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The Mexico-Philippines relationship created and managed by Spain from the 1500s to the 1800s was the first Pacific Rim association, especially to demonstrate that the cultural byproducts of the transcontinental ties deserve as much attention as their economic, political, and military counterparts.
-Evelyn I. Rodriguez1
In november 2004, I took a trip with a friend to Acapulco, Mexico, to embark on an exploration of cultural identity and history. It was then part of my dissertation research. I wanted to find out just how long and extensive the relationship between Filipinos and Mexicans was, which I knew predated those beginning in the early twentieth century in the United States, and in particular San Diego, California, where there is a large and growing multiethnic Mexipino population.2 I knew that the story of Filipino and Mexican interethnic relationships has a rich, complex history. During the course of this trip I came to find out just how rich and complex the history is.
Walking down Calle Cinco de Mayo in Acapulco, I could not help but notice the Filipino-owned stores and shops, and hear the conversations as the proprietors spoke to their staff and clientele in Spanish and Tagalog. All over Acapulco there are other distinct signs of a recent Filipino presence. Many of the local residents have visible Filipino or Asian features.3 The cultural signposts along this journey spoke to the intimate relationship between Mexico and the Philippines, spanning several generations. The relationship was facilitated for 250 years during the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade (1565-1815).4 These transpacific voyages were responsible for one of the world's most lucrative and long-lasting global enterprises, which included an enormous array of luxury goods, medicinal plants, agricultural products, and people.5 This essay addresses how these exchanges had a profound impact on both Mexico (Nueva España) and the Philippines.6 Indeed, the ways in which both indigenous and mixed-race Filipinos and Mexicans crossed a vast ocean to become part of each other's social and cultural worlds and the mestizaje (racial and cultural blending) that occurred attest to an extensive historical connection with lasting implications.
Luxury Goods, Silver Bullion, and Brown Bodies Across the Pacific
Between 1565 and 1815, numerous goods from Asia, the Philippines, and other areas of the Pacific were highly coveted by the Spanish...