they often lived in New Orleans and its environs. The reason for this can be attributed to the isolated and harsh conditions of the settlement. Manilamen often courted and married Isleño, Cajun, and Indigenous women. When it was possible, Manilamen sent profits made from fishing to acquaintances in Manila so that it may be delivered to their families. Government Due to the isolation of Saint Malo, the Manilamen paid no taxes and the community lacked law enforcement officials. The village had never been visited by any official from St. Bernard Parish, the state of Louisiana, or the United States government. As a result, the community governed itself. In extreme cases, the eldest man of the community would consider disputes and mediate over the situation. In the rare case that a given verdict is not accepted, the individual was imprisoned in a “fish-car,” which was a makeshift prison cell. The offender generally accepted the terms given to him due to the harsh physical conditions, lack of food, and/or rising tide. Religion The predominant religion of the Manilamen was Roman Catholicism. Priests rarely went to visit the settlement due to its isolation. Modern day Some descendants of these Filipinos continue to live in Louisiana today as multiracial Americans. A number of Isleños and their descendants possess Filipino ancestry, so much so that Los Isleños Heritage and Cultural Society of St. Bernard lists "Filipino" as a significant community that developed the Isleño identity. In November 2019, a historical marker for the settlement was installed at Los Isleños Museum Complex. Notable Filipino settlements in Louisiana Alombro Canal (Plaquemines Parish) Camp Dewey (Plaquemines Parish) Bayou Cholas (Jefferson Parish) Bassa Bassa (Jefferson Parish) Leon Rojas (Jefferson Parish) Manila Village (Jefferson Parish) See also Filipino Americans Jean Lafitte, Louisiana List of fishing villages Manila galleon References Further reading Asian-American culture in Louisiana Filipino-American history History of Louisiana Fishing communities Former populated places in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana