Carnival Make Up with Candace (Collaborative Blog)

It was a delight working with Candace Porter to do a Carnival Make Up video blog while I point out and highlight facial features and make up in Mandarin. She was really funny plus Janeil and Roneil were also there as an audience because the both of them and Candace subsequently did their own collaboration afterwards. At first I thought it might have been distracting but it actually made it really enjoyable. 

This is by far the longest video blog I have done thus far. It is over 13 minutes in length and I experienced a lot of technical difficulties. I am using Windows Movie Maker for Windows 7 which has a lot less features than Windows 8 therefore I had to take it to someone who had a version of Movie Maker in Windows 8 to rotate a few video clips for me. Other than that, it wasn't that difficult to do. Anyone who is accustomed to editing video be it for work or a school project would know that video editing requires an enormous amount of patience! 

I found the whole experience to be informative and I learned a few stuff in not only editing the video but I got some really useful make up tips. The make up tips would certainly come in handy since I am a frequent user of cosmetics and there was certain things that I didn't realize until she pointed them out in the video blog. One thing she said was that she does her foundation and powder after making up the eyes so as to cover up any fall out or excess eye shadow that may fall on the cheeks or near the nasal region. This made a lot of sense because if you do the eye shadow afterwards, you may have some cleaning up to do which would mean double work for yourself or the make up artist. 

It was a wonderful memorable experience working with Candace. One that I'm sure I won't ever forget! It is these experiences that actually make studying Mass Communications not only entertaining but also quite worthwhile! 

Here is a link of a List of Facial Features in Mandarin:-

Parts of the Face in Mandarin

Chinese Tea:- Collaborative Video Blog with Lisa from Fun Healthy Foodie

I did a collaborative video blog with Lisa Hernandez of Fun Healthy Foodie and I must say I had a blast! It was very interesting and informative. Working with Lisa was a pleasure! She is kind, considerate, articulate, open minded and really cool and easy going. She was indeed lots of fun to work with. She came prepared and filled with knowledge about the Jasmine tea and knew all the details about how the tea is actually made and brewed in China. I learned a lot about the process involved when making the tea and I also shared a little information about the Chinese tea culture and how important tea is regarded in their culture. 

I must say the Jasmine Chinese tea tasted good and I was surprised by the strength of the brew after using just a couple of spoonfuls. This was my longest video blog thus far with just over seven minutes in length. It was one of the easiest video blogs to edit and put together however I still had some minor technical difficulties but I think the end result made it all worth it! I was really satisfied with the outcome and I think Lisa really liked it too! 

Chinese Tea Culture is an essential part of their tradition for over a thousand years. The serving of tea is also named "cha dao" which means the way of tea. It is often seen as a mark of respect and could even be used as a form of an apology after doing someone wrong. Unlike most cultures, the tea itself is often used as much more than a simple beverage but also used as an important part of Chinese cuisine and herbal medicine. 

After hearing about all the health benefits of Chinese tea and personally tasting it, Lisa convinced me to not only drink more tea but to incorporate it into my daily routine and even substitute other beverages for tea because it is a lot healthier than juices or soda. Imagine, Lisa even gave me some of the Jasmine petals to carry with me and brew at home at my own leisure! I am Truly Loving the Chinese culture with All its benefits! 

How Much Mandarin Do Trinis Know?!?

This video blog was quite interesting because I learned a few things while doing it. At first, my intention was to interview a few Chinese nationals or people of Asian descent living or visiting here in Trinidad and Tobago. However, that idea quickly flopped since there was literally no one willing to be filmed on camera speaking Mandarin. They were either camera shy or certainly afraid of something... 

I soon realized that there were a few people that I noticed who actually knew one or two phrases in Mandarin including folks from none other than Costaatt. I immediately became excited and quickly decided to do a video blog entitled, "How Much Mandarin Do Trinis Know" interviewing a few people and asking them what they knew in Mandarin and how they learned it. I was even more enthusiastic when a lecturer, Mr. Mark Wilson was willing to say a few words and phrases in Mandarin as well. 

                     

I had completed filming the four short interviews on my camera for a couple of weeks but I was still adamant on trying to get a Chinese national to speak Mandarin on camera. Although, I have not been successful thus far, I am certainly not giving up at all. One day I am Sure I will meet either one Chinese person willing to be filmed speaking Mandarin or might even be a group of Chinese having a conversation in Mandarin on camera. I am still hopeful that one day this may happen... and when it does, be Sure to see a video blog on it! 

