Due to its past as a Spanish colony, the Philippines suffer from a shortage of last names. This, that is presence of a large number of duplicate names, first and last, causes plenty of identity problems for its citizens, the institutions of government and commerce. To help themselves and their children the Filipinos resort to giving their children unique names, such that would outrage many sensitive Westerners, but which resonate differently in that part of the world. And so, there are Adolphs, Hitlers and Himmlers, with the familiar Spanish derived family names. No big deal there.
What?!?!?!?
I’ve lived in the Philippines for a while and been there off and on for a decade, I have never heard or seen this.
First, there are far more last names, both Spanish and native origin, than in Korea for example (Lee, Park, Kim).
I work on computer directories, so last names and name conflicts are a big deal to me. Korea was a mess with ~80% having one of 4 last names.
That problem does not exist in the Philippines. There are scores of different languages and ethnic tribes, many of which have unique surnames.
Second, most Hispanic families (I lived in Mexico for a while too) give kids nicknames, and some would be considered offensive in the US (like “Negrito” or “Gordito” or “Chivis” for example).
The nicknames I know of Filipinos, just off the top of my head:
- Jay Ar (about 40 variations of this)
- Bong for Melchor
- Precious for Mary Grace
- Dhatz for Mohammad
- Tisoy for Melvin
- Tyson for Roby
- Ross for Roseando
- Boy is used in many nicknames
...these are not off the wall, offensive, or based on major Nazi figures.
I don’t know where you saw or read this, but it is something I’ve never seen in the parts of Luzon where I spend most of my time.