EARLY

CHRISTIANITY
IN THE PHILIPPINES
“The best storyteller is the one who not only
knows the story but saw it.”
 MARCH 16, 1521

• After departing from San Lazaro, Magellan and his

crew along with Pigafetta reached the isle of Zamal
(Samar). But Magellan decided to land in another
uninhabited island for greater security where they
could rest for a few days called Humunu Island
(Homonhon).
• On March 18, nine men came to them on a boat
called balangaii (balangay) and show joy and
eagerness in seeing them and welcomed them with
food, drinks, and gifts.
 MARCH 25, 1521
• Raia Siagu ruler of the Rajahnate of Butuan and Calagan
sent his men to the ship of Magellan.
• Magellan was introduced to the king’s brother Raia
Calumba who was also king of another island (Zuluan and
Calagan). He was adorned with sick and golden
accessories like golden dagger, which he carried with him
in a wooden polished sheath.
• The two men traded with Magellan and expressed their
desire to become brothers through sanduguan/kasi kasi. Blood compact by Manuel Panares
• They remained in the island of Mazzaua for a week
 MARCH 31 (EASTER SUNDAY)

• Ferdinand Magellan ordered a mass to be celebrated which was

officiated by Friar Pedro Valderrama. Conducted near the shores of
the island (Pinamangculan Hill), the first Holy Mass marked the
birth of Roman Catholicism in the Philippines.
• The Cross was planted in the highest mountain as then they would
know that they had been in this land and would not cause them
troubles, and any person who might be held captives by them would
be released
 APRIL 7, 1521

• Magellan and his men reached the port of Cebu, the largest and the richest of the islands with the
helped of Raia Calambu.
• The king of Cebu (Rajah Humabon) demanded that they pay tribute as it was customary but
Magellan refused.
• Magellan’s interpreter explained to the king of Cebu that Magellan’s king was the emperor of the
great empire and that it would do them better to make friends with them than to forge enmity.
• The king consulted his council and the next day, together with the other principal men of Cebu,
they met in an open space and the king offered a bit of his blood demanded that Magellan do the
same. And together they agreed to have peace.
 APRIL 14

• Magellan encouraged the king to be a faithful Christian by doing

so burning all the idols and worship the cross instead.
• The king of Cebu was baptized as Christians and was given a new
name Don Charles. Queen Mazzava Isabella, prince Don Fernand,
prince’s wife Catherine
• After eight days, all of the islands inhabitants were already
baptized.
• The Mass was conducted by the shore everyday. When the queen First Baptism in the Philippines by
(Hara Amihan) came to the Mass one day, Magellan gave her an Fernando Amorsolo
Image of the Infant Jesus made by Pigafetta himself.
 SANDUGO

(cassi – cassi / kasi-kasi)

• Is an ancient ritual in the Philippines
intended to seal a friendship or treaty, or to
validate an agreement.
• The contracting parties would cut their hands
and pour their blood into a cup filled with
liquid, such as wine, and drink the mixture. Blood Compact (2020)
By Malcampo, Alberto R.