A Robstown senior who was once told she would not be able to graduate with her associate's degree is now finishing in the top 5% of her class during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

Eunsil Eom is a senior at Robstown Early College High School. She is half Korean and Filipino. Eom immigrated with her family from Korea at 7 years old, and her father's job at the Kingsville Naval Air Station brought her to Robstown during her junior year. She says she has jumped from high school to high school.

"When I was at my previous high schools, they had told me that I wouldn't be able to graduate with my associates because I had taken my TSI at the end of sophomore year," Eom said. "I would barely be starting my college classes in my junior year, and that's a little late for most people."

For Eom, school has always been her priority. She stayed on top of her studies even before she learned English.

"Once I learned English, I started excelling in my academics because academics are a really big part of me," Eom said. "I uphold myself to a really big standard," Eom said."

Adjusting to a new culture was not easy at first. Eom says she was bullied for the food she brought to school.

"When I would bring like food, like pack lunches for myself, like my mom would pack lunches for me, and I would bring to school, and it wouldn't be like the normal American lunch," Eom said. "I would get bullied for that. They would say like oh that stinks or that's weird. Why are you eating that? What is that? So I was always embarrassed by being Asian."

Robstown, however, has been a different experience. Eom said the community's welcoming nature made it easier to fit in.

"Since Robstown is like a very close-knit community and they're all like all welcoming, I think the fact that I was Asian, it fascinated the people, so if anything, it was easier for me to get along with them because they were so welcoming," Eom said.

Her dedication stayed strong through those challenges. Eom is now graduating in the top 5% of her senior class and pushes back against stereotypes about Asian students.

"I'm not smart because I'm Asian," Eom said. "I'm smart because I dedicate myself to my studies and my academics and what I'm passionate about."

After graduating high school, Eom plans to join the Navy, taking inspiration from her father, and will put her associate's degree to use.

"Since you're getting your associate's degree, that means you have college hours, that means you can put that into the Navy and get ranked up, so instead of going as an E1, I'll be going as an E3," Eom said.

Eom says having a month dedicated to Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage makes her proud to be who she is.

As Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month comes to a close, some residents in the Coastal Bend say the month is about more than celebration. For them, its an opportunity to consider what it means to be seen, to belong and to have their stories told.

In a region known more for its Latino and South Texas cultural roots, AAPI voices have often existed quietly, if not invisibly. Yet, their stories of migration, hard work, and identity are unfolding in restaurants, grocery stores, and homes across the Coastal Bend.

Theres always this taboo of like, dont put too much attention on yourself, said Nicolette Ardiente, state program manager for Asian Texans for Justice, a nonpartisan nonprofit based in San Antonio. But if were not out there and loud for each other, how will other people step up and speak about the things that matter to them?

Many in the community have worked long hours behind the scenes, building businesses and lives without much public attention.

We worked 16 to 18 hours a day stocking shelves, said Justin Nguyn, co-owner of V Mart, an Asian grocery store on Corpus Christis Southside.

For some, the journey began halfway around the world. Valentino Yang, the general manager for Umiya was born in Thailand. Eun Ju Rodriguez works at Bo Korean BBQ and she is Korean. Yang Cici Zhaiwang, who also co-owns V Mart, came from China. Now, like many others, they call the Coastal Bend home.

It makes me really happy that I belong here, you know? said Zohair Charania, owner of Spice Station in Kingsville.

Back then in Vietnam, I didn't have room to grow up, said Justin Nguyn. But when I got here, theres so much more opportunity to be yourself and to learn.

Still, the experience of belonging is not always complete. Some say theyve encountered misunderstanding, or even hostility.

Especially the Asian hate or China hate. I am a U.S. citizen now. I was born in China. I am not against neither parties.said Zhaiwang. But we do our best. We survived. I mean for us, whenever people talk about us I'm strong enough to ignore it.

Others, like Charania, say language barriers made them feel isolated. My purpose is to change everything with humor. Im a funny guy, so I was liked, he said.

Even within the month designated to celebrate their contributions, some said they werent aware it existed.

Did you know its AAPI Month? KRIS 6 Sunrise Anchor, Bryan Hofmann asked.

Well, Im glad to hear that, replied Michael Nguyen, co-owner of Bo Korean BBQ. Because I had no idea.

For advocates like Ardiente, the lack of visibility is part of a broader pattern, one that extends from classrooms to city councils to statehouses, and media.

In places of local government, we dont see that representation really at the forefront, she said. I think of how I would have loved to see growing up more faces and folks who looked like me, spoke the same languages as me, maybe had the same eyes as me.

Asian Texans for Justice works to address that gap. Its mission: to connect AAPI Texans to meaningful civic action and help build both personal and political power for future generations. The organization advocates for inclusive policies, voter access in multiple languages, and greater representation in decision-making spaces.

Our communities are the fastest-growing racial and ethnic group not only nationally, but also here in Texas, Ardiente said. But were not getting the accurate representation that we see.

Whether that begins with voting, speaking up at the Capitol, or encouraging the next generation to lead, she says the work is about more than policy, its about who gets to be part of the conversation.

We want this generation and future generations of young AAPI Texans to know they can be the leader in the room, she said.

That mission may not always make headlines. But for many residents in the Coastal Bend, the impact is personal, rooted in families, memories, and small everyday acts.

I want to have a good life for my kids, said Mingzi Wu, co-owner of Tuftopia.

In the military, I believe we didnt see color, added Navy veteran Ray Manahan. We were all just brothers and sisters.

Whether through shared meals or community gatherings, the culture lives on.

We have a temple, said Michael Nguyen reffering to Chua Huong Dam the Buddhist templ. Im always there on Lunar New Year.

For Charania, the kitchen holds deeper meaning. Back in the day, back home, it wasnt considered for men to be in the kitchen, he said. But my mom would always pick me up, put me on the [kitchen] counter and say, watch."

