Ju.D's Fruitcake

   This December, while on vacation leave. I had the chance to meet Ms. Ju D. Lao, known as the fruitcake queen of the Philippines. She has been making fruitcakes for over 25 years. She started baking fruitcakes since 1975. The fruitcake recipe that she developed is her original, she wanted to make fruitcakes that would suit the taste of the Filipino palate. I noticed that not everyone likes fruitcake. I guess this is one of the Christmas gifts that some people don't really look forward to.

    I saw the fruitcake queen being interviewed on tv (a feature show in GMA ch.11), and it has been a long time since I last tasted a fruitcake so I've decided to order from her. Before we used to receive a lot of these, but now were fortunate enough if we received one. I ordered by phone, and in the afternoon I was able to pick-up my orders at her place in Greenmeadows Subdivision. You wouldn't miss the house because there's a large banner of Ju.D's fruitcake in front. Lovely place that she got there. Her helper was the one who took my payment, and the one who gave my orders. I really wanted to meet Ms. Ju.D so I asked if I can meet her. I was really glad that the queen of fruitcakes graciously met with me. I had the chance to took a photo of hers. I found out also that she has been interviewed by CNN Philippines. All her cookies were sold out, but I was fortunate enough to get the last pack of her New York Peppermint cookies, I also ordered her Classic fruitcake, and her Golden fruitcake. I also ordered her fruitcake sampler. The box contains 4 flavors (2 pcs. each of her classic fruitcake, golden fruitcake, Ju'D Blue, and Prune, both coffee flavored fruitcake). I have yet to try her Chewy chewkies (fruitcake cookies, no liquor but I heard they're very good), a recipe that she made especially for kids. I also love the packaging of her goodies. You don't need to gift wrap the fruitcakes because the packaging is already beautiful and very presentable. So if you want to order even if it's not the holidays, you can go to #50 Greenmeadows Ave. White Plains, Quezon City. Contact no. is  633-1188.  And truly, like the song of the Eraserheads goes, 'There's a fruitcake for everybody!'

Movie Review: Mano Po 7 'Chinoy'

   Yesterday, since I was on leave from work. My friend and I watched Mano Po 7, Chinoy. When I first saw the trailer I immediately wanted to watch the movie since Richard Yap was the main protagonist in the film. He became one of my favorite actor when I first watched a local drama (Please Be Careful With My Heart), starring him, together with another actress Jodi Santamaria. The cinema was a bit packed when we watched it. I thought that there will be lesser people already since, some days have passed since the initial showing of the movie.

   The film centers around a Filipino-Chinese family again. What made the movie different from the other Mano Po films, is that this film centers on the male character. What I like about the movie is that they really showed some traditions of a typical Chinese family, like during the engagement (ting hun) the soon to be bride is seen walking backwards. According to what I've read the meaning of the bride walking backwards symbolizes avoiding the negative energies in the room, and also so that she will not be able to see her groom. Also, in a huge Chinese banquet it is normal to see a lot of people wearing red. The color red symbolizes good luck, joy and happiness. It is considered an auspicious color for the Chinese people. Another thing that I have liked about the movie is the cinematography, you will be able to see some scenes shot in Taiwan. For me, the story line is a bit predictable. Still, this is a movie worth-watching. We should support our local films, and kudos to Mother Lily Monteverde for making another Filipino-Chinese movie wherein fellow Filipinos can appreaciate, and learn a bit more about the beauty of the Filipino-Chinese culture. Mano Po 7, Chinoy is still showing in cinemas nationwide.

Chinese Herbal Medicine Seminar

 

Last month I signed up for a seminar in Ateneo's Chinese Studies Program entitled, 'Understanding Chinese Herbal Medicine'. The guest speaker was a medical doctor from St. Luke's Medical Center, Dr. Francisco V. Navarro, M.D. He also studied, and trained in medical acupuncture from various schools, and universities abroad including Xiamen University Hospital in Fujian ,China. This course was a 2 part. The first course is about acupuncture. I chose the latter because I'm more interested in plants. Chinese traditional medicine is an ancient practice. I remember watching a good Chinese drama starring Cecilia Liu Shi Shi, 'The Imperial Doctress', it is based from a true historical figure Tan Yun Xian, a woman who is adept in the medical field during the Ming dynasty. If you have not seen the drama I suggest you try watching it. You will be able to understand a thing or two about Chinese traditional medicine.

