Name: Kyla Francheska N.

Garcia
Course/Year/Section: BSE Filipino 2-1
Date:
Submitted to: Mr. Aldrin P. Baes

Republic of the Philippines

CAVITE STATE UNIVERSITY
Don Severino de las Alas Campus
Indang, Cavite, Philippines

Instructions:
1. Formulate an argument that will support your claims in the ff questions below.
Provide credible sources/references.
2. Develop critical and critical skills through exposure to primary documents/sources
3. Demonstrate the ability to use primary sources to provide and formulate arguments
for/or against a particular issue. 

Questions:

1. What is the importance of knowing the multi-perspective of Philippine History?

I understand that history is all about facts, however, we see the world distinctively
perhaps because of our differences in tradition, religion, beliefs, values, norms, and
experiences. Furthermore, a particular individual or event perceived and interpreted can
vary or change over time, thus, different perspectives appear. That is the reason why
knowing multi-perspectives of Philippine history is crucial because it will encourage us to
recognize and evaluate diverse points of view so we might prevent focusing on one
perspective only. In this case, we are travelers who ought to explore multiple perspectives
to get the entire picture and story of an event, personality, and culture in history. Through
reading and understanding history, we will notice that facts are still the same, but the
interpretation and perspectives often change because of the views of several historians who
wrote that at a specific time. As well as it stimulates us to find the primary and secondary
Name: Kyla Francheska N. Garcia
Course/Year/Section: BSE Filipino 2-1
Date:
Submitted to: Mr. Aldrin P. Baes
sources that are needed in studying history. Knowing the multi-perspective of Philippine
history will help us to compare resources,

enables us to think critically and assists us to know the authenticity and accuracy of each
perspective. Moreover, using evidence and by scrutinizing multi-perspectives of Philippine
history, people may reduce/avoid bias that may lead to distortions of truth and conflict with
the understanding of history.

2. What are the controversies and issues surrounding the life of Lapu-Lapu?

LapuLapu's life was complex because several historians have different versions of his
life. Though, as I explore further, these are certain controversies and issues surrounding the
life of LapuLapu: The confusion about his name, the conflict between Lapulapu and Rajah
Humabon, the real weapon he used in the Battle of Mactan, and issue about Lapulapu killed
Magellan.

The confusion about his name

No one tells the real name of Lapulapu because there are several versions of his
name came out such as Cilapulapu, Pulapula (red), Si Lapulapu, Salip Pulaka, Cali Pulaco, and
LapuLapu Dimantag. Nevertheless, according to Antonio Pigafetta’s Chronicles, Cilapulapu
was the right because this was the one, he used in his writings. As of now, Lapulapu is still
the popular name of him.

The conflict between Lapu-lapu and Rajah Humabon

At first, they had a great relationship particularly at the time where Rajah Humabon
allowed Lapulapu to settle in the region of Mandawili (known today as Mandaue), including
the Opong area. As a return, he should maintain the richness of the island. As the time goes
by, he became the courageous chief of the island and called as Datu Lapulapu. Lapulapu also
helped Rajah Humabon to improve the island and the natural resources; it symbolizes his
gratitude to him. Eventually, when Magellan landed in Cebu, he come to be a friend of Rajah
Name: Kyla Francheska N. Garcia
Course/Year/Section: BSE Filipino 2-1
Date:
Submitted to: Mr. Aldrin P. Baes
Humabon. That was the reason why he had an opportunity to introduce Christianity to
them. However, the conflict between Lapulapu and Rajah Humabon began when Lapulapu
rejected

and disobeyed the order of Rajah Humabon and the Spaniards. Consequently, Rajah
Humabon searched for a way that he could cut Lapulapu’s power, and he thought that
Magellan could help. This issue caused the Battle of Mactan.

The real weapon he used in the Battle of Mactan

There are discussions among historians about the weapon that Lapulapu used in the
battle. Various historians said that he used a bow and arrow, and some said he used a
sword. The belief was when the first statue of Lapulapu in Cebu was built, the weapon he
carries was just a bow and arrow wherein the arrow was directed in the municipality. People
believed that it was a curse when the three mayors of Cebu died and did not complete their
term because of it. Thus, the next mayor replaced the weapon of the statue with a sword.
They assumed that it may be a Lapulapu’s seal of approval because that mayor was able to
finish his term, and nothing dangerously happened to him. Possibly, at their time and during
the war, bow and arrow were for the lower class, while the sword was for those who are
higher class.

Issue about Lapulapu killed Magellan

Magellan died in the Battle of Mactan, and they said that Lapulapu was the one who
defeated him. It was evident in HEKASI/Araling Panlipunan books when I was in elementary.
Still, several historians claimed that there was no single combat between Lapulapu and
Magellan during the war because at that time, Lapulapu was 70 years old already so he may
possibly just on afar and observed only the war at that time. Likewise, a man came near, and
using a broadsword he cut the head of Magellan by the neck according to Magellan’s
chronicler and historian, Antonio Pegafetta. As well, the man who carried the broadsword
and killed Ferdinand was Boholano named Sampong Baha (Who Killed Magellan - Just,
Name: Kyla Francheska N. Garcia
Course/Year/Section: BSE Filipino 2-1
Date:
Submitted to: Mr. Aldrin P. Baes
2021). Basically, Lapulapu was not the one exactly killed Magellan; he was simply the leader
of the troop who killed Magellan.

