The rich and vibrant Chinese culture, lovingly preserved by the Chinese-Filipino community in the Philippines for generations, has woven a beautiful tapestry of influence into the Filipino way of life.
Our lifestyle, a mosaic of food, clothing, belief systems, and modern technology, is not just embraced but deeply ingrained with the enduring influences of Chinese culture. These are not just adaptations, but part of our identity that will continue to shape generations to come.
The wisdom of Chinese traditions, with their emphasis on cultural love, respect for elders, and the spirit of sharing, is a beacon that guides us in preserving our heritage.
It was in 2013 that I first experienced the Chinese New Year in Binondo. The street was less crowded than at the celebration in 2018, yet people enjoyed the scenes and the Chinese cultural presentation. Celebrating the Chinese New Year 2013: A New Beginning is worth reminiscing about since it awakened my curiosity and fascination with Chinese history and culture and their massive influence on Filipino culture. Today, Binondo is a great cultural hub and an important economic center in Manila.
The district is vibrant and creates nostalgia as the world's oldest Chinatown. Centuries of cultural and economic ties have formed great friendships and closer relationships. There's a particular bond that unites us, and by embracing each other's culture and beliefs, we're leaving a legacy to future generations of the lasting friendships we have formed through the years.
The video above; click the arrow to view
Celebrating Chinese New Year 2017: An Auspicious Celebration was about optimism and higher hopes of what will happen or a prediction of fate. Indeed, a magnificent celebration becomes surreal, and it does a beautiful thing about present and future living. The forecast has become magical with the Chinese zodiac, a system of astrology that assigns an animal and its reputed attributes to each year in a repeating 12-year cycle, bringing a wondrous surprise. Being hopeful to the highest degree attracts opportunities, which was a reality in 2017. Something extraordinary happened, and another chapter has opened, which is bigger and brighter.
2018 was also welcomed, with hopes and aspirations for a more abundant and prosperous life. We have been dreaming of a comfortable and simple life dedicated to service. No matter what influences we have embraced, we are still Filipino in words, deeds, and thoughts.
We will continue to be more optimistic about the unknown, not live in fear but dare to face the challenges with perseverance and a positive attitude. Like the Tsinoy or the Chinese-Filipino, they have succeeded because of their mindset of abundance, a cultural belief in having enough and always asking for more to share what they have, which is deeply rooted in their culture and traditions.
Prosperity is about receiving and acknowledging the blessings that come into our lives, taking part in them, giving back, and becoming a blessing to others in need.
May 2018 give you a meaningful life, a prosperous and abundant life, and dreams coming true in the years to come.
© 2018 Del Cusay