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.

KAISA Heritage Center (Bahay Tsinoy)

           The Philippines is our country. it is the land of our birth. the home of our people.

      Our blood may be Chinese, but our roots grow deep in Filipino soil.

  Our bonds are with the Filipino people.

      We are proud of the many cultures, which have made us what we are. 

       it is our desire, our hope, and aspiration -- that with the rest of our people, we shall find

        our rightful place in the Philippine soil 

                  ~ Kaisa Credo ~

    We cannot deny that our country has not only a rich history, but also a cultural melting pot. (colonized by Spaniards, Japanese and Americans.) We are not colonized by the Chinese, but we can see that their culture and tradition have assimilated and became our own, through the Filipino-Chinese. Our society is imbued by these distinct group of Filipinos, known to us as the Filipino-Chinese. In my previous article before, (pls. see The Filipino-Chinese Surname blog post), I have defined who are the Filipino-Chinese, When we say Filipino-Chinese it can either mean of Chinese descent;mixed blood, of Chinese and Filipino descent, that is, the mother or the father is Chinese, or their ancestors (grandparents are Chinese). We say Chinese Mestizos, if the father is a Chinese and the mother is a Filipina. As I've mentioned before in one of my articles, the Germans (Goethe), and the French (Alliance Francaise) has their own cultural centers here. While the Spanish mestizos, like the Ayalas, have their museums. Now, the Filipino-Chinese also have their own. It is located in Intramuros. I have been in this museum thrice, and I really feel at home here. I guess I'm among the few who really enjoys going to the museum, and I really never get bored. During my college days wayback, we had a tour here as part of the requirements for our foreign language class which is Basic Mandarin II. I haven't visited the museum for more than 10 years now. I still remember I got some good books there, a Mandarin language book that includes a cd, and a shirt from their gift shop located at the ground floor. I still have in my possession a postcard from Kaisa, 10 years ago. I even urged my former Mandarin teacher,(who's a mainland Chinese) He Zhuo, to visit the museum while he's still here in the Philippines. 

     The museum was a brainchild of the late Prof. Chinben See, the husband of Mrs. Teresita Ang-See, the founding president, and one of the spokesperson of Citizens Action Against Crime. KAISA's aim is to bridge the two cultures. The museum has beautiful life-sized dioramas that depicts the way of life of Chinese in the Philippines, and also the Filipino-Chinese (Tsinoys) back then. This is really my favorite part of the museum. There is also a library that specialized in the ethnic Chinese in the Philippines and abroad. The former president of KAISA Sir Joaquin Sy (multi-awarded Filipino-Chinese translator, speaker, writer, consultant of a Filipino-Chinese magazine Nin Hao), told me that  I can research about the origin of surnames at Kaisa. Also, there were  displays of old ceramics, collections of ancient coins, a hall dedicated to prominent Filipino-Chinese (now and then), who made incomparable contributions to the Philippine society. 

     You will really learn a lot when you visit Bahay Tsinoy. I remember I also enjoy getting the back issues of Tulay fortnightly (sort of a Filipino-Chinese culture digest) which is free. I am just not sure if they still give these away for free now. I also suggest that you get a copy of the coffee-table book entitled, Tsinoy, The Story of the Chinese in the Philippine Life (P2,500.00). It's really a collector's item, and a wealth of information about the Chinese in the Philippine life, then and now. I got mine from Fully Booked bookstore. If you've enjoyed the museum tour, I'm also sure you'll enjoy reading this book. From the beginning until now, truly, the tie that binds.

--

KAISA Heritage Center (Bahay Tsinoy)

32 Anda St, Intramuros, Manila, Metro Manila

(02)527-6083

My Article at Nin Hao magazine: Confessions of a Chinese Culture Enthusiast

"Never be tired of learning or teaching others." - Confucius

I spent almost half of my life collecting books, reading, and studying anything with regards to Chinese culture, language, arts and anything that has a connection with it. So I was really, really happy and proud seeing one of my blog entry published in a Filipino-Chinese newsletter/magazine. It's more than twice the happiness that I felt seeing my letter to the editor (comment about Nin Hao magazine) being published before. 

I have included all the names of my Filipino-Chinese friends and acquaintances in this article of mine in the credits part. I am grateful to them because, they were all part of my life's journey, my own 'Silk Road' journey. I'm also thankful to GOD for giving me the chance to realize my dream because without His help I wouldn't be able to meet all these wonderful people who helped me along the way, who helped me fulfill my dreams little by little.

Truly I can attest, if you really want something, just don't give up. Pursue your passion. If one person believes in you then that's enough to make you go on, and never stop. I'm thankful to 施華謹先生 Shi Hua Jin  (Chinese studies scholar, and translator of Chinese works into Filipino, former president of KAISA Heritage Center, former secretary general of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and at present Manila Doctors Hospital Corporate Secretary) for giving me a chance to share my article, and for appreciating what I wrote. Because of him I was able to fulfill my dream of being a real writer. 

My article was published last May-June 2014 issue of Nin Hao 您好! Nin Hao magazine. (Nin Hao means good day in Chinese Mandarin). You can get a copy of this magazines for free in Binondo area and some business establishments there like PSBank. Truly it is indeed a good day!

