Most Manilamen in Northwest Australia and Torres Strait Islands were Catholics who married local women. In Broome and Thursday Island, they made strong and lasting links with Catholic missionaries. The minority who were Muslims were often referred to as Malays.

To Filipino descendants, their forebears helped build the social and economic foundations of Broome, Horn Island, Hammond Island, and Thursday Island. Australia’s policies toward migrants, along with competition with Europeans in the pearling industry, made life difficult for the Manilamen and their families. Some, however, managed to rise up the ranks and established their own businesses. Stories of the rich social and family life of Filipinos—their music, song and laughter—despite challenges in their new home, are memories treasured by the descendants.