The Dragon Can Dance!!!

In my very first post when I spoke about the things that inspired me to learn Mandarin, I mentioned the fact that my brother and I played Kiddies Carnival several years ago. The section in which we played was the Chinese section where the girls wore a Chinese dress and the guys also wore Chinese wear plus they took turns holding the King of the band and also doing the dragon dance. Well, I decided to share some information about the dragon dance and its origins in China. 

Here is a short YouTube video of  the Chinese New Year Dragon Dance

The Chinese dragon dance which originated during the Han dynasty (180-230 AD) is performed during many Chinese celebrations and festivals like on the Chinese new year. It is said to bring good luck, prosperity and ward off evil spirits when performed. Although dragons are notoriously and generally known for being are feared fable creatures, they are actually seen as quite benevolent and gentle in Chinese culture. The dragon symbolizes respect, wealth, fertility, dignity, goodness and supernatural power.

This photograph features young men performing the dragon dance and the clothing of the young men reminds me of what my brother wore when he played mas for Kiddies Carnival. 

(Photograph taken from hellokids.com)

This photograph features a large dragon head and was taken during Chinese New Year celebrations in Philippines in 2013. This dragon head also reminds me of the dragon that was King of the band when my brother and I played Kiddies Carnival. (Photograph taken from abc.net.au)

Click on the link below to read more information about the various styles of the Chinese dragon dance"-

Chinese Dragon Dance 

Eating Chinese Food with Chopsticks!!!

This week is Chinese Food Week on Let's Learn Mandarin Blog...

I intend to do and publish several Food related blogs throughout this week including a few other unrelated blogs. I will be starting with this blog, "Eating Chinese Food with Chopsticks". I have always wanted to learn to eat food using chopsticks especially after doing an Etiquette course a few years ago where I learned to dine properly at a four star restaurant. I remember I enjoyed that experience tremendously because I was in a group and everyone in that group including myself scored 100%! 

I learned how to use chopsticks very quickly and surprised myself by immediately getting the hang of it. My neighbour demonstrated how to use chopsticks by using pencils and he taught me what was the important stuff to remember so that I could be sure to use them effectively when eating. The hardest part in this whole experience was getting a pair of chopsticks to use. I searched in almost all the Chinese stores in Port of Spain and couldn't get any. I was a bit frustrated until my Supervisor from work brought me two pairs of chopsticks from home. She told me that she got them from her daughter to frequently went to Wok N Roll and that she had two extra pairs of them at home. I was quite elated and relieved when she gave them to me.

When I made the video blog was actually the very first time I had used chopsticks to eat food. So imagine my surprise when I was able to get a firm grip and hold the food properly between the chopsticks. I guess Chinese culture may be rubbing off on me a lot more than I first thought.... Look out for my other Food blogs later this week.

Collaborative Research Blog with Patrick

CHINESE 

HERBAL 

MEDICINES

It has been said that the Eastern part of the world is one of the most conscientious in terms of having the ultimate nutritious way of life! The Asian countries, more so China is well known for this! One of my classmates, Patrick Dyer and I have recently teamed up to do a research blog together. We researched the many various types of Chinese medicines, herbs and techniques which help them maintain a really healthy lifestyle. After completing our research, it was decided that we would compile a top ten listing of Chinese herbal medicines. So, take a look at what we've come up with.

#10 CINNAMON  (Ròuguì)

The true benefits of cinnamon are unknown to many. The bark and root of this tropical tree helps with various circulatory disorders especially the peripheral circulation in the body. It helps regulates the temperature in the human body, treats menstrual disorders, abdominal pain, aids in digestion, numbness and arthritis.

#9 GOJI/WOLFBERRY (Gǒuqǐ)

These berries are quite high in antioxidants and fiber. They improve your vision, protect your liver, increase longevity, improve circulation and boost sperm production. 






#8 LICORICE ROOT (Gāncǎo)

This root plant is well known for its many healing powers including detoxification. It is widely used to treat such ailments as asthma, heartburn, hepatitis, the cold & flu, sinus and even depression. 

#7 ASTRALAGUS  (Huang Qi)

This yellow root aids in digestive functions, boosting the immune system, increases metabolism rate and helps keep skin healthy. It is also used to make the medicines that help treats deadly diseases such as senility, cancer, hepatitis and AIDS.

