ECONOMIC

Galleon Trade - The Galleon Trade refers to the historical maritime route established during the
colonial era between the Philippines and Mexico by Spain. It was a significant trade route that
operated from the 16th to the 19th centuries.
The trade route primarily involved the exchange of goods between Manila in the Philippines and
Acapulco in Mexico. Spanish ships, known as Manila Galleons, sailed across the Pacific Ocean,
carrying various commodities between these two ports.
The Galleon Trade was particularly crucial for Spain's commercial interests as it facilitated the
exchange of goods between Asia and the Americas. Silver from Mexican mines was transported
to Manila and traded for valuable commodities such as spices, silk, porcelain, and other goods
from China, India, and other Asian countries. These goods were highly sought after in Europe,
making the trade route immensely profitable for Spain.
The Manila Galleons were large and heavily armed ships that made the long and treacherous
journey across the Pacific Ocean once or twice a year. However, the trade route was not without
risks, including storms, piracy, and other maritime dangers.
The Galleon Trade had a significant impact on global trade patterns, as it fostered cultural
exchanges between Asia, the Americas, and Europe, influencing economies and societies on
multiple continents during the colonial period.

Polo y service – or “forced labor”

Polo y servicio was a practice employed by Spanish. colonizers for over 250 years that required
the forced. labor of all Filipino males from 16 to 60 years old for. 40-day periods.

Monopoly - Outside of the context of the popular board game, "monopoly" refers to a situation
where a single company or entity dominates or controls a particular market or industry. In this
context, the company holds exclusive control over the supply of a particular product or service,
giving it significant power and influence within that market.
A monopoly occurs when there is no effective competition, allowing the monopolistic entity to
set prices, control production, and influence market conditions without facing significant
challenges from other competitors. This lack of competition can potentially lead to higher prices
for consumers, lower quality of products or services, and reduced innovation within that industry.
Antitrust laws in many countries are designed to prevent or regulate monopolies, aiming to
promote fair competition, protect consumers' interests, and prevent entities from unfairly
controlling or dominating a market to the detriment of consumers or other businesses.
Encomienda - The Encomienda was a Spanish system used during the colonial period in the
Americas. It was a labor system that granted Spanish colonizers the right to demand tribute and
labor from indigenous communities in the New World in exchange for protection and
Christianization.
Under the Encomienda system, Spanish conquistadors, soldiers, and settlers were granted control
over indigenous communities. They were given the right to extract tribute, labor, or goods from
the indigenous people living within a particular area assigned to them. In return, the
encomenderos (those granted the encomienda) were expected to protect and Christianize the
indigenous populations.
Originally established to regulate the relationship between the Spanish Crown and the indigenous
populations, the Encomienda system often led to the exploitation and abuse of indigenous
peoples. They were subjected to forced labor, harsh working conditions, and often faced
mistreatment and oppression.
Over time, due to the severe exploitation and abuses, the Encomienda system became
increasingly controversial and faced criticism from various quarters, including religious figures
and some Spanish officials. Eventually, it was officially abolished in the 18th century, replaced
by other labor systems, although exploitative practices often continued in different forms even
after its abolition.

Cedula - The term "cédula" has different meanings depending on the context and the country it
refers to:
1. Identity Document: In some Spanish-speaking countries, a "cédula" is an identity document,
similar to an ID card or a personal identification document. It might contain personal
information, including a person's name, date of birth, photograph, and other identifying details.
2. Royal Decree or Official Document: Historically, a "cédula" was also used to refer to a royal
decree or an official document issued by a monarch or government authority, often used to
declare laws, regulations, or directives.
The term "cédula" has been employed in different historical and legal contexts across Spanish-
speaking countries. Its precise meaning can vary depending on the time period, location, and
specific use within the legal or administrative system of a particular country.
SOCIO-CULTURAL

Indio - Spanish colonizers to refer to indigenous or native peoples of the Americas during the
period of colonization. However, it's important to note that the term "indio" has evolved over
time and its usage has changed.
In contemporary contexts, the term "indio" may still be used in some regions to refer to
indigenous peoples, but it's considered outdated or even derogatory in many cases. The term has
carried a historical legacy of colonization and often does not accurately represent the diverse and
distinct cultures, languages, and identities of indigenous populations in the Americas.

Roman catholic - The term "Roman Catholic" refers to the largest branch of Christianity, the
Catholic Church, which is centered in Rome and led by the Pope, who is considered the spiritual
leader of Catholics worldwide.
The Roman Catholic Church traces its origins to the teachings and life of Jesus Christ, as
recorded in the New Testament of the Bible. It developed over the centuries, with Rome
becoming the center of Christianity and the seat of the papacy.
The term "Roman" emphasizes the connection to Rome, where the Vatican City, an independent
city-state and the headquarters of the Catholic Church, is located. It distinguishes Roman
Catholicism from other branches of Christianity, such as Eastern Orthodoxy and Protestantism.
Key beliefs and practices of Roman Catholics include the belief in the Holy Trinity (Father, Son
and Holy Spirit), the authority of the Pope, the sacraments (such as baptism, Eucharist,
confirmation, etc.), devotion to saints, and adherence to traditions and teachings of the Church.
The Roman Catholic Church has a global presence, with millions of followers worldwide and a
significant influence on various aspects of culture, ethics, and social issues across different
societies.

frailocracy - A notorious invisible government existed in Spanish Philippines. This government

was called "frailocracy" meaning rule of the friars. During the last decades of the 19th century
the Spanish friars were so influential and powerful that they practically ruled the Philippines.

Barong tagalog - Barong Tagalog[1], Barong Pilipino[1], or simply Barong is embroidered

formal wear in the Philippines. It is lightweight and worn without being tucked into pants, like a
coat. It is usually formal or wedding wear for Filipino men.
Reduccion - Reducción, (Spanish: “contraction”) in Latin America, an Indian community set up
under ecclesiastical or royal authority to facilitate colonization. Native peoples, many of whom
had lived in small villages or hamlets before contact with Europeans, were forcibly relocated to
these new settlements. At reducciones, Jesuit missionaries and other colonial administrators
attempted to convert Indians to Christianity and to teach them better farming methods and simple
crafts. The Indians lived under a strict regimen and were required to contribute their labour to
various agricultural and construction enterprises. Some reducciones were ruled locally by Indian
caciques, or chiefs, rather than Europeans.

SOURCES FROM GOOGLE.