Chinese historical dramas in the Philippines?

[sinobball]

Before I first met non-Chinese Asians, I had no idea how influential Chinese historical dramas are in the region. Not to exaggerate or sound too nationalistic, but a significant number of Asians I've met have watched Chinese historical dramas. Nowadays on Youtube, one can usually find dubs/subs in Vietnamese, Thai, Khmer, and sometimes Korean, Hmong, Japanese etc. for Chinese historical dramas. But very seldomly Tagalog.

I find it interesting that the Philippines is different in this respect among ASEAN countries. Is the Philippines too Westernized for Chinese historical dramas? For example, John Woo's 2009 movie "Red Cliff" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Cliff_%28film%29) is shown in all East & SE Asian countries in two parts -- except for the Philippines. In the Philippines it is shown as one part like in Europe. Also, a simple wikipedia search for the most popular Chinese drama reveals:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Princess_Pearl
It is popular in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia and even Thailand. Again, one glaring omission among ASEAN countries. Can someone explain? I'm just curious.


PS: After some digging, found this, LOL:
MrneakfY_8Y

[TrueBluePinoy]

The Legend of the Condor Hero is quite familiar here. Also that old tv show featuring the "Sun Style" and "Heaven and Earth Style". I forgot the name though.

[gilasfanatic]

?????

[c_d]

Is the Philippines too Westernized for Chinese historical dramas?
This is kinda true. You can find more Latin American telenovelas dubbed in Filipino than Chinese historical dramas.

[gilasfanatic]

This is kinda true. You can find more Latin American telenovelas dubbed in Filipino than Chinese historical dramas.

maybe in mid 90's to early 20's latin dramas are very popular in the philppines,,but now chinese, korean dramas are popular in the country,,,thats the reality and we had to admit that!!!!

[gilasfanatic]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzD25o8Giu4

[eindhow]

Popular these days are Korean and Taiwanese dramas.. Even Japanese dramas get attention here.. Latin dramas are in the decline.. Chinese historical dramas don't click here.. But yeah I remember Judge Bao..

[b3lowzro]

Western? i don't think so, we do sometimes act like one but into bones.

Back in the days when I was a little lad, TV networks do air a lot of Chinese historical dramas but left not dubbed (well I guess its for the ethnic chinese and for those chinese who are non-tagalog speakers). Its just recently we've seen a an interest among the Pinoys in this genre of programs but still they would thrive because of the Pinoy's interest of a much modern storyline in which, they can easily relate to.

Culturally speaking both of our do have strong cultural links but in history, our colonizers did erased most of what we know on the historical side, replacing it with theirs (much like they did with the Native Americans in latin america). And the we we're not even governed directly by the Spanish, it was the Mexicans or Nueva España, that's why i think we incline more into their telenovelas (well asian dramas are least expensive these days, so that's way we tend to have more right now).

[paolylo]

back in the early 90's/late 80's, a channel (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio_Philippines_Network) would broadcast Chinese shows that included historical dramas every Sunday morning in Chinese... with Chinese subtitles! (i don't know the difference between Mandarin, Fookien, and Cantonese so there must've been a reason why it was that way) the only thing i understood was Yan Can Cook (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qT9lKA5_bPI).

i believe Sunday mornings (for that channel at least) back then, catered to the Filipino-Chinese community for them to get in touch with their Chinese roots. i didn't care about that since i'm only a quarter Chinese and i don't speak the language. but i only appreciated Chinese history when a videogame about the Three Kingdoms came out:

boU_gHy67CQ

[talion]

the media in the philippines, which are wholly controlled by large, enterprising private corporations, are aware that most non-chinese filipinos distrust anything chinese and for this reason the media giants have figured out that investing heavily in chinese dramas will not yield good profits because of poor viewership.
the huge bias can be described in the following instances:

Made in China--- A lot of filipinos will readily conclude that products having this sign are of inferior quality. Foodstuff like cookies and drinks bearing made in China, although cheaper, are almost always left untouched by middle-class buyers because of fear of toxic substances. Interestingly, foodstuff with chinese markings but are Made in Philippines sell like hot cakes.

Tax evader--- Lucio Tan, a chinese who became a naturalized Filipino, comes to mind. He is rich and owns a lot of corporations but he is number 1 tax evader with unpaid taxes amounting up to Billions. Not a good role model.

