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island pala. they were in humunu, which is uninhabited, nya they were visited by some men
from zuluan
Holy Friday. The captain-general sends a message to the king of the island to provide him and
his men with food, claiming to visit for friendship. The king goes onto their boat with his men and
provides him with food–in return, the voyagers provide them gifts of cloth and weaponry. Both
sides agree that they want friendship from the other.
The king was rich, described by his gold belongings, grand home, and his superior physical
appearance. His islands were called Butuan and Calagan. Raia Siaui.
Easter Sunday. The captain-general informs the kings that he will have mass on the island. The
voyagers, joined by the two kings, then went to the place of mass. The kings participated in the
mass, as they worshiped nothing. They were given standards in the form of crosses to be
placed on the mountain, as these crosses promised their island protection from enemies. The
kings told the captain-general about their rivals, and the latter promised that he would come to
their aid in battle.
After erecting the cross upon the summit of the highest mountain, the captain-general asked
about the best ports to get food. These were Ceylon, Zubu, and Calaghann. The kings offered
their men to be pilots to guide the voyagers to these other islands. Their journey, however, was
delayed, as the king of Mazaua asked them to wait while they harvested their agriculture, and
the captain general sent him men to help. Raia Colambu.
The people of Mazaua were noted to be heathens, wearing tree cloth for clothing, being heavy
drinkers. They had a fruit called the Areca whose leaves were used for various means. The
island was rich with plants, animals, and minerals.
From Mazaua, the voyagers and their guides passed Ceylon, Bohol, Canighan, Baybai, and
Gatighan, and many more, until finally reaching Zubu on Sunday, April 7. The voyagers’ arrival
scared the people, and thus had to reassure them it was custom. The king of Zubu, by his
representative, asked them why they were there, and were told that the captain-general heard
good of the island and wished to purchase food. However, despite it being custom to pay tribute
to the king, the captain-general would not, despite being told of the king’s power. The king then
told them that he would decide with his men how they would receive this action. The following
day, the king met with a notary and having been assured that there was only one captain aboard
the ship who simply wished to trade, a blood oath would be exchanged in friendship, and mutual
gifts would be given.
CHARACTERS:
Magellan = narrator
Captain-general = Magellan’s crewmate; leader of their ship
Interpreter = slave of the captain-general
Raia Colambu = the king of Mazaua (Limasawa); sought out to the captain-general
Raia Siaui = the king’s brother; another king from Butuan & Calagan
King of Zubu =
Ciama (Siam) =
(1 HOLY FRIDAY)
the “brotherly” relationship (that the captain wished to have with the king) was called:
- casi casi.
When the king agreed to the relationship, the captain-general then showed him:
- clothings of various colors, ornaments, other merchandise, and weaponry (which was the
intention of their meeting)
The king’s appearance and materials were heavily added or filled with gold
- due to the abundance of it under his island.
Raia Colambu and Raia Siaui both like to meet each other and hunt at:
- Humunu
(2 EASTER SUNDAY)
How did they – the captain and the kings– form an alliance?
- by preparing a mass during Easter Sunday and erecting a cross on the summit of the island’s
highest mountain.
Before they commenced the mass, the captain sprayed both kings with:
- musk water
When the captain asked the kings if they were Moros (Muslims), the kings replied that:
- they worshiped nothing, but it was within their instinct that they clasped their hands, faced up
to the sky, and called their god “Abba”.
Where did the crew (captain, kings, men) get the coconuts?
- in the balanghai, through the cultivated fields of the island.
The captain’s plan was to depart the island the morning after, but:
- the king volunteered to be the pilot himself
- he changed his mind (on the departure date) and decided to wait 2 more days, or until all his
trifles (unimportant matters) are attended to.
- he asked the captain to send him some of his men to get the job done quicker, but they ended
up drinking and sleeping the first day – extending their stay.
(3 THOSE 7 DAYS AFTER EASTER SUNDAY)
What is areca?
- a fruit consumed in every part of the world due to its cooling effect to the heart. The look of it
resembles a pear.
What is betre?
- areca that is cut into 4 parts and wrapped in the leaves of a local tree (the leaves resemble
mulberry)
When they departed and headed for northeast, they passed by 5 islands (in order):
- Ceylon, Bohol, Canighan, Baybai, Gatighan.
While heading westward, the king was not able to catch up as closely, so the captain’s ship
waited near:
- Polo (Poro), Ticobon (Pasijan), and Pozon (Pason).
