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Tricia Lao
Professor Danilo Francisco M. Reyes
English 101
21 March 2014
BREAKING THE GREAT WALL:
Courting Practices Prejudice and Discrimination in the Chinese Filipino
Community (19802014)
Ateneo De Manila University, Philippines
Abstract
This research paper focuses on the courting practices of the Chinese Filipino and its
possible roots in prejudice and discrimination. A historical background of the Tsinoy is
featured in this piece as a preview to the causes of intermarriages. The effects of these
Intermarriages and the issues of racial tension, stereotyping, integration, and toleration are
tackled. The paper is for the Chinese Filpino today in order for them to realize their role in
Filipino society.
Key Words
Chinese Filipino, Mestizo, Tsinoy, Prejudice, Discrimination, Great Wall




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BREAKING THE GREAT WALL :
Courting Practices Prejudice and Discrimination in the Chinese Filipino
Community (19802014)
OUTLINE AND TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
I. Tell the guards to open up the gates An introduction to the Great Wall 3
II. Behind these chinky eyes Historical background of the Chinese Filipino 6
A. Communist chaos Political and economic instability in the mainland 7
B. Barbarian beliefs Historical traces of prejudice in dynasties 9
III. Mano Po Effects of Chinese Filipino intermarriages on Society 10
A. Chop suey The Chinese integration in the Filipino society 10
B. Instik Stereotypes and racial tension between Chinese and Filipinos 13
IV. Who I am inside A profile of the Chinese Filipino today 18
A. Chipping off the wall Racism as a dying practice 30
B. Advancing the army Implications for the future of Tsinoys 34
V. Duck wrapping it up A summary and conclusion of the study 35





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Tell the guards to open up the gates
An introduction to the Great Wall
If theres one community in Philippine society that is unique in its own origin it is
the Tsinoy. Nobody can ever doubt the resilience and strength of these people. With a culture
rich in history and a pride that emanates from hard work and persistence, the Tsinoy himself
is a symbol of power.
The Tsinoy is the Filipino word for a Chinese Filipino a person with Chinese blood
born in the Philippines. The term was coined from two words: Tsino meaning Chinese and
Pinoy meaning Filipino.
The Chinese Filipino community is highly relevant in todays society economically,
socially, and culturally. The influence of the Chinese culture to Filipinos has greatly
expanded, so much that it has become vital to the Filipino life.
I personally dont know if I am more of a Filipino or more of a Chinese. It is
somewhat like a seesaw that constantly switches sides. At some points, I feel Chinese
speaking Hokkien, wearing red, and eating dimsum. At other times, I feel like a Filipino
enjoying a plate of palabok, saying po and opo, and singing along to local music. But
there are moments when I just feel like a striking balance of the two cultures. I really don't
know.
A pop culture term that was coined Great Wall has become quite familiar to a lot. The
Great Wall means that a Chinese person must marry a Chinese and no other race is
considered. It serves as a boundary or limitation regarding courting practices. Such a term has
become commonplace in pop culture and has sparked quite a validation to the issue of
alienation. The term is plastered everywhere in the Ateneo de Manila Secret Files on
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Facebook. The Chinese organization of Celadon has made promotions of
"#climbthegreatwall." They even made iPhone cases and Tshirts for sale out of this concept.
Some might say the Tsinoys are an intimidating bunch, unreachable and above
everyone else. Some speak of how the Chinese have their own bubble inside their little world.
Across the Great Wall, no Filipino is allowed to enter. Any huan na (Filipino) who attempts
to climb over it will suffer with heartbreak and disappointment.
In this day and age, the Chinese-Filipinos have to admit that there are Filipinos
everywhere single, hardworking, and guwapo ones at best. Getting to know one simply
means meeting the next guy you see who is most probably a Filipino. One thing is for sure
there will always be a problem on how to preserve the Chinese culture.
This project is a personal venture in going back to my roots and connecting my
origins to my identity today. I've started on this research to prove a point Filipinos aren't
bad so the Chinese should stop discriminating. The older and close-minded Chinese elders
need to have their eyes opened to the fact that prejudice and discrimination is a dying
practice.
This project is relevant to the realization of cultural assimilation. The overseas
Chinese population is an ever-increasing number and the Diaspora of this race must have
cultural effects of integration among Asian countries. There is a strong connection between
the historical background of the Chinese immigration to the Philippines and the political state
of China during that time.
The melding of the Filipino and Chinese cultures or the clashes between them falls
under the study of how there is culture variation among humans. The differences of the
Filipino and Chinese cultures cover a wide range of aspects such as ethics, manners, and
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others. The diversity between the two cultures is distinct. Cultural discoveries could be
expanded because of this study.
This is mainly for the Chinese Filipinos, so they can recognize where they stand in
present times in Philippine society. The Tsinoy is the heart and soul of this paper and they
must identify themselves and where they stand regarding this issue. Chinese Filipinos must
realize these prejudices and discrimination and figure out their role in the country as one of
the largest ethnic groups in the Philippines. The importance of the continuation of this study
is for Chinese Filipinos in present day to know their identity. Tsinoys today have an
existential crisis. They need to address the concern of who they are in today's society. What
can or can't they do? Who can or can't they marry? What culture should they practice? Or can
two different cultures be practiced harmoniously?
We shouldn't forget that a big chunk of the paper's readers are Filipino. They also
need to understand the historical roots of the Chinese and realize the hardships and alienation
experienced by this community. They also must see the cultural integration and relevance of
the Chinese in the Filipino society.
