Battle of Maktan

Under the name of “God, Glory, and Gold,” Spain believed it was their right to take over and “civilize” the indigenous Filipinos. They did not realize that the indigenous Filipinos would resist Spanish colonialism. Led by the Datu Lapu-Lapu of Maktan, this indigenous group fought a great battle against Magellan. Weighted down by their heavy armor, Magellan and his men were no match to the bolos and spears of Datu Lapu-Lapu’s forces. Datu Lapu-Lapu and his men defeated the Spanish with Magellan dying in the conflict. This event, “The Battle of Maktan”, marks the struggle against colonization making Datu Lapu Lapu the first Filipino hero to successfully fend off an invading Western power. It wasn’t until 1565 that explorer Miguel Legazpi formally conquered the Philippines in the name of Spain.

Another challenge to history is credit is given to Magellan for being the first to circumnavigate (go around) the world. But actually, it was Enrique who was the first because he had traveled to many regions before becoming the slave of Magellan!

“Battle of Maktan” Painting by Manual Panares

Resources:

“Battle of Mactan” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Mactan

CAI Art Gallery, Cebu
http://cebu-online.com/cai/sugbo/intro.html

Cordova, T. & Espiritu, P. C. (2001) Pinoy Teach: Multicultural Curriculum, 4th Ed.
Chapter 3: "The Flip Side”

Manual Panares

Susan Gage & Don McNair. Colonialism in Asia: A Critical Look

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary New Edition (2004).