An editorial about:
The First Footprints:
Magellan’s Journey Through
the Philippine Islands
In partial fulfillment of the requirements in Readings in Philippine History
By:
Angeline C. Velayo
BSA II-13
Prof. Romualdo Del Agua
September 2024
Table of Contents
Abstract…………………………………………………………………………….…1
I. Introduction……………………………………………………………….…2
II. Historical Data Analysis………………………………………………….3-6
A. Methodology………………………………………………………3-4
i. Primary & Secondary sources…………………………………..3
ii. Analysis approach……………………………………………..…4
B. Analysis…………………………………………………………....5-6
III. Discussion and Conclusions…………………………………………..….7-8
A. Discussion………………………………………………..……..…7-8
B. Conclusions……………………………………………………..…..8
IV. References……………………………………………………...…………..9
V. Appendices………………………………………………………………10-11
Abstract
Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer sailing under the Spanish flag, embarked
on a monumental expedition in 1519 aimed at finding a westward route to the Spice Islands.
His journey led him to the Philippines in 1521, marking a significant moment in maritime
history and cross-cultural exchange. Upon arrival, Magellan and his crew encountered
various indigenous groups, notably the Rajah Humabon of Cebu, with whom they established
friendly relations and alliances. Despite initial successes, including the introduction of
Christianity and European culture to the region, Magellan's journey took a tragic turn during
the Battle of Mactan against the local chief, Lapu-Lapu, in April 1521. This confrontation
resulted in Magellan's death, highlighting the complexities and challenges of colonial
encounters. His expedition continued under the leadership of Juan Sebastián Elcano,
ultimately completing the first circumnavigation of the [Link]'s journey significantly
impacted the Philippines, leading to Spanish colonization and the spread of Christianity. The
expedition not only expanded European knowledge of the Pacific but also laid the
groundwork for future interactions between Europe and Asia, shaping the course of history in
the region. Magellan's legacy remains a topic of study and reflection, illustrating the
intertwined narratives of exploration, conquest, and cultural exchange.
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I. Introduction
Magellan's expedition was not merely a quest for economic gain; it was also a venture
into the unknown, filled with peril and uncertainty. After a grueling journey across the
Atlantic and into the uncharted waters of the Pacific, Magellan and his crew finally reached
the shores of the Philippines in March 1521. This arrival marked a significant moment in the
history of the archipelago, as it introduced European exploration and presence into a region
that had previously been largely insulated from such encounters.
However, the expedition was not without its challenges. Magellan’s attempts at
conversion and the imposition of Spanish authority were met with resistance from other local
leaders, particularly in the island of Mactan, where the chieftain Lapu-Lapu stood firm
against foreign encroachment. This tension culminated in the Battle of Mactan on April 27,
1521, where Magellan was ultimately killed, marking a pivotal moment in the conflict
between indigenous sovereignty and European imperialism.
Magellan's journey in the Philippines was significant not only for its immediate
impacts but also for the long-term consequences it had for the archipelago. His expedition
laid the groundwork for Spanish colonization, which would begin in earnest after his death,
leading to over 300 years of colonial rule. The intertwining of cultures, the introduction
of Christianity, and the establishment of trade routes fundamentally altered the social,
economic, and political fabric of the [Link] we explore the details of Magellan's
journey, we will uncover the complexities of his interactions with the indigenous peoples, the
motivations behind his voyage, and the enduring legacy of his expedition. This narrative
serves as a lens through which we can examine the broader themes of exploration, conquest,
and cultural exchange that defined the age of discovery and continue to resonate in the
historical consciousness of the Philippines today. Magellan's journey is not merely a tale of
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adventure; it is a profound chapter in the ongoing story of humanity's encounter with the
unknown.
II. Historical Data Analysis
A. Methodology
Primary Sources
Antonio Pigafetta's Account: As a chronicler of the expedition, Pigafetta's journal
provides invaluable firsthand insights into Magellan's journey, interactions with
indigenous peoples, and details about the events leading to the Battle of Mactan. His
detailed observations help reconstruct the narrative of the expedition.
Artifacts: Objects discovered at sites associated with Magellan’s landing, such as trade
goods, weaponry, and religious items, offer material evidence of the interactions between
the Spanish and the indigenous populations.
