Readings in Philippine History
1️. Introduction to History
Definition of History
o Derived from Greek historia → "knowledge acquired through inquiry."
o Study of the past through written documents and evidence.
o Became an academic discipline focused on important individuals, wars,
and events.
o Key Question: “No document, no history” – but does absence of
documents mean absence of history?
Historiography
o Historiography = writing of history based on critical examination of
sources.
o Studies how history was written (authors, context, sources used).
o History = past events.
Historiography = study of how those events were recorded.
2️. Evaluating Historical Data
Historical Methodology
o External Criticism: Verifies authenticity of sources (paper, ink, language,
date).
o Internal Criticism: Verifies credibility and truthfulness of content
(author’s intent, bias, context).
3️. Historical Sources
Primary Sources
o Created during the time of the event.
o Examples: Diaries, photographs, legal documents, relics, speeches, letters.
Secondary Sources
o Created after the event, using primary sources.
o Examples: Textbooks, biographies, scholarly journals, movies.
4️. 3 G’s of Colonial History
God: Spread of Christianity, rise of friars’ power, 85% of Filipinos became
Christians.
Gold: Trade and wealth (Galleon Trade, native products like woodcarvings).
Glory: Colonization, building Intramuros, Spanish dominance in politics, culture,
and economy.
5️. The Magellan Expedition
Left Spain in 1519 with five ships; first circumnavigation attempt.
March 16, 1521: Arrival in the Philippines (Samar → Homonhon → Limasawa →
Cebu).
March 31, 1521: First mass (Limasawa / Butuan controversy).
April 27, 1521: Battle of Mactan, Magellan killed by Lapu-Lapu.
6️. Other Expeditions
Saavedra Expedition (1527): Search for survivors of Magellan’s crew; reached
Mindanao.
Villalobos Expedition (1542): Named the islands Las Islas Filipinas.
Legazpi Expedition (1565): Colonized Cebu; later conquered Manila and built
Intramuros.
7️. Juan de Plasencia – Customs of the Tagalogs
Barangay System: Ruled by a datu (chief).
Social Classes:
o Maharlika – free, noble class
o Aliping Namamahay – commoners with own homes
o Aliping Saguiguilid – slaves serving masters
8️. Emilio Jacinto’s Kartilla ng Katipunan
Guidebook of Katipunan principles and moral code.
Key Teachings:
o Equality regardless of skin color
o Value of time and work
o Defend the oppressed
o Respect women as partners, not entertainment
o Do unto others what you don’t want done to you
o True nobility = good character and integrity
9️. Declaration of Philippine Independence
June 12, 1898, Kawit, Cavite
Proclaimed freedom from Spain.
Philippine Flag: Triangle (Katipunan), 3 stars (Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao), 8 rays
(first provinces in revolt).
Linked to U.S. support at the time.
10. Controversies in Philippine History
Site of the First Mass
Limasawa Island (Leyte): Officially recognized site by government & Church.
Mazaua (Butuan): Some historians argue it happened here.
Homonhon: First landing site, some claim a thanksgiving mass was held here.
Mahaba Island (Surigao): Alternative theory based on maps and navigation
data.
Cavite Mutiny (1872)
Event: Revolt of Filipino workers/soldiers at Cavite Arsenal (unfair taxes,
privileges removed).
Spanish Version: Large conspiracy to overthrow Spain → blamed GOMBURZA
priests.
Filipino Version (Pardo de Tavera): Small mutiny exaggerated by friars & Gov.
Izquierdo to justify executing priests.
Impact: Inspired Rizal and other Filipinos to continue fight for freedom.
