Spanish/Filipino Patronymic Surnames

 

More than fifty percent of Filipino surnames are of Spanish origin as a result of more than three hundred years of Spanish colonization and influence in the Philippines. Spanish surnames are generally categorized as patronymic (based on the name of the father or an ancestor), topographic or geographic (based on an ancestor's place of origin), occupational (derived from a person's occupation), descriptive (based on physical features or character traits), and theophoric (related to God or spirituality).

The adoption of patronymic surnames is a long-standing European tradition. Examples include English surnames such as Johnson and Peterson, in which the suffix -son is added to a male given name. Thus, John becomes Johnson, and Peter becomes Peterson. Adding the letter -s to a given name also signifies "son of," as in Williams ("son of William") and Adams ("son of Adam"). In Irish and Scottish traditions, the prefixes Mac or Mc are added to a given name to mean "son of," as in McDonald, meaning "son of Donald." Likewise, the prefix O' means "grandson of" or "descendant of," as in O'Brien.

In the Spanish patronymic tradition, the suffix -ez is added to a given name. For example, the final letter o in Sancho is replaced with -ez, producing the surname Sanchez. Not every Spanish surname ending in “ez” has a strictly patronymic origin, as a few developed through other historical linguistic processes.

In 1849, during the Spanish colonial period in the Philippines, Governor-General Narciso Clavería required native Filipinos without hereditary surnames to adopt one from the Catálogo Alfabético de Apellidos, a government-issued list containing Spanish and indigenous surnames from which families could choose.

Almost all patronymic surnames borne by Filipinos today are of Spanish origin. This is probably because it was not customary among pre-colonial Filipinos to adopt the given names of their fathers or ancestors as family surnames. Instead, most patronymic surnames were acquired from Clavería's catalog. In some cases, however, these surnames were inherited through Spanish ancestry. Over time, they were passed down through generations and came to be regarded simply as Filipino surnames despite their Spanish origin.

Below is a list of patronymic surnames together with selected notable Filipinos who bear them.

Alvarez — son of Alvaro. Heherson Alvarez (senator); Pantaleon Alvarez (former Speaker of the House of Representatives)

Benitez — son of Benito. Helena Benitez (senator)

Bermudez — son of Bermudo. Patricia Bermudez-Hizon (television host)

Diez — son of Diego. Dann Diez (eco-advocate)

Dominguez — son of Domingo. Carlos Dominguez III (Secretary of Finance)

Enriquez — son of Enrique. Mike Enriquez (television and radio broadcaster)

Estevez — son of Esteban

Fernandez — son of Fernando. Ramon Fernandez (basketball player); Ramon C. Fernandez (Associate Justice of the Supreme Court); Pops Fernandez (singer and actress)

Galindez — son of Galindo. Ambrosio "Boy" Galindez (priest)

Galvez — son of Galve, a medieval personal name. Carlito Galvez Jr. (retired general and presidential adviser)

Godinez — son of Godino. Becca Godinez (singer and actress); Alex Godinez (actress and model); Christine Godinez-Garcia (poet and educator)

Gomez — son of Gome, a name derived from the Visigothic word guma, meaning "man." Fr. Mariano Gomez (hero and martyr); Rita Gomez (actress)

Gonzales — son of Gonzalo. Luis Gonzales (actor); Norberto Gonzales (National Security Adviser); Neptali Gonzales (senator)

Gutierrez — son of Gutierre, the Spanish form of Walter. Eddie Gutierrez (actor); Ruffa Gutierrez (actress); Barry Gutierrez (lawyer)

Hernandez — son of Hernando. Amado V. Hernandez (National Artist, poet, and labor leader)

Iñiguez (Yñiguez) — son of Íñigo. Nicanor Yñiguez (delegate to the 1971 Constitutional Convention)

Jimenez — son of Jimeno. Ramon Jimenez Jr. (Secretary of Tourism); Joyce Jimenez (Filipino-American actress and television personality)

Juarez — a variant of Suarez

Lopez — son of Lope. Fernando Lopez (former Vice President)

Manriquez — son of Manrique

Marquez — son of Marcos. It may also refer to a descendant of a marquis, a noble title. Alfonso Marquez (basketball player and Olympian); Melanie Marquez (Miss International 1979)

Martinez — son of Martin. Primitivo Martinez (basketball player and Olympian); Liezl Martinez (actress)