Book Review: The Chinese Language It's History and Current Usage

   I saw this book while browsing at a local bookstore. When I saw it, I knew immediately that I got to have it. So the next day after work, I rushed to the mall and went straight to the bookstore and yes! The book was still there, waiting for me. 

   I'm studying Basic Chinese 2 at Confucius Institute and I have been trying to learn Chinese since I was in highschool, a friend of mine even gave me a Chinese phrasebook assuming that I'll be able to use it when I travel to China in the future. 

  Chinese language is a very challenging language to learn. As mentioned in the book Chinese language is the putonghua, it is the common and national (official) language of China. The sentence structure differs from the English language, and it is also tonal. Mandarin has four tones. Like the Philippines, China is comprised of different dialects. Mandarin is a Northern dialect. Filipino-Chinese speak Fookien (Hokkien) since a large number of Filipino-Chinese came from Fujian province in China. In Hong Kong, the dialect that is widely used is Cantonese.

  This book was written by Dr. Daniel Kane. It is not unusual for Caucasians to be good or even an expert in the Chinese language. In fact foreigners studying the Chinese language, their numbers are increasing even more. For Chinese language learners, and for those who are Chinese studies enthusiast this book is indispensable. This book is divided into six chapters. It talks about the Chinese language, the characters, history and dialect, grammar, pronunciation, and suggested books for reading.

   To those who want to study the Chinese language, and want to learn more of its history and origin, then this book is for you.

My Chinese Books Collection

   Most of those who knew me and also those who are connected to me 'socially' online will know that I really like Chinese language, culture, arts, almost anything that is related to it. Anyway, this afternoon I collected all my Chinese books, (I put them somewhere around the house). I wanted to keep them all together, for safekeeping just like my Christian books, which are neatly arranged and safely tucked inside a small cabinet. Before, I said that this hobby of mine was my first love but I corrected it and said it is just my second love, because GOD should always be the first. :)

  Anyway, I took a shot of these books, which I've been collecting since I was a teenager (highschool days) and a few given to me by my friend and Filipino-Chinese friends/acquaintance. My collection ranges from history, novels, philosophy to language books. Also, included in my collection is the mainstream history and culture of the Filipino-Chinese, which is also a part of the Filipino culture.

 
  I remember my former 老師 laoshi (teacher), in mandarin language. He told me that it's a rarity to find someone like me who has a passion like this. He's also the one who encouraged me to continue doing what I love, and that someday I'll able to contribute something to the society. 

  Here's a peek into one of my passion and interest. I listed the titles below. I categorized them.

History/Culture/Travel:

1. China Lonely Planet Guidebook

2. The Chinese Mestizo in Philippine History - author: Edgar Wickberg

3. The Chinese in Philippine Life (1850-1898) - author: Edgar Wickberg

4. The Ethnic-Chinese as Filipinos (part II) - edited by Teresita Ang See
5. Chinese and Chinese-Mestizos of Manila (Family, Identity and Culture 1860s - 1930s) -
author: Richard T. Chu
6. China  author: Zheng Shifeng, et al.
7. A Short History of China author: Gordon Kerr 
8. Tsinoy (The Story of the Chinese in the Philippine Life) edited by: Teresita Ang-See
9. Living Abroad in China Including Hong Kong and Macau authors: Barbara and Stuart Strother
10. The China Business Handbook 2008 
11. China A to Z (2015 edition) authors: May-Lee Chai and Winberg Chai
12. A Geek in China (Discovering the Land of Bullet Trains, Alibaba, and Dim Sum) author: Matthew Christensen

Novels/Fiction

1. The Good Earth - author: Pearl Buck

2. Falling Leaves - author: Adeline Yen Mah

3. The Joy Luck Club - author: Amy Tan

4. The Hundred Secret Senses - author: Amy Tan

5. The Kitchen God's Wife - author: Amy Tan
6. The Story of the Stone (a.k.a. Dream of the Red Chamber vol.III) - Cao Xueqin
7. The Three Kingdoms (retold by: Christine Sun) - author: Luo Guanzhong
8. The Water Margin (retold by: Christine Sun) - author: Naian
9. Dream of the Red Chamber (retold by: Christine Sun) - author: Cao Xueqin
10. Journey to the West (retold by: Christine Sun) - author: Wu Cheng'En
11. To The Sky Kingdom - author: Tang Qi
12. Chinese Fairy Tales and Fantasies - edited and translates by Moss Roberts

Biography and Non-Fiction

1.Xi JinPing - The Governance of China
2.Wild Swans (Three Daughters of China) - Jung Chang
3. Bai Ren - Lagaglag Sa Nanyang (Adrift in the Southern Seas) translated by: Joaquin Sy

Language/Chinese Writing:

1. Say It in Chinese - Foreign Language Press Beijing

2. Learn Chinese Efficiently with Super Pinyin (phonetic) vol.I - edited by Jose Averia, English Translated by: Tinna K. Wu; Pilipino Translated by: Francisco G. Co

