Are We Asian Or Are We Latino?

Once upon the 16th century, say the history books, we were a collection of chiefdoms that most likely would have been absorbed into the Muslim sultanates of neighboring Borneo. But then came the conquistadores, bringing Christianity with them and changing the course of Philippine history forever. Catholicism remains Spain's most enduring legacy, but did we imbibe enough of Spanish culture to become the Latinos of Asia? Or are we really Asian with a hint of Latino in us? Flipping with us in an attempt to understand this conundrum in the Filipino psyche are architect and now restaurateur Leon Araneta, who was born in Manila and raised in Mexico, and Ivan Man Dy, a “Manila boy” of Chinese descent, who also happens to be a heritage activist, author and the man behind the thematic heritage tour Old Manila Walks. At the end of the day, the best way to describe who we are is to say that we’re halo-halo. Topped with leche flan, of course.