Latest news with #Roman
Mint
4 hours ago
- Mint
Rags to Riches from Rome to the China Seas
The hot Roman summer sun can ignite daydreams and, a few weeks ago, while visiting a friend at an art gallery on the Via Giulia, I walked by the nearly half-a-millennium old Palazzo Sacchetti and pondered the fate of the families who owned it, lost it, sold off parts of it and passed into history. My colleague Adrian Wooldridge has written columns about contemporary European and Italian dynasties and their effective stewardship of family businesses. But my thoughts were all about the romance of declines and falls — and what lessons there might be for today. The musings took me from Rome across 6,000 miles to the south China coast and a little beyond. I've never been to Zhangli village in Fujian province, just outside the city of Quanzhou, which the Venetian merchant Marco Polo described as one of the world's greatest ports in the 13th century. I'm not taking you that far back in time, just to the middle of the 19th and the construction of a set of 23 red brick mansions, arranged along five rows and spread across 16,300 square meters became lords of a commercial empire of their own, encompassing a sprawling bazaar in Manila as well as farming, forestry and construction interests. Also known as Chua Chengco, my great-great-grandfather was dubbed 'Mariano Velasco' by the colonial administrators who hoped the 'honor' would tie him — and his money — even more closely to the regime. Because there was a local Spaniard with the same name, he was referred to as Mariano Velasco el Chino. Still, it kind of worked: To this day, around the world, there are scores of Velascos of Chinese descent very proud of their Spanish apellido. I like to think of Spain as one of my 'old countries' — along with China and the Philippines. The money, however, has long dissipated. The Zhangli village property — built with repatriated wealth and exotic material from the family's plantations in the Philippines — needs both conservation and renovation. The provincial government would like to turn it an open-air museum. But that requires financing, and there really isn't a paterfamilias among the existing Velascos to take charge of the legacy. In fact, tracking what became of the Velasco wealth is a genealogical headache. In terms of business, there is a department store that can claim some descent from the old bazaar. The physical house that Velasco built in Manila may actually have been larger than the Zhangli complex, but it has vanished. With his two wives, Don Mariano had nine sons; and inherited assets diminished as they were divided among succeeding generations. Add in the depredations of the Spanish flu pandemic, the Great Depression, the Pacific war that left Manila a charred wreck… Sic transit gloria mundi. The Velascos are a chapter in the long sojourn of the Chinese in Southeast Asia, escaping poverty and chaos in the Middle Kingdom to win prosperity and influence in a new world. The historical experience involves questions of assimilation and integration as I've noted in a previous column. Some of the lessons are rags-to-riches sagas familiar to every culture. For example: A huge fortune will be hostage to many heirs, even if a clearly documented will exists. When the Indonesian industrialist Eka Tjipta Widjaja — born Huang Yicong in Quanzhou, China — passed away in 2019, some of his children sought control of the corporations he founded in addition to what had been left to them from his estimated $9.3 billion fortune. Sometimes, the feuds break out even before the dynastic founder is gone, as evidenced by the father-son battle in Singapore's Kwek family. It remains to be seen whether this age of 'high net worth family offices' — an industry that's growing dramatically among rich ethnic Chinese families — can discipline the human drive to bag the biggest inheritance. Most Chinese migrants learned that life in a new country was better with new names. Most didn't wait — as I assume Mariano Velasco did — until the authorities realized their worth and rewarded them with a culturally integrated moniker. They just took what they thought would help them with their prospects and careers, just as F. Scott Fitzgerald had James Gatz transform into Jay Gatsby in his famous novel about social climbing. They chose names that looked less foreign, that sounded more like the languages of their adopted lands. Hence, Huang became Widjaja in Indonesia. In the Philippines, the businessman Carlos Palanca — whose surname now graces the country's most prestigious literary award — was originally Chen Liulai . In the late 19th century, the Fujian-born migrant cadged the name of a Spanish diplomat who'd been briefly assigned to Manila a couple of decades before and wasn't around to contest the steal. Palanca's wealth was founded on a distillery that also had a distinctly Iberian name, La Tondeña . They also learned to avoid politics — there's a long history of xenophobic riots and massacre against foreign-born merchants who order locals around or who are perceived as a threat to the prevailing status quo. Indeed, the political dynamics of contemporary Malaysia are based on racial tensions among the native Malay and the descendants of Chinese and Tamil migrants. That didn't mean that rich Chinese families didn't support politicians. Often, they supported all the major parties simultaneously, spreading their bets to cover all eventualities. They preferred to be kingmakers rather than kings. And so, many ethnic Chinese clans look askance at the billionaire and former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra as he and his clan are rocked back and forth by political controversy stirred up as they try to dominate Thailand. In Singapore, while the political legacy of founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew is nowhere as turbulent , the family honor was still stained by an unseemly squabble among his heirs over a house he left them. That's spilled over into politics, with the ambitions of Lee Hsien Yang — who says he has won political asylum in the UK — now aimed at his older brother