The Historic Connections and Similarities Between Mexicans and Filipinos

Many Mexicans are often mistaken for Filipinos, and many Filipinos for Mexicans. That’s not a coincidence. The answer lies in genetics, history, and a long journey across the Pacific Ocean.💚

Mexicans and Filipinos often share features like straight dark hair, almond-shaped eyes, defined cheekbones, and similar skin tones. Why? Indigenous peoples of the Americas and those of Southeast Asia share very ancient ancestors from Asia who migrated thousands of years ago. On top of that, both regions experienced more than 300 years of Spanish influence, which added another shared layer of ancestry.

The result: different faces, yet surprisingly similar.

For over 250 years, the Manila Galleon💚 connected Acapulco and the Philippines. It wasn’t just goods that traveled people, traditions, words, and food crossed the ocean too. In fact, the Philippines was once governed from Mexico when both were part of New Spain.

That’s why we still see similarities today: Filipino adobo, rice-based dishes, rich stews, and bold flavors influenced by Mexican ingredients like chili peppers and cacao. And at the heart of both cultures is the same value, sharing food, time, and life together.

The Filipino language also preserves thousands of Spanish words: silla, vaso, plato, zapato, pantalón, cinturón, and even queso and familia. Add to that large religious celebrations, processions, patron saint festivals, families gathered together, music, and food and it all feels very familiar to any Mexican town.

💚The 

Manila galleon trade was a 250-year (1565–1815) Spanish trading route connecting Manila in the Philippines with Acapulco, Mexico. It was a vital link for exchanging New World silver for Asian luxury goods like silk, spices, and porcelain, pioneering early global trade and connecting Asia, America, and Europe. 

So no, it’s not just about looking alike. Mexicans and Filipinos share history, roots, and ways of life two cultures separated by an ocean, yet connected by centuries.

Meanwhile, here's the AI Overview on the above Topic:

Mexicans and Filipinos share deep cultural, historical, and social similarities, often stemming from over 300 years of Spanish colonial rule and the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade. Both cultures are defined by strong family ties, predominantly Catholic, deeply religious, and known for being hospitable, hardworking, and expressive with music and food. 

Key Similarities Between Mexicans and Filipinos:

• Shared History & Colonial Influence: Both were under Spanish rule for centuries, leading to a blending of indigenous and Spanish cultures. The Philippines was even administered through the Viceroyalty of New Spain (Mexico).
• Cultural Similarities & Social Values:
  • Family Orientation: Both cultures prioritize family, including large, close-knit, and extended family gatherings.
  • Religion: Both have strong, deeply rooted Catholic traditions, including celebrating Christmas with similar fervor.
  • Hospitality: Both are renowned for being friendly, welcoming, and generous, often prioritizing social interaction.
• Language & Vocabulary: Hundreds of words in Filipino/Tagalog are of Spanish or Nahuatl origin, often used similarly to Mexican Spanish.
  • Examples: Tiangge (from tianguis - market), Palengke (from palenque - market), Singkamas (from jícama), Suso (from chucho).
• Food & Culinary Influence: The Manila-Acapulco trade route introduced various foods, with shared items like tamales, adobo (though different, sharing a name origin), pan de sal, and chocolate.
• Traditions & Celebrations: Similarities exist in holidays, such as the fiestaculture, and traditions like the Quincenera/Debutante ball.
• Cultural Identity: Both often take pride in being a "mixed" or mestizo culture, blending indigenous roots with foreign influences. 

These shared traits are often highlighted by the phrase "the Philippines is the Mexico of Asia," emphasizing that despite geographical distance, the colonial exchange created, as described by some, a familial, "primos” (cousin) relationship. 

In addition, 

Did you know this colonial twist? Many of the so-called “Spanish” who came to the Philippines weren’t from Spain at all, they were from Mexico (New Spain).

Because of the Manila–Acapulco Galleon Trade, many Insulares had stronger ties to Acapulco than to Madrid. Culture, food, money, even family networks flowed east–west across the Pacific, not north–south to Europe.

For centuries, Manila looked to Mexico City more than Spain. So no, our colonial history wasn’t just Spain vs Philippines. It was Pacific-connected long before globalization.

Did you know our “Spanish era” was deeply Mexican too?

My Photos of the Day: My two Creations Yesterday

One is Hanging in My Apartment Door-The other I will give to my Daughter on Valentine Day 

Me and My two Creations: Done in 45Minutes :  Photo Credit: Jenny Shively

Lastly, here's ChatGPT Prediction for this Afternoon Game"  

Here’s a prediction for today's Super Bowl (Super Bowl LX) between the Super Bowl LX matchup info (Seahawks vs. Patriots):

🏈 Teams Playing:
• Seattle Seahawks (NFC champions)
• New England Patriots (AFC champions) 

📊 Odds & General Consensus:
Most sportsbooks and expert panels list the Seahawks as the favorites to win — generally by about a 4.5-point spread and roughly 65–70% implied win probability based on prediction markets and betting odds. 

🧠 Why Seattle Is Favored:
• More balanced roster with strong defense and playmakers on offense. 
• Experts and analysts in polls lean toward a Seahawks victory. 
• Some simulation models (like Madden) even project a close Seahawks win. 

🔥 Why the Patriots Can Still Win:
• They’ve got elite defensive performance and a historically strong playoff run. 
• If their offense clicks and stays efficient, they absolutely have a chance.

📈 My Prediction (not a guarantee, just a data-informed projection):
Seahawks win a close game, something like ~24–20. They’re favored slightly, but the Patriots’ playoff momentum makes this a tight matchup.

⚠️ Upsets happen in big games all the time — especially the Super Bowl — so don’t be surprised if it goes the other way.

Here's my Numbers : 7 Patriots and 6 Seahawks in our Square Lottery Here at THD. Good Luck to ALL: 

 

If I win the Grand Prize (Final Score), I will treat some of you, to my Favorite Filipino

Restaurant in Lafayette.