What Do Mexicans and Filipinos Have in Common?

The shared colonial past of Mexico and the Philippines has resulted in a myriad of shared cultural and linguistic features. Both nations have been profoundly influenced by the legacy of their Spanish rulers. This article explores the myriad similarities between the two countries, delving into their shared cultural heritage, architectural styles, cuisines, and customs.

Spanish Colonial Influence

Shared Catholic Legacy

One of the most striking similarities between Mexico and the Philippines is their strong Catholic heritage. The Spanish colonial rule brought with it the Catholic faith, which has deeply ingrained itself in both societies. The prevalence of Catholic churches in both nations is a testament to this enduring influence. For instance, the Virgin of Guadalupe in Mexico City and the Santo Ni?o of Cebu in the Philippines are revered spiritual icons. Additionally, both countries celebrate numerous Catholic holidays such as Semana Santa, which includes events like Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter, as well as Christmas.

Language and Surnames [Read more]

While Spanish is an official language in Mexico and remains the first language of many Mexicans, it has a more historical role in the Philippines. Many place names in the Philippines retain their Spanish origins. Interestingly, many surnames in both countries have Spanish roots, although there is also an influence from native and local languages. Spanish loanwords are also common in the local languages of the Philippines, such as Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Bikol, and Kapampangan. Additionally, Chavacano, a Spanish-creole language, is spoken primarily in Zamboanga.

Architectural Influence

Both Mexico and the Philippines share a rich tradition of colonial-era architecture. The Spanish colonial plan influenced the layout of cities and towns. While the architectural styles may differ, such as the volcanic stone used in Mexico compared to the coral stone used in the Philippines, both regions feature establishments like the bahyph;hay-nahyph;batatilde;o, a unique hybrid of Eastern and Western architectural styles.

Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade and Cultural Exchange

The Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade played a crucial role in the exchange of goods, cultural influences, and culinary traditions between the two countries. This trade route, which operated from the 16th to the 19th century, linked the Spanish colonies of the Philippines and Mexico, fostering a unique blend of cultural practices.

Culinary Similarities [Read more]

The shared culinary heritage of Mexico and the Philippines can be traced back to their Spanish colonial ties. Both countries share a range of traditional dishes and ingredients. For example, empanadas, menudo, tamales, polvorones, longaniza, leche flan, and chile poblano are popular in both nations. Additionally, both Mexico and the Philippines have incorporated crops from each other's regions, such as mangoes, coconuts, and chilis.

Other Cultural Habits

Aside from the shared colonial heritage, Mexico and the Philippines also share several cultural habits and practices:

Collectivism and Family Ties

Both nations exhibit a collectivist culture, with strong family ties being a significant aspect of daily life. The concept of a siesta also permeates both societies, where taking regular breaks from work is a common practice. Punctuality is not as rigid in either culture, a characteristic attributed to the global south and their respective regions.

Machismo Culture

The machismo culture is strong in both Mexico and the Philippines, with similar expectations of masculinity. This cultural trait is deeply rooted in traditional values and societal norms.

Currency and Symbolism [Read more]

The peso serves as the official currency in both countries, symbolizing the economic ties that continue to bind Mexico and the Philippines today. This shared currency underscores the ongoing economic and cultural connections between the two nations.