Written by Grace Debora C. Ongkowidjojo

(016201200028)

Intro
An open letter is a letter targeted to those which will not likely receive the letter and is meant to be read for a wide audience. Since this blog will mainly talk about culture, here is my disturbing thought about the definition of the word itself.

An Open Letter to the Word "Culture"

Dear "Culture",
For as long as I live, I have learned of you in many manners and terms. Sometimes you are what people say as good manners, like when we watch Tarzan and called people like him "uncultured", but then common academic definition tells the other; that you are a system and set of human intellectual products, as we find on traditional arts, folklore, places, etc. People think that you are customs, way of living and thinking. Well Culture, you indeed are very hard to describe! But at the same time, I think this is also what makes the study of you very intriguing as people are let to explore their widest and wildest interpretations and experiences. This is what makes you dynamic and makes people wonder, discover and learn.

Sincerely,

Grace

written by Angelini

3 days ago, 15 May 2014, believers of Buddha religion celebrate Vesak day. In Indonesia, they gathered at Borobudur Temple, Magelang, Central Java. As we know, Borobudur Temple is one of heritage for Buddha religion that so famous in world's eyes. Borobudur Temple was recognized as part of 7 wonders of the world in the past. Approximately 30.000 people from many regions even other countries gathered at Borobudur Temple to commemorate Vesak day. The goal of this ritual is to unite the hearts, clear the mind, and purify the physical body. The climax of this ritual is release the lanterns together.

Release lanterns at dawn together with all Buddha believers

The scenery of Bororbudur Temple on 15th May (Vesak Day) at night

Monks from various countries come to pray at Borobudur Temple

The thing that attracts me from this ritual is how a religion can unite people from different backgrounds, different cultures, different countries, etc to come and pray together with one mutual goal. When they did this ritual on Vesak day, they respect each other without looking who you are or where you come from. They focused on one goal and did this ritual together until the end without commotion. If we could apply this to our life, it would be nice. We live in multicultural environment, so it would be better if we see the differences from positive side. We should respect each other and focus on our mutual goal without underestimate other differences and cultures.

Posted by suci putri ramadhani

The world's largest beverage maker, Coca-Cola, plans to remove a controversial ingredient from some of its US drinks brands by the end of this year, following an online petition.

Brominated vegetable oil, or BVO, is found in Coca-Cola fruit and sports drinks such as Fanta and Powerade.

Rival Pepsi removed the chemical from its Gatorade sports drink last year.

In Japan and the European Union, the use of BVO as a food additive is not allowed.

Pepsi has a plan to remove the ingredient from its entire product portfolio. BVO has been used as a stabiliser in fruit flavoured drinks as it helps to prevent ingredients from separating.

According to medical researchers at the Mayo Clinic, excessive consumption of soft drinks containing BVO has been linked to negative health effects, including reports of memory loss and skin and nerve problems

So consume soft drinks that contain BVO is not safe for health because have effect to skin and nerve , and we are should avoid soft drink that contain BVO

Posted by: Dara Puspita Nurani

 

"Seoul is more than just a city. Its explain all the joy you can ever have"

Bored with your school, college, work or even your daily routine? Hold on... Because summer is on the way! And related to that, in this post I'm not gonna talking about any formal information or whatever but let's enjoy another good place that the world has offer. I want to take you to a place where Hallyu Fever comes yet it was my last holiday trip. Yes its South Korea with its capital city, Seoul. Its Seoul! Seriously way too excited! What the best part of this trip anyway? Well for me, of course the weather! I know its amusing yet embarrassing tho, but it doesn’t matter because yay!! Finally I got to see how beautiful Seoul under snow. Here I won’t tell you the full part of my trip -because it would kill me or I could make a novel anyway-, but I will highlight the important things about what should you do, any places you should visit, and of course what to wear. However for those who will go there and need information about Seoul you can ask me anything, I will tell you anything I know.