   Sadly, I was unable to attend because the schedule of the seminar was in conflict with my work schedule. I asked my former classmate and college and friend to attend for me. I did not get any certificate even if I'm the one who paid and registered for the course because the participant, or the one who will attend (proxy) will be the one who will be awarded with a certificate. Anyway, I was able to get the handouts from my friend. Included in the handouts are some important notes, for example, the Principle of Chinese Herbs, the 5 flavors in Chinese, etc. In the handouts, vocabulary words connected with Chinese traditional medicine were written in Chinese characters, together with the English meaning. I have already read something about Chinese traditional medicine since I own a book about it.Thinking about this seminar, this evokes memories wayback when we went to a Chinese drugstore, wherein you can see growth balls, dried animals like seahorse, etc. I hope next year I'll be able to attend another Chinese related event, one that is not in conflict with my work schedule. I'll continue updating this blog from time to time. Thanks for visiting!

Movie Review: Just One Smile Is Very Alluring aka (Love 020)

                                                        ## 不巧 我在等你 ##
                                            # It's Not a Coincidence, I'm waiting For You #


     Yesterday, I chanced upon this Chinese film entitled, Just One Smile Is Alluring starring Angelababy and Jing Boran, the Chinese title  微微一笑很倾城 (Wei wei yixiao hen qingcheng). 
Multi-player game is very popular nowadays who hasn't heard of Ragnarok a popular Korean RPG, and other RPG games. An RPG game is about a game wherein an individual can choose his or her own avatar, customize it (the appearance of the avatar), and they can do battles with gamers from their country or from other countries, and they earn points by collection coins, trading things (like potions, gems, treasures that they collect in the game) and they journey in a surreal world. I'm sure that every gaming fan who has experienced playing online in multi-player games will be able to relate in this movie. The storyline, it alternates from the reel world, to the real world.

The story is about a sort of tomboyish girl who is into RPG online gaming, and how she came to like the most popular character/avatar in the game. In short its about 2 people who are both online gamers, who fell in love with each other. How? Just watch the movie. I won't tell the whole story here because I don't want to be a movie spoiler. This movie, has also a drama version. I have checked it out, and I think its also good to watch. The cinematic effect in this movie was superb, and the story line. The lead actor and actress were good, and of course they're fit for their role. I really enjoyed watching this movie. so far this is my latest favorite Chinese movie.

The Reading Room: Bai Ren's Lagalag sa Nanyang (Salin ni Joaquin Sy)

I have a few Filipino-Chinese related books. I got them wayback from Kaisa Heritage Center in Intramuros Manila. I am also fortunate to have known and met a few Chinese studies scholars and experts along the way. One of them was the translator of Bai Ren’s work, Adrift in the Southern Ocean, Mr. Joaquin Sy. This novel has a former title in English but I just chose to mention here the latter. I was supposed to do a book review, but since I’m just in the middle part of the book, it would be unfair. So I just titled this entry, ‘The Reading Room’. There are a bit of spoilers here.

This is the true to life story account of Bai Ren, and his experiences here in the Philippines, as a huankhe in Hokkien or huaqiao in Mandarin, it means an overseas Chinese worker. I’m sure that Filipinos will also hold this story close to their heart because we have a similar plight with the Chinese people back then. Most of the head of the family of many Filipinos today go abroad, in order to provide for their family, especially in terms of financial.

I have never read a book before written in our own native tongue (with the exception of short romance novels when I was a teenager, and other books that I got from KAISA). I have heard a lot of good reviews about this book in a social networking page, and how it was translated very well by Mr. Joaquin Sy. I've decided to buy one for myself when I went to a local bookstore, National Bookstore at Trinoma mall. As fate would have it, I found one! It is the lone copy at that time, so even if the book is not in a very good condition, I bought it. I've just put a clear plastic cover on it. (see the attached photo).

