An Analysis of Chinese Filipino Hybrid Identity from Postwar to Present: The Instiks, the Tsinoys, and the Chinoynials

Identities are cultural constructs that provide meaning and belonging by humans for humans. The Chinese in the Philippines have undergone identity transformation alongside Philippine history. The Instiks, the Tsinoys, and the Chinoynials are three generations of Chinese Filipinos who share similar identity markers, but they have also constructed unique identities for each different generation. The Instiks are the angkong (grandfathers) or amma (grandmothers) who are products of the postwar Philippines. The Tsinoys are the fathers and mothers who are influenced and shaped by the Martial Law period, the People Power Revolution, and globalization. The Chinoynials are the children and grandchildren of the Instiks and Tsinoys who grew up with the internet and social media in their everyday lives. This paper aims to present an understanding of Chinese Filipino ethnic identity by studying the historical context, societal changes, and cultural connections that contributed to the identity formation of each Chinese Filipino generation instead of simply clumping them altogether as having one identity.