My Share for #BeautifulSunday initiated by @ace108

Tsinoy (Chinese Filipino)

In the culture of the Philippines, Chinese culture is deeply embedded. Long ago the Chinese crossed the China Sea and established trade routes among it's neighboring islands. Trading grew stronger and became a partnership which led to friendship. This friendship has influenced our country and our way of life and echoes until this day.

Tsinoy

Bahay Tsinoy is a museum which showcases early contact in establishing the trading between Philippines and China. It gives us a glimpse of life, the skills and trade which was shared to our culture. Wax figures which takes you back thru time to give a vivid image of the past will stimulate your imagination as you visit every room.

During the Spanish Colonial era Chinese settlements were established in our country and archaeological evidence shows pottery, porcelain, coins which dates back from the Ming Dynasty.

Among the displays shows early beginnings during the galleon trade. Bartering was the exchange means to trade cotton, pearls, tortoise shells, wax with Chinese pottery, beads, clothes and needles. Records shows that bartering dates back from the late 10th century which reaches north to south of the islands.

The relationship of the two countries was already established even before the Spanish colonial era. The relationship between the two was in harmony. When Spain occupied the Philippines the Chinese settlers were segregated and moved to Parians which are like ghettos. Filipinos and Chinese both faced persecution during this era and together insurrection arose . Riots and outbreaks took place which led to massacres.

This section show more wax figures which I could say is very realistic and somehow made us feel that we were not the only people in the room. I was amazed how each scenario were very much detailed from the clothing, facial expressions and the accessories. Frozen in time but somehow it feels like they could move at any moment.

Among the trade which was introduced to our country are goldsmiths. A table was used called tokoy. Work is done from gold and silver materials and pieces are made into rings and other jewelry. Files are also used to smooth out the jewelry and engraving are also done using tools called the toli and tikat. After all the work is done shavings from the gold materials are saved which builds an amount in time an amazing resourceful trait which I very much admire. This admirable trait has led them to success in business and should be followed as an example if success is desired in every aspect in life. The goldsmith trade can still be seen on our streets and now I know when they originated from.

Another street trade which can be seen today is the cobbler who fixes shoes on the streets. Humble beginnings of the Chinese cobbler who walked around the streets to mend shoes as a trade is a skill which was also passed down to us.

Writing letters and reading in public was included in the Chinese trade as said not all were literate during this time. This trade must have been very profitable as it pays out to know something that others don't which also very much applies today.

Business was very much alive with vendors selling fruits, meat and other goods which were carried on sticks as they walk around town. A scene which is still very much alive as you walk around our streets today.

A food peddler selling to a Filipino boy. The scene which fascinated me the most as I saw familiar food which I very much enjoy. I imagined how my ancestors reacted as they first tasted Chinese delicacies. It must have been the talk of the town when the food was introduced to us.

Dumplings, soup and noodles which were carried in segregated containers and complete with condiments. They even had stools for the customers which what I call service at it's best.

The siopao which is a bun with meat inside and a sweet sauce is added while eating it. It can now easily be bought in most convenient stores in the country.

Textile was a flourishing trade which includes cotton, silk, brocade and damask. In this scene I am just quite not sure if the customer is complaining or demanding a refund. I kept thinking maybe she was haggling with the price.

The earliest barbers were also the Chinese who walked the streets carrying a portable stool along with his tools. Imagine someone walking the streets offering to give you a haircut and once experienced you would probably brag about your new hair to your friends. I think it was very popular and people talked about it a lot.

An amazing example of the tindahan (store) which had a very strong influence and almost present everywhere in the country today. A one stop shop with almost everything that you need. As my grandma used to tell me back then that the Chinese are very good merchants as they sold goods very fast. Although with little profit they make up with the large amount of quantities that they sold. Since they sold cheaper customers preferred to buy from them. Selling fast by selling at a cheaper price which leads to more customers is more profitable at the end.

This partnership and friendship has molded our culture and adds color to our beautiful country. Like a canvas painted with touches of gold and red makes it a very interesting picture to see.

Thank you for joining me today in this #beautifulsunday I hope you enjoyed a little bit of history and culture. Please leave some comments and let me know what you think.

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All photos are original and taken with

Lumix GX85 and 12-32 mm