As May ends, Ardiente said one of the most powerful things communities can do is listen.

Diversity, equity, inclusion doesnt have to have this bad connotation, she said. If were generating a kinder, more inclusive community for one another, everyone can feel like they are a Texan first and foremost.

To learn more about Asian Texans for Justice click here.

A new wave of Asian cuisine is reshaping the food scene in the Coastal Bend, led by the team behind one of the areas most popular sushi restaurants.

Umiya, a sushi and Asian fusion restaurant in Corpus Christi, has built a loyal following for its menu, ranging from traditional nigiri and sashimi to Texas-style sushi rolls. The restaurant is one of nine Umiya locations operated by a family-owned group with roots in China and more than 20 years of experience in South Texas.

They own 30 or 40 restaurants everywhere, said general manager Valentino Yang. But Corpus had the first Umiya.

The restaurants staff reflects a broad mix of Asian cultures. Umiya originally brought in sushi chefs from Japan. Some of its current staff members are from Guam and Yang was born in Indonesia, mirroring the growing Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Texas.

Thats what America stands for, diversity, Yang said.

Building on Umiyas success, the group is preparing to launch a new dining concept for Corpus Christi: Zodiac Pot, a multi-Asian experience that combines all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue with traditional Chinese hot pot.

The restaurant will open soon near Umiya across South Padre Island Drive from and will be the first of its kind in Corpus Christi according to Yang.

Hot pot is getting bigger everywhere, he said. We dont want people to have to travel to Houston or San Antonio anymore for good food.

Hot pot, a communal dining style that originated in China, features a simmering pot of broth at the center of the table. Diners cook ingredients such as meat, vegetables, and tofu at their own pace. Korean barbecue offers a similar interactive experience with tabletop grilling.

Zodiac Pot is expected to open this summer, within the next one to two months. An official opening date has not yet been announced.

Bo Korean BBQ is gearing up for a Korean Festival on Sunday, June 1, from noon to 4 p.m., promising an afternoon filled with Korean street food, games, live music, and prizes.

The event aims to bring a taste of Korea to the Coastal Bend, spotlighting the culture behind one of the citys most interactive dining experiences. Bo Korean BBQ, located at 6042 South Padre Island Drive, offers diners the chance to grill their own marinated meats at the table, a tradition rooted deeply in Korean history.

Though the restaurants owners, Michael Nguyen and Nhie Bo, are Vietnamese, their love for Korean food inspired them to open the restaurant in 2021. They work closely with Eu Jun, a Korean staff member who helps guide guests through the experience and ensures authenticity.

Korean BBQ, or gogi-gui, literally means meat roast and has been a staple of Korean cooking for centuries. It started in ancient Korean kingdoms with marinated meats grilled over open flames and has evolved through royal courts and aristocratic feasts.

You dont come here for the food. You come here for the experience, Nguyen said.

The concept was a bold one for Corpus Christi, where grilling is traditionally a backyard affair.

The phrase that stuck in my head was, we have to pay to cook our own food? But we get it, Nguyen explained.

With fresh ingredients and guidance from staff like Eu Jun, guests quickly learn to enjoy the interactive nature of the meal.

Central to the Korean dining experience are banchan small, vibrant side dishes like kimchi, pickled radish, and seasoned sprouts. These dishes, full of flavors and stories, embody the Korean cultural value of sharing.

We just want people to enjoy themselves, to share great food with the people they care about. Thats really what its all about, Nguyen said.

The upcoming festival will offer an expanded glimpse into Korean culture, celebrating the communal spirit and culinary traditions that Bo Korean BBQ has brought to Corpus Christi.

As the city continues to honor Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, events like this Korean Festival highlight the diverse cultures shaping the Coastal Bendfrom Chinese and Vietnamese to Filipino communities and beyond.

Nguyen invites locals to come experience the festival and the restaurants unique approach to Korean cuisine. I hope Corpus Christi gives us a try. We would love to welcome everybody to come by.

Bo KBBQ is located at 6042 S Padre Island Drive.

Michelle Hoffman begins her mornings with a steady voice and a smile, anchoring the news before most people have poured their first cup of coffee. But behind the scenes, shes often the only Asian American in the newsroom.

Nobody around me no coworkers have been Asian American in any of the newsrooms Ive worked in, Hoffman said.

Across the city, Jane Kathleen Gregorio shares a similar experience. A fellow journalist, Gregorio says the lack of diversity in local television news is a reminder of why representation matters especially in media.

I feel honored to represent my cultures, Gregorio said. Im happy to have a seat at the table.

According to industry data, only about 3% of local TV journalists are Asian American. Thats less than half the percentage of AAPI individuals in the U.S. population, which stands at about 7%. Texas, where both Hoffman and Gregorio are based, has the third-largest Asian American and Pacific Islander population in the country.

For journalists like Hoffman and Gregorio, those numbers are more than statistics they shape newsroom culture and influence how stories are reported.

I try to befriend people and find common ground so they feel at home with me, Gregorio said.

Last year, Hoffman produced a segment for AAPI Heritage Month and received a message from a young viewer who saw herself reflected in the story.

She messaged me and said, How did you get into journalism? Hoffman recalled. Just to spark that curiosity that means a lot.

Both women say their cultural backgrounds quietly inform their work from how they approach interviews to the ways they build trust with communities that are often overlooked.

Every background has a unique voice, Gregorio said. That perspective matters.

They also hope their presence in newsrooms will help inspire the next generation of journalists.

Representation matters especially in our younger generation, Hoffman said.

As conversations about inclusion continue across the media industry, journalists like Hoffman and Gregorio emphasize that representation isnt about quotas its about telling the full story of a diverse nation.

Zohair Charania, or as many call him Mr. Spice, owns the Spice Station in Kingsville and has been serving up Indian cuisine since 2013.

