Eh-hum # 169

To experience or gain knowledge of a different culture, one does a lot of traveling. But if there is no opportunity to do so, the next best thing is to do a lot of reading. It could be just as exciting, but not as expensive.

After breakfast (and greeting every dad a happy Father's Day), I proceeded to read all sorts of online articles; international and local news, commentaries and even entertainment bits. Then I visited Oh My News' website (an excellent site, will discuss this in a separate post later on), which was a treat because I was introduced to an unfamiliar subject: African Palestinians.

I have never heard of African Palestinians, and that's the truth. I know of course that a significant number of African countries uphold the Musliam faith, but I did not know a portion of their population reside in Palestine and interestingly, have lived there for generations.

Christopher Brown, an Oh My News reporter, interviewed photographer Andrew Courtney who has documented the lives of African Palestinians. Brown's first question as well as the answer of Courtney:

OhmyNews: Andrew can you talk about the origins of African Palestinians, How did they end up in Palestine?

Andrew Courtney: That of course was one of my first queries meeting the African Palestinians I did bump into, about 15 years ago during the first intifada.

So the answers that I have gotten from most of my African Palestinian friends is that possibly up to 100 years ago or more, African peoples coming to the Holy city (Jerusalem) on a pilgrimage trek, would find themselves coming from places like Chad, Sudan, Niger and those areas of Africa. Making their holy treks to the Holy city of Jerusalem.

This was some journey, especially overland, without vehicles and so-forth; so what happened was that they got to Jerusalem and said, "I think we'll stay." So these families began to settle in.

If you want to read the whole thing, please click this link. Though its short, it gives a background about the Africans in Palestine. Its amazing how much you can learn by just logging on and surfing the web. Granted, of course, you know where to look. :)

Eh-hum # 168

Happy Father's Day to all the dads, including dads to be!

And to commemorate this special day, here's an audio/mp3 file of Neil Gaiman being interviewed by his youngest daughter, Maddy (sorry, couldn't find a better, meaning a more visible, mp3 player). Quite touching really.

For more on the wonderful and weird world of Mr Gaiman, kindly visit his website.

Eh-hum # 167

*Started this post at the Japan Foundation Kyoto Office's library yesterday afternoon and finished it at the comfort of my dorm room. Its 1:38 Saturday morning and am wide awake...I dunno if its the (lethal) combination of tea, coffee and soda or the urge to download and watch some videos (now, its Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children) or because I found out yesterday evening that I do not have Nihongo class later and its ok to sleep at an ungodly hour (dawn)...or perhaps ALL OF THE ABOVE.

Am now at Kyoto, Nakagyo-ku to be exact, where the Japan Foundation Office is located. Today, its not a sight-seeing-and-go-around-until-you-drop day, but an opportunity to see/listen to my friend deliver her paper, the culmination of her 10-month stay in Kobe as a Japan Foundation Research Fellow. Sounds serious? On one hand, yes, but in no way uninspiring, since I will be spending time with her and her husband, two very brilliant people if I may add.

And I was right. Sitting through the seminar, I gained two things. First, I had a crash course on travel narratives. A branch of literature which can be described as the (written) experiences/observations of individuals who visited foreign lands. No, this is not Lonely Planet. Travel narratives has provided information and insights about a foreign society and culture in a given timeframe. Moreover, these accounts also give readers an opportunity to analyze the values/interests of the authors themselves as they record their experiences. (I will leave it at that since I am not an expert on the subject and as they say, less talk, less mistakes).

The second thing was the value (and rewards) of excellent/in-depth research work. The seminar made me realize that there is so much to learn about conceptualizing, writing and defending a research paper/topic: the framework, the methodology, its significance/contribution and the content. I am particularly proud that back in college, my thesis mate and I got the highest possible mark for an I.S. thesis (I think we still hold that record) and that I have worked as a researcher for the government. BUT, I get carried away, thinking that writing school papers, getting good grades, writing briefings were enough.

There was a point that completing a paper was more of a requirement, not an insightful undertaking. Meaning, I just wanted to finish it for the sake of finishing it, nothing more. I liked to be called a researcher, but I only like to be regarded as such and would care very little about the actual research work. I brag that I am here in Japan working to develop a thesis topic, to show that yeah, I am an intellectual snob and you are just a bunch of airheads. But then, I slack off.

Hence, the trip to Kyoto yesterday was a wake-up call for me. My friend's confidence in her study and the integrity of her work are an inspiration. The seminar and our conversation over dinner made me realize of my mistakes and the areas I needed to improve on. Its embarassing for me to admit it, but denying wouldn't do any good.

