A trowel (/ˈtraʊ.əl/), in the hands of an archaeologist, is like a trusty sidekick – a tiny, yet mighty, instrument that uncovers ancient secrets, one well-placed scoop at a time. It’s the Sherlock Holmes of the excavation site, revealing clues about the past with every delicate swipe.
Growing up in rural Philippines, I never imagined I’d end up living in another country, let alone the United States. But here I am, navigating the quirks of American life as an immigrant. This got me thinking about the first Filipinos who set foot in what would eventually become the United States, long before it was the “land of the free” we know today. These early pioneers didn’t arrive on planes or ships bound for New York; instead, they came via a much older and perhaps unexpected route: the Manila Galleon Trade.
The Manila Galleon Trade was the ultimate trade network of the 16th to 19th centuries, connecting Manila and Acapulco in a time when adventure came with high stakes. Goods from Asia — like spices, silk, beeswax, and porcelain — would make their way to Seville, Spain, reshaping global trade. Along this daring journey, some Filipino sailors decided to make a change of course, literally, jumping ship and finding new beginnings on the shores of Louisiana. Known as “Manilamen,” these men brought with them not just their seafaring skills but elements of Filipino culture that would eventually take root in the Americas.
Imagine this: you’re wandering through the swamps of Louisiana in the late 1700s and come across a village with houses perched on stilts. You might do a double take, thinking you’ve somehow stumbled into the Philippine countryside! These Filipino settlers built their homes just as they would have back in the islands, raising them on stilts to avoid floods and critters. It’s a small but clear reminder that Filipinos were among the first Asian settlers in North America, long before the US was even established in 1776 and well before the Gold Rush and the waves of immigration that followed.
The Filipino influence didn’t stop with architecture. They brought with them a variety of plants and agricultural products that would become staples or novelties in the Americas. For instance, coconuts, native to the Indo-Pacific region, found new uses and became a vital resource in the Americas, thanks to this trade. Bananas, originally from Southeast Asia, were introduced to new regions through the galleon trade and became a staple in many tropical areas around the world. Abaca, or Manila hemp, a plant native to the Philippines, became highly valued in maritime industries for its incredibly strong fibers used in making ropes. What made abaca especially popular among sailors was its natural resistance to seawater damage, ensuring that ropes made from it would last longer and perform better in the harsh conditions of the open ocean. This durability made abaca ropes an essential part of ships during the Manila Galleon Trade and beyond, contributing to the success of countless maritime voyages.
Rice varieties from Southeast Asia were traded and spread to other parts of the world, bringing different strains and agricultural techniques. Even ginger, already known in many regions, gained further reach and popularity as both a spice and medicinal plant. Indigo, though not originally from the Philippines, was cultivated and traded in Southeast Asia, with the galleon trade facilitating the spread of indigo dye.
This exchange wasn’t just one way. The galleon trade also brought plants like sweet potatoes and chili peppers from the Americas to the Philippines, where they were embraced and incorporated into Filipino cuisine. It’s fascinating to think about how these foods made their way back to the Americas in a roundabout way, with a bit of Filipino influence.
Perhaps one of the most surprising contributions of early Filipinos to American culture is in the art of tequila distilling. Yes, you read that right. When the Manila Galleons made their way to Mexico, they carried not just silk and spices but also the knowledge of distilling coconut spirits, which influenced the way tequila and mezcal were made. Next time you take a sip of tequila, raise a glass to those intrepid Filipino sailors who may have had a hand in its history.
But as we celebrate these stories of exchange and contribution, it’s also important to acknowledge the complexities of American history. The United States is a nation constructed by immigration, a convergence of cultures and peoples from all corners of the world. Yet, it also carries a darker legacy—one marked by colonialism, slavery, and the violent expropriation of lands from Native Americans.
The land that immigrant Filipinos now call home was inhabited by Indigenous peoples, who faced displacement and loss of their ancestral territories due to colonization. Acknowledging this reality is not just an act of solidarity but a step toward understanding the full scope of American history. This recognition calls for a continued commitment to supporting Indigenous rights and amplifying their voices, acknowledging that our journey as immigrants intersects with a larger narrative of displacement and resilience. Let us remember that our histories now intersect with those of the Native peoples of this land, and together, we can strive for a future that respects and uplifts all communities.
This duality is part of the American story — one filled with the pursuit of opportunity and diversity, but also marred by instances of oppression and exclusion. Filipino immigrants, like many others, became part of this larger narrative. They contributed to the growth of a new nation while also navigating the challenges posed by colonial and imperial forces of their time. It’s a reminder that history is layered, with moments of cultural exchange and resilience set against a backdrop of struggle and injustice.
In recent times, Filipinos have continued to leave their mark on American culture and society. Ube, the vibrant purple yam, has gained popularity in the US, finding its way into desserts and drinks across the country. Filipino-Americans have also made significant contributions through military service, with many serving in the US Armed Forces throughout history, particularly during World War II. Figures like Larry Itliong played crucial roles in political and social movements, advocating for workers’ rights and joining forces with leaders like Cesar Chavez in the labor movement. In entertainment and media, Filipino-American talents like Bruno Mars, apl.de.ap of The Black Eyed Peas, and Olivia Rodrigo have brought Filipino culture into the spotlight, showcasing the diverse skills and creativity of the Filipino community.
Fast forward to the present, and the contributions of Filipinos to America have only grown. Today, Filipinos make up a significant portion of the workforce in the medical field. Nurses, doctors, and caregivers from the Philippines are a vital part of the healthcare system, bringing with them not just expertise but also a deep sense of compassion and care — a reflection of a culture that values community and the spirit of bayanihan (working together for the common good).
As we celebrate Filipino American History Month, it’s an opportunity to reflect on these deep-rooted connections and the ways in which Filipinos have integrated their stories into the landscape of American society. From houses on stilts in the Louisiana bayous to the word “boondocks” in the American lexicon, and even a hint of Filipino influence in every shot of tequila, the presence of Filipinos in America is one of creativity, adaptation, and unexpected surprises.
So, here’s to the Manilamen, the galleon trade, and the generations of Filipinos who have made America their home. – Rappler.com
Stephen B. Acabado is professor of anthropology at the University of California-Los Angeles. He directs the Ifugao and Bicol Archaeological Projects, research programs that engage community stakeholders. He grew up in Tinambac, Camarines Sur. Follow him on IG @s.b.acabado.
