09|18|23

First Voyage Around the World

According to Antonio Pigafetta

Submitted by:
Nicdao, Daryx Jhay
BPED 1 A
GE-RPH
On September 8, 1522, the crew of the Victoria cast anchor in the waters off of Seville, Spain, having
just completed the first circumnavigation of the world. On board was Antonio Pigafetta, a young Italian
nobleman who had joined the expedition three years before, and served as an assistant to Ferdinand
Magellan end route to the Molucca Islands. Magellan was dead. The rest of the fleet was gone: the
Santiago shipwrecked, the San Antonio overtaken, the Concepcion burned, and the Trinidad
abandoned. Of the 237 sailors who departed from Seville, eighteen returned on the Victoria. Pigafetta
had managed to survive, along with his journal— notes that detailed the discovery of the western
route to the Moluccas. And along the way, new land, new peoples: on the far side of the Pacific, the
fleet had stumbled across the Marianas archipelago, and some three hundred leagues further west,
the Philippines. Pigafetta’s journal became the basis for his 1525 travelogue, The First Voyage
Around the World. According to scholar Theodore Cachey Jr., the travelogue represented “the literary
epitome of its genre” and achieved an international reputation (Cachey, xii-xiii). One of Pigafetta’s
patrons, Francesco Chiericati, called the journal “a divine thing” (xl), and Shakespeare himself seems
to have been inspired by work: Setebos, a deity invoked in Pigafetta’s text by men of Patagonia,
makes an appearance in The Tempest (x-xi). First Voyage, Cachey points out, is intent on marveling
at what it encounters— and therein lies much of its appeal. It is a work that is intent on wonder. On
astonishment. In travel writing, one often must recreate the first moment of newness, that fresh sense
of awe, on the page for the reader; Pigafetta does it again and again, by reveling in odd and odder
bits of detail. We watch Pigafetta wonder at trees in Borneo whose leaves appear to walk around
once shed, leaves that “have no blood, but if one touches them they run away. I kept one of them for
nine days in a box. When I opened the box, that leaf went round and round it. I believe those leaves
live on nothing but air.” (Pigafetta, 76). We marvel, in the Philippines, at sea snails capable of felling
whales, by feeding on their hearts once ingested (48). On a stop in Brazil, we see an infinite number
of parrots, monkeys that look like lions, and "swine that have their navels on their backs, and large
birds with beaks like spoons and no tongues "In First Voyage is great gulf between what Pigafetta
sees and what Pigafetta knows. I grew up, in the Marianas, hearing about this gulf. It is part of why
travel writing can be so fraught for me now. On reaching the Marianas after nearly four months at sea
with no new provisions, "The captain-general wished to stop at the large island and get some fresh
food, but he was unable to do so because the inhabitants of that island entered the ships and stole
whatever they could lay their hands on, in such a manner that we could not defend ourselves." (27).
The sailors did not understand that this was custom, that for the islanders, property was communal
and visitors were expected to share what they had.
Antonio Pigafetta, an Italian explorer and chronicler, documented the first voyage around the world
led by Ferdinand Magellan from 1519 to 1522. His writings provide valuable insights into this historic
expedition.
Here’s an analysis and comments on the first voyage around the world according to Pigafetta:
Detailed Accounts: Pigafetta’s writings are one of the most comprehensive and detailed records of
Magellan’s journey. He meticulously documented daily events, observations, and geographical
descriptions, offering a valuable historical record of the voyage.
Cultural Insights: Pigafetta’s accounts provide valuable cultural insights into the indigenous peoples
encountered during the voyage, especially in regions like South America and the Philippines. His
descriptions of local customs, languages, and interactions shed light on the cultural diversity of the
time.
Navigational Achievements: Pigafetta’s records highlight the navigational challenges faced by the
expedition, including treacherous weather, hostile encounters with indigenous groups, and the
discovery of new lands. Magellan’s successful navigation of the treacherous Strait of Magellan was a
significant achievement, documented vividly by Pigafetta. Challenges and Hardships: Pigafetta’s
writings also emphasize the hardships and sacrifices endured by the crew, including shortages of
food and supplies, mutinies, and deadly encounters. These accounts reveal the immense difficulties
faced by early explorers during their ambitious journeys.
Circumnavigation: Pigafetta’s documentation of the first circumnavigation of the Earth remains a
remarkable achievement in the history of exploration. It highlights the audacity and determination of
Magellan and his crew, who completed the arduous journey despite numerous setbacks.
Historical Significance: Pigafetta’s chronicles have immense historical significance, as they contribute
to our understanding of the Age of Exploration and the early interactions between Europe and the
New World. They provide a firsthand account of a pivotal moment in global history.
Accuracy and Bias: While Pigafetta’s accounts are invaluable, it’s important to note that they may
contain biases and inaccuracies typical of historical records from this era. His perspective as a
European chronicler may not always accurately reflect the experiences and viewpoints of indigenous
peoples encountered during the voyage.
In summary, Antonio Pigafetta’s writings are a crucial historical source for understanding the first
voyage around the world led by Ferdinand Magellan. They offer a detailed and invaluable account of
the expedition’s challenges, achievements, and the cultural encounters that shaped this historic
journey. However, readers should approach these accounts with a critical eye, considering the biases
and limitations inherent in historical records from this period.

