Why do Filipinos consider themselves Pacific islanders?

Because many of them do not know their history. Also, many think that saying they are Pacific Islanders is more cool or exotic. They are Asian and have a lot of history with their South East Asian brothers. The Philippines is the founder of Association of South East Asian Nations. Also, the Mall of Asia is located in the Philippines. A lot of Pacific Islanders are now starting to get annoyed by Filipinos identity crisis and wish they would just admit they are Asian.