The underlying issue of racism present against the Filipinos will be analyzed. The
main problem is to know if the Tsinoy community is alienated because of their courting
practices rooted in discrimination and prejudice.
The aspect of religion and faith will also be covered because of the certain influence it
has on lifestyle. This way of living dictates courtship practices as well. The research aims to
gain knowledge as to what extent does religion dictate things. Where is the line drawn and
how important is faith to an ordinary Tsinoy today?
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This study will focus on the present day Tsinoy marriages ranging from 1980-2014.
Three case studies will be conducted to further determine if discrimination and prejudice are
still active in todays society. The first case study will be on a pure Chinese marriage and
what their opinion is on courting practices. The second and third case studies will be on
Chinese Filipino mixed race marriages and how they are managing prejudice and
discrimination between their families.
Minor methodologies in this paper include surveys to Tsinoys and Filipinos regarding
preconceived notions and other courtship principles. I also had conversations with Chinese
parents such as my mother and a family friend who is a father regarding the issue.
This project raises the following questions:
What causes the Chinese Filipino intermarriages?
Is there any historical background to Chinese prejudice?
How is racial tension present between the Filipinos and the Chinese?
Is the Chinese Filipino integral in Filipino society and culture?
What is the profile of a Chinese Filipino today?
What influence does religion have on the courting practices of Chinese Filipino?
What are the implications of this alienation to the future of the Chinese Filipino?

Behind these chinky eyes
Historical background of the Chinese Filipino
The Chinese Filipino is one of the largest Overseas Chinese communities in Southeast
Asia. They mostly descended from immigrants from Fujian province in China after 1898.
Tsinoys number over 2 million and an estimated 28 million Filipinos with partial Chinese
ancestry, stemming from pre-colonial Chinese migrants. Thats 22% of the population. The
Chinese Filipinos comprise 1 percent of the population but controls 60 percent of the
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economy. I myself descended from grandparents who migrated to the Philippines from the
Fujian province.
Looking back at Philippine history, the ethnic group became numerous around the
18th or 19th century before the Spanish colonization and was identified by the Spanish as the
Chinese Mestizo persons of mixed Chinese-native ancestry with a mix of Filipino or
Spanish blood.
Intermarriages happened about six to eight generations ago during the Spanish
colonization. These were predominantly male Chinese who intermarried with Malays and
Spaniards; they became the Chinese Mestizo. The question is, how did this all start?
Communist chaos
Political and economic instability in the mainland
A key motivation to the Chinese immigration to the country was because many
Chinese citizens experienced starvation, extreme poverty, and grief resulting in the loss of
many innocent lives during the period of the Chinese Revolution of 1911 to the Chinese Civil
War.
The Tsinoys in a massive group immigrated to the Philippines in 1911 to escape from
the effects that Communism possibly could have happened. There was a feudal ruling class
composed of landlords, nobility, and the emperor owning most of the land. Peasants had very
little or no land at all. The Chinese peasants lived like slaves under the bondage of feudalism.
The landlord had the right to beat, abuse, and even kill the slaves at will. This caused many
uprisings against landlords but all efforts failed because of lack of unity. There was
starvation, extreme poverty and grief from the loss of many lives all because of Communism.
Several sources heavily cover the memoirs and history of the Tsinoys of the past. In
Teresita Ang See's book of the Tsinoy - The Story of the Chinese in the Philippines Life
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(2005), the Chinese experience in the Philippines is depicted as a fortune, misfortune, birth,
death, and rebirth." The ever-changing landscape of Philippine history causes the Chinese to
suffer under the Spanish Colonialization, American Annexation, and Japanese Occupation.
This publication sets ground that despite racial conflicts and tensions, the Chinese still share a
culture and history with the Filipino people.
The Chinese have been trading with the Philippines since around 982 AD but it could
have been even earlier. Arab traders brought Philippine goods to Southwestern China through
the port of Canton. The Chinese exchanged items like silk, porcelain, colored glass, and
beads during the Sung dynasty (960-1279). Merchandising and trading is also what caused
the Tsinoys to immigrate here.
When the Chinese immigrated, they didn't have an easy time going up the ladder.
Clinton Palancas Chinese Filipinos is said to unwrap the tissue of mystery and falsehoods
that have kept the Chinese-Filipino community apart from mainstream Filipino life. The
coffee table book illustrates the Tsinoys struggle with illiteracy and obscurity and celebrates
the rise in success of the Philippine ethnic group.
Palanca writes lightly about the search for a Tsinoy identity as it is found in a rich
fusion of two different cultures. Images of high rise buildings and successful taipans give a
picture of the resilience of the Tsinoy. The Chinese Filipino journey is revealed as a struggle
and resistance against prejudice.
I consulted with 47 of my friends with Chinese blood aged 16-20 years old from
Ateneo de Manila University and Immaculate Conception Academy. I asked them if the
reason why their Chinese ancestors moved to the Philippines was either because of political
chaos and economic instability in China or business opportunities in the Philippines. 44 of
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them said yes and only 3 of them said no. This proves that majority of the Chinese who
immigrated here had to run away from chaos in the mainland for a better life here.
Barbarian beliefs
Historical traces of prejudice in dynasties
Pre-modern China already had prejorative statements about the non-Chinese. A socio-
cultural critic commented that "throughout the ages, Chinese have had only two ways of
looking at foreigners, up to them as superior beings or down on them as wild animals." This
superiority complex comes from a strong national pride. Majority of the Chinese ethnic
population is Han Chinese; other ethnicities are more distinguishible because of their
physcial appearance and low intermarriage rates.
