KUSA Kimbap Making Day

Gimbap or Kimbap is a popular Korean “fast” food made from steamed white rice (bap) and various other ingredients, rolled in gim (sheets of dried seaweed) and served cold in bite-size slices. Gimbap is often eaten during picnics or outdoor events, or as a light lunch, served with danmuji or kimchi

From Wikipedia, the free Encyclopedia.

On Wednesday, March 26th, the Korean Undergraduate Student Association held a Kimbap making day!

The previously described food’s ingredients were prepared prior to the beginning of the event and organized so attendees can make their own Kimbap. It’s very fun to make.^^ Most importantly and most beneficial to attendees, it was completely free.

Raymond: Free or not, I will fight you if you keep eyeing my food like that. D:<

Ah, such a nice event, combining the joys of delicious, inexpensive, fun, and of course, social. The event gathered groups of its own members as well as several people from other AASU sub orgs for the festivities.

Bao: Gee Phil, what’re we gonna do tonight?

Phil: Same thing we do every night Bao. Try and Take over AASU! >=D

If you couldn’t attend this time around, it is indeed a shame that you missed out. However, I’m sure it won’t be the last event of its kind hosted by KUSA. Look forward to the next one. Hope to see you there!!

Previously posted pictures by Alan Ho.

For additional photos:

Alan Ho: 1

CASA Historian,

Alan Ho

CASA KPL Dumpling Fundraiser

Me: Hey Bruce, will I ever see you again?

Bruce: No…

Me: Awesome, Hey Maggie, let’s go an-

Bruce: I will kill you! #$@!#@!

UF Chinese American Student Association once again joins forces with Kappa Phi Lambda to bring you the most delicious, the most satisfying, and the best ever dumplings!

On March 23rd, CASA and KPL hosted another dumpling fundraiser at the University Commons’ clubhouse. This semester’s servings included dumplings(obviously), Napa Cabbage, and Fried Rice! All for the low, low price of $6! YUM!! >8D

Customers were greeted at the door and ordered their ticket to delicious there.

Upon receiving their ticket, they would then take it to one of the lovely ladies of Kappa Phi Lambda or officers of CASA and be promptly be served a plate of previously mentioned awesome.

Of course the event wasn’t all about tasty and appetizing, but also about socializing and enjoying mouthwatering food with your friends.^^

Nothing brings people together like food, social atmosphere, and people who are overprotective of their family members to the point of well-developed inside humor.

If you couldn’t come this time around, you’ve missed out on a lot, but fear not! This definitely won’t be the last Dumpling Fundraiser, and the event is constantly improving.^^

CASA Historian,

Alan Ho

Previously posted pictures by Alan Ho.

More pictures here:

Alan Ho: 1

CASA Orlando Trip

Pamela: Hurray for Superior Navigation!

Norman: Tony! I thought the special guest was going to be a girl!

Everyone in Alan’s car: ARE WE THERE YET? ARE WE THERE YET? ARE WE THERE YET? ARE WE THERE YET? ARE WE THERE YET?

On the 1st of March, CASA members and officers rose early that morning and gathered at the commuter lot parking lot by the Physics building to organize cars, drivers, passengers and finish any last minute preparations for their Orlando trip.

Long: Hey guys, STFU and find a car. XD

CASA’s Orlando had a rather large attendance that day as it did in the times we’ve done it in the past.^^ What draws people to this trip? Dim Sum! Who could resist getting Dim Sum with your friends especially when it’s so difficult to find any in Gainesville? CASA’s first stop in Orlando was at Ming’s Bistro for some tasty Dim Sum.

Lisa: mmfHeymfffLookmmfAlan’sffmtakingmfffpicture

Amy: Mffmfmfftastynoodlesmffmffmfmf

*this is just a really funny picture of tony*

Dim Sum was only made more awesome by the appearance of UCF’s CASA. In the past Orlando trips and in this one as well, UCF’s CASA has always made time to come out and socialize with UF CASA.

One special guest made an appearance during our meal that day. Newer members may not know him, but Older members will most definitely recognize him. It was George Liu! The 2006 – 2007 UF CASA President.

George: How many? 5? Yes, let’s get 5 orders of shrimp dumplings.

