Roots in ShenZhou, China 2010.
Roots in ShenZhou, China 2010.
Last week was my grandfather’s death anniversary and it was sort of an All Soul’s Day in China (as my relatives said) so we decided to go visit them.
The cremated ashes were kept in this building along with other relatives’.
A few hours ride away from Xiamen was where the home town was. The last time I visited was back in 2005 and my cousin and I even slept a night at the old house, but now it’s abandoned and just a memory of a hard life overcome by diligent work.
Good thing we use door knobs now.
The facade across the rooms says it was built in 1954.
Where the rooms and altar are~
Relatives’ rooms in each door with their names on it.
And Angkong’s (grandfather) room! Too bad we couldn’t open it though.
Incense for dedication to the dead.
Us looking at our forefathers. My grandfather is the one on the red frame.
Even though it was a bit funny, it really did hit me that we didn’t appreciate where we came from as much as we should have. I have never met Angkong and so have a lot of my cousins here in the Philippines because he died way before we were born… Still, it would have been nice if our parents strictly imposed on us to speak Chinese. That would have been easier for us to keep our identity in a way plus it’s a bonus in the business world.
The school Angkong built for the children in his province.
My grandfather came from a province called ShenZhou. It really impressed us that the place improved so MUCH from the last time we visited. The granite and marble businesses are flourishing in this part of China because mining resources are abundant.
I found it very ironic to see Mercedez Benz, Porche, Audi and other expensive brands of cars all around a very provincial scene. Never had I seen an ordinary matte colored car the whole time I was there! All shiny, dark SUVs and such. Goes to show how hard working Chinese are, especially those who came from a hard life in the province.
My two cousins, Hong Un (Carlo) and Hong Cang (Alex), who live there.I’m thankful their English has improved. The last time the language barrier was too strong to overcome for me since I barely know Fujian.
My grandfather came from this humble place and went to the Philippines during the hard communist life, just like many other Chinese-Filipino’s grandparents. He sought to earn a living in this country. Times were really difficult as my dad would tell me stories about his childhood, but because of very hard work, wit and perseverance, they were able to save and save and eventually live a good standard of life.
My cousin, Dave Mark, fooling around as usual.Like I said, I’ve never met my grandfather but my dad has always told me about his admiration for him and how great a man he was. Angkong was a man of few words such that if he were to speak, everyone would respectfully and gladly listen for they know wisdom would come to them.
I hope I can still visit again in the future when I’ll have my own family. I think it would be really cool to show the future generation the life they came from.
Plain-faced me signing off.
you're so right Anne, it's such a waste to see Chinese children with super GI parents not be able to speak a single chinese word or even understand. i wish i could speak better mandarin too!
Oh Valerie, that's you diay! I didn't recognize you until I visited your blog. Nice to see you around blogspot! *follows you*~
And yaaaah, I'm sure a lot would second the motion. But it's okay, I'm sure you speak good amoy. :))
these pictures are wonderful. 🙂
that's nice you got to visit the roots of your grandfather.
Ahhh~ Chinese roots woman.
Ching, thank you 🙂 Yup, it was fortunate to still be able to.
Anonymous, you are SO Mikko. :p
Another nice and interesting entry to read ^_^ I always enjoy reading from your blog (or rather your soliloquies hehehe), books cannot even compare – except for maybe the Bible and The Art of War XD hahaha
oh wow! the photos made me feel like I were there. Your grampa sure is an incredible person. The good thing is, at least you were able to visit your roots. My great grama is Portugese and she married my grampa who's Chinese. I've never been to Portugal or China, nor can I speak any of the languages either :< All I have are stories from my parents :>
there is absolutely nothing plain-faced about you….. 😀
James, thank you very much. XD
Saving Capulet, cool! But it's unfortunate you aren't able to go back to your roots yourself 🙁 I think going to Portuguese would be a great eye opener for you, supposedly. But maybe there are better things in store for you in the future. All isn't lost since you still have the blood and the stories. 🙂
Anonymous, Aww… you're too kind. :))
i love you very much anne
from your avid fan
joseph