For me, every Chinese culture enthuasist should know the Four Classic novels of China. They are namely, The Monkey King, Dream of the Red Chamber, Water Margin, and Romance of the Three Kingdoms.
Biyernes, Disyembre 21, 2018
The Four Great Chinese Classic Novels (Retold)
Two months ago I placed an order again from Book Depository. I have received my order this month only. I thought that the books are for adults but it turned out, they are an easy read books for the young ones. Anyway, its okay for me. Because I can read it easily.
For me, every Chinese culture enthuasist should know the Four Classic novels of China. They are namely, The Monkey King, Dream of the Red Chamber, Water Margin, and Romance of the Three Kingdoms.
For me, every Chinese culture enthuasist should know the Four Classic novels of China. They are namely, The Monkey King, Dream of the Red Chamber, Water Margin, and Romance of the Three Kingdoms.
Chinese Embroidery Kit (Do It Yourself)
After polymer clay art, watercolor painting, digital/graphic drawing, and paper cut art, I am now interested in embroidery. I was amazed after watching a video on YouTube about Chinese embroidery, and only a few people in China practice this. One famous embroider is Zhang Xue from Suzhou, China. They are a mother (Xue Jindi) and son team.
I also loved this Chinese drama, the English title is "Because of You."It is about the heiress of family known for their embroidery who got lost, became amnesiac because of an accisent, and was adopted by a middle class family. I also have a Chinese shoes and it is hand embroidered.
When I was young I remember, we have embroidered personalize pillow cases. My aunt has a beautiful embroidered pillow case of her name. Now, I have tried embroidery and I can say it takes a lot of patient, and focus. I ordered an embroidery set, a Do It Yourself kit from China. The pattern is peach blossoms, and the pattern is printed in a small white cloth. It comes with cloth hoop (for securing the cloth), set of different colored threads, a needle and a scissor. The pattern is just small but even after a week I am not still finished with it.
This is another form of Chinese art that I really appreciate. It is really beautiful to look at, and like any form of art, you really immerse yourself in it, devote your time, hard work, and skill to produce a lovely creation. This is another beautiful indoor hobby.
I also loved this Chinese drama, the English title is "Because of You."It is about the heiress of family known for their embroidery who got lost, became amnesiac because of an accisent, and was adopted by a middle class family. I also have a Chinese shoes and it is hand embroidered.
When I was young I remember, we have embroidered personalize pillow cases. My aunt has a beautiful embroidered pillow case of her name. Now, I have tried embroidery and I can say it takes a lot of patient, and focus. I ordered an embroidery set, a Do It Yourself kit from China. The pattern is peach blossoms, and the pattern is printed in a small white cloth. It comes with cloth hoop (for securing the cloth), set of different colored threads, a needle and a scissor. The pattern is just small but even after a week I am not still finished with it.
This is another form of Chinese art that I really appreciate. It is really beautiful to look at, and like any form of art, you really immerse yourself in it, devote your time, hard work, and skill to produce a lovely creation. This is another beautiful indoor hobby.
Sabado, Nobyembre 3, 2018
Eternal Love Three Lives Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms (Drama and Movie Review)
I recently saw the drama, and also the movie last month. It took me almost 3 weeks to finish the drama series. I also re-watched the drama to fill in a few episodes that I skipped before. With regards to the movie, I have finished it but I really don't feel drawn to it unlike the drama series.
This movie and drama was based on Tang Qi's novel, "To The Sky Kingdom." Some people are saying that Tang Qi's work is not original, and they accuse her of plagiarism. Meaning, this work of hers was copied from an original story. They say that she took the idea from a gay novel's story entitled, "Love Debt." I really don't know much about this issue, and I am not Chinese so I don't know much about this issue. I just want to write how much I enjoyed the drama series. I do not intend to offend anyone by posting this review.
I like the drama series more because you learn about the characters in the story in an in-depth manner. The movie seems scrambly for me, and the flow of the story was not okay for me. I got bored with the movie even if Yang Yang of Love 020, and the pretty Crystal Liu was the lead actor and actress. The drama series from the actors, and actresses they all did well for me. I also like the special effects. Most of all, the storyline was great. (spoilers ahead) It is about the Princess of fox clan called Bai Qian, and how she disguised herself to be a student of Mo Yuan, the God of War, and the three lives she experienced.
I also like the supporting characters in the story like Bai Feng Jiu, and Dong Hua Dijun. It made me glued to the drama series even more. The villains Su Jin, and Xuan Nu in the story made me fume with anger. Other characters that I like were the Ghost Princess, and the 16th disciple. Plus, cute little A-li.
There are also a lot of merchandise available online. I recently got the novel. It is not available in my country so I ordered online. There is a list of characters from the novel on the first page. I have read the first part of the book (prologue), and the style of the author is not from the present continous but more of the past. I guess the beginning of the story picks up on Chapter 1. I also own the plush toys in honor of the movie. I also have the Jade Purity fan, a mug, and a mini-journal. You could say I'm a certified Ten miles of Peach Blossoms fan.
This movie and drama was based on Tang Qi's novel, "To The Sky Kingdom." Some people are saying that Tang Qi's work is not original, and they accuse her of plagiarism. Meaning, this work of hers was copied from an original story. They say that she took the idea from a gay novel's story entitled, "Love Debt." I really don't know much about this issue, and I am not Chinese so I don't know much about this issue. I just want to write how much I enjoyed the drama series. I do not intend to offend anyone by posting this review.
I like the drama series more because you learn about the characters in the story in an in-depth manner. The movie seems scrambly for me, and the flow of the story was not okay for me. I got bored with the movie even if Yang Yang of Love 020, and the pretty Crystal Liu was the lead actor and actress. The drama series from the actors, and actresses they all did well for me. I also like the special effects. Most of all, the storyline was great. (spoilers ahead) It is about the Princess of fox clan called Bai Qian, and how she disguised herself to be a student of Mo Yuan, the God of War, and the three lives she experienced.
I also like the supporting characters in the story like Bai Feng Jiu, and Dong Hua Dijun. It made me glued to the drama series even more. The villains Su Jin, and Xuan Nu in the story made me fume with anger. Other characters that I like were the Ghost Princess, and the 16th disciple. Plus, cute little A-li.
There are also a lot of merchandise available online. I recently got the novel. It is not available in my country so I ordered online. There is a list of characters from the novel on the first page. I have read the first part of the book (prologue), and the style of the author is not from the present continous but more of the past. I guess the beginning of the story picks up on Chapter 1. I also own the plush toys in honor of the movie. I also have the Jade Purity fan, a mug, and a mini-journal. You could say I'm a certified Ten miles of Peach Blossoms fan.
Sabado, Oktubre 6, 2018
中国花园 Chinese Garden in Manila, Philippines
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 Suzhou garden 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.
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 Suzhou garden 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.
Sabado, Setyembre 29, 2018
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sabado, Setyembre 8, 2018
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.
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.
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