Review of Related Literature and Studies

 

Review of Related Literature and Studies on Philippines-China Encounters

How Manila’s Chinese in the 17^th to 19^th Centuries Were Ostracized and Yet

    Considered as Essential Outsiders

    The early Chinese traders have reached the Philippine islands as early as 4^th Century in Mindanao. They inter-marry with locals in which established and strengthen their allegiance within the community creating a new sense of identity due to interracial marriages in areas such as in Zamboanga and Sulu. From the southernmost tip of the Philippines, these early Chinese traders and even missionaries find their way northward until such time that they have reached the areas of Binondo situated in the Spanish colonial capital, Manila. Mario Alvaro Limos in 2019 examined how the Chinese was treated during under the colony of Spain despite their contribution in the Philippine society. They were businessmen yet they were seen as outcasts in the community.

    The Chinese played a crucial role in establishing Manila as the focal point of trade, faith and seat of governance. For one-despite the difference of religion-being a newly Christianized Roman Catholic country in South East Asia, it was recorded that a certain Chinese entrepreneur has brought with him the earliest wooden block press and reproduced Fray Juan de Plasencia’s Doctrina Christiana in 1593. Moreover, this was the first mass-produced book in the Philippines.

    Limos further explained that these traders went back and forth from China to Philippines to provide for the economic needs of both Philippine and Spanish society. It was also mentioned that the galleon trade has paved the way for the influx of more Chinese entrepreneurs to settle and do business in the country as it was an opportunity for them to earn more. Despite the providence that the Chinese provided, they were treated as outcasts and the Spaniards kept an eye and distance. Parian de Arroceros, was established as a settlement for the Chinese outside the walls of Intramuros, it somehow signifies that there is a great divide in between them and the Spaniards who see themselves as “supreme” in the colonial society. They were demanded to pay a fees and tributes to the government-a milking cow of the Spaniards. The Chinese remained meek until such time that they revolted against the colonial rule and some 20,000 were

killed.

    The Chinese over the years found themselves in the Philippine high society as it advances to the 18^th Century brough about by further marrying Filipinos, resulting in the new identity of the Chinese mestizos. They further expand their business specifically in retail and eventually manufacturing and establishments.

    Despite the maltreatment, for hundreds of years, the Filipino-Chinese resiliency was seen as one of the focal points why they have remained essential and inseparable in the modern Philippine society, where businessmen with Chinese origins are substantial to the economy.

 

Chinese New Year as a National Holiday: Towards Culture and Understanding In

the Philippines?

    Ivy Marie Ganadillo published her Qualitative Study under the Asian Center Journal in 2015 examining the Impact of Chinese New Year when declared as a National Holiday. It is not only the Philippines that celebrates Chinese New Year but anywhere else in the globe wherein most Chinese descendants have established their communities at large.

    The concept of declaring Chinese New Year as a National Holiday was pushed through as a sense of solidarity within the Filipino-Chinese Community. The Tsinoys, Pinoys and even foreign visitors flocked to Binondo in the downtown Manila to celebrate the festivities, wherein the world’s earliest Chinatown was established. Furthermore, on a normal basis, Manila’s Chinatown gives that typical oriental “feels” as a sense of cultural assimilation.

    Ganadillo sent her interview guide questionnaires to notable Chinese-Filipinos as they were seen as people of relevance to answer. Based on historical records, the earliest Chinese have settled in the islands of Mindanao who intermarried with Filipino creating a new identity until such time that they were seen as essential in the supplication of needs for the Spanish and Filipino society. Their resiliency has brought them to be on top of amongst the many wealthy businessmen in the Philippines, including those with Spanish blood.

    In 2014, during the Presidency of Benigno Simeon Aquino III-a scion of the prominent Cojuangco clan who originated from the Fujian province motivated the Filipinos to assimilation of the diversities in the country. However, the respondents-despite being infamous Chinese-Filipinos have different views regarding the proposal. For one, former University of The Philippines-Diliman Chancellor Michael Tan disagreed as it will pave the way for capitalists to take advantage, such as those wealthy Chinese businessmen who majority owns large shopping malls. He also views Filipinos’ penchant for crystals and charms as a sort of deception- a shortcut to success. Several academics from the Chinese-Filipino community also expressed that there is no need to declare as a National Holiday as Filipinos are very much aware about the contributions of the Chinese community. On the other hand, informants also expressed their approval as being “one” with the Filipino-Chinese community and an opportunity to expose their culture.