Enemy of Labor--- Henry Sy. Another ultra-rich Chinese who became a naturalized Filipino. He is owner of the SM Mall Chain. His Labor practice is that he only hires contractual employees in 6 month periods to shield him from labor laws. Employees cannot run after him for compensation/ benefits/healthcare because technically they're not regularly employed.

Chinese Restaurants---- Use a lot of monosodium glutamate. bad for the health. There are stories that a lot of these chinese restaurants in Philippines will sacrifice healthy eating for great taste.

Obstacle in Basketball Development---- Graham Lim comes to mind. Not Mainland Chinese but Taiwanese, but still, a lot of filipinos will easily associate him with China.

That is my take on why CHinese Historical Dramas will never be popular in the Philippines. Hope this helps. I love chinese food by the way.

[sinobball]

the huge bias can be described in the following instances: Thanks, but other than Graham "Interbasket's Public Enemy #1" Lim, I'm pretty sure those things described (evading tax, MSG, improper treatment of employees) can be found among Chinese people in all countries :D

I don't know but it seems like I can even find more Indonesian-subbed Chinese history series (example (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2Mi-qQj8js)) on Youtube than Tagalog, despite how Chinese people are perceived (treated, massacred) in Indonesia. Unless those videos are only for Indonesian Chinese... I dunno.

I think it's more of a cultural thing -- who you can relate to. Anyway, I just find it interesting.

[talion]

Thanks, but other than Graham "Interbasket's Public Enemy #1" Lim, I'm pretty sure those things described (evading tax, MSG, improper treatment of employees) can be found among Chinese people in all countries :D

I don't know but it seems like I can even find more Indonesian-subbed Chinese history series (example (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2Mi-qQj8js)) on Youtube than Tagalog, despite how Chinese people are perceived (treated, massacred) in Indonesia. Unless those videos are only for Indonesian Chinese... I dunno.

I think it's more of a cultural thing -- who you can relate to. Anyway, I just find it interesting.

i must reiterate, these are cultural biases. the chinese people are a great race. they are patriotic and put country first before anything else.

[sinobball]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzD25o8Giu4Korean historical dramas have recently also occupying Chinese TV... Personally I find them interesting because the cultures in ancient times are almost the same and there is a lot of common history
but i only appreciated Chinese history when a videogame about the Three Kingdoms came outCool... I don't know if we should thank the Japanese for spreading our culture :o but ROTK is indeed the greatest story ever! My Korean friend had read it 5 times... If you haven't, no matter what race you are, I pity you:D
Also that old tv show featuring the "Sun Style" and "Heaven and Earth Style". I forgot the name though.It depends on how old. One of the "Huo Yuanjia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huo_Yuanjia#Huo_Yuanjia_in_popular_culture)" series?
I remember Judge Bao..I believe Judge Bao is the most influential Chinese history TV series ever...

Following the topic, I have questions relating to Philippine culture... I don't exactly know how to ask it, but essentially how "Western" is your culture? For example, Judge Bao (who was a judge in ancient China) -- I don't think Westerners can worship a character like that, because our definition of justice is different from the West. Which is why I ask... are the Filipinos more like Americans or "more Eastern" in terms of beliefs in justice, government, personal liberty, death penalty, public execution, judge vs. jury, sacrifice for the common good etc.?

[c_d]

it was the Mexicans or Nueva España, that's why i think we incline more into their telenovelas


Our culture is totally different from all our neighbors. Taipei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, India, Pakistan etc., etc. This explains the extreme popularity of Mexican telenovelas that have been dubbed in Tagalog. If you dub an American movie into Tagalog, it is not convincing because Filipino characters will not react in the same way to the same situation. But Mexicans and Filipinos have the same values –compadre, fiestas and devotion to the saints.

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=155775&publicationSubCategoryId=64

[pachador]

we may be more westernized, but racially speaking, filipinos are the most tolerant of the chinese compared to malaysia or indonesia. we never had the large-scale race riots that they had except the ones in the 17th or 18th (?)century but then that was sparked by among other reasons, the chinese pirate limahong.

[kaiziken_pinas]

Dramas are the reason why I can't watch basketball games. Period.

