A Time for Unity this Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day 

The celebration of Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day is a time to embrace our differences and recognize the many values we share: hard work, perseverance, and resilience. 

Our history is filled with stories that strengthen the bond between two cultures, making our societal impact more enduring.  And through the generations, many Filipino and Chinese people stood side by side with mutual respect for a progressive relationship.

This unique cultural identity paves the way for modern Chinoys to develop a view of inclusivity and cultural immersion. So today, as we celebrate this meaningful event, may we value deeper connections and promote friendship to amplify the voice of unity by learning the history of this significant event. 

History of Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day 

On this day, June 9, may we remind ourselves of the history of building diplomatic relationships between the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China in 1975 during the administration of President Ferdinand E. Marcos, Sr. It is a symbolic event that honors past relationships and encourages future cooperation between the two countries. 

Jumping to 2002, it was during the administration of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo that this observance was initiated through the issuance of Proclamation No. 148. This proclamation officially designates June 9 as Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day. 

On Feb. 19, 2015,  former President Benigno S. Aquino III  further honored the Filipino-Chinese relationship by issuing Proclamation No. 831, declaring the practice of observing the Chinese Lunar New Year as a non-working national holiday.

In April 2022, the strong relationship between the two countries was solidified by former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte through the inauguration of the Binondo-Intramuros Bridge as a symbol of strong friendship and the connection of our cultures.

Looking beyond diplomatic relationships and concrete structures, Filipino and Chinese people have a history tracing back way before the Spanish era through trades and intermarriages, giving birth to modern Chinoys and the merging of the two cultures. 

So the historic relationship between the Filipino and Chinese people is worth commemorating and here’s how you can celebrate Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day.  

Read More: Binondo: History of Oldest Chinatown In The World

(Binondo-Intramuros Bridge, Photo by: Jan Sy/ CHiNOY TV)

5 Ways to Celebrate Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day 

Advocate for Understanding and Compassion

Cultural differences may lead to disputes and misunderstandings, but it’s not a valid reason to excuse racial discrimination. This Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day, we should remind ourselves to practice empathy between our differences.

You can start with a small act of compassion by advocating deeper mutual understanding and respect through social media or to your friends and family. You should also be open to learning new things about our history and why respecting traditions and cultures can make you more open-minded. 

Remember that a small act of compassion can make a difference, and your words can uplift people with a lasting impact. 

(Filipino-Chinese Friendship Arc, Photo by Jan Sy) 

Learn More About History and Culture

Learn the significance of the event by exploring Binondo’s history and immersing yourself in the Filipino-Chinese culture. 

You can visit museums in Binondo and Intramuros like Bahay Tsinoy (Kaisa-Angelo King Heritage Center), Museo de Intramuros, and Casa Manila Museum, which can show us exhibitions of Chinese influence in the Philippines. 

Aside from visiting museums, you can also immerse yourself in the culture, like going on a food crawl in Binondo. Not only you’ll satisfy your stomach, you’ll also learn about Chinese and Filipino fusion in our cuisine, showing the strong relationship between the two countries. 

Finally, you can go to Binondo Church to reflect on your day and learn why it symbolizes the Filipino-Chinese connection, where the Chinese community thrived and established the Binondo Church during the Spanish Era. 

(Binondo Church, Photo by Jan Sy) 

Celebrate Identity and Belongingness

You’re already part of a legacy as a Chinoy because our ancestors have a long history with the Philippines, from traders to the Sangley revolution to modern Chinoys who have contributed to society. It’s transformative to know our ancestors so we can celebrate identity and belongingness with deep meanings. 

This way, we’ll be able to learn the significance of our ancestor’s legacy and why Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day is more than just a celebration but rather a tribute to the people who have built our culture of today. 

Fortunately, there are ways to reconnect with your roots by joining Chinese Ancestry Research, founded by Nathan Co, which helps people trace their ancestry. Participating in finding out your ancestors can help you see the true meaning of this friendship day. 

READ MORE: Why Chinese Names Matter: The Deep Meanings Behind Surnames & Given Names

Recognize Chinoy Contribution

The Chinese influence is not only through culture but also through people. Many prominent Chinoy people have contributed to the Philippines in different fields, like Betty Go Belmonte (journalist), Ricky Lee (author), Corazon Aquino (politician), Kim Chiu (actress), EJ Obiena (athlete), Henry Sy (businessman), and other profiles.

This shows how Chinese and Filipino cultures are intertwined through humanitarian efforts. It’s not only through the culture we grew up with, but you can also see it through people who have contributed to the betterment of society. 

Recognizing Chinoy’s contributions can help us understand why Filipino -hinese Friendship Day is significant, as it is alive in the modern people we interact with in our everyday lives.

(A Thriving Binondo, Photo by Jan Sy) 

Promote Cultural Exchange and Dialogue

Encourage open conversations and shared experiences between Filipinos and Chinese to bridge the two cultures. With an open mind and heart, we will foster a community where understanding will lead to mutual respect. 

Most importantly, it’s essential to be careful with the words we put on social media to avoid hurtful discourse among online users. Always keep a respectful view whenever joining forums, events, or even simple conversions with your friends and family. 

In doing this, you’ll embody the essence of Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day that unity is possible despite the differences. 

(Binondo-Intramuros Bridge, Photo By: Jan Sy) 

Acknowledging the Legacy of Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day is an honorable act in times of diplomatic tension, but the bravery of continuous advocacy for unity is a reminder that we all share the same aspiration in life – to live in a peaceful world where everyone is respected and valued. 

With CHiNOY TV, we celebrate this day with our deepest respect for the long-standing friendship between the Philippines and China. May we continue to prosper for a better tomorrow.

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