• explain the factors that led to the Spanish exploration and eventual colonization of the Philippines;

• describe the significant events surrounding the arrival of Ferdinand Magellan in the Philippines and how it marked the beginning of Spanish contact with the archipelago. 

• reflect on the early effects of Spanish colonization and how these initial stages shaped the Philippines’ future development. 

VOCABULARY:

blood compact  -  agreement between two parties sealed by drops of their blood mixed in their drinks

diplomat  -  person who can deal with people in a sensitive and effective way

intent  -  purpose, aim, goal

navigate  -  to sail or travel over water

strait  -  narrow passage of water connecting two seas or two large areas of water

VOYAGE OF FERDINAND MAGELLAN

Ferdinand Magellan was a Portuguese who, in his tender age, dreamed of navigating the whole world.  At the age of 25, Magellan enlisted in a number of expeditions to Africa and Asia.  From these experiences, he vowed to travel, journey, and reach the East by navigating the West.  For Europeans like him, the countries in the "West" were the countries found west of Europe including those in America, while the countries in the "East" were the countries found east of Europe including those in Africa and Asia (where the Philippines is located).

The Europeans intended to navigate and explore the East to reach the Moluccas.  Reaching Asia was a puzzle at that time since they believed that the world was flat.  They could not utilize the easterly route as it was under the control of the enemies of Portugal and Spain.

In his desire to serve his country, Magellan went to King Emmanuel I of Portugal to offer his services.  Unfortunately, the king did not accept his services and refused to finance his journey.  The king's decision greatly affected Magellan so he immediately renounced his Portuguese citizenship and promptly offered his services to King Charles I of Spain.  The Spanish king agreed to finance Magellan's expedition to the East.

On March 22, 1518, King Charles I provided Magellan with a fleet of five ships, namely, the flagship Trinidad, San Antonio, Concepcion, Santiago, and Victoria.  Magellan had a crew Antonio Pigafetta, who kept an accurate journal of the expedition, and Father Pedro de Valderama, who was in charge of propagating Catholicism in the islands to be conquered.

On September 20, 1519, Magellan and his crew set sail from Sanlucar de Barrameda heading to the eastern coast of South America.  The fleet reached a narrow passage connecting the Pacific and the Atlantic Oceans which is now known as the Strait of Magellan.  During the course of the expedition, Magellan and his men suffered immensely.  The weather became worse; they suffered from extreme hunger and thirst; they became sick; and several crew members tried to take over the ship.

Despite the misfortune, Magellan and his crew continued their journey until they reached the island of Guam on March 6, 1521.  The crew collected clean water and food from the Chamorros, or the natives there.  At first, Magellan named the present Mariana islands and its nearby islands as the Islands of Sails because of the numerous sailboats docked on the shores.  Later, Magellan called Guam the Ladrones Islands, or the islands of thieves, because the natives stole from them.

In the early morning of March 16, 1521, the crew of the three remaining ships saw the islands of Samar.  They continued their journey until they reached the island of Homonhon on March 17, 1521.  They saw no one in the island, but on the next day of March 18, 1521, nine natives aboard a boat from the island of Saluan arrived.  They came bearing food and drinks for the foreigners.  This showed that our ancestors were accustomed to receiving visitors from foreign lands.

After a few days, Magellan left Homonhon.  He and his crew continued on their journey until they reached Limasawa.  There, Magellan met Rajah Colambu, the chieftain of Limasawa, and his brother Rajah Siagu.  As a sign of friendship, they performed a blood compact on March 29, 1521.

On the Easter Sunday of March 31, 1521, Magellan ardered Father Pedro de Valderrama to celebrate mass on the shores of Limasawa.  After the mass, Magellan raised a wooden cross on a hill to indicate that the Philippines was now under the rule of Spain.  According to Pigafetta, they prayed the "Our Father" and the "Hail Mary" in front of the wooden cross together with Rajah Colambu and Rajah Siagu.  Magellan then named the place, Archipelago of San Lazaro.

After a few days, Rajah Colambu journeyed with Magellan and his crew until they reached the island of Cebu on April 7, 1521.  They were all in awe of Cebu and marvelled at its abundant food and spices.  During that time, Cebu was progressive as it was the center of trade and commerce.  The foreigners were impressed by the natives whose garments were decorated in gold.

