Why Drops of God ( Season 1) on Apple TV+ Stayed With Me

Just Finished Viewing Season 1 of this TV Series on my Apple TV Subscription: Highly Recommended 

Why Drops of God( Season 1) on Apple TV+ Stayed With Me Long After the Final Episode

I’ve watched a lot of television over the years, but every so often a series comes along that doesn’t just entertain, it lingers-Drops of God, Season 1. At first glance, it sounds like a niche premise: a multilingual drama about wine, spanning France and Japan, told in English, French, and Japanese. But a few episodes in, I realized this wasn’t really a show about wine at all. It’s about people, memory, inheritance, and the complicated ways we try to understand one another, sometimes without ever saying the things that matter most.

Wine as Memory, Not Status

I’ll be honest: I’m not a wine expert. I don’t swirl expertly or name notes of leather and tobacco with confidence. And that’s exactly why Drops of God surprised me. The series never talks down to viewers who aren’t connoisseurs. Instead, it treats wine as something deeply personal, connected to moments in time, relationships, grief, and love.

As I watched, I found myself thinking about how smells and tastes can instantly bring us back to people we’ve lost or places we once called home. The show captures that beautifully, turning each tasting into an emotional excavation rather than a technical exercise.

Between France and Japan

One of the things I appreciated most was how respectfully the series moves between cultures. France and Japan aren’t just locations, they represent different ways of seeing the world.

France feels rooted in tradition and history, where wine carries generations of meaning. Japan brings discipline, restraint, and an almost spiritual dedication to mastery. Watching these perspectives collide and occasionally soften felt incredibly human. No culture is presented as superior; instead, each learns from the other, just as the characters do.

The Power of Silence and Language

The multilingual nature of the show adds to its intimacy. Characters switch between English, French, and Japanese depending on context, emotion, and power dynamics. Sometimes what isn’t said feels just as important as the dialogue itself.

I found myself leaning in more, paying closer attention. This isn’t background television. It rewards patience and I appreciated being trusted as a viewer to keep up emotionally, not just intellectually.

A Quiet, Confident Kind of Acting

The performances are subtle in a way that feels increasingly rare. No one is trying to steal the scene. Emotions simmer instead of explode. Grief, resentment, pride, and longing are expressed through small gestures, a pause before answering, a tightening of the jaw, the careful way a glass is held.

It reminded me that some of the most powerful drama happens inside a person.

Visually, It’s a Pleasure

The cinematography deserves its own mention. Vineyards in France feel warm and timeless; Japanese interiors feel precise and contemplative. Even the wine itself is filmed with reverence. Each episode looks composed, thoughtful, never flashy, always intentional.

Why This Series Matters to Me

What stayed with me most is the idea that taste is shaped by life. We don’t experience the world in isolation; everything we’ve loved, lost, learned, and endured colors how we perceive things, even something as simple as a sip of wine.

Drops of God reminded me that inheritance isn’t just about what we’re given, but what we choose to understand, accept, or redefine for ourselves.

Final Thoughts

This is not a binge-it-in-the-background kind of show. It’s a series to watch slowly, maybe with a glass of wine nearby, not to analyze it, but to feel it.

When the final episode ended, I didn’t immediately move on to the next show. I sat there for a moment, letting it settle. And to me, that’s the mark of storytelling done right.

Quiet. Elegant- Human.  Drops of God earns its place among the most thoughtful series Apple TV+ has produced.

Here's a Short AI Overview:

Drops of God

 (Japanese: Kami no Shizuku) is a critically acclaimed media franchise centered on the high-stakes world of fine wine. Originally a massive 44-volume manga series, it has since been adapted into an award-winning international television drama on Apple TV+. 

Drops of God is widely considered worth watching, praised for its unique concept of turning wine tasting into a high-stakes drama, stunning visuals, compelling characters, and emotionally engaging plot that blends family secrets with cultural exploration, even for those not knowledgeable about wine. Critics and viewers enjoy its sophisticated storytelling, cinematic quality, and ability to make an internal experience visually exciting, often comparing it to other Apple TV+ successes like Pachinko. 