The spices you can already smell it. The aroma is coming, Charania said.

His humble beginning started with selling plates of homemade food out of his apartment.

We started in a small gas station in one table, Charania said. That's what we could afford that time. But now we go, we just started our 15th year now.

But these bold flavors were made for something bigger.

This food is meant for kings and then the people who work for the kings to keep them stronger like to make the strong army, Charania said. This food has a lot of nutrition value to it, a lot of spices that keeps the immune system going.

In 2016, the location on Eastlot Avenue became his kingdom.

Every dish tells a story.

There is a local guy, and there was an Indian guy, Charania said. They were all eating, and they both were crying. I said why are you crying? Well, the Indian guy said it reminds me of back home. And then, other local guy said it's so spicy.

Every spice holds a memory of his childhood.

Whatever I grew up eating, I make ten different things every day that's in my past that I tried, Charania said.

However, Charania told KRIS 6 News that winning over South Texas wasn't easy.

People were kind of iffy about it because they are used to eating tacos, you know, migas, the good stuff, I love that too, Charania said. But my idea was to bring something else because there's 1200 Indian students back in the day, and there's no Indian food.

Charania said that for many of those students, his food became a connection to home.

A reminder of tradition, made with heart.

The difference that it made in students' lives because they're so far away from their home, a 24-48 hour flight, almost, Charania said. So when I serve this food, it brings them closer.

Born in Pakistan, Charania moved to College Station in 2012.

He fell in love with cooking as a child, even when it went against tradition.

My dad always keep pulling me out of the kitchen, Charania said. Let's go, no, let them cook. You come outside, hang out with us, this and that. My mom on the other side, she always picked me up and put me on the counter, watch.

Today, those early family lessons live on in his recipes.

This is one of my favorite recipes, it's a summer recipe, we drink it with some yogurt milk on the side to cool you down at the same time, Charania said.

Charania explains that sometimes customers show up hungry before they open. Others plan their whole day around visiting the spice station.

Every time I have friends that come in from out of town, we stop off here, Amber Dawn Sargent, a customer, said. It's a major thing for all my friends, especially out-of-state friends, they love to come here.

Customers told KRIS 6 News, they love what Mr. Spice brings to the community.

I think he makes Kingsville stand out, Eric Stapp, a customer, said. I think he makes what Kingsville is because I think everybody knows Kingsville for the Spice Station.

It's not even just for the food sometimes, sometimes just seeing him and he's very nice and very welcoming, Dustin Frazier, a customer, said.

The Spice Station offers samples for those who are beginners to Indian cuisine.

Step inside Tuftopia, and youll find a kaleidoscope of yarns, beads and crafting tools but beyond the colorful supplies lies a story of perseverance, culture and community.

Opened in October 2024 by co-founders Mingzi Wu and Eva Zhung, Tuftopia is a DIY craft store designed to be more than just a retail space. Its a community hub where people can create, connect and express themselves through art.

Tuftopia allows walk-ins who would like to work on individual projects or host private parties and group activities for children and adults.

Wu, who grew up in China, first came to the United States at 18-years-old to study at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. After graduating, she went back to China and taught English. Three years ago, she moved Corpus Christi again, drawn back by fond college memories and friends.

The relationships she formed helped shape her future. Together with Zhung, they took a chance to build something real for themselves and their families. In their own way, creating the American Dream.

We both have children. The reason I opened this is because I want to have a good life for my kids and have something for myself. As a single mom its not that easy having a business and career by yourself but I want to show my kids that I can and I want them to be proud of me. Wu said.

Zhung is a local restaurant owner, and with her help Tuftopia truly came to life. Zhung brought business savvy and structure, while Wu provided the creative vision.

Art makes me calm, Ming said. Creating something with my hands always gave me peace.

The store invites families, friends and individuals to gather and create everything from tufted rugs to painted porcelain.

In China, were very family-oriented, Ming said. We like cooking together, eating together, and making things together. Thats our culture.

Ming said she wants the shop to remain affordable despite rising import tariffs.

No matter how much tariffs go up, we wont add the cost to our customers, she said.

Some of the material in the store may come from China, but Ming says Tuftopias heart belongs to the Corpus Christi community.

Tuftopias slogan Made with love encapsulates its purpose: to bring people together, spark creativity and foster a sense of belonging.

Doesnt matter who you are or where you come from, Ming said. We can be the best versions of ourselves.

Tuftopia is located at 5625 Saratoga Boulevard. Click here to learn more.

As we recognize Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we look back at how the The Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures and Education Center was presented to Corpus Christi. As the only Asian-culture museum in the entire state of Texas, the museum is dedicated to preserving the natural history and art of various all Asian communities.

The museum's Director of Operations, Richard Hafemeister, said the founder of the museum, Billie Trimble Chandler, aimed at offering a sense of exposure to everyone who entered the facility's doors.

Chandler was born in North Texas in 1904, pursued a career in education and had 4 children before traveling to Japan.

"She went to Japan to teach Western History and English," Hafemeister said. "She worked on the military bases while she was over there during her first trip."

During her time overseas, Chandler fell in love with Japanese art, religion, and history. More than a decade later, she returned to her second home, Corpus Christi. Since her family was living in the area, she decided to bring everything she learned from Japan to the Coastal Bend.

In 1974, her vision to offer a space with an abundance of Asian heritage was birthedThe Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures and Education Center, located at 1809 N. Chaparral Street, Corpus Christi, TX 78401.

"Her biggest thing was simply getting people a chance to see these cultures and getting people to see the art," Hafemeister said. "She was a pioneer in many ways.

Each corner of every room is surrounded by a vast collection of Asian artifacts and paintings dating back hundreds of years.

