International Secret Agents 09 highlights up and coming Asian American talent

Far East Movement.

San Gabriel, CA - This past Sunday evening, JCPenney presented the sold out ISA 09 also known as International Secret Agents at the San Gabriel MIssion Playhouse in San Gabriel, CA. During the pre-show red carpet less press line, this reporter along with Pacific Rim Video got a glimpse of the young talented Asian Americans that performed that evening. Talents included founders Wong Fu Productions and Far East Movement along with MTV's "America's Best Dance Crew" Season 3 winner Quest Crew, YouTube sensations Kina Grannis, David Choi, Gabe Bondoc, LeeJay, Passion and Kevjumba.

Realizing the lack of representation of Asian-Americans in mainstream media, Wong Fu Productions and Far East Movement took it upon themselves to create ISA showcasing the brightest and most promising talent among Asian and Asian-Americans. They were already working together on various projects, so why not take that inspiration to create ISA.

Wong Fu's Philip Wang expounded on ISA, "There really aren't that many events to strictly showcase the Asian-American artists out there. We wanted to do a concert that was promoting Asian American talent that were just breaking into the mainstream."

Now in its second year, it was time for ISA to give more exposure to its talent with a pre-show press line. Opening up the press-line was ISA emcees Lydia Paek of the Boxcuttuhz and Quest Crew along with Tom Ngo. Lydia Paek was looking lovely as ever sporting a fedora style hat, tight blue jeans, a black shirt featuring Michael Jackson emblazoned on it and red Chic high heel shoes from JCPenney. Lydia said, "I'm a bit nervous. I may have a little part where I sing. I hope that I'm comedic." Tom Ngo mentioned that Far East Movement will have a crazy show.

Next up on the line was YouTube comedian Kevjumba. After taking photos, Kevjumba started to walk away from the press line not realizing he had interviews to do after finishing up with the photographers. Angelica Alumia and Julius Santos along with this reporter of Pacific Rim Video started yelling at Kevjumba to come back for an interview. Being a class clown, Kevjumba found YouTube and the rest is history. According to YouTube, Kevjumba is the #7 most subscribed to YouTube Channel, # 5most subscribed to Comedian on YouTube and #7 as most subscribed to YouTube partner of all time. Kevjumba broke the stereotype of Asians being introverted. He explains, "My father's extroverted and I kind of learned from that. You know, father knows best."

Following up on Kevjumba was MTV's "America's Best Dance Crew" Season 3 winner Quest Crew. For Pacific Rim Video, the press line experience became a free for all as Quest Crew took over the "red carpet" interview process from Angelica Alumia. Victor Kim of Quest Crew laughs while holding the Pacific Rim Video mic pointing it to Alumia, "Why am I interviewing you now?"

These boys definitely have broken so many stereotypes that America has of Asian-Americans. Quest Crew can dance, make you laugh and be loud and crazy all rolled up into one. Many of their fans have been asking for a Quest Crew reality show or YouTube Channel.

One interesting fact about Quest Crew is that they have been featured on Far East Movement's video "Dance Like Michael Jackson." The crew also features Far East Movement's hit track "Girls On The Dance Floor" during some of their peformance appearances.

On the singing tip YouTube sensation David Choi actually smiled for the cameras which he rarely does on his videos. Kina Grannis was a bit shy in giving this reporter some vocal display while Gabe Bondoc, LeeJay and Passion also known as GLP were glad that they could share their musical and vocal talents live with their fans.

Wrapping up the press line were the founders of ISA, Wong Fu Productions and Far East Movement. Tapping into FM's (Far East Movement) connection in the entertainment industry, Wong Fu and FM has created a celebrity event for young Asian-Americans and other ethnicities to enjoy the Asian-American talent that would otherwise be ignored by the mainstream media.

Surprise guests of the show included chart topping R&B artist Cassie Ventura, award winning DJ Eman of Los Angeles radio station Power 106 and music producer, musician and engineer Peter Rocks. DJ Eman and Peter Rocks were also guest musicians for FM.

ISA is planning to do it bigger and better next year. ISA will definitely see more celebrities walking down a red carpet or press line.

Pacific Rim Video Interview on the press line of Far East Movement