The people in Cebu warmly welcomed the Spaniards.  To seal their newfound bond, Magellan and Rajah Humabon performed a blood compact.  To show their hospitality further, the natives gave Magellan and his men a variety of gifts like rice, fruits, chicken and livestocks.  A mass was held in the island on April 14, 1521.  The first baptismal rite in the country was held during the mass.  Rajah Humabon and his wife were baptized, and they were named Carlos and Juana, respectively.  After their baptism, Magellan presented Juana with the image of the Sto. Nino.  Just like what he did in Limasawa, Magellan raised a wooden cross in Cebu as a symbol of Catholicism.

LAPULAPU'S HEROISM

The coming of the Spaniards was not received well by all the natives.  Lapulapu, the chieftain of the island of Mactan, refused to recognize Spain's authority.   This infuriated Magellan as all his endeavors were done in the name of the king of Spain.

Thinking that Lapulapu would fear him, Magellan attacked the island of Mactan on April 27, 1521, and ordered his men to burn the houses of the natives.  The attack did not scare lapulapu and his men, though.  A battle soon ensued.  Magellan and his mn came in their ships.  However, they could not come any closer because of the shallow waters, so they leaped into the water and charged toward the shore.  They were met with a volley of poisoned arrows.  Magellan was wounded in the battle and died.  

Lapulapu's heroism in the battle of Mactan became the first recorded successful battle of the Filipinos against those who wanted to take away their freedom.

THE SPANISH COLONIZATION OF THE PHILIPPINES

King Carlos 1 was overjoyed at the return of Victoria.  He learned about the exquisite and rich islands in the East.  After Magellan's successful expedition, subsequent expeditions were launched to the islands, including the expeditions of Juan Garcia Jofre de Loaisa in 1525, Sebastian Cabot in 1526, Alvaro de Saavedra in 1527, Ruy Lopez de Villalobos in 1542, and Miguel Lopez de Legazpi in 1564.

The first three expeditions sent by King Carlos I were unsuccessful in conquering the islands.  However, the Villalobos expedition reached Sarangani in the northern part of Mindanao.  As Villalobos and his crew continued on their journey, they reached the islands of Samar and Leyte on May 18, 1543.  They named the islands Felipinas in honor of the future king of Spain, Felipe II.  Felipinas eventually became the name of the entire archipelago.  Though Ruy Lopez de Villalobos was not able to establish a Spanish territory in the country, he will always be remembered for the name he gave the country.

Despite the unsuccessful expeditions, the new king of Spain, King Felipe II commissioned another voyage to the Philippines.  He appointed Miguel Lopez de Legazpi to lead this voyage.  Together with Legazpi was Father Andres de Urdaneta, who served as his navigator and spiritual adviser.  This expedition was deemed vital for the establishment of a Spanish territory in the Philippines and to the propagation of Catholicism.

On February 13, 1565, Legazpi arrived in Cebu.  He found out that the natives were not welcoming to the foreigners.  He and his men then moved on to the nearby island of Bohol where they were received well. Legazpi and Rajah Sikatuna, the chieftain of Bohol, performed a blood compact.

From Bohol, Legazpi and his men returned to Cebu on April 27, 1565, where they fought a battle against Rajah Tupas, the son of Rajah Humabon.  Rajah Tupas was defeated, and his men retreated to the mountains.  A great diplomat, Legazpi won the natives of Cebu over.  The natives who sought refuge in the mountains returned to their dwellings.  Legazpi encouraged the natives, including Rajah Tupas, to convert to Catholicism.  Legazpi gained the trust and confidence of the rajah thus he was he was successful at establishing a Spanish territory in the country.  Cebu became the first Spanish territory in the country.  Subsequently, Legazpi named the island La Villa del Santisimo Nombre de Jesus, or the City of the Holy Name of Jesus.

Later, Legazpi and his men went to Manila, the center of trade and commerce in Luzon.  Manila was then ruled by Muslims, namely, Rajah Lakandula of Tondo and Rajah Soliman.  Soliman refused to bow to Spanish rule, so with his men, he fought the Spaniards who were led by Martin de Goiti.  However, Rajah Soliman and his men lost the battle.

The following year, Legazpi attacked Manila.  Lakandula observed the strength of the Spanish army.  He then warmly greeted and treated them well.  Lakandula urged Rajah Soliman to receive the new rulers.  Eventually, on June 24, 1571, Manila was fully conquered and subdued by Legazpi, who made it as the capital city of the Philippines.  Legazpi continued to conquer other Philippine territories.  He was known to be the first Spanish conqueror and governor-general of the Philippines.