(4 APRIL 7, SUNDAY)
Why did the captain fire their artillery when they arrived in Zubu?
- According to the interpreter, it was their custom when entering into such places. It is a sign of
peace and friendship, indicating that they had discharged their mortars to honor the king.
The king of Mazaua was the second most influential king, next to
- the king of Spagnia (Spain).
(5 MORNING AFTER)
A notary was present to:
- act as a middleman between the captain-general and the kind of Zubu, confirming and
correcting the claims of each party.
How did the king officially started a sincere friendship with the captain?
- Through the process of blood compact.
Timeline Summary
[NOTE: All excerpts form Magellan himself]
TLDR:
On Holy Friday, a series of interactions unfold between the Captain-general (CG) and the native
King on an island named Butuan and Calgan. The CG sends a slave interpreter in a small boat
to negotiate for food, resulting in the King presenting rice, fish, and other items. In return, the
CG gifts the King garments, caps, knives, and mirrors. The King expresses a desire to be "casi
casi" or brothers with the CG. Gold pieces are discovered on the island, and the King's lavish
appearance and possessions, including gold-adorned teeth and tattoos, are noted. The island is
called Butuan or Calgan, and two kings, Raia Colambu and Raia Siaui, are mentioned.
On Easter Sunday, preparations are made for mass, and the King offers swine for the occasion.
The CG and his men, dressed elaborately, land on the island. Peaceful gestures are exchanged,
and the two kings warmly embrace the CG. The mass begins with the CG sprinkling musk water
on the kings. The Kings, as well as the natives, participate in the Mass, showing reverence to
Christian symbols. After the mass, the CG presents a cross, nails, and a crown, explaining their
significance and the goodwill behind them. The CG proposes placing a cross atop a mountain
as a symbol of protection and unity, to which the Kings agree. The Kings' beliefs are discussed,
and plans are made to set up the cross. The CG learns about potential enemies and offers
assistance, garnering gratitude from the King.
Magellan's observations reveal his impressions of the natives' clothing, customs, and resources.
The island's richness in gold and its fauna and flora are described. The voyage continues,
passing several islands and covering considerable distances. Upon reaching Zubu, a city,
there's a cautious approach with banners and artillery. Ambassadors are sent to negotiate,
emphasizing Magellan's affiliation with a powerful king and his intent for trade. The King of Zubu
and his men deliberate, and a blood exchange is proposed to establish friendship. The
exchange of presents takes place, with the King initiating the gesture.
Throughout these events, a complex interplay of cultural exchange, diplomacy, and religious
significance unfolds as the explorers and natives interact on various levels, showcasing their
respective beliefs and intentions.
Holy Friday
-Captain-general sends a slave (acting as interpreter) in a tiny boat to ask the king ashore if
they had food to have them ship food.
-King arrives with 6/8 men and hands the Captain-general 3 leaf-covered jars filled with raw rice,
large orade (dorado), and other things.
-Captain-general gives the king garment made in the Turkish fashion out of red and yellow cloth,
a fine red cap, to the king's men; some get knives and some get mirrors.
-Through the slave, the king expressed his desire to be casi casi (to be brothers) with the CG.
[CG=Captain-General]
-CG showcases different cloths and other articles of merchandise, some items even frighten the
natives.
-Gold pieces the size of walnuts and eggs are found on the island of the King.
-The King’s dishes and half his house were made out of gold, he was grandly decked out (molto
in ordine) and was the finest-looking man among his people.
-His hair was black and hung to his shoulders, he had a dagger to his side, 3 spots of gold on
every tooth, his teeth bound by gold, and he was tattooed.
-The King’s Island was called Butuan and Calgan [Caraga].
-1st King = Raia Colambu, 2nd King = Raia Siaui
Magellan’s thoughts/observations:
-Magellan believed that the natives were heathens who went naked and painted. They wore
woven cloth made from tree fibers around their privates.
-The people were heavy drinkers, and the women wore tree cloth from the waist down with long
black hair.
-They adorned gold-filled ear piercings. The natives chewed a fruit called "area," similar to a
pear, mixed with lime, giving their mouths a reddish color. This fruit was crucial for their survival,
as it cooled their hearts.
-The island also had various animals like dogs, cats, swine, and fowls, as well as crops like rice,
ginger, coconuts, bananas, oranges, lemons, and more.
