PEER EVALUATION FOR GROUP ASSIGNMENT

Participant’s Name: ESPIRITU, LIEA CHARYLLE A. Section: HRDM 2-1

Topic Assigned: “BATTLE OF MACTAN” By: Emma Helen Blair and James Alexander
Robertson

Espiritu, Liea Abalos, Anasco, Asuncion Baldedara, Cabatbat, Chiu,

Charylle A. Rhenea Cris Leigh , Robemil Angelica Mark Catherine
Abalos Joyce Deo Yvonne

1.Dependable 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
in attending
group
meetings

2. Willingly 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
accepted
assigned
tasks

3.Contributed 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
positively in
group
discussions

4.Completed 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
work on
time and
submitted to
the leader for
consolidation

5. Helped 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
others with
their work
when needed

6. Did work 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
accurately
and
completely

7. 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
Contributed a
fair share to
group work

8. Worked 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
well with
other group
members

9. is a good 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
team player
and
cooperative

10. Overall: 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
was a
valuable
member of
the team

Total Score 100 100 100 100 100 100 100

Concepcio De Dela Dela Dulay, Esguerra, Estrada, Evangelist

n, Blessy Guzman, Cruz, Cruz, Rochelle Princess Gilbert a, Fearl
Joy Alexis Roxane Jerrika Nadine Paul Dexther
Hazel

1.Dependable 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
in attending
group
meetings

2. Willingly 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
accepted
assigned
tasks

3.Contributed 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
positively in
group
discussions

4.Completed 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
work on
time and
submitted to
the leader for
consolidation

5. Helped 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
others with
their work
when needed

6. Did work 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
accurately
and
completely

7. 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
Contributed a
fair share to
group work

8. Worked 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
will with
other group
members

9. is a good 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
team player
and
cooperative

10. Overall : 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
was a
valuable
member of
the team

Total Score 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100

Geronimo, Gragasin, Iglesias, Jacinto, Japones,

Cedric Danica Shamah Jhan Ej Nikka
Rei Mariz

1.Dependable 10 10 10 10 10
in attending
group
meetings

2. Willingly 10 10 10 10 10
accepted
assigned
tasks

3.Contributed 10 10 10 10 10
positively in
group
discussions

4.Completed 10 10 10 10 10
work on
time and
submitted to
the leader for
consolidation

5. Helped 10 10 10 10 10
others with
their work
when needed

6. Did work 10 10 10 10 10
accurately
and
completely

7. 10 10 10 10 10
Contributed a
fair share to
group work

8. Worked 10 10 10 10 10
well with
other group
members

9. is a good 10 10 10 10 10
team player
and
cooperative

10. Overall: 10 10 10 10 10
was a
valuable
member of
the team

Total Score 100 100 100 100 100

 Central Luzon State University
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION and ACCOUNTANCY
Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija

Submitted by:

Abalos, Rhenea Joy

Anasco, Cris Leigh
Asuncion, Robemil
Baldedara, Angelica Joyce
Cabatbat, Mark Deo
Chiu, Catherine Yvonne
Concepcion, Blessy Joy
De Guzman, Alexis
Dela Cruz, Roxane
Dela Cruz, Jerrika Hazel
Dulay, Rochelle
Esguerra, Princess Nadine
Espiritu, Liea Charylle
Estrada, Gilbert Paul
Evangelista, Fearl Dexther
Geronimo, Cedric
Gragasin, Danica Rose
Iglesias, Shamah Rei
Jacinto, Jhan Mariz
Japones, Ej Nikka

BSBA HRDM 2-1

Submitted to:
Ma’am Oliva B. Parico
Faculty
 I. INTRODUCTION

History provides insight into a nation's culture, tradition, values, and civilization. The
history of the Philippines is undeniably the same. Our great legacy of noble chiefs, ferocious
warriors, foreign forces, and influences acknowledged in pursuing national independence has
made our country what it has become today. This is certainly relevant when we look back at
our original and historical roots.

In Philippine history, one of the most remarkable events that primarily comes to mind
for the Filipino people is the Battle of Mactan in Cebu. This intense and unrelenting conquest
was fought in the country on April 27, 1521. Cilapulapu, known as "Lapu-Lapu," one of
Mactan's datus and recognized as the Philippines' first Filipino hero, overpowered and
defeated Spanish armed forces with the help of his warriors. It was caused by the conflicting
beliefs of Rajah Humabon and Lapu-Lapu, in acknowledging the sovereignty of Spain and the
underestimation of their Captain General Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer, and
conquistador, in the pre-Hispanic prowess of the Filipino in warfare. The misunderstanding
between the two chieftains created havoc between the natives and Spanish people, which in
the end resulted in the victory of the native troop.

