American History From Another Perspective

The uniqueness, importance, and relevance of Filipino American History Month cannot be emphasized enough.

As you know, Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer commissioned by Spain, is the first European to arrive in what is now the Philippines. In the Battle of Maktan, Lapu Lapu killed Magellan and became the first native Filipino chieftain to successfully resist foreign rule.

The story begins with Enrique, a slave who was bought in Malacca (area in Malaysia). He confirmed Portuguese explorer, Ferdinand Magellan’s belief that there was land beyond Malacca. Enrique was eventually brought before the King of Spain to explore the trade routes near the Philippines with Magellan's expedition.

When Magellan landed on what is now known as the Philippines in 1521, he became an ally of Datu (Chieftain) Humabon of Cebu. Humabon and his queen, Juana, were converted to Christianity, along with 400 other subjects. Magellan planted a cross (known as “Magellan’s Cross”) and gave Queen Juana a statue of the Santo Niño (Child Jesus) to commemorate the event.

It was not until 1565 that explorer Miguel Legazpi formally conquered the Philippines in the name of Spain.

Another challenge to history is credit is given to Magellan for being the first to circumnavigate (go around) the world. But actually, it was Enrique who was the first because he had traveled to many regions before becoming the slave of Magellan!

Filipinos did not willingly accept Spanish conquest. Within over 300 years of Spanish colonization, there were 81 recorded accounts of revolts around the islands. One famous revolt was led by a woman named Gabriela Silang, who continued the “Ilocos Revolt” in 1763 after her husband died. Ideas of freedom and self-determination were present in the Filipino people, and this desire for independence and justice against unfair an unfair Spanish system was the background for Filipino leaders of the Philippine Revolution.

In addition to Filipinos escaping their lives on galleons by landing in Morro Bay (1587) and Louisiana (1760), two men from “Manilla” applied for Hawaiian citizenship. Hawaii was a sovereign nation with a legitimate government at that time. Hawaii would ultimately be annexed by the United States in 1893 with the overthrow of its government.

These are all examples of the multi-faceted and intermingled histories of Filipinos, Americans, and Filipino Americans. All these events contribute to the fabric of a different view of America—a Filipino America. History, tragically, is often taught from one perspective. It is the aim of events like Filipino American History Month and ethnic studies programs and departments to illuminate other perspectives.