and former prime minister Lee Hsien Loong. Aiyah, as they say in Singapore. In the Philippines, ethnic Chinese still shy away from personal involvement in politics. Being too closely tied — even as a financier — to politicians is risky. The plutocrat Lucio Tan was an influential player in the administration of Philippine President Joseph Estrada, but that didn't save the billionaire from scrutiny after Estrada was ousted in a civilian coup in January 2001. Still, many descendants of Chinese migrants in the Philippines do engage in politics. For the most part, that's because they're members of the Chinese mestizo class — which, from generation to generation and every intermarriage, is less and less Chinese. The most successful example is the sprawling Cojuangco family, a clan founded by an immigrant from Fujian who made his fortune in sugar. The family's most famous politicians were Corazon Cojuangco Aquino and her son Benigno Aquino III, both of whom held the office of president. I have politicians in my family now. I'm particularly proud of my first cousin Josefina 'Joy' Belmonte, who is in her third term as mayor of Quezon City, a constituency of nearly 3 million people. Our grandmother — our mothers' mother — was the Velasco. For the Chinese, mestisaje is a poignant survival mechanism: preserving one's genes but slowly forgetting the ways of one's ancestors. I hope to one day visit Zhangli village and see what's left of the estate of Mariano Velasco. I wonder if my thoughts will then turn to Rome and the the Palazzo Sacchetti. There are echoes. It was designed by its first owner, a man named Antonio Cordiani. He'd grown up poor in Florence and moved to the city of the popes to apprentice with his uncles. Eventually he took their surname — Sangallo, which is still what Romans call the street by the Tiber next to the palazzo. The house didn't stay in his family for long. The building still stands. But the people who lived in it and their riches have faded away. It's almost Chinese. More From Bloomberg Opinion: The name-changes did not prevent calumnies. There is one theory that Don Mariano was the basis for the greedy and manipulative Chinese merchant Quiroga in El Filibusterismo, a novel by Jose Rizal, the Philippines' national hero. News reports of the anti-Chinese pogroms in California and the western US states as I noted in this column reinforced the anxieties of Chinese in Southeast Asia. This column reflects the personal views of the author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Howard Chua-Eoan is a columnist for Bloomberg Opinion covering culture and business. He previously served as Bloomberg Opinion's international editor and is a former news director at Time magazine.
South Wales Argus
5 hours ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Caerwent pub with countryside views on market for £825,000
The Coach & Horses Inn, located on Caerwent's main street, is on the market for £825,000. According to the listing, the property consists of a collection of one and two storey buildings, with a mix of public areas, letting rooms, and owner's accommodation. Set in the historic village of Caerwent, the inn sits just off the A48, around five miles west of Chepstow and eleven miles east of Newport. (Image: Christie and Co via Rightmove) Caerwent is known for its Roman heritage, with what the listing describes as "some of the best-preserved Roman walls in Northern Europe." The location is said to benefit from access to local attractions such as Chepstow Racecourse, golf courses, and nature reserves. Transport links include the M4 motorway and Caldicot train station, which is approximately two and a half miles away. (Image: Christie and Co via Rightmove) The main building contains a tap room at the front, which leads into a lounge area with mixed seating and a woodburning fire. The lounge is described as being popular with both diners and drinkers. A restaurant, with air conditioning, overlooks the rear garden and is also used as a function suite for weddings and other events. (Image: Christie and Co via Rightmove) The restaurant is said to accommodate around 100 covers. Other ground floor features include a snug area with space for approximately 20 covers, a commercial kitchen, storage space, a cellar, and customer toilets, including accessible facilities. The kitchen is described in the listing as "extended" and offering "ample storage." Fixtures and fittings are included in the sale, according to the listing. (Image: Christie and Co via Rightmove) On the first floor, there are three ensuite double letting rooms for guests. The domestic accommodation, also on the first floor, includes a kitchen and living room, a master bedroom with ensuite shower, and three additional double bedrooms. Outside, the property has a trade garden to the rear, which includes a children's play area and what the listing calls "panoramic views across open countryside." A car park to the right of the property is said to provide space for around 40 cars. (Image: Christie and Co via Rightmove) According to the listing, there is potential for further development. There is mention of a lapsed planning permission to extend the existing stables building, which could allow for either a coffee shop or a two-bedroom holiday let. There is also said to be potential to extend over the flat roof at the rear to create additional letting accommodation, subject to the necessary permissions. The business currently operates under a premises licence. Trading hours vary throughout the week, with drinks service in the afternoons and evenings from Monday to Wednesday, and food service available from Thursday to Sunday, with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays. Reported net turnover for the year ending August 2022 was £502,621, with the previous year's figure at £511,745, according to information provided in the listing. The property is offered as a freehold, with a rateable value of £20,000 effective from April 2023. Staff details are to be provided to interested parties. All prospective buyers are advised to check business rates with the local authority.