The documentation and chronicle of all of the significant occurrences, discoveries, and
expeditions during the first circumnavigation of the world, including the Filipinos’ first
victory over the colonizers, were included in one of the finest exploration works of literature,
with the title "The First Voyage around the World (1519-1522): An Account of Magellan's
Expedition," which was narrated by the famous Italian navigator and geographer Antonio
Pigafetta.

This excerpt in his book entitled "The Battle of Mactan", is a crucial and significant
work document in the study of Philippine history. Based on this chronicle, in a more than
one-hour-fierce battle, the native Filipinos showed their fearlessness and dedication in fighting
 against the foreigners who conquered and wished to invade the country.

This expedition brought Christianity to the Philippines, which remains the dominant
religion up to this day and the most widely practiced religion in the Philippines. Hence,
despite being written 500 years ago, his literary masterpieces still serve as a primary source
for those researching the pre-Hispanic Philippines, and this source certainly constitutes a
foundation that linked Europe to our country, the Philippines. (A. PIGAFETTA in Philippine
History and Heritage, 2021)

II. CONTEXTUAL ANALYSIS

a. Background of the Author

● ANTONIO PIGAFETTA
Antonio Pigafetta (c. 1491 - c. 1531), also
known as Antonio Lombardo or Francisco Antonio
Pigafetta, was an Italian painter, scholar, and explorer.
He was born in 1491 to a wealthy family in Vicenza,
Italy, on the western outskirts of Venice. He was
Giovanni Pigafetta's and Angela Zoga's eldest son.

Pigafetta earned degrees in astronomy,

geography, and cartography. Before becoming
Ferdinand Magellan's assistant, he served aboard the
ships of the Knights of Rhodes at the beginning of the 16th century. He followed the delegation
of Monsignor Francisco Chieregati until 1519 when he was chosen as the Papal Nuncio in Spain.
Pigafetta joined Ferdinand Magellan and Juan Sebastian Elcano on the most renowned journey to
the Moluccas, which finished in September 1522. He was of Italian and Venetian descent and
died in 1532.

● EMMA HELEN BLAIR AND JAMES ALEXANDER ROBERTSON

(Translated and annotated the Battle of Mactan)
Emma Helen Blair was a Menasha, Wisconsin-born
historical editor and translator. She graduated from Ripon
College in 1872 after attending secondary school in
Westfield, Massachusetts. She worked as a proofreader,
assistant newspaper editor, and registrar for the Milwaukee
Associated Charities after leaving the public school system.
She worked as an assistant to John W. Stearns, the editor of
the Columbian History of Education in Wisconsin in 1893,
while a student at the University of Wisconsin from 1892 to
1894. From 1894 until 1902, she worked as a staff member
of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin, where she
developed an Annotated Catalogue of Newspaper Files in the Library and, while on leave, aided
Reuben Gold Thwaites in editing 73 volumes of The Jesuit Relations. She also assisted Thwaites
with annotations for his study on Father Louis Hennepin and the diaries of Lewis and Clark.
From 1903 to 1909, she collaborated with James A. Robertson to translate and edit 55 volumes
of The Philippine Islands. Her final effort was the translation and editing of Nicolas Perrot's
memoirs and other materials in The Indian Tribes of the Upper Mississippi Valley and Region of
the Great Lakes, which was published posthumously.

James Alexander Robertson was born in Corry, Pennsylvania, on August 19, 1873, to
Canadian and Scotch parents. When he was ten, his family relocated to Cleveland, Ohio, where
he stayed until he was twenty-eight. He majored in Old Wrench and other Romance languages at
Western Reserve University and got his Ph. B. in 1896
degree. After graduating from college, he was hired to
proofread The Jesuit Relations, which was collated and
edited by Reuben Gold Thwaites with the aid of Emma
Helen Blair. When this process was accomplished, Dr.
Robertson created the work's index as volumes 72 and 73
the number 73 (Cleveland, 1901).
He traveled from Cleveland to Madison,
Wisconsin, where he worked with Miss Blair, who had
been doing historical research for many years, on
compiling and revising The Philippine Islands (55 vols.,
Cleveland, 1903-1909). As the scope of this investigation expanded, Dr. Robertson found
himself visiting archives in Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, and England to obtain copies of
original papers from 1902 until 1907.

