Bahay Tsinoy : Displaying the Chinese Heritage in the Philippines

ing to historians, the relationship between thetowards the direction of Parian.
Philippines and China dates back many centuries.All this took place over two hundred years ago,
Philippine prehistory reveals that theand today Intramuros is home to the Bahay
country’s connection with other AsianTsinoy which is an intriguing museum that
nations began predominantly with theconserves relics of this noteworthy Chinese
establishment of land bridges. Various Southernheritage that is blended into the lives of the Filipino.
Chinese tribes accessed the island bringing alongLiterally meaning Chinese-Filipino House, the
with them many unique cultural practices. Bartermuseum is separated in to 14 sections such as
trade took place between the two countries bythe Early Contacts, Parian and much more. The
exchanging commodities such as silk, mother ofEarly Contacts area reveals that the Chinese
pearls, shells, ornaments and even porcelain. Witharrived in the Philippines way before the Spanish
time, a considerable amount of Chinese populationdid. At the museum visitors will also get the
began to arrive in Manila.chance to observe full-size replicas of 18th
Even today, Chinese immigrants also known ascentury Chinese houses and there are sections
Tsinoys remain to be Philippines’ largestdisplaying the role played by the Chinese during
population of foreign origin. The influence made bythe Philippine Spanish War and World War II.
them in various fields such as art, fashion, foodVisitors will also have the opportunity to explore
and lifestyles is clearly visible even in modern daynumerous photographs, a collection of shells that
Philippines. Some of the most prominent businesswere used for trade and various prints.
establishments in the country such as shoppingAll in all, the impressive Bahay Tsinoy will take
centres, hotels, airlines and even banks are ownedvisitors all the way through 10 centuries of how
by the Tsinoys. However during the first fewthe Chinese lived life in the Philippines and their
years when the Chinese arrived in the Philippinescontributions made to art, culture and even the
the Spanish who were the then rulers consideredeconomy. Staying at a Manila apartment
the Chinese arrival as a major threat.accommodation that enjoys easy access to the
The Tsinoys were given permission to reside onlymuseum is the best way to conveniently explore
in a place called the Parian, positioned away fromall its wonders. For instance, visitors can find
the Intramuros which was the walled city of thelodging at the centrally located Ascott Makati
Spanish. At Parian the Chinese were allowed towhich is an exceptional luxury apartment in Manila
practice their trade. However, they had to do sothat will add convenience and luxury for a
under extremely cautious circumstances becausememorable stay.
the cannons of Intramuros were always pointed