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!

One Step Closer to my Dream

          Yesterday morning, I had a nice surprise of my life when I got an email from Mr. Joaquin Sy. I met Mr. Joaquin Sy, wayback at Bahay Tsinoy (Filipino-Chinese museum) Kaisa Heritage Center in Intramuros, Manila. Such fond memories back then. KAISA is one of my favorite places to visit in Manila. During my college days we had a tour there as a part of our activity in our Foreign Language class, Basic Mandarin. Sometimes I also visit the place to buy Chinese language cd's, books published by their office, also to get free back issues of Tulay, and just to check out anything in their gift shop.

I applied before for the position of a museum guide in KAISA. I remember, sending an email to Mrs. Teresita Ang-See (husband of the late Prof. Chinben See, (a library was named in honor of him), Mrs. See was really kind enough to forward my email to a KAISA staff even if she doesn't know me personally, (I would like to take this opportunity and thank her), and then I was introduced by the staff to the President of KAISA at that time, which was Mr. Joaquin Sy. Well, to cut the story short I 'chickened' out and I didn't push through with it.

               In 2007, I had another chance to visit Mr. Joaquin Sy when I tried applying as a part-time writer in a Filipino-Chinese newspaper which is the Philippine Chinese Daily. Mr. Sy was the manager and director of the said newspaper. Since I have contributed various articles online (tsinoy.com and slrfccc Filipino-Chinese Catholic website, sadly both websites are non-existent now) with regards to Chinese topics (cuisine, origin of Filipino-Chinese surnames, etc.). I gave him a Korean gold plated bookmark, and he gave me a Chinese phrasebook, entitled '300', and was kind enough to sign his books for me. Up to now, I also keep the business card that he gave me. I'm really such a pack-rat!

I'm really glad that I have met Mr. Sy. I know him as a writer and a former president of KAISA. According to my research he has authored a lot of books, a scholar and an expert in translating Filipino(Tagalog) to Chinese, vice-versa, a notable speaker and was invited to speak in various schools like in Ateneo de Manila University and various organizations. At present he holds positions in PSB and Manila Doctors Hospital. 

             I came to know the Manila Doctors Hospital newsletter because of Mr. Sy. I was really happy seeing my comment printed on a newsletter. I'm thankful to Mr. Sy for sharing with me the newsletter of Manila Doctor's Hospital. Everyday, I believe that I'm one step closer to my dreams with the help of the people around me, and of course with GOD's guidance.

             I can say that yesterday was truly Nin Hao! (good day) 您好!