Beyond the spotlight: Filipino-Chinese celebs who embrace their roots
Heart Evangelista
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF IG/IAMHEARTE
Daily TribuneHeart Evangelista
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF IG/IAMHEARTE
CHRIS Tiu
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF IG/chris tiu
XIAN Lim
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF IG/XIAN LIM
ENCHONG Dee
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF IG/ENCHONG DEE
TIM Yap
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF IG/tim yap
DENNIS Trillo
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF IG/DENNIS TRILLO
RICHARD Yap and Richard Poon.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF IG/richard POON
The Philippine entertainment industry is brimming with talented individuals who proudly trace their roots back to China. These celebrities, while beloved for their on-screen performances, also share a deep connection with their Chinese heritage.
David Licauco, the heartthrob of many, is one such example. With a Filipino-Chinese mother and a pure Filipino father, David’s mixed heritage is a significant part of his identity. His journey into the limelight began at the Mr. and Miss Chinatown pageant in 2014, a testament to his pride in his Chinese roots.
Heart Evangelista, the international fashion icon, also carries a piece of China in her heart. Her maternal grandmother, Lola Chit, founded the renowned Barrio Fiesta restaurant. Heart often shares stories about her lola’s love for cooking and her Chinese heritage.
These celebrities highlight the rich tapestry of Filipino-Chinese heritage. Ken Chan and his family practice Buddhism, reflecting a blend of Chinese and Filipino spiritual traditions. Kim Chiu, affectionately known as the “Chinita Princess,” is a proud advocate for Chinese-Filipino representation.
Beyond their showbiz careers, these individuals contribute to their communities. Chris Tiu honors his great-grandfather, Tiu Hun Chiong, a pioneer in Chinese education in the Philippines. Richard Poon and Jose Mari Chan have enriched the Philippine music scene with their unique blend of Chinese and Filipino influences.
Many of these celebrities actively participate in Chinese New Year celebrations. Xian Lim is a regular visitor to Binondo, Manila’s Chinatown, to buy lucky charms. Enchong Dee takes pride in representing the Chinese-Filipino community, while Tim Yap often discusses the misconceptions surrounding Chinese-Filipinos.
The names of many of these celebrities reveal their Chinese ancestry. Dennis Trillo’s full name, Abelardo Dennis Florencio Trillo Ho, and Richard Yap’s full-blooded Chinese heritage are testaments to the enduring influence of Chinese culture in the Philippines.
These celebrities serve as inspiring examples of how one can embrace their diverse heritage while achieving great success. Their stories highlight the rich tapestry of Filipino culture and the significant contributions of the Chinese-Filipino community to the nation.