A Brief Summary of:
The First Voyage Around the World by Magellan
By Antonio Pigafetta
Ferdinand Magellan
 In search of fame and fortune, Portuguese explorer
Ferdinand Magellan (c.1480- 1521) set out from Spain
in 1519 with a fleet of five ships to discover a western
sea route to the Spice Island.
 He became the first European to cross the Pacific
Ocean.
 Discovered Philippines (named it Archipelago of
Lazarus)
 Introduced Christianity in the Philippines
Antonio Pigafetta
 Italian noble man who accompanied Ferdinand Magellan
in his fateful circumnavigation of the world.
 His work instantly became a classic that prominent
literary men in the West like William Shakespeare,
Michel de Montaigne, and Giambattista Vico referred to
the book in their interpretation of the New World.
 His travelogue is one of the most important primary
sources in the study of the precolonial Philippines.
 His account was also a major referent to the events
leading to Magellan’s Arrival in the Philippines, his
encounter with the local leaders, his death in the hands
of Lapulapu’s forces in the Battle of Mactan, and in the
departure of what was left of Magellan’s fleet from the
islands.
 The First Voyage Around the World by Magellan was
published after Pigafetta returned to Italy.
*Examining the document reveals several insights not just in
the character of the Philippines during the precolonial
period, but also on how the fresh eyes of the Europeans
regard a deeply unfamiliar terrain, environment, people, and
culture.
*In Pigafetta’s account, their fleet reached what he called
the Ladrones Islands or the “Islands of the Thieves.” He
recounted:
“These people have no arms, but use sticks, which
have a fish bone at the end. They are poor, but
ingenious, and great thieves, and for the sake of that
we called these three islands the Ladrones Islands.”
 The Ladrones Islands is presently known as the
Marianas Islands. These islands are located south-
southeast of Japan, west-southwest of Hawaii, north
of New Guinea, and east of Philippines.
 Ten days after they reached Ladrones Islands,
Pigafetta reported that they reached what Pigafetta
called the Isle of Zamal, now Samar but Magellan
decided to land in another uninhabited island for
greater security where they could rest for a few days.
 After 2 days, March 18, nine men came to them and
showed joy and eagerness in seeing them. They
welcomed them with food, drinks and gifts. In turn,
the natives gave them fish, palm wine(uraca), figs,
two cochos (bore fruits), rice(umai), cocos and other
food supplies.
*** in short the two parties became friends and
exchanged gifts and they willingly showed them
different islands and the name of these islands
 They went to Humunu Island(Homonhon) where they
found what Pigafetta referred to as the “Watering
Places of Good Signs” and where he wrote in his
account that they found the first signs of gold in the
island. They named the island with the nearby islands
as the archipelago of St. Lazarus.
 On March 25th, they saw two ballanghai (balangay), a
long boat full of people in Mazzava/Mazaua.
 The king of the ballanghai(balangay) named Raia
Siagu, sent his men to the ship of Magellan where the
Europeans entertained these men and gave them gifts
 The king in that ballanghai even offered a bar of gold
and a chest of ginger to Magellan, but he declined.
But instead he asked for money for the needs of his
ships and expressed that he came into the islands as a
friend and not as a n enemy.
 the two parties basically became friends and
exchanged gifts. And was even introduced to the
king’s brother named Raia Calambu who also a king of
another island where they saw mines of gold.
 The king allowed for the cross to be planted in their
area.
 Magellan and his men decided to look for islands
where they could acquire more supplies and
provisions. They learned of the islands of Ceylon
(Leyte), Bohol, and Zzubu (Cebu) and intended to go
there.
 Raia Calambu offered to pilot then in going to Cebu,
the largest and the richest of the islands. The king of
Cebu, demanded that they pay tribute as it was
customary, but Magellan refused. Magellan said that
he was a captain of a king himself and thus would not
pay tribute to other kings.
 The king of Cebu consulted his council and met in an
open space the next day together with other principal
men of Cebu and Magellan’s men.
 The king offered a bit of his blood (sanduguan) and
demanded that Magellan do the same. And said that
It is a great sign of affection. then the Magellan’s
people answered that he would do it
 The following day, Magellan spoke before the people
of Cebu about peace and God.
 The people of Cebu took pleasure in Magellan’s
speech where were reportedly convinced and wished
to become Christians.
 On 14th of April, the people gathered with the king and
other principal men of the islands, where Magellan
-------------- end of my report. Thank you! --------------
spoke to the king and encouraged him to be a good
Chrisitian by burning all of the idols and worship the
cross instead. The king of Cebu was then baptized as a
Christian and named him Don Charles (Carlos). The
king swore that he would always be faithful to
Magellan.
 Then after 8 days, Pigafetta counted that all of the
island’s inhabitant were already baptized. He
admitted that they burned a village down for obeying
neither the king nor Magellan.
 On the 26th of April, Zula, a principal man from the
island of Matan (Mactan) went to see Magellan and
asked him for a boat dull of men so that he would be
able to fight the chief named Silapulapu (Lapulapu).
Magellan then offered 3 boats instead and expressed
his desire to go to Mactan himself to fight the said
chief.
 Magellan died in that battle. The natives, perceiving
that the bodies of the enemies were protected with
armors, aimed for their legs instead. Magellan was
pierced with a poisoned arrow in his right leg. He was
specifically targeted because the natives knew that he
was the captain general.
 THE ANALYSIS OF PIGAFETTA’S CHRONICLE

