Editor's corner/ Over a cup of tea
Heidi M. Pascual*
Publisher & Editor
* 2006 Journalist of the
Year for the State of
Wisconsin (U.S.-SBA)
Publisher & Editor
* 2006 Journalist of the
Year for the State of
Wisconsin (U.S.-SBA)
| Until March 2010 |
During the last two years, the publishing industry and many other areas in our economy have been
in a fast decline. The recession really took away whatever hope is left for many whose lives were
dependent on the journalism profession. When big newspapers and magazines started laying off huge
numbers of workers or closed shop altogether, I knew in my heart that the end is near for this small
monthly ethnic magazine. The publishing industry has been dependent on other companies for
advertising, and if those companies cut their ad budgets, they correspondingly cut the industry’s
lifeline.
Asian Wisconzine, for more than five years now, has done a good job at helping put the Asian
American community “out there.” It has been the only all-inclusive magazine in the state of Wisconsin
that highlighted Asian American stories and experiences, group activities, cultural events, and
perspectives on various issues. In many ways, Asian Wisconzine has been my “baby,” that required
countless hours of dedicated journalistic and marketing work in order for it to survive and grow. I
couldn’t have done it, however, without the support and loyalty of my regular contributing
writers/columnists and advertisers. I take this opportunity, therefore, to thank them all and to wish
them the best in the coming year: Paul Kusuda, Jian Ping, Shang Zuo, Laura Salinger, Ken Tanemura,
John Pinto, Arlee Vang, Gus Mercado, Jon Gramling, MGE, Oakwood Village Homes, MATC,
Edgewood College HR, Dane County HR, Group Health Cooperative HR, Willy Street Coop, Omega
School, Physicians Plus HR, Cheng Vang (State Farm), Veyance, Wisconsin Union Theater, WI-
in a fast decline. The recession really took away whatever hope is left for many whose lives were
dependent on the journalism profession. When big newspapers and magazines started laying off huge
numbers of workers or closed shop altogether, I knew in my heart that the end is near for this small
monthly ethnic magazine. The publishing industry has been dependent on other companies for
advertising, and if those companies cut their ad budgets, they correspondingly cut the industry’s
lifeline.
Asian Wisconzine, for more than five years now, has done a good job at helping put the Asian
American community “out there.” It has been the only all-inclusive magazine in the state of Wisconsin
that highlighted Asian American stories and experiences, group activities, cultural events, and
perspectives on various issues. In many ways, Asian Wisconzine has been my “baby,” that required
countless hours of dedicated journalistic and marketing work in order for it to survive and grow. I
couldn’t have done it, however, without the support and loyalty of my regular contributing
writers/columnists and advertisers. I take this opportunity, therefore, to thank them all and to wish
them the best in the coming year: Paul Kusuda, Jian Ping, Shang Zuo, Laura Salinger, Ken Tanemura,
John Pinto, Arlee Vang, Gus Mercado, Jon Gramling, MGE, Oakwood Village Homes, MATC,
Edgewood College HR, Dane County HR, Group Health Cooperative HR, Willy Street Coop, Omega
School, Physicians Plus HR, Cheng Vang (State Farm), Veyance, Wisconsin Union Theater, WI-
Revenue, WI-DWD, WI-DOA, and others. I also wish to thank AWiz’ paid subscribers.
I will continue to publish until March 2010 and plan to suspend the printed version the following month, April. Should things
get better, I will resume printing and you will all hear from me again. To our paid subscribers, please take note that I am not
asking for renewals beyond March 2010.
While this moment in my life in the U.S. is extremely challenging, I see it as an opportunity to focus on very important things
that I have set aside for a very long time: my family and my love for music. I plan to be with my five grandchildren for awhile to
create that bond that I wouldn’t be able to make if I continue to do what I do. Now is the perfect time for me to watch my
grandchildren, ages 3-12, grow. I have also started to teach piano lessons to kids in the area. I realize once again that there’s
nothing music cannot heal. I’ve gone back to playing classical pieces, rehearsing for an hour or two a day just to get back to
where I used to be. It’s been a wonderul feeling to watch my fingers get the much-needed exercise as they strike my piano keys
with vigor and renewed enthusiasm.
To all our readers, this isn’t goodbye. Asian Wisconzine will bounce back stronger than ever as our country rebounds soon. As
Gen. Douglas McArthur said to the Filipinos when he left the Philippines during World War II, “I shall return.”
Have a healthy and prosperous New Year to all!
I will continue to publish until March 2010 and plan to suspend the printed version the following month, April. Should things
get better, I will resume printing and you will all hear from me again. To our paid subscribers, please take note that I am not
asking for renewals beyond March 2010.
While this moment in my life in the U.S. is extremely challenging, I see it as an opportunity to focus on very important things
that I have set aside for a very long time: my family and my love for music. I plan to be with my five grandchildren for awhile to
create that bond that I wouldn’t be able to make if I continue to do what I do. Now is the perfect time for me to watch my
grandchildren, ages 3-12, grow. I have also started to teach piano lessons to kids in the area. I realize once again that there’s
nothing music cannot heal. I’ve gone back to playing classical pieces, rehearsing for an hour or two a day just to get back to
where I used to be. It’s been a wonderul feeling to watch my fingers get the much-needed exercise as they strike my piano keys
with vigor and renewed enthusiasm.
To all our readers, this isn’t goodbye. Asian Wisconzine will bounce back stronger than ever as our country rebounds soon. As
Gen. Douglas McArthur said to the Filipinos when he left the Philippines during World War II, “I shall return.”
Have a healthy and prosperous New Year to all!
