I got the entire 1st edition set of Dragonlance modules (DL1 to 14). These modules narrate the Chronicles adventure.
I also got a copy of Moonshae revisited - which features the Earthmother's abode after the Time of Troubles.
A Christmas Gift to myself
While surfing the net, I came across a site RPGNow which sells old RPG modules - mostly 1st and 2nd edition D&D stuff. As a Christmas gift to myself, I downloaded the some of the classic stuffs:
I got the entire 1st edition set of Dragonlance modules (DL1 to 14). These modules narrate the Chronicles adventure.
I also got a copy of Moonshae revisited - which features the Earthmother's abode after the Time of Troubles.
I got the entire 1st edition set of Dragonlance modules (DL1 to 14). These modules narrate the Chronicles adventure.
I also got a copy of Moonshae revisited - which features the Earthmother's abode after the Time of Troubles.
Sibling Rivalry
Last night I attended a fancy wedding reception held at one of the city's premiere hotels. The entire affair was strictly formal, the food and ambiance were wonderful.
When it came to the speeches, I notice that the spokespersons were the older sister of the bribe and the younger brother of the groom. Both of them were asked to say a few words to the newly weds. I can't help but notice a tone of resentment or jealousy from the way their worded their speeches.
The groom's brother blatantly mentioned the fact that he and his older brother are not that close, but he still admires him as a professional and as a brother he can look up to.
The bride's sister also said something that her sister was the most beautiful among the siblings (being a muse of the basketball team for many years and having 20+ suitors). She wished the groom to accept her sister, despite her sister's quirks and temperament.
I wouldn't have noticed the comments but then people at our table started talking about the couple and how they were the "best" and "successful" children of the two families. It wouldn't be far fetched if the other siblings were a little bit jealous of the two.
When it came to the speeches, I notice that the spokespersons were the older sister of the bribe and the younger brother of the groom. Both of them were asked to say a few words to the newly weds. I can't help but notice a tone of resentment or jealousy from the way their worded their speeches.
The groom's brother blatantly mentioned the fact that he and his older brother are not that close, but he still admires him as a professional and as a brother he can look up to.
The bride's sister also said something that her sister was the most beautiful among the siblings (being a muse of the basketball team for many years and having 20+ suitors). She wished the groom to accept her sister, despite her sister's quirks and temperament.
I wouldn't have noticed the comments but then people at our table started talking about the couple and how they were the "best" and "successful" children of the two families. It wouldn't be far fetched if the other siblings were a little bit jealous of the two.
Hanging out on the Roof
It's pictorial day for our company. We all went to the top of our building and took some pictures. We are on the helipad, enjoying a panoramic view of the city below. After wandering the rooftop for fifteen minutes, we decided to sit down and take a break.
By the end of the pictorial, my skin was red from the mid morning sun. It was a nice escape from work, enjoying the company of my officemates and playing around with the cameras.
By the end of the pictorial, my skin was red from the mid morning sun. It was a nice escape from work, enjoying the company of my officemates and playing around with the cameras.
Masquerade X-Mas Party
Last night, Via-Astris held its Christmas party. It was a Masquerade ball where everyone had to wear masks. A lot of people came in custome, those that don't have masks were given one.
Among the party goers were: a Dementor from Harry Potter, Sailor Moon, A basketball player from SlamDunk, a Diwata from Enchantadia, Santa Claus, Princess Leia, etc...
I also came wearing an Invisible Man costume. It was a cheap outfit which consists of a black hat, shades, and two elastic bandages wrapped around my head.
Among the party goers were: a Dementor from Harry Potter, Sailor Moon, A basketball player from SlamDunk, a Diwata from Enchantadia, Santa Claus, Princess Leia, etc...
I also came wearing an Invisible Man costume. It was a cheap outfit which consists of a black hat, shades, and two elastic bandages wrapped around my head.
Devouring Seafood at Dampa
Went to Paranaque this morning with some friends, and eat a whole bunch of seafood at Dampa. It was a nice Christmas-Birthday celebration for all of us. The celebrants got to treat their own SOs (significant others) and we also got to exchange Christmas gifts.
Strangely all my Christmas parties are held early in the month. It seems that everyone is avoiding parties on Xmas week. At least the last two weeks would be a good time to spend it with family and loved ones.
Strangely all my Christmas parties are held early in the month. It seems that everyone is avoiding parties on Xmas week. At least the last two weeks would be a good time to spend it with family and loved ones.
