How Filipino are You?

People have told me that I look more Japanese than Filipino. Some have told me that I am mix of Caucasian and Filipino because I have fairly white skin.

I told them: “ Hey, my complete name is, Paolo Daren M. Baluyot. Does that not sound Filipino?”

They said: “What about your middle initial, M? What does that stand for?”

I said: “Marifosque.”

They said:” Aha! That’s your Caucasian blood!”

I’m like, OK?

My mom is not Caucasian or a mix; or maybe at least that is what she have thought her entire life.

Have people tried to figure out what your ethnicity or nationality is just by hearing your surname [or middle name]?

I have experienced being identified not as Filipino most of the time here in the States. There was one time when I was registering for my classes in some school. The counselor asked me to state my whole name. Of course, however I pronounce my surname, in Filipino or in American accent, it still sounds weird to them (and I kind of admit to that. Haha!). This person asked me to repeat it thrice before finally asking me to spell it out…slowly. After it had gotten to this person that my surname was not that long, he tried to pronounce it. It sounded weird obviously, and I did not bother to correct him. But he had asked me one question that took me aback.

Guy: “This sounds Indian. Are you Indian?”

Conscience: Are you dumb?

Me: "No, I am Filipino."

Guy: “Oh. Sorry about that. I thought Filipinos have Spanish sounding surnames”

I just love what ignorance can do to people.

That question has taken me aback not because I have something against Indians. It is just that he could have mistaken me for some other nationality that closely resembles Filipinos! It could be Thais, Cambodians, Malaysians or other Austronesians.

We Filipinos have a unique nomenclatorial history. Before the Spanish conquistadors came, we arbitrarily chose our surnames. To avoid the naming confusion and to collect taxes more efficiently, the Spanish conquerors have replaced our distinctly Filipinosurnames with Spanish sounding surnames. This resulted in a mass eradication of Filipino surnames. Have you ever wondered if your surname is truly Filipino? I have just found out that mine is.

I found something interesting while doing my literary criticism on Robinson Crusoe. It is called, “Katalogo ng mga Apelyidong Pilipino” (Catalogue of Filipino Surnames). This list has the all original, authentic Filipino [sounding] surnames that have been preserved. Think twice. I have found Spanish sounding surnames on this list that is apparently Filipino.

I am proud to have a truly Filipino surname! And my surname means: a woven rice container

How to read the list:

Surname + Meaning + Origin

See the full list: http://www.bibingka.com/names/