[talion]

@sinobball

The Philippines has a complex culture. It is neither Western nor Eastern but a combination of both. And It is exactly the union of these two great cultures which gave our uniquely filipino way of life. Unfortunately,like the matrix, no one can be told what this culture is. One has to tumble down the rabbit hole and experience it firsthand before he can explain it. But to give you an overview, allow me to cite a few justifications, to wit:

The Civil Code of the Philippines which governs our civil laws is mainly copied from the Spanish Civil Code which in turn can be traced from Roman Law. Hence, legal concepts such as "Pater Familias and Res Ipsa Loquitur" are easily integrated into our concept of justice. However, because of strong family ties and "pasensya", which can be roughly translated to unwavering patience to the extent of martyrdom, we rarely see families and friends take advantage of our civil law system and sue one another for damages for the slightest altercations. Suing a neighbor for his loud parties and karaoke nights is almost unheard of in the islands. However, such incidents can easily lead to fistfights because of asian machismo, not to mention the filipino's propensity to box.

Similarly, the foundation of the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines, the law which governs our criminal system, mostly came from the Spanish Penal Code. Latter amendments made in the Code were mostly inspired by American Jurisprudence. As such, where brilliant Spanish legal philosophers of the Spanish Penal Code like Manresa and Castan agree that the purpose of the Penal System is corrective, and, on the other hand, modern day american jurisprudence holds that the purpose of the penal system is to rehabilitate the offender, our own penal laws as an offshoot of both, strive to be both corrective and rehabilitative.

But the western evolution of the criminal system doesnt entirely mean that Filipinos prosecute criminal offenders the way westerners do. Largely attributed to pasensya, misdemeanors are rarely punished. Sometimes, a simple tearful sorry may prompt an offended party to drop charges. On the other hand, heinous crimes against persons and property are best addressed with vendetta, especially in the far-flung provinces where relatives remain clanish.

The Negotiable Instruments Law of the Philippines which is the foundation of all special commercial laws in the Philippines is copied verbatim from the US. Negotiable Instruments Law which in turn can be traced from the English NI Law. As such, formalities regarding the issuance of Checks and Promissory Notes are wholly Western. But traditional asian business practices like "tubong nilugaw", a business practice purportedly coming from the chinese wherein a vendor pads the real price of his ware in unconscionable terms but goes away with it by smooth talking the buyer, barter, and the Indian-Filipino 5:6 credit system( i lend you 5 pesos, i earn plus 1 peso everyday/week until you pay me the whole 5 pesos), are incorporated into day to day business transactions and goes unnoticed by law.

Finally, in Religion. Filipinos are deeply religious people, be they muslims, christians, animists,or buddhists. Liberated Free Thinkers and Atheists are mostly confined in the academic circles, influencing only brilliant students of philosophy, science and law. As such, both western and eastern religions and discipline control a major part of an ordinary filipino's life. Since there is an amalgamation of different beliefs, it is therefore not rare to see a Catholic or Muslim Filipino following Feng Sui books for prosperity and good luck, or a Filipino-Chinese Buddhist visiting christian churches to absorb good vibes . Still, there are those who try to harmonize Christianity and Animism.


There are a lot more examples but I hope this does the job for now.

[satria_muda]

I don't know but it seems like I can even find more Indonesian-subbed Chinese history series (example (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2Mi-qQj8js)) on Youtube than Tagalog, despite how Chinese people are perceived (treated, massacred) in Indonesia. Unless those videos are only for Indonesian Chinese... I dunno.



Chinese historical dramas very popular then latin telenovelas couple years back in Indonesia, for example they showed all legend condor heroes from any version, andy lau version, Luis khoo version and those other guys newer version whom i couldnt remember anymore,

later korean dramas become big hit but nowadays Indonesian tv series called sinetron become booming (not only in Indonesia but also in malaysia,brunei and singapore ).

speaking about legend of condor heroes, where's Carmen Lee btw I never see her again on mandarin's movies/tv series ? I growing up watching carmen lee's version of legend condor heroes on TV.

[TrueBluePinoy]

It depends on how old. One of the "Huo Yuanjia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huo_Yuanjia#Huo_Yuanjia_in_popular_culture)" series?

I could recall a scene where there was a dying gorilla (guy in a suit) handing the main protagonist a scroll containing the heaven and earth style training regimen after the latter fell from a cliff. It was featured in the Philippines in the mid 90s but I think it was produced a decade earlier.

