Bridging cultures, cheering souls: The Tsinoy spirit

DURING the Spanish period, Chinese immigrants in the Philippines were called "Sangleys," which means "businessmen" or "frequent visitors." They were later called "Intsik," from the Malay word "encik," meaning "venerable uncle." Although this term has no pejorative connotation, it was later twisted by some "misguided" people into a "racial" slur to imply humiliation, subjugation and oppression. In 1992, the term "Tsinoy" was coined, which has gained common usage. It is a contraction of "Tsinong Pinoy," or Chinese Filipino.

Tsinoys refer to those who are socially, economically and politically Filipino but of Chinese descent. In this context, the primary identity is "Pilipino" or "Pinoy," with the modifier being "Tsino" or Chinese. They are ethnic Chinese born and bred in the Philippines who must be logically considered a cultural minority in the country.