Ganadillo’s local study is a source of enlightenment in the midst of festivities that somehow blocks the motives of people who might take advantage of the merrymaking.

         Great Wall Divides Chinoy and Filipina Fiancee for More Than Seven Years

    Jodie Tanco published an article in CHINOY TV-an official website for ChineseFilipino-related contents his personal experience as an anonymous sender and his fiancé had to conquer as they climb up the “Great Wall”- a metaphor used to describe a relationship of people with traditional Chinese heritage to a person who have a different racial background. Chinese families is well-known of keeping traditions out of respect to their ancestors and somehow, the racial differences have become the root-cause in unnecessary prejudice.

    Although human’s ability to love has proven that there’s no such thing as cultural hindrance in looking for a prospective spouse, the anonymous sender-having been born and raised to a traditional Tsinoy family similar to the “Mano Po”-like plot twists narrated that at a young age, his family is being hopeful that when the time comes that he will be dating, they preferred someone with Chinese roots. He had been in a long-term relationship with his Filipina fiancé whom he met back in high school. Their relationship was tested due to the preference of his family-if only they are not able to endure might cause the failure of their bond. Unfortunately, the lady was not able to withstand with the consistent conflicts brought about by the anonymous sender’s family caused her to return the engagement ring. As of the writing, the couple are being kept hanging in the limbo as the family’s approval has not been given.

    Ironically, this story exists because people would like to preserve an outdated tradition but failed to recognize that these things are causing a great divide, not only within the couple but more importantly, to the concerned family members. Chinese, like the Filipinos have always demonstrated filial-piety that people tend to seek approval within the smallest and close-tight unit of the society. The blood has sealed forever the connection of a person to his family and in case like this, the person’s sound decision in his adulthood most especially in choosing a lifetime companion gets affected out of respect for tradition and this commonly happens in the Tsinoy household.

    On the other hand, there were some who also welcomed changes in how their children should date and marry without the need to experience the “Great Wall”. They know when to be conservative and intervene and they also know when to let the person decide. In that sense, it’s keeping the family closer as everybody was given the liberty to choose, be heard and decisions get respected despite the differences. This is what really keeps up a family not really tradition.

  Chinese Filipinos: The Ties that Bind

    Al Jazeera’s Philippine correspondent Ted Regencia shared his narrative about the Chinese connection to the Philippines as he traversed Binondo Manila, world’s oldest Chinatown. The constant migration from China to the Philippines for hundreds of years caused both countries to be culturally assimilated to their traditions creating the authentic Tsinoy identity. Despite the hundred years gap, the Chinese forefathers exemplify perseverance and resilience despite the ill-treatment of Spaniards and even Filipinos as they see these as stepping stones in establishing a more concise and stable society that their children, after so many generations are enjoying today.

    The Chinese-Filipino community have always brought out the best of both cultures demonstrated in their endeavors and undertakings. It is way beyond the food that we associate with its oriental origins that bridges Philippines to China, or that cute “Chinito and Chinita” appearance caused by intermarriages. In all fairness, Filipinos have learned to embrace the Chinese identity that found their homes in a foreign land somewhere in South East Asia. Pure-blooded Chinese who were born in the Philippines consider themselves as more Filipino than their Chinese heritage, for one, they are not that knowledgeable in speaking their language, either Mandarin, Fookien or Cantonese. Binondo is a sort of time machine that reconnects the past to present that whenever a traveler or visitor is in the area, it gives them an authentic vibe that ties in between the Filipino and Chinese community that only here exists. It is as if the whole area was designed to be a walking museum to those who found themselves musing and immersing in the sights.