[c_d]

a Filipino-Chinese Buddhist visiting christian churches to absorb good vibes
The best example of this one is the Sto. Cristo de Longos shrine (http://witsandnuts.com/2009/10/21/santo-cristo-de-longos-shrine/?wscr=1024x768) in Binondo (Manila's Chinatown)

[sinobball]

where's Carmen Lee btw I never see her again on mandarin's movies/tv series ? I growing up watching carmen lee's version of legend condor heroes on TV.She's still acting at least until 5 years ago in TV series, appearing for example in the 2001 series (youtube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmzYdC_wH8E))
I could recall a scene where there was a dying gorilla (guy in a suit) handing the main protagonist a scroll containing the heaven and earth style training regimen after the latter fell from a cliffThe latter = the main protagonist? Confused :confused::confused: I honestly haven't any idea, but I will ask for you.
filipinos are the most tolerant of the chinese compared to malaysia or indonesiaI see that. Religion?
@sinobball
Wow, so detailed. Are you in law school or something? Nice writing.

I think all the Asian cultures nowadays are moving more and more towards the Western legal and government system, it's just a matter of degree. I think Philippines is more advanced in this respect, at least that's my impression from reading your opinion. Thanks.

I don't completely get the "tubong nilugaw" part though.

[TrueBluePinoy]

Yeah. the main guy.

[pachador]

in the case of indonesia part of it was the communist scare they had in the 1960s when their generals were assasinated. as you know hundreds of thousands were purportedly massacred. I think satria muda is in a better position to answer this .

religion may play a bigger role in malaysia since they are more "islamic" than indonesia(this is just my impression - not sure).





:confused: I honestly haven't any idea, but I will ask for you.I see that. Religion?

[paolylo]

Cool... I don't know if we should thank the Japanese for spreading our culture :o but ROTK is indeed the greatest story ever! My Korean friend had read it 5 times... If you haven't, no matter what race you are, I pity you:D

haha... i'm of the movies and videogames generation so the only other time in my teens that i've encountered anything historical about China was that Disney movie Mulan. :D but hey, i'd pick Lü Bu whacking 600+ soldiers by himself with a big ass halberd while riding a horse over a kiddie movie.

frKZvyTIUaA

[sinobball]

but hey, i'd pick Lü Bu whacking 600+ soldiers by himself with a big ass halberd while riding a horse over a kiddie movie.Hehe no kidding.... You probably know this already, but in ancient China when they fight battles, it's only the Generals vs. Generals on horse backs while the soldiers just watch... (There are exceptions, e.g. Zhao Yun at Chang Ban when he was alone.) Generals' skills determine the battle outcome, not the sheer number of soldiers... (well they are useless if you can kill 600+ in a couple minutes anyway)... "Who can provide a decent challenge" LMAO

Kind of like this:
qySOq5Bwfpw
(BTW that fight scene is a little sorry but that series was a huge classic. A new 95-episode ROTK TV series come out next month... Can't wait)

[LordOfLeyte]

I agree with Sinobball, I have read the San Kuo Pinying (Romance of the Three Kingdoms) and many times the general who is victorious in slaying the opposing general often ensures victory for his army for the upcoming skirmish of soldiers.

Example:

Hua Chiong slaying 3 minor generals in Shi Sui

Kuan Yu slaying Yan Liang in Bai Ma

Kuan Yu slaying Wen Chou in Yanjin

Zhao Yun slaying 5 generals in succession during Kung Ming's early Northern Expedition.

Video Games exaggerated the events of the novel to mega proportion.:D

[sinobball]

Zhao Yun slaying 5 generals in succession during Kung Ming's early Northern Expedition.I remember it was 4? Han De (the daddy) was slain later.:) Also I think Hua Xiong killed 4 not 3 in Sishui... but I see you know ROTK really well. :):)

[LordOfLeyte]

I remember it was 4? Han De (the daddy) was slain later.:) Also I think Hua Xiong killed 4 not 3 in Sishui... but I see you know ROTK really well. :):)

Thanks for the refreshing info. ROTK was one of my favorite novels and the last time I read it was 5 years ago. Will start reading again sometime.:)

[sinobball]

@ LordOfLeyte

Did you know Cao Cao's tomb was discovered a couple months ago? The site was actually found in 2005, and obviously had suffered from vandalism, but they just determined it was Cao Cao's, based on site, the writing in the tomb, the amount of jewelries, and other somewhat circumstantial evidences. The most interesting thing is there were 3 skeletons/skulls: 1 from a 60+ old man (Cao Cao) and 2 women. The women skeletons were determined to be 20+ and 40+ year olds, but nobody had any idea who they were. Cao Cao's wife, Bian (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empress_Dowager_Bian) was 70+ year old when she died.

