Auntie Bee Hua, veteran Fil-Chi 'Kaoka' performer, strives to keep art of Chinese opera alive

During the Chinese New Year celebrations, colorful decorations, fireworks, and loud lion and dragon dance performances are not the only things that bring the world's oldest Chinatown — Binondo — to life. 

As seen in Kuya Kim Atienza's report on “24 Oras” Tuesday, the celebrations also feature a historic and colorful tradition: Kaoka, a kind of Chinese opera. 

Kaoka is a traditional Hokkien-style Chinese opera that has long been a part of the culture of the Filipino-Chinese community in Binondo. It is similar to the Philippine zarzuela, where performers sing, act, and dance.

Kaoka performances during the Chinese New Year add a unique color and depth to the celebration. The stories are typically drawn from Chinese folklore, history, and classical literature, often highlighting themes of courage, loyalty, justice, love, sacrifice, and heroism.

For Jan Sy, a heritage advocate and content creator, the art of Kaoka is more than just a show.

“These are considered intangible asset ng Chinese community. Very important kasi nandun 'yung identity namin, nandun 'yung story namin,” said Jan. 

Per the report, Kaoka is a tradition that is slowly dying due to the gradual decline in interest in the art form. 

One of those who continues to promote Kaoka is Filipino-Chinese Teresita Lim, better known as Auntie Bee Hua, a second-generation Kaoka performer and leader of the Hoc Kian Chinese Opera Group.

“Siya ‘yung nag-re-recruit, nagtuturo,” said Jan. “'Yung mga costume nila, si Auntie Bee Hua rin 'yung nag-p-produce." 

What makes Auntie Bee Hua’s group stand out is that its members are Filipinos, per Jan. 

However, the group won't be able to perform Kaoka this year because Auntie Bee Hua is no longer based in Binondo. 

According to Kuya Kim's report, the veteran Kaoka performer now resides in Santa Maria, Bulacan.

Auntie Bee Hua was only in Grade 4 when she first participated in a Kaoka performance. 

“Yung teacher namin, galing siya China. After seven years, umuwi na 'yung nag-founder, iniwan sa akin, 1979,” she shared. 

“Dapat nga mag-a-abroad ako, hindi matuloy-tuloy kasi nga may nakaatang sa akin. Hinawakan ko na hanggang ngayon, '98 yata naisipan ko na mag-recruit. Nag-recruit ako, all Pilipino na,” she added.

Auntie Bee Hua noted that it is hard to teach Kaoka because of the tedious process involved.

“Ang hirap ‘nun kasi magsusulat ka ng script tapos ituturo mo sa kanila. Ita-translate mo na ano 'yung ibig sabihin nun, tapos emotion. Kung iyak, tawa, masaya o malandi.”

She added that she would use her phone to help with the group's members with rehearsals, but when the COVID-919 pandemic hit, the performers went their separate ways. 

“Nauso nun 'yung mga cellphone cellphone. Nire-record ko doon para pagpraktisan nila sa bahay. Nung nag-pandemic, wala na, nagsikaniya-kaniya na,” she shared.

These days, Auntie Bee Hua finds it difficult to perform Kaoka due to her condition. Nevertheless, her desire to pass on Kaoka to the next generation remains. 

When asked if she still teaches Kaoka, she answered, "Kung meron. Kung kaya." 

—Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA Integrated News