Melendez — son of Melendo. Aiko Melendez (actress)

Melendrez — variant of Melendez

Mendez — variant of Melendez. Melissa Mendez (film and television actress)

Menendez — variant of Melendez

Nuñez — son of Nuño, a medieval personal name. Harry James Nuñez (professional football player)

Ordoñez — son of Ordoño. Sedfrey Ordoñez (Secretary of Justice)

Ortiz — son of Orta, a Basque personal name. Constancio Ortiz (basketball player and Olympian); Arturo Ortiz (retired lieutenant general)

Pelaez — son of Pelayo or Pelagio. Emmanuel Pelaez (the first person from Mindanao to become Vice President of the Philippines)

Perez — son of Pedro. Leonardo Perez (senator and COMELEC chairman); Barbara Perez (actress)

Ramirez — son of Ramiro. Cesar Ramirez (actor)

Rodriguez — son of Rodrigo. Rufus Rodriguez (congressman from Cagayan de Oro); Eulogio Rodriguez (politician); Celia Rodriguez (actress)

Romualdez — son of Romualdo. Imelda Romualdez Marcos (former First Lady); Martin Romualdez (Speaker of the House of Representatives)

Ruiz — son of Ruy. St. Lorenzo Ruiz (the first Filipino saint)

Sanchez — son of Sancho. Korina Sanchez-Roxas (television host); Caridad Sanchez (actress)

Suarez — son of Suero, a medieval given name. Danilo Suarez (politician)

Teves (Tevez) — son of Teve. Lorenzo Teves (senator)

Valdez — son of Valdo. The surname may also mean "from the valley." Fidel V. Ramos (12th President of the Philippines); Basil Valdez (singer); Alyssa Valdez (professional volleyball player)

Vasquez — son of Vasco. Romeo Vasquez (actor)

Velasquez — son of Velasco. Regine Velasquez (singer)

Velez — son of Vela. Vivian Velez (actress); Apolinar Velez (former mayor of Cagayan de Misamis); Jose Mari Velez (lawyer)

Ybáñez (Ibáñez) — son of Juan or Iban. Paulino Ybáñez (politician); Elihu Ybáñez (Presidential Commission on Good Government commissioner)

Although these surnames originated in Spain, they have become an integral part of Filipino identity. Today, millions of Filipinos bear patronymic surnames without necessarily having Spanish ancestry, reflecting the lasting influence of Spanish colonial rule and the implementation of the Catálogo Alfabético de Apellidos in 1849. These surnames are not only family identifiers but also reminders of an important chapter in Philippine history and the rich cultural heritage shared by Spain and the Philippines. :

 

Filipino Family Names Derived from Occupations, Vocations, and Titles

  

Centuries of Spanish colonization in the Philippines have significantly influenced Filipino culture, traditions, and religion. Philippine languages such as Cebuano and Tagalog have borrowed many words from Spanish. Filipinos also adopted Spanish given names and surnames.

More than half of Filipino surnames are of Spanish origin, many of which were taken from the Catálogo Alfabético de Apellidos, a list of surnames that native Filipinos were required to choose from under a decree issued by Governor-General Narciso Clavería during the Spanish colonial period. The catalog contains both Spanish and indigenous Filipino surnames.

Many surnames are related to a person's geographic origin, character traits, physical features, or the given name of an ancestor. Examples include Gonzalo, from which Gonzales is derived, and Pelagio or Pelayo, from which Pelaez originated. Some surnames signify the occupations, vocations, or titles of ancestors, which is the subject of this blog.

Below is a list of family names and their English meanings. Most are Spanish in origin. Native Filipinos in the past do not appear to have commonly adopted surnames based on their occupations. Three surnames in this list are italicized: two are indigenous Filipino names, while one is of Arabic origin.