Racial segregation was evidently alive in historic China. In 779 AD, the Tang dyansty
passed an edict to force Uighurs or the Turkish to wear ethnic attire to really separate them
from the Chinese. They weren't allowed to marry into the Chinese race especially because
they practiced unethical monetary loans called usury. In 836 AD, the governor of Canton
who was Lu Chun banned interracial marriages. Any person "of color" was separated from
the Chinese.
The Chinese also have an anti-Japanese sentiment rooted in the Japanese war crimes
since around 7 to 16 million civilians died. The Nanjing Massacre was a widespread rape and
looting that caused thousands of deaths. In the province of Sichuan, the Tibetans despise half-
Han, half-Tibetans and Chinese Muslims as well.
There is also anti-African sentiment that was raised during the 1960's because of the
increase in African students in Chinese universities. Africans studied in China because of
granted scholarships by the government. The Chinese felt threatened by the Africans because
they are suspected criminals. The anti-African sentiment is active in Nanjing and Guangzhou.
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Yan Sun, a politcial science professor in the New York University commented on the
ethnic relations in contemporary China saying, "Chinese prejudices and racism are more
about achievements and standing in the world as applied to individuals or groups." All of this
proves that ever since time began, the Chinese have already been known to have the barbaric
belief. Anyone who isn't Chinese is a barbarian. This cultural outlook stemmed to the
Chinese Filipinos today but is deeply rooted in China's history.
Mano Po
Effects of Chinese Filipino intermarriages on society
Ever since the Chinese have moved into the Philippines, the Filipinos have gained a
new race to look out for. Similar to how the Philippines accepted and adopted Spanish and
American customs, so have they tasted a slice of our Mooncake and liked it. As how there are
Mestizos with Spanish and American blood, some might have Chinese blood. We have
infiltrated the system successfully. Filipinos can't deny that they have at least once seen a
Chinese person walking on the street. You can't avoid us we're hard to miss.
The effects of this cultural assimilation are intermarriages, integration, and racial
tension. Cultural assimilation could be taken positively or negatively; but you have to admit,
it is present today. You can see racial tension with the presence of the Great Wall itself. A lot
of racist jokes have also come up because of the Chinese chinky eyes. Everyone Chinese is
always either looking sleepy or bored.
Chop Suey
The Chinese integration in the Filipino society
It seems as if everybody knows who Kim Chiu and Xian Lim is. Sweet and sour pork
is a dish well loved by all. Chinese New Year is a greatly anticipated holiday because a
chocful of people eagerly want to eat Tikoy. The Chinese culture has become some sort of a
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little brother to the Filipino culture. Although it is distinctly different, you can see the
brotherhood and unity in the assimilation of these cultures.
Adarna House's 101 Filipino Icons lists figures that are significant to Filipino society.
Icons that are Chinese in origin were featured such as the pancit canton and the theraputic
massaging method of the hilot. This suggests an assimilation of two cultures that became
acceptable.
The successful fast food chain Jollibee - founded by Tony Tancaktiong, a Chinese
Filipino taipan is also featured. Corzaon Aquino is also listed here; this signifies the
relevance of the Cojuancos in the nation's history. The Chinese culture is revealed as integral
in Filipino symbols.
The Historical Dictionary of the Philippines is in dictionary form featuring key terms
that are significant to the rich history of the country and notable people who changed the
course of Philippine history in their respective fields. Several Chinese Filipinos were added
to the lineup such as Dra. Queena Lee-Chua and the Cojuangcos. This validates the relevance
of the Chinese Filipino in todays rapidly changing world.
Father Jose Vidamor B. Yu, L.R.M.S. sheds light on the relationship between the
Chinese-Filipino culture and the Gospel in Inculturation of Filipino: Chinese Culture
Mentality. He writes about how the Chinese Filipino served as fertile ground for the Gospel
to be realized.
Matteo Ricci is depicted here as a pioneer who became the connecting link between
the West and the East between the ancient magnificent Chinese civilization and the world
of Europe. The essay gives ground that inculturation of the Gospel into Chinese culture
helped not only the Church but also the preservation of the distinct Chinese identity.
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In a response to the previous source, FI Cheong, Sr Catherine S., and Fr Aristotle C.
Dy S.J. expound on Yus dissertation in the Inculturation of Filipino: Chinese Culture
Mentality - A Response by writing of how Yu provided them an opportunity to get
reacquainted with their roots. They quote him when he said, while culture is not history, it
is history that reflects the culture of a people and its development."
An added point to Yus essay was that inculturation is a never-ending process.
Ground was set regarding specific agents of inculturation. Jesus Christ is also depicted as
central in the inculturation of the Chinese Filipino. Dy complements Yu by expounding on
each phase migration, colonization, shaping Chinese-Filipino mentality and shaping a new
way of being Chinese-Filipino in the third millenium.
I asked 25 Filipino respondents about the integration between Filipinos and the
Chinese. These Filipino respondents are 11 100% pure Filipinos and 14 Mestizos who mostly
hail from the Ateneo de Manila University. Their general age bracket is from 16 to 20.
What are the Chinese traditions you are aware of?
