Chinese Studies in Massive Open Online Courses

   Wayback, I took a free online course at Open2Study, and today I just finished another course, this time at Coursera which is a very popular platform online for learning free, and verified paid courses. Coursera has been around for quite sometime. There is also another popular MOOC website, and that is edX.

I am a Chinese culture and language enthusiast, and anything that has to do with Chinese studies has always piqued my interest. There aren't a lot of universities, and colleges here in my country that offers Chinese studies courses. Top universities here that offers Chinese studies is way too expensive. Same with universities abroad. So imagine my glee when I found out about different MOOC that offers Chinese studies, and language.

The first Chinese studies course that I took online was the Chinese Language and Culture Course at Open2Study, provided by South China University of Technology taught by Prof. Liu Cheng (Brady). This is a sort of introduction, and the basics of Chinese Language and Culture. This is a free course, and you need not pay, all you need is dedication.

In Coursera, I took a paid, and verified certificate course in Chinese Culture and Contemporary China. Coursera partnered with Nanjing University. The lecturers in the video were all from Nanjing University. Professors Cheng Aimin, Zhang Bin, Julius Vaitkevicius, Pan Wang, Ao Xuegang, Ding Fangfang and Sunmin. The video lectures here were 5 to 10 minutes long. There is also an optional discussion page. The courses here in Coursera are not that lengthy, and in-depth unlike the courses in edX, nevertheless the lessons are concise.

Why did I choose to take Chinese studies online courses? Well, mainly because it is my interest, and I will be more knowledgeable in a particular subject matter. It will also be a plus or an asset in my credentials. Also, I want to show that I am really passionate in my interest. As the Chinese say it 加油! ( jiayou)

Ang Piping Balalaika (Ba Jin) salin ni Joaquin Sy

   I recently purchased, "Ang Piping Balalaika," (I am unsure of the exact English translation of this title, 'pipi' means mute, and 'balalaika' is a Russian musical instrument) this is another translation by Chinese studies scholar, and multi-awarded Chinese-Filipino translator Joaquin Sy. This book is not available in major bookstores. I got my copies from a specialty bookstore in Manila, called Solidaridad. I heard it was a store owned by Filipino writer F. Sionil Jose, National Artist for Literature awardee. This book is priced at 300 Philippine Pesos, and published by Pambansang Komisyon Para sa Kultura at Sining. The book is soft-bound, and the opening page has some info about the writer, and also about the translator of the book. The book contents was written in Chinese (traditional characters), and Filipino. It has 8 short stories including the main story which was the title of the book.

This is a collection of stories written by Li Yaotang also known as Ba Jin. I have no clue who Ba Jin was. According to someone I know who is a Filipino-Chinese, and is a wide-reader, Ba Jin is one of the famous authors that influenced the May 4th Movement back especially his famous novel "Family". According to him it's a good book that laments about the staunch conservatism of Chinese society way back during the Republican era.

He further added that the May 4th movement in a nutshell was a student uprising that rebelled against the continued occupation of the colonial powers of certain areas in China under the terms of the Treaty of Versailles after World War I. It was through the movement that the activist spirits of future Chinese leaders such as Mao Zedong, Liu Shaoqi and Zhou Enlai were kindled.

I have already read the first story in the book. "Ang Piping Balalaika." I was right the Balalaika mentioned is a musical instrument from Russia. At first, I thought it was an archaic Filipino word. The first story was a sad story, about memories, prison/prisoners, Russia, and a musical instrument. This collection of short stories is an easy-read, simple but the stories will remain in you. It will compel you to think, and ponder upon the stories. It will also open your eyes to the realties of the world...and yes! Oftentimes, its a harsh reality.

This is another gem of a book. Kudos to Mr. Joaquin Sy for translating the classic works of Ba Jin. Because of his translation we are able to enjoy a classic Chinese work. I recommend this book for every book lovers, and Chinese literary, and culture enthusiast. 

