Early relations between China and the Philippines date back to 982 AD when Filipinos from Mindoro arrived in Canton aboard an Arab ship to trade valuable merchandise. Over subsequent centuries, trade increased as Chinese merchants traveled by junk to places like Lingayen, Manila, and Mindoro. Chinese influence spread through goods exported to the Philippines like porcelain and contact with Chinese traders and settlers. This cultural exchange introduced Filipinos to Chinese customs, language, food, clothing, and other aspects of life that still have influence today.

1. Early Relations
with China

2.  In 982 A.D.
Earliest known authentic date
of Sino-Philippine relations.
Filipinos from Mindoro
(Ma-yi) arrived in Canton
board on an Arab ship &
sold their valuable
merchandise.

3.  Ma –Tuan – Lin
a Chinese Chronicler
Include this detail in his
Wen Shiann Tung Kao
(General Investigation on
the Chinese Cultural
Sources)

4.  China during those times have
refined developments in the fields
of:
Historical writing
Painting
Calligraphy
- the art of making beautiful handwriting
Hard-glazed porcelain
- covered with glassy film

5.  Chinese begins to expand its
maritime activities in Nanyang
(Southeast Asian world) especially
during these dynasties:
Ming (1368-1614)
Southern Sung (1127-1280)
Yuan (1280-1368)

6.  In 1225
Chau Ju-Kua, a Chinese superintendent
of foreign trade.
Described China’s trade with Ma-i in
his book, Chu-fan- chi (Reports on the
South Sea barbarians).

7.  Chinese merchants on board
their junks left Chuanchow,
Canton & other ports in China
& traded with the people of
Lingayen, Manila, Mindoro &
Sulu.

8.  It pointed out the honesty of early
Filipinos in their business
transaction with the Chinese
traders.
 It was confirmed by another
Chinese writer, Wang Ta-
Yuan’s description of
medieval Filipino life appears
in his Tao-i-chih-lio (summary
notices of the barbarians of
the Isles) which was written
in 1349.

9.  According to Wang Ta-Yuan that Chinese
trust the Filipinos for they always keep
their promise.
 Both Chu-fan-chi & the Tao-i-chih-lio
have sections about a barbarous
place called Pi – she – ya which is
presumably Visayas.
 He describes the natives in
Pi-she-ya as being tattooed
up to the neck.

10.  During the reign of Zhu Di (Chu Ti), the
Yung-lo emperor in 1403-1423 when
China was expanding the boundaries of
its domain.
 He included the countries
visited by his missions to
pay tributes to the Ming
Court.

11.  The native rulers sent regular tribute
embassies to the imperial court of the
Ming emperor such as:
Philippines  Borneo
 Java Sumatra
Malay Peninsula  Indochina
Other Southeast Asian Countries

12.  According to the Ming Shih (Annuals of
the Ming Dynasty), Record of Luzon,
Record of Camilig & the Record of Sulu,
the Philippines sent eight tribute
embassies to Beijing between 1372-
1424.

13.  also known as Cheng Ho (1371-1435)
 Admiral Zheng He
China’s greatest maritime explorer
Led seven expeditions from
1405-1433 in the south seas &
reach the Phils., Borneo, Malay
Peninsula, Indochina, India &
Ceylon (Sri Lanka).

14.  His first expedition with consisted of 62
ships, landed in the Philippines in
December 1405.
 One of his men, Pei-Pon-Tao (also
known as Pun-Tao king) died &
was buried in Jatti Tunggal, Jolo.

15.  Annually on December 26, the
Chinese of Solo until these days
visit the tomb of Pei-Pon-Tao to pay
homage to the fore runners of Sino-
Philippine relations.
 Trade & personal relations
with the Chinese led to the
enrichment of Filipino life &
culture.

16.  Decorated enameled ceramics painted
in traditional patterns were exported in
the Philippines.
 Blue & White pieces of Chinese
porcelain was originated in the
Ming period.

17. Our Chinese
Heritage

18.  Traces of Chinese influence are found in:
Jobs
Costumes
Food
Customs
Language
Blood

19.  Learned from Chinese
Manufacture of gunpowder
The art of metallurgy
Mine for Gold
The use of porcelain, gongs,
lead, silver & tin
Certain occupations like
blacksmithing & goldsmithing

20.  Filipinos practiced a form of duck culture
around Pateros & Taguig in Rizal that
resembled the Chinese; which includes
the method of artificial incubation of
eggs.
 They also taught us kite making
& flying.

21. Foods

22.  Chinese improved the culinary art
of the early Filipinos.
During the early times, the Filipino
Natives learned the roasting of pigs
Brewing of tea for drinking
Cooking of dishes like pancit,
lumpia, chopsuey & okoy

23. Use of seasonings like toyo (soy sauce)
& tahuri
Vegetables like bataw, petsay & upo

24. Costumes

25. Jacket and Loose Trousers
slippers
Wooden shoes (bakya)
Fans
Umbrellas
Use of white clothes for
mourning the dead

26. Social customs with
Chinese influence

27. Arranged marriage
Respect for elders
Hiring of a go-between in marital
negotiations
Honoring of departed ancestors
Employment of professional
mourners during the funeral

28. Blasting of fire crackers – New Year’s Eve
Beating of gongs
Collection of tong
Games including various
forms of gambling like:
Jueteng, cards & mah-jong.

29. Language

30.  About 1500 words in Tagalog
vocabulary came from the Chinese
Ate – older sister
Sanse – 3rd older sister
Kuya – older brother
Diko– 2nd older brother
Sangko – 3rd older brother
Suki – friend

31. Gunting - Scissors
Hiya – shame
Pakyaw – wholesale
Susi – key

32.  Many Chinese married Filipina women
and lived in the Philippines.
 Many rich and famous Filipino
families are of Chinese origin
Ex.: Pres. Corazon Cojuangco Aquino