BYA’s Past Activities and Events (The Chronicles of BYA)
(2013)
1) BYA 2013 New Year Potluck (Jan 6, 2013)
BYA’s tradition continued as BYA held the 2013 New Year Potluck party on Jan 6, 2013 at 853 Commodore Dr. #121, San Bruno. BYA’s English slogan was voted and White Elephant Gift Exchange Game was joyfully played as celebrating the New Year of 2013.
2) 2752nd Karen Traditional New Year Celebration (Jan 12, 2013)
BYA was invited and performed “Chit Thaw Kabar Myay” song at the 2752nd Karen Traditional New Year Festival which was held on Jan 12, 2013 in Oakland.
3) 9th Annual Asian Heritage Street Celebration (May 18, 2013)
BYA participated in the 9th Annual Asian Heritage Street Celebration organized by the Asian Week Foundation on May 18, 2013 in San Francisco by joining in “The Face of Asia” Cultural Parade and performing Burmese traditional dances.
4) Burmese Community Center 2nd Fundraiser Thingyan New Year Water Festival of Northern California (May 26, 2013)
The Burmese New Year Water Festival, usually fallen in April, is the biggest and funniest festival for the people of Burma. Although other Southeast Asian neighbors such as Thailand, Laos and Cambodia have similar festivals, the Burmese way of celebration itself have different cultural perspectives and unique features dedicated only to this special time called “Thingyan,” such as Thingyan music, Thingyan dance, Thingyan costumes, Thingyan food, Thingyan flowers and playing Thingyan water unlike any others. This year BYA, together with BMCCC and Burmese Community continued the success and tradition again on May 26, 2103 in Kennedy Park, Union City as the 4th Fundraiser for the Community and Cultural Center of Burmese people.
5) 2012-2013 Burmese Graduates Honoring Dinner (July 7, 2013)
The event was held to honor the high school, Associate, Bachelor, Master and Ph.D. Burmese graduates from all over the colleges and universities of the United States of America for the classes of 2012 and 2013.
6) BYA 4th Annual Summer Camping (Aug 2 – 4, 2013)
BYA did it again! We went to Turtletown recreation area and had loads of fun. Thanks to all the campers and organizers to make this incredibly fun trip happen!
(2012)
1) Vietnamese Tet Festival (Jan 15, 2012)
BYA entertainment group performed at the Vietnamese New Year Tet Festival on Jan 15, 2012 in San Francisco.
2) 8th Annual Asian Heritage Street Celebration (May 19, 2012)
BYA participated in the 8th Annual Asian Heritage Street Celebration organized by the Asian Week Foundation on May 19, 2012 in San Francisco. BYA was involved in the event by joining in the Face of Asian Cultural Parade, performing Burmese traditional ethnic dances and showcasing Burmese cultures at the Southeast Asian Exhibition of the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco.
http://asianfairsf.com/performances/2012-artist-and-performers/
3) 1st Burmese Community New Year Water Festival of Northern California (May 27, 2012)
On May 27, 2012, BYA led and organized a Burmese Community New Year Water Festival called ‘SF Bay Area Thingyan 2012” in the Kennedy Park of Union City. This was also a fundraiser for building the first Burmese (Myanmar) Community and Cultural Center in San Francisco Bay Area. “Thingyan” is the largest traditional new year festival of Burmese people and it has become the biggest Burmese ethnic cultural showcasing event of Northern California. (The event flyer is attached)
4) BYA 3rd Annual Summer Camping (July 13-15, 2012)
BYA went to the Big Meadow campground for its 3rd Summer camping trip on July 13, 2011. Burma trivia fun quizzes were played and BYA visited the Sequoia National Forest on its return trip.
5) SF Burmese Community Meeting with Daw Suu Event (Sep 29, 2012)
When the Burmese Democracy icon Daw Aung San Suu Kyi came to San Francisco, BYA members participated and volunteered as individuals at the Burmese Community meeting with Daw Suu event, which was held on Sep 29, 2012 at the University of San Francisco, where thousands of Burmese eagerly gathered to meet and listen to the speech of their beloved leader.