-Gold was abundant in the region ( in the island, called Mazaua (Limasawa), lay at a latitude of
around 9.67 degrees toward the Arctic Pole and a longitude of 162 degrees from the line of
demarcation, approximately 25 leagues from Acquada).
MISC. NOTES
● "A month later, the expedition reached the Philippines. To the crew’s surprise, Enrique,
an enslaved man Magellan had purchased before the journey, could understand and
speak the indigenous people’s language. It turned out he was likely raised there before
his enslavement." from
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/magellan-first-sail-around-world-think-
again
● "Magellan had participated in the Portuguese conquest of Malacca in 1511. While there,
Magellan purchased Enrique, and Pigafetta reported Enrique was from Sumatra." from
https://magellanproject.org/tag/enrique/
TABLE PLANNING
Data to Include
● Historical event
● Significance of each event
● Objects, people
● Magellans perspective
Table
● Fulfill learning outcomes? (pg 14)
○ Analyze the content, context, and perspective of the document
○ Discuss Magellan-Elcano expedition and experience based on journal
○ Explain the importance of Pigafetta’s account on the study of Ph history
● Chronological order
Context Significance/Perspective
● The spaniards anchor near the island ● Prior to the introduction of foreign
of the Archipelago of San Lazaro. values and traditions, the pre-colonial
● Magellan sends Enrique, a slave he natives of the islands were chronicled
purchased from a Portuguese for their generous and friendly
conquest, ashore to request food from manners. Galvan (2021), in a column
the king of the island of Limasawa commentary for Inquirer, has
onto the boat. observed that then, it was customary
● The king, Raja Colambu, arrives onto for islands to be friendly to foreigners.
their ship with his men bearing jars of ○ This further supports why Raja
food. Colambu readily entered into a
● Magellan presents the king with friendship with Magellan.
Turkish-fashioned garments and a ● The island of Limasawa is
cap, and the king’s men knives and predetermined to be rich sources for
mirrors. sustenance, shown by the ready
● While they ate, Magellan’s slave provision of food.
translated for Raja Colambu the ● The difference in culture is also
former’s intentions of friendship, which showcased. Magellan presents
the king agreed to. materials foreign to the natives. Even
● Magellan proceeded to show the Raja the usual firing of artillery terrified
more of his treasures and them, as weaponry of that style had
merchandise. not been known to them then.
● He discharged artillery for his guests, ● Pigafetta notes the king’s appearance
which frightened some of the natives. and attire. He was covered in gold
accessories, including his gold-lined
dagger, wore silk, and had a brother
named Raja Siaui, who oversaw the
other islands of Butuan and Calagan.
Easter Sunday (Bongcaron)
Content Significance/Perspective
AFTER MASS
AFTER DINNER
At Mazaua (Bejarasco)
Content Significance/Perspective
Content Significance/Perspective
● Magellan and his group stayed for ● Pigafetta includes in detail Magellan’s
seven days. They set their course passage about the different cuisines
northwest, passing five islands: and different species of animals found
in the locality of the Islands,
Ceylon, Bohol, Canighan, Baybai, and
emphasizing the Alienation of
Gatighan. Gatighan had giant bats the Magellan and his foreign status.
size of eagles, and they killed one that ● Another instance of the vast difference
tasted like chicken. The island also of the treasures of Spain and
had multiple species of birds. pre-colonial Philippines, where Spain
● The distance between Mazaua and had advancements in weaponry,
boats, armory, etc, the Philippines had
Gatighan was twenty leagues. The
more natural treasures such as Food,
group moved westward from spices, gold the size of walnuts (and
Gatighan, waiting for the king of eggs), etc.
Mazaua who caught up near Polo,
Ticobon, and Pozon islands. The king
was amazed by their ship's speed and
joined them on board along with his
chiefs.
● They continued from Gatighan to
Zubu, covering a distance of fifteen
leagues. On Sunday, April seven, at
noon, Magellan and his group arrived
at the port of Zubu.
Content Significance/Perspective
● They passed several villages with ● This tactic was often used by
houses built on logs. As they Magellan in order to coerce Natives
approached the city, Magellan ordered into becoming allies, he hides it by
claiming that it is a tradition yet his
the ships to display banners and
words have an underline of violence
prepare for battle. The artillery was further proving that his intention is
fired, frightening the people. The clear, he means to spread the belief of
captain sent the foster son of his his King, be it the use of sugarcoated
ambassador and an interpreter was threats to defenseless Islanders.
sent to the king of Zubu.
