ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Spanish Filipino

Spanish Filipino refers to the culture, people, and language that evolved in the Philippines during the almost four centuries of Spanish colonization.

Imagine that the Philippines is a big playground, and for more than 300 years, some people from a country called Spain came and played there. They brought their own games, toys, and rules, which mixed with those of the Philippine kids. Over time, these games, toys, and rules changed and became something new – like a hybrid of Spanish and Filipino things.

Spanish Filipino culture was a blend of Spanish and Philippine customs, traditions, beliefs, and practices. It was a mash-up of 2 different cultures that resulted in something unique and distinct. It's like adding chocolate chips to cookies that make them taste different and delicious.

During the Spanish occupation of the Philippines, most of the Filipinos learned to speak Spanish. Spanish became the language of religion, education, and government. So just like how you learn to speak English in school, Filipino children in the past learned to speak and write in Spanish too!

But, even though Spanish was widely spoken, people still spoke their own languages and dialects. Just like how you still speak your own language at home, even though you learn English in school.

Spanish Filipino people are those who have Spanish or Spanish mixed with Philippine ancestry. Spanish Filipinos were a group of people who came into being through interracial marriages between Spanish men and Filipina women.

The Spanish came to stay in the Philippines for a long time, and because of that, they brought some of their culture with them. It was like a gift that they shared with the Filipino people. And just like how you share your toys and sweets with your friends, the Spanish people shared their culture with the Filipinos.

In summary, Spanish Filipino is a mix of Spanish and Philippine culture, language, and people that have evolved over a long time because of the Spanish occupation of the Philippines.