Some people think it's Xiahou Dun's tomb. :(

rC6xRMFWDvw

[LordOfLeyte]

Thanks for the info. I guess Tsao Meng-De wanted his tomb to be a secret as he made a lot of enemies and in fear of someday the latter generation of his enemies would desecrate his resting place.

Modern Medical suggest Brain Tumor was Meng-De's cause of death as written on the novel and medical evidences which suggests the case exhibited when Meng-De suffered massive headaches along with severe disillusionment.

[sinobball]

Modern Medical suggest Brain Tumor was Meng-De's cause of death as written on the novel and medical evidences which suggests the case exhibited when Meng-De suffered massive headaches along with severe disillusionment.Ha, I never thought about that. When you wrote "disillusionment" do you mean "illusions" (I think they are antonyms...)? Because in ROTK there were indeed those funny stories about his last days -- first he saw dead Guan Yu opening his eyes, then he cut a tree and the tree bled -- but I don't think they can be taken seriously as history... just like, apparently the brain surgeon Hua Tuo can operate with an axe ...:D

[LordOfLeyte]

Ha, I never thought about that. When you wrote "disillusionment" do you mean "illusions" (I think they are antonyms...)? Because in ROTK there were indeed those funny stories about his last days -- first he saw dead Guan Yu opening his eyes, then he cut a tree and the tree bled -- but I don't think they can be taken seriously as history... just like, apparently the brain surgeon Hua Tuo can operate with an axe ...:D

Yes, I used the term disillusionment to describe the weird visions Meng-De was having. My favorite was the severed Guan Yu's head talking.:D

Then there's the event where he kept seeing the victims of his cruelty creeping through his chamber. (Those must have been a lot of people) Still, I think the ROTK is 60% Historical Events + 40% Myth, including the supernatural elements embedded on the novel.

One last thing on Hua-Tuo, Meng-De found it absurd that Hua-Tuo would crack open his skull and operate.:D I guess Meng De learned his lessons from the "Imperial Girdle Conspiracy".

[sinobball]

One last thing on Hua-Tuo, Meng-De found it absurd that Hua-Tuo would crack open his skull and operate.:D ROTK tried very hard to portray Mr. Cao as an overly suspicious fellow. Remember he murdered Mr. Lu's entire family when they tried to kill a pig for HIM to eat.

But if someone tries to perform brain surgeries on me with an AXE I would kill him right away too :D

[LordOfLeyte]

ROTK tried very hard to portray Mr. Cao as an overly suspicious fellow. Remember he murdered Mr. Lu's entire family when they tried to kill a pig for HIM to eat.

But if someone tries to perform brain surgeries on me with an AXE I would kill him right away too :D

:D

Anyways, I wish our local channels would air the ROTK tv series.

[sinobball]

:D

Anyways, I wish our local channels would air the ROTK tv series.You mean the new series that comes out this weekend (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Kingdoms_%28TV_series%29)?... Can't wait. I know people are going to put it online, hehe

Here's a teaser:
i0E7BjNdNhQ
Overall looks good to me... my biggest issue is Diao Chan and Qiao sisters don't look very attractive (even Sun Shangxiang looks prettier...) :D

[LordOfLeyte]

Aything ROTK; the old one or the new series is fine by me.:)

[sinobball]

Watching the new series on YT now... the first 2 episodes were just broadcast on Chinese TV 2 hours ago and now everything is on YT... Unfortunately no English subs. :p

A sample (where Cao Cao tries to assassinate Dong Zhuo but failed and escaped in the end)
l-6zxNt_qak

compare with the 1993 version (with subtitles) @3:00 onward
d0BrY3Qf54c

I like the newer series. Its dialogue and acting are all a lot more modern than the classic one -- it's OK so long it's interesting. It skipped a lot of less important events and characters, but rather focuses and expanded on selected stories.

Actually I recently noticed Youtube also hosts this series "Legend of Guan Gong" in English subtitles:
http://www.youtube.com/show?p=_JBNxhuDun8
But that series is pretty moronic and all the commercials killed my interest :p

[batgirl]

It could be that chinese drama are just too sophisticated for the taste of average pinoy viewer. I don't know.

