WELCOME DIRECTOR GENERAL SHAN JIXIANG
STATE ADMINISTRATION FOR CULTURAL HERITAGE OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
According to a study by I.Hubert and Harriett Reynolds, the Chinese in Ilocos constitute an alien minority with a dominant economic orientation. Hua-Ch’iao (overseas Chinese) began coming to the Philippines as traders before the Spanish Conquest of Ilocos in 1572, they aimed to seek their fortune, to maintain a temporary home, and eventually to retire in the China Village of origin. But, in most cases, they opted to remain in Ilocos, particularly here in Vigan, being the capital of Ilocos Province.
The Chinese have contributed a new economic wholesale-retail system, thus stimulating the slowly emerging middle class between the common tao (common man) and the bacnang (rich class). Ilocano practices of frugality, industry, and migration have been reinforced through Chinese acculturative influences.
The Chinese influence in Vigan is very significant that it also extends to its aesthetic value contributing to Vigan’s status as a World Heritage Site. Hence, the Vigan Architecture is a combination of Chinese and Hispanic influences as evident in the design of Vigan Houses, the Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace, and other Historical structures.
Indeed, we are deeply honored by the visit of the Director General for State Administration for Cultural Heritage of the People’s Republic of China, his Excellency Shan Jixiang in the historic city of Vigan. We recognize that China is the home of famous historical landmarks and various heritage sites. We are looking forward to learning a lot from you. Compared to China, Vigan is still young in the field of Heritage conservation and management but your presence alone is a source of inspiration for the people of Vigan.
I therefore welcome your delegation and all the other guests in this historic moment. Thank you and good evening!
(Welcome address delivered on January 13, 2007 at the Vigan Culture and Trade Center during the welcome dinner in honor of Director General Shan Jixiang, State Administration for Cultural Heritage of the People’s Republic of China).
STATE ADMINISTRATION FOR CULTURAL HERITAGE OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
According to a study by I.Hubert and Harriett Reynolds, the Chinese in Ilocos constitute an alien minority with a dominant economic orientation. Hua-Ch’iao (overseas Chinese) began coming to the Philippines as traders before the Spanish Conquest of Ilocos in 1572, they aimed to seek their fortune, to maintain a temporary home, and eventually to retire in the China Village of origin. But, in most cases, they opted to remain in Ilocos, particularly here in Vigan, being the capital of Ilocos Province.
The Chinese have contributed a new economic wholesale-retail system, thus stimulating the slowly emerging middle class between the common tao (common man) and the bacnang (rich class). Ilocano practices of frugality, industry, and migration have been reinforced through Chinese acculturative influences.
The Chinese influence in Vigan is very significant that it also extends to its aesthetic value contributing to Vigan’s status as a World Heritage Site. Hence, the Vigan Architecture is a combination of Chinese and Hispanic influences as evident in the design of Vigan Houses, the Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace, and other Historical structures.
Indeed, we are deeply honored by the visit of the Director General for State Administration for Cultural Heritage of the People’s Republic of China, his Excellency Shan Jixiang in the historic city of Vigan. We recognize that China is the home of famous historical landmarks and various heritage sites. We are looking forward to learning a lot from you. Compared to China, Vigan is still young in the field of Heritage conservation and management but your presence alone is a source of inspiration for the people of Vigan.
I therefore welcome your delegation and all the other guests in this historic moment. Thank you and good evening!
(Welcome address delivered on January 13, 2007 at the Vigan Culture and Trade Center during the welcome dinner in honor of Director General Shan Jixiang, State Administration for Cultural Heritage of the People’s Republic of China).