I chose Seoul because I like its dramas -actually at the first-, but after I went there it feels like I want to go there again and over again.. Trust me, its a worth place to visit. Anything about South Korea is just positively beyond explanation, yet anything there is not really expensive and its easy to get (place to stay, transportation, food, etc). Well at that time I went there it was on January, so I had a really cold yet freeze winter in my trip. I think if you want to go there the best time to come maybe on fall season because there winter could reach until more than -10 degree Celsius, why I said so because the rainy snow could come anytime, maybe at the first time you will be happy to feel that but then you will realized that it could bother yourself and your trip (I felt so anyway). I didn’t go there by travel and tour or something because what I like most about traveling is to know how does it feels to living like a citizen of that country, well back again so I went there only with my friend and believe me none of us could speak Korean and know everything about Seoul except what we got from Google. Reckless, isn’t it? So let’s get lost!

We stayed at a guest house named Philhouse (you can type it on google) and I will recommend this place to you because its the coziest guest house ever! The owner and staffs are really kind and helpful, yet the location is near subway station (Achasan station, line 5) and of course the price per night is not really expensive. Under this place you can find convenience store where you can buy anything include food, and you can cook it by yourself at Philhouse. Fyi, I always bought 2 Kimbap to fill my tummy before I left the guest house. As what I said before, you don’t have to worry about transportation because the subway station is really near and you only need one card called T-Money to access all kind of transportation in Seoul. Don’t you ever worry about the direction also! Don’t hesitate to find and ask the people from tourism office who wear red jacket with (i) written there since they could speak English very well. Its very helpful yet easy because you can find those people like anywhere in Seoul; subway stations, tourism places, even at the streets.

Next I will mentioned a few places I’ve visit at South Korea which are; Gyeongbokgung Palace, Gwanghwamun Square, Nami Island, N-Seoul Tower, Myeongdong Street, Namdaemun Market, Gangnam Street, Hongdae Street, Ewha University, Hongik University, Mango Six Cafe, Caffe Bene, Tom and Toms Cafe, Hello Kitty Cafe, KTO, Kona Beans, Apgujeong Rodeo Street, and etc which I couldn’t mentioned all since its like really too much. But here I will tell some things about what should you do in Seoul; 1. girls, spend your money on make up here like seriously (don’t ask me why cause you’ll know), 2. don’t ever forget to eat over and over again Korean food as much as you can (fish cake, poop cake, toppokki, chicken bbq satay, kimbap, bibimbap, ddeokbokki, snacks, etc), 3. buy souvenirs at Namdaemun since the price is really tantalized and there you can bargain hehe, 4. you don’t have to bring much money unless you will shop a lot. Well if you need any information about how to get to those places, where to buy something, any other recommended places, or maybe about the budget you should bring, you can ask me since its a lil impossible to tell it here (no seriously I'm not lazy), I will be very happy to explain. One more thing, no matter what season you’ll go there, just don’t ever forget to be stylish all the time. Those oppa(s) and Unnie(s) are just successfully killed my eyes, and my mouth, and my clothes. Seriously.

 

 

You know going abroad to other country is not only give us experiences but also teach us some values. As what I already experienced, people in South Korea are very nice, well-mannered, and friendly, like omg I couldn’t forget how an old lady gave me an orange just because I gave her my seat at subway, how some boys helped me to carried my baggage at subway station, and how some people try to communicated with me to told me where I should go when I was confused with the direction then took me to the place I wanted to go. They are just too nice. I was kinda lost there, but never been worried much because there would be always people who tried to help even when I wasn’t asking for. Just enjoy and explore by yourself because there are no better idea than going abroad as a living-people, not as a tourist. Why I dare to said so because beside the fun of traveling itself, it feels like you’re stepping out from your comfort zone to taste and learn new adventure, new knowledge, new experience, new culture, and for myself as an International Relations student nothing is more exciting than to interact with various kind of people from all over the world while also learn about people’s behavior and how we could deal and respect that. Anyway, remember to enjoy your holiday not only as an ordinary holiday thing but as an extraordinary one when you can learn many things for your life. So now, who's ready to get lost?

posted by : Gabriela Davita Amelia

Hello guys!