New Dining options in Downtown Binondo
It's nice to see new restaurants opening up in downtown Binondo. People living there would now enjoy a wider selection of food - aside from the typical misua, lomi, hopia and siopao.
A few days ago, a new McDonalds restaurant opened up right in front of San Lorenzo Ruiz Plaza. It reminded me of a typical McDonalds restuarant in Hong Kong and China. With the Chinese characters of McDonalds plastered on top of the store. I wonder if they have a Chinese translation of the menu inside.
Aside from McDonalds, there are a few other restaurants that have opened up in the past year. Among them are Starbucks, KFC, and Yellow Cab. I wonder if these big companies are slowly invading the Divisoria turf, how long will the smaller shops and restaurants last?
A few days ago, a new McDonalds restaurant opened up right in front of San Lorenzo Ruiz Plaza. It reminded me of a typical McDonalds restuarant in Hong Kong and China. With the Chinese characters of McDonalds plastered on top of the store. I wonder if they have a Chinese translation of the menu inside.
Aside from McDonalds, there are a few other restaurants that have opened up in the past year. Among them are Starbucks, KFC, and Yellow Cab. I wonder if these big companies are slowly invading the Divisoria turf, how long will the smaller shops and restaurants last?
Sea Games Hospitality
Yesterday, Jen and I went to one of the three-star hotels in Downtown Manila. We wanted to inquire some of the promo packages these hotels are offering over the holidays. There were a lot of foreign athletes walking around the lobby, most of them came from Vietnam and Malaysia.
We were waiting for the receptionist to accomodate our questions when we overhead a group of Malaysian coaches talking among themselves. Apparently these coaches were Malaysian Chinese and they were complaining about the hotel services in Mandarin. They were not happy with the food or the services of the hotel.
When one of the receptionists met with them, the oldest coach began his list of complaints. Apparently the breakfast servings were too small, the soup was too cold, room accommodation was not good, etc.
The receptionist was playing the nice, gracious host and kept apologizing. She did what any other employee would do - list down the complains and promise to forward it to her superiors. I'm not sure if the coaches were satisfied with her answer.
It would be difficult for these hotels to accommodate the specific needs of these people, since they are not five star institutions. Maybe these guests are probably not accustomed to the quality of service that we have here. I guess it would have been better if these athletes moved to another (better) hotel that would better address their needs (rather than settle for a cheaper hotel and complain about the service).
We were waiting for the receptionist to accomodate our questions when we overhead a group of Malaysian coaches talking among themselves. Apparently these coaches were Malaysian Chinese and they were complaining about the hotel services in Mandarin. They were not happy with the food or the services of the hotel.
When one of the receptionists met with them, the oldest coach began his list of complaints. Apparently the breakfast servings were too small, the soup was too cold, room accommodation was not good, etc.
The receptionist was playing the nice, gracious host and kept apologizing. She did what any other employee would do - list down the complains and promise to forward it to her superiors. I'm not sure if the coaches were satisfied with her answer.
It would be difficult for these hotels to accommodate the specific needs of these people, since they are not five star institutions. Maybe these guests are probably not accustomed to the quality of service that we have here. I guess it would have been better if these athletes moved to another (better) hotel that would better address their needs (rather than settle for a cheaper hotel and complain about the service).
Commuting by bus
Ever since I got a new job at Makati, I have been riding the bus to work. It's no big adjustment for me since I have been using the bus to go to work for the past seven or eight years. But after being absent from the "white-collared" workforce for over a year, I noticed that that quality of the buses have changed (or perhaps my impression of buses have altered).
The seats are smaller and the air is more stale. There was this one bus where there were leaks on the aircon, water was dripping everywhere on the seats. It was a major hassel for commuters, particularly during morning rush hours, where everyone has to stay clean and proper, but the bus is dripping water.
Plus there is the problem of overcrowding. I think the conductors and drivers don't put much concern over the passsengers' safety. They only want to stuff in as many commuters inside their vehicle. Hence the normal bus becomes a sardine can which is sometimes worst that the MRT.
I usually encounter these problems whenever I ride those second hand buses that came from Japan. These buses have smaller seats, narrower aisles, and dirty windows. I doubt if the bus owners ever clean up the interiors of their buses.
Writing about buses made me think of a former officemate of mine who used to have a list of bus companies that give good service to commuters. By good service I mean that the buses are kept neat and tidy, the conductors are courteous and helpful. And the driver does not stop at every block just to fill up the bus with people.
