Comparative Contextual Analysis

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LAPU-LAPU THE MOVIE is a great movie to watch given that it has become

part of our history. Whilst, Antonio Pigafetta’s Journal seems to depict


something more.
Ferdinand magellan’s coming to the Philippines is to have an exchange of
goods and does not intend to invade the Philippines. According to
Pigafetta’s journal, they were welcome by Rajah Humabon with good heart.
“We saw a boat coming toward us with nine men in it. Therefore, the captain-general
[Magellan] ordered that no one should move or say a word without his permission. When
those men reached the shore, their chief went immediately to the captain-general, giving
signs of joy because of our arrival.”
It is quite the contrary to what is depicted in the film, wherein they set off
cannons first before their arrival to the shore and they have a talk with
rajah colambu. Also, in the movie it was not shown if the chief did really
show signs of joy. Moreover they are accepted and made an exchange of
goods or barter like how Filipinos did together with china, before the so
called discovery of Magellan of the Philippines or more appropriately called
the coming of Magellan to the Philippines. In addition to other purpose
which is to exchange goods is the spread of Christianism. In the film it was
briefly shown that lapu-lapu is going to welcome it to avoid feud and due to
the news that their[Magellan] God is powerful, and so is their weaponry.
Furthermore according to Pigafetta, they arrived at the shores of Mactan three hours before sunrise. Magellan sent a
message to the natives saying that if they still refused to recognize the Spanish king and pay them tribute, they would
demonstrate how effective their swords were at wounding people.

However, it was their arrival was not shown in the movie.


When the sun rose, Magellan, including his crew of 49 (11 remained on the ship) witnessed how the natives were
highly organized at warfare:
“When we reached land, those men had formed in three divisions to the number of more than one thousand five
hundred persons. When they saw us, they charged down upon us with exceeding loud cries, two divisions on our
flanks and the other on our front,” wrote Pigafetta.

In the film, it shows that it was Magellan’s side who started through their
cannons whilst Lapu-Lapu’s side waited ashore. Moreover in Pigafetta’s
journal it narrates that Magellan ordered some of his crew to distract the
natives by burning their house, but it was not shown in the movie.
“One of them wounded him on the left leg with a large cutlass, which resembles a scimitar, only being larger. That
caused the captain to fall face downward, when immediately they rushed upon him with iron and bamboo spears and
with their cutlasses, until they killed our mirror, our light, our comfort, and our true guide.” Lastly is the time when
Magellan was killed, comparing these two source, it was shown in the movie that it was Lapu-Lapu who killed
Magellan. However in Pigafetta’s journal, the killer is anonymous. To conclude, these two sources let us learn,
analyze and reflect on the past where every scenario must be taken into account. This is to fully understand or to
have an idea of the past. Although, antonio Pigafetta’s Journal is the primary source criticism and verification is
needed as proof to say that his journal is clear and unbiased. Therefore both works are highly credited as it gives a
glimpse and idea of what happened when were not yet brought ou to this beautiful world.
Sources:
https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/mariano-marcos-state-university/readings-in-philippine-history/battle-of-
mactan-summary-by-antonio-pigafetta/22947743
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YecwhWIyFG8

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