[batgirl]

the media in the philippines, which are wholly controlled by large, enterprising private corporations, are aware that most non-chinese filipinos distrust anything chinese and for this reason the media giants have figured out that investing heavily in chinese dramas will not yield good profits because of poor viewership.
The huge bias can be described in the following instances:

Made in china--- a lot of filipinos will readily conclude that products having this sign are of inferior quality. Foodstuff like cookies and drinks bearing made in china, although cheaper, are almost always left untouched by middle-class buyers because of fear of toxic substances. Interestingly, foodstuff with chinese markings but are made in philippines sell like hot cakes.

Tax evader--- lucio tan, a chinese who became a naturalized filipino, comes to mind. He is rich and owns a lot of corporations but he is number 1 tax evader with unpaid taxes amounting up to billions. Not a good role model.

Enemy of labor--- henry sy. Another ultra-rich chinese who became a naturalized filipino. He is owner of the sm mall chain. His labor practice is that he only hires contractual employees in 6 month periods to shield him from labor laws. Employees cannot run after him for compensation/ benefits/healthcare because technically they're not regularly employed.

Chinese restaurants---- use a lot of monosodium glutamate. Bad for the health. There are stories that a lot of these chinese restaurants in philippines will sacrifice healthy eating for great taste.

Obstacle in basketball development---- graham lim comes to mind. Not mainland chinese but taiwanese, but still, a lot of filipinos will easily associate him with china.

That is my take on why chinese historical dramas will never be popular in the philippines. Hope this helps. I love chinese food by the way.

you have just expose yourself to having a strong bias against
chinese or anything to do with chinese except for chinese food , BY RANDOMLY ENUMERATING Totally unrelated subject that has no connection
to the title of this thread.

[sinobball]

Aything ROTK; the old one or the new series is fine by me.:)Hey man, I see your new signature but I don't want to hijack other threads, so what about Fu Hao's Tomb?

I have personally seen Mawangdui (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mawangdui) and didn't really care about the artifacts, but was absolutely amazed by 3000-year-old corpse in almost "perfect" undecomposed condition.

BTW, this new ROTK movie may make it to the Philippines:
http://img1.gtimg.com/ent/pics/hv1/39/253/527/34332729.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lost_Bladesman
(Believe it or not, there will be 4 movies in 2011-2012 about Guan Yu)

Speaking of tombs and ROTK, Cao Xiu (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cao_Xiu)'s tomb was just discovered, a couple months after Cao Cao's.
http://www.china.org.cn/photos/2010-05/18/content_20061721.htm

[LordOfLeyte]

Thank you for the link regarding a Han figure and Cao Xiu's tomb. It was a pleasant read.

My link on my signature regarding Fu Hao's tomb is a plain HTML website on the archaeological discovery of the Shang Dynasty's General Fu Hao. I think it's great as Fu Hao is a woman, buried with the riches and rites of a general.

http://depts.washington.edu/chinaciv/archae/2yfmtomb.jpg

Also, thank you for the info on The Lost Bladesman.I'm hoping to see it here. Guan Yu rises again.:D

[sinobball]

I think it's great as Fu Hao is a woman, buried with the riches and rites of a general.I see. I'm not sure but I think Shang Dynasty was still Matriarchal... Frankly I never heard of Fu Hao until I saw your signature. Wikipedia says she's a general, which is somewhat amazing because I can count with my fingers all the other female generals in Chinese history... (But contemporary media make it seem like there are thousands :D -- e.g. the spy/warrior Sun Shangxiang in "Red Cliff")

[sickcurtain_16]

This one, im not sure what the title is but the translation was done "amateurly" and the translation was very hilarious and as its title said, it's for pinoys only. :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvfkN0VXIu4

[sinobball]

This one, im not sure what the title is but the translation was done "amateurly" and the translation was very hilarious and as its title said, it's for pinoys only. :DThis is a Taiwanese modern series (never watched it). Skimmed through the video, nothing funny in the Chinese subtitles. Is it usual that translations are done "amateurishly"?

[LordOfLeyte]

I see. I'm not sure but I think Shang Dynasty was still Matriarchal... Frankly I never heard of Fu Hao until I saw your signature. Wikipedia says she's a general, which is somewhat amazing because I can count with my fingers all the other female generals in Chinese history... (But contemporary media make it seem like there are thousands :D -- e.g. the spy/warrior Sun Shangxiang in "Red Cliff")

I was surprised that ShangXiang was included on the events of Chi Bi, but it's historical fiction anyways and Zhao Wei looked great though.:)

[sinobball]

I was surprised that ShangXiang was included on the events of Chi Bi, but it's historical fiction anyways and Zhao Wei looked great though.:)Hehe, at least she was a real historical person (ROTK did mention she liked weapons and was very good with swords), I don't know about Cao Cao's Eurasian granddaughter... (Maggie Q in the other ROTK movie) :D

But Zhao Wei was born for roles like this. She did this after Red Cliff:
gTAETFTIo_I

[LordOfLeyte]

Will add Hua Mulan to one of my must see movies.

