Paying respect to the Manga illustrator's creative authority

 

Boruto in its new character designs

If you are a Boruto fan, you are definitely aware of another new Boruto manga known as Boruto Two Blue Vortex and fans are so excited the new character designs for the manga.

There was a thread on Twitter/X that says Kishimoto draws better than Ikemoto or vice versa. It is understandable that we have preferences when it comes to art styles however the argument about who is the better illustrator is unnecessary. It seems that some fans make a discussion from this for entertainment which it creates some unhealthy conversations on some fans.

Why did I say that? Because on one of the sources that I read Kishimoto actually let Ikemoto take in charge when it comes to illustrations and that means he have that respect to Ikemoto in terms of artistic expression through the art style. He has given Ikemoto the creative authority and I think whatever Ikemoto put on the table we must accept it and have an open mind. We come for entertainment and those artists are providing it for us.

So as fans, while some of us take criticism of Ikemoto's art style I do feel that we need to understand the purpose why artist drew them that way for example Sarada in this Two Vortex manga, she may look like a prostitute as being seen by some fans but in Japan some teenagers dress like that and they tend to experiment on their style so Sarada's style is no big deal and on the story her role is not about prostitute but a normal teenager that understands what Boruto have gone through and her journey as a hokage for Konoha.

We set aside what are our own impressions about Sarada and follow the artist's creative authority so in that way we get the full appreciation of the story.

What can we learn from Chinese Historical dramas on the Imperial Harem culture?

 

Both historical dramas are from Liu Lianzi (Photo not mine)

There are two Chinese Historical Dramas that I got hooked to watch. First is the Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace and the second one is the Empresses in the Palace and these dramas are based from the novel created by Liu Lianzi. Although these dramas have different characters or some of them may appear on the sequel for example Zhen Huan, she is the main protagonist on the Empresses in the Palace as a Consort but on Ruyi's Royal Love, she is the Empress Dowager however both novels speaks for only one thing the condition of the ladies inside the harem.

Living in the harem may seem to be a good prospect in a way that it help elevate the status of your family clan or even a chance for you to become an empress or a consort of a higher rank or your son to be a prince or the next emperor but not everyone have received a good blessings because if you are the person who is unfavored or loss favour by the emperor you will be degraded by everyone around you.

In ancient China, to preserve the ruling Imperial dynasty, the palace opens its doors to welcome the ladies with a good family background to enter the Imperial harem and their purpose is to produce an heir for the emperor however doing it is not easy because you have to gain favour from the emperor and keep him happy and also you need to consider getting favours from the empress & empress dowager for you to survive in the harem.

The empress is considered as the mother of the nation and she also maintains the peace and harmony in the harem however despite of her efforts, there are still consorts and concubines that are envious and scheming. The empress and others can be your friend or foe, this makes the Forbidden city/Imperial palace a not so good place to live.

Eventhough with these kind of living conditions, it is not impossible to live in peace and quiet life in the harem. The issues going on in the harem, it is not that much different to the current issues that we are dealing with the workplace or on other aspects of our modern lives so with that, what can we learn from watching or even reading about the life of women in the harem?

Upon watching these dramas there are things that we need to look at. Imagine that you are inside the harem, how do you do things differently?

Before we even enter the harem, know the pros and cons of it and if this is something that aligns with your values and your priorities, study what are the good behaviors & understand the rules and from there you will get the proper mindset and readiness to face challenges or pleasant things in. There are some concubines and consorts who only cares for money, power and prestige but that would backfire them in the future. So, if you don't want any trouble in the harem, it would be good to let your intentions known that you are only seeking peace, you only act what is necessary and you wish no ill or competition to others but rather put love and compassion as your purpose.

The next point we need to consider is always humble even if you are promoted in a higher rank. there are some ladies in the harem once being favored by the emperor and received promotion, they become arrogant and belittle those people who serve them or other ladies from the lower or even higher rank. Use your rank to help others in a positive way and help them make a difference and not to cause trouble to yourself and others.

