Chris Tiu on how he celebrates the Chinese New Year
During Chinese New Year, Chris and his family eat noodles to wish everyone long life. They also wear red during birthdays and happy occasions to bring energy and happiness.
FOR BASKETBALL superstar Chris Tiu, celebrating the Chinese New Year means there would be tons of “food, food, food” at home once more.
Chris, whose Chinese blood traces back to his great grandparents, said they make it a point to enjoy a festive dinner on the eve of the occasion with the whole family. They eat (and give to relatives) tikoy, which symbolizes “stickiness” or unity among family members.
“We’re still quite a traditional FilipinoChinese family. We give ampao (red envelopes with money) for different occasions like weddings, birthdays, and Christmas,” said Chris. “But I would rather receive them. Ha!”
During Chinese New Year, Chris and his family eat noodles to wish everyone long life. They also wear red during birthdays and happy occasions to bring energy and happiness.
“We also go to the Chinese cemetery to pay our respects to our relatives who have left us. There, we burn golden paper to symbolize money. We offer food and incense as well. But more importantly, we pray the rosary for them. So it’s a mix of Chinese and Catholic traditions,” said Chris, who was born in the Year of the Ox in 1985.
The second eldest of five children, Chris follows basic feng shui principles at home or in offices. He and his family also believe in holding milestone events like weddings or launching of businesses on auspicious dates.
“I think mymom’s religious influence has taught me not to be too superstitious. I guess I just subscribe to the more practical feng shui beliefs. I strongly believe that the success of a person is based mainly on his values and the decisions he makes in his lifetime, not by luck or feng shui,” said Chris, who earned a degree in Management Engineering (minor in Chinese Studies) from the Ateneo de Manila University.
While he was born and raised in the Philippines, Chris’ has his great grandparents to thank for his Chinese lineage. His great grandfather from his father’s side was principal of the Anglo Chinese school, while his grandfather from his mom’s side was a doctor with pure Chinese blood.
Growing up, his parents had passed on traditions from their Chinese ancestry. They visit Chinese doctors and take Chinese medicine for certain medical conditions; practice Chinese traditions during engagements and wedding ceremonies. Chris speaks Mandarin, too, but is more fluent in Fookien.
Nothing has changed in the way they celebrate Chinese New Year (they still keep it low-key and simple), despite his hectic schedule. Chris currently plays for the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the Philippine Basketball Association; and is a part owner of Happy Lemon in the Philippines.
Chris also hosts the TV show “iBilib,” an infotainment program that unravels bizarre and interesting trivia in the world of science. The show, which airs Sunday mornings on GMA-7, features scientific experiments presented in a magical manner. The program recently received the “Natatanging Informative” award and the “Natatanging Informative Program Host” award (for Chris) from the MITv Gawad Kamalayan.
Chris said: “My lucky number is 17. That’s 1 + 7 = 8. My lucky charm is blue, which I think is pretty obvious. I also consider as lucky charms my family and wife. More important than charms, I feel safe when I have a rosary.”