         Surviving Ghost Month 2022

    This year’s Hungry Ghost Month have started in July 29 to August 26, a festival that originated from China that the Chinese-Filipino community hold sacredly as they follow certain superstitions to avoid bad luck. Mathay, in her Manila Bulletin Column cites the unique practices with those that are of Chinese origin.

    The Hungry Ghost Month Festival is a time wherein the living commemorated their dearly departed who went before them. It is also a time to reflect about the sheer sense of death and life as the people with oriental heritage celebrate a Halloween-like monthlong event. The Chinese community have a list of dos and don’ts to repel the outrage of ghosts, roaming around as the gates of hell have been opened, based on their belief. It is also a time where they pay homage to their ancestors as Chinese were known to demonstrate filial-piety that go way beyond the afterlife.

    As the Chinese community have become more open to changes in tradition and religion, some tried to cut-off these practices while others have always been rooted to their culture regardless of time. People who don’t have an orientation on how these Chinese honors death as it was in life may find these practices odd. However, beyond the mysticism, strange and unknown will always have that sense of beauty behind the most bizarre things.

    The Hungry Ghost Month is somehow similar to the practices of Filipinos whether there is death in the family or remembering the dead on All Souls Day. People tend to muse and entertain themselves in anything scary such as ghosts and malevolent spirits that is why superstition comes in. The society have an unwritten rule that people have to follow for the sake protecting themselves in bad luck or series of unfortunate events that might struck the family. In a wider sense, humans are subject to obedience whether they understand the full context nor not, regardless if it has a scientific explanation or a mere belief. Self-preservation and love for the family has brought people to do extraordinary things beyond human comprehension. Moreover, superstitious beliefs have been observed heavily on countries that are rooted on their religion. It is important that people take belief and religion as a sacred topic beyond human logic in order to demonstrate respect for one’s identity as they were created individually. Things that are unnatural to someone’s orientation must not be seen as bizarre, rather than a sense of his own universality.

           The Chinese Mestizos and the Formation of the Filipino Nationality

    In 1994, Antonio S. Tan published “The Chinese Mestizos and the Formation of the Filipino Nationality in which he cited the contribution of those who belong to the Chinoy community, well-respected in their fields of expertise. Moreover, it also narrates the integral part played by the rising middle-class Chinese mestizos in the seat of government and in the Philippine revolution.

    Chinese mestizos have exemplified that in hundreds of years they have been in contact with the Filipinos, they were born and destined to be more than just people who knew how to do business but excelled in the fields of government, religion, education and literature. Regardless of being mixed-race, these Chinoys-especially during the turn of the 19^th Century in which they have served the Philippines even during the revolution, as patriots and benefactors. The rising numbers of the Chinese arriving from the mainland were seen by the Spaniards as probable enemies, more than traders or capitalists that mere sold products for pure business. From Mindanao, they traversed upward to the north reaching as far as Pangasinan but found their way home and settled in Manila- in areas like Binondo and Parian. These Chinoys allowed themselves to be converted into Roman

    Catholic faith as they had become church leaders like San Lorenzo Ruiz and Mother Ignacia. In areas like Cebu and Iloilo in the Visayas region, they have become traders of basic commodities like sugar, rice and coffee-a Filipino staple food. As these middleclass Chinoys advanced their wealth and finally earned the respect their ancestors worked for hundreds of years, they have adapted to a more elaborate lifestyle wherein elegance was prioritized. Moreover, they were also capable of sending their children to Catholic universities to pursue proper education. Increasing population, wealth and education have become an advantage to the

    Chinese mestizos as their opinions now mattered to the society. For one, Roman T. Ongpin funded the Philippine revolution through his flourishing business in Binondo where a portion was named after his honor. Philippine history books will always annotate Dr. Jose Rizal, although a proud Filipino, very Malayan in his features-was born in a family with mixed heritage.