Reading the book, I can picture the scenes slowly unfolding in my mind. As if I’m watching a mini-series, or a movie. I like how Li Xin/A Song, in the story narrates  his every experiences. From their packed sweet snack, called hopia (usually a small round pastry snack, with sweetend mung beans filling, nowadays it has a variety of flavors), to the double decker bus, the swarm of mosquitoes, and the ‘vampires’ at night, the deadly bloodsuckers. I am now halfway, and I have met a lot of characters along the way. The Buddha-like owner of Asia Bazaar, Ang Taoke (Boss Ang), the three co-workers of Li Xing. Mr. Dy, the right hand man of their boss, a workaholic person – rarely takes a vacation leave, Mr. Lim, the cook a short and chubby fellow, and a distant relative of their boss, and lastly the big, burly man, Mr. Tan. (I've just decided to put a honorary title in front of their surname). I am saddened with the heartbreaking love story of Isha (a mestiza – half Caucasian, daughter of a white man, but her mom basing from what I read is Filipina), and Tan Sua. I also read, and learned a lot of Hokkien word, like apeh, achiak, huanpo, ahia, amah, koyi, huanna, huankhe, tsutyiya. I also stumbled upon good quotable quotes, “Ang luwad na hindi hinubog, hindi naghuhugis mangkok.” By Ang Taoke. This translates in English as, the clay that was not properly formed, will never become the shape of a bowl. I guess, he likened it to a person not properly reared by their parents, the child will soon be may be a wayward or a prodigal child. I highly recommend this book, especially to Chinese or Filipino-Chinese studies enthusiast like me, lovers of Filipino literature, or for those who just want to read a good Tagalog translated Chinese novel. This book is for you. Two thumbs up!  

女医明妃传The Imperial Doctress

   This is another memorable Chinese tv series for me. Again, it stars Cecilia Liu Shi Shi of the popular Scarlet Heart tv series (I and II). This is another period drama. This is not in the Qing era, but in the Ming dynasty. This drama was based upon the life story of Tan Yun Xian. She was born to a family who practiced medicine. Although this series is not that faithful to the real life story, they added a twist and a sort of love-triangle plot. It is still enjoyable to watch. I am also amazed when it comes to naturopathy, herbal medicines. I have a late aunt who's a doctor and she doesn't rely or believe in these herbal or traditional medicines. But I know some doctors now combine these two beliefs.

Nowadays, some people don't rely on synthetic medicines, and instead turn to natural, or herbal medicines. It's also interesting to hear the explanation why Chinese herbalist, or a Chinese traditional medicine prescribe a certain medicine, like for example to balance our body. I remember a doctor that I visited before. He's a graduate of medicine, but still combines what he learned with traditional medicine. There was a time when I would get mouth sores, and he adviced me not to eat 'hot' food. But instead eat 'cold' or 'cool' foods. Like for example he compared apples from Japan and in the U.S. I just forgot which one he recommended me to eat. Maybe I mentioned it in one of my posts here before. Also, he told me I shouldn't eat food that makes my body hot, like pizza aggravated my mouth sores. He also recommended that I eat pears because it has a cooling effect on the body. Now isn't that interesting?

I really like the character of Prince Qi Yu later on became the emperor it was played by Huang Xuan. He also resembles someone that I saw, some weeks ago that really left an impression on me. Huang Xuan has cute eyes, and I do have a weakness for a person with chinky eyes, I do find Filipino-Chinese and Chinese people attractive.

Anyway, I want to share with you the OST of this drama. The English translation of the title is, 'Until That Day,' sung by Sara Liu. Very heartfelt song. The song is about waiting for someone, even if it takes a long time, even if one will grow old. I guess you can really wait for someone especially if your truly love that person.

sources: dramafever.com

步步惊心 Bu Bu Jing Xin (aka Scarlet Heart): My Favorite Period TV Drama

    I'm really impatient when it comes to watching TV series. If I have a dvd copy of that drama, I usually skip episodes, until I get to the ending. This is the only drama that I've finished watching from the first episode until the last. It was by chance that I came to know  Bu Bu Jing Xin, also known as Scarlet Heart drama. It stars real life couple Chinese actress Cecilia Liu Shi Shi, and Taiwanese actor Nicky Wu. What I like about this drama, is that I can relate to the character of the female protagonist. The female lead here wears glasses which I can also relate to since I also wear one because I'm nearsighted. The storyline is unique, it involves time travel. I think it would be cool if we can go back in time, and experience life the way it was before. Well, Einstein believes that time travel (Special Relativity)  is possible.

