Manila Chinese Cemetery
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Manila Chinese Cemetery (華僑義山) is the second oldest cemetery in Manila after La Loma Cemetery and was designated as the resting place for the Chinese citizens who were denied burial in Catholic cemeteries during the Spanish colonial period. The cemetery was witness to many executions during World War II. Among them were Girl Scouts organizer Josefa Llanes Escoda, literary geniuses Rafael Roces and Manuel Arguilla, star athlete-turned-guerrilla spy Virgilio Lobregat, and Chinese Consul General Yang Guangsheng. Apolinario Mabini was also buried in the cemetery before his remains were transferred to Batangas.
Contents |
[edit] Landmarks
[edit] Chong Hock Tong Temple (宗福堂)
Built in the 1850s, this is the oldest Chinese temple in Manila. Though not as elaborate, the architecture is still reminiscent of those in Fujian province as well as those in Singapore and Malaysia with their colorful friezes and uniquely upturned eaves.
[edit] Liat See Tong (Martyrs Hall)
Built in the early 1950s in honor of the Chinese community leaders who were executed by the Japanese during World War II. Japan invaded the country in 1941 and one of the first things they did was to round up prominent Chinese community leaders and executed them. Having been enemies even before World War II commenced, the Japanese were wary of the trouble the Chinese community would cause on the plans when they invaded the Philippines.
- Dy Hoc Khe
- Dy Hoc Siu, a leader of the committee campaigning for boycott of Japanese trade in the Philippines under the nationwide league opposition Japanese militarism called "Khong Tiak Hue" or "Resist the Enemy League"
- Yu Yi Tung, editor of Chinese Commercial News
[edit] Carlos Palanca (Tan Quien Sien) Memorial
A memorial to Don Carlos Palanca (Tan Quien Sien), illustrious Chinese-Filipino leader and businessman during the 19th century. It was through his efforts the cemetery was built. During the Spanish colonial period, non-Catholics weren't allowed to be buried in the city cemeteries. Hence the need for the non-Christian Chinese to have their own cemetery.
[edit] Ruby Tower Memorial
[edit] Notable burials
- Dee Cheng Chuan, founder of first Chinese bank in the Philippines (Chinabank)
- Ma Mon Luk (1896-1961), mami king
