Posts

The Art of War by Sun Tzu

Image
This version of the world's oldest military treatise is translated and annotated by Lionel Giles. Giles provided not only a translation but also included the different interpretations of various commentators in explaining the passages. This version begins with an introduction of Giles' work. Sun Tzu, the commentators of his work, and The Art of War's influences are also included. The comments from the translators may be a bit distracting but without them, some parts will probably not make sense to the modern readers. Moreover, the commentators also give their interpretations of Sun Tzu's maxims as well as cite examples of battles and historical figures. The Art of War is divided into thirteen chapters. In the introduction of the book, there is a mention of speculations on how many chapters the original manuscript was made up of. The following are the 13 chapters of The Art of War: I. Laying Plans II. Waging War III. Attack by Stratagem IV. Tactical Dispo...

Our Babies

Image
Manu. Born December 9, 2005. We named after Manu Ginobili of San Antonio Spurs. Very sweet and smart... and maybe a bit spoiled. Eldest of late Timmy's (she was one of our dogs too) litter and the only surviving descendant.                                                   Tonia. Born June 14, 2012. We named her after Tony Parker of San Antonio Spurs. She has huge appetite and loves to snuggle. She looked starved and lonely when we bought her from a guy selling half-breed puppies on the street. Hachi. Born May 29, 2012. Named after Hachiko of the movie of the same name. Extremely energetic (and a bit destructive if left alone at home) and loves to kiss and snuggle family members. We got her from my sister's friend who breeds dogs.

History of the Incas by Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa

Image
History of the Incas is a product of the collaboration of the author's research and interviews and the natives' cooperation. The author made it clear in the first part of the book that the contents have been verified and are considered authentic by the natives. Although the book discusses the mythical origin, movement and settlement, succession of rulers, and the wars of the Incas, its goal is to prove to the then King of Spain, Philip II, that the lands occupied by the Incas belong to the King and not to the natives. This will be explained in the later part of the book after describing the downfall of the last Inca ruler. The first few chapters describe the peopling of the continents after the Flood. The descendants of Atlas divided the lands amongst themselves. This part may be irrelevant but I don't suggest skipping this. There is however an account of the mythical origin of the land of the Incas and its people that was provided by the native correspondents. Next is...

Bushido, The Soul of Japan by Inazo Nitobe

Image
The book can be divided into several parts which discuss the sources, application, and influence of Bushido. According to Nitobe, Bushido is a "code of moral principles which the samurai were required or instructed to observe." It is made up of maxims which are discussed thoroughly in the book. Before proceeding to the discussion of the maxims, Nitobe cited the possible influences in the development of the codes. He then goes on to tell the reader of the maxims by citing examples and comparisons. There is also a section on the education and training of the samurai, the samurai's sword, and the training and position of the samurai woman. The first two are just overviews and do not elaborate the training of the knights. Finally, Nitobe contemplates the status of Bushido and its uses in the future. The book is very easy to understand, however, Nitobe cites names and events that may not be familiar to the average reader. Still, his other examples will suffice. Alth...

Anting-anting Stories and Other Strange Tales of the Filipinos by Sargent Kayme

Image
A collection of mystery and adventure stories, Anting-anting Stories and Other Strange Tales of the Filipinos, takes the reader into the colorful world of Filipino folk beliefs and superstitions. The word anting-anting's closest English equivalent is talisman, which is an object that gives supernatural abilities and protection to its owner. The anting-anting, however, is mainly for protection and it can be anything from a pendant to a piece of paper. Although most of the stories are set in some regions in the Philippines, the majority are told from the perspective of non-Filipino characters. As a Filipino, it is interesting to read what other people think of some of our beliefs. The following are the stories included in this volume: The Anting-anting of Captain Von Tollig The Cave in the Side of Coron The Conjure Man of Siargao Mrs. Hannah Smith, Nurse The Fifteenth Wife "Our Lady of Pilar" A Question of Time The Spirit of Mount Apo With What Measure Ye Me...

Froth Wolf

Image
This is how I visualize Froth Wolf, Tavore's flagship. I was going for Silanda but I forgot it didn't have sails.

Jubei Yagyu of Onimusha 2: Samurai's Destiny

Image
Jubei Yagyu of the Onimusha 2 game. I'm not happy with this drawing. His eyes look weird.