The Heart of Atsiak: How Chinoy Content Creator Justin Chua’s Mom Fuels His Cultural Advocacy
For many who follow Justin Chua online, he’s known as the Chinoy content creator who does witty skits, educational videos, and everything in between. He’s become a bridge between generations, blending humor, heart, and heritage to keep the Hokkien language and Filipino-Chinese culture alive. But behind the charm of his viral “atsiak” videos is a comforting yet powerful presence: his mom.
Credits to Justin Chua (Atsiak Justin) on TikTok
This Mother’s Day, we look beyond the screen to celebrate the woman whose warmth, support, and steady love continue to shape not just Justin’s life, but the values behind his content and cultural advocacy.
A Childhood Anchored in Love and Support
Growing up as an only child, Justin was showered with affection. “She made me feel loved and supported all the way,” he says. “She spoiled me a lot—but thankfully my dad and ahma were able to moderate it,” he adds with a laugh. It’s a dynamic many Chinoys might find familiar: a gentle mother’s touch balanced by the structure of a more traditional household.
Credits to Justin Chua
Justin often hears people say he and his mom share the same smile, and it’s more than just a physical resemblance. “I think I inherited her friendliness and approachable personality,” he shares. “That’s helped me build connections easily, both online and offline.”
When Filipino Warmth Meets Chinese Tradition
In a household shaped by two cultures, Justin credits his mom with giving him a fuller, more rounded sense of identity. “My dad’s side is more traditional Chinese, while my mom’s side is the more Filipino side,” he explains. “The strictness of my dad blended well with the gentleness of my mom. It was discipline and structure mixed with warmth, openness, and ease.”
Credits to Justin Chua (Atsiak Justin) on TikTok
From her, he also learned the value of gratitude and faith. “She taught me to pray and to always thank God for the many blessings he gives us daily.”
While his dad and ahma were his links to Hokkien and traditional Chinese customs, it was his mom who introduced him to Filipino practices: Sunday Mass, saying “mano po” to elders, and the kind of hospitality that fills a home with life. These early experiences continue to shape Justin’s identity today.
Support Behind the Scenes, Love in Every Frame
Though she’s rarely front and center, Justin’s mom plays a pivotal behind-the-scenes role in his creative journey. “She shares my videos to friends from time to time,” he says proudly. “She doesn’t show on screen as much, but she does things moms usually do—makes the food, makes our house a brighter and warmer place to go home to. She’s a natural homemaker and a good one at that.”
Credits to Justin Chua (Atsiak Justin) on TikTok
Her quiet encouragement also gave him the confidence to find his voice in the Chinoy space. “It makes her proud that I’m able to express myself and my identity,” Justin says. “She never had a criticizing spirit telling me what I should or shouldn’t say. That trust really boosted my confidence.”
For Justin, sharing parts of his life and moments with his mom has become more than just content; it’s a deeply personal way of holding onto the language and values that shaped him. “Since my dad and ahma passed, and I don’t have anyone to speak Hokkien with at home, doing this also preserves my own proficiency,” he shares. Her steady support gives him the freedom to express himself fully, creating a balance between heritage and heart. “It means a lot to me, being able to share sayings in Hokkien and advice to young people on what they’re going through—since I’m going through the same things as well.”
A Message for Mother’s Day and Beyond
And this Mother’s Day, Justin has a simple but heartfelt message: “Thank you for everything, Ma. I love you.”
Credits to Justin Chua
He hopes others are reminded to do the same. “I want people to see how important it is to show love and appreciation to your loved ones while you still can,” he says. “Time is short, and life is even shorter. We might not always be the best at expressing affection, but don’t let that stop you. Show it in the ways your loved ones will understand.” It’s a reminder that whether your mom is the disciplinarian, the nurturer, or the silent supporter, there’s always a way to make her feel loved and seen—just like the ones we celebrated in The 7 Types of Chinoy Moms article last year!
After all, in the heart of every atsiak is a mother’s love: steady, nurturing, and quietly powerful. And sometimes, that’s all the fuel you need to keep a culture alive.
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