Asian Americans for McCain/Palin pose with Congressman Ed Royce (R-CA) and Governor Jon Huntsman Jr. (R-UT) at a reception for Asian Americans at the Republican national convention. The Republican National Committee and the non-partisan Asian Pacific Islander American (APIA) Vote sponsored the reception to raise awareness about voting in November. Those gathered also participated in raising Hurricane Gustav emergency relief funds.

The annual Memorial Concert in honor of Susanna Kim was held August 23 at the Kennedy Center. The event, sponsored by the National Association of Professional Asian American Women (NAPAW), as well as the Susie Kim Memorial Fund and the International Asian American Business Roundtable, featured performances by Dai Uk Lee, Young Hi Moon and many others.

The Asia Democracy Alliance held a forum, “Human Rights Issues in Post Olympic Asia and China,” on September 12. The event was co-sponsored by Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez and Congressman Frank Wolf.

Ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro performed at the Kennedy Center’s 24th Annual Open House Arts Festival on September 13. Shimabukuro (right) is pictured with Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) summer intern Collin Siu of Hawaii and APAICS Senior Advisor Ruby G. Moy.

World War II veterans, community leaders, and Philippine Embassy officials pose for a photo at the Rayburn Building in the U.S. Capitol after the House passed S. 1315, the Filipino Veterans Enhancement Act. Photo: Bing Cardenas Branigin

Children perform at the APIAVote Gala. The gala focused on celebrating Asian and Pacific Islander political leadership.

Republicans gathered to promote Asian American voting and to raise funds in response to Hurricane Gustav. Speakers included former Ambassador Sichan Siv, former California State Treasurer Matt Fong, Southern California Assemblyman Van Tran, and Ed Cox, son-in-law of the late President Richard Nixon. Also present were Congressman Ed Royce (fourth from right) and Governor Jon Huntsman, Jr. (third from right).

The Chinese Christian Church of Greater Washington, DC congregation is shown celebrating the opening of a new branch.

Volunteers from the Vietnamese American Voters Association (VAVA) register voters at Eden shopping center at Seven Corners in Virginia. Photo shows community leader Jackie Bong-Wright assisting an elderly lady register to vote by absentee ballot.

The Napa, California wedding of Jean Jiao of Reston, Virginia, and Capt. Lee Alexander of Colorado drew friends and families from the Philippines. Lee is with the U.S. Air Force. Jean works with a Non-Government Organization (NGO) that deals with less privileged and abused children. Photo: Bing Cardenas Branigin

Filipino American Republicans of Virginia, Inc., (FARV) held its induction in Virginia Beach, Virginia. From left: Tina Sinnen, Assistant Secretary; Becky Pagsibigan, Roy Estaris, Secretary; and Board members Roy Estaris, Ben Aceron, Inday Alvir, Alma Conty, Norma Azarcon, Atty. General of Virginia Bob McDonnell, former FARV president Vellie Dietrich-Hall; Ed Pabalan, President; Amante Legaspi, Jr., Legal Counsel; Oscar Bunoan, Auditor; Maurese Owens, Vice President; Warie Azarcon, PRO and Councilman; Pepe Cabacoy, treasurer and Councilman; Ron Villanueva, Board member. Photo by Bing Cardenas Branigin

The first Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Southeastern Virginia held its induction in Virginia Beach, Virginia last September 13. Consul General Domingo Nolasco (far right), conducted the oath of office. Naomi V. Fitzwilliam, Chairman; Ferdie Perez, Vice Chairman; Ruby Papas, Secretary; Anna Gerling, Treasurer; Board Directors Roy Estaris, Joe St. George, Nita Cacanindin, Steve Johnson, Arnel Custodio, and Dr. Juan Montero, Adviser. Photo by Bing Cardenas Branigin

The Philippine American Foundation for Charities, Inc., (PAFC) hosted a Luau fund-raising dinner/show at Fort Meyer, Virginia last September 20. Community leaders presented Hula Dances for entertainment, but the all-male ensemble brought the house down with their impeccable performance. Proceeds go to several PAFC projects. Performers: Ador Carreon, Gerry Llames, Ernie Cordero, Larry Pacis, Pat Pagsibigan, Presy Guevarra, and David Pagsibigan. Photo: Bing Cardenas Branigin

Maryland Delegate Susan Lee and top Asian Pacific American leaders recently traveled to Virginia to participate in an Obama Rally and register new voters.

Mrs. Nancy Tai donated $10,000 to the China Garden Project at a recent reception held at the U.S. National Arboretum in Washington D.C. Mrs. Tai is the widow of the late Dr. William Tai, one of the first visionary individuals to propose the China Garden Project to be built in the National Arboretum.

Laura Wang (sitting, center), and Karuna Narang, Asian American employees at Montgomery County Department of Health and Humans Services, together with their colleague Eve Guerrero at the Eighth annual Housing Fair and financial Fitness Day held by the County's Department of Housing and Community Affairs on Saturday, September 27. Photo by Jay Chen/Asian Fortune

The Sixth Annual KORUS Festival, celebrating the Korean Festival of Chuseok and US-Korea ties, was held the weekend of Sept. 26-28 in Annandale, Virginia. Many aspects of Krean's vibrant culture were on display in the forms of traditional and popular music and dance, traditional and street fodds, Tae Kwon Do demonstrations, and other programs designed to bring the local communities together. Volunteers from both Obama and McCain campaigns were also present at the festival. Photo by Jay Chen/Asian Fortune

The Vietnamese American community in Northern Virginia recently held its first Autumn Moon Festival to celebrate the second biggest holiday in the Asian lunar calendar year. Held at Eden Center, the festivity includes a myriad of fun and exciting activities for entertainment, contests, workshops, and exhibits. Photo by Jay Chen/Asian Fortune

About 100 kids participated in the 8th GWAC (Greater Washington Arts Committee)Youth Art Fest held on Saturday, September 27 at the Reston Town center Pavilion in northern Virginia. The GWAC Youth Art Fest (formerly known as Children's Art Festival) is a celebration that brings together professional artists, artisans and performers to share their work and talent with children and their families. The goal of the GWAC Youth Art Fest is to expose children to a variety of artistic mediums and to work directly with professional artists in developing their artistic talents. The Youth Art Fest is an opportunity for young artists to get inspired in a fun and educational environment. Proceeds from the event will go to benefit Devotion To Children, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Devotion to Children is committed to providing access to high quality educational and childcare programs for children aged six and under from economically disadvantaged families. Photos by Jay Chen/Asian Fortune