Readings in Philippine History

ANTONIO PIGAFETTA'S FIRST VOYAGE

AROUND THE WORLD BY MAGELLAN

This book was taken from the chronicles of contemporary voyagers and
navigators of the sixteenth century. One of them was the Italian nobleman Antonio
Pigafetta, who accompanied Ferdinand Magellan in his fateful circumnavigation of
the world. Pigafetta's work instantly became a classic, with prominent literary figures
in the West—such as William Shakespeare, Michel de Montaigne, and Giambattista
Vico—referring to the book in their interpretations of the new world.

Pigafetta's travelogue is one of the most important primary sources in the

study of pre-colonial Philippines. His account serves as a major reference for the
events leading to Magellan's arrival in the Philippines, his encounters with local
leaders, his death at the hands of Lapulapu’s forces in the Battle of Mactan, and the
departure of what remained of Magellan’s fleet from the islands.

Examining the document reveals several insights—not only into the character
of the Philippines during the pre-colonial period but also into how the Europeans,
with their fresh perspectives, perceived an unfamiliar terrain, environment, people,
and culture. Understanding Pigafetta's account within the context of its writing
requires familiarity with the dominant mindset of the Age of Exploration, which
shaped Europe in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.

Students of history must realize that primary sources used in later historical
narratives come from specific perspectives. Thus, Pigafetta's account was a product
of its time and context. The First Voyage Around the World by Magellan was
published after Pigafetta returned to Italy. This discussion focuses on Pigafetta’s
chronicles, particularly his firsthand observations and general impressions of the
Philippines, as well as their experiences in the Visayas.

The Ladrone Islands and the Voyage to the Philippines

In Pigafetta’s account, their fleet reached what he called the Ladrone Islands
or the Island of Thieves. He recounted:

"These people have no arms, but use sticks, which have a

fishbone at the end. They are poor, but ingenious, and great
thieves, and for the sake of that, we called these three islands the
Ladrone Islands."

The Ladrone Islands, presently known as the Marianas Islands, are located
south-southeast of Japan, west-southwest of Hawaii, north of New Guinea, and east
of the Philippines.

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Ten days after reaching the Ladrone Islands, Pigafetta reported that they
arrived at what he called the Isle of Zamal, now Samar. However, Magellan decided
to land on another uninhabited island for greater security, where they could rest for
a few days.

Pigafetta recounted that, after two days, on March 18, 1521, nine men
approached them, showing joy and eagerness upon seeing the foreigners. Magellan
observed that these men were reasonable and welcomed them with food, drinks, and
gifts. In return, the natives gave them:

▪ Fish
▪ Palm wine (uraca)
▪ Figs
▪ Two cochos (coconuts)
▪ Rice (umai)
▪ Cocos
▪ Other food supplies

Pigafetta expressed amazement and fascination with the palm tree, which
bore fruits called cocho and produced wine. He also described what seemed like a
coconut in the following passage:

"This palm produces a fruit named cocho, which is as large as

the head, or thereabouts: its first husk is green, and two fingers
in thickness, in it they find certain threads, with which they
make the cords for fastening their boats. Under this husk there
is another very hard, and thicker than that of a walnut. They
burn this second rind and make with it a powder which is useful
to them. Under this rind there is a white marrow of a finger's
thickness, which they eat fresh with meat and fish, as we do
bread, and it has the taste of an almond, and if anyone dried it,
he might make bread of it."

Pigafetta described the people as "very familiar and friendly" and noted that
they willingly showed them different islands and their names.

The Watering Place of Good Signs and the Archipelago of St. Lazarus

The fleet then went to Humunu Island (Homonhon), where Pigafetta referred
to a location as the Watering Place of Good Signs. It was here that Pigafetta noted
they found the first signs of gold on the island. They named this island, along with
the nearby islands, the Archipelago of St. Lazarus.

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They left the island, and on March 25, Pigafetta recounted that they saw two
Ballanghai (balangay)—longboats full of people—in Mazzava/Mazaua.

The leader, whom Pigafetta called the King of the Ballanghai (balangay), sent
his men to Magellan’s ship. The Europeans entertained these men and gave them
gifts. When the king offered to provide Magellan with a bar of gold and a chest of
ginger, Magellan declined. Instead, he sent his interpreter to the king and requested
money for the needs of his ships, explaining that he had come to the islands as a
friend, not as an enemy.

