Guan Gong, known for his image of loyalty, righteousness, and integrity, is revered by some Filipino believers as the "God of Justice." When facing legal disputes or feeling injustice in the judicial system, they pray to Guan Gong, seeking the dispensation of justice and the realization of fairness.

In the cultural exchange between China and the Philippines, the culture of Guan Gong plays an important role. With "loyalty, righteousness, benevolence, and bravery" as its core spirit, the culture of Guan Gong is not only inherited within the Filipino-Chinese community but also gradually integrates into the local Philippine society, becoming a bridge connecting the two cultures.

How has Guan Gong culture been disseminated in the Philippines and integrated with local culture? What is the practical significance of Guan Gong spirit in the modern Philippine society? Recently, Xu Moujing, president of the Philippines-China Guan Di Charity Foundation, was interviewed by China News Service's "East-West Question" on this topic.

On a certain date, in Manila, Philippines, citizens paid homage to Guan Gong at the Guan Sheng Fu Zi Temple in Chinatown. Photo by China News Service reporter Zhang Xinglong.

The following is a summary of the interview transcript:

Reporter from China News Service: How has the Guan Gong culture been disseminated and developed in the Philippines?

Xu Moujing: Guan Gong is an important spiritual belief in the Filipino Chinese community. Initially, immigrants from China brought their hometown beliefs and customs to the Philippines, including the worship of Guan Gong. Early Chinese immigrants, crossing the sea by ship, faced immature navigation technology and harsh sea conditions. They worshipped the statue of Lord Guan on the ship to seek safe passage. Upon arriving in the Philippines, they moved the Guan Gong statue from the ship to their homes to continue worshipping, praying for the safety of their households. As Chinese immigrants gradually settled and pursued business development in the Philippines, Guan Gong's status as the "God of Wealth and Martial Virtue" and symbol of loyalty and righteousness became increasingly prominent. Guan Gong's spirit of integrity is not only widely accepted in the Chinese community but also influences business practices. Many Chinese merchants emphasize personal credibility and moral commitments when signing contracts, adhering to the principle of "prioritizing righteousness." The spread of Guan Gong's spirit has made "integrity" a cultural symbol that transcends legal aspects. Early Filipino Chinese chambers of commerce often referred to themselves as "Guan Fu Zi Hui" or "Guan Di Ye Hui," highlighting the profound influence of Guan Gong culture in the business community.

On a certain date, in Manila, Philippines, citizens paid homage to Guan Gong at the Guan Sheng Fu Zi Temple in Chinatown. Photo by China News Service reporter Zhang Xinglong.

Reporter from Xinhua News Agency: What role does Guan Gong culture play in maintaining and passing down traditional values in the Filipino-Chinese community?

Xu Moujing: The spirit of Guan Gong plays an irreplaceable role in motivating the struggle of Chinese immigrants. The courage and perseverance it advocates inspire Chinese people to persist in the face of challenges and difficulties, overcome adverse conditions, and achieve self-development. The culture of Guan Gong still enjoys a high degree of recognition in the Filipino-Chinese community today. For example, in Manila's Chinatown, almost every chamber of commerce, restaurant, or shop displays an image of Lord Guan, not only as a symbol of faith but also as a manifestation of cultural identity. The belief in Guan Gong also carries rich elements of traditional Chinese culture, such as folk customs, sacrificial rituals, operas, and calligraphy. Through worshipping Guan Gong and participating in temple fair activities, Chinese people maintain their identity and sense of belonging to Chinese culture, pass on the traditions and ethics of their ethnic group, and uphold the unity and moral values of the community.

Reporter from China News Service: How can Guan Gong culture be integrated with local cultures to become a bridge for enhancing mutual understanding?

Xu Moujing: In the Philippines, Guan Gong is referred to as " " or " ", meaning "Holy God." The Guan Sheng Fuzi Temple in Manila's Chinatown not only attracts a large number of Chinese for worship but also draws many local Filipinos. They imitate the Chinese ritual of kowtowing, praying for health and safety, and even seeking Guan Gong's blessings in the business realm, hoping for wealth and career success. Due to his image of loyalty and righteousness, Guan Gong is revered by some Filipino believers as the "God of Judicial Protection." When facing legal disputes or feeling injustice, they pray to Guan Gong, seeking justice to be upheld and fairness to be realized. Additionally, Filipinos place great emphasis on family harmony and unity among friends, so Guan Gong's concepts of morality and responsibility in family and social spheres are also accepted by the locals. Guan Gong's faith not only provides spiritual support for Chinese immigrants but also becomes an important bond for promoting cross-cultural exchanges. In the Filipino-Chinese community, Guan Gong's spirit is regarded as an important cultural foundation for advocating charitable causes. Many Guan Di temples and related organizations regularly carry out charitable activities, such as funding the poor, disaster relief, and free medical services. Cultural celebrations and charitable events held at the Guan Di Temple often invite local residents to participate, promoting exchanges between different cultural groups, enhancing mutual understanding, and thus eliminating cultural barriers. As a result, Guan Gong culture is increasingly becoming a spiritual bridge that transcends ethnic boundaries, demonstrating strong cross-cultural adaptability and influence.

On a certain date, in Manila, Philippines, citizens paid homage to Guan Gong at the Guan Sheng Fu Zi Temple in Chinatown. Photo by China News Service reporter Zhang Xinglong.

Reporter from China News Service: What is the practical significance of the Guan Gong spirit in the modern society of the Philippines?

Xu Moujing: The spirit of Guan Gong provides valuable value guidance for various aspects of Philippine society. Its loyalty and righteousness advocate a sense of responsibility towards the nation and society, inspiring people to participate in social construction and fulfill their civic duties. In dealing with interpersonal relationships, Guan Gong's benevolent and courageous qualities promote the pursuit of loyalty, tolerance, and mutual assistance. When facing difficulties, the spirit of Guan Gong encourages people to maintain resilience and courage, bravely facing various challenges in life. Moreover, in the Philippines, which frequently experiences natural disasters such as typhoons and earthquakes, the spirit of Guan Gong's unity and mutual assistance is particularly important, inspiring people to work together to overcome difficulties.

Reporter from China News Service: How can the younger generation of the Filipino-Chinese community better inherit the Guan Gong culture?

Xu Moujing: The inheritance and development of Guan Gong culture in modern society face new opportunities, among which the participation of the younger generation is crucial. Filipino Chinese schools and families should encourage young people to actively participate in cultural activities related to Guan Di Temple, such as traditional festivals, temple fairs, and sacrificial ceremonies, while promoting charity and community service, allowing Guan Gong's spirit of loyalty, righteousness, benevolence, and bravery to be practiced and promoted in reality. New media is a powerful tool for spreading Guan Gong culture. Through social platforms, short videos, and online lectures, the spirit of Guan Gong can be conveyed more vividly to the younger generation, enabling them to find new ways of expression in a multicultural environment. In a multicultural society like the Philippines, young people can also share the core values of Guan Gong's spirit through cultural exchanges with other ethnic groups. Additionally, multicultural festivals and cross-cultural activities are effective means to enhance the influence of Guan Gong culture, helping to promote cross-cultural understanding and integration, further highlighting the inclusive nature of Guan Gong's spirit.