“Salamat naman” that the chaotic Year of the Tiger (2022) is over. From January 22 to February 9, the Chinese New Year is celebrated. Or maybe for 2 weeks, more or less. This year, we welcome the Year of the Water Rabbit – the symbol of longevity, peace and prosperity in Chinese culture. One of the best calming bit of news I have come across is this quote from a post of Ivan Shen of Cartus, a global relocation company. You can google it if you want to read his entire post.
“According to Chinese Astrology, the rabbit symbolizes patience and luck. 2023 will bring qualities that may have been lacking in the previous year, such as peace and success. We expect this year to be less dramatic and tumultuous than the last Year of the Tiger.
During the Year of the Rabbit, we will see a positive influence on people who are impulsive or unrealistic, as they become more level-headed and practical. It is therefore, an excellent time to make crucial decisions and carefully think through your options to have the best chance of achieving your goals and realizing your plans.”
The operative words for me in Ivan Shen’s post are that people who were “impulsive and unrealistic” become more “level-headed and practical”. I certainly look forward to a more rational and peaceful turn of events globally this year. Especially in the geopolitical arena.
It is interesting to note that, supposedly, the unique characteristics of the Water Rabbit are the following: gentle, amicable, able to adjust readily to different conditions, but with a weak mindset and principles. The other types of rabbits are the Wood Rabbit, the Fire Rabbit, the Earth Rabbit, the Gold Rabbit, with each having distinctive features to their character.
I wonder if “going with the flow” or being adept at “letting go” are tantamount to having a weak mindset? Those thoughts make me pause and ponder on the wisdom of these age-old adage. I guess this is a fitting way to start the new year by reflecting and re-evaluating one’s life as we move on.
FLASHBACK TO THE SEEMINGLY SIMPLER DAYS OF THE 70s and 80s
It may sound oxymoronic, but in the process of moving on, I find it refreshing, once in a while, (take note, once in a while “lang”) to reminisce about some pleasurable times in the past. Recently, I came across the You Tube channel of Ciara Sotto, daughter of Tito Sotto. If you want some respite from the gray days of winter, (and you grew up in the 70s and 80s in the Philippines), check out the 2-part program Who’s Who with the Sotto Brothers in the You Tube Channel hosted by Ciara Sotto. I have not had so much fun for many years now than when I was watching it. No wonder that it has garnered more than 3 million views (and counting) since it was posted January 29, 2022.
Guaranteed “na nakaka-aliw” when you watch the brothers banter in the true-blue “only in the Philippines” humor. No worries — all in good and clean fun. It wasn’t always squeaky- clean before. Thankfully, they seem to have all matured No green or brown jokes. It gave me memories of working with them for many years. Even more gratifying was seeing them with their families. I notice that Vic Sotto is in the credits. Perhaps his M-Zet staff is involved in putting this very entertaining YT Channel together. Well done! I wonder if M-Zet Productions, Vic’s production company is still around. Their first television series was Ok Ka, Fairy Ko, starring Vic Sotto
In the late 1980s, Ok Ka, Fairy Ko was a comedy hit show which ran for 10 years co-produced by M-Zet Productions with IBC-13, and eventually by ABS-CBN, followed by GMA Network. Directed by the late Bert de Leon with Marvic (Vic, to most people) Sotto as the Executive Producer. These guys are just as good, or even better, as when they started in TV in the 70s with Iskul Bukol, T.O.D.A.S, the latter directed by Joey de Leon and the former by Bert de Leon. No, they are not related in any way. They might as well be, since these zany, talented guys (both in writing, acting and music) just naturally gravitated towards each other. The centerpiece in this coterie of talented performers were Tito, Vic and Joey, TVJ as they were known in the television industry. You cannot imagine the outrageous shenanigans these boys were capable of. When I say these guys, it includes others like Val and Maru Sotto, Spanky Rigor, Redford White, Bibeth Orteza, Richie the Horsie. Maribeth Bichara (yes, “kasama” si Maribeth, our production secretary in the network at that time). Whenever we were taping (since I would have to be around the studio, being in charge of the production), I cannot remember anytime when I and the rest of the production and technical crew were not doubled up in laughter. These guys were good. They could just stand in front of an empty wall and effortlessly keep people entertained for hours. Lots of heckling and “asaran” but all in good, wholesome, albeit naughty sometimes, fun. Happy days – Pinoy style!
Now, as I watch these guys now on YT, friends (and their grown up kids) who I grew up with in the television industry many moons ago, I cannot but realize that they deserve all the success they are now reaping. I am happy for them and wish them all the blessings and prosperity they deserve.
SONG-SONG COUPLE UNCOUPLED AGAIN WITH REVENGE
Speaking of entertainment, you must all watch these 2 K drama series — The Glory and Reborn Rich. Both are tales of revenge starring Song Hye Kyo in The Glory and Song Joong Ki in Reborn Rich. A bit dark and depressing but both well-produced. The Glory is on Netflix now, with Part 2 of The Glory coming in a few months time. I am now watching Reborn Rich on Viki Global TV, an excellent streaming site for Asian content. I understand that both these drama series rated extremely well in South Korea. The Glory takes bullying to the extreme and ends up with revenge from the victim played by Song Hye Kyo. The role fits SHK to a T. Or should I say to an S. Kudos to the writer and the producers who were not afraid to de-glamorize the portrayal of the characters. The Glory rated so well that Part 2 is now in production to be aired sometime in March. I would not be surprised if it airs even earlier. Alas, Reborn Rich is not on Netflix, yet. But one can watch it on several streaming sites. Worth watching especially during these wintry gray days.
By the way, at last, I have succumbed to subscribing to a paid streaming site for Asian content. I have had enough of all those annoying pop-up ads on the free streaming sites.
You will, of course remember that Song Hye Kyo and Song Joong-ki, who both co-starred in the global k drama hit Descendants of the Sun, were once married complete with a lavish wedding only to end in a somewhat-scandalous divorce in less than 2 years. (Sigh!)
And now they are back with revenge, literally, but not back with each other. Undoubtedly, there is never a dull day in life and showbiz.
BIG TIME FOR COUPLING AND FOR GROUP HUGS COMING SOON
With this and that, enjoy Valentine’s Day with your loved ones! Much love and peace to all!!
Tessie Ochangco Taylor