When comedian Jo Koy joked about the striking similarities between Mexicans and Filipinos, he was doing more than just making us laugh—he was shedding light on a deep historical connection that many might not even realize exists. While some may think that the bond between these two cultures is limited to their shared love for Vicks VapoRub, the truth runs much deeper. From language to food, traditions to last names, Filipinos and Mexicans have more in common than meets the eye. This blog explores the intertwined histories, cultural similarities, and mutual appreciation that make these two groups feel like long-lost relatives.
A Shared Colonial History: The Spanish Influence
One of the biggest reasons Mexicans and Filipinos share so many similarities is because of their common colonial past under Spain. From 1565 to 1898, the Philippines was ruled as a colony of Spain, but what many people overlook is that it was actually governed through Mexico. Yes, for over 250 years, the Philippines was a part of the Spanish Empire's Viceroyalty of New Spain, which was centered in Mexico City. This means that a significant amount of Spanish influence in the Philippines came not directly from Spain, but from Mexico itself.
During this time, Spanish officials, missionaries, and even common workers traveled back and forth between the Philippines and Mexico via the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade. This trade route was the lifeline connecting these two distant lands, bringing not only goods but also people, ideas, and culture.
Names That Sound Familiar
One of the most striking reminders of Spanish influence in both Mexico and the Philippines is their last names. Many Filipinos have Spanish surnames such as De La Cruz, Santos, and Gonzalez—names that wouldn’t be out of place in a Mexican phonebook. This is largely due to a Spanish decree in the mid-19th century called the Claveria Edict, which required Filipinos to adopt Spanish surnames. As a result, Filipinos today often have names that make them sound Latino, even though their native heritage remains deeply rooted in Southeast Asia.
Language: Spanish Roots in Tagalog
Even though Spanish is not widely spoken in the Philippines today, many Spanish words have made their way into Tagalog and other Filipino dialects. Words like "mesa" (table), "zapatos" (shoes), "eskwela" (school), and even "trabaho" (work) are used daily in the Philippines, just as they are in Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries. The structure of counting money, telling time, and even casual phrases in Tagalog are heavily influenced by Spanish.
Similarly, Filipinos often find themselves able to understand bits of Spanish, while Mexicans visiting the Philippines may recognize familiar words sprinkled throughout conversations. It’s not uncommon for an abuelita (grandmother) in Mexico and a lola (grandmother) in the Philippines to share common expressions without even realizing it.
Food: A Fusion of Flavors
If there’s one thing that brings people together, it’s food, and the culinary similarities between Mexican and Filipino cuisine are undeniable. Thanks to their shared Spanish heritage, both countries have developed dishes with similar ingredients, cooking methods, and flavors.
Take, for example, the Filipino dish "adobo." While it’s different from the Mexican adobo, both dishes involve marinated meat cooked with spices and vinegar. Another example is "lechon," a whole roasted pig that is the centerpiece of any major celebration in both Mexican and Filipino cultures. The Spanish influence is also evident in desserts like "flan," which is beloved in both countries.
Additionally, both cuisines rely heavily on rice, tropical fruits, and a blend of indigenous and Spanish flavors. Dishes like tamales (Mexico) and suman (Philippines), which are both wrapped in banana leaves, highlight the parallel culinary evolution shaped by history and geography.
Family and Celebrations: A Strong Sense of Togetherness
Mexicans and Filipinos both place a strong emphasis on family. It’s not uncommon for multiple generations to live under one roof, and gatherings are loud, filled with food, music, and storytelling. This deep-rooted sense of family extends beyond blood relations—friends, neighbors, and even acquaintances are often treated like family.
Major life events like birthdays, weddings, and religious celebrations are also remarkably similar. In Mexico, a young girl’s transition into womanhood is marked by a quinceañera, a lavish 15th birthday celebration. Filipinos have a nearly identical tradition called "debut," which celebrates a young woman’s 18th birthday with an elaborate party, complete with a court of friends and family.
Religious holidays like Christmas and Easter are also observed in similar ways, with long church services, feasts, and festive traditions passed down through generations. The influence of Catholicism, brought by Spanish missionaries, remains strong in both cultures, shaping their values, traditions, and societal norms.
Humor and Stereotypes: Finding the Funny Side
Jo Koy’s comedic take on the similarities between Mexicans and Filipinos resonates because it highlights familiar stereotypes in a lighthearted way. Whether it’s the ever-present "tita" (aunt) who loves to gossip or the loud, animated uncle who tells stories that take forever to get to the point, family dynamics in both cultures are strikingly alike.
Another shared stereotype is the overrepresentation of Filipinos in the nursing profession, much like how Mexicans are often associated with hardworking labor in the U.S. While these stereotypes are based on reality, they also reflect the resilience, dedication, and work ethic that both cultures take pride in.
Jo Koy also jokes about how older Filipino uncles talk in a slow, exaggerated manner, often forgetting what they were trying to say. If you’ve ever spent time with an elderly Mexican abuelo, you might find that this style of storytelling is universal!
Embracing the Connection
Despite being on opposite sides of the Pacific Ocean, Filipinos and Mexicans share a historical and cultural bond that has withstood centuries. Whether it’s in their shared language influences, similar foods, common traditions, or even comedic family dynamics, the connection between these two cultures is undeniable.
In a world that often focuses on differences, it’s refreshing to see two groups of people who, despite geographical distance, can relate to each other on so many levels. So, the next time a Filipino or a Mexican tells you, "We’re basically the same people," they’re not exaggerating. History, culture, and experience have woven these two communities together in ways that continue to shape their identities today.
And yes—Vicks VapoRub is still a universal cure-all in both cultures!
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