The seats are smaller and the air is more stale. There was this one bus where there were leaks on the aircon, water was dripping everywhere on the seats. It was a major hassel for commuters, particularly during morning rush hours, where everyone has to stay clean and proper, but the bus is dripping water.
Plus there is the problem of overcrowding. I think the conductors and drivers don't put much concern over the passsengers' safety. They only want to stuff in as many commuters inside their vehicle. Hence the normal bus becomes a sardine can which is sometimes worst that the MRT.
I usually encounter these problems whenever I ride those second hand buses that came from Japan. These buses have smaller seats, narrower aisles, and dirty windows. I doubt if the bus owners ever clean up the interiors of their buses.
Writing about buses made me think of a former officemate of mine who used to have a list of bus companies that give good service to commuters. By good service I mean that the buses are kept neat and tidy, the conductors are courteous and helpful. And the driver does not stop at every block just to fill up the bus with people.
Is it Karma?
When the elder Tsinoys heard about another hurricane entering the U.S., they all agreed that it was the U.S.'s karma. This is what America gets for interfering with other countries, and also for their imperialist attitudes towards the Philippines and China (who else?). With Hurricane Rita arriving at Texas, the U.S. is getting ready with another major calamity. Call it karma or divine retribution against's America's atrocities to the world, but why is karma inflicting its vengenace on the regular joes?
I'm sure the U.S. had survived a few deadly hurricanes before, but why were they caught off guard with these recent ones? Watching the storm on T.V. made me compare it to the typhoons we have in the Philippines. And as a third world country, we managed to cope well with such natural disasters.
I think karma, like God, works in mysterious ways. Perhaps its about time that America gets what it deserves... perhaps they are reaping the results of their own mistakes... At least most of the Tsinoys I know are not living in Texas, but in Canada.
I'm sure the U.S. had survived a few deadly hurricanes before, but why were they caught off guard with these recent ones? Watching the storm on T.V. made me compare it to the typhoons we have in the Philippines. And as a third world country, we managed to cope well with such natural disasters.
I think karma, like God, works in mysterious ways. Perhaps its about time that America gets what it deserves... perhaps they are reaping the results of their own mistakes... At least most of the Tsinoys I know are not living in Texas, but in Canada.
Wonders of Chinese Medicine
Haven't you notice lately how dozens of Chinese drugstores have sprouted around the metropolis? These drugstores sell traditional Chinese/Asian medicine, which offers a different alternative to Western medicine. I remember a time when these drugstores are only found in downtown Manila. I used to visit my uncle and grandmother in Chinatown, they own one of the oldest Chinese drugstores along T. Alonzo. It was like an alchemist laboratory there -- filled with strange looking herbs, pertified seahorses, dried orange peels, rhinoceros horns, exotic looking seeds and leaves. Its been ages since I last visited the store, but I often get reminded of them whenever I pass by one of these newer Chinese drugstores in Greenhills, Baclaran or Makati.
With the sudden growth of Chinese drugstores came the ugly rumor that a lot of these Chinese medicines are fake and counterfeit reproductions of the original. Some of these medicines have only half the effectiveness, while others have none. Many Filipino-Chinese were angered, particularly my parents. Why would people exploit the sick and dying? Some Tsinoys blame it on certain unscrupulous businessmen from the mainland who are out to earn a quick buck. These Mainlanders have acquired a nasty reputation of counterfeiting everything - from ball point pens, shampoos, pencils. They might be the ones making these fake medicines.
I wrote about this because a friend of mine recently asked me to scout around for some diet pills. The pills cost four hundred bucks in Makati, she heard that the medicine was cheaper in Chinatown. I inquired three or four Chinese medicine stores and the price of the same pill varied - from one hundred eighty to ninety-five pesos. The last store I asked did not sell the product but the owner warned me that these pills were not effective and most are fake. She then tried to sell me another kind of slimming medicine which cost four thousand pesos.
It would be difficult to trust these sellers, since you don't really know who is telling the truth. Despite these varied prices, selling Chinese medicine is still a lucrative business. The government has no way of regulating such kinds of medicine, unless they have a team of experts well versed in the field of Chinese medicine. Yet many Filipinos and Chinese still continue to trust on these miracle drugs, despite the risk of being fooled or conned. The only suggestion I can give is that you buy your Chinese medicine from the stores you trust and knew well to carry the real kind of drugs.
