Pronunciation: [d͡ʒɪbˈaɹə͡ʊz] (IPA) 
The word "Gibaros" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription: dʒɪˈbɑːrəʊz. The first syllable is pronounced with a soft "g" sound as in "gym" followed by a short "i" sound. The second syllable is pronounced with a long "a" sound as in "car" and ends with the letter "r". The final syllable is pronounced with a long "o" sound as in "go" followed by the letter "z". "Gibaros" is a Spanish word meaning "peasants" or "farmers".
Gibaros is a term used to refer to a social, racial, and cultural group that emerged during the Spanish colonization of the Philippines. The term "gibaros" originated from the Spanish word "gibaro," which means a person of mixed indigenous Filipino and Spanish descent.
The gibaros were a result of intermarriage and cultural exchange between the indigenous Filipinos, known as the "indios," and the Spanish colonizers. They were considered a distinct ethnic group due to their mixed heritage, which combined elements of both Filipino and Spanish culture and bloodline. As a result, the gibaros developed a unique identity, being bilingual and adopting aspects of both Spanish and indigenous traditions.
The gibaros occupied a middle position within the social hierarchy of the Philippine society during the Spanish colonial period. They were often defined as not fully Spanish nor fully indigenous, making their social status ambiguous. However, they were usually granted more privileges and opportunities compared to the indigenous population due to their partial Spanish ancestry.
Over time, the gibaros played a crucial role in the blending and fusion of Filipino and Spanish cultures. They became a bridge between the two communities, mediating connections and contributing to the spread of Western ideas, customs, and language among the native population.
In contemporary usage, the term "gibaros" is seldom used and has generally faded from everyday vernacular. Nonetheless, it remains significant in understanding the colonial history of the Philippines and the complex dynamics that shaped the country's socio-cultural landscape.
The term "Gibaros" has its origins in the language of Spanish. "Gibaros" is the plural form of "gibaro", which refers to the rural and rural-poor inhabitants in Puerto Rico during the 18th and 19th centuries. The term is believed to come from the word "gíbaro", which was used in the Canary Islands in Spain to describe the rural and lower-class population.