● A vast crowd, including the king of ● The reaction of the Islanders further
proves the ruffian behavior of the
Zubu, gathered in the city, all startled
voyagers and their disregard for the
by the mortar fire. The interpreter reaction the natives might have
explained that the mortar fire was a towards this alien custom.
customary sign of peace and
friendship, and it was discharged to ● Despite the rough greeting the
honor the village king. Islanders still allow for the Voyagers to
● The king's governor asked the explain their intentions.
ambassadors about their intentions.
The interpreter stated that Magellan
was a captain serving the world's
greatest king and prince, seeking to
discover Malucho and visit the king
due to good reports from the king of
Mazaua.
● The king welcomed them but ● Here the King allows them to stay with
the condition of respecting their
explained that according to their
customs and following tributes. (even
custom, ships entering their ports citing the slave as an example of
must pay tribute, citing a recent tribute tribute from prior ships entering)
from a junk from Siam laden with gold
and slaves. The King points to the
interpreter as an example but the
interpreter rejects paying tribute,
emphasizing his devotion to his
master Magellan and his (Magellan's)
affiliation with a mighty king.
● The Moro merchant supported their ● Despite being a slave himself and that
position, highlighting Magellan's of Malay blood, the loyalty the Slave
conquests in Calicut, Malaca, and has for Magellan and his king is
India. The interpreter conveyed boundless. The slave (whose name is
Enrique) speaks highly of Magellan’s
Magellan's king's power as the ruler of
mighty king and his power and even
Spain and emperor of Christians. He goes as far as to state why it would
also stated what would come if the not be a fine idea to go against the
King did not become on good terms European King.
with Magellan’s king.
● The king decided to deliberate with his ● Despite being threatened the King still
deliberates with his men on their
men and respond the next day. In the
response yet still never forgets to treat
meanwhile, refreshments of meat the foreign voyagers with the utmost
dishes and wine were served to the hospitality by serving them fine
Magellan and his men. After refreshments. (Proving how even
Magellan’s men refreshed themselves native Filipinos back hen were already
they tell him that they saw the King of generous and kind.)
Mazaua went ashore to speak to the
King of the great courtesy of the
Captain General. ● The passage captures an interaction
● On a Monday morning, Magellan's between the representatives of
notary and interpreter went to Zubu. Magellan's expedition and the local
The king and his chiefs joined them in authorities on the island of Zubu. It
the open square. The notary was gives us insight into the diplomatic
asked (by the king) about the number and possibly exploratory nature of the
encounter, as well as the exchange of
of captains and whether they wanted
information and inquiries between
tribute paid to the emperor (his different cultures and leaders. This
master). passage provides a glimpse into the
● The notary explained that the captain historical context of early interactions
wanted to trade, not seek tribute. The between European explorers and
king agreed and proposed a blood indigenous peoples in newly
exchange to establish a sincere discovered lands.
friendship. The notary agreed on the
captain's behalf. ● In the encounter, the captain sought
trade, not tribute, emphasizing
● The king mentioned the custom of
peaceful intentions. The king
captains exchanging presents and proposed a symbolic blood exchange
inquired about who should begin. The for sincere friendship, accepted by the
interpreter advised the king to start notary on the captain's behalf. This
since he desired to uphold the showcases diplomacy's role in
custom. The king initiated the fostering peaceful relations.
exchange of presents, as suggested
● During the interaction, the king
by the interpreter.
brought up the tradition of captains
exchanging gifts and asked about the
appropriate initiator. The interpreter
recommended the king to take the
lead, as he wanted to honor this
custom. Following the interpreter's
suggestion, the king then proceeded
to kickstart the gift exchange process.
This showcases the interpreter's role
in guiding cultural norms and
facilitating the smooth progression of
the interaction between the king and
the captain.
Other References:
😀
If we find any additional information from other sources, we can add them here so we can cite them when
we use them for our final output
● https://opinionn.inquirer.net/138521/1521-the-start-of-a-beautiful-friendship
● https://mb.com.ph/2022/03/20/magellan-the-first-diplomat/
● https://mb.com.ph/2021/5/31/where-and-when-was-the-first-mass-held
● https://www.positivelyfilipino.com/magazine/magellans-interpreter-enrique-was-the-first-t
o-circumnavigate-the-world
●