Probably half the museums collection is from Ms. Chandlers original collection," Hafemeister said. "From the paintings, clothing and other pieces of artwork."

The profound historical collection also includes Hakata Dolls. The museum is close to hitting a Guinness World Record.

"We have one of, if not the largest, collection in the world. In theory, each doll is an individual character, individual person, this depicts an image of everyone's life," Hafemesiter said.

We cannot forget an eye-catching piece that captures the essence of Asian spiritualitya five-foot bronze Amida Buddha.

What started overseas as a love story between Chandler and Asian culture, quickly turned into an opportunity to educate others and create a lasting preservation of cultural roots. Now the museum is preparing to celebrate its 50th anniversary. The museum also offers educational programs for students, traditional activities and organizational collaborations.

For the anniversary, it's going to be an opportunity to show everyone whats new with the museum and what were planning to do for the next 50 years," Hafemeister said.

The 50th anniversary celebration will he held July 7 from 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Learn more of what the museum has to offer on their website and Facebook page.

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KRIS 6 News App.

Rockport's Vietnamese community

The city of Rockport has a distinct population of Vietnamese Americans who came to the United States around the time of the Vietnam War.

Long Nguyen has been the owner of Fulton Harbor Bait Stand for 15 years. It's a job that brings him memories of his childhood in Vietnam.

"I love the water. Fishing is in my blood." he said. "My parents, we had a boat out there too. We fishing, I went with them when we were younger."

Long and his family were among many Vietnamese refugees who migrated to the Gulf Coast and took advantage of opportunities within the shrimping industry.

"Back in 1975, we were the first one here." Long explained.

Over the years, Rockport's shrimping industry gradually declined. Long believes its decline was a result of Vietnamese Americans finding other businesses to pursue, like nail salons. However, the skills Long acquired and his interest in the sea have been passed down to his children. Long has three sons and one daughter. His son works in fields related to the water.

Like father, like son

"When I was growing up I worked with my dad a lot. Shrimping and concrete work and I liked being in the water more than I liked concrete." chuckled Joshua Nguyen, Long's eldest son.

Joshua currently teaches a unique subject at Rockport-Fulton High School. A couple of years ago, he launched the school's Maritime Program. The RFISD Maritime program of study introduces students to the occupations and education opportunities related to operating water vessels, maintenance procedures, maritime navigational aids, plus maritime traffic controls, and communications equipment to ensure conformance with federal safety regulations. The program is designed to give students a head start in their careers.

"I can be excited for them and with them. Like, I know that I've succeeded and that measure of success is where I find my, "This is what I want to do." he explained.

You can watch an interview with one of Joshua's students who shares why diverse representation maters by clicking here for the full Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month Special (kristv.com)

His passion for teaching grew in the military. Joshua served in the United States Coast Guard for 15 years. He was a machinery technician. He fixed boats and anything else the military needed in the deep.

"I made it to chief before I retired," he added.

His favorite part about both of his careers was being able to help others who were dipping their toes in uncharted waters.

"I loved bringing my subordinates up and getting them through the ranks and I became passionate about it. It was fun. Being able to teach somebody something new is always exciting, and the pathways to get there are always different. When I retired, I was trying to figure out what to do, then teaching presented itself and it pretty much was a no-brainer. It was something I enjoyed doing and I wanted to see if I could continue doing that with the high school."

Although Joshua's ability to lead young adults comes from his military experience, he believes his father's work ethic also helped him succeed.

"My dad went through a lot to get where he is now and where he is helped my brothers and I and my sister get to where we are at currently. Even now, anything I can do in the shop, my dad could come in here and say why don't you just do it like this and take 10 steps out of it. So, I have a lot of respect for both of my parents. For me, it's a time to reflect on where they came from, how they got here." Joshua said.

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Did you miss the KRIS 6 Asian American/Pacific Islander Heritage Month Special? Never fear, you can watch it in its entirety here.

Yoga originated in Northern India over 5,000 years ago. It started as a spiritual practice to bring harmony between the body and mind. Yoga Instructor at Divine Moon Yoga Leah Murray said its spiritual origins can be confusing for some, but not to worry.

Theres a big misconception that yoga is a religion and in reality, yoga goes along parallel with any of your belief systems. It's like a support system for whatever you believe in, Murray said.

In many Eastern practices, its common for yoga to incorporate chants and sounds. Sounds are used with a higher purpose as a meditative tool. Western cultures have been inspired by those practices and also draw on the use of sounds.

Here what were doing today is crystal sound healing and thats actually 432 Hertz frequency. That helps uplift us, reduces anxiety, Murray said.

Murray said many in the Western culture see yoga as more of a physical fitness practice. While it does help with the body, yoga enthusiast Kaisen Twitty said for his personal development of yoga, he likes to go back to the foundation of the Asiatic practice to get in the right meditative state.

Everything from Zen to Hatha, everything from Ashtanga and so many other forms of life, everything can be traced back to these fundamental beliefs of this ancient practice of yoga, Twitty said.

Although anyone is welcome to try yoga for their physical or mental health, its important for those in the Western world to remain true to Eastern roots and appreciate the introduction of the meditative practice by Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

Try yoga. So much of our lives take our time, energy, and resources. Yoga is a way to reset that internally and find calm, Twitty said.

Divine Moon Yoga holds sessions every Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at the Texas Asian Museum and anyone is welcome to join. They will also be celebrating International Day of Yoga on June 21 in Downtown, Corpus Christi at the Art Center. Everyone is encouraged to experience all the forms that yoga has to offer.

Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures and Education Center hosted a Japanese calligraphy on folding fans class on Sat. May 25. It was a great way for people to beat the heat indoors while making fans that can be used to help cool them off or block the sun.

So theres a couple different elements to the history. Theyve been used a couple of different ways throughout time," Richard Hafemeister, Director of Operations of the Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures, said.