    The female character travels back in time in the period of Qing Dynasty, and there her story revolves, and her relationship with the princes, as well as with the emperor himself. If you haven't seen this. I recommend that you do. The series has a nice soundtrack too. I like the songs, One Persistent Thought, and Seasons of Waiting, which are really match for the series. I have included the YouTube video of the song, One Persistent Thought (Yi Nian Zhi Zhou), a beautiful duet by Alan and Hu Ge.

My Swatch Chinese Themed Watches

   I'm not really fond of buying jewelries. I would rather splurge and increase my collection of books. Last year (October 2015), I chanced upon the display in a Swatch store, a black and white design drawing of building with what looks like a Japanese character to me. I asked the sales staff about the watch and they said its a limited edition, the design is about The Swatch Art Peace Hotel in Shanghai, China. When I heard that, I decided to buy the watch. Since, it has a connection to China, and the Chinese character design on the dial of the watch. According to the watch details from Swatch website this watch, is a dedication to the artists and their art. THE BLACK & WHITE SWATCH ART PEACE HOTEL (SUOZ197) is a limited edition collaboration with the Peace Art Hotel in Shanghai. A white and black print on the dial and down the semi-transpararent silicone strap will catch the eye with its artistry.  

Since, I also love to draw, and paint, and I have admiration for artists all around the world, I feel like this watch was made for me. I also like its simplicity. It costs me around P3,000.00.

The next watch that caught my attention, but I have second thoughts in buying it because it's really very expensive, costs around P4,000.00. Is the limited edition watch for Chinese New Year 2016. The animal that is featured is the monkey. But I read from the description that this is not just any monkey, the design is about the Monkey King, holding the peach which can bring the gift of immortality to anyone who eats it. I told myself that I will not buy it since I have a Chinese themed watch already. But when I found out that other than the monkey king design, this watch is also about the Chinese art of paper cutting. So all the more reason I wanted to have this watch. Unfortunately, all Swatch stores in the metro is already out of stock, after the Chinese New Year. I asked my sister-in-law abroad to buy one for me but she said it's also out of stock. I was planning to buy online, even if its very expensive. But thank God! Because my sister-in-law was able to find the lone swatch LUCKY MONKEY at Dubai airport. It has still its plastic covering in front, but they don't have the box. But it's okay at least I got the watch. From the description online, Swatch Lucky Monkey. A red monkey on the white dial. This is Swatch special design for Chinese New Year 2016. The monkey is not just any monkey. It is the Monkey King holding a peach. Hero of the classic Chinese novel written in the 17th century. 'Journey to the West'. The design of the watch was inspired by Chinese paper cut that dates back to the 6th century. 

      I was born in the year 1980, and according the Chinese Astrology, the Chinese believed that people born this year was ruled by the monkey. The Chinese word for monkey is 'hou'. So this watch is really right for me.

Photo Exhibit: Tempo of China at University of the Philippines, Diliman

   Last March 16, 2016 I went to see a photo exhibit, Tempo of China at UP Diliman, Wisdom Hall - Asian Center. The photo exhibit is about photos of China today. Cultural activities like this, really fuels up my passion, and love for the Chinese culture. I'm also overjoyed to see the ties between Philippines, and China that can trace its way back during ancient times.

According to the wall plaque information at the exhibit hall, quoting:

"Many associate China with a civilization of ancient origins dating back five thousand years, conjuring iconic images of antiquity, vestiges of yore, while in their mind's eye, images of contemporary China remain unspecific and somewhat blurred. 

Thus, Tempo of China, a photographic exhibition, attempts to capture the spirit of China in perspective of compelling immediacy, that of a nation of immense vim and vigor. It features works selected from entries submitted by more than one thousand professional and amateur photographers around the country. Demonstrating brilliant photographic skills and superb sense of space, movement and alacrity, the winning entries cover spectacular landscape, glorious sunrise, stunning architecture and endearing people of all ages and ethnicities. In focus China in the 21st century, with its vigor and prosperity, vividly and realistically rendered in myriad colors, graceful lines and enchanting  compositions; all images of harmoney and no less.