Mooncake Festival in August (Hopia/Dice Game) 13
Chinese New Year in February (Tikoy/Dragon Dance) 20
Ting Hun (Engagement Ceremony) 2
Wearing red on birthdays 18
Wearing white in funerals 12
Giving gift money (ang pao) 19

The most famous Chinese tradition that Filipinos are aware of is the Chinese New
Year. This is celebrated in Feruary according to the Chinese calendar. "Kung Hei Fat Choi" is
the usual greeting that Filipinos know. This means Happy Chinese New Year in Cantonese
and it is spread across many posters. Families eat tikoy together and there are dragon and lion
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dances performed by acrobats. This might be the most well known tradition because of all the
fanfare and spectacle during this time. Also, everybody loves Tikoy.
Giving gift money or ang pao is a known tradition as well because almost all Chinese
aunties and uncles give gift money to young people. Apparently, not just the Chinese people
receive ang pao; even the Filipinos receive it as well. Wearing red on birthdays is an evident
culture because the Chinese have many pictures and birthday parties that require wearing red.
This custom is typical for the birthdays of older Chinese such as the first and second
generation Chinese Filipinos. The Mooncake Festival that takes place in August is a less
known event because it is more of celebrated in Chinese schools.
Is the Chinese Filipino integral to Filipino society?
Yes 19
Not completely 5
No 1

Majority of the Filipino respondents said the Tsinoy is a natural part of the Philippine
culture. The Chinese is perceived as integral. Although there are still a number of people of
think the Chinese are not completely assimilated. A striking and bold one person said they
aren't at all. What is given ground here is that most Filipinos think the Tsinoys are integral.
Instik
Stereotypes and racial tension between Chinese and Filipinos
The local music scene has identified the issue of racial tension. Imelda is a local band
that formed in 2011 with members who all hail from the Ateneo de Manila High School.
Their genre is the new age of rock and roll influenced greatly by Jimi Hendrix and Led
Zeppelin.
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The lead singer, Jam Pascual, wrote a song for the band that was released during
January 2013. It is entitled Great Wall and is about how the Filipino boy is underestimated
and is driven to go over the Great Wall for a Chinese girl. Quoted are the lyrics:
Your folks are livin' in a different age
Afraid to face a new reality
Your folks are livin' in a different time
They treat you so unfairly, so unkind
You underestimate me
I've gone, I've gone, over the great wall
Your father disapproves, you've got nothing else to lose
You may gain a brand new kind of shame
You try to fill the void with a no good vagrant boy
You know will leave as quickly as he came
The discrimination is even evident in Hollywood. Lucy Liu remarked on The Late
Show with David Letterman that she wouldnt want to look dark because it would make her
Filipino. This sparked controversy and anger among Filipinos worldwide because of the
racial discrimination through their skin color.
Although Lucy Liu clarified that she was misunderstood, stating that she grew up
with Filipinos as best friends. This proves ground that the Chinese are familiar with the
Filipinos. This also just further proves that there is racial tension because of the issue of skin
color.
I conducted a survey to 47 Chinese respondents regarding several concerns on the
racial tension between Filipinos and the Chinese. These Chinese respondents are 28 100%
pure Chinese and 19 Mestizos who mostly hail from the Ateneo de Manila University and
Immaculate Conception Academy. Their general age bracket is from 16 to 20.
What are your preconceived notions about the Filipinos?
Happy 30
Hospitable 29
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Lazy 20
Persistent (Maparaan) 14
Magastos 1
Not rich 1
Untrustworthy 1
Chases after Chinese people's money 1
No preconcevied notion 11

A notable number of the Chinese sample group has no preconceived notion of
Filipinos but majority still have their stereotypes. Most of the presumptions are positive such
as happy and hospitable. Quite a number though around half think that Filipinos are
lazy. This is a negative impression that hopefully, Chinese people wont continue on. This
might be caused by the "maana" habit of Filipinos. Persistent or maparaan could be positive
or negative, depending on how you look at it. The Filipinos can be persistent on the road,
that's why a lot of car accidents happen. The Pinoys are also persistent in fighting for
freedom and independence. The other negative opinions such as magastos, not rich,
untrustworthy, and chases after Chinese people's money are pretentions that are possibly
based on personal experiences but are definitely from a case to case basis.
Was there any instance when your preconceived notion of a Filipino was proven wrong?
(Out of the 36 Chinese people who said they have a preconceived notion)
Yes 27
No 9

Most of the Chinese respondents have experienced meeting Filipinos who have
proved their stereotypes wrong. Quite a number still are persistent about their labels but what
matters is that there is ground that the Filipinos are not stereoyped.
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I asked the 25 Filipino respondents aformentioned in section regarding racial tension
between Filipinos and the Chinese as well.
Do you have preconceived notions about the Chinese?
Yes 22
No 2

This proves that there is an ever-present racial tension for Filipinos toward the
Chinese. The majority of Filipinos have an active stereotype and label for who a Chinese is.
This further proves and sets ground that there is racism active in the Filipino society.
Preconceived notions are made in the minds of Filipinos about who the Chinese are.
What are your preconceived notions about the Chinese?
(From the 22 Filipino respondents)
Uptight / Conservative 17
Great Wall 14
Smart 13
Frugal / Thrifty 11
Hardworking 9
Good with money 1
Rich 1
Cute 1

Majority of the Filipino sample group said that they think the Chinese are uptight and
conservative. This is a general and true fact about the Chinese but it does not apply to all
Chinese families. The conservative beliefs of the Chinese roots from their culture of respect
for the elders and filial piety.
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The next biggest preconceived notion about the Chinese is that they have Great Wall.
This proves that the concept of strict courting practices of the Chinese is well known even by
the Filipinos. This shows that the concern is active and present in society.