With the sudden growth of Chinese drugstores came the ugly rumor that a lot of these Chinese medicines are fake and counterfeit reproductions of the original. Some of these medicines have only half the effectiveness, while others have none. Many Filipino-Chinese were angered, particularly my parents. Why would people exploit the sick and dying? Some Tsinoys blame it on certain unscrupulous businessmen from the mainland who are out to earn a quick buck. These Mainlanders have acquired a nasty reputation of counterfeiting everything - from ball point pens, shampoos, pencils. They might be the ones making these fake medicines.
I wrote about this because a friend of mine recently asked me to scout around for some diet pills. The pills cost four hundred bucks in Makati, she heard that the medicine was cheaper in Chinatown. I inquired three or four Chinese medicine stores and the price of the same pill varied - from one hundred eighty to ninety-five pesos. The last store I asked did not sell the product but the owner warned me that these pills were not effective and most are fake. She then tried to sell me another kind of slimming medicine which cost four thousand pesos.
It would be difficult to trust these sellers, since you don't really know who is telling the truth. Despite these varied prices, selling Chinese medicine is still a lucrative business. The government has no way of regulating such kinds of medicine, unless they have a team of experts well versed in the field of Chinese medicine. Yet many Filipinos and Chinese still continue to trust on these miracle drugs, despite the risk of being fooled or conned. The only suggestion I can give is that you buy your Chinese medicine from the stores you trust and knew well to carry the real kind of drugs.
Rediscovering Street Food
During the past few years, my exposure to Filipino street food has been limited to banana-cue and mais (corn). But recently I have been rediscovering the other kinds of street food... the more riskier and 'dirtier' type -- from isaw and balut to dirty ice cream and the beloved fishball.
To be honest, I never did like food cooked along the street. My teachers back in grade school and high school were super strict, giving students detention if they caught them biying/eating these forbidden morsels. In addition to this, the faculty encouraged the circulation of gross stories regarding street food, so as to discourage students from buying them. They would recount accidents and 'fatalities' from students who have eaten these types of food.
At least now, I am trying to open my eyes (and mouth) to other kinds of food. I still prefer the fishball and dirty ice cream... but I am willing to try other kinds of food... just as long as there is someone to tell me what I am chewing in my mouth.
To be honest, I never did like food cooked along the street. My teachers back in grade school and high school were super strict, giving students detention if they caught them biying/eating these forbidden morsels. In addition to this, the faculty encouraged the circulation of gross stories regarding street food, so as to discourage students from buying them. They would recount accidents and 'fatalities' from students who have eaten these types of food.
At least now, I am trying to open my eyes (and mouth) to other kinds of food. I still prefer the fishball and dirty ice cream... but I am willing to try other kinds of food... just as long as there is someone to tell me what I am chewing in my mouth.
Death of the Kalesa
While doing my morning rounds at Divisoria, I almost stepped on a large dump of horse shit right in the middle of the road. It was difficult to maneuver away from the 'land mine' since the street was packed with pedicabs, deliery vans and push carts. Fortunately I found some room to step away, I doubt if the guy behind me was lucky.
To be honest, I hate the Kalesa. They move around downtown Manila, shitting and peeing all over the streets. When their shit dries up, it gets blown away into the air by the wind (for everyone to smell). These modes of transportation are obsolete and very inhumane to animals. The local government should just phase them out, or put them in parks and historical places for tourists to enjoy.
I doubt if the drivers of these Kalesas know how to take care of their horses. I often see a lot of these animals looking sickly and tried while dragging the driver and his passengers. We still have a lot to learn about animal rights and inflicting harm to these beasts of burden. But then again, we also have a nasty practice of treating other people like beasts of burden.
To be honest, I hate the Kalesa. They move around downtown Manila, shitting and peeing all over the streets. When their shit dries up, it gets blown away into the air by the wind (for everyone to smell). These modes of transportation are obsolete and very inhumane to animals. The local government should just phase them out, or put them in parks and historical places for tourists to enjoy.
I doubt if the drivers of these Kalesas know how to take care of their horses. I often see a lot of these animals looking sickly and tried while dragging the driver and his passengers. We still have a lot to learn about animal rights and inflicting harm to these beasts of burden. But then again, we also have a nasty practice of treating other people like beasts of burden.
Reading Chinese Books
After visiting the main library of UP Diliman (for supplementary research on my thesis), I came across a shelf that had a pile of interesting Chinese books that talk about the Chinese culture and language. I looked over the books and I was delighted at the various subjects concerning China. There were books on the language, the politics and culture. There were three books that caught my interest.