The chronicle of Pigafetta was one of the most cited documents by historians who wished to
study the pre-colonial Philippines. As one of the earliest written accounts, Pigafetta was seen as a
credible source for a period, which was prior unchronicled and undocumented. Indeed, Pigafetta’s
work is of great importance in the study and writing of Philippine history. In the case of Pigafetta,
the reader needs to understand that he was a chronicler commissioned by the King of Spain to
accompany and document a voyage intended to expand the Spanish empire.

He was also of noble descent who came from a rich family in Italy. Being a scholar of
cartography and geography, Pigafetta was able to give details on geography and climate of the
places that their voyage had reached. In reading Pigafetta’s description of the people, one has to
keep in mind that he was coming from a sixteenth century European perspective. Hence, the reader
might notice how Pigafetta, whether implicity or explicity, regarded the indigenous beliefs systems
and way of life as inferior to that of Christianity and of the Europeans.

He would always remark on the nakedness of the natives or how he was fascinated by their
exotic culture. His observations and assessments of the indigenous attires of the natives, Pigafetta
saw them as being naked because from the European standpoint, they wearing fewer clothes
indeed.The same was true for materials that the natives used for their houses like palm and
bamboo.

It should be understood that such observations were rooted from the context of Pigafetta
and of his era. Europe for example was dominated by the Holy Roman Empire, whose loyalty and
purpose was the domination of the Catholic Church all over the world.Hence, other beliefs systems
different from that of christianity were percieved to be blasphemous and barbaric, even demonic.
These contexts should be used and understood in order to have a more qualified reading of
pigafetta's account.
 THE KKK AND THE “KARTILYA NG KATIPUNAN”

KATAASTAASAN, KAGALANGGALANGANG KATIPUNAN NG MGA ANAK NG BAYAN (KKK)

 Is arguably the most important organization formed in the Philippine history.
KATIPUNAN

 It is only this organization that envisioned.

1. Moral goal - A United Filipino Nation that would revolt against the Spaniards for.
2. Political gaol- The total independence of the country from Spain.
3. Civic gaol – was to encourage Filipinos to help themselves and to defend the poor oppressed
Example:

DIAGO SILANG

 Was known as an Ilocano who took up his arms and led one of the longest running revolts in the
country.
 Was mainly concerned about his locality and referred to him as El Rey de ILOCOS (The King of
ILOCOS)
There are the three types of council:

1. Supreme council
2. Provincial council
3. Popular council
THE PROPAGANDA MOVMENTS LED

 MARCELO H. DEL PILAR, GRACIANO LOPEZ JAENA AND JOSE RIZAL.

