3 of 17

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 4

Lopez de Villalobos led an expedition to the islands and gave the name Las Islas Felipinas, after the aforementioned Prince Philip, to the islands that Magellan had first laid claim, that of Samar and Leyte. The name would eventually be given to the entire archipelago, but not just yet.

When Magellan arrived at Homonhon in that year of 1521 he had been on his voyage for almost one and a half years. He had already lost two of the five ships which first set sail, as well as one third of his crew. Obviously being welcomed so well by the Rajah Kolambu of Limasawa, a local chieftain, would have come as utmost relief. Kolambu in turn introduced him to Rajah Humabon of Cebu, who was so overwhelmed by Magellan's arsenal and ships, converted to Christianity with gusto.

Humabon later managed to convince Magellan to embark on a mission to kill his rival Lapu Lapu. In what appears to have been a reckless ill thought endeavour, it led to his death. Perhaps Magellan's drive to convert the indigenous tribes to the Catholic faith had impaired his judgement. Whatever conversation took place between Humabon and himself through his translator Enrique of Malacca we shall never know, but perhaps some misunderstanding took place.

It is also possible that Magellan was so deluded that God was on his side he believed himself invincible. Consider the facts: he did not take his most experienced soldiers with him, and he failed to reconnoitre Mactan's coastline. Consequently he was unable to land his cannon, and marched knee deep through the water with forty of his men, to be overpowered by 1500 natives (or so the story goes, the numbers were possibly slightly exaggerated). And the rest, as they say...is history!

And on that subject, the tale was finally conveyed to the Spanish king by the captain of the sole surviving ship able to limp home, and in so doing manage to complete Magellan's circumnavigation. So began (albeit not overnight) the Spanish conquest and colonisation of the Philippines.

This is not a story of Magellan or his circumnavigation. The destiny of the voyage and the last surviving ship, Victoria, already have their place in history.

This story of the Philippines is concerned only that her captain Juan Sebastian Elcano was able to relate the tale when he finally returned to Spain in September 1522. (Perhaps this is how the inflated number of Magellan's opposing forces on Mactan occurred - after all, it's always best to be defeated by overwhelming odds!)

There was to be no great

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Travel destinations: The Philippines?
We want to hear your view. Write now!