Author Archives: Ben Chan

Toronto Raptors VS Philadelphia 76ers

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The Raptors battled back in Philly, with a statement win that puts them on the map. The Raptors are on the road, chasing redemption. Earlier this month, they lost against the 76ers in a 130-120 shootout. This wasn’t just a chance of revenge; It was a matter of whether the Raptors could turn that loss into motivation.

In the beginning of this game, both teams were neck-in-neck, trading baskets left and right. 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey was everywhere, slashing drives and crafty floaters, while the Raptors offense focused on under the rim basket with the lack of defense from their big men. You can sense that the Raptors found the opportunity, right before halftime to change up schemes for the rest of the game.

 In the third quarter is where everything changes, the Raptors came back in a thunderous 44-26 run. It was an all-round effort, all-star forwards Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes both efficient on offense, creating shots for the rest of the team, while center Jakob Poeltl took over the paint on both sides. It was simple team ball movement all around, figuring out their identity to play alongside each other.

As the fourth quarter started, Philly pushed back. Potential Rookie of the Year, VJ Edgecombe acted as a spark for the team and tried to push the game closer within reach. But the Raptors didn’t flinch, as throughout the game, the team stuck with their game plan. Continuing to help defend one after another, it was one stop after another. Immanuel Quickley, who came off the bench for the Raptors, sealed the game with two 3-point daggers, ending the game with a 121-112 win over the 76ers.

What makes this game meaningful is not simply the W. It’s the way how they won, with adjustments throughout the game, the momentum from winning 4 straight games in a row. The Raptors are trending up in the standings, showing that they’re not just a good team, but a young-blooded, thirsty team that needs to prove they can beat out in the east. As they head the NBA cup game this Friday, they have all the momentum to continue playing at a high level, making a statement that the once world champions, with a new roster and a new style of play, things may seem a little different this season compared to previous seasons.

Ben Chan kchan467@my.bcit.ca

Theatre Under the Stars

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During summer nights, what do you actually do in those long evenings? Most of us would go have dinner somewhere, maybe a drink on a patio, and head home for different streaming services. But what if I tell you that Theatre Under the Stars is something that you should go see for yourself?

Every summer, Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) stages two full-length musicals at the Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park, alternating the performances throughout July and August. This upcoming year it’s going to be Sister Act and The Little Mermaid. It’s exactly what it sounds like, live musical theatre, outdoors, surrounding by the trees, and the sky slowly fading into the dark as the show unfolds.

The venue in the heart of Stanley Park, where you should be there early to get the glimpse of the park itself, walking around the seawall, getting something to eat. By the time you get settled into your seat, the afternoon goes by and the evening comes, even though it is summer, the night sky doesn’t make it cooler. In fact, it feels just right.

Earlier this year, I attend to one of the shows of TUTS, which performed Legally Blonde. The production of this musical is unlike any other I have seen, featuring local talent that consistently surprises audiences with the professionalism of dance, singing and performance. The performances of the musicals are genuinely engaging, not as amateur in the wat you would expect from a community theatre. The energy of those performances brings joy to people, clapping along and leaving the show continuing to hum to the songs they heard.

It’s one of those rare experiences that pulls you out of the house without making you do anything too much, but it is one of my own favourite memories from the summer that I would have the reason to tell you to try to attend to next year. Summer in Vancouver is short, Theatre Under the Stars is one way to actually use it. Not as another thing on your list, but as something that makes the season feel like it meant something.

Ben Chan kchan467@my.bcit.ca

A Wonderheads Christmas Carol

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Let me ask you something: when was the last time you sat still in December? Not scrolling through your phone. Not pretending to pay attention but actually being fully there. If you’re like most people, you probably can’t remember. December tends to mix into many reservations, including shopping, parties, work deadlines, and family gatherings. In all that mess, the true feeling of the Christmas season often gets lost. This is why I want to tell you about The Wonderheads’ production of A Christmas Carol.

What makes this version different is that The Wonderheads do not use a single word. They have crafted the entire show around mask theatre, physical storytelling, and visual design. Scrooge appears with an oversized mask, silent and towering. You can see who he is through his movements, the hunch of his shoulders, the sharpness of his gestures, and how he seems to push the world away with each step.

Each ghost brings its own visual presence, the Ghost of Christmas Past is delicate and glowing, moving softly and quietly. The entire theatre goes quiet when it appears. This creates that rare moment where everyone collectively holds their breath in response to something truly beautiful. The Ghost of Christmas Present is the opposite: loud, joyful, almost overwhelming. Audiences laugh in a way that hilarious and memorable. The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come changes the mood completely, becoming unsettling and uneasy. This makes Scrooge’s story feels more impactful, where Tiny Tim appears as a puppet, small and vulnerable. According to those who’ve seen it before, he becomes the emotional heart of the show. Scrooge’s transformation unfolds entirely through movement which there is no grand speech. It’s about how he holds himself differently and how his movements soften. The audience after watching the theatrical version of the Wonderheads, they bring back memories of the past, reliving the moments that are presented with their families from the past and the present.

