Angel A.

Nasayao Readings in Philippine History

BSA-1 Block 17 Mr. Gallardo Gulay

Faith is the Weapon, Christianity is the Religion

Had it not been for Antonio Pigafetta, the ethnographer, people would know very little
about the explorer Ferdinand Magellan and the world’s first successful circumnavigation.
Pigafetta’s keen observation of the events during Magellan’s historic voyage also enabled Filipinos
to learn about the lives of their ancestors before the Spaniards formally staked their claim on the
Philippines. Although his testimony was meant for European readers and was not entirely free of
bias and outright lies, it gave a detailed account of the Battle of Mactan, the first successful Filipino
resistance against foreign invaders. We know for a fact that there is only one predominantly
Christian country in all of Asia. The Philippines is approximately 85 percent Christian (mostly
Roman Catholic), 10 percent Muslim, and 5 percent 'other' religions, including the Taoist-Buddhist
religious beliefs of Chinese and the 'indigenous' animistic beliefs of some peoples in upland areas
that resisted 300 years of Spanish colonial rule. It’s quite amusing how a small number of
Spaniards converted the bulk of the Philippine population to Christianity during Magellan’s
voyage.

Taking a sneak peek back in the 1500s, the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan
encountered the Philippines while sailing under the flag of Spain in search of a western route to
the East Indies, the source of the spice trade. He and his men landed on the island of Cebu in the
central Philippines. Magellan's arrival in Cebu represents the first attempt by Spain to convert
Filipinos to Roman Catholicism. The story goes that Magellan met with Chief Humabon of the
island of Cebu, who had an ill grandson. Magellan (or one of his men) was able to cure or help
this young boy, and in gratitude Chief Humabon allowed 800 of his followers to be 'baptized'
Christian in a mass baptism.

Based from the painting, it signifies that way back in April 14, 1521, Magellan planted a
wooden cross on the shores of Cebu to commemorate the baptism of Humabon, his wife and their
subjects, and to signify the establishment of Christianity in the Philippines. Comparing what is
evidently seen on the painting and in the writings of Pigafetta, we can say that his journal is truly
useful as it not only provides a primary source to the readers but also tries to allow us to picture
out the happenings during that time. Aside from that, it serves as an effective tool in the
preservation of our culture. What’s even more significant is the fact that for the many years that
passed since that event, it has contributed a great impact to each of the lives of the Filipino people.
Had it not been for Spanish intervention, the Philippines would likely have been a mostly Muslim
area. Nevertheless, it was a blessing in disguise that our ancestors have been baptized by the
Spaniards. Due to their selfish desires, they were, at the very least, being able to bring a lifelong
experience which has molded us to become even better individuals and citizens of one’s country.
However, when it comes to taking serious evaluations of the painting and the writings of Pigafetta,
we still are left with some curious minds to feed which neither alone satisfies. We must be very
keen in grasping whatever information is laid down in front of our eyes because it can affect our
individual perceptions in life.

As historical thinkers, we are expected to scrutinize every aspect it comprises. First is with
regards to historical significance, well we can evidently attest to the great change that has happened
brought about by that particular event written into the account of Pigafetta. In connection to that
is the continuity and changes that we adhere to and from both the past and present times of the
event’s occurrence. With that, we can clearly understand as to how we were able to be influenced
by the historic happening. Through knowing about historical perspectives, we are able to
understand the social, cultural, intellectual and emotional settings that shaped people’s lives and
actions in the past. Just like what happened during the time of Magellan, we are left in question as
to why and how Humabon was swayed with the persuasions of Ferdinand Magellan. Had he not
thought about it wisely before giving in? Something like this would not be found in Pigafetta’s
account but could also be significant. Instead, what we can do is widen our comprehension for us
to understand it in different angles given the historical perspectives. Moreover, it is undoubtful
that Pigafetta’s writings were of primary source as he himself was one of those who journeyed
with Magellan all throughout the voyage. We might not be able to turn back in time and do some
changes with some things that seem to be unfavorable to us, but what we can do at present is to
look for the brighter side of why it has happened and from there ensure to maximize the benefit
that it may give us. In this case, our being Roman Catholic may not be directly rooted from us, yet
let us still be appreciative because anyway, it helped us become distinct among other nations and
dominate the population. It is in learning from the past that aids us in facing the ethical issues of
today.

Through our history we can mirror out the life that we have right now from before. Not
only that, we are also given the freedom to protect our rights as well as know how to respect our
individual differences. Christianity has brought us to salvation. More importantly, it has drawn
each one of us closer through understanding, respecting, and supporting every individual’s
viewpoint especially on this matter. The Battle of Mactan has shaped much our culture and has
given us the moral that Filipinos are not just ordinary citizens nor they aren’t too naïve to let other
nation win over because in reality, all that has happened in the Battle of Mactan, has lead to
prosperity not only of the place where it was fought but we celebrate as one Filipino nation the
victory of proving to them that we also have something to counteract and we aren’t slaves as how
they perceive us to be. Little do they realize that they landed on the battlefield where hope and
love for the nation is preserved ever since. Thus, we continue to protect and fight for our rights.

Sources:

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/398045/reexamining-pigafettas-battle-of-mactan
http://www.seasite.niu.edu/crossroads/russell/christianity.htm