Does Filipino Count as Hispanic? Untangling History and Identity

What Does “Hispanic” Actually Mean?

Let’s clear the air. “Hispanic” is a term that refers to people with a historical and cultural connection to Spain or Spanish-speaking countries. Usually, this means people from Latin America or Spain itself.

So here’s the twist: the Philippines was ruled by Spain for more than 300 freakin’ years (from 1565 to 1898). Spanish names? Everywhere. Catholic churches? All over. So… shouldn’t that make Filipinos Hispanic?

Well, yes — and no. It’s more complicated than a yes/no checkbox.

Spanish Influence in the Philippines: Deep But Selective

Language

Contrary to what many assume, Filipinos don’t speak Spanish as a native language (at least not most of them). Spanish was an official language for a long time, but today, very few Filipinos are fluent in it.

Instead, they speak Filipino (based on Tagalog) and English. That said, there are hundreds of Spanish loanwords in Tagalog:

• mesa (table)

• silya (chair)

• relo (watch)

• sapatos (shoes)

And even counting in Tagalog sounds suspiciously Spanish from 11 to 19: “onse, dose, trese…” Sounds familiar, right?

Religion and Names

Over 80% of Filipinos are Roman Catholic — a direct result of Spanish colonization. And the names? Oh man. Go look up a list of Filipino politicians or celebrities: Garcia, Reyes, Cruz, Santos... it reads like a Spanish phone book.

But (and it’s a big but), culture isn’t just about surface stuff. It’s about identity — how people see themselves.

Do Filipinos Consider Themselves Hispanic?

Short answer: mostly no.

Most Filipinos identify as Asian or Southeast Asian, and when they migrate to the U.S., they’re usually counted under the Asian Pacific Islander (API) umbrella. Not Hispanic.

But there are exceptions. Some Filipinos — especially those with Spanish ancestry or education — do feel a connection to Hispanic identity. Also, communities like the Chavacano speakers (a Spanish creole in Zamboanga) might argue they’re more Hispanic than most.

So it kinda depends who you ask.

What About Legally or in the U.S. Census?

In the U.S. Census, “Hispanic” refers to a person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin, regardless of race.

That doesn’t include the Philippines.

So officially? No, Filipinos are not counted as Hispanic in government forms, despite the historical ties.

Funny enough, some Filipinos in the U.S. used to get misclassified as Hispanic, especially back in the early 20th century, because of their Spanish names and Catholicism. Confusing much?

Personal Anecdote: A Filipino at a Latinx BBQ

A friend of mine, Rob (half-Filipino, half-white), got invited to a Latinx community cookout in California. They asked if he was Hispanic. He shrugged and said, “I mean… Spain colonized us too.”

Cue the confused looks. One woman laughed and said, “Close enough — grab a plate.”

It was funny but telling. Sometimes, cultural identity is more relational than official. It’s about shared vibes, not just legal definitions.

Final Thoughts: Hispanic or Not, Filipinos Are Culturally Unique

So — does Filipino count as Hispanic?

Historically? Partially, yes.
Culturally? In some ways, yes.
Linguistically? Barely.
Officially? Nope.

Filipinos have a hybrid identity, molded by waves of colonization, indigenous roots, American influence, and their own firecracker creativity. Whether they “count” as Hispanic might be less important than how they define themselves.

And that, honestly, is more powerful than any checkbox.

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