Excerpted from “Chinese in the Philippine economy: Facts and myths” published in Tulay Monthly, Chinese-Filipino Digest 1, no. 12 (May 14, 1989): 5. Ninety percent of the Chinese in the Philippines are productive citizens permanently residing in this country. Therefore, their capital and their businesses are part of the native economy. Their profits are re-invested […]
First published in Tulay Fortnightly, Chinese-Filipino Digest 24, no. 3 (July 5-18, 2011): 5-6. 郭 (Guo in Mandarin, Que in Hokkien) is the 16th most common surname in China and also ranks 18th among Chinese surnames in the Philippines. The surname originated from the names of two ancient states in China, headed by Ji Zhong […]
First published in Tulay Monthly, Chinese-Filipino Digest 2, no. 7 (December 24, 1989): 7, 12. Dr. Randy Bulatao, eminent sociologist, in his study on ethnic prejudices (against Muslims and against Chinese) concluded that, “Childhood prejudices and narrow loyalties may be diluted and overlaid with specific concerns as one matures, but they remain latent and capable […]
First published in Tulay Monthly, Chinese-Filipino Digest 1, no. 11 (April 16, 1989): 4. Philippine-Chinese relations has, in spite of some strains, lasted through the centuries. It began in pre-Hispanic times when the traders sailed the south seas and bartered Chinese silk and other wares with the native Filipinos. Their numbers rapidly increased when the […]
First published in Tulay Fortnightly, Chinese-Filipino Digest 23, no. 23 (May 23-June 13, 2011): 5. Surname 蘇 (Su in Mandarin, So in Hokkien) ranks 41st in China among Chinese surnames and 17th among Chinese in the Philippines. The origin of surname Su is quite interesting. It is linked to the herb su chao (蘇草), literally […]
China is a country of festivities. Each particular occasion demands its own corresponding celebration. There are at least six “Great Festivals” to break the monotony of the Chinese everyday life: New Year or Spring Festival (1st day of 1st month), the Lantern Festival (15th of the 1st month), Festival for the Dead (5th of the […]
First published in Tulay Fortnightly, Chinese-Filipino Digest 23, no. 22 (April 19-May 9, 2011): 5. The surname 葉 (Ye in Mandarin, Yap in Hokkien), ranks 42nd among surnames in China and 16th in the Philippines. This is deceiving because there are actually more of the clan members than meets the eye. The surname’s origin underwent […]
First published in Tulay Monthly, Chinese-Filipino Digest 1, no. 7 (December 11, 1988): 6. “Walang bahay na walang butas.” Ito ang kawikaan ng dagang-dingding. Kahit na bahay na kongkreto ay puwedeng pasukin at kahit na munting butas ay puwedeng magamit na lusutan. Ang kaisipang ito ang sanhi ng maraming korupsiyon at kaguluhan sa ating lipunan. […]
First published in Tulay Fortnightly, Chinese-Filipino Digest 23, no. 20 (March 22-April 4, 2011 Tulay Fortnightly): 5-6. Various family associations in the Philippine Chinese community represent more than one surname. Yet, only one of them truly represents two surnames where clan members actually descended from a common ancestor: Chan (曾) and Cu (邱). This is […]
First published in Tulay, Chinese-Filipino Digest 1, no. 3 (August 1998): 6, with original title, “One Year at Kaisa.” Kaisa Para Sa Kaunlaran had its baptism of fire on that infamous 28th day of August 1987. The organization was launched at the National Press Club supposedly in a press conference that day. Unfortunately, Gringo Honasan […]