text: To my mind, being born in a particular country determines your nationality, regardless of where your parents are from. Having been born in the Philippines, you're just as much a Fillipino as any other person born there. That you have been mistaken to be white indicates that your ancestors were either European (most likely Spanish) or American. Both Spain and the US have controlled the Philippines in the past, so that is most likely where your heritage comes from. In the end, your family's heritage does not determine your nationality. You're Fillipino by birth.