I still have a long way to go, but its not too late. I need to change, and regain the eagerness the initiative that I had early on in my career. I want to be more appreciative of what I have learned in the past, to know it by heart, and have the drive to learn more. I want to improve my writing and analytical skills. I want to finish my MA, and earn people's respect in the process. I don't just want a high paying job, I want a job that I can contribute in and impart knowledge. I want to be more competent in my chosen field. I want to work hard and work smart on a research project, and proudly calling it mine. I want that, everytime asks me if I am a researcher, I would say yes, without a doubt.

Gosh, I do pray this post made sense. And now, I need some sleep.

Eh-hum # 167

Great....I had to shell out more than ¥11,000 to renew my passport. If I only knew it would cost me this much, I would've renewed it back in the Philippines, which costs three thousand pesos less.

Well, I was suppose to go home by the end of July, but my stay here in Japan was extended for two more months. I'm not complaining, since a) will be receiving allowance for the said two months; and 2) July is too soon now that I think about it. I haven't ordered a balikbayan box yet to ship all the stuffs (gifts, my books among other things) I've accumulated for the past 9 months. So I guess, ¥11,000 is a price to pay for me not to experience the chaos that would result when I attempt to go home next month. Haybuhay...

Eh-hum # 166

To my fellow Filipinos:

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

Mabuhay tayong lahat!

Eh-hum # 165

Me blog's third birthday is coming up. THREE YEARS...I have been maintaining the henyo blog for three years! Not bad as far as I'm concern. Here's to more blogging (mis)adventures!

Well, our pseudo-vacation from school is about to end. Kobe University classes are suspended until June 12 (Philippine Independence Day), thanks to the concern of a measles outbreak in the Hyogo-ken universities. As you know, several universities in Tokyo have cancelled theirs due to an alarming number of students who were/are infected with the illness (I think the largest number was 30). So far, only one student from Kobe U has been confirmed of getting sick, but they decided to suspend classes anyway. Well, I am not at all worried, I received measles shot when I was a kid. Moreover, I haven't been out lately, which lessens the probability of me getting infected.

So what have I been upto? Unfortunately, nothing much, just the usual. I spent a great deal of time studying my nihongo and doing some assignments (and watching videos on the Internet; though I wish I took time to go over my readings). Its not so bad, but it can be quite boring. Moreover, I was kept busy by household chores, which is not only tiring, but downright sad. Then again, you have no choice but to do it...or my room will end up like a pig sty or that I will be spending a lot of dough on obento.

Speaking of dough, I did a bit of accounting recently. What prompted me to do so was the fact that in less than four months, I will be coming home to the motherland and therefore will need to do some shopping for pasalubong and for the plane ticket. And in order to do so, I need to save and monitor my expenses closely. Cooking my own helps a lot (I am particularly proud of this. I am no gastronome, but before coming to Japan, I just eat), so is buying discounted train tickets. I still want to do a little sightseeing and buy some books, but I have alreadly set aside money for that. In short, me dying of boredom, lack of sunlight or hunger is definitely a no-no.

One of my target gifts (obviously, not for me):

Note: While writing this, I was surprised by the sound of a barking dog. That rarely happens, especially for such a place where my dorm is located. Its so quiet here that dropping a pin would create a ruckus...well, I think so anyway.

Eh-hum # 164

Two (what seems to be) salarymen leading six ninjas in a march/dance. I just HAD to share this, found it amusing. From Yahoo! Videos, but saw it first on a children's television program here in Japan. But will get back on MST3K, really.

Eh-hum # 163

I slept late...rather, early the next the day thanks to Mystery Science Theater 3000 clips I found on YouTube. Here's an example:

Please listen to the side comments by the three guys (actually, one guy and two puppet/robots) seated before the screen, like in the movie theater. More on this later on. ;) Enjoy!

UPDATE: Well, hope you like that, cause I certainly did. Fans of the series uploaded several MST3K clips on YouTube, so better check it out if you want more.

I for one, remembered watching the movie version of the series a couple of years back (on HBO, I think) and it killed me. The premise of the comedy series was (yep, was, the show's run ended in 1999...bad) about a regular guy (Mike in later episodes) trapped in a satellite in space and forced to watch B-science fiction movies and propaganda shorts as part of two mad scientists' experiment. To fight boredom and subsequent insanity, Mike created four robots, two of them became his companions during the film-viewing sessions (Tom Servo and Crow T Robot). The mad scientists' scheme was that when they found a movie so bad that it would drove Mike crazy, they would use it in their quest for world domination by turning everyone on Earth into mindless zombie slaves . However, this proved to be quite a challenge, as Mike and his two robot sidekicks make a running commentary on the film, making fun of its flaws among others. This basically keeps them from going nuts...and this is what the viewers enjoy the most. The series became immensely popular and have a strong following. Moreover, it was also critically acclaimed, as it won a Peabody Award in 1993.

