The 1565 Treaty of Cebu

Today in Philippine History (Philatelic Edition):

JUNE 4, 1565

The first Filipino-Spanish Treaty of Peace or the Treaty of Cebu was an agreement signed by Spanish Conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi representing King Philip II of Spain and Rajah Tupas, the King of Cebu. 

Under the treaty, Cebu would recognize the government of Spain and in return, Spain will protect Cebu in any event of war. Tupas, the nephew of Rajah Humabon was earlier defeated by Legazpi’s forces on April 27, 1565 after which the first Spanish settlement was founded. Rajah Tupas was the last king of Cebu during the pre-Spanish period.

(Design, concept, stamps and research: Richard Allan Uy)

Today in Philippine History: The Treaty of Cebu

JUNE 4, 1565

The first Filipino-Spanish Treaty of Peace or the Treaty of Cebu was an agreement signed by Spanish Conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi representing King Philip II of Spain and Rajah Tupas, the King of Cebu. Under the treaty, Cebu would recognize the government of Spain and in return, Spain will protect Cebu in any event of war. Tupas, the nephew of Rajah Humabon  was earlier defeated by Legazpi’s forces on April 27, 1565 after which the first Spanish settlement was founded. Rajah Tupas was the last king of Cebu during the pre-Spanish period.   

Today in Philippine History: Datu Zula of Mactan

APRIL 26, 1521

Datu Zula, one of Mactan’s two chieftains sent his son to Ferdinand Magellan bringing along two goats as presents and to relay the news that more would have been given if not for the opposition of the other chief named Lapu-lapu. Days earlier, Rajah Humabon sent an order to all nearby chiefs to provide food supplies for Magellan’s crew and to be converted to Christianity. Humabon with Zula suggested to Magellan to go to Mactan and force the rebellious Lapu-lapu to abide with the order issued by Rajah Humabon, the ruler of the Visayan region.

Photo credit: http://en.wikipedia.org/

Today in Philippine History: Magellan's Gift to the Queen

APRIL 14, 1521

After Cebu’s Rajah Humabon and his wife were baptized, Ferdinand Magellan gave Queen Juana an image of the Child Jesus. This gift was well loved by the Cebuanos that they called HIM the “Sto. Nino of Cebu”. Antonio Pigafetta also gave the queen a statue of Our Lady. After being the first to be recovered years later, the Sto. Nino became the symbol of the Catholic Faith in the Philippines and is venerated by Filipinos today. The original image is found at the Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino and is under the care of the Augustinian Fathers.

Today in Philippine History: Magellan Plants Cross in Cebu

APRIL 14, 1521

Ferdinand Magellan (1480 - April 27, 1521) had a cross planted in Cebu and told Fr. Pedro de Valderama to bless it. Later, the priest baptized Cebu’s Rajah Humabon, his wife and 800 subjects composed of men, women and children. Humabon was named “Don Carlos” in honor of King Charles V of Spain while the queen was called “Dona Juana”, taken from the name of the Spanish queen. The Magellan’s Cross is very much around and is the landmark of Cebu.

Today in Philippine History: Magellan Arrives in Cebu

APRIL 7, 1521

Ferdinand Magellan arrived in Cebu together with Rajah Kolambu and his men. The Spanish fleet discovered that Cebu was an international seaport where ships from China, Brunei and other places bring goods to trade. Rajah Humabon, the king of Cebu suggested that the Spaniards pay tribute to him to be able to land which Magellan declined. That night, Humabon changed his mind and requested Magellan to have a blood compact with him the following day.