Author Archives: Annie Tran

Daily Dose: WHAT’S GOING ON!?!

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Featured Fridays: Gabe Cha

Meet Gabe!!!

1. Why do you want to be part of Kollaboration?

I want to be part of Kollaboration because I want to be involved in the discovery of today’s new talent. Back in high school in Calgary, I was completely oblivious to the raw and undiscovered talent around me. To be honest, I didn’t even know an organization such as Kollaboration existed. When I first came to Toronto and was told about Kollaboration, Honestly, I didn’t really think much about it until I went to the first couple of meetings and helped out on the first audition day. After seeing such young and talented people performing, especially those younger than me, I really came to appreciate and admire their talents and the work they must have put in to have the courage to perform in front of the judges. I want to be able to support these new aspiring artists/performers as much as possible and I think that Kollaboration is the perfect place to start.

2. What one word would you describe this organization and why?

“Discoverer.” Since this is my second year with Kollaboration, I have seen first-hand, the type of talent Kollaboration was able to bring into the spotlight. The organization as a whole not only gives people, especially the contestants, the opportunity to showcase their talents but they also give the opportunity for the public to witness the growth and potential of these new artists. It is amazing to see the amount of raw talent within one organization.

3. What one word would you describe yourself and why?

“Laid-back.” I love to laugh, joke around, and just have a good time. I think one of my biggest flaws is that I never take anything too seriously. In the end, it’s all about having fun and enjoying the experience.

4. Name three of your successes.

1. My photoshops! If you didn’t know, I like to make funny photoshops of myself making fun of Korean pop stars or idols.  Although the majority of my friends laugh at me for making such ridiculous pictures, I really enjoy making them.

2. Teaching myself how to play the guitar. Back in the day, I played piano for a very long time but then I suddenly stopped because I lost my passion for it. That was when I picked up the guitar and started playing.

3. One of my most recent successes is getting appointed as an executive at one of my student clubs at UofT, Kcutsa, which stands for “Korean Canadian University of Toronto Student Association.”  I was actually first introduced to Kollaboration by one of the past execs at Kcutsa.

Gabe in one photo! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is one of my photoshops! To be honest I only started doing these because I was extremely bored. Tops hair really reminded me of ice cream so i decided to photoshop my hair as that. I only started making these so I am still not very good at using photoshop yet.
This is my tumblr page where I post everything I do.  http://ddongchip.tumblr.com/

Daily Dose: TOMORROW IS THE LAUNCH PARTY!!!

Look at our guest list, and how pretty everyone is!

You have no idea how pumped we are to celebrate. We got the coolest finalists, the strongest team in years, and MANY MANY MANY things to see and look forward to within the next two months before the BIG SHOW!!! Come celebrate our success ALREADY, because this is going to one EPIC Kollaboration year.

Thanks! See you there! And come meet the bloggers at this event! Annie, Ashley, Amy, Hunter and Jess! 🙂

Featured Fridays: Loanne Nguyen

Meet the HR Associate Loanne Nguyen!

1. Why do you want to be part of Kollaboration?
Kollaboration has grown on me over the past few years. I have nothing but increasing love and respect for the organization and the wonderful staff and volunteers who make it all possible. I have had the pleasure of being a part of this amazing movement in ascending stages; first as an audience member watching the show, then becoming a volunteer, and finally becoming a Human Resources Associate for Kollaboration this year. Working alongside many great people who share the same vision and passion to transform and create change in the Asian/Pacific Islander community is what draws me to Kollaboration. What I find to be fundamental to the organization are the people; that is, the staff and volunteers. They are some of the most fun, caring, creative and determined people that I have ever met. They inspire and motivate me in many ways and I am proud to be part of the Kollaboration family.

2. What one word would you describe this organization and why?
Community. Kollaboration not only brings together a collection of talented artists, but everyone who is involved with the organization. From the staff, to the volunteers, sponsors, partners and affiliates, everyone is coming together and contributing to Kollaboration’s mission to empower the Asian/Pacific Islander community.