Today I'm going to discuss about our culture, Indonesian culture. As we may know, Indonesia has a LOT of culture, from its tradition, traditional food, clothes, houses, songs, etc. We have a many many culture until we can't remember all of them, even some of them seems unfamiliar. Well, that's the problem of Indonesian youth nowadays, we start to become careless about Indonesian culture. This matters is also triggered by the massive culture globalization which entering Indonesia. Of course there is a good impact from the globalization era. We can introduce our culture to the international community. However, does it really become a good impact for Indonesia? Or else, it makes our culture lost? Recently we know that other countries claimed our culture. 

1. Batik from Java by Adidas

2. Ancient Script from Riau by Malaysia Government

3. Ancient Script from West Sumatera by Malaysia Government

4. Ancient Script from South Celebes by Malaysia Government

5. Ancient Script from Southeast Celebes by Malaysia Government

6. Rendang from West Sumatera by Malaysian people

Rendang, West Sumatera

7. Sambal Bajak from Central Java by one of Ducthman

8. Sambal Petai from Riau by one of Dutchman

9. Sambal Nanas from Riau by one of Dutchman

10. Tempe from Java by several foreign companies

11. Rasa Sayang Sayange Song from Maluku by Malaysia Government

12. Reog Ponorogo Dance from East Java by Malaysia Government

Reog Ponorogo

13. Soleram Song from Riau by Malaysia Government

14. Injit - Injit Semut Song from Jambi by Malaysia Government

15. Gamelan Percussion from Java by Malaysia Government

16. Kuda Lumping Dance from East Java by Malaysia Government

17. Piring Dance from West Sumatera by Malaysia Government

Piring Dance, West Sumatera

18. Kakak Tua Song from Maluku by Malaysia Government

19. Kursi Taman Dengan Ornamen Ukir Khas Jepara from Central Java by one of French

20. Anak Kambing Saya Song from Nusa Tenggara by Malaysia Government

21. Pigura Dengan Ornamen Ukir Khas Jepara from Central Java by one of British

Jepara's Figura

22. Motif Batik Parang from Yogyakarta by Malaysia Government

23. Desain Kerajinan Perak Desak Suwarti from Bali by one of American

24. Produk Berbahan Rempah - rempah dari Tanaman Obat Asli Indonesia by Shiseido Co Ltd

25. Batik Tumbuk Lada by Malaysia Government

26. Gayo Coffee from Aceh by MNC Netherlands

27. Toraja Coffee from South Celebes by Japanese Company

28. Musik Indang Sungai Garinggiang from West Sumatera by Malaysia

29. Ulos Fabric by Malaysia Government

30. Angklung by Malaysia Government

31. Jali - jali Song by Malaysia Government

32. Pendet Dance by by Malaysia Government

Pendet Dance, Bali

You see? There are PLENTY of our culture claimed by others. Why is this happening? 

If we see from the outside perspective, indeed, Indonesia has a lot of treasure which Indonesia itself did not recognize, which make other parties take the chance to claim it. If we see from the inside country, it is because Indonesian government did not patent all those cultures, government should have record of every culture existed in Indonesia. Regarding to this matter, Another thing, maybe we should ask ourselves. Have we respect our own culture? Are we proud of our culture? Are we willing to introduce our culture to the world, so that they know we have such culture? I think to be proud of our nations and culture is very important for our generation, since we are the one who will continue to run the country. But first, we have to know our own culture, learn the history, and spread it throughout the world! :) 

As our slogan, "Bhineka Tunggal Ika" which is Unity in Diversity, we also have to unite and fight for the glory of our nations. Be the brave country and gain respect from others, so that our culture will not be stolen anymore. 

written by Sharen Natasha

Thailand is well known as which one of a popular tourist destination in Asia, But in recent years Thailand especially Bangkok now started turning heads in global fashion circles. Reported by fashion Asia's Margaret Zhang recently explored the colour and buzz surrounding some of Bangkok's fashion hotspots, then discovered the reasons why Thailand fashion become popular.