b. Historical Background of the Document

The original of Antonio Pigafetta's meticulous journal, which is now gone, was kept. A
narrative of the journey, however, was written by Pigafetta between 1522 and 1525, and four
manuscript copies—one in Italian and three in French—remain. This French translation, which
comes from Yale University's library, is the most comprehensive and beautifully made of the
four manuscripts that have survived. There are 23 exquisitely illustrated and illuminated maps
in it. In addition to providing information on the actual voyage, Pigafetta's work is significant
because it contains an early Western description of the people and languages of the Philippines.

Antonio Pigafetta’s Battle of Mactan is one of the famous excerpts from The First
Voyage Around the World. The warriors of Lapu Lapu, one of the Datus of Mactan,
overpowered and defeated a Spanish force fighting for Rajah Humabon of Cebu under the
command of Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, who was killed in the battle. Of the
approximately 240 men who set out with Magellan, Pigafetta was one of only 18 who returned
to Spain. Pigafetta witnessed and recounts the situation in this work.

c. Authority on the Subject

Antonio Pigafetta obtained degrees in astronomy, geography, and cartography. He worked

onboard the ships of the Knights of Rhodes throughout the 16th century before joining Ferdinand
Magellan as his assistant during their expedition. He served as the expedition's log keeper and
accompanied Monsignor Francisco Chieregati's delegation as the papal nuncio until 1519.
During this time, he gathered extensive information about the geography, climatic conditions,
and other factors of the locations they visited.

To document their experiences, Antonio Pigafetta wrote this account. He traveled and
kept a journal of their expedition, which included the battle of Mactan, in which Ferdinand
Magellan was killed and Pigafetta was wounded. Their expedition served as proof of their first
circumnavigation of the world. His notes provide value for future exploration due to his
motivation and inclusion of nautical and linguistic data for writing the documents was also to
provide primary sources to other explorers. They became a crucial part of our history.

d. Source Relevance and Meaning Today

The most significant event in our history was thought to be the Battle of Mactan, the first
that was successful in ousting the Spanish colonists. The bravery of our cherished forefathers
before Spanish dominance is illustrated in this conflict. Our predecessors' valor was crucial in
their fight against foreign power and influence, at the very least. This battle also demonstrated to
the world that civilization existed before the arrival of the Spaniards and became evident that
there are still uncertainties about the precise conditions that led to the battle and its consequences
for Philippine culture. On the other hand, Pigafetta emphasized the natives' social and political
structure in the nation, demonstrating the existence of political alliances and rivalries between
natives from the same country. This excerpt demonstrated how courageous the Filipinos were in
resisting the invaders from abroad.

Moreover, Magellan's journey had both military and religious significance. He attempted
to circumnavigate the world in search of the Spice Islands but ended up in the Philippines. Thus,
Magellan and his crew established contact with the locals and made an effort to convert them to
Christianity. Hundreds of Rajah Humabon's people joined in the baptism of the ruler and his
wife. The spiritual and temporal aspects of Magellan's journey in the Philippines influenced the
native consciousness, and the Spanish returned and finished the two missions he started while
there.

Lapu-Lapu's victory over Magellan during the Battle of Mactan has still imprinted itself
on people's minds today, and he is honored by Filipinos as their first national hero because he
protected their territory from foreign colonizers. Magellan’s missionary activities, on the other
hand, were the first time Christianity was taught in the Philippines. Oral histories and cultural
traditions that depict the events of the Mactan fight and legends about the Santo Niño image have
been handed down from generation to generation. Magellan's landing in the Philippines cleared
the path for Spanish power, introduced Christianity throughout the islands, and continues to be
commemorated in Filipino folklore and cultural rituals even now.
 e. Publishing Data

Title of the Document: Battle of Mactan

Book Title: The Philippine Islands, 1493–1898 Volume XXXIII

Author: Antonio Pigafetta

Editor: Emma Helen Blair

Translator: James Alexander Robertson

Original Language of the Document: Italian

Language used in translation: English

Publisher: Arthur H. Clark Company in Cleveland, Ohio.