6) BYA 5th Birthday Celebration Dinner (Oct 20, 2012)
The fifth birthday celebration dinner of BYA was held on Oct 20, 2012 at 101, Eastmoor Ave #118, Daly City. Each BYA‘s Board Member gave speech and shared thoughts with the members regarding the progresses and future steps of BYA.
7) Pann Khayan Pyar COBA Fundraiser Event (Nov 11, 2012)
BYA helped and participated in the “Pann Khayan Pyar” Fundraiser Event, organized by the San Francisco Chapter of Citizen of Burma Award (COBA) group on Nov 11, 2012 in Daly City. Burmese singer Saung Oo Hlaing, song writer Ko Ye Lwin and writer Daw Than Myint Aung were present at the event as the guest speakers.
(2011)
1) 63rd Annual Chin National Day Celebration (Feb 19, 2011)
BYA Entertainment and Cultural team performed the “Chin Doe Htar Ni” song at the
63rd Annual Chin National Day Celebration in Oakland on Feb 19, 2011.
2) 2010-2011 Burmese Graduates Honoring Dinner (June 4, 2011)
This event is intended to hold bi-annually to honor the Burmese graduates from Colleges and Universities for their educational achievements, by doing so to encourage all the other Burmese American generations with their own educational journeys. This first event was successfully held on June 4, 2011 in San Francisco, inviting 2 professional guest speakers for inspiration and honoring 26 of Associate, Bachelor, Master and Ph.D. Burmese graduates from all over the colleges and universities of the United States of America.
3) Burmese (Myanmar) Community and Cultural Center 2nd Fundraiser Event (July 9, 2011)
It was held at the Little Theatre of Daly City on July 9 2011 as the Burmese (Myanmar) Community and Cultural Center 2nd Fundraiser Event. The highlight of the event is Burmese Cultural Talent Show and awards were given out to the Burmese talented winners of the new generation!
4) BYA 2nd Annual Summer Camping and Election (Aug 19-21, 2011)
BYA went to the New Melones Lake for its 2nd Summer camping trip on Aug 19, 2011. BYA’s 2nd Election was also held on Aug 20, 2011 at the campsite and Kyaw Kyaw Soe was elected as the 2nd President of BYA. Campers were divided 4 groups and competed each other for fun!
5) 2011 SEA Mid-Autumn Harvest Festival (Sep 10, 2011)
BYA co-organized this first Southeast Asian cultural festival joining hands together with SEAACC (Southeast Asian Arts and Cultural Coalition) on Sep 10, 2011 in San Francisco. BYA’s cultural exhibitions and traditional performances were most cheered at the event.
6) BYA 4th Birthday Celebration Dinner (Oct 22, 2011)
The fourth birthday celebration dinner of BYA was held on Oct 22, 2011 at 6180, Marguerite Dr. Fremont. BYA’s year-long activities were presented to the public by the BYA president Kyaw Kyaw Soe and fun games were played after the dinner.
7) San Francisco Burmese Film Festival 2011 (Dec 3, 2011)
On December 3, 2011, BYA successfully organized the first Burmese Film Festival of San Francisco in San Francisco State University, partnering with Asian Students Union of San Francisco State University and Network of Myanmar American Association. The purposes are to promote Burmese arts and films in the United States and to raise funds for the Burmese Youth Association.
Famous actress Thet Mon Myint was present at the festival for her feature film “Adam, Eve and Dasa” by which she won her first Burmese Film Academy Award in 2012.
(2010)
1) Burmese Classic 4th Anniversary Child Aid Fundraiser Concert (Feb 6, 2010)
BYA performed BYA’s theme “Youth Song” at the Burmese Classic 4th Anniversary Child Aid Fundraiser Concert on Feb 6, 2010.