Historical Sites: Examination of locations linked to Magellan's journey, including sites
of battle and initial contact, helps establish a geographical context for the expedition.
Secondary Sources
Books and Articles: Scholarly texts analyzing Magellan's expedition, its historical
significance, and its impact on the Philippines provide a broader context. These include
works by historians specializing in early modern exploration and colonial studies.
Historical Contextualization: Literature examining the political and economic
conditions in the Philippines before and after Magellan's arrival can shed light on the
changes brought about by the expedition.
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Contextual Analysis Approach
1. Historical Contextualization: Situating Magellan’s journey within the broader context of
16th-century European exploration. Examining the political, economic, and cultural factors
that influenced the expedition, including the competition among European powers for trade
routes and resources.
2. Cultural Context: Analyzing the indigenous cultures of the Philippines at the time of
Magellan’s arrival, focusing on their political organization, social structures, and responses to
foreign contact. This helps to provide a balanced perspective on the interactions between
Magellan and the local populations.
B. Analysis
Antonio Pigafetta The First Voyage Around the World An
Account of Magellan's Expedition
Pigafetta's work is important not only as a source of information
about the voyage itself, but also includes an early Western
description of the people and languages of the Philippines. Of the
approximately 240 men who set out with Magellan, Pigafetta
was one of only 18 who returned to Spain.
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Sto. Niño de Cebu
The primary historical significance of the image of the Santo
Niño de Cebu lies in the theory that it was among the images that
Ferdinand Magellan brought with him from Spain in 1521 (Jose
1991, 117). The image of the Holy Child that Magellan brought
is said to be a product of the Spanish colony of Flanders in
Belgium. According to the account of Magellan’s chronicler,
Antonio de Pigafetta, a beautiful image of the Holy Child with
other images was presented to Hara Amihan, the wife of Rajah
Humabon of Cebu as she was baptized with the Christian name Juana.
Mactan Island, Philippines
Mactan Island, coral island, central Philippines, located in the
Bohol Strait off the eastern shore of the island of Cebu.
Rectangular in shape, the low-lying island
has extensive mangrove swamps. It protects the harbour
of Cebu City. On April 7, 1521, Ferdinand Magellan, the
Portuguese navigator, landed on the island; he was killed there
by Chief Lapulapu on April 27. The spot in the northeast
where he fell is marked with a monument, and Lapulapu, regarded as the first Filipino to
defeat a Western conqueror, is considered a national hero.
The Impact of Magellan’s voyage to the Philippines
According to Emma Jackson(2020), of Liberty University, the impact of the battle on the
collective consciousness of the Cebuanos, in combination with the impact of the Sto. Nino on
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their lives, cannot be ignored as it was a vastly significant historical event which devotees felt
themselves psychologically bound to ritually express as a mock battle in the traditional
sinulug "ritual 929 dance" which incorporates religious overtones related to the Sto. Nino.
Though the Battle of Mactan highlights Lapulapu's triumph over Magellan, the sinulug shows
that the Spaniards eventually triumphed during the next expedition, in a spiritual and
temporal conquest - the sword and the Sto. Nino.53 The consequences of Magellan’s voyage
were both martial and religious. The Filipino people remember not only the battle of Mactan,
but also the gift of the Santo Niño icon. Both elements of Magellan’s time in the Philippines,
the spiritual and temporal, shaped the local consciousness, as indeed the Spanish returned and
completed both works started by Magellan.
The Filipino people Before and After the Arrival of Magellan
ASPECT Before Magellan’s Arrival After Magellan’s Arrival
Political Structure Decentralized barangays Centralized Spanish
government
Leadership Datu (chieftains) Governor-General
Social Hierarchy Nobility, freemen, slaves Spanish elite, local converts
Economic System Subsistence and barter Colonial cash crops and trade
Trade Relations Regional trade with Spanish-controlled trade
neighbors routes
Religious Influence Indigenous beliefs Spread of Christianity
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III. Discussion and Conclusion
A. Discussion
Ferdinand Magellan's expedition to the Philippines in 1521 not only marked a
significant milestone in global exploration but also had profound implications for
the Philippines and its people. The ramifications of Magellan's journey can be understood
through several critical lenses: sociocultural transformation, colonial expansion, economic
integration, and international relations.