Edition/Format: 55-volume series of Philippine historical documents

Publishing Date: 1906

 III. CONTENT ANALYSIS

a. Type of Sources

The "The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898, Volume XXXIII" by Helen Emma Blair and
James Alexander Robertson and Antonio Pigafetta’s journal, "First Voyage Around the World,"
were used as credible primary sources for this paper. The Battle of Mactan, on the other hand, is
only one of the excerpts included in Pigafetta’s chronicles about their first voyage with their
captain-general, Ferdinand Magellan, and was translated and annotated by Blair and Robertson.

These sources solidified the main idea and facts stated in the paper. The primary source
was written from the author’s experience and memory during Ferdinand Magellan’s voyage
throughout the world, particularly in the Philippines, and included a vivid description of
pre-colonial Filipinos’ lives and cultures, such as their food rich in natural resources, livelihood,
and religion. The Battle of Mactan is then followed by a flashback to when Magellan and his
crew arrived on the islands and their experiences during their stay.

b. Background of Document

i.) Main Argument or Thesis

Antonio Pigafetta wrote, “The Battle of Mactan” to write a document that describes and
discovers the world. He aims to provide pivotal information about the discoveries of the island
and the great ancestors of the Filipinos who live blissfully and abundantly on the island. He
described historical events in the Philippines including the battle of Mactan. The author wants to
show that Filipinos are hospitable to accept people with open arms but a raging fire when
someone gets hurt or killed.
 Few people appreciate how much more there is to the narrative that preceded the battle.
In this dynamic and highly political culture, there was already rivalry between the Visayan clans
and between their chieftains, Datu Lapu-Lapu and Raja Humabon. Magellan collaborated with
the latter in what may presently be perceived as a partitioning strategy on the part of the colonists
to persuade the rebel Lapu-Lapu to succumb to Spanish rule. However, Lapu-Lapu's firm
opposition continues to stand in the way of our national beliefs and independence.

Pigafetta's idealized depiction of the Battle of Mactan, in which Lapu-Lapu and his
warriors "killed our mirror, our light, our comfort, and our true guide," illustrates the truth of the
expression "history is written by the victor". Since Pigafetta's journal of Magellan's expedition is
regarded as a thorough and reliable account, historians and experts have upheld this
interpretation and perspective of Philippine history for decades.

Moreover, his narrative has shown how the Filipinos bravely resisted the foreign invaders
who seized power in the country. Through this battle, the largest Filipino uprising against
Spanish colonialism allegedly took place. According to him, Filipino people and their indigenous
weapons should not be treated lightly. Hence, Lapu-Lapu’s intense desire to object to the
invaders, he, along with other natives repelled them and won over the opponent, resulting in him
being considered the first Filipino hero of the Philippines.

However, there is a gap in evidence against Antonio Pigafetta. He had a journal where he
recorded all of his observations but has now been disrupted. Four manuscripts were produced,
though, to support this first journal. Two French versions are stored at the Bibliothèque Nationale
in Paris; a third French version—commonly known as the Nancy Manuscript—is currently
located at Yale University; and an Italian version—which many academics believe to be the
oldest and most comprehensive of the existing manuscripts—is kept at the Biblioteca
Ambrosiana in Milan. Pigafetta's writings were rendered useless when Teodoro A. Agoncillo
stated that there was no Philippine history prior to 1872. He considered them to be Spanish
historical events as perceived through European eyes rather than Filipino vision.

Furthermore, this paper also emphasized the absence of proof confirming Lapu-Lapu
murdered Magellan. Lopez De Gomara (2020) asserts that Magellan lost his helmet and was shot
in the face with an arrow before passing away. The strikes from the lances and stones caused him
to lose the helmet. His legs were also hurt, and when he fell, a lance was used to penetrate him
once again. None of the stories indicated that Lapu-Lapu and Ferdinand Magellan had engaged
in a face-off, in contrast to what they often told us. A history professor from the Philippines
named Xiao Chua even claimed that Lapu-Lapu simply functioned as the troop's leader.

