M4: First Voyage Around the World Learning Activity 2

Module 4
Reinforcement Activity 2

1. How would you differentiate the people of Guam and the islanders of Samar
and Cebu as to their encounter with Magellan and his men?

In contrast to the hospitality shown by the islanders of Samar and Cebu towards
Magellan’s crew, the people of Guam did not welcome the fleet pleasantly. Instead, the
inhabitants of Guam entered the ship uninvited and robbed the crew of their provisions
and valuables, including Magellan’s skiff, which provoked the captain to order a raid on
the islanders. For this reason, Magellan called the island “Isla de Ladrones” or Island of
Thieves.
Cebu had frequent contact with Chinese and Arab merchants and would usually
need travelers to pay tribute to trade. Magellan persuaded the island's chief, Rajah
Humabon, to waive this condition. As he did in Limasawa, Magellan gave a display of
the fleet's guns to impress the locals. Again, he preached Christianity to the locals, and
on 14 April, Humabon and his family were baptized and given the image of the Holy
Child (later known as Santo Niño de Cebu). These events show the difference between
the people of Guam and the islanders of Samar and Cebu.
2. How did the people of Samar show their hospitality and friendliness?
Antonio Pigafetta (Magellan Chronicler) said they stayed for eight days on the
island of Homonhon, but had great difficulty getting food. A few cocoanuts and oranges,
palm wine and a chicken or two were brought to them by the natives, but this was all
that could be saved, so the Spaniards sailed again on the 25th, and landed on the small
island of Limasaua near the southern end of Leyte. Here was the village where two
chieftains met, dubbed 'Kings' by Pigafetta, and whose names were Raja Calambú and
Raja Ciagu. These two chieftains visited Limasaua and had their dwellings on the island
of Mindanao, one at Butúan and one at Cagayan.
3. What do you think were the reasons for their friendliness of these islanders
especially when they saw the big vessels?
The reason why they show hospitality to Magellan’s group because of
amusement and wanting changes for the community. It will allow the community to
develop the system and give chance to increase their trading with other traders. The
culture that people of Smar has similarity on terms of religion and they want to adapt it
for cultures.