Mint
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Mint
Manu Joseph: The defeat of English is the defeat of Amateur Indians
A few weeks ago, Home Minister Amit Shah said at the launch of a book of Hindi poems, 'In our lifetime, we will see a society in which those speaking English will feel ashamed…" He also said, 'A complete India cannot be imagined through half-baked foreign languages." Later, facing some sort of lament from political opponents, he said that he is not against 'foreign languages." About the shame bit, he has a point. I do not believe English is a 'foreign' language anymore in India. Apart from all the obvious reasons, Bollywood operates mostly in English; not only are most screenplays in English, the Hindi dialogues too are written in the Roman script. Very few stars can read Hindi or read it fast. Most people who read this column may not be able to read their mother tongue. I can't either. This could and should bloom into shame. Also Read: Only English please: Trump's language order isn't just symbolism Despite its stature, English has failed in India. Its ubiquity is a residue of its past privilege, like the vast assets of a sinking aristocrat. The class whose world is framed in English, in my view, can be called amateur Indians. And their world is dying. In fact, the death of Indian English is closely tied to the defeat of the Amateur Indian, a person whose pantomime of Western sophistication makes him a cultural misfit in his own nation. In time, the use of English may become an overt sign of being amateur Indians—those people who speak of history and culture but can hardy converse in their own mother tongue, those who cannot navigate their own nation, or communicate with a government clerk, or with a cop or a thug; in many ways, they are 'foreigners' in their own nation and foreigners elsewhere too, even if they give romantic names to this orphanhood and take discreet pride in it. In response to Shah's observation, opposition leader Rahul Gandhi pointed out that English is a language of aspiration.I am not certain anymore that this is true, or at least as indisputable as it was a generation ago. A consequence of progress is that symbols of prestige are exposed as elitist clubs that are useless once the common man gains access to them. Prestige is not prestigious if ordinary people gain access to it. Also Read: As it spreads across the world, who owns English? Once, English was the language of the people who ran India. It was a time when class and money meant the same thing. India has changed. Even though English still has some prestige, its influence is waning because the influence of prestige itself is waning. English now belongs to a confused minority: Upper-middle class. India might be the only society in the world whose educated upper-middle class does not speak any language with complete mastery. Many of us are stranded in English and we speak our mother tongues—or the languages that raised us—very poorly. For instance, many of us cannot read high prose or even give a formal speech in an Indian language. Across India, the mother tongue has risen in prominence, aided by technology. The primary language of the new sahib is not English, but his mother tongue. His poor hold over English doesn't embarrass him. Mastery of English is not a sign of wealth anymore. Also Read: Our literary fiction written in English has lost its spark And class is not as alluring as money anymore. The world of India's new economic and cultural elite is framed in Indian languages. In most of North India, the power of Hindi is almost total. In all southern states, the cultural influence of their independent languages is nearly total. As a result, there is an emotional connection between the poor and the new icons—a bond that the average Indian used to share only with politicians, sportspeople and actors. This has a significant social outcome. Today's rich are able to influence, persuade and co-opt the poor in more efficient ways. The most influential news channels now broadcast in Indian languages. Over-the-top streaming platforms for entertainment are increasingly going lowbrow in Indian languages. They have created a new genre of heartland dramas. That is where 'Bollywood' too is headed in its fight for survival. The reason they fail is that the people who decide what 'the masses' want are still people who think in English, who have only recently begun shedding their cultural amateurishness. Just as wokes are people who have to make bad guesses at what it means to be decent, the new Indian 'heartland drama' is conceived by people who have to make guesses about what the heartland is. Also Read: Three-language formula: Chhattisgarh offers an education case study What is going on in new India is that a true pop culture is