The third top opinion that the Filipinos have about the Chinese is that they are smart.
This is probably due to the Tiger Parenting or strict upbringing from Chinese parents. There
is much pressure to be academically excellent in most Chinese families so the Filipinos
perceive the Chinese are studious and hardworking. There is also a worldwide stereotype that
Asians in general are good in math and science.
The Filipinos also think that the Chinese are frugal and thrifty. This might be because
the Chinese are known to save up a lot of their money and do not spend much. This is true for
a bulk of the Tsinoy community but not everyone is like this. Some Chinese live luxurious
lives and spend their wealth left and right.
The assumption that the Chinese are hardworking is a label given by the first
generation of Chinese immigrants. These are the ones who worked hard and started from the
bottom. 9 out of 10 of the richest tycoons in the Philippines as of 2014 are Chinese. These
Chinese businessmen came to the Philippines penniless and worked their way up the ladder
to earn, and look where they are now. This might be the general information that many
Filipinos know that's why they label the Chinese as hardworking.
The other additional opinions that the Filipino respondents mentioned in the survey
were that the Chinese are good with money, rich, and cute. The opinion that the Chinese are
good with money is similar to the notion that the Chinese are frugal, thrifty, and
hardworking. Rich is a generalization regarding social structure. This opinion is also related
to how hardworking the Chinese are. The notion that all Chinese people are cute is a physical
attribute that is relative to the taste of every person.
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Was there any instance when your preconceived notion was proved wrong?
Yes 19
No 3

The majority of the sample group said that their preconceived notion of a Chinese was
proven wrong most probably because they have met a Chinese person who breaks the
stereotypes. This proves that the Chinese cannot be generalized. There is racial tension and
discrimination present but if one will get to know every Tsinoy individually, one will find out
that we are distinct and diverse in our own little ways. Unfortunately, there is a minority in
the sample group that still believes that the Chinese community can be summed up in
generalizations and stereotypes.
Who I am inside
A profile of the Chinese Filipino today
Let's take a look at how the Tsinoys are doing at the present. What is the profile and
image of a contemporary and modern Chinese? Considering cultural integration and racial
tension, how are the Chinese Filipinos holding up? I conducted three case studies and a
survey to Chinese singles to reveal the current state of modern Chinese courting practices.
This case study focuses on three kinds of Chinese couples A pure Chinese couple,
a Chinese husband and Filipina wife, and a Filipino husband and a Chinese wife. The couples
fall under the range of newlyweds from 1980-2014. Certain aspects of their marriages were
studied to identify what prejudices are still alive and active in today's society that are evident
in married couples.
I. Pure Chinese married couple
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I chose the parents of one of my best friends, Jasmine Yiu, who was my high school
classmate from ICA. Jasmine is a conservative Chinese who has Great Wall and wants to
marry a pure Chinese man.
Husband's Name Philip Yiu
Wife's Name Jocelyn Tan
Husband's race 100% Chinese
Wife's race 100% Chinese
Date of wedding June 28, 1987
Religion Roman Catholic
Approval of family Family approved 100%
Chinese traditions practiced Balance between conservative and modern Chinese
Upbringing and education of
children
Modern Chinese upbringing. Children are sent to Catholic schools.

A pure Chinese couple like Philip and Jocelyn did not have a hard time at all with
getting the approval of their parents. Most likely this is because they have the same culture
already. It goes to show through their upbringing of their children that the Chinese culture is
still practiced up until today. These are the parents of my friend, Jasmine Yiu. Jasmine, as a
4th generation Chinese Filipino, still is not allowed to marry a Filipino. She agrees that this is
right because of the mindset her parents instilled in her about the differences in culture.
The term Modern Chinese was also mentioned in this case as a method of raising the
Chinese youth in today's day and age. When I asked the couple to explain what Modern
Chinese specifically meant, they said that the Modern Chinese is conservative yet open-
minded about the ever changing landscape of the Chinese Filipino society.
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This ties with the inculturation aformentioned in this paper. This proves that despite a
conservative pure Chinese couple chooses to impose the Great Wall on their children, they
admit that there is a slow and gradual movement away for conservatism.
II. Chinese husband and Filipina wife
I chose Auntie Jocelyn Maniti, a Bible Study groupmate of my mom.
Husband's Name Edison Tan
Wife's Name Jocelyn Maniti
Husband's race 100% Chinese
Wife's race 60% Filipino - the rest is Spanish and American blood
Date of wedding September 29, 1992
Religion
Mother - Born Again
Father - Buddhist Catholic
Approval of family
Both sides of the family did not approve and it was a
whirlwind relationship. They impulsively got married anyway
after 4 months of being in a relationship.
Chinese traditions practiced
Wife - Doesn't practice any Chinese tradition.
Husband - Practices outside the house without the other
family members (in the temple/cemetery.)
Upbringing and education of
children
The Filipino culture is more practiced by the children.
The children started in Chinese schools then they moved to
Christian schools after becoming a Christian.

Joji emphasized that religion and faith have a big influence in her family. Religion
and culture are highly related. She says that once you lose your religion, you lose your
culture. Joji's family is highly influenced by Christianity. It is evident though that the
husband, Edison, is still a strictly practicing Buddhist who continues the Chinese traditions
despite not being with his family while he does these rituals.
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Both sides of the families did not approve of the relationship at all. This is a sign that
the Chinese culture is really strict about approving a partner. The culture clash in this family
is heavily evident.
