Thursday, February 9, 2017

The Chinese in the Philippines

As many of you know, I just returned from a marvelous trip to the Philippines to visit relatives and gather information for a book. Here is an article about the Chinese Christians in Cebu, from whom I am descended. To quote:
In the case of the Chinese who settled in the Philippines to take advantage of the galleon trade, the formation of ghettos (where the infidels could be proselytized to Roman Catholicism), known as the parian, also became a reality. The Spanish Crown later recognized the leaders of the Chinese Christians as also part of the principalia, and like their native equivalent, could carry the Hidalgo titles of don or doña, were permanently exempted from tribute and labor services, and exercised the right to hold public office and participate in elections. In office, they were granted such emblems of authority as canes, hats and a retinue of deputies. (Read more.)
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