For Diel Or, a Chinese-Filipino man living in east China's Fujian Province, running a small cafe infused with local culture has opened opportunities to form cultural connections between China and the Philippines.
His cafe, Nearby Coffee, known in Chinese as Fugen Coffee, sits in the coastal city of Quanzhou, once one of the world's largest ports along the historic Maritime Silk Road and a melting pot of world cultures. The name itself carries a story.
"You know why it's Fugen? Because Fugen in Minnanhua (southern Fujian dialect) sounds like Fujin, which is 'nearby' in the Chinese sense. There's a culture thing on it. It makes sense, right?" Or explained.
The small business owner said the connection to Quanzhou runs deeper than entrepreneurship. He opened the shop with close friends, and the unwavering support they have shown to each other throughout the venture reflects the values of the local community.
"The first time I was here, the whole year studying, I ended up really liking it here, liking the lifestyle, and making friends. And I think that this is what really made me want to stay here, as well as being close to my family on my father's side. It's sharing cultures and meeting new people," he said.
Settling in China was a big decision for Or, but the sheer convenience of daily life made it an easy call.
"I realized that the one thing I loved about China was convenience, which means that everything I want or need is here. And it's very fast," he said.
Looking ahead, Or said one of his biggest dreams is to eventually open a branch in the Philippines. For now, he sees himself as a bridge between his two homes.
"Sometimes I feel like coming here, I was that bridge to connect my family here. And then, now when I go back, it's like, oh, now I'm bringing some things from China to the Philippines," he said.
Chinese-Filipino cafe owner brews cultural connections between two nations
