Spanish Era in the Philippines

The Age of Discovery in the 1400s, during which the spice trade became an influential acivity for European traders, had led to the discovery of new routes to avoid the hold of Venice and control by the Ottoman Turks. We have learned from history books the two superpowers during that time were Spain and Portugal. With each competing to discover new lands and routes to please their own kings.

The Philippine islands first came to the attention of Europeans through the Spanish expedition that happened around the world and was led by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. Magellan landed on the island of Cebu, claiming the lands for Spain and naming them Islas de San Lazaro. He then set up friendly relations with some of the local chieftains and converted some to Catholicism. However, Magellan was later killed by natives led by a local chief named Lapu-Lapu, who was against foreign domination.

Forty five years later, in 1565, another Spanish expedition led by Miguel López de Legazpi, the first Governor-General of the Philippines arrived in Cebu from New Spain (Mexico). Then on June 24, 1571, Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi exercised rule of the Spanish city of Manilawith the establishment of a city council in what today is called the district of Intramuros. Referred to as the WalledCity, the original fortified city of Manila was the capital and seat of the Spanish government for 333 years. Construction of the defensive walls was started by the Spanish colonial government in the late 16th century, which lasted for 250 years with continuous reconstruction and restoration to protect the city from foreign invasions. Intramuros was also occupied by the British, Americans and the Japanese after the Spanish rule. Intramuros was heavily damaged during the Liberation of Manila from the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II.

To experience the effect that four centuries worth of Spanish influence in the Philippines, you can visit five UNESCO World Heritage sites like the historic town of Vigan, the baroque churches of San Agustin in Intramuros, Miag-ao in Iloilo, Paoay and Santa Maria from the Ilocos province. The  Casa Manila in Intramuros is a colonial lifestyle museum from the 1800s. You can also visit the Spanish forts in Fort Santiago, Manila and Fort San Pedro, Cebu. Top universities like the Ateneo de Manila and University of Santo Tomas was first established in Intramuros. The Spanish language is still incorporated with our daily life and studies up to the present time.
Written by Ronnie Gador, a part time university lecturer in History, a London Blue Badge-trained Mabuhay Guide by the Department of Tourism in the Philippines and is one of the administrators of We Are FUNtastic Philippines.
The “WAFP”  Manila FUNLakwatsa held last Jan. 12 included some  Spanish landmarks like PACO PARK (a Spanish cemetery), RIZAL PARK (where the execution of  Dr. José Rizal sparked the fire of the Philippine Revolution against the Spanish colonizers)  and INTRAMUROS (where you can find Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church, Manila Cathedral, Palacio del Gobernador and other ruins.

The WAFP’s upcoming events on Sept 21 and 28 will coincide w/ the group’s one year anniversary. Come and join us! Details of events is in our website https://www.facebook.com/groups/we.are.funtastic.philippines/ . Spread the word and invite your friends and family to come join the fun for a cause. 


Article published on August 2013 for HKLife Newspaper in Hong Kong Filipino Community