Bridging faiths: Exploring Binondo’s religious diversity
THE success of Filipino-Chinese individuals in business can also be attributed in part to their religious affiliations.
Binondo hosts several Catholic parishes. The district has strong Catholic influences because it was one of the first areas in Manila where churches were built to convert the Chinese into Christianity. Binondo Church, founded in 1596, is a prime example of this historical influence.
After becoming naturalized as Filipino citizens, many FilipinoChinese individuals adopt Catholicism as their religion, yet they tend to be nominal believers.
Other Christian churches also experienced growth in the area. The United Evangelical Church of the Philippines (UECP) has a large following, while the Christian Gospel Center also has a big congregation.
Christian churches such as the Manila Chinese Baptist Church also thrive.
For the Chinese, regardless of their location, Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism remain prominent in their consciousness. Even as the newer generations become increasingly disconnected from traditional religious practices, these religions continue to hold a deep-seated influence in the minds of FilipinoChinese individuals.
The largest Buddhist temple in Manila is the Seng Guan Temple on Narra Street in Tondo near Divisoria. Seng Guan is considered the first Buddhist temple in the Philippines and houses a stupa, which holds urns of human ashes, along with meditation rooms and shrines.
It serves as a significant cultural hub for the Chinese Filipino community. Established by Master Xing Yuan from South Putuo Temple in Xiamen, Fujian Province, it is a prominent Chan Buddhist temple in the country.
Despite facing challenges such as a shortage of successors, Buddhism in Binondo remains a vital source of spiritual nourishment, fostering harmony and compassion within the community. The teachings of the Buddha resonate deeply with the Filipino-Chinese ethos, inspiring acts of generosity, kindness and social responsibility.