The rich cultural tapestry of the Philippine towns of Cainta and Taytay is largely owed to a group of Indian soldiers known as Sepoys. Brought to the archipelago by the British during their brief occupation of Manila in the mid-1700s, these soldiers chose to desert their posts rather than return to colonial service after the Treaty of Paris. Settling in the fertile, lakeside regions of Rizal, the Sepoys integrated seamlessly into the local population by marrying Filipino women and establishing agricultural roots. Today, this unique history remains visible in the physical features of many local residents, who often possess the distinctive tall stature and sharp facial features of their South Asian ancestors.

Beyond their genetic legacy, the Sepoys left an indelible mark on Filipino cuisine and local tradition. The beloved rice cake known as bibingka is widely considered a local evolution of the Indian dessert bebinca, a contribution that earned Cainta its reputation as the "Bibingka Capital of the Philippines." Furthermore, the iconic Filipino dish kare-kare is believed to have roots in Indian curry, though it has been uniquely adapted to suit local tastes. Having fully assimilated into the Filipino way of life and the Catholic faith, these descendants now celebrate their heritage annually on May 31, a day officially recognized by the local government to honor the enduring impact of the Sepoys on the nation’s history.