The Filipino Chinese are part of our DNA

Each year, we are made aware of the numerous Chinese in our midst whenever Chinese New Year comes around, like today, Jan. 31. We just take them for granted because they have been around us for the longest time.

We are also constantly reminded of them through their looks (clear white skin and slanted eyes), certain fields of expertise (business), and habits (industry and diligence). We love to tell this story of how one can tell a Pinoy from a Chinese. When we go to a sari-sari store and find it closed, we try knocking on the door. If one hears an angry man shout a cuss word, that’s the Filipino. If a man opens the store and asks if they need to buy anything, that’s the Chinese.

The Chinese are part and parcel of practically every Pinoy’s DNA. Chinese Filipinos through the years have integrated themselves politically and economically — making up 25 percent of the population.

We find them in all corners of show business, some can’t even speak Chinese, others we recognize only by their family names. There is our editor Ricky Lo, writer Ricky Lee, showbiz personality Richard Poon, actress LJ Reyes, one of our very best friends the late Richard Tann, basketball star and TV host Chris Tiu, James Yap whom everyone knows, Richard Yap known better as Ser Chief, actors Xian Lim and Kim Chui, beauty queen Carlene Ang Aguilar, clothing and lifestyle entrepreneur Ben Chan, Robbie Tan of Seiko Films and Cinemalaya, and Jose Mari Chan.

Jo Mari acknowledges, “I was fortunate to have been born to a Chinese businessman father in Iloilo so all my growing up years were oriented towards the business. Music was encouraged to be a mere hobby. I never had any formal music lessons. Strictly speaking, I’m what the academe would call a ‘songwriter’ not a composer.”

Continuing on his perception of prejudice against Tsinoys, Jo Mari remarks, “I understand in the early ’50s, there was still a slight prejudice against the local Chinese. A carry-over from the Spanish times, but that’s all but gone now. The second and third generation Tsinoys have assimilated quite well, contributing positively to the cultural and economic character of the Filipinos.”

Jo Mari went to school at the Ateneo and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics degree. He is chairman of the family sugar corporation, and chair and president of Signature Music, Inc. He is married to Mary Ann Ansaldo and they have five children. 

 Carlene, on the other hand, was born and raised in the Philippines, went to a Chinese school from pre-school to high school, has a Chinese mother and Filipino father. It was from her mom and grandmother that Carlene learned to speak Chinese — Fukien Mandarin from granny, and Cantonese from her mother. However, she adds that she understands the languages more than speaking them. Carlene is also known as a beauty titleholder, winner of such competitions as Miss Philippines-Earth in 2001, Miss World 2005 Top 12, Miss Internet, Miss Chinatown Manila, Miss Chinese International second runner-up and Bb. Pilipinas World 2005.

As far as observance of Chinese New Year, Carlene replies, “We celebrate it at home with relatives, give out ampaws (red money envelopes), wear red clothes and give away tikoy (a sweet delicacy).

Jo Mari first appeared on ABS-CBN in 9 Teeners, released the long-playing album Deep in My Heart 1969, in 1973, represented the Philippines in the World Popular Song Festival in Tokyo where Can We Just Stop and Talk A While went into the finals. He released his album Constant Change in 1989, named Album of the Year by the Awit Awards, and became a big-seller around Asia.

Until today, his cool voice and reachable English lyrics continue to entertain millions. He has been honored by the TOYM, the recording industry, the Metro Pop Foundation, the Dangal ng OPM and many others. His Christmas albums have become the favorite holiday present among visitors and OFWs.

Jo Mari performs live today for the first time at the Chinese New Year celebration at the Lucky Chinatown Atrium, from 5 to 6 p.m.  For details, call the Lucky Chinatown concierge at 576-8139.

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