[CKR13]

Used to watch this in 2007. Historical Fiction / Love / Romance / Martial-Arts. A Jin-Yong classic into one of the best Tv series so far in my watch.

http://zentq.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/roch.jpg

Xiao-Lung Nu is awesome.

[CKR13]

http://depts.washington.edu/chinaciv/archae/2yfmtomb.jpg


Cool. That's what Fu Hao's tomb looks like.:) Did they fund her axe? About the topic, I wish a Fu Hao drama / action tv series be made alongside her human ritual sacrifices by using her axe.

I don't know on who (Chinese Actress) should play the lead but she must resemble this picture:

http://images.91.com/conquer91e/images/activity/whcb/axes_14.jpg

[Khalid80]

I don't know where to put this as this has more to do with Chinese history and nothing related to Philippines.

I just watched a fascinating documentary on CCTV 9 about tulous' :)

A tulou is a traditional communal residence which was popular in the Fujian province in Southern China. It can be of different shapes such as the circular tulou, square tulou, five phoenix tulou (Pentagonal shape) and even the octagonal tulou. The tulou structure was occupied by clan groups and flourished over many dynasties the most popular of which was during the Han dynasty.
The tulou was also built as an effective stronghold for defense against intruders and enemies.

Some links in case anyone is interested in reading about them:

http://www.icm.gov.mo/exhibition/tc/fjintroE.asp
http://www.chinadwelling.dk/hovedsider/clan_homes-tekst.htm
http://www.chinaodysseytours.com/special-topic-about-china/tulou-earthen-fortress-fujian.html
http://www.greenhomebuilding.com/articles/tulou.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fujian_Tulou
http://discoverfujian.com/tulouHighlights.asp
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hakka_architecture

Here are some pics as well of tolous':

[CKR13]

I just remembered recently, this show called Amazing Twins which was a Historical Fiction Series based on a novel.


http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:aZl6LUwkgKPeMM:http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a192/sinberguenza/006.jpg&t=1

Used to watch this show on ABC-5 now TV5.

[c_d]

Here's something I found. Though it may not be a historical drama, it might be worth posting here:

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uAtOKJFcq2w/SKOuQjK5q4I/AAAAAAAAGg0/u9NKgaHVzhw/s400/Hari+Sa+Hari,+Lahi+Sa+Lahi.jpg
photo source (http://andrewleavold.blogspot.com/2007/12/eddie-romero-filmography.html)

The movie Hari Sa Hari, Lahi Sa Lahi (King and Empeor), a co-production by this very Cultural Center of the Philippines and Beijing Film Studio has been one of the highlights of our bilateral cultural exchanges after 1975. Based upon true history, it tells us the profound friendship between Sulu King and Chinese Emperor. In the year of 1417,the East King of the Kingdom of Sulu, Paduka Pahala, sailed with his family and entourage, far across the South China Sea, braving the storms, defying all hardships, traveling thousands of miles to pay his tribute to the Chinese emperor Zhu Di of Ming dynasty. He was warmly welcomed by the emperor when he arrived in China. Unfortunately he passed away from a disease at Dezhou, Shandong Province on his way back home. Emperor Zhu Di sent officials in charge of rites to make arrangements for his funeral and set up a tombstone for him. The tombstone is preserved by Chinese government until today and the friendship between the king and emperor was, is and will be cherished by present and future generations.
http://ph.china-embassy.org/eng/sgdt/t83693.htm

Paduka Pahala's tomb in Dezhou
http://upload.17u.com/uploadfile/2008/08/28/2/2008082815464888388.jpg

Paduka Pahala's descendants meet former Pres. Arroyo
http://img.ifeng.com/res/200611/1109_10611.jpg
photo source (http://www.asiafinest.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=204473&pid=4235051&mode=threaded&show=&st=#entry4235051)

[CKR13]

Wow, that was before Ferdinand Magellan supposedly discovered the Philippines. Correct me if I'm wrong, but at the time of Emperor Zhu Di of the Ming Dynasty; that was the golden age of the Ming Reign.


