Reaching Out to Strengthen Bonds: Episode 4 of Chinese by Blood, Filipino by Heart Season 5
Season 5 of CHiNOY TV’s Chinese by Blood, Filipino Heart had begun with Chinoy history, identity, and language. Now, in its fourth episode, the documentary puts the friendship between the Chinese and the Filipinos in the spotlight. Featuring some of the leaders of the newly-formed Filipino at Tsino Magkaibigan Foundation, CFBH Episode 4 shows a dedicated Chinese-Filipino community hoping to contribute what they can to Philippine society.
Filipino at Tsino Magkaibigan Foundation
Made up of 30 Chinese-Filipino organizations, clubs, and associations, the Filipino at Tsino Magkaibigan Foundation was formed in the latter half of 2024. In the past, each of the 30 member organizations have been at the forefront of helping communities in the aftermath of all kinds of calamities.
Mr. Ko Ming Sum, President of Grand Family Association says, “Every time we have a calamity in the Philippines, the Filipino Chinese were the first one to respond, to help.”
Thus, formed out of an opportunity to have a unified foundation for outreaches and programs, the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industries, Inc. (FFCCCII) had banded together the other prominent groups of Chinese-Filipinos to be able to have a wider reach with their relief operations.
Mr. Dante Chua, President of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Associations of the Philippines Foundation, Inc., explains that the foundation’s priorities lie in culture-sharing and helping communities: “We focus on bridging cultural gaps and providing resources for community development.”
Centuries of Friendship
Episode 4 starts by going back to the roots of the centuries-old tight-knit relationship between the Chinese and the Filipinos. Beginning with a cordial friendship through trading, the Chinese have been interacting with Filipinos since before the Spaniards had arrived in the Philippines. As they continued to stay in this country, the Chinese immigrants had begun to plant new roots and slowly, over the years, they started to become one with their Filipino brethren.
Politics and Disputes
Though Chinese-Filipinos have long been integrated into Philippine society, it does not mean that there have not been any bumps along the way. In recent years, politics and geopolitics have played big roles in causing tensions between China and the Philippines, leading to an onslaught of microaggressions and discrimination from people from both countries.
According to Mr. Ko, “As far as the Filipino Chinese, staying in the Philippines, we, 100% and, I would say that politics free so we don’t go to international politics because the politics we will leave it that to the, Department of Foreign Affairs or the, government of both countries to settle among themselves.”
Thus, Mr. Ko stresses that the Filipino at Tsino Magkaibigan Foundation was not formed to settle political disputes, rather to be only a service that helps and provides for the Philippine people.
Ms. Meah Ang See of Bahay Tsinoy, Museum of Chinese in Philippine Life suggests that to battle discrimination, one of the major solutions is to continue people-to-people exchanges and to promote friendship amongst the people. Fortunately, this is the main goal of the foundation.
Marking the beginning of the Filipino at Tsino Magkaibigan Foundation, the Lakad Magkaibigan walkathon was held on June 9, 2024.
Mr. Samuel Uy, President of the Chinese Filipino Business Club reminisces on the monumental event: “The Alay Lakad is a very strong symbol of our relationship between the Filipinos and the Chinese community. That day, thousands of people gathered to cross the Filipino Chinese Friendship Bridge.”
Not only was it organized in light of the tensions between China and the Philippines, it was also the foundation to the future plans of Chinese-Filipino leaders for maintaining peace within the Chinese-Filipino community and to promote mutual understanding and respect.
What to expect
President of FFCCCII, Dr. Cecilio Pedro assures that the foundation will continue to do what they can to help the communities around them to further show the love that Chinese-Filipinos have for their own country and people: “So this is one way of putting our words into action. Sinasabi po namin mahal po namin ang Pilipino.”
As the young umbrella organization continues to give a helping hand to Chinoys and non-Chinoys who are in need, there is hope that the relationship between the Chinese and the Filipinos will continue to grow stronger and stronger each day despite all the adversities that they have to face.
“We have to teach our successors the value of trust and worthiness to doing business and help our community also.”, reflects FFCCCII’s Executive Vice President Mr. Victor Lim, aiming for a future of better friendships between every community in the Philippines.
See other ways in which Chinoys continue to build their identities and friendships with others as Season 5 of Chinese by Blood, Filipino by Heart continues! Catch new episodes on One News every Sunday at 8PM, and episode replays on Saturdays at 8:30PM. You can also catch the episodes live on CHiNOY TV’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.
