This Saturday morning I had the chance to visit the Chinese garden located in Rizal Park, in Manila. It was almost an hour drive from where I live to Manila. I came to discover the Chinese garden in Manila based on the post of my friends in Facebook. Actually, I was hesitant to go to Manila, since I know its going to be a long trip. But I pushed through because I know I won't be at ease if I didn't take the opportunity to go there. I really wanted to see the huge statue of Confucius and the Chinese style garden design of the place.
It was quarter to 9 in the morning when I arrived there. It was a bit hot, because the sun was shining. There is no entrance fee, you just need to log on the record book provided by the staff. Since its Saturday there are a lot of students, and families at the park. The Chinese garden was not that big and you can go around it in less than 5 to 10 minutes. I have read a lot of negative reviews online, but for me the garden is quite nice. Very Chinese. It feels like I'm in China. ha!ha!ha! Even if I know it can never be at par with the famous Suzhougarden in China. I immediately went to the statue of Confucius, and had my photo taken. It was quite huge, and there is a history plaque below the statue. Its about a short bio of Kong Fu Zi (Confucius). I have watched the movie of Chow Yun Fat who portrayed Confucius, and its a good movie. I also love the soundtrack. I also admire Confucius. I have a Chinese philosophy book, and the life of the great master Kong is included there.
Also, the last week of September is where the world, and the Chinese people commemorate the birthday of Confucius. According to Wikipedia, "Confucius birthday falls on the 27th day of the eight lunar month of the Chinese calendar. It is officially celebrated on Taiwan as 'Teachers Day' on September 28th, and in Hong Kong on the 3rd Sunday of September as 'Confucius Day', though the traditional date is also often observed. While in China, they observe the 'Teachers Day' on September 10."
Here in the Philippines, on the 28th of September 2018, His Excellency Ambassador Zhao Jianhua gave a speech at the Chinese garden at Rizal Park, Manila. Government officials were also present. According, to the speaker, the celebration honors teachers, and promotes Confucian values.
One of my favorite quotes by Confucius, which I shared in my story that was featured in a local Filipino-Chinese magazine goes something like this, "Never tire to study and to teach others."
If you have never been to the Chinese garden, and if you love taking a stroll at the park then you better visit Rizal Park, and the Chinese garden.
After a Chinese
fantasy-action film that I’ve seen, I’ve decided to watch a
historical/biographical movie about a famous Chinese figure. I bet everyone
else has heard about the name Confucius. In Chinese,孔夫子Kong Fu Zi (means Master
Kung). He’s the pioneer in making education available to all. No wonder a lot
of schools, and institutes were named after him. If you’ve noticed, my blog’s header design was
a saying from Confucius. I’ve decided to put a Chinese saying there, because
the theme of this blog is all about Chinese. At first I really have no idea about
the life story of Confucius. I thought he was a just a philosopher and a wise
teacher.
The character of Confucius
was portrayed by a well-known Chinese action star, Chow Yun Fat. This is the
first time that I’ve seen him play a character, that’s mellow, or someone who
doesn’t fight with others, or someone who does martial arts. It’s refreshing to
see him play a different role.
I wonder why this
movie didn’t make so much noise like the other Hollywood movies. I really liked
the scenery, the costume of the characters, and I like just about everything in
the movie. It has even a nice OST, “Virtues of the Silent Orchid”, sung by Faye
Wong. For a China and Chinese studies enthusiast like me, this movie is a
must-see! You’ll know more about Chinese history, and the period where
Confucius live.
I also typed my favourite
lines from the movie, or statements that has strucked me the most. So it took
me almost half of the day to finish this movie. I also made a drawing, sort of
fan art tribute to one of the world’s greatest teacher. Like in one of my shout-outs
that I’ve posted before in a social network, “If the Greeks have Plato, and
Socrates, so do China. They have Confucius, (and Lao Tzu).” If you haven’t seen
this movie I suggest you watch it now. You will have a better understanding of
China, the man, his life, his works and the legacy that he left behind.
Here are some of my
favourite lines from the movie, and below I've included the music video, and the English translation of the song.
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My favorite lines from the movie:
Kong Qiu: Minister, benevolence is love towards our fellow men. A ritual
murder is still murder, even if it complies with tradition. Lord Shu, you
showed benevolence towards a pheasant.Now I ask you, surely you must also speak up for this wounded boy?
The Zhou code of ethics teaches us to value human life above all. The
burial of slaves was practiced in barbarous times. It was outlawed in our
dynasty when the Zhou reign commenced. Our kingdom of Lu is the ancient home of
the Duke of Zhou, known for its ethics. We should think afresh and abandon
outdated traditions.
Gen. Gongshan:It was Lord Ki Pingzi’s
dying wish that those he loved should die with him. It is not cruel to bury this slave. Rather, it demonstrates the
Minister’s filial piety! His love for his father!
Kong Qiu: Gen. GongShan I know you served Lord Pingzi for years. I hear he
said many times that he could not live without you.
Gen. Gongshan: Right, that’s correct.
Kong Qiu: Given how close you were to him, he must still need you now that
he has passed on to the next life. If you were willing to accompany your lord in death, I could not
object to you taking this young slave with you. It seems the Gen. is not willing
to serve his master beyond the grave. He imposes on others what he will not
impose on himself.
Kong Qiu: "Rotten wood is hard to curve."
Kong Qiu: The poem means, “Even while courting a gentleman observes all
proprieties.”
"The hardness of the task is the measure of the gentleman."
"Poetry, books, ethics, music , a gentleman must understand all these. Rulers should treat ministers with courtesy, ministers serve rulers
with loyalty. Loyalty and filial piety are the keys to humanity and harmony. All professions may prosper. Close to home, attend your parents.Further afield, placate your
neighbours. There is also much to learn, including the names of birds, beasts,
grasses and trees."
“Only in winter does the pine show its true strength.”
"An official wears his robes of office. But it’s his inner character
and spirit which reflect his true mettle."
Kong Qiu:“A pure heart makes a pure shot. ”
Virtues of the Silent Orchid❀(An Ode to Confucius) Elegant orchid, standing tall with its fragrance spread Its aroma faint but worshipped by all other surround flowers If not picked and worn, what sorrow will it be to the orchid? For days and years, I have travelled far across the land One who goes far to search for the talented, Will benefit himself greatly with wisdom and power When the orchid is picked and worn, It becomes alive in spirit and radiates its fresh scent
Even during the winter, when the ground is thick with snow and frost, The orchids’ buds endure the coldness The proper conduct of a man virtue, Is the prosperity of his offspring in generations to come
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