"But, how they are traditionally seen now is one as an art piece and a decorative piece to show off your artistic style and your interest. But theyre also still used pragmatically and practically the way they were originally as fans for the heat and as a shade.

Participants of all ages took part in learning how to paint Japanese calligraphy on folding fans. Hitome, the outreach Coordinator of Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures, displayed a PowerPoint presentation displaying the steps that the artists needed to follow.

"Those stereotypical folding fans you see in all the cartoons, you see in most of East Asia, everybody's getting to make their own with their own calligraphy on them as part of the class today," Hafemeister said.

Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures and Education Center hosts some variation of a class every week. Many of these are calligraphy classes. However, the calligraphy on folding fans class is a new one on their lineup. All classes that they host are open to people of all ages and they last about an hour long.

Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures and Education Center is having a sushi-making class on Sat. June 2, and a fox-making class later in June. More information about how to reserve a spot in the sushi making class and for future events can be found here.

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KRIS 6 News App.

The United States is made up of many people who have migrated for different reasons. Some come for work, education, and others come seeking refuge. But Marife Darnell, a Filipino-American came here for love.

Theres a stereotype about Asians marrying Americans for a green card but she said she came here to be married.

I don't really believe in love at first sight, it has to be planted and nurtured to grow, Darnell said.

It took the couple more than a decade to marry and move to the U.S.

It began in 1999 when John visited the Philippines. He was there to honor his father, a prisoner of war in that country. She said his best friend was her aunt's husband and that is how they met.

They became friends while on his trip but John came back to the States to care for his sick parents. While he was away Marife said they still communicated.

"When he returned home there was a brief communication here and there, you know writing letters like in the old days, calling on the phone on weekends and then suddenly it shut off," she said.

11 years later, the two reconnected. John wanted to return to the island to search for Marife and her son Jed, his intentions surprised her.

 "Oh wow whats going on? I got that feeling that there must be something because you just dont come back for nothing," she said.

 He definitely came back for somethingher heart.

But it took them five years and three proposals later to finally tie the knot.

During this period John was able to establish respect and love for her son, Jed Fesarite. That was very important to Marife.

The new family ended up moving to the U.S. together, as it was the best decision they could make for Johns health.

She said his kidney failed in December of 2022 and then they started dialysis. But before that he was already using inhalers because he has COPD emphysema.

 But their commitment transcended mere words, embodying the essence of the vows they exchanged. In sickness and in health the two became one.

Jed said John influenced him a lot.

John's love and dedication to his family inspire Jed to become the man he is today. He also served in the Marine Corps.

"We have taken him to the ER a lot and it never gets easier. We never get used to it," Jed said.

Jed said when he first met John he was only four-years-old and then when he came the second time around he was already a teenager.

Marife said that it was challenging to have a relationship because her son was already a teen.

"I was a bit rebellious, and wanted to protect my mom," Jed said.

But John didn't give up he put time and dedication into the relationship between Jed and him. He joked that he was trying to win him over instead of his mom.

"I'm happy that he came into our lives because not only did he bring happiness to my mom but also to me and now I got a dad," Jed said.

Marife is currently taking care of John as his health has rapidly decreased during the last 6six months. She said he is her priority.

The multicultural family values strength and kindness. Marife and John have been married for eight years and said they even smile through the hard times.

Half Shell Jiu-Jitsu focuses on Brazilian jiu-jitsu. But did you know this style of fighting is traced back to Japan?

"The martial art has definitely evolved into something very different, instructor Adam Gonzalez said. Let's rewind it like 100 to 150 years and jiu-jitsu was in Japan. There was Japanese jiu-jitsu and Judo. It was kind of the same thing, but people would use it interchangeably."

The art of jiu-jitsu soon spread making its way to South America.

"There was a judo black belt named Maeta who immigrated to Brazil, and he opened up schools, Gonzalez said.

It's a story Adam Gonzalez has grown to appreciate. He started learning himself at the age of 15. Soon, his interest grew.

Ive seen it help people grow into stronger individuals. It teaches people discipline, humility, and respect for other people, Gonzalez said.

Jiu-jitsu has become a popular style of fighting for any MMA fighter to have in their arsenal.

Gonzalez has spent the last 14 years teaching it to men, women, and even children as young as 4-years-old.He enjoys teaching it to anyone willing to learn.

"We get new people who come in all the time. Sometimes they stay for a month or two and some stick around for years, Gonzalez said.

As jiu-jitsu continues to gain popularity, Gonzalez said its important to honor and recognize where it all started.

"Jiu-jitsu with the gi is very traditional but still very cool, Gonzalez said.

Half Shell Jiu-Jitsu gave KRIS 6 News the opportunity to learn some moves on the mat along with the rest of the class.

Those moves which started in Japan and evolved to what we know today. Bringing together all walks of life.

As its name impliesBaba One Of A Kind is an antique store filled with unique items. It has been around the Coastal Bend for 16 years.

Many of the items represent South Asian Culture. Some of the pieces come from India, Indonesia, Bali, Jakarta, and even Turkey.

For Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, KRIS 6 news went on a field trip to this hidden gem. Our Naidy Escobar learned all about how it's using South Asian culture to make people feel right at home.

Priti Cox has owned the store for 16 years. She was born in India and when she came to the Coastal Bend, she wanted to share a piece of her culture.

She said Southeast Asia is vibrantrich in history and artwith its paintings, sculptures, and architecture.

"I really strongly believe that you should really love the place you live or places you live and make it a little better," Cox said."To me starting Baba was adding that culture, the craftsmanship, the carvings, all kind of things that are different that we didnt have in the community."

Priti hand-picks every single item thats featured in her store. She offers door knobs, wooden panels, doors, bookshelves, and even refurbished furniture.

She and her husband make unique furniture like dining tables out of doors or windows. Each piece isnt just beautifulthey have meanings behind them.