III. Filipino husband and a Chinese wife
I chose Auntie Ailyn Dee, one of the clients of my mom in her business. My mom
conducts a tutorial center catering to students studying in ICA and Xavier School.
Husband's Name Joseph Lopez
Wife's Name Ailyn Dee
Husband's race 100% Filipino
Wife's race 100% Chinese
Date of wedding March 20, 2004
Religion Roman Catholic
Approval of family
On husband's side, there was no problem
On wife's side, it took 17 years to prove the couple's stability
Chinese traditions practiced
Wearing red on birthdays
Burning of incense when offering prayer
Upbringing and education of
children
Children are sent to a Chinese school so they will learn how
to converse in Chinese
Children are taught good values from both the Chinese and
Filipino cultures. There should be no racial discrimination.

It seems that it really is very hard for Filipinos to convince Chinese families for
stability based on this situation. Can you believe that it took Joseph 17 years just to prove his
worth to Ailyn's family? Talk about persistence! This is already much of a shock to me.
As you can see, the Chinese traditions they practice are still heavily influenced on the
old ways of the Chinese culture. This proves that the culture and traditions of the mother is
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the one always followed. Although the values instilled in the children are now a mix and
meld of the good parts of the Chinese and Filipinos.
Here is an evaluation of the case study for conclusions and summing up. The pure
Chinese couple gave us proof that families immediately approve if the partners have the same
culture. There were hardships definitely faced by the married couples that had a difference in
culture. This proves that there is hesitation with the families regarding approval and
acceptance of a different culture. This is due to some prejudice.
Couples with clashing cultures needed to prove that they can be stable. This prejudice
against Filipinos not being able to provide is actively seen especially in the last case study
situation. Then again, love prevails and they still get married in the end.
It is also evident that the culture of the mother is what the children practice. This
proves that this society is very matriarchal. The mother has an immensely great influence on
the lifestyle and upbringing of children.
A Google survey was conducted online. The researcher sent a link to friends over
Facebook to be answered. 40 people aged 15-20 (20 boys and 20 girls.) This is a good age
bracket because this is the time when the youth contemplate about marriage and courtship.
The respondents of this survey have all studied in Chinese schools. They are
predominantly college students studying in the Ateneo de Manila University and the
University of the Philippines. As aformentioned, the respondents range from the ages 15-20
years old. The sample group is all Christian, either Roman Catholic or Born-Again Christian.
There is a fairly equal amount of distribution of the two spiritual outlooks.
Jan-Daniel Belmonte, an Information Design major and the Design Executive Editor
of The GUIDON has designed the following inforgraphics ro represent the survey's results.
24
1. How Chinese are you?
This was asked to find out the specific ethnicity and amount of Chinese blood in the
survey taker. This is important because the researcher will know what specific demographic
of a Chinese sample group he is dealing with.
Majority of the sample group is pure Chinese. There is also a greater number of
Mestizo Chinese girls who took the survey. There are more Female Mestizos than Mestizo
boys.
2. What Chinese traditions do you practice?
This was asked so that the survey may bring out how traditional the survey taker is.
The more Chinese traditions practiced reflects how deep into the Chinese culture the family
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is. This therefore may explain further the courting practices of the survey taker. This sets
ground on the survey taker's lifestyle what Chinese influences are still at work.
Visiting the temple, practicing feng shui, and praying to Buddhist gods through
incense are the three least practiced Chinese cultures. These are also part of the more
conservative and ritualistic kinds of Chinese traditions. This proves evidence that modern
Chinese youth are leaning away from the rigid traditions heavily practiced before. Religion
may also be a reason why these are not practiced anymore because religion may dictate their
lifestyle.
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Majority of the survey group practices the other mentioned Chinese tradtions. This
means that the Chinese culture is active and alive even in today's situation of cultural
assimilation.
3. Are you allowed to marry a Filipino?
This is the main question to ask the sample group. Its always best to be
straightforward about if they have a Great Wall or not. This question can be answered with
the influence of family or the personal decision of the sample group.
This is vital information because it shows that the Chinese youth today are moving
away from the Great Wall notion. Majority of the sample group said that they could marry
whomever they want. Although there are still quite a number who cannot marry a Filipino,
freewill to choose a spouse prevails. We can also see that more men are highly encouraged to
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marry Chinese women. Chinese women are generally given more liberty to marry whomever
they want but there is only a slight difference.
4. What do you prefer though?
Gathering this information is sort of asking what your type is. People have their own
personal preference for a spouse. Disregarding culture, family, and tradition, these are the
results.
This reveals a lot about the difference in preferences of the boys and girls. Chinese
boys prefer Chinese women but Chinese women prefer any race. This goes to show that
maybe Chinese girls are really favorable for marriage. The implication here can be that
Chinese girls are submissive and will serve as good housewives. Also, girls act will more
feeling and emotions when it comes to love. Girls are more permissive and they accept any
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race for the sake of love. No one prefers a Filipino maybe because there's always be a certain
bias to the Chinese race inevitably.
5. Why do you prefer that?
The question aims to answer whether the sample group is influenced by tradition,
culture, and family background or their own decision. Its important to know what makes
these Chinese youth tick; what affects their decisions is what they revolve their life around.

The results show that Chinese boys are more influenced by tradition. This is probably
because males carry the lineage, heritage, and surname of a family. Girls on the other hand,
like making decisions on their own freewill. This is with the thinking that girls marry into her
husbands family so the choice should be hers.