Indeed they catch glimmers of the sublime, with such boundless vigor that it has to define the tempo of nation today." 

   Here are some of my favorite photos from the exhibit. All rights reserved to the rightful owners of this photo. My most favorite shot is entitled, Old Fiddler and his Captured Audience by Yang Hong, A Selfie by Wu Wei, about Tai-Chi and Vitality photo by Li Biao.

I also like the photo of a beautiful Chinese woman in an alley, a Chinese woman holding a Chinese relic, and a newlywed couple riding a bike.

  The Tempo of China photo exhibit was also held this year (January 2016) in Toronto, Canada. This photo exhibit is sponsored by The Cultural Counsellor's Office of the Chinese Embassy Philippines, and organized by Confucius Institute, UP Diliman, Asian Center UP Diliman.

 

Chinese Paper Cut Art

    Happy Chinese New Year everyone! (Chinese New Year falls on the 8th of February). Anyway, I apologize to the readers of this blog if I haven't posted here for quite awhile. Today, I'm going to share to you some information about the Chinese Paper Cut (剪纸 jianzhi in Mandarin). I came to know the art of Chinese paper cutting (beautiful, and intricately designed red papers, usually made of rice paper) through one of my favorite Chinese movie which is, 'The Road Home'. In my country the Philippines I think there are paper cut decors but not as popular and detailed as with the Chinese paper craft. I am talking about the paper wrappers made out of Japanese paper for the popular sweets called 'pastillas' (soft milk candies rolled in sugar, sometimes they use carabao's milk for that creamier taste) candies made in Bulacan. Luz Ocampo was a skilled pastillas wrapper maker and she was known for preserving the traditional art making of pastillas wrapper. In a documentary that I have seen from GMA (State of the Nation - Jessica Soho) it is mentioned there that this craft originally came from the Chinese which the Filipinos have adopted, thus the tradition of making decorative pastillas wrapper was born.  There are a lot of information of the internet about the art of Chinese Paper Cut. I will share to you what I have learned from CCCTV and UNESCO documentaries on the art of Chinese paper cut. Below are short transcripts from the following documentaries. I made a transcript for each one.

"Chinese paper cutting is a folk art with a time honored tradition. In the past the themes of the papercuts tended to be red and for customs.  Such as festivals, marriages, bday banquets and so on. Nowadays this handicraft has become enriched with modern context. And papercuts are as popular as ever. Whether they are used as gifts or as decorations. (CCCTV)

The Chinese Paper cut is traditional handicraft included in the national intangible cultural heritage list which was originally called "pattern-cut" in ancient time. With a scissors or carving knives decorative patterns come out of the paper and as adornments, they are applied in people's life or folk activities. In China paper cut is very popular among folks. The visual images and pattern forms convey rich historical and cultural information, expressing the social and moral understandings of the people, illustrating the practice, experience, ideal of life, as well as aesthetic tendency of the people. Thus the Chinese paper cut has important social and aesthetic values in aspects of cognition, education, illustration, entertainment, and social exchange. 

The Chinese paper cut can be found all over the People's Republic of China. There are many ethnic groups involved Han, Man, Hui, Zhuang, Miao, Bai, Dai, etc. In areas of North-West, South-West, North-China, South-China, East-China, and North-east China. The paper cut is densely distributed. The paper cut of Shaanxi, Gansu, Shanxi, Shandong, Henan, and Hebei provinces, are representing the North style, and the paper cut of Jiangsu, Anhui, Zhejiang, Hubei, Guangdong, Sichuan, and the Guizhou Provinces are the typical South style. The Chinese paper cut is a traditional folk art created among Chinese people, and has a history of over 1,500 years. In the mid-20th century five paper cut works were excavated in an ancient tomb of North and South Dynasties in Astana. Turpan of Xinjiang Region in China. Including horse couplets, monkey couplets, which are the earliest paper cut works found at present. Some paper cut works between Tang Dynasty and the Five Dynasties period were also found in Long Country of Shaanxi province and DunHuang of Gansu province. The themes and the patterns of these ancientpaper cuts are still circulating, and developing among Chinese folks, and some primitive Chinese philosophy and the procreation worship can even find their traces in the original patterns spread in Shaanxi, such as Egret catching fish, fish with human face, and a cute child. People exclaim at the sight of such works, as they pass down cultural information, of over one thousand years. Proving the long history and the vitality of the Chinese paper cut.

