Filipinos are known to be a relatively short people. However, while the average Filipino is considered of medium height, there are exceptions, with individuals from the country who stood head and shoulders above the rest.
In this article, we will be taking a look at who is the longest Filipino, with a survey of some of the tallest people to have come from the country.
1. Historical Accounts of Tall Filipinos
Throughout the centuries, there have been reports of Filipino individuals who were remarkable tall. When Jesuit missionary Antonio de Morga wrote his account of the Philippine Islands in 1609, he made special mention of a “gigantic” Negrito.
In a later account, the Spanish Governor of Manila Diego de Salcedo reported that an individual from the Apayao region stood seven feet tall. Such reports, though unverified and likely exaggerated, are nevertheless indicative of tall individuals in the country’s past.
2. The Tallest Filipino on Record
The tallest Filipino on record, as per the Philippines’ Department of Health, is an individual born in 2002, who was recorded as having a height of 7’5”.
Despite being a tertiary record holder — as compared to previously-recorded heights of 8’ and 7’7” — this individual was given the title, and it is believed that they still hold the record to this day.
3. Most Successful Tall Filipino
The most successful tall Filipino is arguably Japeth Aguilar. Accounting for a height of 6’9”, the Tagalog-born basketball player has received a great deal of attention both inside and outside of the Philippines. Having a successful stint in the PBA, Aguilar was eventually signed to an NBA contract in 2009, leading to an 8-year stint with various teams.
During this period, Aguilar developed a large following in the Philippines, with his tall stature reinforcing the attention he was receiving.
4. Other Tall Filipinos
Aside from Aguilar, other tall Filipinos include almost 6’5” basketballer Jervy Cruz, 6’8” former NBA-er RJ Jazul, and PBA player/actor PaoloContis, who was listed at 6’5”. There are also online accounts of other tall Filipinos of approximately the same heights, although details on them are largely scarce.
5. Causes of Tallness in Filipinos
Tallness in Filipinos is the effects of genetic drift, the process of natural selection favoring certain biological characteristics in a given population. In the Philippine context, there are multiple instances of tallness resulting from parents of various heights coming together to produce an even taller child. With positive feedback, this cycle of tallness has resulted in the country having a handful of people standing 7 feet tall.
6. Tall Filipinos in Comparative Perspective
In comparison to other locals, Filipino stands out in terms of height. According to World Atlas, the average Filipino stands at 5’3”, relatively short compared to taller East Asians and Europeans, who often exceed 6 feet.
This compares to tall Filipino individuals, who often exceed 6’5”.
7. Height Comparison of Tallest Filipino and the World’s Tallest Living Person
The tallest Filipino on record is approximately 7’5,” a height that can also be considered astonishing when compared to the world’s tallest living person. According to the Guinness World Records, Sultan Kosen from Turkey currently has that title, standing at a remarkable 8’
” Even with his considerable height, Kosen still stands 5 inches shorter than the tallest record holder, who comes from the Philippines.
8. Health Hazards of Being Tall
While it can be unmistakably impressive to stand at 7’5,” there also come disadvantages associated with extreme height.
Reports indicate that tall individuals are more prone to suffering back, rib, and skeletal pain, with taller females also standing at a greater risk of cardiovascular complications. Similarly, when tall individuals move in crowds, they have reported being uncomfortable and out of place, with their height meant to draw attention.
9. You Are Never Too Big or Too Small
Regardless of tall heights or short statures, everyone has a place in the community. As tall Filipinos can serve as examples that height disparities can persist even across population groupings, with the tallest Filipino today also proving to be a reminder of global height differences.
As such, stature can be taken to look down upon or to learn from, helping to illustrate the value of being both big and small.
10. Everyday Life for Tall Filipinos
Tall individuals often struggle to find everyday items that can fit their heights, which when combined with gazes of awe or confusion can make daily life more difficult than it needs to be. When looking to find shoes, jeans, or jackets, tall Filipinos may find it increasingly difficult to find the items that fit their needs, with friends and family members often times surprised at their sizes. This can be especially troublesome during the rainy season, or when purchasing items abroad.
11. Representation of Tall Filipinos in Media
In recent years, tall Filipinos have found themselves increasingly represented in popular media. Aside from basketball players, such as Japeth Aguilar, there have been numerous examples featuring tall characters in various sitcoms, fashion shows, and commercials. These portrayals have often drawn attention to both tallness and Filipino culture, helping to bring the disparities of height to light.
12. Tall Filipino: Impact on the Philippines
The Filipino people’s tallness has had a far-reaching impression on the local populace. In the sports setting, tall Filipinos have been a great help, with the Philippines national men’s basketball team also frequently making waves in international competition.
Moreover, tall Filipinos have also been sources of inspiration for the youth, helping to bring out the best in those around them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, tall Filipinos have come from the shadows in recent years, and have been able to make an impression on the people of the Philippines. With an account of the tallest Filipino on record, as well as tall Filipino basketball players, fashion models, and film stars, it is clear that tall individuals from the country have made a mark.
Despite the potential health risks of tallness, a positive attitude and outlook can help to overcome the difficulties they may face.