It is with both joy and a touch of nostalgia that I bid farewell as Queen of Miss Chinatown Los Angeles. The past two years have been an extraordinary journey, one that I will forever cherish and hold close to my heart.
As I pass on the crown to the next deserving young woman who will carry this title, I do so with great pride and anticipation. I am confident that she will not only embody the grace and strength that our community stands for, but will also bring her unique spirit and passion to elevate the essence of our beloved cultural heritage…
Read MoreI am filled with a profound sense of gratitude, reflection, and excitement for the future as I pen this farewell message. My reign as the 2020 Miss Los Angeles Chinatown (MLAC) Queen was, to say the least, an unprecedented one, significantly impacted by the changes and challenges brought about by the global pandemic.
What our Court anticipated to be a bustling and exciting year of cultural immersion and community events suddenly turned into a prolonged period of uncertainty and social distancing. I am thankful we still had the opportunity to attend key Lunar New Year events such as the Golden Dragon Parade and L.A. Chinatown Firecracker Run before lockdown was mandated. What followed afterwards - event cancellations, business closures, and social isolation - could have easily disrupted our community. We, however, remained resilient and found new and innovative ways to adapt to the circumstances instead…
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A year has gone by all too quickly. I felt that it was just yesterday when I was on stage with my pageant sisters. Now, in a flash, I will soon be moving onto the next chapter of my life after my momentous reign as the 2019 Miss Los Angeles Queen and Miss Photogenic.
I dreamt of becoming a contestant for the Miss Los Angeles Chinatown for the 2019 year since I was 14. At the age of 18, I was finally able to experience the once-in-a- lifetime opportunity. Through the difficult walking, dancing, and speaking practices, I hold myself with much more confidence and courage than I did before. This competition made me realize the importance of empowering women in our society and understanding our history as Chinese Americans. To the girls who want to become an ambassador for the Chinese American community, this pageant will not only teach you proper etiquette and confidence, but it will also help you present the best of yourself to become a great role model…
Read MoreThere are sometimes moments in life that take you down an unexpected path but leave you with great friendships, mentors, and experiences. One year later, I’m closing the cover on an unforgettable journey of the personal transformation, an inspiring sisterhood, and global adventures that have defined my time as Miss Los Angeles Chinatown Queen 2018.
As a then incoming freshman college student, I was curious to develop a greater appreciation of my Chinese heritage in a city as ethnically diverse as Los Angeles. Only through participating in the Miss LA Chinatown fashion show and pageant did I realize my dream of becoming a cultural ambassador. But like any competition, it took diligence, willpower, and a little bit of blood, sweat, and tears to prove myself worthy to assume this historic title…
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Seconds before I was crowned, I was just an average American-born Chinese female. Then suddenly, I was in the limelight.
The cameras were snapping, people were clapping, hundereds of unfamiliar faces, unknown hugs, kisses and congraduatiosn. The only remembrance of last year’s pageant was mixed with emotion.
Seeing the previous queens crowned seemed exciting, but for me, it was traumatic. I was alone with hundreds of reporters, some not even speaking English. And my family were nowhere to be seen.
Since then, my family and I have adapted to my important position in the community. I have learned that travelling to Chinatown does not always mean having “Dim-Sum.” Although the drive to Chinatown was a burden, knowing that ___
Working___
Amongst my ___
The transition ___
The support I have had from my parents, George and Helen Wan, my sister Denise, and someone who is very special to me, Eric, has been overwhelming. My sponsor, Orange___
May the year of the Ox be filled with happiness, prosperity, good health and love.
My sincere congratulations and best wishes to Miss Los Angeles Chinatown 1985. May your reigning year be filled with joyful experiences.
Gung Hay Fot Choy!
Yours truly,
Susan P. Wan
Susan P. Wan
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It has been an honor and a privilege to represent the Chinese community of Los Angeles. This past “Year of the Monkey” has been filled with many unforgettable moments and has brought me closer to the people in the Chinese community. The meaningful interactions and shared emotions have given me great self-satisfaction. I sincerely believe that the Chinese heritage which binds us all is strong and everlasting.
The highlight of the year was touring Taiwan and Hong Kong. Learning and understanding the customs and traditions have been culturally enriching. It has broadened my perspective in life and has made me ever more appreciative and proud of the Chinese heritage.
I would like to give a special thanks to the following persons for the rewarding experiences of being Miss Los Angeles Chinatown 1980: Mr. Wibur Woo and Cathay Bank who urged me to participate in the pageant; Mr. Robert Gee and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce; Mrs. Barbra Jean Lee, her family and staff, for making the pageant possible; the Republic of China for inviting me to visit Taiwan to study Chinese culture and to learn about my heritage; and finally, my parents, Dr. and Mrs. William Y.S. Tom, brother Wesley, and many friends and relatives. Thank you, thank you—for the love and support, and understanding you have given me throughout this wonderful year. Words cannot convey the appreciation I feel towards each of you. You have all greatly contributed in making this year my most cherished one. I will always remember you in my heart.
I wish everyone much happiness, health, and prosperity for the coming “Year of the Rooster”! To Miss Los Angeles Chinatown 1981, I wish you the best and may all your dreams come true during your reign.
Gung Hay Fat Choy!
Jaqueline Fong Tom
Jaqueline Fong Tom
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