Reading Assignment #3: Guide Questions
Reading Assignment #3: Guide Questions
Reading assignment #3
Task: Read First Voyage Around the World by Antonio Pigafetta (p.22-49)
Guide Questions:
What was the purpose of the voyage of Magellan?
In search of fame and fortune, Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan set out from
Spain in 1519 with a fleet of five ships to discover a western sea route to the Spice
Islands. En route he discovered what is now known as the Strait of Magellan and
became the first European to cross the Pacific Ocean.
Where was the first mass celebrated and who joined them?
The country's first Catholic mass, held in Limasawa, Philippines, was officiated by Fr.
Pedro Valderrama on March 31, 1521 (upon orders of Portugese explorer Ferdinand
Magellan). The Limasawa mass marked the birth of Roman Catholicism in the country,
which remains as the nation's dominant religion in the country up to present.
What did the cross indicate according to the Captain General as he told the Kings?
The captain told them that if they wished to become Christians as they had declared
on the previous days, that they must burn all their idols and set up a cross in their
place. They were to adore that cross daily with clasped hands, and every morning after
their [i.e., the Spaniards’] custom, they were to make the sign of the cross (which the
captain showed them how to make); and they ought to come hourly, at least in the
morning, to that cross, and adore it kneeling. The intention that they had already
declared, they were to confirm with good works. The king and all the others wished to
confirm it thoroughly.
Filipino Catholics re-enact through religious dramas the passion of Christ, or Christ's
martyrdom, during Holy Week.
Why did the Spaniards fight with Lapu-Lapu and his men?
Recognizing the warm hospitality of Humabon towards them, Magellan then sought
to introduce Catholicism to nearby islands like Mactan. There lived two rival chiefs —
Zula and Lapu-Lapu. While the former welcomed the Spanish conquistador and
submitted to Spain, Lapu-Lapu strongly opposed Magellan’s proposal and Humabon’s
orders. Thus, sparking the Battle of Mactan. According to the Aginid Chronicles (oral
chronicles from Rajah Tupas of Cebu), it was Humabon himself who provoked the
Spaniards into fighting against Lapu-Lapu and his army.
Reflection Question:
What were your thoughts after reading the accounts of the voyage?
The importance of having knowledge of the first voyage by Magellan around the world
allowed the account or record made by Italian Explorer Antonio Pigafetta who was
with Magellan during their voyage around the world. He made an account of the
people, plants, animals, places, cultures and traditions of the countries visited.
Antonio Pigafetta gave an account of the people in the Philippines in 1521 and the
manner and person responsible for the killing of Ferdinand Magellan, the tribes and
the ruler of the islands where they have stayed.