“THE KARTILYA NG KATIPUNAN”

 Was one of the most important KATIPUNAN document.

“MANGA ARAL NANG KATIPUNAN NG MGA A.W.B”

 The original title of the document or the (“lessons of the organization of the sons country”)
1896 – EMILIO JACINTO was written this document.

EMILIO JACINTO

 Was 18 years old when he joined the movement.

 He was law student at the UNIVERSIDAD DE SANTO TOMAS.
 JACINTO’S KARTILYA was much better than the DECALOGUE he wrote.
 He is secretary of the organization.
 He died at the age of 24 in the town of Magdalena, Laguna.
April 15 1897- Jacinto was 22 years old when BONIFACIO appointed him as a commander of KATIPUNAN in
northern Luzon.

There are rules contains fourteen that instruct the way a KATIPONERO should behave, and which specific
values should be uphold.

In generally the rules stated in KARTILYA can be classified into two:

 Contains the rules that will make the member an upright individual.
 Contains the rules that make guide the way he treats his fellow men.

I. The life that in not consecrated to a lofty and reasonable purpose is a tree without a shade, if not a
poisonous weed.
II. To do good for personal gain and not for its own sake is not virtue.
III. It is rational to be charitable and love one’s fellow creature, and to adjust one’s conduct, acts and
words to what is in itself reasonable.
IV. Whether our skin is black or white, we are all born equal, superiority in knowledge wealth and
beauty are to be understood, but not superiority by nature.
V. The honorable man prefers honor to personal gain the scoundrel gain to honor.
VI. To the honorable man, his word is scared.
VII. Do not waste thy time: wealth can be recovered but not time lost.
VIII. Depend the oppressed and fight the oppressor before the law or in the field.
IX. The prudent man is sparing in words and faithful in keeping secrets.
X. On the thorny path of life, man is the guide of woman and the children, and if the guide leads to the
precipice, those whom he guides will also go there.
XI. Thou must not look upon woman as a mere-plaything, but as a faithful companion who will share
with three penalties of life her (physical) wellness will increase they interest in her and she remind
thee of the mother who bore thee and read thee.
XII. What thou dost not desire done unto thy wife, children, brothers and sisters of the neighbor.
XIII. Man is not worth more because he is a key, because his hose is a priest, a servant of god, nor
because of the high prerogative that he enjoys upon earth, but he is worth most who is a man of
proven and real value, who does good, keeps his words, is worthy and honest, he who does not
oppress nor consent to being oppressed, he who loves and cherishes his father land, though he be
born in the wilderness and know no tongue but his own.
XIV. When these rules of conduct shall be known to all, the longed for sum of liberty shall rise brilliant
over this unhappiest portion of the globe and its rays shall diffuse everlasting joy among the
confederated brethren of the same rays the lives of those who have gone before, the fatigues and
the will paid sufferings will remain. If he who derives to inter has informed himself of all this and
believes he will be able to perform what will be his duties he may fill out the application for
admission.
 Analysis of the “Kartilya ng Katipunan”

Similar to what we have done to the accounts of Pigafetta, this primary source also needs to be analyzed in
terms of content and context. As a document written for a fraternity whose main purpose is to overthrow
a colonial regime, we can explain the content and provisions of the Kartilya as a reaction and response to
certain value systems that they found despicable in the present of things that they struggled against with.
For example, the fourth and the thirteenth rules in the Kartilya are an invocation of the inherent equality
between and among men regardless of race, occupation, or status. In the context of the Spanish colonial
era where the indios were treated as the inferior of the white Europeans, the Katipunan saw to it that the
alternative order that they wished to promulgate through their revolution necessarily destroyed this kind
of unjust hierarchy.

