Harmonizing Hometown Hopes

“There may be no secrets in small towns, but there are no strangers either…” — R. A. Mathis

For centuries, the Overseas Chinese (華僑) have been labeled as “wanderers” (羇) in perpetual search for a better life beyond the confines of their motherland. While early overseas Chinese predominantly of the Southern Fujian Province (福建省) who arrived in the Philippines have quickly embraced their new home, their hearts were largely forsaken in their departed hometown. For these early migrants, their first priority was staying connected to families and friends they left behind.

As such, hometown associations — organizations that allow immigrants from the same city or region to maintain ties with and materially support their places of origin — were initially organized to create a new sense of community among recent immigrants with similar backgrounds; they also represented a transnational identity rooted as much in the migrants’ country of origin as in the migrants’ adopted home.

The Philippine Hong Tei Cultural Association, Inc. (菲律賓鳳池同鄉會) is one such township organization. Founded in 1934 by Philippine-based Chinese migrants of Chidian (池店村) — a small backwater village in Jinjiang City, Fujian Province, PROC (晉江市) with a population of around 8,000 people — it has long served as a link to assist communities in their hometown of origin, organizing fundraising initiatives for ongoing programs and special needs, as well as advancing health programs, educational activities and resources for the village.

The Association, largely left dormant in the mid-seventies, was breathed new life in 1982 by a small, yet spirited group that represented a new generation of Chinese-Filipino migrants. My late grandfather, Tuan Cheng Yu (李法蘇) was one of them. A respected community leader, he painstakingly took the lead in reaching out to reunite extended families, hometown neighbors and Chidian relatives already residing in the Philippines. Together with similarly-minded visionaries — Dr. Vicente Dy Sun Jr. (李峻峰), Hilario Murillo (李宗彥), Cheng Lay Jr. (李榮美), and Benito Ong Serrano (李國崑) — they painstakingly rebuilt the organization from scratch, oftentimes embarking on house-to-house campaigns to recruit fellow clan members to join their noble cause. Due to their Yeoman efforts, the Philippine Hong Tei Cultural Association, Inc. has now transformed into a dynamic powerhouse of successful businessmen for extending strong support to the public welfare, progress, and education in its Chidian hometown, including the interests of its countless Tsinoy Community progeny who have known no other home than the Philippines.

As I took my oath as its 90th President in our first-ever induction and turnover ceremonies held virtually, I am incredibly humbled to assume the esteemed leadership of this Association, mindful of the immense weight of history that I carry, as well as the great and important interests committed to my charge. To this end, I would like to extend my profound gratitude to the respected elders of this Association for entrusting their faith in my leadership. To Chairman Emeritus, the respected Mr. Cheng Lay Jr. (李榮美), as well as to all our past presidents; and the new Board of Directors who never wavered in their outspoken support. To outgoing president Michael Chenglay (李鐘鳴), who steered the organization through its two toughest years under a raging pandemic with flying colors, he is indeed an inspiration. To our affiliate mother chapter, the Filipinas Civic and Fraternal Association (a.k.a. Long Se Lee Family Association of the Philippines), headed by President Enrique C. Dy (李正中); to the Philippine Jinjiang Association (菲律濱晉江同鄉總會), led by President Charles Chen (陳凱復); as well as to the many organizations which lent their invaluable support to the great success of our virtual event, extending every kind of assistance and investing on congratulatory newspaper ads, I offer my profuse thanks.

I would especially like to thank the FEDERATION OF FILIPINO CHINESE ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONS, INC. 菲華各校友會聯誼總會, led by President Aningsiokbee Go, Secretary Evans Chiu, and Vice-President Ellen M. Martines; the Anvil Business Club, led by Chairman Emeritus George Siy, Honorary Chairman Wilson Lee Flores, Honorary Chairman Eduardo Cobankiat and Honorary Director Kenneth Hung, Chairman Patrick Cua, and President Kėṅṅėth Dėė; the Rotary Club of Manila, led by President-elect Herminio Hermie Esguerra; the Manila Downtown Y’s Men Club, led by President Jason Magos; as well as the Quezon City Association of Filipino Chinese Businessmen, Inc. (Qcafcbi Twentyfifteen), led by President Joseph Lim and incoming President Joaquin Co; as well as to our Chidian town mates, good friends and colleagues who sent their heartwarming well-wishes.

My lasting appreciation especially goes to a respected “ahiya” and good friend, none other Mr. Francis Kong (康道盛), a multi-awarded writer, broadcaster, author, entrepreneur and one of the most respected business speakers in the country, who gratuitously shared an hour of his time from his extremely busy schedule and graced our induction as our guest speaker, entertaining and illuminating our audience with the topic, “Effective Communications for Success (for Family and Business).” Kudos also goes to Faye A. Esguerra of the Silk (band) and 2018 Pinoy K-Pop Star champion Venisse Siy for their heart-pounding renditions of popular Chinese and American hits. You’ve certainly redefined the word “entertainment.” Cheers!

And finally, a huge “THANK YOU” is in order for CHiNOY TV 菲華電視台’s big bosses, “achie” Loraine Tan and Alvin Kingson Tan, for organizing and producing a fantastic virtual induction ceremony which was incredibly polished from start to finish. Their enduring patience in accommodating our numerous requests and revisions, as well as their penchant for perfection has resulted in one of the most professionally-run virtual programs I have ever witnessed. Congratulations on your outstanding work!

Certainly, our work in Hong Tei has only just begun. The extraordinary challenges that we face are incredibly daunting. But if only to honor the memory of my grandfather and the considerable legacy that he left behind, I am committed to take on the mantle of leadership, as we go forth and march forward. May the Good Lord strengthen our hands for the good work ahead, and always, bless our hometown association.