Highly recommend it to people who enjoy wisecracking humor and witty, sarcastic remarks; something to keep us all from going insane.

Eh-hum # 162

Just a thought: I know there aren't many readers of this blog (save my friends who would visit and have linked mine to theirs), but that doesn't stop me from sharing some ideas and writing down my opinions on matters I've heard, read and experienced. And now, for those of who came upon this blog by accident, let me tell you something about this novel I just finished reading 30 minutes ago entitled Imperium.

I began writing this at 12:38 am Japan time. Am wide awake, thanks to the (free) caramel-blended coffee I indulged in right after a hefty (and free) tonkatsu lunch. Instead of staring at the ceiling, I thought this was a good time for me to update me blog.

To put it bluntly, I thought it was an excellent read and I really liked it (so much so that I've decided to talk about it in a separate post, hwehweh). Indeed, it is "gripping and fast-paced" and humorous as well. I read it obsessively, even on the train to and from the church (I rarely read while inside moving vehicles, I get an headache afterwards). It is a fictional biography of Cicero, particularly on his struggle for power in Rome. Nonetheless, the author did a significant amount of research to breathe life into it, as there were people that existed and events that really occured, such as Cicero bringing Gaius Verres, a corrupt Sicilian governor, to court (one of the highlights).

I also got a good helping of Ancient Roman politics, which amazingly is no different at all from what we are experiencing (at least, by most democratic countries) now. The good, (and mostly) the bad and the ugly in politics are discussed, such as bribery and vote buying during elections; the common people versus the elites; delaying tactics in court/senate; the use of fear and panic as a means (the war on terror...eh-hum); and self-interest before the welfare of the voters. What is more interesting are the politicians, the senators of the time. Some could've been considered as principled men, but the lot were megalomaniacs with huge appetites for power (ex-military men in particular) and serial opportunists always on the lookout for the winning side/group. However, I am of the opinion that politicians of ancient times studied their law, politics, philosophy seriously (for the love of learning), and like Cicero, were brilliant orators. Now, most of them are well-educated actors accompanied by an army of ghostwriters and researchers. Oh well.

My verdict: a must read for anyone interested in Ancient Rome, its politics and intriguing personalities. Plus, it contains some insights worth remembering, example: "Sometimes it is foolish to articulate an ambition too early - exposing it prematurely to the laughter and skepticism of the world can destroy it before it is even properly born. But sometimes the opposite occurs, and the very act of mentioning a thing makes it suddenly seem possible, even plausible." Expressed by the narrator, Tiro, on the night Cicero announced his interest to run for consul.

Eh-hum # 161

Took a break from reading (and buying) Neil Gaiman books.

After my Saturday Nihongo lessons, I visited what I refer to as my favorite bookstore in Kobe: Random Walk in Motomachi (a.k.a. the Foreign Bookstore in my earlier posts). Though a small bookstore, the shop offers a variety books and magazines in English and other foreign languages. However, it also includes a significant collection of titles on Japanese history and culture. I own a point card; and for my twelfth and final stamp, I bought this one (picture from Wikipedia):

I first heard about the book when a Filipina writer and columnist mentioned it in her blog. Since she has good taste in books (I believe so, anyway) and learning that Robert Harris is a bestselling author (Pompeii, Fatherland among others), I went to Random Walk to see if they have a copy. Initially, they didn't; hence I ended up buying Mr Gaiman's novels (again, not disappointed, as I have five of them already). The moment it became available on their shelves, I set aside some dough for it (damn you bills! sigh, they always comes first).

A historical fiction, the book is about the Roman orator, philosopher and senator, Cicero, his early career and later on, his election as consul. The events are told through first-person narration by his secretary, Tiro. So far, I am still on the second chapter, but I sense that this will be an interesting read. Moreover, I really like the title; imperium can be translated as "power". Ancient power politics, now there's something that feeds the henyo mind. Eh-hum...will update this post as soon as I'm finished reading it. ;)

Eh-hum # 160

Just a thought.

When Royals Become Rock Stars...

I remembered reading this article from TIME about two months ago about the Showtime series entiled "The Tudors", and it includes a new take on the courtly life, passion and troubles of a young Henry VIII (i.e. his first marriage which he is not happy with and that Boleyn girl, Anne). Of course, we know that Henry does not sing, nor a leader of a 15th Century rock band, but what I find amusing here is how the term rock star is applied in the article.

