Embracing one’s roots should be consistent and authentic, not selective The sting of disappointment runs deep among many Filipinos after hearing Shay Mitchell, an actress known for her roles in Pretty Little Liars and Netflix's You, deny her Filipino heritage. Recently, during an episode of her show Thirst with Shay Mitchell, she described her ethnic background, saying, “My dad’s Irish. My mom’s Spanish.
I can drink a lot and then, I get f— spicy.” As someone who has benefited from the following and support of the Filipino community, her words felt like a betrayal to many who see her as part of our representation in mainstream media. Mitchell’s mother, Precious Garcia, hails from Pampanga, Philippines, making Shay half-Filipino.
Fans quickly pointed out that Shay’s response sidestepped her Filipino heritage, leading to a backlash online. Critics accused her of selectively acknowledging her heritage only when it’s convenient—a point underscored by her previous work on the Netflix animated series Trese, where she voiced the main character. Trese is a Filipino graphic novel that dives deep into our country’s folklore and her Filipino roots were a key part of her involvement.
This controversy raises broader questions about identity and the pressures that come with navigating a multicultural heritage. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of embracing and celebrating one’s roots, especially for expats, diplomats abroad, immigrants, and their childr.