Back again at Confucius Institute in Ateneo (Basic Mandarin 3)

   After 3 years, I'm finally back in Confucius Institute at the Ateneo de Manila University. I decided to take up Chinese again because I was positively influenced by my friend, whose Chinese mastery is way, way advanced compared to my level. Anyway, we started our class last week, July 8th. Yesterday, was our 2nd session. This is the 43rd cycle. My batchmates before, I'm sure were pretty much ahead of me because the Basic Mandarin 2 that I took 3 years ago was cycle 30+... something.. I already forgot since it's been a long time. My instructor's name is Priscilla Chang. She originally hails from Taiwan, and from her story, since the start of Confucius Institute Cycle 1,  at the Ateneo de Manila University, she has been teaching until now. My former laoshi (Ms. Joanna Tecson) in Basic Mandarin 2 told me that my teacher now is really kind. Before, I was really having second thoughts if I should continue attending this class. (remember my post before in my Basic Mandarin 2 class, same feelings again) I find this course also difficult. I was not able to practice what I learned before since I didn't have Chinese friends, or someone to practice what I learned. I have a Filipino-Chinese friend (churchmate) but that friend of mine is not that active in texting or replying in Chinese.

Basic Mandarin 2 focuses on conversation, creating sentences, more vocabulary words. Basic Mandarin 3 focuses more on writing. Our first lesson was all about the Chinese strokes, horizontal, vertical, left, right and dot... (heng, shu, pie, na, dian.. etc,) I'm still overwhelmed because I've been on a hiatus with regards to Chinese language study. I tried memorizing them. I even told my laoshi that I'm having a hard time studying the lesson. She encouraged me to study harder. The book that we used is the same as the book that we used in Basic Mandarin 2. (New Practical Chinese Reader - Book I). We review the words that we learn, and I think its a good refresher course for me. I also like the style of my teacher, wherein we review how to say a sentence in Chinese, and then we learn how to write the characters. The number of students enrolled in our class is not that large (8 students) since those who attended in the first day of class moved to another class because this level is way easy for them, and also as suggested by my laoshi. Yesterday's class we did a lot of things. Our teacher brought a book about how to hold the Chinese brush properly, how to write Chinese characters in order, and we also got to try writing with a Chinese brush and sort of a writing mat for practicing writing in Chinese. We also learned how to write Philippines (feilubin), so lengthy! I still haven't bought a notebook for this course. My filchi friend suggested a math notebook. What I did is I just printed the Chinese writing paper (Tian Zi Ge) that I saw online. My teacher said that's okay, she also brought a copy of tian zi ge for my classmates to have it photocopied. A lot of words to remember, hen nan (very difficult)! I'm overwhelmed. I even have a comparison when it comes to learning Chinese.. I feel happy, excited, and nervous. The feeling is similar when you like someone. he!he!he!

For those who are interested in learning Chinese (Mandarin), the course fee for a cycle is P4,500 for the early bird, and P5,000 if you didn't register earlier like me. I already registered on the last week, deadline of payment. Basic Mandarin 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 is offered at Ateneo in Katipunan (courses offered in Katipunan are limited). While in Ateneo Confucius Institute in Makati all Basic Mandarin levels are offered, and they have also Special Topics, and various lessons in Chinese musical instruments are also offered. The new Basic Mandarin textbook 1 is priced at 1,100 now, while the New Practical Chinese Reader books are still priced at P550. Even if its hard studying Chinese, I'll still try my best to learn. If you love something. No regrets! Jia you!

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