Having achieved the highest ratings the program has ever had, CHiNOY TV is celebrating its success with an extended season, going beyond its original ten-episode run, with six new ones. In light of this milestone, last week’s episode of Chinese by Blood, Filipino by Heart highlighted stories about what it means to be a modern Chinoy from the series’ first 10 episodes, as shared by various Chinoy personalities.
As Chinese by Blood, Filipino by Heart continues to shed light on breaking barriers and stereotypes present in the Filipino-Chinese community, viewers enthusiastically share some of their favorite insights from the series:
1. A grateful heart is a magnet for miracles.
Entrepreneuring chemist Pinky Tobiano made the arduous climb to establish herself as the CEO of Progressive Laboratories while brushing aside the stereotypes of a male-dominated science industry — a path that is not often taken by the Filipino-Chinese. In the middle of all of this, Tobiano also endured both her and her mother’s battle against cancer.
At the end of it all, Tobiano considers herself a person defined by gratefulness. Her identity as a Chinoy is unique to the strength and support she has gathered in her pursuit of passion.
“I am always a fan of Ms. Pinky Tobiano. Nakaka-inspire po siya. She is a very grateful person despite the battles she’d been through. Lagi ko po pinapanuod ‘yung mga live niya sa Kumu at Facebook at nakakatuwa dahil super dami nyang napapasaya at natutulungan. She is a humble person,” shared Jo Marquez.
2. Mentoring now is a two-way street.
After growing up in a strict Chinoy household, Francis Kong recognizes that parents and their children need to have a more balanced relationship. This is because being a modern Chinoy also means being a modern parent.
When Kong was a child, his mother had harshly scolded him for showing an interest in music, saying that the hobby would lead to poverty. Although indignant, Kong experienced the same frustration that his mother had felt decades later when his own son informed him of his choice to pursue music as a career. Remembering his own bittersweet childhood memories, Kong decided to support his son in exchange for his son’s own support.
“Sabi niya, ‘Dad, how can I support you [when] I’m just entering college?’ I said, ‘No, you support me by taking a course as well. Baka naman you want to try entrepreneurship. Give it a try.’”
Sandy Dalisay commented, “I like the episode that featured Francis Kong. He talked about parenting, and in a way, I can really relate. As a mother of two, I can see that things have really changed and things are very different now from the way we were brought up before. But it’s really important to adapt to these changes because, at the end of the day, we only want what’s best for our children, right? And of course, as parents, it’s our responsibility to train them so that they will grow up and be ready to face the world and all the changes and challenges that come with it.”
3. You need to accept who you are.
It wasn’t long ago when Chinoys were generally perceived to be a conservative community. This meant conforming yourself to the mold that elders expected of you — it meant pursuing loves and jobs that were practical.
It was when realizing his passion for the arts that renowned host and eventologist Tim Yap decided to shatter all of these expectations. Not only did he establish a career in the entertainment industry, but he also found love with his now-husband Javi Martinez.
“I would always be in the most shocking color. And my mom always thought that it’s just how I express myself because I’m very creative, and it has nothing to do with my sexuality. So we never talked about it,” recalled Yap.
Maria Alessandra Dalisay wrote, “I admire Tim Yap’s story because he is a good example of a person who has indeed broken barriers and stereotypes. You can easily be a subject of discrimination and stereotypes if you’re Chinoy. That’s society’s reality.
“But Tim Yap has chosen to ignore these and focus on his goals. I admire his confidence and self-esteem — how I wish I could believe in myself the way he does believe in him, too. He is an accomplished person, and he has helped others, too. I also admire his “You do you” attitude, where he does what he needs and wants to do to be happy, as long as he is not hurting anybody else.”
4. We are united for the progress of our country.
Teresita Ang-See is best-known for founding Kaisa Para sa Kaunluran, a non-government organization (NGO) whose mission is to integrate the Chinoy community into Philippine society. Her efforts especially came to a rise when fifteen-year-old Charlene Sy was brutally killed during a kidnapping attempt in 1992.
When the Chinoy community came together as a united front, See was recognized as the spokesperson of the group, despite taking no claim for the title. However, even in the face of clout-chasing accusations, See maintains that in times of trouble, the best person to start the change you want to see in the country is yourself. A Chinoy is, first and foremost, a Filipino.
“No matter how it is, this is our country. It is our Lupang Hinirang. We are just in one country. We are in one boat. Do not say: ‘Why me?’ Say ‘Why not me?’”
“I was inspired by the story of Teresita Ang See, who founded Kaisa Para Sa Kaunlaran to help Chinese-Filipinos integrate into mainstream Philippine society. She inspires me a lot, especially [since] she works for peace and security, justice, and development by harnessing the Chinese-Filipino community for nation-building. I loved her slogan: ‘Our blood may be Chinese, but our roots grow deep in Philippine soil. Bonds are with Filipino people.’ Her good heart [attracts] my attention so much,” said Ditas Emperador Tolentino.
Don’t miss the replay of this week’s episode of Chinese by Blood, Filipino by Heart this evening, October 23 at 6:30 PM. Catch the next episode on Dr. Ging Zamora on Sunday at 8 PM. Both episodes will air on CNN Philippines.