    Philippine history is unimaginable without mentioning the contributions of the Chinese mestizos. It can be inferred that Philippines and China, during the pre-colonial and colonial period did not ensue into conflicts maybe because both these races experienced maltreatment from the Spanish rule in their own newfound home. Moreover, these traders came in the Philippines, specifically in Mindanao not to impose their faith but to do pure business in which it has been recorded that these early Chinese settlers was converted into the Muslim and eventually to Roman Catholic faith. Their forefathers’ sense of resiliency has become one of the focal points that made the succeeding generations an essential to the Philippine society today. One way or another, the Chinese mestizos, despite a mixed-race has brought the best out of the Philippines and China emerging into a new patriotic identity.

                    Philippines-China Relations: Beyond the Territorial Disputes

    Andrea Chloe Wong published her “Philippines-China Relations: Beyond the Territorial Disputes” commentary in 2014 as a Foreign Affairs Research Specialist. In recent years, the standoff between two countries have caused maritime tension as both have been claiming their rightful possession to the richness of the West Philippine Sea.

    Scarborough Shoal in Bajo de Masinloc have made headlines since 2012 as China and Philippines were both keeping an eye in this reef. Local fishermen-those who live in Zambales are the nearest to the area experienced fear upon being monitored by Chinese vessels and authorities to ward them off the area.  Filipino fishermen have been peacefully earning their modest livelihood through the providence of Scarborough Shoal until such time that they have been bullied by their Chinese counterparts who constantly do their surveillance. The Philippine government filed their petition against China through the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague Netherlands-in which the latter, presented a proof to their rightful claims a map that contained a 9-dash line as a part of their sovereignty.

    It was noted that the reef in not only bountiful with maritime resources but also confirmed rich with natural gas- a possible source of wealth to any country that will become a benefactor and to further oil exploration. Philippines and China were not only the countries who were after Scarborough Shoal but also, Vietnam- it so happened that these two have the worst encounters in the recent years. In fact, Vietnam also experienced harassment from Chinese fishermen. Regardless of these issues, Wong has noted that Philippines and China have maintained a stable relationship in terms of trade. In the course of history, Philippines and China have been business partners since time immemorial as they continuously depend on each other. In the modern times, OFWs found their fortune in China to support their families back home and it has also been recorded that in recent years, POGO also known as Philippine Offshore gaming Operators who were predominantly from the mainland flocks to the country. One way or another, these companies have sustained the Philippine economy especially during the hype of the pandemic. It has been observed that the influx of Chinese workers in the modern day was so evident that the huge shopping malls were seen changing their signages from the “traditional” English to Chinese characters as they tried to provide convenience to mainlanders who are not acquainted to the language.

    In terms of trade, an average Pinoy-regardless of the social background and despite the maritime issues, can still be seen shopping in thrift areas like Divisoria-the perennial budget-friendly shopping center. The Chinese merchants, despite the probable hatred and disgust expressed by some Pinoys, do not mind doing their business in places like these, as an ordinary Filipino would not mind patronizing low-quality China-made products. Furthermore, Binondo-world’s oldest Chinatown unceasingly remains the melting pot of Filipino-Chinese culture. It can be concluded that despite the past, present and future tensions that China and Philippines will come in between their territorial disputes, the two countries will remain co-independent towards each other due to the intangible ties that bind-unseen but unbreakable that it has created a new sense of identity that goes beyond territorial tensions.

   ‘Panciteria’ In Rizal’s Fili in Decrepit State

    Dr. Jose Rizal’s 1891 opus- El Filibusterismo, specifically in Chapter 25 “Tawanan at Iyakan” narrates the story of students who hosted a feast in a certain “Panciteria Macanista de Buen Gusto” in Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz in Binondo Manila. Though it was fiction by nature, the restaurant itself exists in real life and was prominent during the hey days of Binondo as a commercial district, during the late 19^th Century. Marc Jayson Cayabyab published an update on the very first day of January, 2020 its decaying state.

    The façade resembles a traditional ancestral house built around during the 1800’s near a bridge in proximal Binondo Church. Its materials were a mixed of wood, steel and cement adorned with Capiz windows and ventanillas like what houses were like during the Colonial Era. Panciteria Macanista de Buen Gusto was deemed the “oldest restaurant in the Philippines” together with its neighboring counterpart, “The New Toho Food Center” established in the 1880’s has served traditional oriental dishes. In Rizal’s El Fili, he cited that there was lumpia, pancit and torta as part of the menu, a staple of the Chinese cuisine.