As mentioned, a rock star (or stars) refers to famous singers of rock music. But in this case, it is used to describe someone who could be considered unique, cool and edgy in his own right (Eh-hum, couldn't agree with it more: casting Jonathan Rhys Meyers as Henry VIII in his prime). I've heard its also been used in other areas, such as business. For instance, a "rock star CEO" could mean that he/she has the charisma, the leadership skills, and the drive to succeed (among other things).

Calling somebody a rock star sans band isn't so bad; for me, its a positive thing. Of course, not everybody could be called as such. Having said that, it would be okay to consider even Jesus Christ a rock star. Before you throw rocks at me, let me just say that I meant that in a good way. Afterall, compared to the religious leaders of his time, Jesus was sort of a maverick, in a good way. It took a lot of strength on his part to fulfill God's divine plan:

Eh-hum # 159

Was inspired by Jac.

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

Eh-hum # 158

Just the continuation of the previous post.

Two days ago, I logged on to YouTube and searched for something sensible to watch. This led me to videos of the famous rock opera, Jesus Christ Superstar (JCS) by Time Rice (lyricist, The Lion King, etc) and Andrew Lloyd Webber (composer, Evita and Cats, etc) which debuted in Broadway in 1971. The said videos I found were from the play's movie version released in 1973 and features some of the original cast from the Broadway production. Perhaps not many people know (like myself), JCS started as an album before debuting onstage.

Judging from the title, as well as being categorized as a "rock opera", the play has a very modern feel to it; the lyrics and the music contains contemporary slang and sensibilites and features modern musical instrument, particularly the electric guitars. Moreover, both stage and film versions used many intentional anachronisms; a good example was when scaffolding (frames) was used as the venue where the Pharisees plot Jesus' death (1973 movie).

Since it tackles the political and interpersonal struggles of Jesus Christ and Judas Iscariot as well as the last weeks of Jesus' life until his death, the play was controversial at its time. One major criticism was that the play depicted Jesus simply as a man and not a divine being (hence, his resurrection was not included). Nonetheless, the both stage and film versions were well-received; the movie became one of the highest-grossing films for the year 1973. Its popularity gave rise to a series of revivals in the 1990s, mostly onstage.

I for one really enjoyed the 1973 movie production. Aside from the compelling songs and captivating music, the film was hip and the anachronism made it unique. Also, I found no malice in how the lives of Jesus and his followers were depicted; making them a little more humane than usual gave it a soul. In 2000, another film adaptation was released, but in my opinion, it does not compare to the original. While the singers were talented, it was, for a lack of a better term, too musical-ish. Its a rock opera; rock being the operative word, and voices with a greater range does not necessarily work for this genre. I guess what's important is giving it more attitude and passion. Basically, if there's one great thing this opera contributed, it's putting Jesus Christ and rock n' roll in the same side.

Update: decided to take down the Overture because there's a new JCS video at post no. 160 ;)

Eh-hum # 157

This song is so sad...which makes it beautiful.



More on this later on.

Eh-hum # 156

I cannot believe its already Wednesday, and then its downhill from there...to the weekend, I mean. I am truly amazed how time flies, particularly when you are busy. I am not that busy...well not yet, at least. While I make it a point to attend to my nihongo classes and visit the library, I make time to go out with friends, stay at the residence to log on the Internet (and update the henyo blog) and spend time with the family online.

I try to call home once a week. Last week, I did; when I greeted my mom a Happy Mother's Day. Unfortunately, it was a short phonecall since my phonecard allowed 10 minutes worth of correspondance at that time (I have yet to visit my friendly neighborhood convenient store to recharge the card). I usually call using the very high-tech and the very free Yahoo! Messenger, but it takes time to set up the computer at home, hence I had to use my mobile.

When speaking to my mom, I need more than 10 minutes. She has stories to tell and rumors to share, which makes my day, really. And then there would be the occassional question and answer segment of our conversation, wherein I ask for cooking tips/easy to make recipes and she would also ask me about my studies among other things. But when we have the chance to talk this weekend, it would take even more time: we have balikbayans.

My mother's oldest sister and her two sons are now in the Philippines. My tita went home in 1999, but my kuyas have not returned to the country since they were kids. Hence, I can imagine how excited the rest of the family are, especially my younger cousins, to meet my cousins from Texas for the first time in years. And I couldn't help to feel a little envious; missing out on all the festivities that come when relatives from abroad would spend a much deserved vacation in the motherland. For the first time since I arrived here in Japan, I felt pangs of homesickness. Nothing too serious of course, but the feeling is annoying.

Now, before I go to a friend's home for our Wednesday gathering, I've decided to channel this rather negative energy into something more productive: read a whole chapter on Asian Maritime Security. I hope it works. ;)