The king responded by providing Magellan with food supplies in chinaware.

In return, Magellan gave the king and his people:

▪ Robes in Turkish fashion

▪ A red cap
▪ Knives and mirrors

The two leaders then expressed their desire to become brothers.

Magellan boasted of his men, who wore armor that could not be struck by
swords and daggers. The king was fascinated and remarked that a single armored
man could be worth 100 of his men. Magellan also demonstrated his weapons and
artillery and shared with the king his charts and maps, explaining how they had found
the islands.

After a few days, Magellan was introduced to the king’s brother, who was also
a king of another island. The fleet traveled there, and Pigafetta reported that they
saw mines of gold. Gold was so abundant that parts of the ship and the house of the
second king were made of gold.

Pigafetta described this king as the most handsome of all the men he saw in
this place. He was adorned with silk and gold accessories, including a golden dagger,
which he carried in a polished wooden sheath.

This king was named Raia Calambu, the King of Zuluan and Calagan (present-
day Butuan and Caraga). The first king was Raia Siagu.

First Mass in the Philippines

On March 31, 1521, which was Easter Sunday, Magellan ordered the chaplain
to say Mass by the shore. The king heard of this plan and sent two dead pigs as a
gift. He then attended the Mass with the other king.

Pigafetta reported that both kings participated in the Mass, writing:

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"... when the offertory of the Mass came, the two kings went to
kiss the cross like us, but they offered nothing, and at the
elevation of the body of our Lord, they were kneeling like us and
adored our Lord with joined hands."

After the Mass, Magellan ordered that a cross be brought, complete with nails
and a crown. He explained that:

▪ The cross, nail, and crown were symbols of his emperor.

▪ He was ordered to plant these symbols in every land they reached.
▪ The cross would be beneficial to the natives, as it would protect them
from harm.
▪ Future Spaniards who saw the cross would recognize that they had
already been in this land and would not cause trouble.
▪ Any captives taken would be released.

The king agreed, and the cross was planted. This Mass became known as the
first Mass in the Philippines, and the cross became the famed Magellan’s Cross,
which is still preserved today.

Journey to Cebu and Blood Compact

After seven days, Magellan and his men decided to continue their journey in
search of more supplies and provisions. They learned of the islands of Ceylon
(Leyte), Bohol, and Zubu (Cebu) and planned to go there.

Raia Calambu offered to pilot them to Cebu, the largest and richest of the
islands.

On April 7, 1521, Magellan and his men reached Cebu. The king of Cebu,
through Magellan’s interpreter, demanded a tribute, as was customary. However,
Magellan refused, saying:

▪ He was a captain of a king and, therefore, would not pay tribute to other
kings.
▪ His king ruled a vast empire, and it would be better for Cebu to befriend
them.

The king of Cebu consulted his council. The next day, Magellan’s men, the king
of Cebu, and other principal men of Cebu met in an open space.

During this meeting, the king of Cebu offered a bit of his blood and demanded
that Magellan do the same.

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Pigafetta recounted:

"Then the king said that he was content, and as a greater sign of
affection, he sent him a little of his blood from his right arm, and
wished he should do the like. Our people answered that he would
do it. Besides that, he said that all the captains who came to his
country had been accustomed to make a present to him, and he
to them, and therefore they should ask their captain if he would
observe the custom. Our people answered that he would; but as
the king wished to keep up the custom, let him begin and make
a present, and then the captain would do his duty."

Magellan’s Preaching and the Baptism of the People of Cebu

The following day, Magellan spoke before the people of Cebu about peace
and God. Pigafetta reported that the people took pleasure in Magellan’s speech.

Magellan then asked who would succeed the king after his reign. The people
responded that the eldest child of the king, a daughter, would be the next ruler.
Pigafetta also described how elderly parents were no longer considered important in
leadership and had to follow the orders of their children as the new rulers.

Magellan responded by saying that his faith required children to honor and
obey their parents. He continued preaching about Christianity, and the people were
reportedly convinced. Pigafetta noted that Magellan’s men were thrilled, as the
people of Cebu wished to become Christians out of free will rather than force or
intimidation.

On April 14, 1521, the people gathered along with the king and other principal
men of the islands. Magellan encouraged the king to be a good Christian by burning
all the idols and worshiping the cross instead. The king of Cebu was then baptized
as a Christian.