"When the brides will get married, they will take all their clothing or jewelry all their belongings in this chest to go to their home so basically like a hope chest," she said.

There are pieces that are over 200 years old.

You can come across symbols related to her culture. In some of the carvings, you will see a common subject in India, like peacocks or Ganesha.

The peacocks symbolize beauty, grace, and pride and are the national bird. Ganesha is a Hindu god who is often depicted with the head of an elephant and the body of a human.

He is known as the remover of obstacles.

From a very young age, Priti has always had a love for antiques and art history. She said she feels honored to be able to share that same love with people in our community.

"I feel we all should provide something. It doesnt have to be larger, so to me, bringing culture of India carvings and all of that that really is basically providing that love for the community."

If you want to check out some of her pieces, click here.

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The art of dumpling making is extremely special throughout Asia. They are often a family tradition for many Asian American and Pacific Islanders.

They are also a specialty for Noemi Medrano, the owner of Mimi Kitchenboss.

"The broad definition of dumplings is basically any type of dough wrapped around a filling," Medrano said. "The filling could be meat, the filling could be vegetables. It could be savory. It could be sweet.

Medrano hosts private cooking classes in her Corpus Christi home.

"A ravioli is a dumpling," Medrano. "An empanada is a dumpling."

Medrano's passion for cooking came from traveling as a child and experiencing different cultures.

"If you're open to it and you let yourself taste without any judgement, you're actually in for a journey, a culinary journey," Medrano said.

She was born in the Philippines.

"But my childhood was a little bit of here and there," Medrano said. "I also grew up in Mozambique, Africa."

Her adventures traveling the globe continued into her adulthood.

That really opened up my palette," Medrano said.

She said she lived and worked in China for 11 years where the country is filled with mom and pop restaurants.

You have the grandmother in the back just folding dumplings all day, Medrano said.

She said dumplings are made differently depending on the region.

"Every restaurant that you go to, they have a very unique fold and a very unique filling," Medrano said. "And that really ties into the Chinese culture where, you know, the more dumplings you eat, especially during the Chinese New Year, the more prosperity and wealth you invite in.

She said that sentiment reflects in the shape of some of the original dumplings, shaped like money sacks.

She said grandparents, parents, brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts and uncles sit at a long table and roll out dumplings, passing down the family recipe.

"Connecting the older generation with the younger generation," Medrano said. "So it's all about creating those elements, putting all those elements together. Our love language is really food."

She continues to share her love of cooking Asian cuisine.

It gives me a lot of pride that a lot of people want to learn how to make dumplings, learn how to make lumpia," Medrano said.

Medrano said the food from her cooking classes is a vehicle to open up people's minds, palettes and hearts to Asian culture.

In the early 90s the Rockport-Fulton Pirate football program turned the tide from bottom of the barrel (1-9 in 1990) to back-to-back district champions (9-1-2 in 1992 and 8-3 in 1993). Now nearly 30 years later, jersey No. 7, which was recently donated by Doctor Stan Haun, returned to the school. It was worn by inside linebacker Dat Nguyen.

"When we started it was a group of scrappy little kids. Young men playing," Rockport-Fulton 1993 grad Jeffery Aguilar said. "There was Hispanics, Blacks, Whites and Vietnamese. The coach (Bob Pyssen) pulled us together and said 'Hey I don't see no skin tone here. We're one unit. We're one brothers. This is who you defend Friday night."

Aguilar, of Hispanic decent, grew up playing football with Vietnamese linebacker Dat Nguyen. The future star never played sports until seventh grade after Cliff Davis, a persistent coach, convinced the 5 foot 9 inch, 170 pound kid to join the team.

"We were never introduced to sports early on, meaning in our culture," Dat Nguyen said. "It's all about work, school and have a living because nobody really played sports in Vietnam."

He got to live the American Dream, and he did it well. Dat ended his senior season at Rockport-Fulton with 188 tackles. He was the District 30-3A Defensive Player of the Year and the 30th best prospect in Texas.

"You know it did bring the community together because everyone wanted to come see this kid play," Aguilar said.

It was not always a win for the Nguyen family. Dat's parents were refugees from Ben Da, Vietnam. His father Ho and mother Tam took their family and fled their home April 25, 1975.

"I just remember my parents packing us up in the middle of the night," Lyly Nguyen Le, Dat's sister and Jake Le's mother, said. "There's five of us. Mom was pregnant, and as we were leaving we saw some light come to the boat."

Tam was pregnant with Dat, as they barely escaped from North Vietnamese troops before the Fall of Saigon.

"It was actually the bombs chasing us" Lyly Nguyen Le said. "They were shooting bombs at our boats, and that was the most scariest."

His family survived, arriving at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas' refugee center where Dat was born. After being sent to other locations like Kalamazoo, Michigan, the Nguyen family soon settled in Rockport. Ironically their home in Vietnam, Ben Da, translates to 'port of rocks'.

"There are 100's of thousands, millions of Vietnamese American kids that came over during the war," Dat said. "The 21 years of a war. Why did God choose me to do what I did? To come to America to play the American sport to play for American's team you know what I mean? I played for Texas A&M. I run a Chic-fil-A. What in the world? You know what I mean. The kind of life you got here."

Unlike most in his family, Dat did not want to be a shrimper. He found his passion on the football field. Paving the way for generations to come, including his nephew Jake Le who is graduating from London and plans to receive his bachelor's degree at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.

"I just started whenever I first played in seventh grade I just fell in love with the game," Jake Le said. "Then I just started putting in the work everyday after school."

Le never missed a summer workout at London. That's the same work ethic his uncle Dat developed in high school and perfected at the college level.

Even 26 years later, Nguyen remains Texas A&M's all-time leading tackler with 517. He finished his career as a unanimous All-American, Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and the recipient of the Chuck Bednarik award and Lombardi award in 1998.