    Far from the splendor that it once has boasts, Cayabyab strolled downtown upon reaching a small bridge with an unlikely appearance as it is already rotting old. According to him, drug users held their sessions in the abandoned structure that is why a gate was built to keep them off. The NHCP considers the building to be an “Important Cultural Property”, however, it was not formally awarded. It prevents the abandoned building from being demolished but the current state is obviously ruined and the government must have been competing against time if they are really planning to preserve the structure.

    Analyzing Rizal’s literary pieces does not only imply that he was against the Spanish rule but moreover, he showcased and pays homage to his roots whether intentionally or not as a mixed-race Malayan. It can be remembered that he is of Chinese descent and somehow it shows through his work, citing things with oriental origins or maybe, simply it was common during his time to be expose with other Asian influence as much as the modern Filipinos fancied on Koreans or Japanese.

    Pancit, lumpia and torta is so common in the Filipino household that oftentimes, it was a mistake that it was indeed of Filipino origins, however the classic lumpiang shanghai, according to Kara David’s cooking segment, “Pinas Sarap” stated that the latter was invented in the Philippines. It also reflects that both China and Philippines despite the difference in geography were both agricultural countries able to provide the raw ingredients in these dishes. Preservation of heritage houses is more than keeping an old edifice to its detrimental state, inside of this are tangible pieces of history that reconnects the past to present and even to its foreign roots that sometimes remained unacknowledged.

 

 

Chapter 6 A Preliminary Study of Kaoka Playscripts in the Philippines

    Caroline Chia conducted a study about the Hokkien origin theatrical play called, “Kaoka” as a a result of migration from the Fujian province in mainland China in early 20^th Century. Chia notes that it was the “Luzon Troupes” in the 1920’s were the key players in the rising prominence of Kaoka to the Philippines. A segment from the ABS-CBN called “Local Legends” narrates the story of Bee Hua, a Kaoka artist.

    Performers dressed in elaborate costumes and brightly-painted face, usually red or in pink, this is how the Kaoka artists present themselves in their performance, either in streets or temples present in the Chinese Community. In the Philippines, Chia highlighted that it was in the streets of Ongpin and Binondo where the first theatres were. It was believed that this sort of entertainment is more than just an ordinary play but spiritual as its main purpose is to “entertain” the gods and drive away bad spirits thru the loud sounds of the drums and festive atmosphere.

    Teresita “Bee Hua” Chan was Caroline Chia’s informant for the study, it also happened that the former was featured in ABS-CBN’s “Local Legends” as a Kaoka artist. She currently heads The Hoc Kian Troupe training both Chinoys and pure Filipinos in this form of entertainment. Although born to a pure Chinese father and a Filipina mother,

    Chan’s interest with Kaoka rooted from her adoptive mother upon relocating from Masbate to Manila due to the poverty she experienced. Chia further explained that based on her observations on the performance of The Hoc Kian Troupe, it is a must to study and master the Sinographs-in layman’s term, Chinese characters. Furthermore, it was recorded that in the case of The Hoc Kian Troupe, elders with Chinese origins are training younger generation without Chinese roots. Her study contains the basic but complex know-hows of becoming a Kaoka artists.

    These performers were commissioned by Filipino-Chinese patrons whose prayers were granted by their “gods and deities” as a sort of giving thanks to their provisions. For example, a birthday celebration takes place in a temple, the Kaoka artists performs to entertain the guests and the statues of their gods and the benefactor was tasked to pin the “banner” to the altar as a sign of honoring the gods. In return, these performers were given a generous amount as an exchange to their performance, plus tip. Chan also mentioned that their group has to be flexible as they are not only artists but also craftsmen of their own costume and props as the dresses from China could be so expensiveamounting to a Hundred Thousand Pesos.