The Wonderheads have created something that encourages us to slow down, to sit in the theatre and watch a familiar story to affect you in a new way. It won’t change your holiday schedule, but it may give you two hours to relax. That might be exactly what you need.

Ben Chan kchan467@my.bcit.ca

Toronto Raptors VS Charlotte Hornets

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What a night at the six. The Raptors won another game at home against the Charlotte Hornets, increasing the record of the season to 9-5, compared to them opening the season with a losing record of 1-4. The Raptors fresh from a strong road trip, were home once again while the Hornets however, batter and bruised with key players out with injury were looking to get a win but couldn’t in the end. This game was an all-rounded game; Six Raptors were able to contribute double digit points.

The Hornets started the game with energy despite what their record says, they played like they believed they could pull off the upset. The rookie centre Ryan Kalkbrenner was active on the glass, and the hornets did try to make a push. The fourth pick of the this year’s draft, Kon Knueppel dropped 24 points leading the hornets while leading the team of the Hornet’s  veterans, both Miles Bridges and LaMelo Ball scored 22 and 20. But because of their shooting from behind the arch was only at 10-for-40, it made it clear that the reliance on three pointer made them unable to generate different looks for the rest of the team thus leading into a narrow loss for the team.

The Raptors however, even though they kept this win streak alive, it was an intense fourth quarter battle to sealed it. R.J. Barrett drove into the hoop and delivered the go-ahead basket with 18 seconds remaining. While Scottie Barnes, sealed the deal with a game saving block on Charlotte’s Colin Sexton’s put-back attempt at the buzzer. The highlight of this game was the Raptors star, Brandon Ingram, who showed that why he is still at an all-star level, contributing 27 points and sinking in mid-range shot after another. He also put on a show, posterizing over the rookie center Kalkbrenner in the fourth quarter.

What stands out from this game for the Raptors, it’s the growing belief that they are able to win tight games, they didn’t just outscore the opponent, they outfought them through the tough defense. Not only that the starters are playing along well with each other, the bench depth and defensive stops were key moments of this game. They are continuing to build on their win streak, winning the last seven out of the 8 games. Let’s see if they would manage this hot streak on their next game on a one game road trip against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Ben Chan kchan467@my.bcit.ca

Vancouver Canucks VS Florida Panthers

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It was too good to be true. The last game against the Lightning might have been fluke; The Canucks played the panthers on Monday and ended the game with an 8-5 loss. Even though the effort on the offensive end was apparent, the effort on the defensive end was not enough to go through a win.

The Canucks actually started out with an early lead in the game, where Jake DeBrusk scored in the first period to make it 2-0, but almost immediately, Florida responded with a goal on their own. A.J. Greer and Seth Jones both put up a goal in the first period, while it was all Panthers goals in the second period, by Luke Kunin, Evan Rodrigues and Anton Lundell. With three consecutive goals in just the second period alone, the momentum was riding with the Panthers, almost ending the game right there.

Even though Elias Pettersson tried to mount a comeback in the final period, scoring two more goals to show his scoring touch is real, the Panthers climb back and one upping the Canucks to hand them this tough loss on the road.

The Canucks were out-shot and out-played in key moments in this game, Florida didn’t just score goals, they flipped the momentum. The Canucks defense failed to stop the bleeding during the five-goal surge from the Panthers, this showed in the first and second periods alone. On top of that, the Canucks were playing in back-to-back games, while the Panthers were at home and were well-rested.

This loss stings a lot, but it is a good effort for the Canucks. Showing some flashes from Pettersson’s finish, Hughes’s vision, but in the NHL, these flashes aren’t enough. They need defense, consistent goaltending and the ability to hold down even when the momentum swings. The good news is that the talent is there, the challenge is to turn it into reality and stability, if the Canucks can tighten up their play and build more on their offensive highlights, this game could stand out as a wake-up call for the rest of the season. The Canucks are heading back home in their next game against the conference rivals, the Dallas Stars. Let’s hope that a few days rest and the home advantage will get them motivated and focus on game at hand.

Ben Chan kchan467@my.bcit.ca

Vancouver Canucks VS Tampa Bay Lightning

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The Canucks have finally broken through the ice! When the puck dropped in Tampa, things didn’t look good for Vancouver, where the Lightning first scored in the final seconds of the game. Nikita Kucherov fired the puck right into the net as soon as the stick touched it. For a moment, the game felt the same as last game all over again.

