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He is part Puerto Rican and part Filipino. His mom is Filipino, and his dad is Puerto Rican.

Answered from Teofilo

What Is Bruno Mars's Race?

Bruno Mars is one of the biggest pop superstars today, known for his smooth vocals, funky rhythms, and stellar showmanship. But what exact ethnicity is the multi-talented artist behind hits like “Just the Way You Are” and “Uptown Funk”? Specifically, many fans wonder – is Bruno Mars Filipino?

Mars has been very transparent about his diverse ancestry, which includes Filipino, Puerto Rican, Jewish and Spanish roots. His background has greatly influenced his musical style and sound. Let’s take a deeper dive into Mars’ origin story to learn more about his Filipino heritage.

Growing Up In Hawaii’s Melting Pot of Cultures

Bruno Mars was born Peter Gene Hernandez on October 8, 1985 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Many of the island's inhabitants blended diverse ethnicities and cultures. Mars grew up immersed in a fusion of Asian, Pacific Islander, Hispanic, Portuguese, and American traditions that influenced local art, food, and music.

In interviews, Mars has described Hawaii as a “melting pot of so many different cultures.” This unique upbringing shaped his appreciation for blending musical genres from R&B, rock, hip hop, and reggae to Latin, pop, and soul.

Parents Met in Diverse Hawaii After Immigration

Mars’ mother, Bernadette “Bernie” Hernandez (née San Pedro Bayot) immigrated to Hawaii from the Philippines as a child in 1948. She worked as a singer and dancer, performing everything from jazz to traditional Filipino folk tunes. His father, Peter Hernandez, left Brooklyn, New York and moved to Hawaii where he met Bernie. As a Puerto Rican Jew, Peter brought his own cultural flavor.

Despite their different backgrounds, the two fell in love. They encouraged their son’s varied musical talents even from a very young age.

Early Interest in Elvis Impersonations and Entertainment

From the time he was a toddler, Mars displayed a natural sense of showmanship. His dad, a professional Elvis Presley impersonator, cultivated this gift early on. He let the young Mars join his show to impersonate a mini Elvis, dancing and singing on stage.

Mars quickly developed a reputation as a talented impersonator of everyone from Michael Jackson to 1950’s icons. Entertainment became his passion.

Childhood Time Spent Living in the Philippines

Though Mars was born and raised in Hawaii, he spent time during his childhood living in the Philippines with extended family. During this immersive experience, Mars absorbed the sights and sounds of his mother’s homeland.

He took in the fast-paced energy of Manila, learned traditional Filipino games, and explored outdoor markets filled with mangoes, lychees, and other tropical fruits. Family members introduced him to Filipino music, from love ballads to folk songs. These influences stuck with Mars and impacted his musical evolution.

Rise to Fame as Top Hitmaker and Producer

After getting his start providing demo vocals for other artists’ albums, Mars began attracting attention for his own singing and songwriting chops. He moved to Los Angeles and signed with Motown records in 2004.

His early singles like “Just the Way You Are” and “Grenade” soared up the charts. Mars cemented his status as a pop sensation after the massive success of his first studio album Doo-Wops & Hooligans in 2010.

He continued to crank out global smashes in partnerships with top producers like Jeff Bhasker and Philip Lawrence. Mars’ live shows also earned rave reviews for their high energy and crowd appeal, showcasing his charisma.

Incorporating Filipino Musical Ingredients into Diverse Discography

While Mars has explored many genres over his multiple hit albums, he also subtly incorporates rhythms and instruments from his Filipino heritage. As his fame grew, he became more intentional with infusing these influences.

For example, on 2012’s “Treasure,” Mars emulates 70’s Pinoy (Filipino) pop. “Talking to the Moon” borrows from a common Filipino courting tradition. In “Versace on the Floor,” he plays a kalimba – an African thumb piano used in Filipino folk music.

Recent songs like “Leave the Door Open” feature basslines and drum patterns with a distinct Filipino cadence. Mars folds these musical references in organically as part of his signature sound.

Giving Back Through Philanthropy Focused on Filipino Community

Mars has not forgotten his roots amidst his massive success. He founded the Bruno Mars Scholarship Fund in 2010 to support Filipino students pursuing creative careers. Since then, Mars has continued fundraising initiatives and benefit concerts for causes that uplift Filipino and Asian communities.

After Typhoon Haiyan devastated the Philippines in 2013, Mars donated $100,000 to provide aid. His love for the people resonates through his generosity.

Sense of Duty to Increase Filipino Representation

As one of the most prominent Filipino-American celebrities today, Mars recognizes his influential role. There are few mainstream pop stars of full or partial Filipino descent. Mars has commented, “As a Filipino, I feel like I have a duty to help my people.”

He takes pride in showing the world that someone of Filipino heritage can make it big. Mars embraces both sides of his cultural identity equally to inspire other young Filipinos.

Quotes on His Love for His Filipino Roots

In interviews, Mars frequently expresses his affection for his Filipino ancestry:

“My mom is from the Philippines. She came here when she was 16, so she had me listening to all the Filipino legends. I gravitated towards it because of my mom.”

“My connection with the Philippines is strong. When I walk the streets here I feel like I’m home. Filipinos just get me – my sense of humor, my musicality. I’m proud of my dual heritage.”

“I love everything about the Philippines, the food, music, culture. I want to keep coming back and immersing myself in it.”

Key Takeaways on Bruno Mars’ Multi-Cultural Background

• Bruno Mars has diverse ethnicity – his mother is Filipina and father is Puerto Rican Jewish. His Hawaiian upbringing was a blend of cultures.
• Mars lived in the Philippines as a child, which had a major influence on his artistic evolution.
• His music often subtly incorporates Filipino rhythms, melodies and instruments.
• He is one of the most famous Filipino-American performers today and takes pride in representing his heritage.
• Through philanthropy and serving as an inspirational role model, Mars aims to uplift the Filipino community.

Mars seamlessly fuses his varied roots into his energetic pop music and performances. By embracing all facets of his identity, he pioneers greater representation for Filipino talent.