Overall, despite the detailed material accounted to Antonio Pigafetta's journal, it cannot
be denied that some of his points were based on his own perspective and did not present the
entire story. There were inaccuracies in the information being studied by the historians; thus, the
correct translation is provided, making the original book supported by the other versions to make
the practitioners and experts understandable to contemporary students.

ii.) Compare Point-of-View

Antonio Pigafetta was an eyewitness of the "Battle of Mactan". Pigafetta's book not only
contains war stories but also drives home some insights from those who were actually present at
the time. He made the document to understand more about the world. He wants to disseminate
crucial information about the discovery of the islands and the great ancestors of the Filipinos
who lived happily and abundantly on the islands. He kept the documents in order to provide
primary sources to future explorers. Pigafetta's book detailed what happened during the war,
including the people who planned it and lived through it. He shows the native Filipinos'
fearlessness in opposing the Spaniards who invaded the land. Though, his documentation is only
personal as his book is only a one side of the story, favoring Magellan's point of view.
 Subsequently, a major amount of information and understanding about what transpired in
the conflict between Magellan and Lapu-Lapu in Mactan was provided by Jose Amiel Angeles'
article, "The Battle of Mactan and the Indigenous Discourse on War." The author began the
article by claiming that the Spanish invasion of the Philippines is a neglected topic in history,
with most interpretations, especially those pertaining to its military aspect being prejudicial. By
emphasizing the connection between the Spanish and Filipino concepts of war, this article
revisits the conquest. This article describes Lapu-Lapu’s dedication to his hometown, his battles
with the Mactan people, and his victory over the small European expedition led by legendary
Portuguese explorer and conqueror Ferdinand Magellan. (Angeles, 2007)

By bringing the Battle of Mactan in its proper context and contrasting it with previous
conflicts with the Spanish, this article attempts to reverse the tendency in Philippine military
historiography. He also concluded that it is difficult to comprehend Philippine history,
particularly the said battle. Although the past of our nation may not be good, Filipinos must
accept it. We, as citizens, should be aware of how Lapu-Lapu, our national hero, fought the
Europeans in order to set us free. Note that the only option for the past is acceptance, as it cannot
be changed, forgotten, or erased.

iii.) Identify Biases

Antonio Pigafetta’s journal, The Battle of Mactan, was not intended for Filipinos but
rather for Europeans, particularly Spaniards. He mostly relied on his own views and perceptions
when he wrote his chronology. The author used a primary source as he personally witnessed and
participated in the battle between Captain General and Chief Lapu-Lapu, which he narrates in his
work. On the other hand, Antonio Pigafetta, as a captain general's assistant, showed in his
writings how highly regarded and biased he was toward their captain when, from the beginning
to the end of his journal, he never wrote a single unfavorable word about him, despite his traits,
character, or deeds. The source always attributed Magellan as "powerful," "heroic," and
"intelligent," among other complimentary words.

In the battle between Magellan and Lapulapu, the quantitative measurement was not
entirely reliable. The author's count of the number of native Filipinos present throughout the
battle seems off. Magellan and his men had to wade more than two crossbow flights before they
could reach the shore. Magellan attacked with only forty-nine men, including himself, the
equivalent of less than half of his remaining crew. How can Pigafetta be certain to determine
when he only estimated the number of natives at the battle and, at the end, when they were
retreating as best they could, abandoning Magellan to immediately get on the boat, he had no
information on the exact details of how many native Filipinos were on them? He may have
elevated the size of Lapulapu's men to more than one thousand five hundred on purpose to give
the Spaniards a heroic appearance in the eyes of the European audience.

The author also provided that when Magellan saw an opportunity to ease the pressure on
the battle, he commanded and sent some of his men to burn the houses of the Filipinos to distract
the enemies from attacking them. However, the natives didn’t budge or demoralize the local
warriors. After the Captain General’s attempt, the latter was finally hit in the leg by a poisoned
arrow. Pigafetta did not make it clear why Magellan was hit at this point, especially after
enduring what must have been at least half an hour of fighting. We had no idea if the Filipino
natives realized that the legs were better targets than the protected torso or if they did not aim for
the Europeans’ legs immediately.

In conclusion, Pigafetta's quantitative information about the conflict between Magellan

and Lapulapu is not entirely accurate. He mostly relied on his own perceptions and opinions
when he wrote it. There were also certain prejudices present in the author's perspective because
the source was European.
 c. Analysis of the Important Historical Information

On March 16, 1521, Ferdinand Magellan and his crew arrived in the Philippines. The
Spanish set out on Magellan's expedition in an effort to find new routes to the east, as well as to
expand Spanish territory and spread Christianity. They also wanted to find new lands, spices, and
gold.

On March 17, 1521, Magellan and his crew made their first contact with people on
Homonhon Island. Seeing that the natives are reasonable men, Magellan gave them red caps,
mirrors, combs, and other things. In return, the natives also give them fish, wine, coconuts, and
other resources. He named the place (the Islands of Humunu) the "Archipelago of San Lazarus"
due to the several islands located in that district. "Archipelago of San Lazarus" was the primitive
name of the Philippines. The Spanish explorer also succeeded in his plan to influence the faith of
the people on the island.

