67. INSIK MAGALANG

A Scene in Town by Jose Honorato Lozano

Before the Koreans and other Asian nationalities established their presence in our country, Chinese had already set their foot since pre-colonial times. They engaged in barter trade with our ancestors and eventually, they intermarried with the natives. When the Spaniards came, they were converted to Catholicism and they were called chino catolico. Mestizo de sangleyes are called to those children of Chinese and Filipino parents. 

In Pampanga, large Chinese population are concentrated in Guagua, San Fernando and Angeles. Some of them they transferred from these bustling towns to other and one of them is Magalang. Interestingly, some of the common surnames in Magalang have Spanish transliterations of Hokkien words like Dizon, Gozum, Gozun, Lacson, Jocson, Pecson, Quizon, Samson, Tiamzon, Tuazon and others. On the other hand, Chinese immigrants have multiple syllable surnames such as Ayuyao, Chancoco, Cosio, Gantioqui, Gueco (or Gwekoh), Laochengco, Limcolioc, Tancungco, Tioseco, Yukeco and others. Some Chinese also adopted Spanish and Filipino surnames. 

As early of 1866, they are already Chinese established their businesses in Magalang. A certain chinaman, Sia established his business near town plaza. Some of them become prominent in local politics like Don Silvestre San-tongco who was appointed as teniente nueve of Magalang. Some Spanish records particularly estadistica revealed that they are already twenty Chinese settled in Magalang in 1894. During American period, a new wave of Chinese immigration took place and settled in various towns which includes Magalang. Some of new Chinese who established their presence in those times are Valentin Tiotingco, Insik Pak, Go Anlo, Ong Tao, Lee Yam Phay, Lim Bun Sue, Chan Lim, Jose Chua Parroco, Dy Su, Liu Ching Kiong, Tong Kek, Ng Hong Sin and others surnamed Ang, Chan, Chua, Go, Lim, Ong, Siy and Tan. 

Alfonso Chan Gioc (known as Dioca), Pablo Siy-Hian and brothers Ignacio and Mariano "Cripsol" Lim established retail business in Magalang. Dioca and Cripsol later expanded their businesses and they ventured in baking and restaurant. During liberation period, the Chinese squadron of Hukbalahap known as Wa Chi helped their Filipino comrades in liberating Magalang from Japanese control. 

After the war, Chinese merchants eventually leave Magalang due to business and personal reasons. They transferred to other towns such as Lims who transferred in Angeles and Tarlac; Angs in Paniqui, Tarlac; and Ongs in Mabalacat and Concepcion, Tarlac. Only Chans, Chuas, Gos, Siys, and Tans remained in Magalang. 

Our culture is very colorful blended with other colors of culture. There are strong evidences that our ancestors had strong links with the Chinese in different fields. Despite of our sweet and bitter sentiments towards Chinese, they leave a deep mark to our colorful past and culture. 

Kung Hei Fat Choi! 

Photo Credits: 

A Scene in Town by Jose Honorato Lozano, wikicommons.com. 

Mariano "Cripsol" Lim by Mr. Odie Lim.