3. Easy Chinese Phrasebook and Dictionary - by: Wendy Tung

4. Speak Fujianwa (Fookien/Hokkien) Easy - by: Betty Lee

5. 300 by: Joaquin Sy

6. Niubi The Real Chinese You Were Never Taught in School - by: Eveline Chao; Illustrated by Chris Murphy

7. Teach Yourself Cantonese - by: Hugh Baker and Ho Pui-Kei

8. Chinese Flashcards (vol.I) - Tuttle Publishing
9. The Chinese Language: Its History and Current Usage author: Daniel Kane
10. Simple Strokes (Everyday Essentials) - by: Song Liwen
     Simple Strokes (Architecture and Culture) - by: Song  Liwen
11. Chinese for Dummies (with cd) - by: Wendy Abraham

Local Literature:

1. Tsapsuy: Mga Sanaysay, Tula, Salin atbp. - by: Joaquin Sy

2. The Best of Tulay (Voices: Mga Tinig) - edited by: Teresita Ang See, Caroline Hau and Joaquin Sy

3. Weaving A Dream (Reflections for Chinese-Filipino Catholics Today) - author Ari Dy, S.J
4. Beyond the Great Wall (A Family Journal) - author: Mario Miclat
5. Broken Mirror: Inside a Chinese Marriage - Aurora Teo Mei Ling
6. The Ties That Bind: The Saga of the Sultan of Sulu in China - Teresita Ang See
7. Ang Piping Balalaika - Ba Jin (salin ni Joaquin Sy)

Comic Books:

 1. Stories of Love - Illustrated by: Huang Qingrong; Translated by: Shen Siqin

Other books:

1. Chinese Zen - prepared, compiled and translated by Thomas Sy 

2. Love Poems from Ancient China and India - notes by Prem Jesus Jesswani, Ma.Carolina Chua and Ajit Mansukhani
3. Chinese Philosophy author: Peter H. Nancarrow
4. The Chinese Medicine Bible author: Penelope Ody
5. Women and the Art of War: Sun Tzu's Strategies for Winning Without Confrontation author: Catherine Huang and A.D. Rosenberg
6. The Art of War - Sun Tzu and The Book of Lord Shang 'Shang Yang'
7. Tao Te Ching (The Classic Translation by R.B. Blakney)  - author: Lao Tzu

(repost from my personal blog dated: January 23, 2014. Updated 07/28/19)

A Pilgrim's Journey on the Silk Road

   您好! (nin hao! mandarin for good day) I've decided to name my blog, 'Pilgrim's Silk Route' because I wanted this blog to have a name that has a connection with China, and everything Chinese. Why? Because, in this blog of mine, I will post anything about  Chinese culture, tradition, and just about anything. From popular culture to the 'olden' days, as well as the Filipino-Chinese culture which we all know is also a part of the entirety of the Filipino culture. Why name it 'silk road'? For me, life is a journey, and this interest of mine is one of my life's 'side-trip'. This is not the center of my journey, its a part only but still, its also a part of my journey, nonetheless it is still an essential piece to my life's adventures. 

   To those of you who already know me, you know that I am a China/Chinese enthusiast. Also, I'd like to share with you what I like and what I know about the Filipino-Chinese and Chinese things. I will talk about anything under the sun, ranging from food, culture, language, music and their tradition. I'll be sharing with you a part of my heart. You will also know how and when my interest in Chinese culture and language started. You will also know the 'small steps' I've taken in order to fulfill my China dream.

   I hope you will enjoy reading the entries in this new blog of mine. 我们去吧! (wo men qu ba! 'Let's go' in mandarin)  Let's journey together to the silk road.  

(below is a love song by Fish Leong entitled 'Silu' which means 'Silk Road'. Translation included.) 

Silk Road (English Translation Lyrics)

If living a vagrant life is your natural instinct
Then you must be my most beautiful pursue
If love is your nomadism
Should you be satisfied after you had it?

* Who took me to start travel on the lonely Silk Road?
Following your footsteps
Who can take me leaving the lonely Silk Road?
Feeling your body temperature
I let my tears forming the lake on the top of the Tian Mountain (Mt. Tian)
To let you camp there and rest when you are tired
The sound of Qiang Flute, the Hu Xuan Dance (a type of dance)
I laugh for you, I cry for you (HO~ cry for you)
(Hey~) I love everything about you and I give up my everything (my everything)

# I start to understand after I loved you
I have walked with you a beautiful country
I never cry after I loved you
Who is whose happiness? I never care about this
Who is whose journey? I only want you to remember

Stars are pearls of the poor
Your smile is supporting my faithful beginning
The sand blown by the gale is my thin clothes
I travel across the mist of Asia

Repeat (＊),＃

The sun burst through the clouds, you’re that beam of light
You take the ordinary me to travel the road of wonders

I start to understand after I loved you
I have walked with you a beautiful country
I never cry after I loved you
Who is whose happiness? I never care about this

I start to understand after I loved you
I have walked with you a beautiful country
I never cry after I loved you (NO~ HO~)
Who is whose happiness? I never care about this (I~ don’t care)
Who is whose journey? I only want
I only want you to remember

(credits: beautifulsonglyrics.blogspot.com)