    Chan also stated in the show that after she performed a Kaoka, it was more of a near death experience because she suddenly lost consciousness when her oxygen levels dropped down to 30%. After the deities have granted her prayer of a second chance in life, she vowed to perform and honor them for the rest of her days, despite her beliefs as a Roman Catholic. Caroline Chia’s, “Chapter 6 A Preliminary Study of Kaoka Playscripts in the Philippines” somehow have given a spotlight to an unknowledge aspect in the creative side and beliefs of the Chinese-Filipino community. It also details that more than an exquisite form of an oriental theatrical piece, the complex knowledge surrounding the performance highlights the willingness, motive and even faith of the artists himself.

 

China’s Ghost Weddings, A Practice that may Send a Chill Down Your Spine: All

You Need to Know

    Times of India in 2022, has annotated a bizarre ancient Chinese Tradition of Ghost Weddings wherein the family of a deceased man, has to look for a potential living bride to commemorate and offer food and incense in the altar or at his grave. In return, the bride will have to remain single for the rest of her life whilst the family of the groom has to provide for her needs. Usually, it is the wealthy families that practices Ghost Weddings to make sure that their sons, even in death will not be forgotten.

    According to Times of India, Ghost Weddings have been in practice in Chinese traditions for 3,000 years and until the present day, families are still into this macabre. The thought of being married to a dead person is very unlikely most especially that the “couple” are strangers whether in life and in death. A “Matchmaker” conjoins the two families in the ceremony where in the groom’s earthly form has to be exhumated and the bride will put her husband into his grave, as if it was a legitimate wedding.

    In 2017, Star Cinema commissioned the veteran movie director, Chito S. Roño to create a horror movie with Chinese origin-“The Ghost Bride” starred by Kim Chiu after the success of his 2004 “Feng Shui”. The plot revolves around Mayen’s family- n typical Tsinoy but not a well-off household as how she became the heroine of her story as a breadwinner. Moreover, the subsequent “matchmaking” that may help her family to pay the pending credits turns out to be a horrible Ghost Wedding in which she retracted. Her withdrawal to the agreement caused series of unfortunate events.

    Oggs Cruz of Rappler has written a film review titled, “The Ghost Bride Review: A Horde of Wrongs” in which the movie being fictional and horror overpowered the illusory angle more than a tradition. Cruz further explained that the film lacks cultural sensitivity for using such tradition a potent material for a horror story. The capitalist mindset of filmmakers and producers have taken an andvantge to the Filipinos taste of obscurity and orientation to a Chinese tradition-more often than not was first heard of during the promotion of the film itself. In a wider sense, Filipinos will always have knack for unexplained feeding their illusions for the sake of entertainment.

Crying Ladies

    The 2003 namesake movie reflects the Chinese Culture of hiring ladies to mourn in the belief that heavens will hear the summons of the living that at  some point on the deceased life, he was a good person because people expressed their lost. Angela Camille Heramia published a review for such cultural expression under the Chinese Studies Program Lecture Series from the Ateneo de manila University.

    Filipinos and Chinese communities were so intertwined that one becomes so dependent with one another. The early 2000’s in the Philippine Cinema boasts of typical Chinoy family stories, though fiction-may have been real stories of people such as the “Mano Po” series and “Crying Ladies”. This “weird” profession indeed exists as traditional Chinese families hire “professional mourners” during the wake of their loved ones. The louder the wail, the more that a person has been loved-whether they were acquainted or strangers looking for a decent living. The film also highlights the current situation of ordinary Filipinos who is willing to work “odd jobs” to at least earn extra because they live from paycheck to paycheck. Heramia further details that a “striving” Filipino like those of the characters from the “Crying Ladies” is an epitome of how Pinoys, uses further spending as an escape goat or an illusion to a middleclass lifestyle-however could not afford, still obliges accordingly. Filipinos, like the Chinese and the mixed race resulted from intermarriages has brought a new sense of cultural identity even in death. These cultures have their own superstitions most especially when dealing with death. They see the end of life as “misfortune” rather than being an inevitable and nature to man. To avoid these, they follow certain steps to “avoid” death or bad luck that comes hereafter. For example, in Philippine traditions, it is often heard that people should not turn an eye once the coffin has already left for interment and clay pots or glasses has to be smashed against a wall right after the casket has left the area, believing to “break the chain” of death. Roman Catholic faithful believers tend to put rosary in the deceased man’s hand but it has to be cut-off during the final viewing. There were a lot of similarities in the Filipino and Chinese culture on how they value and respect the dead despite the difference in  execution. These Asian countries were deeply rooted in their Christian and Buddhist faith that is why a lot of superstitions exists.

