Benedict Cua Voices of Diversity in Today’s Digital Era

Growing up as a Chinese Filipino, Benedict Cua (柯霆峰), a social media content creator and Artist, experienced a unique journey filled with cultural richness and linguistic diversity. Constantly shifting from Tagalog to Chinese to English, his childhood was a whirlwind of languages, both confusing and fascinating. This blend allowed him to explore and appreciate both Filipino and Chinese cultures, profoundly shaping his identity.

Values Shaped by Culture

Among the many values instilled in Benedict, respect and resilience stand out prominently. From an early age, he was taught the importance of respecting elders—especially parents and ancestors. As Benedict recalls, “Early on, nung na sa school ako, we were always taught to respect elders, especially our parents, our ancestors.” This lesson was reinforced not only in school but also at home, where his parents emphasized the significance of their heritage. 

Resilience was another critical value; his parents encouraged him to pursue his dreams and assured him that perseverance would lead to success. As he explains, “Even at home, tinuturo na siya samin ng parents namin, and resilience because they made sure whoever you want to be, you can be as long as you persevere.”

One of Benedict’s most cherished childhood memories comes from his time selling slippers on the streets of Balintawak. Many would assume that being Chinese meant wealth, but that experience taught him about hard work and determination. Witnessing his parents’ relentless efforts to provide for their family instilled in him a strong work ethic that would guide him throughout his life.

A Journey to Self-Discovery

Before pursuing content creation, Benedict wanted to gain enough experience to inform his decisions. He spent several years in the corporate world but found it left him yearning for something more fulfilling. As he reflected, “But all I know is I wanted something more that my corporate job was not able to give me.” There wasn’t much of a defined process for him to transition into entertainment, as he explained. “Actually wala masyadong process kung paano ako nag-transition to entertainment from corporate.”

Instead, he took a hands-on approach to self-discovery: “Ang ginawa ko noon, every weekend, I would enroll myself [in] to different workshops. I started with carpentry, cooking, freediving, everything, actually, just to figure out what I really want.” These experiences helped him gradually find his path in content creation.

During this period of exploration, he adopted an elimination method; if he didn’t know what he wanted, he would figure out what he didn’t want. It was during an acting workshop that he discovered a therapeutic outlet, igniting his passion for the craft. As he immersed himself in acting classes, he honed his skills and developed newfound confidence.

Benedict’s relationship with his parents has been a nuanced journey, especially during his transition into content creation. Reflecting on their stance, he shared, “My parents, they were not against it, but they were also not very supportive about it.” He explained that the challenge stemmed from their expectations: “Knowing my Chinese parents, very ano sila, very result-driven.” This mindset shaped their initial hesitation, as they needed concrete proof that his new career path was a viable one.

In response, Benedict proposed a deal: “Sinabi ko sa kanila just give me one year, I will tell you what I am doing and I would also show result pero di nila alam na kinakabahan ako that time na baka hindi ito mag-work.” Despite his private fears, his determination prevailed. “But fortunately it worked and I am here because of that,” he added, grateful for the success that eventually followed.

As a result of his hard work, his parents eventually recognized that content creation wasn’t just a fleeting hobby, but a legitimate business built on dedication and effort. It was a significant moment of relief and validation for Benedict, who had earned their support and understanding while carving out his own space in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Showcasing His Cultural Identity

As he ventured further into content creation, Benedict gradually began integrating Chinese culture and topics into his work. For a long time, he hesitated to share this aspect of his identity, fearing rejection from his audience. Having faced challenges during auditions for commercials—where he often felt like an outsider—Benedict realized that with a platform of his own, it was essential to showcase his heritage.

He understood that sharing his experiences as a Chinese Filipino was vital not only to his identity but also to many of his viewers who share similar backgrounds. Benedict came to appreciate that he shouldn’t hide who he was; instead, he wanted to enrich his audience’s lives with the culture he grew up embracing.

Embracing Fatherhood

As Benedict continued his creative journey, he also embraced fatherhood, a transformative experience that he navigated with both openness and privacy. He chose to keep certain aspects of his parenting life private, while sharing others in the hope of providing support for single parents—especially single dads in the Philippines, where resources for them are scarce.

Reflecting on the first time he held his baby, Benedict candidly shared that it wasn’t the overwhelming moment of joy often depicted in films. “When I first held my baby, hindi siya yung katulad ng mga movies na, Oh, my God, little bundle of joy. Hindi siya ganun for me, I don’t know why, but when I held him the first time sabi ko sino ba to?” Over time, however, his bond with his son deepened. “Habang tumatagal yung araw, every day, I love him more and more,” he recalled.

Benedict also realized that he wasn’t alone in feeling the weight of the pressures and changes that come with parenthood. “Walang bawas, hindi nagdidiminish yung love ko for him. I realized na a lot of parents pala may mga ganung nararamdaman na, there’s so much pressure and changes in life na hindi nila ma-absorb at the moment kung ano yung nangyayare.”

Now, his son is at the center of his world. “And now every day when I wake up, hindi ko iniisip na mag-toothbrush, iniisip ko pumunta na sa kanya at makita siya [baby Alec].” Despite the initial uncertainty, fatherhood has become a source of immense joy and purpose for him, something he wakes up eager to experience every day.

Conclusion

In this digital era, finding and amplifying one’s voice is more important than ever. Benedict Cua’s experiences as a Chinese Filipino, a social media content creator, and a father have profoundly shaped him into who he is today. He strives to create a space where cultures intertwine, stories are shared, and identities are celebrated. By sharing his journey, Benedict hopes to inspire others to embrace their unique narratives and find strength in their diversity.

Stay tuned for more episodes every Sunday at 8:00 PM and replays every Saturday at 8:30 PM on One News via Cignal TV, channels 8 SD and 250 HD, or stream it on Cignal Play, as CHiNOY TV continues to explore and celebrate the vibrant and enduring connections that shape the Chinese-Filipino experience. Also, catch the live stream on CHiNOY TV’s Facebook and YouTube @ChinoyTVOnline!