But the Canucks didn’t fold. In the Second period, they slow clawed their way back. Jake DeBrusk put one into the net on the power play, poking in the rebound to make the game 2-1. In that moment, you can feel a shift in the game as if the Canucks are finally waking up.

Then came the third period, the period that changed the entire outcome of the game. In a total of 100 seconds, they scored three goals back-to-back, first it was Kiefer Sherwood who tied the game with a power play shot that deflected off the lightning defenseman’s skate. Then, Linus Karlsson scored a backhander to put the Canucks ahead. Not even a minute later, Drew O ‘Conner tipped in another goal, it was pure chaos on ice and looks as if the Canucks were finally in control.

Just as it seemed like the lightning might strike back, the Canucks buried two more goals. Mackenzie MacEachern made a huge impact with his first goal of the season, and then Marcus Pettersson sealed it with an empty netter. On the back end, Kevin Lankinen stood tall, stopping 28 shots and giving the team the chance for this comeback. But the main driving force was Quinn Hughes, returning from injury and dropped four assists on the night. His vision and timing made everyone clicked and in synced. What makes this win feel historic wasn’t just the scoreboard. The Canucks ended a three-game losing streak, with this game on the road, they played with heart, discipline and effort to win using the momentum they gain all through out and dominated the competition.

This game was a statement win, where the Canucks can be explosive not just resilient and for a team that’s had its ups and downs this season, this game was just a reminder of how capable of a team they can be when things are clicking and having players back from injury can make a major difference compared to the league. The Canucks will be looking to go up against the Florida Panthers next, we will see how they face off after this win under their belt.

Ben Chan kchan467@my.bcit.ca

Nikkei Craft Fair 2025

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The Nikkei Craft returns to the Nikkei National Museum and Cultural Centre, bringing families to find unique holiday gifts that originates from the Japanese Canadian heritage, while also supporting local makers who handcrafted each piece one by one. This event brings culture from opposite sides of the world together, learning and experiencing at the same time.

It starts from the makers themselves, over 80 local markers are gathered in the museum, showing their work to the attendees from Japanese-inspired clothing and accessories hang alongside handcrafted jewelry, to candles and soaps, paintings drawings and prints that illustrates the mix in culture for Japanese and Canadian heritages. Also, there’s also food that brings the taste of Japan through delicious pastries and traditional Japanese bento boxes.

What brings this fair spark is the blend of culture and creativity, where it is a celebration of Japanese Canadian heritage through the work of the makers. Different textiles with patterns that shows tradition and different wood items and stone products crafted through generations. Bring both the past and present into the items and the true meaning behind of the fair.

The Nikkei Craft Fair delivers cultural workshops that to learn how to write the traditional letters of the Japanese alphabet, learning to play the traditional game of IGO and Shogi. There was also a kid’s corner for kids to colour Christmas cards, worksheet arts and crafts. Letting people of all ages to experience the fair in its full glory. The fair connects the guests to the broader Japanese Canadian community, it’s not just about buying, it’s about experiencing, learning and connecting.

The fair has become a beloved annual tradition, it is an irreplaceable connection where guests and hosts greet each other, standing in front of booths, asking questions, holding art pieces and work firsthand. The Nikkei Craft Fair is where local artists meets Japanese inspiration, where tradition meets innovation, community gathers to celebrate the people who make things with their hands creatively. Even though the fair is over now, between the art pieces and pastries, there’s a sense of curiosity that is waiting for you to come attend for next year.

Ben Chan kchan467@my.bcit.ca

Disney’s Frozen Musical Live in Vancouver

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The Let it Go phenomenon, kids bouncing in their seats, knocking on doors asking if their siblings want to build a snowman or not. The anticipation of the cultural phenomenon that is the Disney story, Frozen returns to the city at the Stanley BFL CANADA Stage. This musical brings you the opportunity to connect with family, to watch live performance and relive the childhood memories of a beloved tale.

It starts with the story we already know by heart, Arendelle plunged into eternal winter by Queen Elsa’s hidden powers. Princess Anna setting off to find her sister to reverse the cold, joined by friends along the way as the sisters learn to embrace the power to save the kingdom. But knowing the story doesn’t lessen the experience, it makes it much more inviting to watch, watching Elsa’s transformation on stage, watching Olaf come to life and experiencing Anna’s journey in a live theatre, now that’s something to look forward to.

What gives this production its spark is the creative team behind it, where the show features direction from Tony and Olivier Award winner Michael Grandage and choreography from Tony winner Rob Ashford, with a creative team that has won a cumulative 16 Tony Awards. They’re creators who understand how to translate the magic from the animation into the live theatre.