Moreover, one can analyze the values upheld in the document as consistent with the burgeoning rational
and liberal ideals in the eighteenth and nineteenth century. Equality, tolerance, freedom, and liberty were
values that first emerged in the eighteenth century French Revolution, which spread throughout Europe
and reached the educated class of the colonies. Jacinto an ilustrado himself certainly got an understanding
of these values. Aside from the liberal values that can be dissected in the document, we can also decipher
certain Victorian and chivalrous values in the text. For example, various provisions in the Kartilya
repeatedly emphasized the importance of honor in words and in action. The teaching of the Katipunan on
how women should be treated with honor and respect, while positive in many respects and certainly a
significant side from the practice of raping and physically abusing women, can still be telling of the
Katipunan’s secondary regard for women in relation to men. For example, in the tenth rule, the document
specifically stated that men should be the guide of women and children, and that he should set a good
example, otherwise the women and the children would be guided in the path of evil. Nevertheless, the
same document stated that women should be treated as companions by men and not as playthings that
can be exploited for their pleasure.

In the contemporary eyes, the Katipunan can be criticized because of these provisions. However, one must
not forget the context where the organization was born. Not even in Europe or in the whole of the West at
that juncture recognized the problem of gender inequality. Indeed, it can be argued that Katipunan’s
recognition of women as important partners in the struggle, as reflected not just in Kartilya but also in the
organizational structure of the fraternity where a women’s unit was established, is an endeavor advanced
for its time. Aside from Rizal’s known letter to the Women of Malolos, no same effort by the supposed
cosmopolitan Propaganda Movement was achieved until the movement’s eventual disintegration in the
latter part of the 1890’s.

Aside from this, the Kartilya was instructive not just of the Katipunan’s conduct toward other people, but
also for the members’ development as individuals in their own rights. Generally speaking, the rules in the
Kartilya can be classified as either directed to how one should treat his neighbor or to how one should
develop and conduct one’s self. Both are essential to the success and fulfillment of the Katipunan’s ideals.
For the example, the Kartilya’s teachings on honoring one’s word and not wasting time are teachings
directed toward self-development, while the rules on treating the neighbor’s wife, children, and brothers
the way that you want yours to be treated is an instruction on how Katipuneros should treat and regard
their neighbors.

All in all, proper reading of the Kartilya will reveal a more thorough understanding of the Katipunan and
the significant role that it played in the revolution and in the unfolding of the Philippine history, as we
know it.
 Chapter 2

Content and Contextual Analysis of Selected Primary Sources in Philippine History

Learning Objectives:

 To familiarize oneself with the primary documents in different historical periods of the Philippines.
 To learn History through primary sources.
 To properly interpret primary sources through examining the contact and the context of the
document.
 To understand the context behind each selected document.

In the preceding chapter, we have discussed the importance of familiarizing oneself about the different
kinds of historical sources. The historian’s primary tool of understanding and interpreting the past is the
historical sources. Historical sources ascertain historical facts. Such facts are then analyzed and interpreted
by the historian to weave historical narrative. Specifically, historians who study certain historical subjects
and events need to make use of various primary sources in order to weave narrative. Primary sources, as
discussed in the preceding chapter, consist of documents, memoir, accounts, and other materials that
were produced at the period of the event or subject being studied.

Using primary sources in historical research entails two kinds of criticism. The first one is the external
criticism, and the second one is the internal criticism. External Criticism examines the authenticity of the
document or the evidence being used. This is important in ensuring that the primary source is not
fabricated. On the other hand, Internal Criticism examines the truthfulness of the content of the evidence.

However, this criticism requires not just the act establishing truthfulness and/or accuracy but also the
examination of the primary sources in terms of the context of its production. For example, a historian
would have to situate the document in the period of its production, or in the background of its authors. In
other words, it should be recognized that facts are neither existing in a vacuum nor produced from a blank
slate. These are the products of the time and of the people.

In this chapter, we are going to look at a number of primary sources from different historical periods and
evaluate these documents content in terms of historical value, and examine the context of their
production. The primary sources that we are going to examine are Antonio Pigafetta’s First Voyage around
the World, Emilio Jacinto’s “Kartilya ng Katipunan,” the 1898 Declaration of Philippine Independence,
Political Cartoon’s Alfred McCoy’s Philippine Cartoons: Political Caricature of the American Era (1900-
1941), and Corazon Aquino’s speech before the U.S Congress. These primary sources range from
chronicles, official documents, speeches, and cartoons to visual arts. Needless to say, different types of
sources necessitate different kinds of analysis and contain different levels of importance. We are going to
explore that in this chapter.

