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8 posts that every Chinoy can relate to on Subtle Asian Traits

One of the easiest ways to pass the time is to mindlessly scroll through social media. If you’re like me, both Asian and easily bored, then you might probably find yourself sneaking in another five minutes to go through the latest posts on Subtle Asian Traits (SAT). 

We’re sure you already know what SAT is; but given the tiny chance that you don’t, SAT’s magnificent online existence can be summed up with three words: memes, milk tea, and Asia. The beginnings of this internationally beloved Facebook community can be traced back to as early as September 2018, when a group of Asian-Australian students in Melbourne decided to create a space where discussions about growing up in an Asian household could be shared.

Since its inception, the private Facebook group has racked up a total of a little less than two million members around the world. Of course, among these netizens is quite a number of fellow Chinoys. This means that we, too, have our own share of relatable content to laugh and cry at: 

 

What better way is there to celebrate our mixed cultural identity than with amazing food!

Photo courtesy of Janie Tan, Subtle Asian Traits

 

In Chinese tradition, the 100th day of life is a very important milestone for a baby. That’s why it’s only right for this Chinoy toddler to be able to enjoy an auspicious start by living out his very best life —  and what better way is there to celebrate than with an authentic, scrumptious Cebuano lechon?

 

On the other hand, food can apparently also cause war…?

 

Let’s first clarify that none of these are exactly the same! Here in the Philippines, lugaw is the umbrella term used to describe Filipino rice gruel, congee is what we eat at Chinese restaurants, and rice porridge is the generic term that both lugaw and congee fall under. 

 

Nothing speaks Chinoy better than being able to mix up three languages!

Photo courtesy of Fritz Lee, Subtle Asian Traits

 

It’s a totally normal thing for a Chinoy household to use a minimum of three languages — in this case, Mandarin (pinyin), English, and Tagalog — in one sentence. It’s not confusing at all!

 

However, just because we can speak three languages doesn’t mean we’re fluent in them… 

 

OMG, that’s us! Ni how, indeed… 

 

But we do know enough to get the job done! 

We think that it’s already a great achievement if you’re good enough to be able to order the food you want! 

 

That said, sometimes, our mothers remind us that our best is just not enough. 

 

Asian mothers, in general, are known for being strict with their children. How many times have you been threatened by a belt or a slipper while growing up? 😂

 

But it doesn’t mean that they don’t love us. Quite the contrary, actually… 

 

White flower is basically an all-around cure! Truly, we know that our mothers mean well deep inside. ❤️

 

At the end of the day, what defines your identity as a Chinoy is your bond with your family.

Seeing yourself as a Chinoy is more than just recognizing your genealogy. It’s the appreciation of the roots of your family. Whether your family is related to you by blood or not, what’s important is that you recognize the values, language, and culture that have allowed them to bring you up as a person. This acceptance is what defines who you are.  

 

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