Happy Ghost 5 (Magic to Win 5) 开心鬼5上错身

  I have not posted in my blog for awhile now. Today, I'm off from work so I had time to write. I recently purchased this movie online, and my order arrived 2-3 weeks ago ( I forgot the exact date). I had a difficult time in finding a copy of this movie. I suddenly wanted to have a copy because Kris Aquino, Philippines Queen of all Media is making waves again, and for the second time in the international scene. She has landed a role in Kevin Kwan's book turned into a movie, Crazy Rich Asian, as Princess Intan. Unknown to some, this was not her first international movie. The first one was this movie, Happy Ghost 5 which she co-starred together with a very popular comedian actor at that time, Raymond Wong.

I really liked the movie when I first saw it, I was still a teenager at that time. (SPOILERS AHEAD) The movie is about Kathy, who owns a dog named Magic. Magic loves his master very much. But Kathy has a playboy boyfriend, and Magic wants Kathy to learn the truth about her boyfriend. Magic was granted a wish by the Happy Ghost, to be human for a few days. So its up to you viewers to find out more about the story. I recently bought a dog, her name is Happie. As a dog owner, and if you love dogs this movie is for you. Dogs love unconditionally, and they are really faithful to their master. Coincidentally, in the Chinese calendar 2018 is the Year of the Dog. Me, owning a dog, and buying this movie was indeed a great-timing!

It is also refreshing to see the young, and lovely Kris Aquino. You will definitely mistake her for a Chinese actress. Did you know that she has Chinese ancestry? Their roots can be traced back in the (Xu) Co clan in Hongjian village, Fujian province China.

This movie is family friendly. You can watch this with your loved-ones. Take the time to have a quality moment with your loved ones.

The Ties That Bind by: Teresita Ang-See (Mini-book review)

   Last week my order of the mini-book, "The Ties That Bind" (The Saga of the Sultan of Sulu in China). This is the 2nd edition, written by well-known, and respected Filipino-Chinese writer, and academian. Known in the Philippine media press, as an anti-crime crusader. She is also also one of the founders (along with her late husband Prof.Chinben See) of Kaisa Para sa Kaunlaran, and Kaisa Heritage Center.

From tulay.ph: 

"The Ties that Bind – the Saga of the Sultan of Sulu in China (Kaisa Para Sa Kaunlaran, 2017, 109 pp.) uses references and resources from China and the Philippines – including valuable photographs – to document the historic visit of the Sultan of Sulu to pay tribute to the imperial court of Ming Emperor Yong Le in 1417. The booklet is published in commemoration of this most significant event which highlights the enduring friendship between the Philippines and China."

You can order online, and have it shipped to your place. Just follow the instructions of their staff. I also contacted them through their Facebook account, and Ms. Meah See, director now of Kaisa, and the daughter of the author was really accomodating. You can finish the book in one-sitting. The book is printed in glossy pages, and the photos are rich, with colorful pictures. As a supporter of the Philippines and China's positive and harmonious relationship,  and as a member of the Philippines - China friendship club. This mini-booklet is full of interesting facts, and details about the long-standing relationship, and friendship of the two countries. Did you know that the Sultan Padaka has living descendants up to now? They have also visited the Philippines.

The story of the Sultan of Sulu, and the Emperor of China was made into a movie wayback. The title was 'Hari sa hari, Lahi sa lahi,' the international English title was 'King and Emperor.'

If you are a Chinese culture enthusiast like me, or if you are interested in culture and history, you should definitely grab a copy of this book. I got my 2 copies for P140.00, plus additional shipping fee. I also requested for the book to be signed by the author. I have not met the author personally, but I'm looking forward for a chance in the near future.

Or you can visit Kaisa, located in Intramuros, Manila. They have a gift shop there when I visited them wayback. They sell t-shirts, and various educational books about Filipino-Chinese culture and history. You should also check out their museum also located in the same building. It is a museum of the Chinese in the Philippine life. It is a definitely must-see. I really enjoyed touring the museum before.

For orders and inquiries: 
You can contact them through their facebook page Kaisa Para sa Kaunlaran or you may email them at info@kaisa.org.ph