The first book is "Twenty Lectures on Chinese Culture (An Intermediary Chinese Textbook)" written by Parker Po-Fei Huang, Richard I. Feng Chang, Howard Chao, Linda Hsia and Yen-Chan Wang (see the illustration). Originally published in 1967, this book is a collection of lectures about China, written by Mainland Chinese lecturers. An excellent book for intermediate learners of the language since the lectures have a combination of simple and more advance grammar and vocabulary. The text is in traditional Chinese characters, which shows that China just recently adopted the simplified character system. The lectures are pro-China and puts Taiwan in the role of a provincial domain of the motherland.
The second book is "Proscribed Chinese Writing" which is compiled and edited by Robert Tung. Originally published in 1976, it consists of eighteen essays and stories about China during the 50s to 70s. This book proves that despite the strict censorship of the communist government, Chinese literature continued to grow and evolve. The book contains various essays written by pro and anti government writers. Aside from its socio-politcal commentary, the book provides good educational material for those intermediate scholars of the Chinese language who want to have some exposure on the literary works of China.
There was another book that I wanted to borrow, yet I felt I wasn't ready to read it (considering the fact that I had just photocopied the first two books I mentioned). The third book talks about Archaic Chinese Characters, and how early Chinese aristocrats and scholars use a more formal and eloquent characters to express their ideas, as compared to the "bai-hua" or common tongue of the people.
Looking over these books remind me of the Chinese textbooks I used to read during high school and grade school. I never thought I would go back to learning Chinese and remaster the language. I guess it is never late to rediscover my cultural roots.
Bad Driving Habits
I have been driving for over fifteen years now and I believe that the driving skills/etiquette of Filipino drivers have degraded a lot. Drivers have no respect for pedestrians and other drivers. Drivers of public vehicles don't practice safety driving. And traffic enforcers are lax in apprehending traffic violators.
I admit that I have acquired a lot of bad driving habits as well. It probably came from a need cope with the traffic conditions, the uneven roads and also from the other rude drivers. One of this bad habit is the use of my cellular phone on the road. Sometimes I text people, make/answer calls and even take pictures (if I am bored in traffic). Aside from that, I also do other things in the car to pass the time (specially in congested areas) --- like reading a book/magazine and eating. People like me have to find some kind of distraction or entertainment while on the road.
Now that I admit to having such bad habits, I should make a commitment to change these behaviors. But then it would be difficult to sit inside the car and do nothing but fidget and wait. I think that a person's driving etiquette is influenced by the kind of environment where he or she is driving. I'm sure a lot of foreigners and balikbayans are appalled by the way we drive around the city -- but for us, it is a normal way of life.
I admit that I have acquired a lot of bad driving habits as well. It probably came from a need cope with the traffic conditions, the uneven roads and also from the other rude drivers. One of this bad habit is the use of my cellular phone on the road. Sometimes I text people, make/answer calls and even take pictures (if I am bored in traffic). Aside from that, I also do other things in the car to pass the time (specially in congested areas) --- like reading a book/magazine and eating. People like me have to find some kind of distraction or entertainment while on the road.
Now that I admit to having such bad habits, I should make a commitment to change these behaviors. But then it would be difficult to sit inside the car and do nothing but fidget and wait. I think that a person's driving etiquette is influenced by the kind of environment where he or she is driving. I'm sure a lot of foreigners and balikbayans are appalled by the way we drive around the city -- but for us, it is a normal way of life.
The Strait of Malacca
Got this article from the World Languages site at Multiply dot com. I couldn't get the proper nouns right because they are not listed in my dictionary.
The Allure of the Strait of Malacca
For some places, the land does not choose its own importance or relevance, but it is determined by its geography and its environment, as well as changes in international situations. The Strait of Malacca is such an example. The Strait of Malacca holds an important position because it is a major sea route towards the Asia-Pacific region, making it an important passage way. In this passage way, one side is the Malay Peninsula, the other side is Indonesia. The most narrowest place is at Malacca, its waters can only accommodate two passing naval ships. If this point experiences a traffic block, the entire Northern Asia's raw material supply and mercantile export would be cut off. In the beginning, it was only Japan who was concerned with this route, but with China's economic growth in the last twenty years, the strait has become China's lifeline. This writer arrived at Malaysia, specifically to examine the land and its significance.