Does Orlando stop at Dim Sum? The hell it does. From Dim Sum, groups would return to their respective cars and converge at some shopping center. It has previously been the Mall at Millenia, but this time, and as it has been once before, it was at the Premium Outlet. Fortunately, since there isn’t really a set schedule before dinner, groups can usually do whatever they please. In this case, my group went to lollicup. :>

Victor: You know why this tastes awesome? because I didn’t pay for it. :3

Lollicup was only one stop made outside of the premium outlet. Some people went out for haircuts. Actually, I probably would’ve gotten one if I made an appointment and had time. X3

Everyone eventually met at the Premium outlet. Besides, who doesn’t like shopping at places that sells brand-name clothing and consumer products at near-wholesale prices?

Vanessa: Hey everyone, do this! Everyone: o_O??

After an ample amount of the time at the outlet, it was dinner time. There was more food to be had. So what was everyone in the mood for? Vietnamese food! Or more specifically, pho! The group returned to their respective cars to drive out for food, but this time at Pho 88. I don’t think anyone really gets sick of delicious food and socializing.

By the end of dinner, a large majority of the group was tired from all the food, fun, and shopping that day. So most of the group had left by the end of the meal.

Tony: This is such a nice place to take a cra-

Tiffany: Mind if I have a seat next to you?

The few that stayed behind had saved some energy. What’d they save it for? Downtown Disney!

Paul: Awesome, I look tall, >:3

Downtown Disney was a first for CASA in Orlando, but well worth the short drive in Orlando to get to it. It was large boardwalk of stores, restaurants and fun attractions.

The first stop here was the lego store. If you’ve never played with legos, you might want to stop and re-evaluate your life at this point. Or come with CASA to the next Orlando trip and make sure we stop at Downtown Disney again.

Johnny: I wanna feed the T-rex!

Johnny: We can make him better…faster…stronger…

If you couldn’t already figure it out, there were a more than enough legos for everyone and their mother to play with(which is a very good thing, seeing as how several children dragged their mothers along or vice-versa and thus had them sucked into the playfulness of the legos). There was ever building and racing your own lego car!

Chi-fai : I need NOS!

As if the lego store hadn’t kept us distracted for long enough, the Ghirardelli store and its infinite free samples of chocolate was next in our sights. The group made its orders of mountains of ice cream and chocolate, and very frequently visited the store employees passing out free samples.

At this point, the women of the group had all decided to head to what seemed like the world’s largest Disney store, while the men stayed behind and beat the crap out of each other to flaunt their manliness. Nah, not really, we just played some slapping game that required attention, reflexes, and speed. It was pretty fun.

And when the women returned, it was about time to leave. Everyone was finally tired after a full day of enjoyable driving, eating, walking, and shopping. It was sad that such a good day of fond memories an delicious food had to end, so there about 45984385903489 group pictures taken on the way out.

Is that everything we did in Orlando? Most of it. Of course, there’s always the smaller lesser known details like the 2 hours in the car to and from Orlando, but this is should give you a good idea of why as one of CASA’s now regular events, it is also one of the most popular. Hope to see you on this trip next time.

Previous Photos by:

Alan Ho

More Photos:

Alan Ho: 1, 2, 3

-CASA Historian

Alan Ho

VSO: Phở Fundraiser Spring ‘08

On February 24th, VSO’s officers and members woke up bright and early to show up at the Gainesville Garden Club by 8AM to start setting up its semi-annual Phở fundraiser. For those of you who don’t know at the Phở fundraiser customers can spend $6.50 for their choice of either a bowl of Phở or vegetarian Bún bò Huế plus a drink and Chè as well as an opportunity to support their favorite Vietnamese suborg.

By 10AM preparations were complete, the sriracha and hoisin sauce especially.

Customers received a numbered card when they ordered so that volunteers would know what table to take their Phở to. If you look carefully you might see a few familiar numbers mixed into the bunch.

One good thing about AASU is that even though it’s divided into the various sub organizations, we all support each other. FSA represented early to start the day off with some delicious Phở for breakfast.

Our treasurer Trinh was there most of the day to collect money and show his dedication to VSO, although he might have had ulterior motives…

VSO’s Officers weren’t the only people working to make the Phở fundraiser a success, many members helped out throughout the day by delivering Phở to tables, working the front desk, and even supported by buying this year’s VSO’s shirt.

Although customers trickled in at first, by lunch time turnout was impressive. The Garden Club was filled to capacity and had lines out the door filled with people waiting for a bowl of VSO’s delicious Phở.

CASA came out to support in mass as well after their football practice.

Here’s a little behind the scenes action – Each customer’s order is written on a post it note with the order number and placed on this fridge, then they’re taken off and thrown away as the order is filled. At some points during the day the fridge had even more post it’s than it does in this photo ^_^;.