Pigafetta wrote:

"To that, the king and all his people answered that they would
obey the commands of the captain and do all that he told them.
The captain took the king by the hand, and they walked about
on the scaffolding. When he was baptized, he said that he would
name him Don Carlos, after the emperor, his sovereign. He
named the prince Don Fernando, after the emperor's brother.
The King of Mazavva was named Jehan. To the Moor, he gave

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the name Christopher, and to the others, each a name of his

fancy."

After eight days, Pigafetta counted that all of the island's inhabitants had been
baptized. However, he admitted that they burned a village for disobeying both the
king and Magellan.

Mass began to be conducted by the shore daily. When the queen attended
Mass one day, Magellan presented her with an image of the Infant Jesus, which
Pigafetta himself had carved. The king of Cebu swore allegiance to Magellan.

Magellan reminded the newly baptized Christians to burn their idols, but the
natives hesitated, saying that they still needed the idols to heal a sick relative of the
king. Magellan insisted that they should put their faith in Jesus Christ instead.

They then went to the sick man and baptized him. Pigafetta recorded that the
man was suddenly able to speak again, calling it a miracle.

The Prelude to the Battle of Mactan

On April 26, 1521, Zula, a principal man from the island of Matan (Mactan),
visited Magellan. He requested a boat full of men to help him fight the chief
Silapulapu (Lapulapu).

Zula explained that Lapulapu refused to obey the king of Cebu and was also
preventing him from doing so. Instead of one boat, Magellan offered three boats
and expressed his desire to personally lead the attack on Mactan.

The Spanish forces arrived in Mactan at daylight. Their total number was 49,
while the islanders of Mactan were estimated to be 1,500. The battle began.

Pigafetta recounted:

"When we reached land, we found the islanders fifteen hundred

in number, drawn up in three squadrons. They came down upon
us with terrible shouts, two squadrons attacking us on the flanks,
and the third in front. The captain divided his men into two
bands. The musketeers and crossbowmen fired for half an hour
from a distance, but their attacks were ineffective. Although the
bullets and arrows passed through the islanders’ thin wooden
shields and perhaps wounded their arms, they failed to stop
them. The captain shouted for his men to stop firing, but he was
ignored. Seeing that the gunfire had little to no effect, the
islanders refused to retreat. Instead, they shouted even louder

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and began moving swiftly from side to side, skillfully dodging the
Spanish shots while simultaneously advancing closer. As they
moved in, the islanders attacked relentlessly, hurling:

▪ Arrows
▪ Javelins
▪ Spears hardened in fire
▪ Stones
▪ Even mud

The Spanish forces struggled to defend themselves against the

onslaught. Some warriors even threw iron-tipped lances directly at
Magellan, the captain-general himself.”

The Death of Magellan and the Betrayal in Cebu

Magellan died in battle. The natives, realizing that their enemies’ bodies were
protected by armor, aimed for their legs instead.

Magellan was pierced by a poisoned arrow in his right leg. Some of his men
attempted to intimidate the natives by burning an entire village, but this only
infuriated them further.

Knowing that Magellan was the captain-general, the natives specifically

targeted him. He was struck in the face with a lance. In response, Magellan pierced
the same attacker in the chest with his lance. He then attempted to draw his sword,
but his wounded arm prevented him from lifting it.

Seeing that Magellan was weakening, more natives rushed to attack him. One
warrior, wielding a great sword, delivered a fatal blow to Magellan’s left leg, causing
him to fall face down. The natives then mercilessly struck him with:

▪ Lances
▪ Swords
▪ Even their bare hands

Pigafetta’s Account of Magellan’s Final Moments

Pigafetta recounted:

“Whilst the Indians were thus overpowering him, several times

he turned around towards us to see if we were all in safety, as
though his obstinate fight had no other object than to give an
opportunity for the retreat of his men.”

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Pigafetta also noted that the baptized king of Cebu could have sent
reinforcements, but Magellan had instructed him to stay in the balangay and observe
the battle.

After Magellan’s death, the king of Cebu offered valuable gifts in exchange
for Magellan’s body, but the chief of Mactan refused. The islanders wanted to keep
Magellan’s body as a symbol of their victory.

Betrayal and the Massacre of Magellan’s Men

Following Magellan’s death, his men elected Duarte Barbosa as the new
captain. However, betrayal soon followed.

