My Chinese Peng Eu

CEBU, Philippines - I met Veronica a year ago at my work place. Like everyone else in the cafeteria, I was amazed at how this fair-skinned girl was talking rapidly on the phone in a foreign language, which I later found out was Chinese. I was puzzled when she suddenly looked at me with a comment about the food served. Her question about the longganisa was more audible as soon as she hung up her phone and introduced herself—in Cebuano. In two week’s time, the socialerang chineta became one of the closest companions I had in a place where both of us were new.

Veronica was not like the typical Chinese girl you see sporting a designer bag around the mall. Her skin tone and body build were apparent indications of her roots, but she had a face and personality that stood out and never failed to charm even the upper management at work. Part of this charm was how well she adapted to Filipino expressions without losing her oriental finesse. But what made her very interesting were the stories she would fondly tell about her stern Chinese upbringing.

Unlike other Chinese girls I’ve encountered, Veronica was no Chinay, she was purely Chinese. Both of her parents are Chinese, a fact that would unearth a fascinating tale of an arranged marriage. For as long as she could remember, her family had always been a classic traditional Chinese family. Coming from such while growing up in a country with very different culture, meant a lot of adapting on her part. She had to be versatile – being able to blend in with the people around her while abiding by her family’s house rules. Living in a strict home where going out is taboo and where having friends over happens once in a blue moon, Veronica confessed to having a phase in her life when following the rules was a struggle. There was allegedly even a time when she and other young girls in the family were discouraged to wear black, a demeanor she had to deal with as a fashionista.

Luckily for an outgoing girl like her, Chinese tradition never prevented anyone from socializing with other races. While meeting fellow Chinese was exciting, Veronica never missed a chance to get acquainted with Filipinos. Although she had bumped into countless of Pinoy jokes about the Chinese, she was the type who was barely affected and often wondered why they were supposed to be funny. Besides, she could always use her charm by smiling, talking in her language, and making everyone confused, as well.

Her family, despite the strict practice of their own culture, made it a point to impart to the younger generations to respect the culture in the country they were living in. But while most Filipino traditions were adapted, some simply contradict their own customs. When it comes to the death of a loved one, Veronica and her family would follow their tradition of wearing all white for a certain number of days. But celebrations for annual events are quite similar for both Chinese and Filipinos. Chinese New Year or the Ata Chi New Year, for instance, is celebrated with good food, fireworks, and of course, family. 

Knowing Veronica was like verifying the twists and turns that all installations of the movie Mano Po had well entertained its audience. Working hard and saving money are basic foundations for growth. Handling the family business could make or break a man. Reputation should be well taken cared of to please society. And dating a non-Chinese is a negotiable occurrence that often leads to broken hearts. Although growing up on a tradition-based life was oftentimes an intricate exhibition for the young lady, she considered herself blessed not only for her rich culture, but also for being given the chance to live in a fun-loving and blithesome country. After all, being a Chinese in the Philippines gave Veronica the best of both worlds.