The Strait of Malacca is actually developed by the Chinese, during 1405 to 1431. Zheng He Yi (?) traveled to the West several times. He knew everything about the Strait of Malacca - its important geographical position, and left an army to guard the place. This batch of foot soldiers remained in the land and intermarried with the local people there, which helped form the "ke-ke-niang-re (?)" civilization. Their marriage and funeral customs, clothes and ornaments, have been influenced by the Ming Dynasty. Aside from this, a visitor from the Ming Dynasty named "Ming Han Lee" princess married the Malacca King. She came to Malacca with over 500 men and women (servants ?). The Chinese developed the Strait of Malacca and Kuala Lumpur.
The northern Malay region borders Thailand's territory. It is also the Malay Peninsula's most narrowest place. With China's fast economic development, the elite thinkers(?) have been actively consulting with the Thailand government. They are preparing to invest in a new asian transport river(?), with the help of China's investment, labor and management. With the purpose of developing the local area, and it is also China's important strategic act. China has developed the Southern and North transport river(?) during the Sui Dynasty, it helped develop the economy. This strip of river is truly an instrumental invention.
Learning Chinese
Got this article from http://www.language-learning-advisor.com/learning-chinese.html
Learning Chinese could very well be one of the most important decisions you ever make. Chinese is fast becoming the language to learn in the 21st century. With the world's largest population and a rapidly growing middle class, China stands to become the engine of the world's economy in the coming years and decades. This will make learning Chinese vitally important for people in many industries, or for those of us who wish to visit China or learn from it's culture and history.
There is an ongoing effort to modernize the writing system and standardize the language. An overwhelming number of people learning Chinese are learning the Mandarin dialect, so unless you absolutely need to learn another dialect (such as Cantonese), be sure you are studying Mandarin.
For native English speakers Chinese is one of the most difficult and radically different languages there are to learn. The vocabulary is wholly unfamiliar and the grammar is unlike anything we know. In addition is the Chinese tone system - words are spoken in rising or falling tones which help to differentiate between them. While this is not completely unheard of in English, we don't use anything like the complex array of tones in Chinese. Furthermore, there is the Chinese writing system - a collection of thousands of individual ideograms, or symbols, which represent a word or idea. These ideograms have no phonetic value - that is, we can't tell how the word is pronounced by how it is written. There is a method to present written Chinese in a phonetic script called pinyin. If you are learning Chinese, you will be working with this pinyin system, but the beauty of the traditional writing system should not be passed up. All these factors make learning Chinese singularly difficult for us. So how do we go about learning Chinese? Let's take a look at some of the best available methods.
Book/Audio Combo Living Language Ultimate($75). This is a well-constructed language learning program that includes a 400+ page coursebook, 4 cd's that are coordinated with the book and an additional 4 cd's to work with away from the book. This is a great combination of the old school approach, with the big coursebook for the serious student, and the all-important audio component . The extra cd's are a great addition. An ideal choice to learn Mandarin Chinese.
Audio Only/Expensive Pimsleur Comprehensive I,II,III(approx $200/level). As far as ease of use and quality of the material and method, Pimsleur is the best. You learn to speak Chinese in a natural and comfortable way. It's the same for all Pimsleur language programs, but some require extra effort when it comes to reading. Chinese is clearly such a case. Pimsleur provides a reading booklet and cd for each level of the Comprehensive program, but their focus is clearly on speaking skills, and this is where they shine. Because Chinese uses such a radically different writing system from English, extra effort must be given to studying written Chinese, if you want to, and additional materials will be needed. The Pimsleur Comprehensive is my favorite method and would be my first choice with that one caveat in mind. Also note that Pimsleur has a Cantonese program, but only for Level 1. Read my more in-depth Review of Pimsleur Products.
Software/Expensive RosettaStone Personal Edition I,II(approx 200$/level or $32/month). RosettaStone's immersion style method is one of the very best. Their approach is one of full media - images, audio, written words etc., and intructs you expertly in every aspect of language - listening, speaking, reading and writing, and makes it interesting in the process. They offer a cd-software based personal edition or a unique alternative. For a monthly fee, you can have complete access to their online Chinese database. I recommend trying out their demo version, the listed specs mean it should run well with the majority of computers out there. It runs beautifully on the ones I tested with. If you have the time to take advantage of their 500+ hours of instruction in a few months, you can get one of the best language learning products at a bargain price! Otherwise, the personal edition software will give you complete access all the time, for the full price, of course. RosettaStone is an excellent choice for learning Chinese.