emerging that is unifying all classes, except those who are Westernised, who in any case have either migrated or vanished in other ways. This unification does not require a single Indian language; it only requires the absence of an anglicized worldview. A bit of the prophecy of shame is already true and has been for some time. When I was growing up in Madras, a guy who spoke excessively in English was called Peter. And 'delivering Peter"—a weird translation from Tamil—was a way to insult a posh guy who spoke in English. And it was ridiculous even then to see 'national' leaders, meaning people from Delhi, touring Tamil Nadu and speaking to some of the world's poorest people in English. Speaking Hindi carried a political stigma in the state. But then, Hindi films ran to full houses and Hindi was tied to such an advanced economy compared to Tamil Nadu's that one of its most famous men, Rajinikanth, played a sidekick to a Bollywood hero in more than one Hindi film. Even today, political leaders from Delhi who visit Tamil Nadu speak to the masses there in English. They need not anymore. The author is a journalist, novelist and screenwriter. His book, 'Why the poor don't kill us', will release in August.
Daily Record
6 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Record
'Beautiful' £1000 Debenhams watch that comes in 4 colours drops to £108 in the sale
'I gave my wife as an anniversary present and she loved it.' While the vast majority of people will probably have a traditional and stylish looking watch in their accessory collection that seamlessly matches with every outfit, it is sometimes fun to go for something a bit more unique in design that will be sure to turn heads. With a mixture of watches available in the sale, shoppers are sure to be able to find a wide range of timepieces on the Debenhams website that will add a unique twist to their collection - with the added bonus of not breaking the bank. One timepiece that caught our eye in the midst of the sale is the STÜHRLING Original Luxe Automatic 4022 38mm Skeleton Watch. Usually retailing for a whopping £1,050, shoppers can now snap up this intricate timepiece for £108.75. Saving shoppers over £900, Debenhams describes the Luxe Watch as an accessory to 'behold' due to its elegant design details. Featuring delicate leaf-like hands and an embedded Roman Numeral hour marker design, this timepiece draws shoppers in as it allows viewers to see the inner workings of the watch. Featuring a precision-engineered Automatic P2650 Caliber, this watch will keep time with seamless accuracy. Boasting a 38mm case, with a glittering bejeweled bezel, this timepiece offers a contemporary fit to your wrist. Finished off with a satin twill covered leather strap, this timepiece offers both comfort and sophistication. However, this timepiece isn't just for show as it boasts a water resistance of 50m, making it a durable accessory to wear in a variety of environments. With four colourways to choose from, shoppers can either buy a silver bezel with a black or blue strap, or the rose gold bezel accompanied with a white or brown strap. £1,050 £108.75 Debenhams Buy Now Product Description Another stunning watch in the Debenhams sale is the STÜHRLING Original Legacy 3952 Automatic 34mm Skeleton Watch. Featuring only a small window into the watch's inner workings, this timepiece features a crystal-studded bezel and hour markers. Normally retailing for £900, water lovers can now buy it for £112.50. Alternatively, Beaverbrooks has dropped the price of the Vivienne Westwood Exclusive Orb Heart 36mm Ladies Watch. Usually priced at £215, shoppers can now snatch it up for £92. Featuring a hanging charm and a leather strap, this watch is said to provide timeless elegance. Back to the Luxe Watch, shoppers have left a four star rating, with some people choosing it as a gift for a loved one due to its beautiful design. One delighted watch lover wrote: "Beautiful watch. Very pleased with my purchase." While another five-star reviewer added on: "With Stührling it's always nice design, especially the skeleton watches. " However, they also did note: "Be aware, that over time, the rosegold colour can fade, I have two other watches that have done so, but still great value for money." On the flip side, a regular Stuhrling watch buyer praised: "Nice watch so far so good. I have three stuhrling watches." With a sixth shopper writing: "I gave my wife as an anniversary present and she loved it." To buy the STÜHRLING Original Luxe Automatic 4022 38mm Skeleton Watch, click HERE. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Daily Record
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Roman's maxi dress that 'hides lumps and bumps' 25% less ahead of heatwave
