Mexico played an important role in Spain's conquest of the Philippines in the 16th century. From 1565 to 1821, the Philippines was ruled from Mexico by a Mexican viceroy appointed by the Spanish king. During this period, Mexico contributed greatly to Philippine culture by introducing new plants, animals, industries, music, and Catholic traditions. The Philippines was economically linked to Mexico through the annual galleon trade route, which also facilitated cultural exchanges between the two regions like the introduction of Chinese markets called "parians." Filipinos drew inspiration from Mexico and other Latin American countries' revolutions for independence from Spain in the 19th century. Both regions reciprocally influenced each other's culture and development during this time of shared history