Blogs of the World

Loving Knickknacks = Loving Anik-Anik

Language is dynamic and it tends to be true when the word ‘knickknack’ takes a form more appealing to Filipino ears. We have a word for that and it’s ‘anik-anik’, the stuff that we hold near and dear.

All of us, in one way or another, had a personal collection. It could be of stamps, toys, books, bottle caps, comics, insects, photos, paintings and even Care Bears.

It’s said that our favorite things can inspire or reflect what we think or prefer. It’s no longer about showing your friends to reveal yourself to others. It’s now: “Show me your ‘anik-anik’ and I’ll tell you who you are.”

With that, ask Filipino artists, directors, writers, designers and even an ice cream maker to show their Batcave/laboratory and one would come up with a truly unique blog: anik-anik love, a feature on creative spaces of talented Filipinos.

Illustrator Apol Sta. Maria and his wall.

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From our contributors: 12 July

Here’s this week’s roundup of posts published by our contributors on their personal blogs. This is your opportunity to get to know more about the people behind PocketCultures.

Jason, our contributor from the US (West Coast), writes about his experiences living in Bolivia, including a visit to the Witches’ Market in La Paz: The La Paz. (more…)

A TCK in Paraguay

Natalia is a self-described third culture kid. Born in Asunción to her Paraguayan father and Argentinean mother, Natalia grew up travelling frequently following his diplomat father’s career. She teaches English as a foreign language.  

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From our contributors: 4 July

Since our contributors around the world often post about their countries on their own blogs, we thought you might be interested to read what they have been writing. So here’s the first in a new series on Blogs of the World where we round-up our favourite contributor posts.

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Exploring culture through Anthropology

Australian blog Culture Matters is a space for students and staff at Macquarie University, Sydney to share and highlight trends in anthropology. The blog explores both Australian and international issues affecting asylum seekers, refugees and indigenous people.

One of the site’s top posts, On being ‘black’ in Australia and the U.S, discusses ways in which we imagine identity and attribute race. There is also a great discussion in the comments section on identity and labels.

Join the conversation here and visit this site to learn more about practical applcations for anthropology in day to day life.

Read more:
More blogs from Australia on Blogs of the World
Canada’s cultural mosaic
Indigenous flags of Australia

A window to Ghana

“If you look through this window hard enough, you will see my soul“…

… writes Nana Kofi Acquah about his site, also described as ‘a window to Ghana and Africa’. Nana’s colourful and top quality photos of life in Ghana could tell their stories on their own, but his thoughtful narratives give added context.

Read more:
More blogs from Ghana on Blogs of the World
Ghana meets Australia: reflections from a cross-cultural couple
Finding a sense of direction in Ghana