Commitment to a Dream

June 18, 2009

I have decided. I am going to attend the CERULEAN event tomorrow.

 

CERULEAN, based on their only bulletin post I have read, is a Filipino-Chinese organization here in the University. It’s such a pity that my possible contributions to the organization, if I ever join, will be limited by the fact that I would only stay in the University for this semester.

 

But I must take advantage of the opportunity, shouldn’t I? The organization might be my first stepping stone to the greater Chinese world. I might find new friends or acquaintances that can help me with my bad Mandarin Chinese. They might bring me closer to people or resources who can help me achieve my dreams. Of course, I must give something in return; to have a friend is to become one.

 

It’s going to be a tiring wait (my class ends 11:30 am and the event starts 5 in the afternoon) but I hope it’s going to be worth it.

 

***

 

Related to that, I am going to step up my Chinese self-study. It’s tough with two highly-toxic subjects and the fact that none of the subjects I am taking will find any China-related knowledge relevant. But then, life was much, much tougher the last two years, wasn’t it? I’m doing myself a favor, I’m adding something I enjoy (and hope to reap fruits from soon) and I’m doing them at my own pace.

 

Hardcore Study

 

It’s a given. I’m always reading a nonfiction book, and since January, I have added nonfiction, China-related books, to my to-read list.

 

Mandarin Chinese

 

It’s still a long way. Knowledge of 40 characters is not enough. I can only string a few basic sentences (and with much struggle at that). Because I get overly conscious with the tones, my sentences sound oratorical.

 

Mastery at the level I am aiming is to be able to present myself in Mandarin Chinese clearly and get to read the most basic Chinese texts. It’s not even fluency – maybe just enough to impress a Chinese acquaintance and convince her/him that formal instruction in the language will be fruitful (given the dedication and effort I gave in mastering the most basic).

 

The second level is literacy and, as much as possible, near-fluency in Mandarin Chinese. I’m sure I can’t attain this level with all the self-study in the world alone.

 

I’m not yet decided on which Chinese language school to attend. It’s expensive for a person like me. Plus, I want a recommendation from someone I know. It’s already hard for me to find the money; it’s much harder for me to part from it. For sure I’m going to attend one after I have graduated and have a stable, well-paying job.

 

Literature

 

There are several translated books on Chinese poetry, mythology and folklore, and classic novels available at the CAS Library (at the P area, along with books on Indian literature and works of Dostoevsky). The first book I borrowed is the first volume of the famous Chinese novel Journey to the West by Wu Cheng’en (1500-82; also Ruzhong and Mountain Man of Sheyang), published by the Foreign Languages Press of the Chinese Government in 1990. The novel has around 100 chapters and is divided into four volumes of 25 chapters each. It is a mythological novel based on traditional Chinese folktales. The novel relates the adventure of the priest Sanzang and his three disciples, Monkey, Pig and Friar Sand, as they travel west for the Buddhist Sutra.

 

It’s going to take long but I’m dedicating myself in finishing Journey to the West and the Romance of the Three Kingdoms before October. Also in line, but probably next year, are two more Chinese classics: The Dream of the Red Mansion and The Water Margin. All of them are going to be great undertakings on my part because all of them are quite lengthy.

 

Music

 

I’m not yet into really traditional music. For one thing, other than the Twelve Girls Band, I don’t know of any well-known expert on Chinese traditional instruments, much less Chinese traditional music.

 

For now it’s still all Wang Lee Hom, Jay Chou, Jolin Tsai, F.I.R., S.H.E. and JJ Lin. By the way, I found out (rather belatedly) that Wang Lee Hom and Jay Chou had both launched their new albums for 2009. Lee Hom’s is Xin Tiao or Heart Beat. Jay Chou is Capricorn. I have both copies (although, as always, taken the illegal way). Here are my favorites:

 

• Jay Chou (Capricorn, 2009) - 從新愛 (Cóng Xīn Ài; In A New Love)

• Jay Chou (Capricorn, 2009) - 東方之殿 (Dōngfāng Zhī Diàn; Palace of the Oriental)
• Jay Chou (Capricorn, 2009) - 魔杰座 (Mó Jié Zuò; Capricorn)

 

Films

 

I’m finished with Red Cliff 2! It’s a period film alright.

 

I also watched another recent Chinese film, Forever Enthralled, starring Leon Lai and Zhang Ziyi. It has a lot to teach about Peking Opera. Honestly, I like Peking Opera, despite the convoluted notes, rapidly changing rhythms, and the high-pitched voices of the performers. But then it might be an acquired taste. I like Chinese culture so much to begin with.

 

I’m going Korean next week. My sister and I are craving for a Lee Dong Wook movie.