AFAM Supremacy: The Rising Trend of Filipinos Marrying Foreigners

In recent years, the landscape of love and marriage in the Philippines has expanded beyond its borders, with a noticeable increase in Filipinos tying the knot with foreign nationals, affectionately referred to as "AFAMs." The term, which originally stood for "a foreigner assigned in Manila," has evolved to encompass all foreign partners and has become a symbol of a growing trend that showcases the power of love transcending cultural boundaries.

The rise of Filipinos marrying foreigners

According to the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), the number of marriages between Filipinos and foreigners has been steadily increasing since 2007. Despite a temporary decline during the COVID-19 pandemic due to travel restrictions, the trend has picked up momentum again. In 2022 alone, over 6,800 marriages were recorded, reflecting a remarkable 20% to 30% increase from the previous year. Interestingly, the majority of these marriages involved Filipino women, with around 6,000 of the 6,800 unions being female Filipinos marrying foreign men.

So, who are these foreign partners? The statistics reveal that Americans top the list of nationalities marrying Filipinos, followed closely by Japanese, Germans, Canadians, and Australians. This growing trend is significantly influenced by the power of social media, which has become a matchmaking tool, allowing friends and relatives to connect Filipinos with potential partners from around the globe.

The CFO has registered a staggering 226,207 Filipinos marrying foreign nationals from 2009 to 2019. Of these, nearly half (48.57%) married Americans, while Japan and Australia accounted for 9.80% and 6.93% of these unions, respectively. The increasing use of social media and online platforms has played a pivotal role in facilitating these relationships, enabling Filipinos to explore love beyond their local communities.

To ensure the well-being of those marrying foreigners, the CFO mandates that couples complete a guidance and counseling program before departing the country. This initiative aims to help Filipino spouses navigate cultural adjustments, secure necessary documentation, and protect them from potential human trafficking disguised as marriage. Without the required CFO certificate, individuals may face delays or denial of departure.

Also read: Couples Who Fell in Love While Travelling

As love continues to cross borders, the rise of Filipinos marrying foreigners reflects a changing narrative about relationships in the Philippines. Whether it’s through social media connections or family matchmaking, these unions highlight the enduring belief that love knows no boundaries and that meaningful connections can flourish anywhere in the world. So, if you find yourself captivated by an AFAM, remember that you’re part of a growing trend that celebrates love’s limitless possibilities.

Featured image credit: Zeinab Ghassemi via Canva Pro