SYNOPSIS OF PHILIPPINE HISTORY

Pre-Spanish Times

There are two theories on the origins of the first Filipinos, the inhabitants of what will later be called the
Philippine Islands and eventually the Republic of the Philippines. See the Early Inhabitants of the
Philippine Islands.

In the beginning of the 3rd century, the inhabitants of Luzon island were in contact and trading with East
Asian sea-farers and merchants including the Chinese. In the 1400's the Japanese also established a
trading post at Aparri in Northern Luzon.

In 1380, Muslim Arabs arrived at the Sulu Archipelago and established settlements which became mini-
states ruled by a Datu. They introduced Islam in the southern parts of the archipelago including some
parts of Luzon and were under the control of the Muslim sultans of Borneo. They had a significant
influence over the region for a couple of hundreds years. The Malay Muslims remained dominant in
these parts until the 16th century.

Philippine History During the Spanish Colonial Times

In 1521, Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer who was serving the Spanish crown, landed in
Samar Island on his voyage to circumvent the globe. He explored the islands and named it Archipelago
of San Lazaro. Magellan was killed during a rebellion led by a Datu named Lapu Lapu in Mactan Island
(adjacent to Cebu Island). Spain continued to send expeditions to the island for financial gain and on the
fourth expedition, Commander Ruy Lopez de Villalobos, named the islands: Philippines, after Prince
Philip (later King Philip II), heir to the Spanish throne. Spain ruled the Philippines for 356 years.

King Philip 2, SpainIn 1565, King Philip II appointed Miguel Lopez de Legazpi as the first Governor-
General of the Philippines. Legazpi chose Manila to be it's capital because of it's natural harbor. Spain's
legacy was the conversion of the people to Catholicism and the creation of the privileged landed class.
Because of abuses and suppression of the Spaniards, a Propaganda Movement emerged with the aims
for equality between Filipinos and Spaniards. The arrest of propagandist Dr. Jose Rizal and execution in
1896 gave fresh momentum to Filipino rebels to fight against Spain.

The secret society of the Katipunan, founded by Andres Bonifacio attacked the Spanish Garrison in San
Juan with little success, while Katipuneros in Cavite Province headed by Emilio Aguinaldo defeated the
Guardia Civil in Cavite. Aguinaldo's victories lead him to be elected as head of the Katipunan. The
factions of Bonifacio & Aguinaldo fought and lead to the trial and execution of Bonifacio on Aguinaldo's
orders. Aguinaldo later drafted a constitution and established the Republic of Biak-na-Bato in Bulacan
province. In 1897, an impasse between the Spanish government and Aguinaldo arose. After negotiations
between the two sides, Aguinaldo accepted an amnesty from the Spaniards and US$ 800,000.00 in
exchange for his exile to Hong Kong with his government.