Support for VSO doesn’t only come from its members and the Gainesville’s community, but also from some of the member’s parents who came from out of town to visit and enjoy some Phở.

Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority also showed up as a group.

Unbeknownst to many, this semester VSO introduced $20 all day all you can eat Phở. Only a few brave souls took up the challenge, but this little champion took it to the extreme and ate 4 bowls in one sitting and came back later in the night for more.

Just as there’s more to Phở prep than making Phở, there’s more to Phở fundraiser than just the Phở. Many of our patrons come and spend hours singing karaoke as well.

The fundraiser went well into the night with the last few bowls being served as we closed at 8PM. Thanks to Co Lien’s impressive planning we managed to perfectly sell out of Phở as we were closing.

 

Previous Photos by Christopher Chin-Sang

If you came out to the Phở fundraiser you obviously know how much of a success it was, but if you didn’t be sure to come out next semester so you can have a chance to find out why VSO his hot as Phở.

 

More phởtos (XD) at:

Christopher: Album 1, Album 2

 

AASU and VSO Historian,

Christopher Chin-Sang

VSO: Phở Prep Spring ‘08

What semester is complete without VSO’s semi annual  fundraiser?

VSO’s most dedicated members and its officers gathered on Saturday February 23rd at the usual spot, Co Lien’s house, to prep the Phở for Sunday’s Phở Fundraiser.  Each semester members come out and help slice ‘n dice all the Phở ingredients.

 

While some members show off their knife skills, members who can speak fluent Vietnamese hit the phones lines and call up the members of Gainesville’s Vietnamese community to come out and support VSO on Sunday.

 

Although plenty of people come to help out during Phở prep, Saturday is not just about the making the Phở. One big motivator to all the people that come out to help is that the Phở preppers get to eat Co Lien’s delicious Bún bò Huế throughout the day.

No club could run like VSO does without dedicated officers, and that shows during the down time where some officers break out the books to study.

 

Not everyone uses the downtime to study though, plenty of people choose to play games, such as one where you spell your name out in the air with your butt.

Of course no Phở prep would be complete without a few people passing out on Co Lien’s couch either.

 

In the end regardless of all the side activities the Phở always gets done in time for the fundraiser on Sunday.

And even though Phở prep can be hard work at times, VSO’s amazing member and officers always make it as fun as possible and have a great time bonding and supporting VSO.

 

Photos By: Christopher Chin-Sang

More photos: 

Christopher: Album 1, Album 2

 

Stay tuned for the Phở Fundraiser post…

AASU and VSO Historian,

Christopher Chin-Sang

CASA Camping Trip Spring ‘08

Tracey Nguyen: It’s so nice outside today.

Raymond Manalo: Long hid the pop tarts and I’m hungry!

Phillip: I got bit on my ass!

So there really is no place like the great outdoors. That’s what the members who went camping most likely thought before they went off into the wilderness for a weekend. On Saturday, February 23rd, CASA brought a number of members into the woods of Payne’s Prairie for a night where members and officers enjoyed fresh air, fine weather, fun games, and fond togetherness. What’s there to do on a camping trip you may ask? The list never really ends, but here are a few examples.

Most obviously, you can enjoy the lovely wilderness.

You gotta eat = You gotta cook = You gotta start a Fire. XD

You can take walks, which somehow leads to picking up the strangest things.

Taboo is 4890385903 times better outside.

You didn’t expect to eat just ONCE that day, did you?

It’s not just taboo. Most games are more fun outside, especially ones that have names that I can’t pronounce, and especially at midnight in the middle of the parking lot!

You can’t say you don’t enjoy time with your friends.

So if you ever thought to yourself “I’m not the camping type” or “I don’t like going outside” or “Go to hell, I’m a shut-in that sleeps in my mom’s basement,” it may be because you’ve never tried out camping. So try it out sometime. There’s always something for everyone, and it definitely won’t be CASA’s last camping trip.

Previously Posted Pictures by Alan Ho.

More Pictures:

Alan:  Album 1, Album 2, Album 3

Recap Video coming soon!^^

CASA Historian,

Alan Ho

CASA General Meeting and Game Night

Quotes from Game Night:

Chu Tsai: I’m ready to rock out!

Lisa Law: It’s too hard! I suck at it!

-In reference to Guitar Hero

Laureen Chan: What did you just call me?!