Gossips/rumors can be entertaining but always try your best not to listen nor get involved in any of it. We may get important information by it however we have to investigate it if this is being true, find the facts and where this person coming from. Go to people in the harem that has a pure, simple and have positive outlook. Better see people on a deeper level and look for the big picture of things for a better understanding of the situation.

There are times that there are people who will misunderstand you for whatever you are doing. To deal with it you simply let them be, always be kind to them whatever they treat you, be objective and have good intentions especially when gaining favors with the Emperor, Empress & the Empress dowager & those people from your level and lower rank. There are always circumstances that would flesh out the real truth and if you have good intentions, you will be cleared on any accusations and scheming because you have a pure heart and people whom you get close and acquainted will tell.

The Philippine Rice Porridge is underrated.

A delicious sample of Rice Porridge in my neighborhood for only 20 Philippine Pesos

 

Every Asian countries have their own variations of Rice Porridge and they are more into savory flavours while the European or Western ones may have their Porridge bland either with milk, honey or fruits and thicker in consistency however not all people enjoys Rice porridge and they prefer soups and other hot and heavy dishes. Rice Porridge is considered as a poor or sick mans food just like eating soups however it may look like that but some people don't see the benefits.

Rice Porridge is accessible because if you have rice at your home, you can cook porridge anytime and as you put simple condiments, vegetables or meat then you are good to go!

How to use Astrology, Horoscopes and Tarot readings to our own advantage?

 As the year 2023 ends, we begin to think what is coming next for us and we hope that 2024 brings us a lot of excitement and opportunities. From there, we become curious of what is going to happened so we take a sneak peak in Astrology, Horoscopes and Tarot readings to see if our lives would be lucky enough for 2024. There are some who wants to discover what lies ahead but there are others who are unconvinced and refused to join this activity.

Now, it makes us wonder why there are some who declined to join. For them, astrology, tarot and other esoteric readings shouldn't be taken seriously because this is something that is against their faith, their practices and even science. This also leads us to a point where our destiny is not determined by clairvoyant abilities of a fortune teller, tarot readers and astrologers but through the quality of our efforts, hard work and strong faith to God and all of these must go hand in hand for us to have a prosperous life that we wanted.

Another interesting example is on one of the online posts that I have read, it says that after 72 hours, you have millions in your bank account. It may seem exaggerated by those who are skeptical but to those who are believers of the unknown, spirituality, astrology and into esoteric pathways this serves as a manifestation. True that this might not resonate or might not be immediately happened to their bank account but for some reason it gives them the energy and direction to do whatever goals and dreams that they want to manifest.

No matter how we try to hide Astrology or other Esoteric approaches, we have to accept that there are some things in life that remains a mystery and unexplained. There is this law of the universe that somewhat attracts use to do something and also have the feeling of we are a part of a whole.
Since the olden days Astrologers studies the position of the planets and stars and they observed that there is a pattern of the planets and stars movements that affects on how we do things and from their observations they either warn people to avoid bad things from happening or to bring good news which makes people either threatened or make false beliefs that a good luck will come but they don't make any effort to attract it.

One of the great examples is the Mercury retrograde period. During this period, it is suggested that people shouldn't make big decisions and final conclusions otherwise your plan might get delayed or cancelled so the best way to take advantage on this Mercury retrograde is to slow down, reflect and resume your big plans on a later date.

To use effectively these kinds of readings, we have to see it as form of insight and if we are somewhat of a risk taker, we are aware of what would the possible consequences and make contingency plans to keep us moving with positivity than be scared and don't do anything. It is like reading between the lines.

North Korea is a good place to stay if....

 

I've been watching some North Korean documentary videos and cuisine and travel vlogs on the net out of my curiosity on their lifestyles especially what they are now. There are lots of travel vlogs around the world that showcase a lot of culture from different countries and luckily North Korea has one however due to their current political state there are some restrictions of what to say and do which tourists have to comply. For as long as it doesn't offend the NK government and the people there then you are good.