• Abad — abbot
• Abogado — lawyer
• Abejero — beekeeper
• Aceñero (Filipino spelling: Aseniero) — steelmaker
• Alcaide — warden
• Alfarero — potter
• Alférez — ensign
• Almirante — admiral
• Apóstol — apostle
• Auditor — auditor
• Autor — author
• Ballesteros — crossbowman
• Barbero — barber
• Barrero (feminine: Barrera) — sweeper
• Botero — boatmaker
• Caballero — knight
• Cabrera (feminine of Cabrero) — goatherder
• Cardenal — cardinal
• Castellano — castle lord
• Cazador (also Casador) — hunter
• Claver — key keeper
• Clérigo — cleric
• Comendador — commander
• Conde — count
• Cordero — shepherd of lambs
• Coronel — colonel
• Custodio — custodian
• Datu — an indigenous Filipino title for a village or community ruler; it can also refer to a wealthy person.
• Defensor — advocate
• Diputado- deputy
• Doctor — doctor (also médico in Spanish)
• Duque — duke
• Ejercito- army
• Escribano — scribe
• Escudero — squire
• Espadero — swordsmith
• Ferrer — ironsmith
• Garzón — waiter
• Guerrero — warrior
• Herrero (feminine: Herrera) — smith
• Hidalgo — nobleman
• Hortelano — gardener
• Jurado — juror
• La Guardia — guard
• Labrador, Labradores — farmer, laborer
• Maestre — master
• Maestro — teacher
• Manulat — writer
• Márquez — marquis; it may also mean "son of Marco"
• Mercader — merchant
• Molina — miller
• Monje or Monge — monk
• Montero — huntsman
• Obispo — bishop
• Obrero (feminine: Obrera) — worker
• Papa — pope
• Pastor — shepherd
• Pastrano (feminine: Pastrana) — shepherd
• Peregrino (feminine: Peregrina) — pilgrim
• Pintor — painter
• Piquero — pikeman
• Posada or Posadas — innkeeper
• Quintero — farmer
• Regidor — councilor
• Reyes — kings (plural of king)
• Romero — pilgrim
• Sacristán — sacristan
• Sargento- sergeant
• Solon- solon
• Sultan — a title of Arabic origin meaning a Muslim ruler. This surname is also used by some Christians.
• Tejero — weaver
• Tendero- shopkeeper
• Tenorio — tenor; also used to mean an amorist or lady-killer
• Tesorero — treasurer
• Tutor — tutor
• Vanguardia — vanguard
• Vasallo — vassal

 

Moringa (Malunggay) Powder and Other Moringa Products

A hardy tropical small-sized tree that grows almost anywhere, Moringa oleifera, or moringa, is called a “miracle tree” or a “tree of life” because of its many uses. The leaves and fruits are eaten as vegetables, while the roots, seeds, and bark are used in traditional medicine. In the Philippines, people call it the “poor man’s vegetable” because of its low cost and abundance. It is propagated through seeds or branches. In the Philippines, the most common method of planting is through its branches. A branch is buried in the soil, and a new plant develops that is resistant to disease, drought, and heavy rain, and it even thrives in poor soil. Plant a moringa tree, and it will provide a family with fresh vegetables all year round.

Moringa is mostly planted for its leaves, which are cooked as ingredients in fish or chicken stews or combined with other vegetables in water and coconut milk. Its fruits, especially the green ones, can also be eaten as vegetables, but most people in the Philippines prefer the leaves. Although moringa leaves have been consumed by Filipinos for generations, they are not as popular or commercially viable as other leafy greens such as cabbage, pechay, lettuce, and kangkong because moringa leaves have a noticeably short shelf life. Vendors cannot store them for long because their tiny round leaves easily wither and fall off the stems after a day, leaving behind a mess of fallen leaves.

As food, moringa leaves are packed with vitamins and minerals, making them a superfood. They are rich in antioxidants, vitamins A, B, C, E, and K, amino acids, calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and iron. The leaves are also a rich source of protein and fiber. They are beneficial for reducing inflammation, stabilizing blood sugar and insulin levels, and lowering blood pressure. They can also boost the immune system, improve digestion, and protect the liver. In traditional medicine, the leaves are also used to treat wounds, pain, and ulcers.

There are testimonial videos circulating on the internet of persons that got healed after taking moringa leaves or powder when conventional medications were ineffective and very costly. However, those reports should be taken with caution because there is still no strong scientific evidence proving the efficacy of moringa powder in combating certain types of cancer. Until then, the best way to deal with the disease is through the services of oncologist. 

Since fresh moringa leaves easily perish, people have developed ways to preserve them without significantly reducing their nutritional content. They dry and grind the leaves to produce a commercially viable food product called moringa powder.

