Categories
Gems of History

Chinese in PH suffered worse fate at Japanese hands

Do you know how many Chinese in the Philippines lost their lives and properties during the three years of Japanese occupation? The “Summary of Overseas Chinese Affairs Statistics of 1946” report published by the Taiwan Overseas Affairs Office reveals that 12,000 of the 117,463 Chinese in the Philippines died during the Japanese occupation. This accounts […]

Categories
Chinese in PH Local History

Returning to Vigan

When I joined Binondo Heritage Group in Facebook six months ago, little did I imagine how it would greatly encourage me to find out more about my roots. Composed of Tsinoys like myself, many of whom were born and raised in the Philippines, interacting with BHG was very happy and enjoyable because I have been […]

Categories
Parenting

Step 1: Spirituality for parents

I attended the graduation ceremonies of Charity First scholars last April 9 at the Trinity University of Asia Theater in Quezon City. This annual affair celebrates a milestone in the scholars’ lives as they move on from a nurturing community into the “big bad world.” Most of these scholars have already gone through hellfire, and […]

Categories
Idioms...Hokkien style

When words fail, use idioms… Hokkien style (19)

Hokkien, on the tongues of Tsinoys, has grown and evolved, taking on a life of its own. Sometimes words simply fail us. With some creativity, Tsinoys have strung together words to form colorful phrases that simply hit the bull’s eye. Here are some expressions unique to Hokkien as favored by Tsinoys. Idioms, expressions Hokkien pronunciation […]

Categories
Philosophy

The Mahayana Sutras

May the light of Buddha increase radiance like sunlight,May the dharma wheel roll out continuously to benefit all living beings,May the triple jewel prosper and be present always in this world. — Buddhist prayer   On April 3, the Seng Guan Temple and Bahay Tsinoy held a very special exhibit at the museum. Venerable Phrabommasith, Buddhist Minister of Thailand, will […]

Categories
Idioms...Hokkien style

When words fail, use idioms… Hokkien style (17)

Hokkien, on the tongues of Tsinoys, has grown and evolved, taking on a life of its own. Sometimes words simply fail us. With some creativity, Tsinoys have strung together words to form colorful phrases that simply hit the bull’s eye. Here are some expressions unique to Hokkien as favored by Tsinoys. Idioms, expressions Hokkien pronunciation […]

Categories
Health

How to have more energy

We all want to have more energy. Energy to work, play and fulfill our dreams. If you feel tired, check out these tips to help give you an added boost of energy: Eat a complete breakfast with protein and carbohydrates. A donut and coffee in the morning won’t work. You need to add protein-rich food […]

Categories
Idioms...Hokkien style

When words fail, use idioms… Hokkien style (16)

Hokkien, on the tongues of Tsinoys, has grown and evolved, taking on a life of its own. Sometimes words simply fail us. With some creativity, Tsinoys have strung together words to form colorful phrases that simply hit the bull’s eye. Here are some expressions unique to Hokkien as favored by Tsinoys. Idioms, expressions Hokkien pronunciation […]

Categories
Tsinoy Beats and Bytes

Personal journey under martial law

Ziya, my six-year-old granddaughter, came home from school Monday and reported that it is Batas Militar (Martial Law) week at her school in Quezon City. She and her classmates were commanded by the seventh graders, who acted as soldiers imposing discipline. They were not to talk or sing outside the classroom, among other things. Ziya’s […]

Categories
Tsinoy Culture

Relative Finder: Breast pocket patch

A relative-finding quest can trigger chain reactions which sometimes go on and on. Our family had a reunion with long-lost China relatives in 2010. The reunion’s itinerary included meeting family friends with the same Chinese surname Chan (曾 Zeng). That meeting sparked yet another successful search for a friend’s family. While scouring letters and photographs […]