Article I: The First Circumnavigation across the World and the Philippine Diary

The First Voyage around the World by Magellan that was written by Antonio Pigafetta
is the one of the most important primary sources in the study of Pre-Colonial period in the
Philippines. Antonio Pigafetta is an Italian traveler that accompanied Ferdinand Magellan in his
fateful circumnavigation of the World. Antonio’s travelogue was written by his perspective and
wrote every detail of their voyages until they reach their destination “Spice Island” which is
found in Maluku Islands or Indonesia today. Magellan set sail with 270 men and five ships
named; The Trinidad which is the main fleet, The San Antonio, The Victoria, The Conception,
and The Santiago. Antonio Pigafetta travelogue also written that Magellan is the first Europeans
to see the great ocean, which he named “Mar Pacifico” or “Pacific Ocean” because its waters
appeared calm in comparison to the difficult strait waters. One of the major referent to the events
are the following; Magellan’s arrival in the Philippines, his encounter with the local leaders,
death in the hands of Lapu Lapu’s force in the Battle of Mactan, and the departure of what was
left of Magellan’s Fleet from the Islands. According to Pigafetta’s travelogue, their fleet reached
what he called the “Landrones Island” or the “Island of the Thieves”. In his book he describes
that “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 call these three islands the
‘Ladrones Islands’.” Ten days after the arrival at Landrones Island, Pigafetta reported that they
have landed at “Isle of Zamal” (now known as Samar) however, Magellan decided to land in
another uninhabited Island for a greater security, so they could rest for days. On the 18th of
March, nine men from the Island came to see them with Joy and welcome them with food, drinks
and gifts. Pigafetta was fascinated and amazed, he describe the people of the island as “very
familiar and friendly’. After that the Fleet went to Humunu Island (Homonhon) which they
found the first signs of the Gold and named it together with a nearby Island as the archipelago of
St. Lazarus. The leader of the Island named “Raia Siagu” became closely bonded with Magellan
as they both exchange gifts to one another. A few days later, Magellan was introduced to the
king’s brother named Raia Calambu who was also a king of another island where they saw the
first sign of gold. On the 31th of March, Magellan ordered the chaplain to preside Mass by the
shore and the king sent two pigs and attended the mass with his brother. The first Mass in the
Philippines happen, the famed Magellan’s Cross which is still preserved today is the same cross
which Magellan explained to the kings as a sign of his emperor. He further explained that once
the Spaniards saw that cross they would know that they have been there and would not cause any
trouble. When they reach the port of Zubu (Cebu) Magellan encouraged them on the 14th day of
April to be a good Christian by burning all the dolls and worship the cross instead. The King of
Cebu was then baptized as a Christian and 8 days later all island inhabitant was already baptized.
26th of April a principal man from the Island of Matan (Mactan) went to see Magellan and asked
him for a boat full of men so he would be able to fight the chief name Datu LapuLapu. He
offered 3 boats instead and went to Mactan to fight the said chief. The event will be the voyage
of Magellan as he was died in battle and was pierced with a poison arrow on his right leg. The
King of Cebu offered the people of Mactan gifts of any value and amount in exchange of
Magellan’s body, but the chief refused and wanted to keep Magellan’s body as a “memento for
their victory”. After Magellan’s death his men elected Duarte Barbosa as their new captain and
set sail to continue their journey around the world. Meanwhile the survivors burned “The
Conception” and proceeded onward with only enough men left on the crew and continued their
search for the Spice Island. In November 1521 they finally reach the Spice Island and loaded up
on precious cargo. “The Victoria” continued west and made it back to Spain with a full cargo of
cloves and cinnamon. Just 18 of the original crew of 270 had made it home. Magellan set out to
discover a Western route to the “Spice Island” but he ended up proving instead, that the world
was indeed round and bigger than anyone had previously imagined. The First Voyage of the
World by Magellan was published when Antonio Pigafetta came back in Italy. His works
became a classic that prominent literary men in the West like William Shakespeare, Michel de
Montaigne, and Giambattista Vico. The document held a great significance to explore the great
history of the Philippines and be able to learn the perspective of our ancestor in the Pre-Colonial
times.