There are two skill types in Chinese paper cut scissoring and carving. For the former people cut out one or several patterns with scissors at one time; carving knives are used for several patterns at one time. Different applications for the Chinese paper cut in folk tradition result in a diversity of paper-cut patterns. Some are for decorative purposes, attached to door, curtains, windows, cupboards, brick beds, ceilings or table cloths. Some are as examples of embroidery for making patterns in pillows, shoes, belly vests, or cuffs. Still there are patterns for various occasions or festivals expressing happiness, longevity, some patterns can even be found on lamps or dragon boats or numerous folk activities. Wishing for good climate, dispelling evils, procreation or auspicious life. The paper cuts are improvised adopting theme in vast scope. including legend, history, daily life, folk believe, nature etc. 

Patterns in paper cut always have cultural implications. As pomegranate signifies happiness with abundant children. Peach means longevity, peony is fortune, and plum is all best luck. The forms of Chinese paper cut are also various, single color. patches, color and cut, cut and drawing. Dyeing, copper lining, paper modelling etc.

The patterns of Chinese paper cut are exaggerating and vivid. Expressing the rich imagination of the Chinese people. As China has vast territories, the geographical and traditional differences between North and South.resulted in the variety of Chinese paper cuts. Comparatively speaking the North paper cuts are bold and unconstrained. While the South delicate and elegant. 

Today paper cut is still a popular among Chinese people to express their thoughts and emotions, and the

interaction and re-creation. Are easily found when its is involved in modern folk activities. The Chinese government has taken a serious attitude toward the collection and preservation work for Chinese Paper Cut.Since the 80's of the 20th century. The Chinese government has organized large scale surveys on paper cut, and has sorted our large quantity of paper cut works and related materials. Presently the Chinese government is taking various measures for the protection and succession of Chinese paper cut.Including nominating successors organizing paper cut societies, holding exhibitions, producing TV documentaries. publishing books, the setting up of educational classes etc. 

The paper cut now still conveys, rich traditional cultural information, and its cultural influence, in vast areas still exists. It will be great honor if the Chinese paper cut is included in the representative list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity and certainly such movie will pride and honor to Chinese people. Inspiring the Chinese government and relative agencies for all efforts in the protection and succession of Chinese paper cut, The exchange between Chinese paper cut and different cultures of the world will be greatly promoted, and finally the Chinese paper cut will make its active contribution to the building of harmonious world and the multi-cultural preservation of humanity." (UNESCO)

There are may Chinese paper craft artist in China, one popular paper artist from Guangdong, named Mr. Ye Runsheng. The photos here, the paper crafts are made by me. The materials that are commonly used in Chinese paper cut art are a good pair of sharp scissors and red colored paper (I use red art paper), but the commonly used paper for this is the rice paper. I cannot find rice paper so I make use of what is available.   I made three paper cut art following an instructional video online, one is a butterfly (hu-die in mandarin). Have you seen the Chinese movie, 'The Butterfly Lovers', the story is similar to 'Romeo and Juliet', the butterfly symbolizes love particularly young love, and the other one is the fish (yu in mandarin), the fish is one of the popular design well-loved by the Chinese people since this symbolized abundance. The last paper cut art that I made is the monkey holding a candied stick or tanghulu in mandarin. In the Chinese tradition and belief this year 2016 is the year of the monkey (shen). I posted this work of mine in fb, and I'm so happy because a well-esteemed person in the Filipino-Chinese circle appreciates my work, and he shared it to others in a Filipino-Chinese heritage group in a social network. He told me that one member asked if I would like to make a demo for a workshop. I'm elated but I believe I still need more practice to perfect this craft, and maybe someday I can teach others effectively. Truly,  the Chinese paper cut art are really beautiful to look at. They are intricately designed, and truly a labor of love. Let's do the paper cut. Paper cut hurts, but certainly not this one! jiayou!