    Movies have become a tool in educating its viewers to a different and an unknown piece of culture, giving a sense of reality of people who has the firsthand experiences. However fictional, Crying Ladies will always have a special spot in the Philippine society that exists not only in the movies but to those who were able to earn a living through this “odd profession”.

 

 

A Noble Filipino Family

    Jaime Laya in his April 2022, editorial column for Manila Bulletin speaks of the Tuasons mixed heritage as Chinese-Filipinos. Moreover, he highlights the family’s contribution in the Philippine society in terms of land ownership and eventually, donating the majority of the estate scattered across cities of Manila, for a good cause.

    Unknown to many, during the turn of the 19^th Century the Tuason family, originally Son Tua in the 1763 existing document hailed from China and established a hefty amount of fortune in which his grandchildren, more generations later are able to enjoy until the present time. They have become an interesting people in the Philippine High Society as the Arroyos’, Valdeses and Legarda were scion of this wealthy family. They owned vast tracts of land beyond eye’s reach, stretching from Nagtahan in Manila to Diliman and Marikina. The lot where the University of the Philippines-Diliman Campus stands today as well as the current location of Ateneo de Manila University in Katipunan was donated by the Tuasons.

    Don Antonio Tuason, the Chinese merchant Son Tua thru his business was able to fund the war against the British in which he was given the title of “Majorazgo” and was exempted of paying his taxes. Not only that he was given a prestigious title but also a coat of arms and vast hectares of land. Some generation after Don Antonio tuason, a certain Don Jose Severo Tuason married Doña Teresa dela Paz y Tuason who managed their conjugal property. They were notable residents of then Haceinda de Mariquina in which it was noted that providence was felt and enjoyed by their subordinates through the generosity of the couple, however the former died at a young age. Their grandchildren were able to divide the richness of his wealth and most were donated for a good cause.

    Most wealthy Filipinos in the modern day was either of Spanish or Chinese heritage in which they can consider themselves as members of the “High Society”. These people did not become rich overnight but their forefathers went their way in the most uncomfortable situation unimaginable by leaving their home countries in to seek fortune overseas. It can be assumed that their families back home have accepted that it would be the last time they have seen their loved ones and no more updates will ever be heard of. These sacrifices turn out worthy as their grandchildren’s children and the generations to come have an assurance that they will live a comfortable life. Moreover, these families engaged into modern Philanthropic and Charity works extending their family’s provision to those who lack.

    The lavish lifestyle of modern Philippine High Society is a result of their forefathers’ sense of hard work and resiliency in which it was awarded with wealth but, these people also consider the welfare of the poor. In reality, this is instrumental to the nation building of Philippines-a melting pot of races.

John Gokongwei Jr: The Billionaire Who Once Sold Peanuts

    FM Ganal published a tribute about the late John Gokongwei Jr. known as the owner of several businesses such as Robinsons Mall and Universal Robina Corporation among others. Ganal narrates the wealthy beginning of the Gokongwei family who experienced extreme changes in life as John Gokongwei Jr. stepped up for his family after losing his father at a young age. It is seldom for a businessman to establish a business without a need to borrow a huge amount of money. John Gokongwei Sr. a Chinese businessman have found his fortune in the “Queen City of the South”-Cebu City by establishing movie theatres. Unfortunately, he died at a young age resulting his bereaved wife and kids to experience extreme changes that are unknown to them. John Jr. being the eldest among 6 siblings at the age of 13 began selling peanuts during the wartime in the 1940’s as his mother decided to put the rest of her children back to China. John Jr. become his mother’s refuge as they work alongside other vendors, commodities like soap, thread and candles. Years after he relocated to Manila to seek bigger opportunities for business and it was these times when their family has been reunited as the siblings went back to the Philippines, post-studies. He also kept himself busy while traversing Cebu to Lucena while riding a boat that takes days if not weeks before he reached his destination, he would read books that may add to his knowledge. Many years later, he ventured to manufacturing and acquiring and developing lands as he further his business but it was stated that above all this earthly wealth, it was his family with his wife, Elizabeth Yu-Gokongwei was the greatest asset. John and Elizabeth died in 2019 just a week after the former met his demise.

