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When one thinks of Jewish communities, Manila is perhaps one of the last places that would come to mind. But, if you know anything about Jewish history, it would not be so surprising. 

Over the last couple of years, I have been contacted by Filipinos who have discovered or believe they have Jewish ancestry. This brought the topic to the top of my research list and it's a project very much in the process. But, I have some things to report. 

Jewish people have been international traders for at least 4000 years. The Philippines is a resource rich country, and as such, a logical place for Jewish traders to have an office. 

This came about in a rather strange fashion. As the Catholic Church began persecuting converted Jews in Spain, the Conversos ran every which way looking for a safe place to call home. Though Conversos were banned from immigrating to New Spain, many did any way. And as a result the Inquisition spread from Spain to Mexico City, Mexico and Lima, Peru. Once again, Spanish Crypto Jews went on the move. This time to Manila, Macau, and Nagasaki. 

A sufficient number of Spanish converses ended up in Manila and Macau that the Inquisition spread from Mexico City to Manila and Macau. Many were tried and many more went under cover. It is my working theory that the Manila Inquisition resulted in a lot of Crypto Jews hiding out all over the Philippines. This may be the reason so many Filipinos are discovering they have Jewish ancestry. In most cases, of a Spanish origin. 

But, being a major trading spot, it seems Ashkenazi Jews also made their way to the Philippines and disappeared into the local population. You can watch a video of one Filipino getting a surprise in her DNA report below. 

Stay tuned. I am working on this subject, and will be reporting more when I have more to share. 

But, if you are Filipino, and discover you have Jewish ancestry, don't be surprised!