When 'Lolo' Goes Viral for All the Wrong Reasons | A Filipino-American License Plate Mix-Up

As a Filipino American, seeing the word “Lolo” make headlines for all the wrong reasons felt… surreal. For us, “Lolo” is more than just a word, it’s a warm, affectionate term for our grandfathers, the wise and loving pillars of our families. So when a California vanity plate reading “LOLOCT7” was accused of being anti-Semitic and mocking a global tragedy, we were equal parts shocked and confused.

Here’s the backstory: The plate belonged to a Filipino family who wanted to honor their beloved Lolo. “CT7” wasn’t code for anything political, it simply referred to their Tesla Cybertruck and their seven grandkids. A sweet family tribute, right? But when someone spotted it on the road, they interpreted it as a jab at the October 7 attacks in Israel, and social media did its thing. Suddenly, what was meant to celebrate family sparked outrage.

The DMV quickly issued an apology, admitting that the plate never should’ve passed their review process. “The use of hateful language is not only a clear violation of our policies but also a violation of our core values to proudly serve the public and ensure safe and welcoming roadways,” said a spokesperson. They promised to be more careful moving forward, but not before the story went viral and Lolo’s good name became tangled in a cultural misunderstanding.

As anyone who knows the significance of “Lolo,” this feels like a classic case of lost-in-translation. We’re proud of our Filipino heritage, and honoring family is at the core of who we are. But in a diverse world, even something as innocent as a license plate can take on unintended meanings when viewed through a different lens.

This whole debacle is a reminder that cultural expressions don’t always translate perfectly, and that’s okay. It’s on us to be proud of our heritage while being patient enough to explain it when needed. At the same time, it’s also on institutions like the DMV to take a moment to think, “Could this mean something else?” before approving a plate for the road.

So, what’s the lesson here? For one, if you’re customizing a plate to honor your family, maybe run it by a few friends or relatives first. And two, remember that cultural misunderstandings, while frustrating, can open the door for greater awareness and dialogue.

To the family who owns the plate: Your Lolo is still a legend. And to my fellow Filipino Americans, let’s keep celebrating who we are, even if it means occasionally explaining that no, “Lolo” isn’t a political statement, just the OG family MVP.