Every June 9, the Philippines celebrates a relevant day dedicated to its diplomatic relations with China, its neighboring Asian country.
The relationship between the two countries officially started in 1975.
In 2002, former Philippine president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issued Proclamation 148, declaring June 9 as Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day, marking this year’s celebration as the 47th.
Despite some tensions between the two countries in recent years, their relationship started centuries ago and developed connections that allowed both countries to prosper. The Chinese enjoyed trade and commerce with the Philippines, while the latter applied several Chinese influences to their culture, which is still evident today.
Parts of the Filipino language also borrowed some terms from early Chinese ancestors from other provinces in China.
A quick overview of their trading relationship
Early Chinese settlers flocked to the Philippines even before the Spaniards arrived in 1521 to colonize the islands. According to historical records, most of the early Chinese community came from the provinces of Fujian and Guangdong in Southern China. They sought refuge in the Philippines due to economic and political hardships in their country. The migrating Chinese brought different items and practices that supported the Philippines’ already colorful culture.
Some of the items early Chinese settlers brought to the country include porcelain, silk, deer horns, and sea slugs (or trepang).
By the mid-16th century, Manila was a thriving Spanish Colonial metropolis, trading in Chinese-produced silk and other goods. They traded raw and finished silk, luxury goods, fundamental provisions, and cooking utensils for Mexican silver and gold dust. At the time, the Philippines lacked supplies, including agricultural resources, to support a growing population and fortify their colony.
In 1594, the Spaniards established the oldest Chinatown in the world, now popularly known as Binondo, near Intramuros but across the Pasig River for the Catholic Chinese. Although it housed the Chinese community in the Philippines for centuries, allowing them to trade within the capital, the Spanish colonizers strategically chose the location to monitor their migrant subjects.
For several years, the Chinese enjoyed a healthy monopoly in the Philippine market until the English East India Company and other competitors arrived from other countries, disrupting their business models and prompting them to adapt to aggressive market prices.
Presently, the Chinese adapted to the global market. They also preserved their trading relationship with the Philippines. Many Filipino consumers continue to purchase Chinese goods because of their innovativeness and quality.
Under Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, Chinese businesses in the Philippines flourished. His declaration of alliance with China early in his term brought mixed reactions from his constituents, but the Chinese were ecstatic with the new business opportunities within the Philippine jurisdiction.
Allies in war
Early Chinese settlers in the Philippines played a significant role aside from merchants and immigrants. They were also crucial in nation-building and preserving nationalism.
The Chinese fought side-by-side with the Filipinos to protect the country against Japanese invaders. Some of them suffered hostility from the Japanese due to the Sino-Japanese War in 1937.
As the Filipino-Japanese War drew to a close and the Philippines received freedom from the Americans in 1946, the Chinese remained a constant presence as the Filipinos sought to build a nation for themselves.
While colonizers initially viewed the Chinese community as aliens, the Philippines’ independence also signified a better sense of belonging for them in the country. Together with the Filipinos, both native and intermingled with foreign ancestry, the Chinese rebuilt the Philippines after the negative impacts of the war.
Many structures in the Philippines, especially in Metro Manila, feature Chinese architecture. For instance, the Binondo Church has stone brick floorings with Chinese characters.
Chinese influence on Philippine cuisine
Besides bringing textiles and other fundamental goods into the Philippines, the Chinese community also contributed new and exciting flavors to Philippine cuisine. Early Chinese settlers initially used these dishes to avoid going hungry during their voyage and remind them of home whenever they felt homesick. Eventually, Filipinos adopted Chinese cuisine to theirs, resulting in flavorful dishes that are known today.
One prime example is pancit canton or stir-fried noodles. In the Philippines, there are many variations of this hearty dish. Some add toppings like meat, vegetables, and more, while others add a bright-colored sauce to theirs.
Another ideal example of how Chinese cuisine made it into the Philippines is the Pinoy favorite lumpia. In China, the dish is known as spring rolls and usually uses savory flavors like meat and vegetables. However, Filipinos developed a sweet version called turon, which uses caramelized banana and jackfruit in a thin crepe-like wrapper.
Lastly, there are some Chinese cuisine staples like siomai and siopao. These filling snacks have since become a favorite of Filipinos around the country.
Other Chinese influence
Since the Chinese presence in the Philippines spanned centuries, Filipinos integrated many of their practices into their culture.
For instance, both cultures have unique wedding traditions, ceremonies, and superstitions. Elements like ancestor worship, respect for elders, viewing omens, and ornate gift-giving rituals are common ground between Filipino and Chinese weddings. Both cultures even follow the tradition of throwing rice over a newlywed couple.
Moreover, the Chinese also influenced the familial structures among Filipinos, along with some nomenclature used until today. Much like Chinese families, Filipino families also follow a rigid structure, where the elders hold the most power over the family and demand respect from the younger generations.
Even the words “Ate” and “Kuya,” which are commonly used in Pinoy households, are also inspired by the Chinese. They come from Hokkien Chinese. “Ate” is derived from “a ci,” meaning older sister, while “Kuya” comes from “ko a,” meaning older brother.
Other Chinese terms used to describe family members include “ditse,” “diko,” “sanse,” and “sangko.”
The Chinese left a great influence on Philippine culture centuries ago. Those influences remain significant today as Filipinos continue to enjoy Chinese cuisine, products, and entertainment. Despite the differences and conflicts between the two countries, their history and connection withstood centuries and wars, proving that their friendship is something worth celebrating annually.