One of the most immediate implications of Magellan's arrival was the sociocultural
transformation of the Philippines. His interactions with local leaders led to the introduction
of Christianity, which became a dominant faith in the archipelago. The conversion of many
indigenous people, particularly in regions like Cebu, facilitated the establishment of churches
and religious institutions that played a crucial role in shaping Filipino culture. This
transformation not only altered spiritual practices but also affected social norms, traditions,
and community structures. The blending of indigenous beliefs with Christianity created a
unique cultural tapestry that characterizes Filipino identity today.
Magellan’s journey also laid the groundwork for Spanish colonial expansion in
the Philippines. Although Magellan did not survive his expedition, his reports of abundant
resources and friendly local leaders attracted further Spanish explorers and settlers. The
subsequent colonization led to the establishment of a colonial government, which
implemented new administrative systems and laws. This shift often resulted in the
suppression of indigenous political structures and the imposition of foreign authority. The
long-term effects of this colonial rule included significant changes in land ownership, social
hierarchy, and governance, which continue to influence Philippine society.
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The expedition had significant economic implications as well. Magellan's journey
opened the Philippines to global trade networks, particularly in the lucrative Spice Trade. The
archipelago became a critical node in the emerging trade routes connecting Asia, Europe, and
the Americas. This integration into global commerce brought new goods and agricultural
practices to the islands but also led to the exploitation of local resources and labor. The
establishment of the Manila Galleon trade in the late 16th century further solidified
the Philippines' role in international trade, creating both economic opportunities and
challenges for the local population.
Magellan’s voyage also had implications for international relations in the region. His
arrival marked the beginning of European interest in the Philippines and the broader
Southeast Asian region. The subsequent colonization sparked rivalries among European
powers, as they sought to control trade routes and territories. This dynamic set the stage for
conflicts and treaties that would shape the geopolitical landscape of Southeast Asia for
centuries. Additionally, the interactions between European colonizers and indigenous
populations led to a complex legacy of diplomacy, resistance, and cultural exchange.
B. Conclusion
In conclusion, Magellan's journey through the Philippine Islands had significant and
lasting implications that transformed the sociocultural, economic, political, and international
landscape of the region. The introduction of Christianity, the onset of colonial rule, economic
integration into global trade networks, and the emergence of new international dynamics
reshaped the Philippines in profound ways. The legacy of Magellan’s expedition continues to
resonate today, influencing Filipino identity and the country’s place in the global community.
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IV. References
Pigafetta, A. (1522) Journal of Magellan's Voyage. [France: Publisher Not Identified, to 1525]
[Pdf] Retrieved from the Library of Congress,
[Link]
Dino Carlo S. Santos. CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art Digital Edition., 2020
[Link]
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2023, August 2). Mactan Island. Encyclopedia
Britannica.
[Link]
Emma Jackson. Ferdinand Magellan’s Voyage and its Legacy in the Philippines. 2020
[Link]
[Link]
Renato Constantino. The Philippines: A Past Revisited (1975)
[Link]
[Link]
David P. Barrows. A History of the Philippines (2011)
[Link]
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V. Appendices
Appendices A
Photographs & Maps
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Appendices B
Curriculum Vitae
Personal Information
Name: Angeline Celedonio Velayo
Age: 19 yrs. old
Birthdate: March 12, 2055
Contact No.: 0915 989 5469
Address: #2 St. Scholastica subd. Talon Uno Las Pinas City
E-mail: angelvelayo9@[Link]
Educational Background
2023 - Present Dr. Filemon C. Aguilar Memorial College of Las Piñas
1st year BS Accuntancy
2022 - 2023 South East Asia- Institute of Trade and Technology
Grade 12 ABM
2021 - 2022 South East Asia- Institute of Trade and Technology
Grade 11 ABM
2017 - 2021 Equitable Village National High School
Grade 7 to 10
2014 - 2017 MES- Mikesell Elementary School
Grade 4 to 6
2013-2014 Moonwalk Elementary School
Grade 3
2010-2013 Lambakin San Miguel Bulacan Elementary School
Kinder to Grade2
Achievements and Recognition
● Graduated with honors (Grade school & Senior High School)
● Best in Accounting 1 (S.Y. 2021-2022)
● Academic Achiever (A.Y. 2023-2024)
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