On March 31 and Eastern Day, the first cross was then set up in Mazaua (Limasawa) as
wished by Magellan for the benefit of the natives. According to Pigafetta, two indigenous leaders
took part in the mass, expedition member: Rajah Colambu, the ruler of Limasawa, and Rajah
Siagu, the ruler of Butuan. Both of them kissed the cross and prayed alongside the crew. The
expedition next moved on to Cebu, where the island's king and queen and their subjects appeared
to be converting to Catholicism. Magellan landed in a part of Visayan Island, where they ended
their exploration on that day.

On April 26, 1521, Datu Zula, the Chief of Mactan, sent Magellan, one of his sons, along
with two goats as a gift. Another Chief, Lapu-Lapu, resisted Zula, who had pledged his
allegiance to the King of Spain. Mactan, according to Datu Lapu-Lapu, would never yield to the
Spanish king. On April 27, 1521, during a conflict that began when Magellan and his crew
arrived on the island of Cebu weeks earlier, they were aiding a local king they had partnered
with. A Spanish force fighting for Rajah Humabon of Cebu was overwhelmed and routed by the
warriors of Lapulapu. Leading the Spanish force, Magellan was murdered by a poisoned arrow
on the island of Mactan, which caused the death of the explorer.

d. Contribution and Relevance of the Document

As Filipinos, we occasionally ponder what our forefathers sacrificed for us. It is relevant
to consider the previous events and reflect on how it affects our lives to indulge in this standard
of living, which led to where we are today. It is critical to understand the methods our forefathers
devised to protect what they had before and what still exists in the present time. Nowadays, there
are numerous and easily accessible learning options, particularly in the study of history. Reading
books and engaging in visual narratives are some of the options and it is important that we seek
out things that happened in the past, as doing so will help us better comprehend the importance
of supporting and protecting our nation.

It cannot be denied that Antonio Pigafetta's narration about the Battle of Mactan, is an
important Philippine historical record. His passion for learning made him know more about the
world which was evident in his book even in the middle of the expedition. He engaged in
historical events, ancestors' appearances, traditions, and culture-based practices. His book
delineates our forefathers' predicament to defend our nation and land, which was immensely
significant to all of us. In addition, this book aims to demonstrate how wealthy our nation is in
terms of natural resources, such as gold and silver. It also shows here how hospitable Filipinos
are, our distinctive traditions and culture, and even the spices we use in our food. It also explains
why Spain took an interest in our country and encouraged us to adopt Christianity.

Consequently, this excerpt is undeniably significant and relevant for us to study

Philippine history. Certainly, until now, many historians and researchers are interested in the
benefits of learning about it. Hence, doing so will allow us to better understand what identifies us
as Filipinos and what we have conquered throughout our prehispanic history. It affirms that
Filipinos are still here and not susceptible to foreign rule. Nonetheless, we have to preserve the
customs and traditions we originally cultivated, as they unify all members of human society.

e. Evaluate Author’s Claim Based on Evidence

In Pigaffeta’s narrations, the details and facts provided were extensive. Like most
journals, it is written from his firsthand experience or memory. Pigafetta wrote a narrative
account of the event as an eyewitness. The document described how the native Filipinos showed
that they were fearless in battling against and defending the country. He also narrated the battle
that took place in Mactan in a detailed manner, giving light to what happened in the legendary
battle. He said that their captain, Magellan, was very confident that their few numbers are
enough to defeat the enraged natives. They didn't think that there would be thousands of natives
and that they are skilled more than they thought. Magellan’s troupe underestimated Lapu-Lapu’s
men. He believed that his crew was greater than the natives as he allowed 49 of them to battle
against a force of about 1,500 people who were known as warriors.

Pigafetta writes, “The musketeers and crossbowmen shot from a distance for about a half
hour, but uselessly for the shots only passed through the shields which were made of thin wood
and the arms of the bearers. The captain cried to them “Cease firing! Cease firing” but his order
was not all heeded. When the natives saw that we were shooting our muskets to no purpose,
crying out they determined to stand firm, but they redoubled their shouts. When our muskets
discharged, the natives would never stand still, but leaped hither and thither, covering
themselves with their shields. “They shot so many arrows at us and hurled so many bamboo
spears some of them tipped with iron at the captain-general, besides pointed stakes hardened
with fire, stones, and mud, that we could scarcely defend ourselves.”