2) BYA 1st Election (Feb 13, 2010)
BYA’s 1st ever election was held on Feb 13, 2010 at the Theravada Dhamma Society (TDS) Hall, Room (101), 699 Serramonte Blvd, Daly City. The first elected Board of Directors were as follows:
1. Kyaw Kyaw Soe (VP of Community and Social Affairs)
2. Myat Soe Mon
3. Kyaw Min Oo (Secretary)
4. Wai Phyo (President)
5. Mindy Khoo
6. Zarni Tun (VP of Education and Humanitarian Affairs)
7. Su Wai (VP of Entertainment and Cultural Affairs)
8. Thin Wit Yee (Treasurer)
9. Thura Ko
10. Phyo Sandi Aung
11. Hpyo Wai Hpyo (Publicist)
3) 6th Annual Asian Heritage Street Celebration (May 15, 2010)
BYA participated for the first time in the 6th Annual Asian Heritage Street Celebration organized by the Asian Week Foundation on May 15, 2010 in San Francisco. BYA was involved in the event by joining in the Asian Cultural Parade and Performances. BYA also raised funds by demonstrating and selling Burmese traditional food, costumes and arts to the audience.
4) BYA 1st Summer Camping (Aug 7-8, 2010)
It was the first camping trip organized by BYA. The idea came from the fact that BYA members were too tired from volunteering and organizing activities and they needed a recreational trip. Then there came the first BYA summer camping trip to Mt. Diablo on Aug 7, 2010 and returned the next day. BYA members were said to have been so refreshed and have had so much fun that it became BYA’s yearly tradition since then.
5) BYA 3rd Birthday Celebration Dinner (Oct 9, 2010)
The third birthday celebration dinner of BYA was held on Oct 9, 2010 at 272, Capp Street, San Francisco. BYA’s year-long activities were presented to the public by the BYA president Wai Phyo. Zarni Tun was voted as the BYAer of the year at the dinner.
6) Community Health and Wellness Fairs (Oct 9 & Dec 6, 2010)
BYA also volunteered in the community Health and Wellness fairs such as the “Hepatitis-B Free Health Screening for Burmese Community” event sponsored by the United States Burmese Medical Association (USBMA) on Oct 9, 2010 in Daly City and the “Multicultural Health and Wellness Fair” by the organization of Community Health for Asian Americans (CHAA) on Dec 6, 2010 in Oakland. But we won’t be able to figure out yet how many Burmese have been affected by HIV/AIDS and how they can be helped more effectively.
(2009)
1) BYA 2009 New Year Potluck (Jan 3, 2009)
The 2009 BYA New Year Potluck party was held on Jan 3, 2009 as one of the team-building and fun activities for the BYA members to reflect the old year of friendship and to welcome the new year with hope and cheerfulness.
2) Thee Lay Thee Anyeint Fundraiser (Feb 1, 2009)
BYA helped organize and volunteer in the very popular “Thee Lay Thee” Anyeint group’s San Francisco fundraiser for the Burmese political prisoners on Feb 1, 2009.
3) First International Laos New Year Water Festival (April 11, 2009)
Laos Community held their first International New Year Festival on April 11, 2009 in San Francisco City Hall. By the invitation of Laos Community, BYA participated in the event by performing the Burmese traditional drum troupe, Burmese New Year dances and joining in the parade as we shared the similar cultures and the same New Year.
4) 16th Annual Asian American Heritage Festival (May 16, 2009)
BYA cultural group participated in the 16th Annual Asian American Heritage Festival, which was held at the Southern Alameda County Buddhist Church of Union City on May 16, 2009.
5) Child Aid Foundation 1st Annual Fundraiser (June 7, 2009)
BYA participated in the 1st anniversary of Child Aid foundation fundraiser event by selling Burmese sweets and desserts to support the children of Burma, orphaned by the Cyclone Nargis.