    There could be a lot of rags to richest type of stories by people in the Chinese community, not to mention billionaires in the Philippine society. Not all of them was born with an opportunity to just enjoy a high-end lifestyle but more than that, they have served an inspiration to those who aspired to become one. John Gokongwei Jr.’s children have continued his legacy as it was also noted that they compensated their employees well.

They have given a portion of their fortune to those who loyally works for them.

Rags to Riches Story of Jollibee’s Tony Tan Caktiong

    If Filipinos, most especially the children will be asked their fast food of their choice, seemingly the initial answer will always be Jollibee. Their crispy chickenjoy and Filipinostyle spaghetti has become a staple in the Philippine gastronomy. It was recorded that the international chef and food-critic Anthony Bourdain tried it the first time and expressed his fondness by saying “it’s the wackiest and jolliest place on earth”. The Jollibee’s humble beginnings started as an ice cream parlor.

    Tony Tan Caktiong whose family hailed from China was poor as his father was employed by a Buddhist Temple as a cook. Eventually they had their restaurant in Davao where members of their family are the ones serving their customers. Through hardwork, the Caktiong children finished their studies as Tony went to have his franchise of Magnolia Ice Cream. In 1978, Jollibee was established serving the classic fried chicken and spaghetti, Pinoy style. For more than 40 years in the service, Jollibee has conquered overseas as the increase of the demand thru Filipinos and foreigners alike continues to rise in the global market. Moreover, it currently owns more fast-food chains like Mang Inasal, Red Ribbon, Greenwich among others.

    Poor Chinese immigrants’ stories are at par with stories of Filipinos who were initially not well-off but persevered in their own hardships. It takes hard work, vision and guts to put into reality the business they have had in mind and somehow poverty served as the stepping stone. Jollibee has forever changed how Filipinos celebrate small wins by giving themselves a treat even in the most especial and ordinary days. It has been etched in the memories of children and adults that somehow, a poor yet promising scion of a Chinese family made these things possible.

The Evolution of ‘Chinoy’ Branding

    Josiah Go in his Inquirer.Net column recognized Teresita Ang-See’s contribution to the Chinese Filipino Community where she was the co-founder of Kaisa Para sa Kaunlaran and Bahay Tsinoy Museum.

    Tsinoy or Chinoy is a colloquial term pertaining to a person of mixed heritage with Chinese and Filipino blood. Being a Tsinoy is somehow synonymous to wealth and business but the “branding” has been changed overtime as the younger Tsinoys are more open in taking a different path. Ang-See discussed that in the 1990’s the organization felt the influx of being associated with Chinese who do illegal businesses in the Philippines. She also corrected the misconceptions that their forefathers were always businessmen and wealthy as they arrived in the Philippines under the worst conditions but, opportunities came in and took advantage of the enterprise. Ang-See would like to remember that Chinese-Filipinos as indispensable with endless connections in the three largest islands in the Philippines.

    The Chinese Filipino community work their way up from scratch and is vital to the nation building not only during the modern-day Philippines but most especially, in the time when there was ensuing conflicts in the hostilities of the Spanish regime. The Chinoys, although not purely Filipino in blood, particularly those who were born and raised in the Philippines considered themselves as one. Indeed, Ang-See’s imagery of Tsinoy branding is indispensable to the Filipino community as Philippines and China was linked more than trade but on embracing the cultural assimilation as a result of endless encounters.

 

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* The Review of Related Literature and Studies (sample) was submitted by the author as her final paper for Graduate Studies