Spanish names

SPANISH. Two Filipino students who were with an Asian youth friendship group that made a goodwill trip to Europe and South America said people they met in most countries spoke to them in Spanish. "Many of them thought the Philippines like the South American countries colonized by Spain is inhabited by Spanish speaking people," said Fernando (surname withheld).

NAMES. "Strengthening their belief are our names that are like theirs (Mexicans)," said Carlos (surname withheld). Carlos and Fernando, both from Negros, said although they look "very Filipino" they were mistaken for Mexicans in Mexico City and were spoken to in Spanish.