6) 2010 U.S Census and Burmese Community Center Fundraiser Event (Aug 9, 2009)
Although there are a lot of Burmese in the United States, Burmese people are not recognized in U.S. Census yet. To promote the awareness of US Census 2010 in Burmese Community so that our people get properly counted and to fundraise for the first Burmese Community and Cultural Center in the United States, BYA initiated and organized the Burmese Community Fundraiser Event on Aug 9, 2009 at 1501 Magnolia Ave, San Bruno, CA 94066.
7) 2009 Thadingyut Light Festival (Oct 3, 2009)
It was the second Thadingyut Light Festival event, organized by BYA. It was held on Oct 3, 2009 at the Alowtawpyie Monastery in El Sobrante.
8) BYA 2nd Birthday Celebration Dinner (Oct 10, 2009)
The second birthday celebration dinner of BYA was held on Oct 10, 2009 at 272, Capp Street, San Francisco. BYA’s year-long activities were presented to the public by the BYA representatives Kyaw Kyaw Soe and Myat Soe Mon. Fun and friendly games were played after the dinner.
9) Asian Art Museum “Tales from the Emerald Cities” Fall Family Festival (Oct 25, 2009)
In Oct 2009, the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco held a special art exhibition called “Tales from the Emerald Cities: Arts of Siam and Burma” and BYA was invited in their Fall Family Festival. There, BYA participated in that cultural event by showcasing Burmese Traditional costumes, demonstrating Burmese Tea Leaf Salad and Burmese Thanakha paste, performing Burmese Harp, traditional dances and joining in the Bumese puppet and art shows. It was a very successful cultural event of BYA.
(2008)
1) Los Angeles Burmese Thingyan Festival (April 13, 2008)
BYA Doebat and Dance Group was actively performed in the Los Angeles Thingyan on April 13, 2008 and BYA Tangyat performers received the loudest cheers of the event from the audience.
2) Burmese Community Cyclone Nargis Relief Fundraiser (June 15, 2008)
Burma was hit by the Cyclone Nargis in May 2008 and more than 100,000 people died and suffered from the disaster. To help relieve the Nargis victims, BYA organized the fundraiser event on June 15, 2008 joining hands with the whole Burmese Community of San Francisco Bay Area. The event was a big success and able to send money and much needed help to the victims immediately.
3) Saffron Revolution 1st Anniversary Commemoration (Sep 26, 2008)
BYA co-organized the memorial prayer service to honor the 1st Anniversary of the Saffron Revolution, together with other community organizations in the famous Union Square of San Francisco on Sep 26, 2008.
4) BYA 1st Birthday Celebration (Oct 11, 2008)
The first birthday celebration dinner of BYA was held on Oct 11, 2008 at 272, Capp Street, San Francisco. The dream of the first Burmese Community Center of SF Bay Area was born on that evening.
(2007)
1) Sae Taw Win II Dhamma Center Festival of Lights (Oct 13, 2007)
This is the first time BYA dancers and Doebat group performed in the Thadingyut Light Festival of Saw Taw Win II Dhamma Center under the name of Bay Area Burmese Youths (BABY). BYA (BABY) dancers performed the famous BYA’s signature oil-lamp dance.
2) 2007 Thadingyut Light Festival (Oct 26, 2007)
It is the second largest Burmese traditional festival and it was the first event, organized by BYA and held on Oct 26, 2007 at the Mettananda Vihara Burmese Monastery.
3) Ludu Burmese Literary Talk Event (Nov 24, 2007)
This event was held on Nov 24, 2007 at 4619 Central Ave, Fremont to mark the 90th Birthday of renowned Burmese Literature icon Ludu Daw Ah Mar. BYA invited a well-known Burmese Academy Winning Director and Artist U Win Pe and a top Burmese classic singer and author Daw Mar Mar Aye to give literary talks to the audience. It was the first and successful cultural and fundraiser event of BYA as the event deepened the interest of the young Burmese American generations to preserve and promote the Burmese literature and culture among the community.