3. What were some beliefs and cultures during the pre-Spanish period that are still
observed today?

There are numerous beliefs formed in the pre-Spanish era, but here are some of
those cultures and beliefs that are still observed today:

Beliefs- People had animistic beliefs wherein they believed every creature in this world has a
soul. Nowadays, some tribes continue the old practices and traditions of animism. Likewise,
they previously believed in myths like mythological creatures (e.g., aswang, tiikbalang,
kapre, tiyanak, duwende, and such); as well in anting-anting or agimat, kulam, and the use
of love potion or gayuma. These superstitious beliefs are evident today, specifically to those
who live in barrio.

Tax- Beforehand, they practiced paying tax or buwis so they would be given a protection
from the Datu, and the non-payment of taxes would receive punishments. At this time,
resident citizens of this country who earn an income should pay their taxes.

Writing system- Baybayin was introduced and used as a writing system during the pre-
Spanish era. Although it was an old writing system, some people nowadays study and utilize
baybayin in school; especially us who are talking Education major in Filipino.

Government officials- Before, there was a Datu who was the highest authority during the
pre-Spanish era that I will compare with the president today. Next is the Maharlika who
worked as warriors, and I will equate them with the military soldiers who serve for our
country. Third is the Timawa or freeman who was allowed to own property and pay taxes
just like the common people in this democratic country. Fourth is the
Umalohokan/announcer who disseminates the laws to people in the past; I will compare
Name: Kyla Francheska N. Garcia
Course/Year/Section: BSE Filipino 2-1
Date:
Submitted to: Mr. Aldrin P. Baes
them with the spokesperson in our day. Lastly are the aliping namamahay that I will relate
with the stay-out housemaids and the aliping saguiguilid that I will compare with the maids
who live with their boss.

Economic life- Ever since, mining, weaving, poultry raising, and farming are the means of
livelihood, and today, people still do this as a work.

Ornaments- The Philippines is abundant in gold which was the reason why gold was used as
material in making jewelry for women (e.g., necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, etc.) before
and in today’s era. For men, tattoos were their fascination because it symbolizes strength
and bravery in pre-Spanish and today’s era.

Alliance- In advance, Sanduguan was a form of alliance through blood compact. They
performed it to ensure friendship, conformity, and commitment. Now, the alliance system is
still observed and practiced to achieve military and political success.

4. What is your own definition of the word "freedom"?

This is my own definition of freedom

F-ree from choosing our desires, but, with associated
R-esponsibilities, restrictions, and limitations. May allow us to
E-xpress ourselves willingly, and
E-njoy our rights as people. Moreover, it facilitates us to 
D-iscover and do what we want, however,
O- ut of control actions due to overusing of freedom might cause
M-istakes in the future.

5. In your own point of view, does the cry for independence really matter in declaring such
independence?
Name: Kyla Francheska N. Garcia
Course/Year/Section: BSE Filipino 2-1
Date:
Submitted to: Mr. Aldrin P. Baes
Indeed. I believe that occasionally, in battling our human rights, being silent is helpful
to lessen the possibility of having a war, however, being silent has also the power to tolerate
the cruel colonizers. In the reality, people should speak up for their rights and needs. Even
though having revolution against the colonizers was complicated, the cry for independence
was a huge help because this was the turning point when the Katipuneros negated the
domination of Spanish colonizers in the Philippines. It was called the cry of Pugad Lawin
which means decision or calling for the rebellion. Furthermore, the historical

tearing of the cedula happened during that time because they wanted to show their revolt
against the Spanish colonizers. For me, they did that because they wanted to show the
official declaration of the separation from Spanish regime and to fight for Philippine’s
independence. The cry for independence matters because it imposed the boundaries for our
colonizers, and it demonstrated that Filipinos are brave enough to stand for their rights.
Lastly, if they remained voiceless, maybe oppression in our country will lasts.

References:

Lopez, J. (2021, March 30). Lapu-Lapu: The story and myths behind the Filipino hero.

Medium; The Hyphenated Filipino.

https://medium.com/the-hyphenated-filipino/lapu-lapu-the-story-and-myths-behind-

the-filipino-hero-2cad84a4c9df

News, U. (2018). Cry of Pugad Lawin | Today in History [YouTube Video]. In YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uh7oowrwvJQ

Ronica Valdeavilla. (2018, September 14). The Story of Lapu-Lapu: The Legendary Filipino

Hero. Culture Trip; The Culture Trip.

https://theculturetrip.com/asia/philippines/articles/the-story-of-lapu-lapu-the-

legendary-filipino-hero/
Name: Kyla Francheska N. Garcia
Course/Year/Section: BSE Filipino 2-1
Date:
Submitted to: Mr. Aldrin P. Baes

Sevilla, K. (2013). Pre spanish period in the philippines. Slideshare.net.

https://www.slideshare.net/Kate_JRG/pre-spanish-period-in-the-philippines

Who Killed Magellan - Just. (2019). StuDocu; StuDocu.

https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/mindanao-state-university/physical-

education/who-killed-magellan-just/26118077