Magellan’s slave and interpreter, Henry, conspired against them. Pigafetta

alleged that Henry informed the king of Cebu of the fleet’s plans to leave quickly.
He further persuaded the king that, if he acted swiftly, he could seize the ships and
all of Magellan’s goods.

The king of Cebu, in agreement with Henry, devised a plan. He invited

Magellan’s remaining men to a gathering, claiming he would present them with
jewels intended for the king of Spain.

Pigafetta, still nursing his battle wounds, did not attend. Twenty-four men
from Magellan’s crew accepted the invitation.

Shortly after, cries of distress were heard. The natives had slaughtered all the
men, except for the interpreter and Juan Serrano, who were wounded but still alive.

Serrano was brought forward and shouted to the men on the ship, begging
them to pay a ransom for his life. However, his pleas were ignored.

Instead, the fleet abandoned Serrano and departed Cebu, continuing their
journey around the world.

Analysis of Pigafetta's Chronicle

The chronicle of Pigafetta is one of the most frequently cited documents by

historians studying the pre-colonial Philippines. As one of the earliest written
accounts, Pigafetta’s work is considered a credible source for a period that was
largely unrecorded and undocumented.

Because it is the earliest detailed documentation, many believe that Pigafetta’s

writings provide a glimpse into the "purest" form of pre-colonial society. Indeed, his

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work plays a crucial role in the study and writing of Philippine history. However, a
more nuanced reading of his account is necessary to understand its contextual biases
and limitations.

Understanding Bias in Pigafetta’s Writings

Students of history must recognize that all historical accounts are influenced
by the author’s background, identity, loyalties, and circumstances. These factors
shape how events are recorded and interpreted.

In the case of Pigafetta, it is important to remember that:

▪ He was a chronicler commissioned by the King of Spain to document a

voyage aimed at expanding the Spanish Empire.
▪ He was of noble descent, coming from a wealthy Italian family.
▪ His social status and European upbringing influenced his perspective on
non-European societies.
▪ With his cartography and geography background, he provided detailed
descriptions of the places he visited, including geography and climate
conditions.

Pigafetta’s European Perspective

When reading Pigafetta’s descriptions of indigenous people, one must

consider that he wrote from a 16th-century European worldview. This perspective
shaped how he described, interpreted, and judged the cultures he encountered.

1. Perception of Indigenous Beliefs and Culture

Pigafetta often implied that indigenous belief systems and ways of life were
inferior to Christianity and European customs. For example:

▪ He frequently remarked on the nakedness of the natives, interpreting their

minimal clothing as a sign of uncivilized behavior.
▪ He expressed fascination with their exotic culture, treating it as something
unusual or strange.
▪ He emphasized the natives’ amazement and ignorance of European firearms,
merchandise, and goods.

However, Pigafetta failed to recognize that indigenous clothing, made of light

materials, was well-suited for the tropical climate. Similarly, houses built with palm
and bamboo allowed for better air circulation, an adaptive response to the
environment rather than a sign of backwardness.

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2. European Standards of Wealth and Civilization

Pigafetta’s economic perspective was also shaped by 16th-century European

mercantilism, which measured a kingdom’s power based on its accumulation of gold
and silver.

▪ He repeatedly mentioned the abundance of gold in the islands, often

describing leaders wearing gold rings and golden daggers.
▪ He was fascinated with spices like ginger, which were considered luxury
goods in Europe.
▪ He viewed the Philippines' wealth in gold and spices through the lens of
European economic ambitions.

Spain, like other European powers, sought to acquire new lands rich in gold
and other resources to strengthen its position against rival European nations. The
obsession with spices, which may seem ordinary to Filipinos today, was due to their
scarcity in Europe, making them highly valuable trade commodities.

In the 16th century, Spain and Portugal were competing for control over the
Spice Islands, as doing so would significantly increase their wealth, influence, and
global power.

Conclusion

A critical reading of Pigafetta’s chronicle requires understanding the historical

context and biases that shaped his observations. His European background, political
loyalties, and economic motivations influenced how he perceived and recorded
indigenous Filipino society.

While his work is an important historical source, readers must approach it

with critical awareness, recognizing that his descriptions reflect European
assumptions rather than objective truths about pre-colonial Philippine culture.

Reference:

Canderlaria, J.L., Alphora, V., & Kunting, A. (2021). A course module for readings
in Philippine history. Rex Book Store.

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