I am a typical brown-skinned Philippine-born Catholic. What race should I answer on legal application forms?

Question

I already read a lot of online articles mostly from wikipedia saying that it is a misconception to refer to a typical brown-skinned Filipino as of the "Malay race" but instead, we are of Austronesian descent. I also read that the term "Asian" refers to the people of the continent Asia and not a racial classification, and so is the word Filipino which refers to the nationality of the people of the Philippines and it is not a race in itself as well. So the obvious question is, what race should we classify ourselves on legally binding documents if we are not Asian, Malay or Filipinos?

Answer 1

In the U.S., the closest category is usually "Asian/Pacific Islander"

Answer 2

We are Filipinos some answer Pacific Islander some answer Asian. But "race" wise we are Asian. We are from Asia and are members of the ASEAN (Association of south east asian nations).

Answer 3

Usually I see hispanic or asian. Asian seems to be more prevalent. Asian applies to many groups and many forms don't get that specific. Asian seems to be the closest one. Humans are the race, Filipino is the nationality.

Answer 4

Question? Why did you throw in your religion with your race?

Well, I'm mixed Phillipino and Italian.

I have always referred to myself as 'Other'

I DO NOT CLASSIFY myself....this world is everchanging and mixing...so soon one race will not exist?

Answer 5

Filipino descent, doesn't matter Color of your Skin

Answer 6

Try "homo sapiens," since there is only one species of man and it is truly folly to try and classify people by their supposed ancestral origins.

Answer 7

Mark other. What differance does it make what race you are.