Playing the Erhu: Bridging the Gap

   I recently bought this book online. This was recommended to me by an Erhu player, one of the members of a college Chinese orchestra here in the Philippines, and my future 老师. Not everyone in the Philippines is familiar with the Erhu, since this is a Chinese instrument.

This book is expensive. I did not hesitate in purchasing it because I know it is indispensable. There aren't a lot of books about Erhu that are written in English, so it's understandble that it's a bit pricey. This is a must for all non-Chinese erhu enthusiast.

The price of this book is around four thousand pesos. It is priced over $40. All you need to know about the erhu is inside this book. The author clearly explains everything, and there are photos included, from the parts of an erhu, how to assemble or set-up an erhu, how to rosin a bow, how to hold the bow, and so on. There's also a brief instruction on how to read the numerical scores or the jianpu. There are additonal classic Chinese scores also. Over all this is a concise book about erhu. If you want to order this book I suggest you buy in ebay, and order from the seller, musicofmay. This book was delivered on my doorstep, hassle free, no need to pick it up from the post-office. It was delivered to me by UPS.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 (Mi Store, SM North Edsa, Annex Building)

  I said goodbye to my Samsung J7 phone today. I replaced it with one of the popular China phone, Xiaomi. I was not able to change my phone last year because I'm waiting for the price decrease. Why did I move to Xiaomi, after being a long time Samsung user, I want to try something new, and my workmates, and friends say that Xiaomi is a good, and budget friendly phone. The specs are great, compared with other phones with similar specs, and those phones are on the pricier side. Also, as a Chinese culture lover, supporting China products is a must for me. Not all China made products are low quality, there are some products that are really good. Xiaomi, along with Huawei is among the top China phones nowadays.

They have two branches now in the Quezon City area. In Trinoma, and at SM North. I bought my phone at SM North annex, it is located at the 3rd level. I went here early this morning, and there were a lot of customers already. I even saw a Caucasian buying a MI phone. I immediately went to the cashier area and asked if the Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is available. It is available, and they have 3 colors to choose from, red, black, and blue. I chose the blue color since its my favorite color. (Neptune Blue to be exact). First impression of this phone, it is slim, sleek and stylish in design. I like the fact that it comes with a free jelly case. I am not that fond of the sim card pin removal. I wish they created an easier way of inserting and removing the sim. I have been using the phone for half a day now, with the help of my nephew. I like the fact that it has a fingerprint lock security. The only downside is that it doesn't come with a free headset. The camera and resolution is also good. I have downloaded the needed apps in just seconds. So far I'm happy, and I think I'll be getting used to using Mi phone.  By the way,  the Redmi Note 7 that I bought is the Global version. So this is suitable for non-Chinese users. You don't need to watch tutorials online on how to setup your phone. I like the features of the photo editor, it has watermark also.

Check out the specs below.

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 Pro 128GB mobile features a 6.3" (16 cm) display with a screen resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels and runs on Android v9.0 (Pie) operating system. The device is powered by Octa core (2 GHz, Dual core, Kryo 460 + 1.7 GHz, Hexa Core, Kryo 460) processor paired with 6 GB of RAM. As far as the battery is concerned it has 4000 mAh. Over that, as far as the rear camera is concerned this mobile has a 48 MP + 5 MP camera Exmor-RS CMOS Sensor supporting a resolution of 8000 x 6000 Pixels and the front snapper is powered by a Exmor-RS CMOS Sensor. Other sensors include Light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope. So, does it have a fingerprint sensor? Yes, it does. For graphical performance that can make games run smoothly, this phone has got a Adreno 612 GPU. On board storage is at 128 GB with the option to expand the memory by Yes Up to 256 GB. Design is one of the most important factors when it comes to mobiles. This phone is 8.1 mm slim and weighs 186 grams.

So if you're looking for a budget friendly phone but great in performance, I suggest you try the Redmi Note 7. Better head to the nearest Mi store in your area.

Movie Review: Our Shining Days

  I am wondering why I have not written any review of this movie. I even checked my personal blog, and I have not posted it there. Anyway, this post is long overdue. I just remembered this movie after digging up my erhu again. What's an erhu? It is a Chinese musical instrument, they also call it in English, two stringed fiddle, or Chinese violin. I studied the basics before on how to play the erhu. Now, I'm planning to do a self-study/practice. I am encouraged to pick-up and play the erhu by a young member of the Chinese orchestra in my country. I was able to borrow an erhu practice book from his which is very rare to find here in the Philippines. I was also told to order an erhu instructional book, which I did. It is a bit expensive, but its worth it. All for the love of Chinese culture.

This movie is about high-school music students, one group is the Chinese music students, and the other group were music students who were into Europeran/Western musical instruments (violin, harp, guitar etc.). I recall a short clip of one of the famous scene in the movie where both groups battled by playing their own musical instruments. For example the Guzheng vs. Harp, and so on. I agree with one of the comments in YouTube, that this movie is not about proving or showing which musical instrument is superior. What the movie is trying to say is never forget the past, it is about treasuring, and never forgetting Chinese classical music instruments. I am not Chinese but I appreciate these things. The Chinese youth especially should not forget this. If you are a music lover, more so a Chinese music lover like me then I suggest you see this movie.

Ma Mon Luk (Quezon Avenue Branch)

  Today, after I have finished my passport renewal at DFA Asiana. I decided to buy food at Ma Mon Luk in Quezon Avenue branch. It is a popular restaurant, attracting customers eversince, and also even up to now. Even personalities from the entertainment industry have eaten in this restaurant. See the photo that I posted. They have large sized steamed buns with pork meatballs and salted egg filling, and pork asado filling (saucy sweet pork stew).

They are also famous for their special mami or noodle soup. I ordered chicken mami, and eight pieces of asado siopao for take-out.

I have tried the soup and my mom liked it. For me, I like that the soup is not too salty. The steamed buns with asado filling does not look very much appetizing without the siopao sauce.

Ma Wen Lu or known in the Philippines as Ma Mon Luk, was a Chinese immigrant best known in the Philippines for his restaurant and thr creator of mami and siopao. (source: Wikipedia)

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.

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.

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.