Perspective & Colonialism

History, tragically, is normally taught from one perspective. They have written: “Ferdinand Magellan's expedition was to discover the new trade route and thus discover Cebu”, but - how can you “discover” a land, trade route, and city that already exist? Let’s challenge this perspective and learn the story of the Battle of Maktan.

The story begins with Enrique, a slave who was bought in Malacca (area in Malaysia). He confirmed Portuguese explorer, Ferdinand Magellan’s belief that there was land beyond Malacca. Enrique was eventually brought before the King of Spain to explore the trade routes near the Philippines with Magellan's expedition.

When Magellan landed on what is now known as the Philippines, he became an ally of Datu (Chieftain) Humabon of Cebu. Humabon and his queen, Juana, were converted to Christianity, along with 400 other subjects. Magellan planted a cross (known as “Magellan’s Cross”) and gave Queen Juana a statue of the Santo Niño (Child Jesus) to commemorate the event.