This proved how Lapu-Lapu executed well his battle tactics alongside the Filipino natives
who were eager to fight relentlessly and with a greater fury as described by Pigafetta. According
to him, the battle was a horrific battle for Magellan and his crew. He also added that it was not
Lapu-Lapu who slayed Magellan but the many natives who rushed upon him with their iron and
bamboo spears.

As demonstrated, his writings served as a piece of evidence that Filipinos were

courageous to defend and battle against the superiority of the opponent’s armor and weapons yet
showed their boldness with battle tactics and will of freedom.

f. Learning Experiences

According to Lao Tzu, “There is no greater danger than underestimating your opponent.”
Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer, is too confident and sees himself as superior and
with exceptional quality (in local parlance, mayabang). According to Pigafetta’s narration, since
they have cannons and guns, Magellan thought that they could defeat Lapu-Lapu and his troops
and will effectively conquer the Filipino natives. As a result of Magellan's underestimation, he
only armed 60 of his men, and 11 of them will stay on the boat to protect it. Magellan and his 49
men were unexpectedly attacked as they reached the shore. According to Pigafetta, there are
about 1,500 native troops, armed with iron swords, bows, and spears. The natives form three
divisions, two on their flanks and one on their front. Lapu-Lapu's warriors attacked the invaders
fiercely. Magellan got hit in his right leg by a poisoned arrow, which affected him within a few
minutes and caused them to be defeated. In this more than one-hour battle, Lapu-Lapu’s ordeals
made evident his profound desire against foreign oppression. The author demonstrated how he,
along with the Spanish force underestimated the drive and motivation of our fellow Filipinos in
the field of warfare, resulting in their loss, and victory over the natives.

Furthermore, it cannot be denied that even before, Filipinos already valued their freedom.
They have always struggled for the right to live lives free from injustices, whether they
were living under the dominion of invaders or their own people. The Battle of Mactan offers a
glimpse of the first battle for freedom fought by the Filipinos, which their predecessors
unquestionably won. (Villamora, 2002) Pigafetta has demonstrated during the aforementioned
war that they are prepared to fight for it, even if it means giving their lives. In addition, the
natives were opposed to being colonized and converted to Christianity by the Spaniards.
Lapu-Lapu and the troops demonstrated in the battle of Mactan that freedom is their peace; they
have the freedom to choose who will they worship and who will be their leader.

Overall, this significant document has provided us with how our ancestors stood for our
national independence and democracy from other countries' greedy intentions and selfish
advantages. As of today, the Battle of Mactan serves as one of the most significant events and
vital pieces of the prehispanic history of the Philippines, demonstrating that Filipinos are fearless
and have a strong sense of integrity, passion, and love for our country.
REFERENCES

Blair, Emma H., Robertson James A. (2013, June 5). Project Gutenberg of the Philippine Islands
1493-1898 Volume XXXIII, 1519-1522 by Antonio Pigafetta.
http://www.gutenberg.org/files/42884/42884-h/42884-h.htm.

A. PIGAFETTA in Philippine History and Heritage. (2021, April 12). The Philippine Italian
Association.https://philippineitalianassociation.org/events/2021/4/12/antoni-pigafetta-in-
philippine-history-and-heritage

The University Library, University of the Philippines Diliman. (2019, April 25). The Philippine
islands, 1493-1898 / Blair and Robertson.
https://mainlib.upd.edu.ph/the-philippine-islands-1493-1898-blair-and-robertson/

About Antonio Pigafetta. (2021, March 20). The Philippine Diary

Project.https://philippinediaryproject.com/about-the-philippine-diary-project/about-the-d
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Villamora, A. B. (2002, April 19). Reliving the Battle of Mactan. Bulatlat.Com.

https://www.bulatlat.com/news/2-14/2-14-magellan.html

Limos, M. A. (2019, April 25). Magellan’s Death: A Detailed Description by Antonio

Pigafetta. Esquire.
https://www.esquiremag.ph/long-reads/magellans-death-history-a00293-20190425-lfrm2

Angeles, J. (2007). The Battle of Mactan and the Indigenous Discourse on War. Vol. 55, no. 1:
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Cano, G. (2008). Blair and Robertson's "The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898": Scholarship or
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Jose Amiel Angeles. (2007). The Battle of Mactan and the Indigenous Discourse on War.
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