1.

What is the primary reason of Antonio Pigafetta in writing the

document?

Antonio Pigafetta is a young Italian nobleman who had joined the expedition
of Magellan. He assisted Ferdinand Magellan in finding a route to Moluccas islands.
There are total of 5 ships and 237 crewmen, unfortunately only 1 ship and 18 sailors
survived the expedition. Pigafetta managed to stay alive along with his journal. The
journal of Antonio Pigafetta consists of detailed information about the discovery of
the western route to Moluccas.

The primary reason of recording his experiences is to serve as proof of

activities being carried out. Provide meticulous information to the king of Spain about
their experiences and findings that can be used in obtaining route to the spice
islands. His writings are an important source about the voyage of circumnavigation
that proved that the earth is round. Pigafetta recorded not only names of the places
that they have been to but also the customs and tradition of the natives. Also, his
primary reason in writing a journal is to present primary source to the other
explorers.

2. What is the main theme in the document?

The main theme of the document is to give an unfiltered information. It

delivers us the history of the Philippines because during their voyage they
accidentally discovered one of our islands. It shows us iconic and important events
about the past. The information accumulated from his journals were used as a
primary source of the Philippines history. This allowed the people to show their
opinions and views of the topic.

Through this Antonio Pigafetta proved the proposal of Magellan that there is
really a route from western to Moluccas. Some of the retrieved journals were
secured in museums and schools. The purpose of this document is to share their
hardships and success during their journey. From 5 ships down to only 1 that
survived. This document is a valuable asset and one of the evidence that no one
surpassed the voyage of Magellan.

    
 3. Which specific information in Pigafetta’s narrative helps you understand
and appreciate more our history?  

The first baptism that happened in Cebu on April 15, 1521. This event helps
me to really understand the beginning of Christianity in the Philippines. The
Philippines is the largest Catholic and Christian nation in Asia. Religion is embedded
in our culture which is quite unique because Asians are known to be deeply
entrenched in their beliefs. This shows that we Filipinos are naturally spiritual.

By knowing the history of our culture, it alleviates us to know our identity as a

member of a society. Being familiar with the past events gives us the capability to
learn from the failures of the previous generations. Appreciate the victories of the
past for it can support molding our future. The Philippines is infamous for having a
unique culture. That is why the other countries are fond in learning also our history.

4. Provide your personal evaluation on the impact of the document in the

understanding of the 16th century people and their culture in the
islands.

The 16th century was an era of economic expansion that played a major role
in shaping the social, cultural, and political of the early modern age. The document
has greatly influenced the lives of not just the Filipinos but the whole world. The
discoveries written in Antonio Pigafetta’s journals motivated the other explorers to
voyage and uncover new things. The expedition of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi
established contacts between Europeans and Filipinos. The successful colonization
of Spanish in the Philippines changed the way of living of the natives.

They changed their customs and traditions and mandated to follow the laws of
the country of Spain. This resulted to the oppressive rulings of the Spanish era. The
document paved the way of deeply understanding the life of the natives. Unraveled
their unique food and system of writing. Provide us information about their beliefs
and clothing style. The journals of Pigafetta is a vital primary source for it gives us
detailed resources.