After graduating from Aggieland, he was selected 85th overall in the 1999 NFL draft by Dallas.

"It was amazing because to see your little brother on the field in a pro game," Lyly Nguyen Le said. "You know, the feeling is fantastic. You're just like wow!"

Dat's sister Lyly currently owns a Corpus Christi restaurant called Hu-Dat Noodle House, named after two of her brothers, Hung and Dat. In the restaurant fans can find pictures and jerseys of Dat on the wall, which have been there since the restaurant opened over 19 years ago.

Nguyen, drafted at 5 feet 11 inches, led the Cowboys in tackles three of his seven seasons before retiring in 2006 from injuries.

"Everybody has embraced us and that's what's so nice I guess about living in America," Dat Nguyen said. "I feel like you work hard, you do good, you help people and you build a community. You help a community and everybody is just a family."

Since retiring from football, Nguyen has received many accolades like being named to the Rockport-Fulton Sports Hall of Fame, Texas High School Football Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame. As of 2024, Nguyen is the only full Vietnamese athlete to play in the NFL. He will also be remembered as the first Vietnamese-American to be drafted, play and receive All-Pro honors in the NFL.

To checkout Dat Nguyen's documentary from Texas A&M University's 12th Man Productions you can click here to watch All American: The Dat Nguyen Story.

Buddhism is one of the world's oldest religions or philosophies that has existed since 5th century BC.

The religion was created in Asia and has been followed by many worldwide.

Here in the Coastal Bend, this lone temple, Chua Huong Dam on the Southside of Corpus Christi, is one of the only places people can go to practice this way of life.

They pray, eat meals together, and bond with each other.

This temple used to be a farmhouse about a decade ago, but was bought by the owners and turned into a temple. Community members have donated to the temple, which help the owners raise enough money to build a bigger building for religious worship next to it.

People seeking nirvana have also held other events here like weddings and celebrations.

Services are held every Sunday at 10 a.m. and the temple welcomes anyone to attend.

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You might have noticed a lot of Asian products and services dominate the beauty industry from skin care and makeup to even nails. Peters Nails in Alice is a Vietnamese-owned family business.

Enter a nail salon and youll hear a familiar sound that paints a picture of the nail industry.

The sound of drills echoes within the walls of Peters Nails.

Tai Ha is the owner of the establishment. He is known as Peter to the Alice community.

"This is my second homeland. Second country. Second language. Everything. We come here and we thankful for what we have, said Tai Peter Ha.

His homeland is Vietnam. Peter came to the United States in 2003 after his father made the way. He said it was a scary and difficult journey even with a visa.

Peter said it was dangerous to leave because of Vietnams regional conflicts.

"When the US opened the assembly back in -1991 before that time, it was hard to live in because if they know they'll shoot you or you have to go to jail, Tai Peter Ha said.

Fortunately, they ended up making it to the United States ready to start a new life. But that meant Peter had to give up some things like his career.

In Vietnam, Peter made jewelry. He had to learn a new skill, and that led him to where he's at today.

"My stepmom is doing nails too. She said let you learn to do nails. It's faster and after a few months I go to beauty college in Houston. And I got my license, Tai Peter Ha said.

Peter's new career is commonly pursued by many from Vietnam. It dates back to the Vietnam War when actress Tippi Hedren worked with a charity that taught Vietnamese women about the nail industry. This was a way for them to ease into US culture and the workforce.

For Peter and his wife, it allowed them to be entrepreneurs. While they consider their talent easy-- they've learned running a business takes a lot of work.

"You have to be patient. For a few months we had no customers. We get to work early. We wait until late for customers to come, said Tai Peter Ha.

Its now been 14 years since Peter first opened his own shop in Alice.

When he started he only had two stations for manicures and one seat for pedicures, but as you can see his business grew.

"We feel so proud. We come here and we thankful for what we have, said Tai Peter Ha.

Peter said he didnt know about AAPI month but now he said hes thankful for the recognition of his culture. And yet he hopes more people would participate.

READ ALL OF THIS MONTH'S AAPI STORIES HERE

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Roaming Ronin is a veteran-owned restaurant in Corpus Christi's southside. It's tucked away off of Airline Road in the Manhattan Plaza. When you walk into its building, you'll immediately notice themes with Asian influences. Eddie Warren Jr. is the owner and executive chef who curated the environment to give his customers a blast from his past.

Eddie Warren's Military Experience

In 1999, Warren joined the United States Navy when he was 18 years old. He was in aviation ordnance, which handles aviation ordnance equipment. They are responsible for the maintenance of guns, bombs, torpedoes, rockets, and missiles. Their duties include the stowing, issuing, and loading of munitions and small arms. Warren was stationed in Yokosuka, Japan, aboard the USS Kitty Hawk. Warren served until 2004. During his last year abroad, the Iraq War started.

"We had to go out and be out there for like eight months straight in the water. That was a hard time, being out there for all of those months not being able to talk to your family. Not being able to know what was going on because it was a time of war." he said.

Despite that period of time, Warren said he had a positive experience during his four years abroad. He believes the military made him the man he was meant to be.

"In my time there, I just sort of grew up. Where I was traveling from country to country and exploring." Warren explained. "Just in the few years after high school, I did more than what most people do in their entire life. Going from country to country and building relationships with your military brothers and sisters. You just can't beat that."

Warren visited several places in Asia. He said the majority of people there were welcoming. He experienced kindness, friendliness, and patience as a visitor. His exposure to the continent's diverse practices made him fall in love with Asian culture. He said his favorite place was Japan. Almost 20 years after he left the military he decided to share his experiences by telling his story, with a universal language that transcends culture and boundaries... food!

