The Pinoy and Chinoy: As partners, family
IMAGINE what could be the Philippine economy like without the influence of Chinese culture and the emergence of the Chinese-Filipino (Chinoy to you) entrepreneurs? That should not be difficult to discern.
Out of the country’s top 10 commercial banks alone today, 9 are owned by distinguished Chinoys. The most popular restaurants in the country serve Chinese food of different origins from fine dining to fastfood. The emergence of chain of department stores was led by SM and Robinsons. (In Pangasinan, that’s CSI and Magic). These alone make for the major pillars of the country’s economy.
We celebrate the enterprising Chinoys not only for being economic visionaries but for their legacy of hard work backed by Filipino communities that readily welcomed and supported their humble start-up businesses.
But the Chinoy entrepreneurs’ success could not have been possible without the Filipino culture that encourages team work like bonded-families whether in business, civic, social affairs… and now in politics as well. Pinoys provided excellence in managerial and tireless labor support with total dedication and commitment.
Towards this end, intermarriages were no longer the exception but an accepted culture.
So, it can be said that the Pinoys partnership and bonding with the Chinoys is made in heaven. For this, the Pinoys have every reason to celebrate the Chinese New Year because of the tested mixed Pinoy and Chinese culture.
But how much do Pinoys know about Chinoys’ Chinese New Year celebration besides mouthing the greeting Gong Xi Fa Cai! Here’s one legend we gathered to explain the Chinese New Year traditions.
One legend is about a monster named Nian (“Year”) attacked villagers at the beginning of each new year. The monster was afraid of loud noises, bright lights, and the color red, so firecrackers and fireworks are used today to chase the beast away. Children are given ampao (money in small red envelopes). Note: Chinese New Year is a time to feast and to visit family members, and to honor relatives who have died.
The Lantern Festival is held on the last day during which people hang glowing lanterns in temples or carry them during a nighttime parade .The dragon is a Chinese symbol of good fortune, so a dragon dance highlights festival celebrations.
Cheers to Pinoys celebrating the Chinese New Year with their Chinoy friends and families!
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