Learning Chinese could very well be one of the most important decisions you ever make. Chinese is fast becoming the language to learn in the 21st century. With the world's largest population and a rapidly growing middle class, China stands to become the engine of the world's economy in the coming years and decades. This will make learning Chinese vitally important for people in many industries, or for those of us who wish to visit China or learn from it's culture and history.
There is an ongoing effort to modernize the writing system and standardize the language. An overwhelming number of people learning Chinese are learning the Mandarin dialect, so unless you absolutely need to learn another dialect (such as Cantonese), be sure you are studying Mandarin.
For native English speakers Chinese is one of the most difficult and radically different languages there are to learn. The vocabulary is wholly unfamiliar and the grammar is unlike anything we know. In addition is the Chinese tone system - words are spoken in rising or falling tones which help to differentiate between them. While this is not completely unheard of in English, we don't use anything like the complex array of tones in Chinese. Furthermore, there is the Chinese writing system - a collection of thousands of individual ideograms, or symbols, which represent a word or idea. These ideograms have no phonetic value - that is, we can't tell how the word is pronounced by how it is written. There is a method to present written Chinese in a phonetic script called pinyin. If you are learning Chinese, you will be working with this pinyin system, but the beauty of the traditional writing system should not be passed up. All these factors make learning Chinese singularly difficult for us. So how do we go about learning Chinese? Let's take a look at some of the best available methods.
Book/Audio Combo Living Language Ultimate($75). This is a well-constructed language learning program that includes a 400+ page coursebook, 4 cd's that are coordinated with the book and an additional 4 cd's to work with away from the book. This is a great combination of the old school approach, with the big coursebook for the serious student, and the all-important audio component . The extra cd's are a great addition. An ideal choice to learn Mandarin Chinese.
Audio Only/Expensive Pimsleur Comprehensive I,II,III(approx $200/level). As far as ease of use and quality of the material and method, Pimsleur is the best. You learn to speak Chinese in a natural and comfortable way. It's the same for all Pimsleur language programs, but some require extra effort when it comes to reading. Chinese is clearly such a case. Pimsleur provides a reading booklet and cd for each level of the Comprehensive program, but their focus is clearly on speaking skills, and this is where they shine. Because Chinese uses such a radically different writing system from English, extra effort must be given to studying written Chinese, if you want to, and additional materials will be needed. The Pimsleur Comprehensive is my favorite method and would be my first choice with that one caveat in mind. Also note that Pimsleur has a Cantonese program, but only for Level 1. Read my more in-depth Review of Pimsleur Products.
Software/Expensive RosettaStone Personal Edition I,II(approx 200$/level or $32/month). RosettaStone's immersion style method is one of the very best. Their approach is one of full media - images, audio, written words etc., and intructs you expertly in every aspect of language - listening, speaking, reading and writing, and makes it interesting in the process. They offer a cd-software based personal edition or a unique alternative. For a monthly fee, you can have complete access to their online Chinese database. I recommend trying out their demo version, the listed specs mean it should run well with the majority of computers out there. It runs beautifully on the ones I tested with. If you have the time to take advantage of their 500+ hours of instruction in a few months, you can get one of the best language learning products at a bargain price! Otherwise, the personal edition software will give you complete access all the time, for the full price, of course. RosettaStone is an excellent choice for learning Chinese.
Fixing Stuff
Now that the sci-fi/fantasy convention is over, its back to reality for me. It was fun to see people dress up in costumes and share their excitement over certain television shows, books and movies. But I need to ground myself back to real life and focus on other stuff aside from science fiction and fantasy.
I am now twenty-five percent finished with my thesis revisions. I'm amazed at how fast my revisions are going, compared to the previous times I revised my work. Its probably because of the numerous inputs I got from my defense. I realized that what I really needed for my stories was feedback -- good critical feedback, which was not given to me during the time I was writing and revising my stories.
Aside from the thesis, I still have tons of work to do back home. Plus I think I misplaced my palm PDA's keyboard and charger... I must be getting old and my memory is not as good as it used to be.
I am now twenty-five percent finished with my thesis revisions. I'm amazed at how fast my revisions are going, compared to the previous times I revised my work. Its probably because of the numerous inputs I got from my defense. I realized that what I really needed for my stories was feedback -- good critical feedback, which was not given to me during the time I was writing and revising my stories.