Some people who travelled or have seen video footage of the current lifestyle of North Koreans may say that life in North Korea is like living backwards, dull or have been stuck however every time I have seen some videos of people in Pyongyang, they seem to live a decent lifestyle but we do not know what goes behind the scenes and even on other places in North Korea.

For some reason, I find their simple life appealing, and I do feel that North Korea is a nice place to stay for Introverts and for those who practice Minimalism and frugal lifestyle. North Korea is also known as the Hermit country in which they are not aware of the corruptions and the flaws that we are experiencing from the different types of government that we are in. 

If North Korea is free from its current political status and achieves its reunification with South Korea or they become an independent nation of their own, we do hope that they would learn and adapt the positive qualities that they will acquire from the South and other countries that would fit into their current needs not merely adapting it because of the trend as they retain and enhance the existing positive qualities they have as a country especially that simple way of living. They are on the process of rebuilding themselves once it happens. 

True that all the countries around the world have benefited from the technological and other advancements but as a country that starts a new beginning, balance and the ability to discern what is important or not are crucial. We have seen lots of flaws of these advancements and we do hope that countries that would help North Korea rebuild but doesn't repeat the same mistakes that we encounter from these advancements. North Korea has great potential of becoming a better nation once they know how to play their cards well. 

Dealing with negative comments and people on Social Media or even outside of it.

When someone gave us, negative comments do not equate it with negativity by learning how to regulate your emotions and see things on a bigger picture.

There is this saying that you cannot please people around you. No matter what you say or do that is well meant, there would some people who are going to misunderstand you or get skeptical at your motives or even think of trying to pull you down.

We may try to fight back and explain ourselves to those people who misunderstood us but for some situations instead the issue gets being clear, things turn against us that you are the one who ends up as an offender than the one who bash you. While others cannot see a healthy criticism or feedback, they easily offended but what they don't see is this one can appear hurtful but if you see it for a different light, it brings you more growth to succeed.

It is a human nature that we react on certain things and think that the other person who provide us negative comments attacks us personally than to think deeper, reflect and see it as an insight.

To deal with these negative comments, we have to consider these points.

First is, these people saw what they have seen from the outside never seen your whole story, this is why whatever they say take it is a grain of salt and don't be affected. People have different perception of things, and it is easy to judge, form assumptions and dive to misunderstandings than to go deeper to the situation and think carefully. However, if you see that you are truly at fault then apologize.

When you are angry as you see those harsh comments, be silent and think carefully and let days pass before you even reply or better if none at all and ignore. You don't owe them an explanation especially no matter how you explain things to them, they want to hear what is pleasing to them.

Second is think if what they say would benefit you in the long run by simply seeing it on a different light. Be calm, open and receptive and don't see these statements as a way to attack you in person but it is an opportunity for you to learn what people like or don't like and also identify yours as well and make necessary actions that suits you, understanding yourself and your boundaries.

For those who are working towards a goal, never listen to naysayers or people who drain your energy. Believe on yourself and your capabilities and continue working towards it.

You focus on self-care, self-improvement and self-betterment, your priorities and what you want to achieve. When you give focus to these it gives you direction and you are not easily influenced and pressure by others.

Avoid gossips and be affected by it. If people are acting behind your back and makes gossips through comments or other means do not join them. Joining would be a waste of your time and energy, and you may also hurt the other person who is the subject of gossip. Gossips can be entertaining but it destroys relationships. There are other things that are matter instead of listening to it. Seek for the truth of the situation by communicating to the person concern or if not, time and events will always tell the truth. Be mindful with our relationships with others, be kind & compassionate and always seek for quality. and substance.

When we receive harsh comments, it is natural that we also received lots of rejections especially to those people who have different values and mindsets. To deal with these rejections, we need to be self-compassionate.

By practicing self-compassion despite of the flaws we have, we also discover our strengths as a person and become resilient and continue to move forward. Although we have family, friends and support people that can protect and defend us, but the inner work will always come from within. If you want to change your situation, it will always start from you. Not all the time they are always there and from there we need to be strong. Those rejections would also determine whose people are meant for you and acts at the best of your interest. It is time to weed out people who don't elevate us to the higher purpose. Remove yourself from toxic people.