Apple TV+ Series (2023–Present)

The live-action adaptation is a French-Japanese-American co-production that reimagines the original story for a global audience. 

• 
  
• The Plot: When world-renowned wine authority Alexandre Léger dies, he leaves behind a $148 million wine collection. To inherit it, his estranged daughter, Camille Léger (Fleur Geffrier), must compete against his brilliant protégé, Issei Tomine (Tomohisa Yamashita), in a series of sensory tests.
• Season 2: Premiered on January 21, 2026, this season follows Camille and Issei as they travel the world to uncover the origin of a mysterious, legendary wine that their father could never solve.
• Critical Reception: The show won the 2024 International Emmy Award for Best Drama Series. Reviewers from NPR praise it as a "high-gloss drama" that turns wine tasting into a "sports epic"
• I am starting to watch Season 2.  It is not as captivating as Season 1, but if you love wine, go ahead  and watch the show with a glass wine on your side.
• Meanwhile, My Photo of the Day: Wild Flowers from Southern California
• 

  Lastly, here's the latest news on the Iran-Israel-US War 

  🔥 Major Military Escalation

  • U.S. and Israeli forces have intensified strikes across Iran, targeting military infrastructure and Tehran following the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader. 

  • Iran has launched widespread retaliatory attacks on U.S., Israeli, and allied military assets throughout the Middle East, including energy infrastructure and bases. 

  • U.S. leadership stresses the campaign is focused and “not endless,” aimed at dismantling Iran’s offensive capabilities. 

  🇮🇷 Iran’s Leadership and Internal Crisis

  • The killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in recent strikes has plunged Iran into a leadership crisis amid war conditions. 

  • A temporary leadership council has been formed, and analysts warn the regime faces its most serious challenge since 1979. 

  🌍 Regional Spread and Diplomacy

  • Clashes have spread beyond Iran’s borders: Hezbollah has fired rockets from Lebanon; Gulf states like Saudi Arabia have summoned Iranian diplomats over attacks. 

  • A British Royal Air Force base in Cyprus was struck by Iranian-made drones, prompting raised alert levels and expanded defense postures. 

  • European leaders are reacting to the crisis and broader regional impact during specialized coverage. 

  
  

Is the American Dream Fading? My Personal Reflection

I came to the US in 1960 to pursue my American Dream- A Ph.D in Pharmaceucal Chemistry at the University of Illinois in Chicago.

Is the American Dream Fading? A Personal Reflection from an Immigrant Who Once Believed in It

In the Feb 26th issue of The Wall Street Journal, there is a striking article about a growing number of Americans choosing to leave the United States. The reasons are familiar and unsettling: stagnant salaries, unaffordable housing, rising healthcare costs, and deep frustration with political rhetoric particularly the anger, division, and outright lies that have come to dominate public discourse. The article makes a bold claim: the American Dream is gone.

As I read it, I felt an unexpected heaviness. Not because the argument was shocking, but because, for someone like me, it felt deeply personal.

My First Visit to New York City, Winter of 1961

I came to the United States from the Philippines as a graduate student carrying a suitcase full of hopes and a head full of belief. Like so many immigrants before me, I was drawn by the promise of the American Dream: work hard, play by the rules, and life would steadily get better. Education would open doors. Talent and persistence would be rewarded. The future, while not guaranteed, felt possible.

For many years, that dream felt real.

The U.S. gave me opportunities that would have been difficult if not impossible to access back home. I learned, grew, built a career, and found a sense of purpose. I believed in the idea that this country, while imperfect, bent toward progress. That belief sustained me through long nights of study, financial uncertainty, and the quiet loneliness that comes with being far from home.

But reading that article forced me to confront a painful truth: the dream I chased may not be the same dream available today especially to the next generation.

When Americans themselves begin to leave because they can no longer afford to live decently in their own country, something fundamental has shifted. When college graduates work multiple jobs and still can’t pay rent. When healthcare costs feel like a gamble. When political leaders traffic in fear instead of facts. When truth itself becomes optional. These are not just policy failures they are moral ones.

