feast or festival’? When we said we should peruse that, we thought he was talking about one or two days. We never thought it would become month long,” Cantu stated in praise.

Before departing the stage, Cantu finished his remarks by thanking John Cho for his effort and contribution to April’s annual celebrations.

“I really want to give you a special thank you because I know how passionate you are about this event and the work that you put into it,” Cantu continued, “Because it’s not easy and it’s just an incredible event that you put on not just for the college, but for the community.”

The opening event showcased demonstrations including a smooth and flowing duet featuring a violin and an acoustic guitar, traditional dances, a martial arts demonstration showcasing Tai Chi and an entertaining skit produced by the Asian American club entitled, “Instant Noodle Town”.

Over the next two weeks, Asian music, dances, martial arts workshops, panel discussions and other events will be held throughout multiple campus locations. For more information, click here or contact the college activities office at (559) 265-5711.