We also try to understand where these people are coming from because there are times people are behaving that way because they feel insecure about themselves. It is also hard for them to accept a different perspective of things while others are dealing stress, and they don't have the right emotions and communication skills to deal with it. We need to see the bigger picture as we also being aware of the details, use it on the right way. There are some people through time realize their fault and make an apology.

All in all, in dealing with these negative comments and feedback whether you are the commenter or receiver, we need to have the strong sense of self. Before we even speak and act, we can also apply the "Four Way Test" of the Rotary club.

- Is it the Truth?

- Is it fair to all concerned?

- Will it build good will and better friendships?

- Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

When you are currently into this situation, I hope that this article would help you deal with this predicament. Thank you for reading.

How to Survive in a Shared Accommodation?

 There are some milestones in our lives that we need to use a temporary accommodation such as hostels, bedspace or living a residential house and we co-living with other people who have different backgrounds than us in other words a complete stranger.

As for the reasons and milestones, we use temporary accommodation to help us get by in the area as a tourist and on a budget, students stays in a dormitory or school flats near to their school while working professionals who are starting with their jobs have to choose a cheaper alternative through bedspace.

As much as we want, we want our total privacy and can do what we want on the accommodation that we are trying to stay but that is not always the case because we have to comply with certain rules for us to get the harmonious stay with the other tenants and be safe and also we can adjust.

In these shared accommodations, we need to to compromise otherwise it would cause a misunderstandings and conflicts to the tenants. Your stay in a shared accommodation would be a living hell.

The common issues that a tenant experience when living a shared accommodation are the following and how do we do it differently to survive?

1. Shut off your mentality that "Customers are always right."

In every accommodation we may try to check in check in such as Hotels, Luxury Condos, Commercialized Hostels or in any private accommodation we always expect that we will be always receiving exceptional service and there is this accommodation staff that will respond at your every demands and whims but in a budgeted hostel, hotels, dormitories and bedspaces this kind of exceptional service sometimes doesn't happened because there are limited resources or personnel available.

Shutting your mentality as "Customers are always right" doesn't mean to downgrade your boundaries or tolerating bad service however what we trying to say is to learn to the side of things from their end and what is the current situation they are in before you even complain and rant. Reflect what you would do if you are in their place and how will you deal with demands that is sometimes unrealistic.

Let me give you a story based from my personal experience.

There was this Canadian lady who checked in on the bedspace that I am in. She was informed that there are some hours that the water supply on the second floor bathroom is not available and that happens most of the days so she was advised that if she needed water, she needs to use bathroom downstairs. She stayed at Bedspace for a few days and one night, she complains that there is no water. True that there was no water running on the faucet but there is plenty of water that she can still used from the basin then she make a harsh statement to the Bedspace host that if there is no water, you shouldn't make this kind of business. 

Me and the host were shocked at her statement. Well true that her statement have a point but what she doesn't understand is that area has a poor water supply and this not something like a broken faucet to be fix and there we have already water supply but area's water supply is monitored and controlled by Maynilad (one of the Philippines' water company). No matter how many times she complains and demands for the water supply to return for as long as Maynilad doesn't sort it at midnight or no permission from them, the  issues of water supply will not be settled. This is why you use what is available and be understanding of the situation first before you say unpleasant to someone. 

The accommodation owner already knows that some of the items will be unavailable or limited but the owner needs to continue the business despite of shortages. For example the host takes the statement of that Canadian lady, do you think it is easy to get a new job? Its a "No" so do not make those statements if you are not aware with the deep situation.

Another situation is there was this gay who expressed his interest of checking in the bedspace and he will come at 11:30 at the venue and he also requested to cook lunch for him at 1pm. The host replied and gave him the address. 

When 1pm came, we never heard from him then so we thought that he will not come however at 2pm, that's the time I heard the host was talking to the person and it seems that the gay was angry because he was trying to call her but no response and he complained that he was tired for searching the address he was provided and say that they don't know the location when he asked.