On February 20th, UF’s Chinese American Student Association had a general meeting to discuss their upcoming Orlando trip on March 1st, and the camping trip planned for February 23rd. If you’re interested in either, please contact the events coordinators as soon as possible at:

casa.events@gmail.com

We already have a number of people interested in camping and spots are limited. I mean, look at Taran! XD

Upcoming events aside, the meeting also recapped past events such as the Lake Wauberg BBQ(Links to albums for the BBQ can be found at the end of this post.) CASA also premiered a video to demonstrate how the officer board makes decisions.

The meeting wouldn’t end without congratulating one of CASA’s lovely External Vice Presidents a Happy Birthday! The whole room gathered to the front to sing for her 21st. Happy Birthday Amy Chow~!^^

Following the meeting, members and officers gather at the University Commons’ clubhouse for their Game Night. Games played included poker, Guitar Hero, Mahjong, Pool, Ping Pong, and whatever else people brought along with what the clubhouse had available.

Everyone gathered around for poker.

Wonder who brought the Mahjong table. :3

Guitar Hero is fun!

Also on the same night as game night was the Lunar Eclipse. Some of us went outside to take a look.

And here are the links for the BBQ Albums and the Meeting and Game Night. Enjoi.^^

Alan Ho: BBQ Album 1, BBQ Album 2, Meeting and Game Night Album 1

CASA Historian,

Alan Ho

Previously posted Photos and Video by Alan Ho

VSO’s Tet 2008

On Saturday February 16th UF’s VSO held its annual Tet show for the Lunar New Year in the Rion Ballroom. The show was a great success and for those of you who couldn’t attend and those of you who want to see more, here’s a little recap of the nights events…

US National Anthem performed by Linda Nguyen and Susan Pham

Vietnamese National Anthem performed by Linda Nguyen, Ann Ho, Thao Tran, and Kiet Tran

Lion dance by Meihua Student Association of Martial Arts

Traditional Dance by VSO’s Dancers

“Way Back into Love” Performed by Sonny Ho and Linda Nguyen

Martial Arts Demonstration by Meihua Student Association of Martial Arts

Modern Dance by VSO’s Dancers

The Emcee’s Tien Tran and Xuan-An Nguyen

“Collide” Performed by Sonny Ho

Magic Show by House of Flying Cards

“Uoc Gi” Performed by Kelly Nguyen

Skit by Pi Delta Psi Fraternity

Dance by Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority

Fashion Show by VSO’s Hottest

Previous photos by: Christopher Chin-Sang and Ray Khan

 

Here’s a copy of the program for those of you interested:

Program by: Ernie Luk

 

The after party at Italian Quarter was a success as well, but no pictures from there ~_^

 

More photos of the show at:

Christopher Chin-Sang: Album 1, Album 2

Alan Ho: Album

Ray Khan: Album 1, Album 2

 

Videos coming soon!

 

AASU Historian,

Christopher Chin-Sang

CASA Chinese New Year 2008

When asked about Chinese New Year, the following people said…

David Wong: Yeah! I’m excited about Chinese New Year!

Victoria Huynh: I am very excited about Chinese New Year.

Ai Kozuma: ~.^ *thumbs up*

Jason Dai: I have no emotions. I kill for a living.

Phillip Cheng: Alan? Can you do me a favor and make me some bitter melon tea?

Trailer:

UF’s Chinese American Student Association held its annual Chinese New Year Celebration show this evening at the Reitz Union Grand Ballroom with a grand display of performances from a variety of people and organizations. ^o^

For all those who couldn’t make it and those that want to look back on this evening of awesome, here are some pictures and a recap video.

Your Emcee’s Samantha Lai and Justin Chang

Lion Dance by The Meihua Student Association of Martial Arts

A New Years Dance by the Gainesville Chinese School

Fan Dance by the CASA Traditional Dance Troupe

Erhu Performance by Jin Hua Feng from the FACSS

Dance by CASA Modern Dance Troupe

Musical Medley and Summer of Love by the CASA Band

Tikki Tikki Tembo skit by Pi Delta Psi Fraternity Inc.

Kung Fu Performance by the Meihua Student Association of Martial Arts

Singing Performance by Phillip Cheng, Sheena Fong, Victoria Huynh, and Kevin Lee

Thriler and My Love Dance Medley performed by Tung Tran, Pamela Michalski and Cladia Chong

Hat Dance Performance by The CASA Traditional Dance Troupe

Recap video

Previous Photos and Videos by : Alan Ho

More pictures can be found here:

Alan Ho: Album 1, Album 2, Album 3, Album 4

Christopher Chin-Sang: Album 1, Album 2

CASA Historian,

Alan Ho