3. What one word would you describe yourself and why?

Conscious. I am conscious of the environment, nature and animals, and the impact that we as human beings have on the earth, therefore I try to lead a lifestyle that aims to respect entities that are greater than myself.


4. Name three of your successes.

Facing my fears are my main successes. From psychologically conquering my own self-doubt, to physically pushing my body to the limits through rigorous training, they have been a result of me overcoming my own insecurities, weaknesses and fears. I consider disciplining my mind, body and soul to be an attribute of my personal success; however, this will always be a work-in-progress and a lifelong journey.

Me in a nutshut:

This is a snapshot I took during my travels to Lyon, France. Lyon represents many things in which are close to my heart. Metaphorically, this photo depicts a great deal about myself. I perceive a bright path in my future, which will be created through the choices I make. The trees, a beauty of nature, represent the personal growth and development that I will experience on my journey through the various stages of my life.

Daily Dose: PARTY PARTY PARTY!

T-minus 8 days until Kollaboration Toronto’s Official Launch Party!

RSVP HERE

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Kollaboration TO is all set, engines oiled, and ready for take off!

On Thursday, June 28th, Kollaboration Toronto will be hosting an incredible night out at the very classy, Rockwood Nightclub. EVERYONE is invited to celebrate with us as we mark the beginning of what is definitely going to be an AMAZING Kollaboration 2012 season!

Thursday, June 28, 2012
ROCKWOOD NIGHTCLUB
31 Mercer St.
Main Floor + Patio
19+ Event

Cover $15, Ladies FREE before 11
*SPECIAL* Grey Goose Bottles $150 FLAT (tax/tip included)
Booths: chris@kollaborationto.org

Featured Fridays: Joel Kim

Ever wonder who does the wicked videos for Kollaboration? Meet him here!

Why do you want to be part of Kollaboration?

I want to be a part of Kollaboration because it’s a great organization that empowers the Asian community in North America. As a videographer for Kollaboration, I want to show people that this community has a great amount of creative talent. Naturally, Kollaboration also offers amazing networking opportunities.

2. What one word would you describe this organization and why?

One word to describe Kollaboration in my eyes would be well….collaboration (or should I spell it with a K?). As confusing this might sound, there is an enourmous amount of collaborating in Kollaboration. We are always exchanging ideas from the brainstorming and pre-production process, to the actual production and editing of a video for Kollaboration. The videos we made for Kollaboration wouldn’t be possible without…collaboration!

3. What one word would you describe yourself and why?

One word to describe myself? Humbled. I believe that I cannot be at the place where I am right now without God. From my application process going into film production at York, to now being a freelance cinematographer and being a part of Kollaboration once again..it was not done by my strength alone, but through Him.

4. Name three of your successes.

Three of my successes..well..I did eat 5 bowls of bibimbap in one sitting before. But if that doesn’t count…
-not really a success, I had the opportunity to meet the Queen and say grace for her lunch at Pinewood Toronto Studios
-having the opportunity to spend a night and learn from Christopher Doyle, a talented cinematographer who I look up to (except his heavy drinking!)
-having a great group of family and friends who constantly support me

These are more blessings than successes but definitely things I will never forget!

This photo pretty much sums up who I am…awkward and confused…yup.

Daily Dose: Summer Days

Hey you! Yes you. It’s a beautiful day. The sunshine is shining, the birds are chirping, and the wind is breezing. I dare you to do something tomorrow when you wake up. Go outside with a friend, grab that ukelele that you obviously have tucked away in your basement… and sing a song. Record it, and create a memory that will last forever.

Don’t just say you’ll do something. Just do it, guys!

Well hello and hi there, never knew you were weird like me 🙂

D-Pryde is a Brampton rapper who is only 18 years old, is Filipino and Spanish and he has his own wikipedia page. Enough said.

