A visit to Bahay Tsinoy and the Church of San Agustin was an amazing experience.

Church of San Agustin is the oldest stone church in the Philippines

“When the Spaniards settled in the country, more Chinese came. They served as the backbone of the Spanish colonial economy. Because of their growing numbers, the Spaniards feared and distrusted them. The mutual suspicions led to persecution and harassment including large-scale massacres.

The Spaniards separated the Chinese in quarters called Parian. It was first established in 1582 just outside Intramuros. Due to the massacres or fires, the Spaniards changed the location of the Parian nine times. In 1790, when the last Parian was destroyed, the Chinese were allowed to join the baptized Chinese in Binondo and Santa Cruz.”

Hints of Chinese influence on the architecture of San Agustin Church

“Early religious figurines and icons carved by the Chinese showed unmistakable Chinese influence. Religious vestments, sculpture, and church decorations often show Chinese motif. Stone buildings, especially churches, were built by Chinese artisans.

Many Chinese in the Philippines practiced religious syncretism, the unique product of Catholic and Buddhist intermarriage.”

NOTE: All quotations are from the Bahay Tsinoy website.