6. What is your spiritual outlook on life?
Religion and faith may play a vital role in the choice of a spouse. This is an
evaluation of the lifestyles they practice.
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Exactly half of the girls are either Roman Catholic or Christian. There are more
Christian boys than Roman Catholic boys. No survey taker chose the options of Agnostic,
Atheist, and Buddhist. This goes to show that majority of the Chinese youth have a religious
background in Jesus Christ. This affects their mentality of a lifestyle of monogamy and
faithfulness to their spouse.
7. Does your spiritual outlook have any influence on who you will marry?
The question raised here talks about the issue of Religion Wall. This aims to reveal
if religion really does have an effect on the choice of someones spouse.
30
Majority of the respondents said that their religion affects their choice of a spouse.
There are more boys who base things on religion than girls. There are quite a number of
female respondents who regard religion as irrelevant in their choice of a spouse.
Here is a conclusion to summarize the survey. Boys in general are expected to marry
Chinese women at most because it is highly encouraged to marry a woman capable to serving
him. Chinese women are known to be great housewives and homemakers. This is an active
prejudice towards the Chinese girls that affects and influences the marrying decisions of
Chinese boys.
Girls on the other hand, have more freedom and more say in whom they marry
because they are marrying into a family. They are given liberty to choose because they are
the ones who will lead the culture of the family.
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Religion is an evident factor in how these Chinese youth find a partner. This proves
that faith influences lifestyle and the standards given by a faith will become the guidelines for
courting practices.
Chipping off the wall
Racism as a dying practice
Results of the case studies and survey show that although there is still a preference for
the Chinese race in choosing a partner, there are open doors for whoever one loves. The
Great Wall is slowly chipping off brick by brick
Alastair McIndoe sets ground in his news article "Love breaks down Filipino 'Great
Wall'" in the Straits Times. He writes on the Chinese Filipinos stand in the issue of the Great
Wall during the present day. McIndoe explains how the alienation was strongly present
during the 1950s by giving the example and testament of Mr. Benito Lim. The writer also
interviewed UP students for the Chinese Students Association. It is admittedly still an issue
for college students but families are becoming more open to inter-cultural relationships, but
for the most part prefer that they marry Chinese. It is a cultural and not a racial family
decision
The youth at the moment will give the Great Wall its greatest batting yet. Mr. Patrick
Uy was also interviewed and gave the observation that Chinese Filipino bridegrooms
marrying Filipina brides are common; but there are fewer Chinese brides marrying Filipinos.
The anonymous writer of a blog, Cualabears, writes of his traditional Chinese family
background. Not being able to marry a Filipina was a significant problem for him during his
childhood because he did not understand the purpose behind the limitations.
His view on the Filipino changed because of their differences in culture, language,
and religion and faith. He now understands that he needs to uphold the tradition of keeping a
32
Great Wall. This blog entry sets ground that there are still modern day Chinese Filipinos who
wish to uphold the conservative courting practice because of how difference they are to the
Filipinos.
I had conversations with both a Chinese mother and a Chinese father regarding their
opinion on Chinese courting practices. The conversation was informal with a lineup of
questions relevant to figuring out what Chinese parents think about their children regarding
courting practices.
I. Chinese Mother
I interviewed my mother, Maria Cecilia Tan Lao, who is 48 years old pure Chinese
businesswoman. She is a mother to three children.
1. What is your opinion on your child (consider separate cases for son and daughter)
marrying a Filipino?
"It is okay for both son and daughter to marry a Filipino because I look at the person
and not the race. You cannot generalize the strengths and weaknesses of a race. Just because
one person did this, that doesn't mean everyone is like that. There is no separate difference
for son and daughter."
2. What are your hesitations (if there are any) on your child marrying a Filipino?
"Cultural differences are a major hesitation. The pattern of lifestyle my child grew up
with might be different from the lifestyle of the other party. Marriage is hard enough, if you
have to factor in adjustment, it will be harder. I don't have anything against the Filipino race."
3. What is your religion and how does that affect your mindset on who the spouse of your
child should be?
33
"I am a Christian that is why it really depends on the person because I want a godly
Christian for my children. I will not let my child marry someone of a different belief in faith.
It's more of similarity in faith."
4. What Chinese traditions do you still uphold?
"I still celebrate Chinese New Year. I also give ang pao (gift money). My standard for
keeping a Chinese tradition goes back to my Christian faith. I don't pray to the dead using
incense. It's more of choosing traditions that don't clash with Christianity. Upholding Chinese
traditions are more of a legacy that you want to continue and transfer on to your children. I
would like to honor the legacy of my parents because it tells of my worth and identity."
II. Chinese Father
I interviewed my family friend who is a father of three children. He is Claro Ben Lim
Jr., a 52 years old pure Chinese businessman.
1. What is your opinion on your child (consider separate cases for son and daughter)
marrying a Filipino?
"Since my children will be a 4
th
generation born here, it is a fact that they have full
Chinese blood but they were raised in the Philippines. They went to a private exclusive
schools, have full Chinese, full Filipino, half Filipino-half Chinese and other friends of other
race. I feel that marrying a Chinese does not guarantee success of marriage. We have seen a
lot of Chinese marriages fail.
With also some family relatives who have married into Filipino families, we have
seen that they were also able to balance everything and maintain their marriage and keep their
families happy.
34
However, I will require him/her to learn to adapt to our Chinese culture to be able to
maintain a balance. Having a good family background, Christian morals and good family
values are important.
As long as they will love each other, respect each other and adjust to each other's
needs, then they will be able to make it through.
