1521day.year
Ferdinand Magellan arrives at Cebu.
In 1521, Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan reached the island of Cebu in the Philippines during his circumnavigation voyage, initiating contact with the local Rajahnate.
During his historic expedition to circle the globe under the Spanish flag, Magellan’s fleet made landfall at Cebu after crossing the Indian Ocean and navigating the Strait of Magellan. He and his crew were greeted by Rajah Humabon, who formed an alliance and facilitated the first baptism of local inhabitants into Christianity. This encounter marked the beginning of Spanish influence in the Philippine archipelago. Magellan’s stay included negotiations, exchanges of gifts, and discussions on religion and trade. Although he would later meet his demise at the Battle of Mactan, his arrival in Cebu set the stage for over three centuries of Spanish colonial rule. The port of Cebu subsequently became a vital hub for galleon trade in the region.
1521
Ferdinand Magellan
Cebu