The powdered leaves retain many of the nutrients found in fresh leaves and are therefore nutritious, rich in antioxidants, and beneficial for regulating blood sugar and blood pressure. Moringa powder is an ideal supplement for health-conscious individuals. In addition, the powder can be used as an antiseptic to help sterilize contaminated surfaces on the body. It is effective against a wide range of bacteria and fungi, including those that cause ulcers. Purchased moringa powder should be kept in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Half to one teaspoon of moringa powder can be mixed into an 8-ounce cup of warm water to make a healthy drink. The mixture should be stirred thoroughly to avoid clumps. Warm water is preferred over boiling water because boiling water may reduce some of the drink’s nutritional content. To improve the earthy flavor of moringa, lemon juice, three pieces of calamansi, ginger, or a little honey may be added to the mixture. The addition of citrus juice increases iron absorption because of its vitamin C content. Moringa powder can also be added to tea, fruit juice, coconut water, smoothies, or oatmeal. Moringa powder should be treated as a food supplement and not as a replacement for a balanced diet. It is best consumed in the morning on an empty stomach or before meals, starting with small amounts to assess the body’s tolerance to moringa.

Some moringa leaf products for foods include moringa tea, malunggay chips, and baked products enhanced with dried moringa leaves, such as malunggay pandesal, which is a popular breakfast bread in the Philippines. On body care, there are the moringa infused shampoo and hair conditioner. Other moringa related products may come out or introduce in the future.

Like all foods, fresh moringa leaves and moringa powder should be consumed in moderation. Excessive consumption may cause bodily discomfort, nausea, low blood sugar, and low blood pressure. People who use moringa powder or those who plan to incorporate it into their diet—especially individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure, pregnancy, or thyroid problems—should first consult their doctor for advice because there is a risk that their medications may interact with moringa products.

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A Good Friday “Pana-ad” to the Guadalupe Shrine in Balubal, Cagayan de Oro City

              

It was Good Friday, April 4, 2026, and thousands of Roman Catholic devotees gathered at the entrance of the route leading to the Guadalupe Shrine in Igbalayan Hills, Barangay Balubal, Cagayan de Oro. The entrance was manned by police, local government employees of the city and private volunteers who were ready to assist the devotees on their journey. For the devotees, their activity is termed “pana-ad” or doing act of penance on Good Friday.                                                                                                          

 

                

Right through the entrance is the Agusan River (not to be confused with the Agusan River of Butuan City and the Caraga Region). Over the water are two ropes, one for the shrine-bound devotees, and the other for those who returned from the shrine. Those ropes are intended for people who have difficulty crossing the river without something to hold old on as they wade through the river. There were devotees though who could easily cross the river alone without anything for support. Crossing the river carries some risks especially to some individuals such as the elderly because of the large stones in the water. A fall to the water with the head hitting a stone could be dangerous.

Going to their destination, the devotees walked along the course of Agusan River that winds into a long stretch of valley. Farther ahead, they passed by a gorge with cliffs on either side of the valley. In most cases the floor of the valley is stony. Along the way are bamboo grooves and trees which provide shelter to the devotees from the hot summer sun.     

 

                                               

The distance of the route from the entrance to the shrine is estimated to be 4 to 4.5 kilometers, so that a two-way trek to the shrine will be about 8 to 9 kilometers. Walking on the ground under the heat of the sun was not a difficult thing to do considering the vegetation there is in the valley, and that there is not much higher ground to negotiate because the slope of most of the ground in the valley’s floor is not steep. The difficulty lay in crossing a river with a winding route full of large stones in the water. Although the river is fordable, there are portions of it with a waist-high depth and currents that are strong. Elderly devotees were sometimes assisted by younger people to help them make it to the other banks of the river. Because of the winding course of the river, devotees must cross the river nine times to reach the shrine. In other words, they must make a total of 18 river crossings throughout their trek.

As they proceeded to their journey, devotees made stopovers at the Stations of the Cross which were positioned along the way to their destination, which was the shrine. There, they lit candles and prayed before proceeding to the next stations. Devotees could not be short of food and water because there were vendors who catered to their needs all along the way.

 

   

                                                                                                                                                               

The ninth crossing of the river was the pinnacle of the devotees’ trek. Beyond the river is the sight of the Chapel of the Virgin of Guadalupe. The chapel is perched on a hill and is accessible from the ground through stairs. The top of the hill is also the location of the 14^th and last Station of the cross which is just outside the front of the chapel. Again, before the cross, the devotees lit candles and prayed. They completed their penance with an entry into the chapel to pay homage to the Virgin of Guadalupe and make their vow and supplication to God during one of the most religiously significant days of the year.