Featured Fridays: Ryan Siow

1. Why do you want to be part of Kollaboration?
When I discovered Kollaboration, I was amazed by the scale of the production and quality of work volunteers could achieve. I always loved giving back and try new things and Kollaboration really inspired me to push myself and see what I can achieve. From the very first day. No, the very first second I walked into the orientation I felt like family. Smiles, friendship and passion hit me harder than the rush of people at half price happy hour at Starbucks! The Kollaboration family truly lives out what they believe; empowerment. To be around that kind of environment surrounded by the warmth and encouragement of your friends, where you know you are giving hope, building dreams and the giving the platform for other to springboard in the rest of their lives AND a free tee-shirt! Who can say no to that?

2. What one word would you describe this organization and why?
Heart. The heart to love one another. The heart for others. And the heart for our City. Kollabortion is one of those organizations that are far and few between that carry the passion of what they believe in within everything they do.

3. What one word would you describe yourself and why?
A small-tree: Young and learning to grow every day, can survive the testing winds of a hurricane and can step it up to stand tall. I love my nature metaphors! All my years of martial arts have served its purpose!

4. Name three of your successes.
Drawing a crowd of 120,000+ people at Power Unit Youth Organiation’s Night It Up! event and raising over $70,000 for charity!
Crushing my friends at chubby bunny! 24 Awwwwyeeeeee!!!
Accepting Jesus into my life.
Yup! Definitely those three!

Daily Dose: Quote of the Day

The AGO in Toronto has a Picasso exhibit until August 26, 2012.  I highly recommend it for some inspiration for that creative side of yourself.

Here is an awesome quote by Picasso, “Give me a museum and I’ll fill it.”

Well Toronto, Kollaboration has found a venue for September, and we are filling it up with talent from Toronto. It’s gonna be a great show!

Featured Fridays: Devorah Kim

Devorah Kim is one of our cutest volunteers! Get to know more about her!

1. Why do you want to be part of Kollaboration?

I actually first joined Kollaboration last year, through a friend who received an email about recruiting volunteers for the show. I’ve always admired people who inspire others through their passion and talents, maybe because I haven’t found mine yet, that I came to appreciate and admire them so much. It was also my year off school and I wanted to get myself involved within the community in different ways, so I decided to join the team! After last year’s fun and memorable experience behind the scenes of Kollaboration, I’m excited and ready for another great year with the ever-so enthusiastic Kollaboration team!

2. What one word would you describe this organization and why?

“Togetherness”! It’s amazing how many different people come together to put on this one great show! The Directors, the Marketing Team, the Creative, the HRs, the volunteers, all bring something special that builds a strong “foundation”. Whether it be their talent in leadership, graphic design, photography, or simply just their enthusiastic and energetic personalities – getting to know everyone at the same time as working alongside each other really brings the team together.

3. What one word would you describe yourself and why?

“Clumsy”… Haha I’m not quite sure how to explain the unpredicted mini-mishaps that I often find myself in… But I can tell you that I walk on two left feet (not literally)! Hmm… I guess I can be quite the embarrassment to be around sometimes… (hehehe…sorry =P)

4. Name three of your successes.

1. Accomplishing (&Surviving… ;P) an intense 3 week Air Cadets summer leadership course in Trenton… With the 5:30am trumpet wake up call, all the marching, drill practices, riffle shooting, polished boots and hair gelled back in a bun, I’m glad I pulled through and finished this course successfully.
2. My involvement in community services when I was in high school; It was the experiences and life lessons I had learnt that were my successes.
3. Hardwork pays off! I strongly believe that if you set your mind to something and give it your best, there’s no reason to fear failure… So I guess for now, the journey to my goal is my success…!

Hmm, everybody has something a little “off” from normal, don’t ya think? But then again, what IS normal ?

Because Devorah’s so special, we had to post two photos to describe herself!

I chose the picture of my glasses to represent my entirety… Just because without my glasses I can’t really see… and most of the time, the blame for my clumsiness, walking right into people or things and not waving back at someone who is greeting me goes towards the absence of my glasses muahahaha.

Thank you Devorah, for all your hard work! =)