Aside from the thesis, I still have tons of work to do back home. Plus I think I misplaced my palm PDA's keyboard and charger... I must be getting old and my memory is not as good as it used to be.
Eat Suffering, Eat Grief
The Chinese often use "Eat Suffering" and "Eat Grief" to express their willingness to endure pain and hardships. The Chinese believe that a man who is able to endure pain and hardship will attain good fortune, everyone's success depends on his capacity to endure suffering.
Because of this thinking, a lot of Chinese are capable of bearing difficulties. No matter what kind of crisis they encounter, they are able to face them.
Filipinos are also capable of "eat suffereing, eat grief". But they are optimists. Everything they encounter difficulties, they still know how to smile and relax. Not like the Chinese who are more serious.
Driving a truck
Ever since our driver had gone AWOL, we have been having problems with the delivery of our goods. I would volunteer to drive one of our jeeps to Divisoria to delivery some of our stuff to clients. But I never tried driving one of those big delivery trucks (four-wheeled) before.
My parents insisted that I drive the truck today, since there are tons of orders that needed to be made. I wanted to drive the jeep but it could not be used (because of the color coding scheme). I told them I don't know how to drive the truck. Since the truck works differently -- (1) the reverse clutch is somewhere in the first gear, (2) the mirrors are way to far for me to see (and adjust) and (3) the switches looked confusing.
I do want to learn how to drive the truck, but unfortunately, my license has a restriction, limiting me to drive smaller vehicles (less than two tons). I promised my folks I would help deliver the orders tomorrow, when the jeep is available. Hopefully I would find some way of learning how to drive larger vehicles soon.
My parents insisted that I drive the truck today, since there are tons of orders that needed to be made. I wanted to drive the jeep but it could not be used (because of the color coding scheme). I told them I don't know how to drive the truck. Since the truck works differently -- (1) the reverse clutch is somewhere in the first gear, (2) the mirrors are way to far for me to see (and adjust) and (3) the switches looked confusing.
I do want to learn how to drive the truck, but unfortunately, my license has a restriction, limiting me to drive smaller vehicles (less than two tons). I promised my folks I would help deliver the orders tomorrow, when the jeep is available. Hopefully I would find some way of learning how to drive larger vehicles soon.
Chilly Windy Morning
Woke up with a cold. The strong winds are blowing all over the house and it is a chilly breeze. It's going to be another long day outside --- from my rounds at Divisoria to a lecture at the Lopez Museum (F. Sionil Jose's 'Manila in Literature'). Hopefully the city will warm up as the day goes by.
News Article # 2
Philippine population averages around 93 million within five years
Based on Philippine Society News(?) Jan 5 report, the national statistics office projects that the Filipino population would exceed 93 million in the next five years.
The statistic is based on the 2000 national population increase report, which states that the average 15 to 49 year old woman would give birth to 3 to 4 children by the year 2010.
The analysis of the statistic office shows that by 2040, the scope of fertility and growth average would drop to 2 to 3 children.
Forecast also said that Filipino women would live 5.5 years longer than the Filipino male.
The neational statistic office secretary said that the basis of the 2004 year end report is based on the average data colleted from the 2000 population report.
High School Chinese Essay
This is an essay that I wrote while I was a first year high school student. The essay was published at the local Fil-Chi newspaper (United Daily News) dated February 11, 1987.
I want to love time
Time flies by so fast, one year goes by, we grow a year older. When time passes by, it will never return, that's why we should use our time to do things. Time can change people, but people can never change time. We don't know when our lives would end, but we know that time is precious, unfortunately most people don't know how to use their time. We know that time will never wait for anyone, so when a day passes by, we should try to learn as much as we can. We must use our time wisely, for the things we do today can change our future. A lot of people describe time as flowing water, water that flows down can never flow back up. In this world, our lives are short, so we must use it wisely.
I remember when I was small, when I came home from school, I would immediately turn on the television, I would do my homework later, that's why I would go to sleep around ten'o clock. The next day at school, I won't have the energy to study. But after many years, I grew up, and learned to use my time in studying and doing my homework.
That's why a lot of people use their time to do good things, so that they can become famous and successful individuals. Like Thomas Edison, he used his time to invent things, used his time to study, he never wasted his time, that's why he invented a lot of things, and eventually became a famous scientist. That's why we must use our time wisely, so that we can become successful one day.
Everyone please remember that our time is our life, if we use our time wisely, we are loving our life.
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