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?

Mainly, the difference is on how they welcomed and treated Magellan and his men. For
the people of Guam, unwelcoming attitude was experienced. The Guam people even
entered to the ships of the explorers and stole possessions from them. Because of this acts,
Magellan and his men defended themselves from these threatening behaviors which
resulted to the burning of several houses and killing of at least seven men on that island.
The happening was basically a “swift war” resulting to tragic outcomes for the Guam people.

In the island of Zamal (Samar), the nine people who approached Magellan and his men
already gave signs of safeness/harmless motives. The people even showed signs of joy of
the crews’ arrival. Because of this, the captain-general of the ship showed courtesy for these
hospitable people. They exchanged goods which showed interest with each other. They
introduced and familiarized themselves to each other. The travelers even learned about the
nature and uses of coconuts to the people of Samar. Magellan and his men also observed
the trustworthiness of this people by keeping their promise to deliver goods to them. The
travelers were allowed to rest and recover in the island without threats and bad experiences.

In Zubu (Cebu), there were also no bloodshed happened just like in Samar, but the
friendliness has been more formal. To make the story short, agreements in their
relationships in terms of their kings/rulers has been acknowledged. Several gifts and
offerings were given for the people of Cebu wherein the islanders also gave gifts and
entertainment to those travelers. This is one of the acts that showed peace agreements.
They also performed a formal ritual, “blood compact”, between the king and the captain.
Lastly, the announcement of Christianity, with no violence and force, were also accepted by
the Cebu islanders which made the travelers “wept with great joy”. By this, the captain
promised them that he would give them perpetual peace with the king of Spain.

All in all, the difference between the Guam people and the islanders of Samar and Cebu
is more on the hospitable and respecting attitude. Guam people, based on the text, were
unfriendly and had made a wrong decision on stealing from Magellan and his men which
resulted to tragic outcomes. On the other hand, Samar and Cebu Islanders showed their beliefs
in the importance of peace which produced agreements and courtesy. In other words, I can say
that the Guam people were ‘opportunist’ which resulted to their own fall. Conversely, Samar and
Cebu people were ‘reasonable’ which brought peace to both sides of the team.