Most of those who knew me and also who are connected to me 'socially' online will know that I really like Chinese language, culture, arts, almost anything that is related to it. Anyway, this afternoon I collected all my Chinese books, (I put them somewhere around the house). I wanted to keep them all together, for safekeeping just like my Christian books, which are neatly arranged and safely tucked inside a small cabinet. Before, I said that this hobby of mine was my first love but I corrected it and said it is just my second love, because GOD should always be the first. :)
Anyway, took a shot of these books, which I've been collecting since, I was a teenager (highschool days) and a few given to me by my friend and Filipino-Chinese friends/acquaintance. My collection ranges from history, novels, philosophy to language books. Also, included in my collection is the mainstream history and culture of the Filipino-Chinese, which is also a part of the Filipino culture.
I remember my former 老師 laoshi (teacher), in mandarin language. He told me that it's a rarity to find someone like me who has a passion like this. He's also the one who encouraged me to continue doing what I love, and that someday I'll able to contribute something to the society.
Here's a peek into one of my passion and interest. I listed the titles below. I categorized them.
History/Culture:
1. China Lonely Planet Guidebook
2. The Chinese Mestizo in Philippine History - author: Edgar Wickberg
3. The Chinese in Philippine Life (1850-1898) - author: Edgar Wickberg
4. The Ethnic-Chinese as Filipinos (part II) - edited by Teresita Ang See
Foreign Novels
1. The Good Earth - author: Pearl Buck
2. Falling Leaves - author: Adeline Yen Mah
3. The Joy Luck Club - author: Amy Tan
4. The Hundred Secret Senses - author: Amy Tan
5. The Kitchen God's Wife - author: Amy Tan
Language:
1. Say It in Chinese - Foreign Language Press Beijing
2. Learn Chinese Efficiently with Super Pinyin (phonetic) vol.I - edited by Jose Averia, English Translated by: Tinna K. Wu; Pilipino Translated by: Francisco G. Co
3. Easy Chinese Phrasebook and Dictionary - by: Wendy Tung
4. Speak Fujianwa (Fookien/Hokkien) Easy - by: Betty Lee
5. 300 by: Joaquin Sy
6. Niubi The Real Chinese You Were Never Taught in School - by: Eveline Chao; Illustrated by Chris Murphy
7.Teach Yourself Cantonese - by: Hugh Baker and Ho Pui-Kei
8. Chinese Flashcards (vol.I) - Tuttle Publishing
Local Literature:
1. Tsapsuy: Mga Sanaysay, Tula, Salin atbp. - by: Joaquin Sy
2. The Best of Tulay (Voices: Mga Tinig) - edited by: Teresita Ang See, Caroline Hau and Joaquin Sy
3. Weaving A Dream (Reflections for Chinese-Filipino Catholics Today) - author Ari Dy, S.J
Comic Book:
1. Stories of Love - Illustrated by: Huang Qingrong; Translated by: Shen Siqin
Other books:
1. Chinese Zen - prepared, compiled and translated by Thomas Sy
2. Love Poems from Ancient China and India - notes by Prem Jesus Jesswani, Ma.Carolina Chua and Ajit Mansukhani