The Stanley BFL CANADA stage becomes Arendelle for over two months, the production features sensational special effects, stunning sets and costumes, and powerhouse performances. Imagine the ice palace materializing before your eyes. Watching the performers bring beloved character to life with voices that make the performance makes you believe in the magic for the first time.

Production stars Chelsea Rose Winsby as Elsa and Synthia Yusuf as Anna, leading a cast that understands the weight of these roles. These characters aren’t just cartoons or animation, they’re theatrical performances. Every family show becomes a moment for everyone experiences together, parents who tear up during the emotional moments, kids who gasps at the characters and the special effects, and the teenagers who remembers why they love the story in the first place.

Luckily this theatrical moment runs from October through early January next year, the holiday season is the perfect timing for this story, making memories with family and adding brand new family traditions. Don’t miss out on the musical about the eternal winter while experiencing the winter charm during Vancouver’s coldest months, because some stories are worth experiencing again and again.

Ben Chan kchan467@my.bcit.ca

Upcoming 2026 Vancouver Bandits

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There’s something about the offseason that feels like standing in the tunnel before the tip-off, buzzing with crowd noises. That’s exactly how the Vancouver Bandits are right now as we look forward to the 2026 CEBL season. This feels like the moment they’ve been building towards.

Kyle Julius, the head coach and general manager of the team was extended in the offseason. Under Julius, the Bandits became more than just a competitive team, they’ve became a culture where structure meets swagger, discipline meets creativity. Julius earned the title of Coach of the year back-to-back years in a row, with the record of 19-5 in 2025. He’s the kind of coach whose teams don’t just play well, they play with purpose.

What gives this season a must watch is that the returning core has already proven that they can dominate. Mitch Creek, the 2025 MVP, is the running engine who plays like he’s carrying the whole province on his back. After averaging 24.4 points per game and recording the fourth-most points in the CEBL single-season history. Tyrese Samuel, the Canadian Player of the Year and the Clutch Player of the Year, has become the answer for the Bandits to every late game situation. Six game-winning target score buckets, the only player averaging 20+ points and 10+ rebounds. Add Duane Notice’s veteran experiences entering his third year and Kyle Manga’s NBA G league tested familiarity, we have a core built for contention.

The Bandits’ scouting has been impressive lately, where they don’t chase after the big names on the market, they collect piece that fit, that could play off each other, and with the CEBL’s longer 24-game schedule, team depth matters more than ever. Every team has their own goals, with the Bandits, individual goals amongst the players and staff aren’t enough to satisfy the lasting hunger for a championship. Each award means that the team is getting stronger every year, and this season feels like it could only get better.

The Langley Events Centre returns as the home for the Bandits with a revamped seating bowl and new courtside club options. With seven sellouts games in the 2025 season, shows that the fans are locked in, Vancouver will be looking to be the title favourites if team chemistry holds and if the Bandits stay healthy. 2026 is more than a season, it’s a test of maturity, depth, and whether last year’s awards were momentum or a spark.

Ben Chan kchan467@my.bcit.ca

The Eastside Culture Crawl

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This is the 29th annual Eastside Culture Crawl, inviting guests who are indulged with art, a passion for art and love the expression for culture. This is the event you don’t want to miss; Vancouver’s Eastside will transform into an open-air gallery where over 500 artists will open their studio doors, and everyone will have the chance to enter into their creative worlds. It allows you to step into the world of creativity, experiencing how different ideas are born, and hopefully you can take something that inspires you from it.

The festival welcomes visitors into studios and workshops across more than 80 registered buildings in the Eastside Arts District, surrounding Colombia street, 1st Avenue, Victoria Drive, and the Waterfront. This year features 20 new buildings to the event, giving more exploration in arts and inviting more talent into the festival. Whether it’s a tiny workshop tucked behind an alleyway or a top floor studio lit by giant windows, each space becomes part of a larger story about the artistic spirit of the city.

The unique beauty of the culture crawl is not just the artwork, but how you perceive them. Walking into a studio on Parker Street and watch artists do their work. Chat with friends or the artist at their studios asking about their processes in front of their canvases. The even expects more than 45000 visitors annually, but it never feels like a crowd, because everyone spreads across buildings, walking to explore each unique pieces of work from one studio to the next.

Whether you’re looking for unique holiday gifts, searching for the perfect art piece to blend into your home. The culture crawl brings opportunities for both the artist and the consumer, one might discover a new favourite artist working right next to you, or you might have an entirely new experience from a conversation that changes how you see art entirely.

The Eastside Culture Crawl isn’t passive observation, it’s more than that. It invites discovery and curiosity within this event, Vancovuer’s creativity brings the passionate artists and fanatics into these studios, workshops and maker spaces, everyone is ready to share their process, passion and work.

Ben Chan kchan467@my.bcit.ca