VINCE ALLEN F.

DELLOSA
BPED 2-2

Activity 2: The Rise of the Chinese and Chinese Mestizos

1. State in one paragraph some eventualities that the Chinese were already doing business with
the Philippines even before the occupation of the Philippines by the Spaniards.

Manila had grown into a wealthy Spanish colonial metropolis by the 16th century, trafficking in
Chinese-produced silk and other items. Initially, sampans were the primary mode of transportation from
China, taking around 10-15 days to arrive at Manila. By 1670, the Chinese sampan trade was being
challenged by Dutch and Indian cotton exports, as well as Japanese pirates. The Chinese had a thriving
market monopoly until competition emerged in the shape of the English East India Company. Culinary
arts were one of the great cultural contributions made by the Chinese. Sauteed foods, rice cakes, and
noodle meals (like Pancit!) were among the culinary methods taught to Filipinos. During the Sung
Dynasty (960-1127 AD), Chinese stations were constructed in Philippine coastal towns to import Chinese
commodities. The Chinese traded silk, porcelain, colored glass, beads, and iron ware for Filipino hemp
fabric, tortoise shells, pearls, and yellow wax. To carry pearls to their trade base in Funan, ancient
Vietnam, several Filipinos travelled 800 kilometers across the seas.

2. Identify some material or physical evidence that prove the Chinese were already trading with
the Philippines even before the Spanish Regime. Explain how this evidence could prove the
theory.

PORCELAIN AND SILK, IN EXCHANGE FOR BEESWAX, DEER HORN AND TREPANG (SEA SLUG). The
trading with China marked the beginning of a significant influence and contribution to Filipino culture.
Culinary arts were one of the great cultural contributions made by the Chinese. Ancestors' use of
porcelain ceramics as burial goods may suggest that they had been in the nation for a long period. Cebu,
being a historic city, can demonstrate that the Chinese dealt with Cebuanos as early as the 12th century.
The fact that the Spaniards did not encounter the Chinese until 1569 does not entail that they had not
been dealing with the Filipinos.

3. Do you believe that the Chinese and Chinese Mestizos have a significant role in terms of;
a. Economic development of the Philippines? Why?
b. Nation-building? Why?

Economic development of the Philippines. The Chinese mestizos the opportunity to enter
retailing and the skilled craft occupations formerly dominated by the Chinese. Yes, I feel that Chinese
and Chinese Mestizos play a vital role in the Philippines' economic growth and nation-building since they
were a major part of Philippine society throughout the nineteenth century. From the 1750s to the
1850s, the rise of the Chinese Mestizo as an entrepreneur prepared the ground for the establishment of
the Philippine middle class. class. Economic advancement has given rise to a new generation of affluent
and prominent Filipino middlemen. class. Their economic riches had a major influence on enhancing
their standards of life and their social prestige. Filipinos with Chinese ancestry have held prominent
VINCE ALLEN F. DELLOSA
BPED 2-2

positions at the highest levels of government. For example, Sergio Osmenia, a Chinese Mestizo, was
appointed Vice President in the first half.

4. Using a Venn diagram, compare the Chinese and Chinese Mestizos in terms of their business
activities in the Philippines.

Pure Chinese Chinese Mestizos

Barter Trade porcelain Small Retailers

Chinese,
ware luxury goods silk,
Money Lenders,
Land Investors
colored glass, beads and Retailing, Ilustrados
iron ware for hemp Skilled craft
cloth, tortoise shells, occupation Gardeners
pearls and yellow Vegetable Supplier
wax of the Filipino
inquilinos (lessees)