The start of Roaming Ronin

In 2022, Warren opened Roaming Ronin. Warren's original plan involved operating a food truck, hence the name Roaming Ronin. However, the Navy veteran said an opportunity to have his own storefront restaurant presented itself, and he took the chance.

"This is better, so we went with that," he said. "And Ronin is sort of an outlaw name, sort of a person who isn't tied down to one discipline. It's a guy who will do a little bit of this, a little bit of that, whatever he wants."

The restaurant's menu embraces the concept of a ronin. It features a variety of Asian-inspired cuisine with Warren's own personal twist.

"I wanted to bring a little bit of everything. When I was in Thailand, there were a lot of things I enjoyed there, and then Singapore, Korea, and Guam," he added.

Roaming Ronin's most popular dish brings him back to fond memories from Japan. Warren's first meal overseas was a Japanese Beef Bowl.

He said, "It was the best thing I had ever tasted at that point. Fast forward 20 years, I wanted to bring it here. I tried to recreate it with memories."

What's next for Warren?

In July, Roaming Ronin will be celebrating its two-year anniversary. Warren said it wouldn't have been possible to make it this far without the community's support. In the future, Warren hopes to open another restaurant location. One location could potentially focus on Omikase. Omikase is a Japanese phrase which translates to, "I'll leave it up to you." The concept would involve a customer allowing the chef to determine what they're eating during the meal.

On May 10th and 11th, Roaming Ronin will be hosting an Omikase at its current location for Mother's Day. Seats are limited and must be booked in advance.

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"Seeing that representation is really, really important," Nicolette Ardiente, the community engagement manager for Asian Texans for Justice said.

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) make up a very small percentage of the Corpus Christi community. Because of this, it can go unnoticed how little the AAPI community is represented.

Thats not the case in other parts of Texas. Ardiente, with Asian Texans for Justice, said AAPI representation is growing.

Were really excited that this past legislative session we have more AAPI folks that are serving at the state legislature, Ardiente said.

Asian Texans for Justice is a statewide non partisan nonprofit that connects Asian Texans to civic power. That could mean taking a role in politics, starting a business, getting involved in volunteer opportunities in their community.

It was founded in 2021 following the spa shootings in Atlanta. A group of Asian Texans came together to figure out how to give themselves a voice and prevent something like that from happening again.

Ardiente noted that the African-American and Latinx communities have found ways to stand up for themselves. But she said that hasnt happened for the AAPI community yet.

Its that mobilizing aspect to the AAPI community that has never been done before. Because weve been left out for so long, we have to do this work even stronger and more thoughtful to represent our communities better, she said.

Another point Ardiente maked is that of the 1.9 million AAPI Texans, some came from countries where they cant get as involved in their government or community. So, cultural education is a big challenge.

Ardiente said representation is important because right now, very few are advocating for AAPI people, for what they care. She mentioned health care and accurate AAPI history taught in school as some priorities.

Ardiente believes it starts with breaking down the language barrier. For example, that could look like language accessibility while voting.

Language accessibility, I feel is always going to be the first and foremost pillar to what comes next. Because how else will folks feel invested in the community that theyre in, if where English may not be their first language? she said.

How are they building up AAPI Texans to be more involved?

Asian Texans for Justice stand on four pillars: traditional civic engagement, coalition building or connecting AAPI people to each other, state government and board of education advocacy and lastly youth leadership and development.

Coalition building can start at your local religious establishment or at a cultural event. Ardiente said starting a conversation with a fellow person of AAPI descent can lead to changes in representation.

Ardiente said their advocacy against Senate Bill 147 helped put it to rest. It was a bill that would have limited people from certain Asian countries from owning land in Texas.

Their advocacy at the state board of education helped them establishing an Asian American studies program in Round Rock Independent School District. They also started a fellowship program for 16 to 24-years-olds to be community leaders.

What started as us advocating for Asian American studies has now blossomed these young folks to start doing advocacy work in their own capacities wherever the breeze takes them, Ardiente said.

Hatred toward minorities has presented another challenge for Asian Texans for Justice. It's forced them to consider how to educate the public to stop the spread of misinformation.

Asian Texans for Justice havent had any outreach in Corpus Christi just yet, but there are plans to work with students at University of Texas Rio Grand Valley in the coming months.

V-Mart had its official grand opening in late March of 2024. The grocery store is located on Airline Road and has special ties to Asian culture.

Its owners Yang "Cici" Zhai Wang and Zoey Tran, are both from different Asian countries and are using their business to share their culture.

Unlike other grocery stores, V-mart carries a variety of from different food from different Asian cultures.

But the idea of the store goes beyond its endless ingredients and food.

"When customers walk in saying, "Oh my gosh, that candy is the taste of my childhood. Oh wow! You have that ice cream from China! Things like that make me proud," Cici Wang said.

Cici Wang, the co-founder of V-Mart loves sharing her culture through her store. She says connecting with others is part of what drives her every day.

Zoey Tran, also co-owner of V-mart, comes from Vietnam and loves to make food for people to enjoy.

"Making dishes from Vietnam is my passion. Making my own food for customers, especially for Corpus Christi," Tran said.

Using their personal experiences growing up and working at several Asian restaurants, the two women saw an opportunity to bring something new and fresh to the Corpus Christi community.

"We ate Asian foods when we were growing up and we see the benefits of how healthy Asian food is for everybody. We get ingredients from out of town, Dallas area, Houston and Austin," Cici Wang said.

They gave KRIS 6 News a tour of some of the stores and showed us their noodle aisle.

"This a dramatic popular TikTok trend. Everyone is crazy about Budak. Budak means spicy chicken in Korea, "Tran said.

While they appreciate the support during AAPI month, they have one message for Corpus Christi.

"Our consumers will be you. Everyone. It won't be just Chinese, just Vietnamese, or just any specific Asian country. It's everybody," Cici Wang said.

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