References:

•The First Voyage around the World, 1519-1522: An Account of Magellan’s Expedition
Retrieve from
https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/adamson-university/readings-in-philippine-history/antonio-
pigafettas-the-first-voyage-around-the-world/17190193
 09|18|23

KKK: Kartilya ng Katipunan

By Emilio Jacinto

Submitted by:
Nicdao, Daryx Jhay
BPED 1 A
GE-RPH
The KKK and The Kartilya ng Katipunan by Emilio Jacinto The Kataastaasan, Kagalanggalang
Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan(KKK) was a Philippine revolutionary society founded by anti-
Spanish Filipinos in Manila in 1892, whose primary aim was to gain independence from Spain
through revolution. During the said revolutionary period, in the conduct of their struggle, Katipuneros
created a complex structure and a defined value system that would guide the organization
as a collective aspiring for a single goal. This was the document called “Kartilya ng Katipunan”. The
Kartilya ng Katipunan acted as the guidebook for the organization's new members, which set out
the rules and principles of the party. The original title of the document was "Lessons
of the Organization of the Sons of Country". The first edition of Kartilya was written by Emilio
Jacinto in the 1896. Who is he? Born on December 15, 1875, Emilio Jacinto was a Filipino general
during the Philippine Revolution. He was one of the highest-ranking officers ofthe Philippine
Revolution and, as a member of its Supreme Council, was one of the highest-ranking officers of the
Katipunan revolutionary society. He was elected Secretary of State for the revolutionary government
"Haring Bayang Katagalugan," formed during the outbreak of hostilities. In Philippine history
textbooks, he is widely recognized as the "Utak ng Katipunan," while others argue that he should
be rightfully remembered as the "Brains of the Revolution." On April 16, 1899, Jacinto
contracted malaria and died in Brgy. Alipit, Laguna, Santa Cruz.

The "KKK Kartilya ng Kati“unan" refers to a document that played a significant role in the Philippine
Revolution against Spanish colonial rule during the late 19th century. Here’s some analysis and
comments on it:
Historical Significance:
- The Kartilya was authored by Andres Bonifacio, one of the key leaders of the Katipunan, a secret
society dedicated to achieving Philippine independence.
- It served as a foundational document, outlining the principles, goals, and values of the Katipunan.
Nationalism and Independence:
- The Kartilya emphasized the importance of unity among Filipinos and their commitment to
achieving independence from Spanish rule.
- It called for Filipinos to rise above their differences and work together for the common goal of
liberation.
Revolutionary Ideals:
- The document advocated for the use of force and armed struggle if necessary to achieve freedom,
reflecting the revolutionary spirit of the time.
- It promoted the idea of equality among Filipinos, regardless of social class.
Moral and Ethical Values:
- The Kartilya also emphasized moral values, such as love of country, respect for others, and the
importance of education.
- It highlighted the role of God in the struggle for independence, reflecting the deep religiosity of
many Filipinos.
Influence:
- The Kartilya served as an inspirational text for Katipunan members and supporters, guiding their
actions and decisions.
 - Its principles continue to be celebrated and remembered in the Philippines, especially during
commemorations of national independence.
Critiques:
- Some critics argue that the Kartilya’s call for armed struggle contributed to violence and conflict
during the revolution.
- Others point out that the document’s religious overtones may have limited its appeal to non-
Catholic Filipinos.

In summary, the “KKK Kartilya ng Katipunan” is a historically significant document that played a
crucial role in shaping the Philippine Revolution. It promoted ideals of nationalism, independence, and
moral values while also advocating for armed struggle. Its influence on the struggle for Philippine
independence remains relevant in the country’s history and is a testament to the enduring spirit of the
Filipino people in their quest for freedom.

References:
•KKK Kartilya ng Katipunan(December 15,1875)
https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/davao-oriental-state-university/history-11/the-kkk-and-the-
kartilya-ng-katipunan-by-emilio-jacinto/20144699