#6 MA HUANG 

This herb has been made into a modern drug in the form of capsules. It stimulates the central nervous system helping it to function properly. It aids in asthma and sinus congestion, stimulated perspiration as well as open breathing passages. It assists in weight loss because it causes persons who are trying to lose weight to burn calories at a faster rate.

#5 MUSHROOM  (Mógū)

These vegetables are considered to be high in nutritional value. China has over 200 species of mushrooms. However, it only about 20% of them are known to have powerful medicinal effects on the human body. It helps flush out the urinary tract and help prevent infections as well as the capacity to aid in fighting tumors and help improves the immune system.  

#4 ANGELICA SINESIS (Dāng Guī)

This root has earned the reputation for being the ultimate herb for women and is one of the most widely consumed herbs in China. It aids in relieving symptoms of PMS, menstruation and menopause. It also helps in improving women's libido and increases fertility in women. It strengthens the heart, liver kidneys and spleen. It heals ailments such as high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, fatigue and anemia. 

#3 SALVIA  (Danshen)

This root herb serves as an important medicine to help heal and repair body tissues that have been damaged by various types of injuries. It also helps with infections and degenerative diseases. It reduces cholesterol, improves liver function and lowers blood pressure. It can be used to treat ulcers, headaches, anemia, rheumatism and all types of internal bleeding. 

#2 GINGER (Jiāng)

This fibrous aromatic herb is most popular for its flavour and taste and is mainly used as a spice. It helps remedy diarrhea, indigestion, nausea, the common cold, motion and morning sickness and improves blood circulation.

#1 GINSENG (Cān)

This is by far the most famous of all the herbs and is often used worldwide. It has a variety of health benefits as well as healing properties. It aids in common ailments such as regulating blood sugar, high blood pressure, menopausal issues, menstrual cramps, erectile dysfunction, hepatitis and fatigue. It has also been known to help prevent certain diseases as well as calm the nerves. It is used mainly in capsule form or used to make tea.

There are also quite a number of other medicinal herbs which were originally found in China. One of them are rhubarb which works as an effective laxative, improving blood circulation and helps ease pain in certain types of injuries. There are others such as hawthorn berry, hoelen, peony, coptis, bupleurum and a vast number of other remedies such as special types of root teas like codonopsis, dong quai and chrysathemum.

I must admit that working with Patrick was really not what I expected at all. He had a lot of useful ideas and he was quite good at researching information which was a bit surprising. Overall, I enjoyed doing the collaborative blog with him and I would endorse him as a very willing, positive and helpful student to work with. 

I would certainly recommend Mr. Patrick Dyer to work with anyone since I truly consider him to be a great asset especially after working with him in two group projects. This was a learning experience and I would be certainly be quite willing to work with him again in the future. 

China's Single's Day:- November 11th, 2014 (11/11/2014)

I've found out from international news on the radio that today (11/11/14) is known as Single's Day in China. It is considered to be the Anti-Valentine's Day! Just imagine something like that... Celebrating your single-hood or as some would call it, your freedom. The origins of this day can be traced back to the early 1990's in China. Singles' Day which is otherwise known as Bachelors' Day got its name because the date of this day contains four 'ones' (the 11th day of the 11th month 11/11). This day was started by students of the Nanjing University located in the eastern part of China near Shanghai in 1993. The tradition has since spread and is now widely celebrated all over China and in a few other countries. Singles' Day had an even more special significance in 2011 and was considered to be the 'Singles' Day of the Century' because it was only on that day that the actual date consisted of six 'ones' (the 11th day of the 11th month of 2011... 11/11/11).

Map of China (Image taken from lonelyplanet.com)

On this day, singles usually go out and celebrate in restaurants as well as go shopping for themselves especially online. This is in fact a new phenomenon where online shopping in China on this day has said to have surpassed that of the Black Friday sale in the United States in 2013 earning up to 8.2 billion dollars in sales. Alibaba, a business mogul who owns the Alibaba Group of companies which is the largest e-commerce company in China has profited from a large percentage of these sales. His company has also been one of the companies heavily promoting this day. According to one site, Singles' Day is on its way to becoming the most profitable manufactured holiday in history. 

The Basics in Mandarin

I thought I would do a written and a video blog outlining the basics in the Mandarin Chinese language. Some of these words and phrases I have mentioned before in previous blogs but there is nothing like repetition to help you learn a foreign language! I would start out with the greetings. As stated in previous blogs, "Ni Hao" means hello but the polite way to say hello is "Nin Hao". If you are greeting a group of people especially a large crowd or gathering, like Mark Zuckerberg did in his opening phrase, you should say "Daija Hao" which means hello everyone. To say goodbye means "Zaijian". 