This flattering maxi dress is down in price just as another heatwave hits the UK. It's already very warm outside, but another heatwave is on its way this weekend. With temperatures reaching 30C in some parts of the country, the place to be will be outdoors. Whenever the weather gets warm, many of us fashion fans will know the benefits of wearing a lightweight, floaty frock. Fortunately, we have spotted one that is said to be "great for summer" in the Roman sale. Looking for something romantic and flattering? Then look no further than this Black Floral Shirred Bardot Stretch Maxi Dress that has been dropped from £40 to £30, saving 25 per cent overall. Floral prints have been everywhere this year, with this swishy maxi dress featuring a cascading multi-coloured pattern along the bodice and skirt that is sure to attract attention when it is worn. Crafted from a floaty, woven material that is ideal for these balmy days, the shirred bodice design that falls into a stylish split-hem skirt has received praise from shoppers who say it "hide your lumps and bumps around your hips and belly." Black Floral Shirred Bardot Stretch Maxi Dress £40 £30 Roman Buy here Product Description Finished with short sleeves and a bardot neckline, it's a versatile wardrobe addition that will look great when paired with sandals at BBQ's, garden parties, graduations and even at wedding receptions. Another romantic-style option from the high street is this White Floral Print Puff Sleeve Midi Dress that costs £35.99 from New Look, with its standout feature being the low-cut back with revealing straps. For the fashion fans who were looking for a mini-dress, we have spotted this Ruched mini dress with a floral print over at ASOS for just £38. As for Roman's dress, it's so popular that one size has already sold out, with a 10, 12, 16, 18 and 20 left available on the website. Owing to its popularity, Roman's Maxi Bardot Dress is so popular that it doesn't currently have any negative reviews, as customers love its "vibrant" and "flattering" design that can be worn anywhere. One delighted shopper wrote: "Love this dress.. bought it for a cruise. It fits so comfortably around the bust and falls beautifully to hide your lumps and bumps around your hips and belly.. as a larger lady this dress is perfect." A second happy shopper wrote: "Lovely vibrant dress, ideal for holidays, does not crease, easy to wear. Feels glamourous for evening wear." Fashion deal of the week New Balance has just launched a massive sale ahead of the summer, with up to half-price off. For those who don't want their feet to get sore during the day, the Women's 327 Shoes have earned a glowing reputation from thousands of shoppers, with praise suggesting they are "like walking on clouds." Usually retailing at £100, these lace-up trainers are now available to purchase for just £60, saving 40 percent and £40 off the RRP. Initially designed as running shoes that have been inspired by the 1970's, the New Balance 327 boasts an angular reworking of the classic wedge silhouette and an adjustable lace-closure design for a customized fit. The wraparound, trail-inspired lug outsole makes these trainers a supportive choice for those on their feet all day, whether that be during physical exercise or when out on city breaks during the summer. As of writing, the 40 percent discount covers three colours - slate grey, bone and raincloud - with sizes ranging from three to eight, including half-sizes, although some are being snapped up fast. They currently boast a 4.6 rating based on over 3,000 reviews, as one thrilled customer wrote: "Not only do these look good, they're the comfiest trainers I've ever worn! Walked around London for 2 days & I felt like I was walking on clouds!" A second positive review read: "Walking on Air! They are the most comfortable shoe I've ever had. I've tossed out all my On Cloud's, Nike's & Hoka's. I plan on buying another air for the summer." Shop the 40 percent discount on the New Balance Women's 327 Shoes online now. Someone else added: "I bought this dress for an upcoming holiday. It's light and airy which I like, especially for putting in your suitcase. The dress is fitted at the bust then slightly flares under the bust line so hides your middle better. The colours are lovely as well. I ordered the size 14 which I always order from Roman. I'm very happy with my purchase." While we did not spot any negative reviews, it is worth mentioning that, as a maxi dress, it might not be suitable for those who shop in 'petite' sections, which is something to consider when making a purchase. Another five-star review read: "Pleased with this dress, took it on holiday. It is a nice choice for nights out, very comfortable. would recommend it, especially for any age." Shop Roman's 25 per cent discount on the Black Floral Shirred Bardot Stretch Maxi Dress now.
