Clark C.

Belen Module 4 Assignment 1

2BSCS-1

The impact of Chinese culture on contemporary Philippine society and compared with the
impact of Chinese culture on 19th century Philippines.

Without taking into account the Chinese mestizos' contributions to our growth as a
nation, the documented history of the Philippines would serve as an inadequate foundation
for understanding modern society.

The development of what is today known as the Filipino nation was significantly
influenced by Chinese mestizos. Fr. Jesus Merino said that, no matter how Malayan its major
ethnic line, no matter how Spanish and Christian its inspiration, civilization, and religion, no
matter how American its politics, trade, and aspirations, the Filipino nationality has
historically and practically been shaped by the Chinese mestizo.

They had a significant role in Philippine society in the 19th century. They have been
crucial in the development of the Filipino middle class, the demand for reforms, the 1898
revolution, and the creation of the current Filipino nationality.

In terms of its economic factors, the formation of the Philippine middle class was
made possible by the Chinese mestizo's growth as an entrepreneur between the 1750s and
the 1850s. They were characterized by John Bowring as being more dynamic and industrious,
more prudent and pioneering, and more focused on trade and commerce than the Indios
since they inherited the economic progress of their Chinese ancestors.

Last but not least, the Philippine Revolution of 1896 was the culmination of the true
Filipinos' commitment to assert their incomparable birthright of nationhood for present and
future generations, including both Indios and Chinese mestizos. Furthermore, a big part of
this historic mission's success was due to the Chinese mestizos becoming more patriotic and
fully assimilating into the social, cultural, and economic fabric of the newly-emerging Filipino
nation-state. And their contribution to nation-building is still present in society.

According to the Philippines Board of Investments, China is the Philippines' top

trading partner, export market destination, and import source in 2019, a monument to our
improved bilateral trade connections. This is relevant to the influence of Chinese culture on
modern Philippine society.

A significant influence and contribution to Filipino culture emerged from trading

with China. The Chinese had a significant impact on culture in many ways, particularly in the
culinary arts. Rice cakes, sautéed foods, and noodle meals like pancit are some of the
culinary skills that the Filipinos were taught.

Additionally, when it comes to social factors, it was the first time that Chinese New
Year was recognized in the Philippines as a unique non-working holiday, giving both Filipinos
and Chinese-Filipinos throughout the nation the chance to take part in the celebrations.
Filipinos are known to participate in the festival by eating Chinese food, contacting Feng Shui
experts for good luck, and reading their Chinese horoscope, as Chinese culture has been
acknowledged to have a significant influence in the Philippines.
References:

- https://www.persee.fr/docAsPDF/arch_0044-8613_1986_num_32_1_2316.pdf
- https://purduefilipino.com/filipino-history
- https://www.jpolrisk.com/chinese-political-and-economic-influence-in-the-philippines-
implications-for-alliances-and-the-south-china-sea-dispute/
- https://boi.gov.ph/cifit-2020-philippines-china-business-relations/
- https://asiasociety.org/philippines/chinese-new-year-celebrated-philippines