In this present time, there is no difference if your son or daughter marries into a
Filipino family."
2. What are your hesitations (if there are any) on your child marrying a Filipino?
"The only hesitation that I have is when my son/daughter's partner is not willing to
adjust to the Chinese culture. We would still want to keep the Chinese culture in our family."
3. What is your religion and how does that affect your mindset on who the spouse of your
child should be?
"We are Christians. If we put our trust in the Lord and pray hard enough that God
will find somebody perfect for our children. I believe that everything will fall into place."
4. What Chinese traditions do you still uphold?
"I think it is more on the Chinese culture and values that we want our children to keep
even when they marry a non-Chinese. I would want the non-chinese to adapt to our Chinese
culture.
I would like to request that the non-Chinese learn how to speak Chinese so that they
can speak to their children in Chinese. This will give them the identity and they will not lose
their Chinese identity.
35
I would like my children to keep the Chinese tradition of taking care of their parents
when they get old instead of bringing them in a home for the aged. Wearing red on birthdays
make you a Chinese. Serving Chinese dishes in the house and doing things the Chinese way."
For the two conversations I held with Chinese parents, both parents valued Christian
beliefs over cultural heritage. They both don't see any detriments to marrying a Filipino
because race doesn't really matter for marriage unless one will focus on the cultural aspect of
things. Of course, the Chinese culture is still relevant to the two Chinese parents but there is
an emphasis on toleration and cultural assimilation. There is no discrimination present in
either of the parents regarding Filipinos. The only hesistation is a difference in culture, which
can easily be adjusted to.
Advancing the army
Implications for the future of Tsinoys
If the general image of a modern-day Chinese Filipino is tolerant and open-minded,
then there will be long-term effects for the future of the ethnic group. Of course we still want
Chinese nationalism to ring in the hearts of the Tsinoys. It's not like the Chinese culture is
repulsive and must be denounced. There must be cultural balance. How do we now preserve
the Chinese culture when there is a chipping off the Great Wall? Some suggestions that I'd
like to give in order to preserve the Chinese culture are educational exposure and meeting
halfway with religion and tradition.
Dear Chinese people, who will marry Filipinos in the future, send your children to a
Chinese school. If you want your kids to not lose sight of where they came from, remind
them everyday about mandarin and dragon dances. A major reason why the third generation
Chinese Filipinos still feel their culture today is because of their educational background.
Take that away and they will be a completely Filipinized people.
36
Families should just learn to preserve culture by practicing the traditions that aren't
against religion. Simple celebrations of the annual festivals are already enough to keep the
Chinese spirit alive.
The ideal kind of Tsinoy isn't anything more than an open-minded, tolerant, and
respectful person. Culture is something that must be celebrated; it shouldn't cause separation
and alienation.
Duck wrapping it up
A summary and conclusion of the study
So it seems like the Great Wall is indeed slowly breaking down. A lot of Chinese
Filipinos are opening up to the idea to Intermarriage with Filipinos, although the preference
of marrying a Chinese is still widely present. The main issue roots under, not prejudice and
discrimination in general, but rather in the aim to preserve the Chinese culture. The Chinese
Filipinos are becoming less and less alienated in the community but the distinction between
cultures is still very evident. In the turn of generations, the 4th generation Tsinoys must make
a choice to continue melding into the Filipino culture or stand out boldly defined by their
bloodline.
The questions I asked at the start of this research are now all answered. Chinese
Filipino marriages happened because the Chinese moved to the Philippines for economic
stability. The effects of these are cultural assimilation and tolerance. Cultural tension,
prejudice, and discrimination between the two races have also risen to become issues because
of Chinese Filipino marriages.
The Chinese Filipino has become integral in Filipino society and culture because
Tsinoys practice Filipino traditions and there is cultural tolerance. The Filipinos have also
37
become very familiar with the Chinese culture, especially with the food that the Chinese eat
and their strict and uptight rules about courtship.
The prejudice that the Chinese have against Filipinos may vary, but the reigning and
dominant hesitation is merely just the difference in culture. Majority of the Tsinoys that have
been interviewed in this research paper say that they are fine with Filipinos and have nothing
against them.
The negative effect of the Chinese intermarrying with Filipinos is that there might be
a need to adjust to each others culture. There might also be a conflict of an identity crisis for
where the family stands on which culture to practice. Children might have to choose between
two cultures or juggle with both. The positive effect is that there will be a cultural tolerance.
This alienation apparently, is just a fear of adjusting to someone else's culture. We
have to admit that the Chinese and Filipinos are different. I do believe that there is a slow and
gradual chipping of the Great Wall.
Discrimination and prejudice are still present but only in few Chinese families
especially those where the first or second generation Chinese family members are still alive.
The Tsinoy community is starting to open its doors and accepting interracial marriages.
Religion also evidently plays a somewhat vital role in the courtship practice because religion
dictates lifestyle for some Chinese families.
This research poses as a challenge for every Tsinoy out there who is in the courtship
stage or will be in the near future. Will you discriminate and join in the dying practice of
prejudice? Or will you marry for love?
38
Whether you marry a Chinese or a Filipino, choose someone who you know you will
want to spend forever with. The Chinese community is at a crossroad now to be rigid or to
be accepting.
Whatever movement the Tsinoys make will definitely make or break The Great Wall.
This decision is vital to the whole society as the Chinese Filipino community one of the
largest ethnic groups in the Philippines. In the end amor vincit omnia love conquers all.
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