I wanted to send a big thank you to the Mr. Hyphen committee as well as Hyphen magazine for giving us the opportunity to have a platform to celebrate the Asian American male! It was truly an eye opening experience not only for me but for the sold out crowd that filled the OACC to gather, acknowledge and celebrate what it means to be Asian American, to share our common bond and the messages of our respective nonprofit organizations!

The pictures speak for themselves as the six contestants spoke, sang, danced, pranced and "vogued" their way across that stage and it was memorable for all that attended. I am pleased to say that the message was clear: "We are one people." All the men and women that tirelessly dedicate their free time and talents to produce such a high-quality publication and amazing competition should truly be proud of the progress that we are making. I said this during the Q&A and firmly believe that "we will no longer be known as a passive community and we must band together to redefine what it means to be Asian American!"

I am excited to be amongst the movers and shakers and supporters of our communities as we propel forward and reach out to mainstream America as one Asian American community!

- Aristotle, your Mr. Hyphen 2008!