What troubles me most is the erosion of trust. The American Dream was never just about money. It was about dignity. Stability. The belief that tomorrow could be better than today. That belief is fragile, and once it cracks, it is hard to repair.

As an immigrant, I find myself in a strange position. I once left my homeland in search of opportunity. Now I watch as Americans consider doing the same, looking abroad for what they feel they have lost at home. The irony is impossible to ignore.

And yet, I am not ready to declare the American Dream dead. I believe it is wounded badly, but not gone.

Dreams don’t disappear overnight. They fade when they are neglected, when greed outweighs compassion, when lies replace leadership. They fade when a nation forgets that its strength has always come from inclusion, from immigrants, from dreamers willing to bet everything on the promise of a better life.

My own journey stands as proof that the dream once worked. The question now is whether America is willing to fight for it again not just for immigrants like me, but for its own people.

Because if the American Dream truly dies, it won’t be because foreigners stopped believing in it. It will be because Americans did.

Meanwhile, here's the AI Overview on the Above Topic:

The American Dream is increasingly seen as fading, with only about half of children today earning more than their parents, down from 90% in 1970. Driven by stagnating wages, high inflation, and rising housing costs, 41% to 52% of Americans believe the dream is now unattainable. 

Key Factors and Trends:

• Declining Upward Mobility: The likelihood of children surpassing their parents' income has dropped significantly, with only ~50% doing so now compared to ~90% for those born in 1940.
• Economic Inequality: Wealth and income gains have become concentrated, failing to be broadly shared, notes 
  The Dartmouth Review
  .
Cost of Living Pressures: Nasdaq reports that high inflation, rising home prices (now often 10x higher than 50 years ago), and soaring homeowners insurance are making the dream harder to achieve.
Generational Pessimism: Belief in the dream has dropped sharply among young adults (18-29), falling from 56% in 2010 to 21% in 2024, says Wikipedia.
Geographic Disparities: The dream is particularly elusive in specific areas, such as rural communities in Appalachia and the South, report EIG. 

Despite these trends, some still view it as a powerful, albeit changing, aspiration, notes Fortune. 

My Photo of the Day-Frame Decor Creation Product 

Frame Decorating -Another Enjoyable THD Activity

Today at 2 PM, our temporary but loyal activity Guru, Karen hosted another activity that I have not done before. I was surprised. I enjoyed it so much I was able to do two frames in less than one hour. Karen was assisted by Jan Muto who was in-charged with the glue gun. The above is one of my creation with an old water color AI copy from an original photo of myself and Macrine (RIP) taken in 1982.    Below are some of the photos I took during the frame decor activity today.

Jan Muto with her Glue Gun. Thank you, Jan for your Assistance at this Activity

Meanwhile, I learned today, I am related to Tingting Cojuangco per Gene.com

Tingting Cojuangco (b. 1944) is a prominent figure in Philippine society, known for her contributions to education, politics, and cultural preservation. Born into the influential Cojuangco family, she was well-positioned to make significant impacts in various fields. Tingting pursued higher education, earning degrees in history and anthropology, which laid the foundation for her future endeavors. In the 1980s, she became the governor of Tarlac, where she focused on improving local governance and infrastructure. Her tenure was marked by efforts to enhance educational opportunities and promote cultural heritage, reflecting her academic background. Tingting also played a role in national politics, serving as an advisor to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, where she influenced policy on education and cultural affairs. Throughout her career, Tingting Cojuangco has been a staunch advocate for the preservation of Filipino culture and history, contributing to various cultural and educational initiatives. Her work has left a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of the Philippines. For Details visit her Wikipedia Page:

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tingting_Cojuangco

TingTing is one of the less notable members of the Cojuanco Clan from Tarlac.   The Cojuangco family is a prominent, wealthy Filipino clan of Chinese descent (originating from Fujian) with deep roots in politics, agriculture, and business, particularly sugar (Hacienda Luisita) and banking

. Key branches include the Aquino-linked clan (producers of Presidents Cory Aquino and Noynoy Aquino) and the business-focused clan led by Eduardo "Danding" Cojuangco Jr.. 