REPORTER: NORHATA Y. TEKOKEN

 Reading the ‘‘Proclamation of the Philippine Independence’’

Every year, the country commemorates the anniversary of the Philippine Independence
proclaimed on June 12 1898, in the province of Cavite. Indeed, such event is a significant turning
point in the history of the country because it signaled the end of 333 years of Spanish colonization.
There have been a numerous studies done on the events leading to the independence of the
country but very few students had the chance to read the actual document of the declaration. This
is in spite of the historical importance of the document and the details that the document reveals.
Reading the details of the said document in hindsight is telling of the kind of government thaw was
created under Emilio Aguinaldo. The declaration was a short 2000-word document, which
summarized the reason behind the revolution against Spain, the war for independence, and the
future of the new republic under Emilio Aguinaldo.

The proclamation commenced with a characterization of the conditions in the Philippines during the
Spanish colonial period. The document specifically mentioned abuses and inequalities in the colony.

The above passage demonstrates the justifications behind the revolution against the Spain. Specifically
cited are the abuse by the Civil Guard and the unlawful shooting of prisoners whom they alleged as
attempting to escape. The passage condemns the unequal protection of the law between the Filipino
people and the ‘‘eminent personages’’. Moreover, the line mentions the avarice and greed of the clergy
like the friars and the Archbishop himself. Lastly, the passage also condemns what they saw as the unjust
deportation and rendering of other decision without proper hearing, expected of any civilized nation.

From here, the proclamation proceeded with a brief historical overview of the Spanish occupation since
Magellan’s arrival in Visayas until the Philippine Revolution, with specific details about the latter, especially
after the Pact of Biak-na-Bato had collapsed.

The proclamation of independence also invokes that the established republic would be led under the
dictatorship of Emilio Aguinaldo. The first mention was at the very beginning of the proclamation. It stated:

‘‘In the town of Cavite Viejo, in this province of Cavite, on the twelfth day of June eighteen hundred and
ninety-eight, before me, Don Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista, Auditor of War and Special Commissioner
appointed to proclaim and solemnize this act by the Dictatorial Government of these Philippine Islands, for
the purposes and by virtue of the circular addressed by the Eminent Dictator of the same Don Emilio
Aguinaldo y Famy.’’

Another detail in the proclamation that is worth looking at is its explanation on the Philippine Flag that was
first wave on the same day. The white triangle represents the distinctive emblem of the famous Katipunan
Society, which means of this insurrection; the three stars represent the three principal Island on this
Archipelago, Luzon, Mindanao and Panay; in which his insurrectionary movement broke out; the sun
represent the gigantic strides that have been made by the sons of this land on the road of progress and
civilization, its eight rays symbolizing the Eight provinces of Manila, Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva
Ecija, Bataan, Laguna and Batangas. The color blue, red and white commemorate those of the flag of the
United States of North America.

REPORTER: JEHAD I. SEBANGAN

Analysis of the
 “Proclamation of the Philippine Independence”

The document on the declaration of independence can reveal some often overlooked historical truths
about this important event in Philippine history. Also reflects the general revolutionary sentiment of that
period.
This is ironic especially when renowned Philippine Revolution historian, Teodoro Agoncillo stated that the
Philippine Revolution was an agrarian revolution.
The common revolutionary soldiers fought in the revolution for the hope of owning the lands that they
were tilling once the friar estates in different provinces like Batangas and Laguna dissolve, if and when the
revolution succeeded.
The proclamation also give us the impression on how the victorious revolutionary government Emilio
Aguinaldo historicized the struggle for independence.
There were mentions of past events that were seen as important turning points of the movement against
Spain.
 The execution of the GOMBURZA
 Failed Cavite Mutiny of 1872
 Jose Rizal’s legacy and martyrdom
This shows that they saw this event as a significant awakening of the Filipinos in the real condition of the
nation under Spain.
There was no mention of the Katipunan’s foundation. Andres Bonifacio and his co-founders were also left
out. It can be argued, thus, that the way of historical narration found in the document also reflects the
politics of the victors.
The enmity between Aguinaldo’s Magdalo and Bonifacio’s Magdiwang in the Katipunan is no secret in the
pages of our history.
The point is even official records and document like the proclamation of independence, while truthful most
of the time, still exude the politics and biases of whoever is in power.
This tell us a lesson on taking primary sources like official government records within the circumstances of
this production.
Studying one historical records, thus, entails looking at multiple primary sources and pieces of historical
evidences in order to have a more nuance and contextual analysis of our past.
 A Glance At Selected Philippines Political Caricatures