Then host received threatening message from him after that telling the host that the customer is right. True that the customer is right but as a potential guest/tenant you shouldn't yell and threatened the host because you are only asking permission to let you stay in and the host has the right to accept you or not in the accommodation. In the bedspace that I am currently staying in, we encountered lots of difficult guests and tenants. We experience those people who are war freak and those who stole things from some of the guests, this is why I requested the host not to accept this potential gay guest to the Bedspace because he might disrupt the harmony in the accommodation and might get into trouble with the other occupants. When you are going to a shared accommodation be humble enough and be mindful with the people around and not always doing your own way.

2. Dealing with the issues with the property owner in terms of the rules and payments

Before we even start staying in the accommodation, you have this mini orientation with the owner or the host to inform you about the rules of the house and its conditions. We really need to pay attention to this to prevent any hassles and misunderstandings and ask questions if there is any need for clarification. An example of this would be the use of available resources at the accommodation such as water, disposing of bins, number of hours allowed when you are having a visitor, are drinking and smoking allowed.

When it comes to dealing with payments especially if you are into long term stay and on contract please ensure that you are ready to commit and abide with the rules found on contract until the end.

A lot of mistake happened in some guests/tenants that they avail that 1 month or 3 months or more stays in the accommodation but after a day or two they change their mind and expect that their money to be refunded.

This behavior is not good because it is bad for the business and you have to be understanding enough that the owner or the host of the accommodation have bills to pay for the accommodation on a monthly basis or with other arrangements and simply asking for refund in full or in large percentage is not okay.

It would be a good practice that before you commit to the property you have to visit it and see how the environment is from the area, facilities or people around so you can make adjustments. You can also try to avail a 1 or 2 nights stay and see if you are comfortable with it. If yes, then you may commit to 1 week or month or more stays but if not then you may leave and find a better accommodation for you.

Another issue when it comes to payment is, some tenants may informed the owner that they are out of town for 2 weeks but then their due date falls on that 2 weeks of their absence.

It would be a best practice if you take the intiative to make rent payments in advance and ask for receipt before you go out of town, or other option could be make online payment at exact due date or if it is going to pass the due date gave a definite date of payment so the owner wouldn't feel uncertain and left into thinking when are you going to return and make payments.

Most accommodations have their own rules when it comes to payments and they kick out tenants who don't pay or not paying on time without informing them what was going on with your situation. 

If you are owning a small accommodation business, you can feel that struggle and you may not tolerate those tenants who do such bad behaviors.

As a guests or long term tenants, it is your responsibility to pay on time and inform the owner your situation, if there is any changes. Don't make excuses and play victim that you are not informed because it was informed to you the conditions before the owner allowed you to stay.

If you feel that your due date is near find a way to pay it. Have your money set for that from salary or other sources of income or allowances.

3. Lack of resources for example no extension, faulty appliances like Electric fan or Aircon.

In a shared accommodation, there are instances that there are only lacking or limited number of resources however some guests are using two or more items for example plugs instead of 1 per person. Remember, you are not in a Commercialized hostel, Private room or Studio type of accommodation, luxury condos and hotels but you are in a shared accommodation and you shared with other tenants and guests. You need to leave some for other guests or take turns. 

If you encounter faulty appliances, doors, toilet flush and furniture you immediately report it to the owner so they can quickly fixed it or use an alternative material available if those items takes time to fix and becomes available.

Learn to declutter and tidy on a shared accommodation. Some tenants bring lots of belongings to the accommodation but they are unaware that some tenants complain about the lack of place that they can place their belongings which is unfair for them because they are also paying the rent same as you plus if you bring items like rice cooker, small electric kettle, iron and other items that consume electricity, you need to inform the owner so they in turn will give you the proper fees of using electricity especially if that is not included in your rent fee.

Then finally when you check out or your contract ends be responsible to pay all the expenses that was incur and make everything cleared and clean. The owner/hosts presented the accommodation clean and pleasing to everyone.