Key Aspects of the Cojuangco Family:

• Origins and Wealth: The family stems from Co Yuan Hwan (baptized as Martin Cojuangco) who arrived in the Philippines in the 1840s. They built their initial fortune in rice trading and money lending in Tarlac, later expanding into banking and agricultural landholdings like the 6,000-hectare Hacienda Luisita.
• Political Influence: The family has held numerous local and national positions.
  • Corazon "Cory" Cojuangco-Aquino: 11th President of the Philippines (1986–1992).
  • Benigno "Noynoy" Cojuangco-Aquino III: 15th President of the Philippines (2010–2016).
  • José "Peping" Cojuangco Jr.: Former Congressman and influential political figure.
• Business Empire:
  • Eduardo "Danding" Cojuangco Jr.: Former Chairman and CEO of San Miguel Corporation, one of the largest food and beverage corporations in Southeast Asia. He was a key crony of Ferdinand Marcos and a member of the "Rolex 12".
  • Antonio "Tony Boy" O. Cojuangco Jr.: Former Chairman and President of PLDT.
• Controversies: The family has faced significant controversy regarding their landholdings, specifically the Hacienda Luisita, and the "coco levy" funds managed by Danding Cojuangco during the Marcos era. 

Other Notable Members:

• Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski: Equestrienne, actress, and International Olympic Committee (IOC) member.
• Gilbert Cojuangco Teodoro: Lawyer and politician.
• Charlie Cojuangco: Politician (deceased). 

• Cojuangco - Wikipedia

  The Cojuangco clan is among the most powerful and influential families in the Philippines, exercising economic control over severa...

  

  Wikipedia

  
• Danding Cojuangco - Wikipedia

  Eduardo "Danding" Murphy Cojuangco Jr. (June 10, 1935 – June 16, 2020) was a Filipino businessman and politician. He was the chair...

  

  Wikipedia

  
• The Story Behind The Aquino and Cojuangco Clans - Tatler Asia

  Apr 1, 2020 — The Cojuangcos trace their roots to a Chinese immigrant father Co Yuan Hwan and his son José Cojuangco I from Xiamen who settled i...

  

  Tatler Asia

  

Show all

Lastly, here  are the 11 things from an article about signs of you being raised right.

Signs of Good Upbringing

Not Surrounding Yourself with Toxic People: You can spot energy-drainers and politely show them the exit when necessary, prioritizing your mental health.
Not Bending Over Backwards to Please Everyone: You're not afraid to say "no" and prioritize your own needs, having learned that trying to win everyone's approval is exhausting and ineffective.
Not Letting Fear Keep You Stuck: You've learned to move forward despite fear, thanks to encouragement from your parents to take risks and learn from failures.
Not Ignoring What Makes You Feel Alive: You prioritize your passions and make time for activities that bring you joy, thanks to supportive parents who encouraged your curiosity.
Not Saying Yes to Everything: You've mastered the art of knowing when to commit and when to take a step back, protecting your time without guilt.
Not Being Your Own Harshest Critic: You practice self-kindness, speaking to yourself with compassion and recognizing that setbacks are a normal part of life.
Not Holding onto Grudges: You prioritize forgiveness and letting go, recognizing that holding grudges weighs you down and hurts your emotional well-being.
Not Ignoring Your Mental Health: You prioritize your mental well-being, taking breaks and seeking help when needed, thanks to a supportive upbringing.
Not Apologizing for Existing: You're confident in your worth and don't apologize for taking up space, asking for help, or setting boundaries.
Not Being the Person Who's Always Late: You respect others' time and show up when you say you will, demonstrating thoughtfulness and dependability.
Not Constantly Comparing Yourself to Others: You've learned to focus on your own journey, recognizing that comparisons are unhelpful and that success is defined on your own terms ¹.