  Mandarin Always Seems to be on My Mind!                                                                                                                Rehearsing Some Mandarin                                                          

Here are some other greetings you can say:-

Nice to Meet You:- Hen gaoxing renshi ni 

Good Morning:- Zaoshang Hao 

Good Afternoon:- Xiawu Hao

Good Evening:- Wangshang Hao 

Good Night:- Wan An

Here are some Everyday words/phrases in Mandarin:-

Yes:- Shi de

No- Meiyou 

Ice-Cream:- Bingqilin 

I will now go through some basic questions and answers in Mandarin.

How are You?:- Ni Hao Ma?

I am fine/good/very good:- Wo Hen Hao

What is the time?:- Shi shenme shihou?

The time is twelve noon:- Shijian shi zhongwu shi er dian 

Are you hungry:?:- Ni ele ma 

Yes, I am hungry:- Shi de wo ele 

What do you want?:- Ni xiang yao shen me 

I want to eat noodles:- Wo xiang chi miantiao 

Tale of A Chinese National

I have been on an ongoing quest interviewing, filming and compiling short video footage of people I came into contact with who may know a few words or phrases in Mandarin. Unfortunately, I noticed that all Chinese people whom I've met seem to be camera shy. I have approached about seven Chinese folks to say a few words in Mandarin, however, although all of them admitted to knowing the language, none of them were willing to go on camera. A few of them didn't mind being taped once it was their voices alone being recorded but not their faces. This made me quite curious but I soon discovered the reason behind it.



There was one day I was returning home from class on a Saturday afternoon when I decided to stop at a Chinese restaurant to purchase some food. I was in my glee so to speak because Chinese food is one of my favourite types of food. Besides purchasing food, I decided to speak to the young lady who was attending to customers by taking their food orders. I found out that she could speak both Mandarin and Cantonese. After confirming that she knew Mandarin, I asked her if she was willing to speak on camera to which she declined. I wasn't really disappointed since I had been expecting her to decline being on camera. I had been to that Chinese restaurant several times before and one of the things I noticed was that this young lady was very friendly with all the customers and apparently remembered customers by their faces. She even knew some of them by name probably since they were regular customers at that restaurant.


After observing her open and friendly nature, I decided to do an impromptu short interview with her on the spot. She was also very friendly and open with me although she was a bit hesitant to answer a couple of the questions I had asked her. Of Course, she only agreed to do this interview anonymously which means that although she told me her first name, I would not even mention it out of respect for her wishes.  She reluctantly admitted to me that she was here in Trinidad illegally and is currently working there in the Chinese restaurant and also lives on the premises upstairs. The lady, who revealed that she is not married said that she came to this country for a better life and an opportunity to make money and send some home for her family back in China. She says that she has been in Trinidad for about five years now and that when she first came here she worked in a Chinese supermarket in Chaguanas. She said that life in China was rough for her and her family and that she and her brother came to this country seeking prosperity and to maybe one day get the opportunity to open a business together.

She said that she and all of her family is from the southern part of China and they grew up speaking Cantonese however she said that it was mandatory for everyone to learn the more formal form of the Chinese language which is Mandarin in school. So she knows both languages very well. Her family knew very little English so she had no choice but to start to learn English before she left China to come to Trinidad. I asked her if she misses her family and her country and she said every single day she thinks about them and does hope to one day return there if only to visit her family. During the conversation, I asked her if there was anything in particular she misses about China and she said that the Chinese festivals were really nice and pointed out one in particular. She specifically highlighted the Chinese Lantern festival that she and her family would celebrate every year from ever since she was a young girl.


Upon further research, I discovered that the Chinese Lantern festival was celebrated on the 15th day of the first lunar month of that year. Technically, this would be considered a celebration of the Chinese New Year. According to the Gregorian calendar, it usually occurs between February to March month. If you would remember from a previous blog, I had spoke about the difference between the Chinese lunar calendar and the other western type also known as the Gregorian calendar.

Find Out More Information About the Chinese Lantern Festival Here:-

Chinese Lantern Festival

A Chinese Temple decorated with Chinese Lanterns for the Festival

A Chinese Temple Lit up during the Chinese Lantern Festival

Chinese models walk the streets during the Chinese Lantern Festival