In Alfred Mc’coys Philippine Cartoons: Political Caricatures Of The American Era

Political cartoons and caricature are a rather recent art form, which veered away from the
classical art by exaggerating human features and poking fun at its subject. Such art genre and
techniques became a part of the print media as a form of social and political commentary. which
usually targets person of powers and authority. The unique way that a caricatures represent
opinion and captures the audiences imagination enough for historians examine these political
cartoons. Commentaries in mass media inevitably shape public opinion and such kind of opinion is
worthy of historical examination.

In his book Philippines cartoons: Political caricatures of the American Era (1900-1941), Alfred Mc’Coy,
together with Alfredo Roces , compiled political cartoons published in newspapers dailies and periodicals in
the aforementioned time period .

The first example showed above was published in The independent on May 20, 1916. The cartoons shows
politicians Tondo. Named Dr. Santos passing his crown to his brother in-law. Dr. Barcelona . A Filipino guy
depicted wearing Salakot and Barong tagalog was trying to stop Santos telling the latter to stop giving the
Barcelona the crown because it is no his to begin with.

The second cartoons was a commentary on the unprecedented cases of Colorums automobile in the city
street . The Philippine free press published this commentary involving colorum vehicles and taxis occurred
too often already. The next depicts a cinema. A blown up police officer was at the screen saying that
couples are not allowed to neck and make love in the theater . Two youngsters looked horrified while an
older couple seemed amused.
 Analysis of the Political Caricatures during the American Period

The transition from the Spanish Colonial period to American Occupation period
demonstrated different strands of and changes shift in culture, society, and politics. The American’s
drastically introduced democracy to the nascent nations and the consequence were far from ideal.
Aside from this, it was also during the American period that Filipino were introduced to different
manifestation of modernity like health care, modern transportation and media. This ushered in a
more open and freer press. The post-independence and the post-Filipino-American period in the
Philippines were experienced differently by Filipinos coming from the different classes. The upper
principalia class experienced economic prosperity with the opening up of the Philippine economy to
the United States but the majority of the poor Filipino remained poor, desperate, and victims of
state repression.
The selected cartoons illustrate not only the opinion of certain media outfits about the Philippine society
during the American period but also paint a broad image of society and politics under the United State. In
the arena of politics, for example, we see the price that Filipino’s paid for the democracy modeled after the
Americans. First, it seemed that Filipino politicians at the time did not understand well enough the essence
of democracy and accompanying democratic institutions and process. This can be seen in the rising
dynastic politics in Tondo as depicted in the cartoon published by The independent. Patronage became
influential and powerful, not only between the clients and the patron but also between the newly formed
of political parties compose by the elite and the united states.
The transition from a catholic centered Spanish Filipino society to an Imperial American -assisted one, and
on its complications, were also depicted in the cartoons, one example is the unprecedented increase of
motorized vehicles in the city. Automobile’s become a popular mode of transportation in the city and led
to the emergence of taxis. However, the laws and the policy implementation was mediocre.
Lastly, the cartoons also illustrated the condition of poor Filipinos in the Philippines now governed by the
united states. From the looks of it, nothing must has changed for example, a cartoon depicted how police
authorities oppress petty Filipino criminals while turning in a blind eye on a boarder who monopolize
goods in their huge warehouse (presumably Chinese merchants).