Hapa Happy Hour

...And we're back again! After taking another break, Hapa Happy Hour returns with our latest from the parent interview series! Recorded over the winter holidays, Lisa's father reflects on family, ethnicity, and class in Guatemala; Chinese traditions that he learned from reading James Michener's novel Hawaii; embracing American customs; and more. For questions or comments, email us at: hapahappyhour@gmail.com.

Our dear Renaʻs mom shares her story and life lessons and laughter...

In the second half of Maria's interview, she not only recounts how she met Rena's dad, but also shares her philosophy about being an American and the strength of having "a hundred worldviews."  A must-listen episode!  For questions and comments, email us at: www.hapahappyhour.libsyn.com.

...And we're back!  After taking a little spring break, the ladies of Hapa Happy Hour are back with their latest from the parent interview series!  Recorded on New Year's Day, Rena's mom reflects on Filipino family ties, a war-torn Saigon, and life in rural America.  She shares candid stories about being a young teacher in a foreign country and explains how culture, circumstance, and environment work together to create one whole identity.  For questions or comments, email us at: hapahappyhour@gmail.com!

Our brilliant friends continue the conversation on being a multi-ethnic person. And we are looking for your submissions! Help us discover a new word to create new language in order to "name ourselves" - "minority" no longer applies :-) Send to hapahappyhour@gmail.com.

Happy New Year!  The ladies kick off 2009 and welcome friends, Michelle and Karen, to the podcast.  Together, they explore their journeys as fellow Hapas, giggle as only girlfriends can, and share some lessons about standing tall in their own shoes. Email at hapahappyhour@gmail.com!

In this episode the women of Hapa Happy Hour discuss the 2008 presidential election, and President-Elect Barack Obama. Please send any comments or questions to hapahappyhour@gmail.com. Thanks for listening! Happy Holidays! (Recorded in November 2008.)

 The second part of our interview with Hiwa's mom.  Donna discusses her ongoing love affair with Hawaii and asks the ladies personal questions about growing up.  Questions or comments about this episode?  Feel free to email the Hapas at hapahappyhour@gmail.com.  Mahalo! (Recorded in September 2008.)

We proudly present Hiwa's mom, Donna, who shares her travels of the world and her journeys of the heart. This is part one in a two-part episode. Please share your thoughts with us at hapahappyhour@gmail.com. Mahalo! (Recorded in September 2008.)

Continuing the conversation about going home, from episode 6, the ladies talk about what itʻs like to be seen in various parts of the world. And where they feel the most at home. Are you Hapa, too? Let us know your opinions and questions at our email: hapahappyhour@gmail.com. (Recorded in August 2008.)

Hiwa interviews her father, Terry, in the Honolulu airport. He is hapa himself, of Hawaiian and Chinese ancestry. Thanks for joining us and as always we welcome your comments and any questions... hapahappyhour@gmail.com. Aloha!

6 - Reflecting on our travels this past year and sharing the cuisines that make Alaska, Hawaii, and Guatemala so unique. Please email comments to hapahappyhour@gmail.com. Thanks! (Recorded in June 2008.)

5 - We're interviewing our parents! Meet our first guest, Rena's dad, Jim, from Chamberlain, South Dakota. Find out how this Midwestern farmer fell in love with a teacher from the Philippines. This week we also touch on the similarities between being transracially adopted and being multiracial. Please email any comments to hapahappyhour@gmail.com. (Recorded in May 2008.)

4 - Celebrate Loving Day, the day the US Supreme court decided that mixed race marriage was (finally) legal in the United States! We talk about Loving vs Virginia and are grateful that our parents weren't arrested. Please email us at HapaHappyHour@gmail.com, thank you.

3 - Exploring the connection between how we were raised culturally and how we view ourselves. Someone can look Chinese but not know how to use chopsticks; breaking down stereotypical ideas. Please email us at HapaHappyHour@gmail.com, thank you. (Recorded in May 2008.)

2 - Further exploration into the backgrounds of Lisa, Hiwa and Rena. From Alaska to Hawaiʻi to Guatemala and beyond the women have experienced many places. Please send comments to HapaHappyHour@gmail.com, thanks. (Recorded in May 2008.)

1 - Welcome to Hapa Happy Hour where Lisa, Hiwa and Rena, who met doing "Three Sisters", explore their multi racial experiences from three different backgrounds. Please email comments to HapaHappyHour@gmail.com, thank you. (Episode recorded in April 2008.)