1. The ‘Made in Thailand’ tag is being popular
Thailand’s new designers are keen to shake off the notion Thai fashion is cheap and plentiful, and replace it with the hallmark of global signature labels: quality over quantity. "Made in Thailand" will never have connotations the same way as ''Made in France' or ''Made in Italy'  but we are not mass as 'Made in China' or 'Made in India''. We are rebranding as "Made in Thailand"  to signify good design in both garments and accessories," said Pow Foongfaungchaveng.

2. Food and fashion are becoming best friends
A number of Thai designers are tapping into shopping mall fatigue and setting up their boutique collections alongside restaurants or stimulating caffeinated brews.International fashion star Kem Issara said, she wants to create a unique experience for those who stumble upon her brand.“This used to be a café, but I kind of turned it around to become a café and fashion.“I think I kind of like that because it gives you a bit of a change from shopping in a department store with a café it helps me to make a lifestyle other than just shop and go.

3. What starts on the beach ends up on the catwalk
As tourists flock to Thailand’s beaches, it’s only natural that the swimwear found resting on the country’s idyllic sands would start to catch on worldwide.Designer and retailer Pow Foongfaungchaveng says it makes sense for Thailand to lead the world in beachside fashion.

“I think that every country that has great beaches supposed has great swimwear."

4. The Origin of Thailand’s fashion 
Central to Thailand’s culture is the rich history of the country’s royal family.To promote local techniques, Queen Sirikit took a global tour wearing traditional Thai dress and then opened an exhibition showcasing traditional textiles.Project Manager Piyavara Teekara says the display garnered interest across the globe.“This month we invited the Vogue Magazine crew with the editor-in-chief and one of their designers.”

5. Markets are providing fabulous fashion finds
Margaret explores one of the many markets in Bangkok, Bangkok markets are a hotbed for those looking for a fashion score to boast about. She took an afternoon to discover the Chatuchak Sunday Market with fashion guru Chalisa Viravan.“Sometimes you can find something that is so current, that you’ve just seen on the runway and then it’s just right here with the low price,” Viravan says.

So, no wonder why Thailand fashion is getting famous. They not only have the product with the low price yet good quality.

written by Gabriela Davita Amelia

Heyho, football lovers!

The World is now feeling World Cup euphoria! Can you feel it? Yep. FIFA World Cup is approaching. It's still in June, but people are waiting for it so badly. This year, as you may know, World Cup will be held in Brazil, which is also known as one of great football team in the world. Do you know, Brazil has won 5 titles in World Cup? That's cool, right. 

Well, we all know World Cup is so exciting! But do you also know, that World Cup also brings a message for us? hmm.. I'm going to discuss a bit more about the history of World Cup.

World Cup was first inaugurated in 1930, with the first host country was Uruguay. It was attended by 13 invited countries and has been widely developed until now. World Cup has indeed made a great impact, especially for the host country. Since the first World Cup, many adjustment has been made. The purpose was increasingly evolving. From only to play sport, then it became successful and became one of world's icon. Nowadays, it has been used for many purposes, including to promote diversity and tolerance.

Yes! World Cup is teaching us about diversity and tolerance. Why? Here I give some example

Copacabana Beach, Brazil, 2014.

These bears were originally come from the countries that join World Cup 2014. They were designed by the artists from the origin country. I really like this concept of bears tho, they manage to be beautifully different. It really shows us that we are the same, only different colors and lines.

South Africa, 2010

Do you know that Waka Waka song by Shakira derived from many elements? She used Western, Colombian and Afro-Carribbean elements, Cameroon, and South Africa itself. Here's what she said about World Cup ".. in that way we can create a song that would be more emblematic of what the world cup spirit is, that spirit of tolerance and integration and melting pot that South Africa right now"

Germany, 2006

Up next! Germany. Sorry for the bad quality picture, but... this picture above shows us what is so called "The Ballace 2006" project. This event was held by young volunteers which represented UK, to promote tolerance, fairplay and integration through grassroots community football in Germany and they brough together more than 150 volunteers from partner organizations in Poland, Italy, Norway, France and Germany. Well, nice way to gain more networks also.

Ok, from the facts I've told you above, I believed World Cup has come to be a great valuable event for our international community. Interesting, how a game can be so influential. Well, hope you like it! :)