I also believe that the great Admiral Zheng He and his enormous fleet are aware of the Philippine Islands; though there are no chronicles of them stopping over.

[b3lowzro]

Wow, that was before Ferdinand Magellan supposedly discovered the Philippines. Correct me if I'm wrong, but at the time of Emperor Zhu Di of the Ming Dynasty; that was the golden age of the Ming Reign.


I also believe that the great Admiral Zheng He and his enormous fleet are aware of the Philippine Islands; though there are no chronicles of them stopping over.

They say Cheng Ho (or Zheng He) met Princess Urduja when he visited the shores of Pangasinan.

[c_d]

I also believe that the great Admiral Zheng He and his enormous fleet are aware of the Philippine Islands; though there are no chronicles of them stopping over.

They were aware of our islands. Luzon (呂宋) (http://www.epress.nus.edu.sg/msl/place/1062) and Pangasinan (馮家施蘭/馮嘉施蘭) (http://www.epress.nus.edu.sg/msl/place/1303) were mentioned in the Ming annals.

[mcampbell075]

@sinobball

The Philippines has a complex culture. It is neither Western nor Eastern but a combination of both. And It is exactly the union of these two great cultures which gave our uniquely filipino way of life. Unfortunately,like the matrix, no one can be told what this culture is. One has to tumble down the rabbit hole and experience it firsthand before he can explain it. But to give you an overview, allow me to cite a few justifications, to wit:

The Civil Code of the Philippines which governs our civil laws is mainly copied from the Spanish Civil Code which in turn can be traced from Roman Law. Hence, legal concepts such as "Pater Familias and Res Ipsa Loquitur" are easily integrated into our concept of justice. However, because of strong family ties and "pasensya", which can be roughly translated to unwavering patience to the extent of martyrdom, we rarely see families and friends take advantage of our civil law system and sue one another for damages for the slightest altercations. Suing a neighbor for his loud parties and karaoke nights is almost unheard of in the islands. However, such incidents can easily lead to fistfights because of asian machismo, not to mention the filipino's propensity to box.

Similarly, the foundation of the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines, the law which governs our criminal system, mostly came from the Spanish Penal Code. Latter amendments made in the Code were mostly inspired by American Jurisprudence. As such, where brilliant Spanish legal philosophers of the Spanish Penal Code like Manresa and Castan agree that the purpose of the Penal System is corrective, and, on the other hand, modern day american jurisprudence holds that the purpose of the penal system is to rehabilitate the offender, our own penal laws as an offshoot of both, strive to be both corrective and rehabilitative.

But the western evolution of the criminal system doesnt entirely mean that Filipinos prosecute criminal offenders the way westerners do. Largely attributed to pasensya, misdemeanors are rarely punished. Sometimes, a simple tearful sorry may prompt an offended party to drop charges. On the other hand, heinous crimes against persons and property are best addressed with vendetta, especially in the far-flung provinces where relatives remain clanish.

The Negotiable Instruments Law of the Philippines which is the foundation of all special commercial laws in the Philippines is copied verbatim from the US. Negotiable Instruments Law which in turn can be traced from the English NI Law. As such, formalities regarding the issuance of Checks and Promissory Notes are wholly Western. But traditional asian business practices like "tubong nilugaw", a business practice purportedly coming from the chinese wherein a vendor pads the real price of his ware in unconscionable terms but goes away with it by smooth talking the buyer, barter, and the Indian-Filipino 5:6 credit system( i lend you 5 pesos, i earn plus 1 peso everyday/week until you pay me the whole 5 pesos), are incorporated into day to day business transactions and goes unnoticed by law.

Finally, in Religion. Filipinos are deeply religious people, be they muslims, christians, animists,or buddhists. Liberated Free Thinkers and Atheists are mostly confined in the academic circles, influencing only brilliant students of philosophy, science and law. As such, both western and eastern religions and discipline control a major part of an ordinary filipino's life. Since there is an amalgamation of different beliefs, it is therefore not rare to see a Catholic or Muslim Filipino following Feng Sui books for prosperity and good luck, or a Filipino-Chinese Buddhist visiting christian churches to absorb good vibes . Still, there are those who try to harmonize Christianity and Animism.


There are a lot more examples but I hope this does the job for now.

I agree to you! Nice post. Thanks for this one.