The Manila Galleon Trade

This is the fifth article on my blog series about the Philippines in connection with the celebration of Filipino-American History Month.  

The Manila galleon (Spanish: Galeón de Manila; Filipino: Galyon ng Maynila) refers to the Spanish trading ships that linked the Philippines in the Spanish East Indies to Mexico (New Spain), across the Pacific Ocean. The ships made one or two round-trip voyages per year between the ports of Manila and Acapulco from the late 16th to early 19th century.

The term "Manila galleon" can also refer to the trade route itself between Manila and Acapulco that was operational from 1565 to 1815.

The Manila galleon trade route was inaugurated in 1565 after the Augustinian friar and navigator Andrés de Urdaneta pioneered the tornaviaje or return route from the Philippines to Mexico. Urdaneta and Alonso de Arellano made the first successful round trips that year, by taking advantage of the Kuroshio Current. 

The galleons set sail from Cavite, in Manila Bay, at the end of June or the first week of July, sailing through the northern Pacific and reaching Acapulco in March to April of the next calendar year. The return route from Acapulco passes through lower latitudes closer to the equator, stopping over in the Marianas, then sailing onwards through the San Bernardino Strait off Cape Espiritu Santo in Samar and then to Manila Bay and anchoring again off Cavite by June or July. 

The trade using "Urdaneta's route" lasted until 1815, when the Mexican War of Independence broke out. The majority of these galleons were built and loaded in shipyards in Cavite, utilizing native hardwoods like the Philippine teak, with sails produced in Ilocos, and with the rigging and cordage made from salt-resistant Manila hemp. 

The vast majority of the galleon's crew consisted of Filipino natives; many of whom were farmers, street children, or vagrants press-ganged into service as sailors. The officers and other skilled crew were usually Spaniards (a high percentage of whom were of Basque descent). The galleons were state vessels and thus the cost of their construction and upkeep was borne by the Spanish Crown.^[3][4]

The galleons mostly carried cargoes of Chinese and other Asian luxury goods in exchange for New World silver. Silver prices in Asia were substantially higher than in America, leading to an arbitrage opportunity for the Manila galleon. Every space of the galleons were packed tightly with cargo, even spaces outside the holds like the decks, cabins, and magazines. In extreme cases, they towed barges filled with more goods. While this resulted in slow passage (that sometimes resulted in shipwrecks or turning back), the profit margins were so high that it was commonly practiced.

 These goods included Indian ivory and precious stones, Chinese silk and porcelain, clovesfrom the Moluccas islands, cinnamon, ginger, lacquers, tapestries and perfumes from all over Asia. In addition, slaves (collectively known as "chinos") from various parts of Asia (mainly slaves bought from the Portuguese slave markets and Muslim captives from the Spanish–Moro conflict) were also transported from the Manila slave marketsto Mexico.

 Free indigenous Filipinos also migrated to Mexico via the galleons (including galleon crew that jumped ship), comprising the majority of free Asian settlers ("chinos libres") in Mexico, particularly in regions near the terminal ports of the Manila galleons. The route also fostered cultural exchanges that shaped the identities and the culture of the countries involved.

The Manila galleons were also known colloquially in New Spain as La Nao de China ("The China Ship"), because they carried mostly Chinese goods shipped from Manila. The Manila Galleon route was an early instance of globalization, representing a trade route from Asia that crossed to the Americas, thereby connecting all the world's continents in global silver trade.

In 2015, the Philippines and Mexico began preparations for the nomination of the Manila–Acapulco Galleon Trade Route in the UNESCO World Heritage List with backing from Spain, which has also suggested the tri-national nomination of the archives on the Manila–Acapulco Galleons in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register.

Meanwhile: Did you know that Surigao is famous for its rich gold deposits, earning it the title of one of the Philippines' top gold-producing regions?

Surigao del Norte, specifically, has been a significant site for gold mining for centuries, with pre-colonial Filipinos already mining gold long before the arrival of the Spanish.

The region gained global attention with the discovery of the Surigao Treasure—a collection of intricate pre-Hispanic gold artifacts, including jewelry and ceremonial items, unearthed in 1981.

Today, Surigao continues to be a hotspot for gold mining, contributing to the Philippines' role as a global player in the precious metals market.

Finally: 

The galleon “San Diego” was built as the trading ship San Antonio, before being hastily converted into a warship of the Spanish Navy as the Dutch Navy neared Philippine waters. On 14 December 1600, the fully-laden San Diego captained by Antonio de Morga — competent writer but inept admiral — was sunk, without firing a single shot, by the much smaller Dutch warship “Mauritius” off the coast of Nasugbu in Batangas province. Nearly 400 years later, in 1992, the wreck was discovered by the team of French underwater archaeologist Franck Goddio, leading to the recovery of over 34,000 artifacts, including Chinese porcelain, Japanese katanas, Portuguese cannons and Mexican coins. The best pieces toured the globe, including Paris and Madrid, before being housed permanently at the National Museum of Anthropology in Manila.

Pre-Colonial Filipino Literacy and Writing System

This is the fourth article on my blog series about the Philippines in connection with the celebration of Filipino American History Month

Did you know that early Spanish chroniclers were amazed by the literacy and linguistic proficiency of pre-colonial Filipinos?

Many local chieftains and kings were fluent in languages like Sanskrit, Old Javanese, and Old Malay.

By the early 1600s, a Jesuit priest even remarked that it was rare to find anyone, man or woman, who couldn’t read or write in their native script.

In 1609, a Spanish magistrate similarly praised the Filipinos’ impressive writing skills, noting that both men and women wrote exceptionally well in their own script.

Long before colonization, Filipinos were already highly literate, showcasing a rich tradition of written language. The Philippines was under Spanish rule from 1565 to 1898. The Americans took over from 1989 t0 1946.

The Baybayin: Ancient and Traditional Scripts of the Philippines gallery is a permanent exhibition dedicated to the traditional Filipino writing system, baybayin. This script, used by early Filipinos, is showcased through archaeological artifacts, colonial records, and ethnographic collections that highlight its historical and cultural significance.

Key artifacts like the Laguna Copperplate and the Calatagan Pot are on display, alongside items from indigenous groups in Mindoro and Palawan—such as the Hanunoo-Mangyan, Buhid-Mangyan, Tagbanua, and Pala’wan peoples—who have preserved their syllabic writing traditions to this day.

Once widely used by coastal communities in the 16th century, baybayin was inscribed on leaves and bamboo. Though gradually replaced by the Roman alphabet, it has survived in certain regions, continuing as a living tradition.

In recent years, baybayin has experienced a resurgence, embraced by Filipino youth both locally and abroad. Through websites, tattoos, blogs, and apparel, the ancient script has become a symbol of Filipino identity, blending tradition with modern, global expressions.

Meanwhile enjoy this Aurora Borealis ( Northern Lights ) on October 10, 2024

with the San Francisco Golden Gate in the background.

Finally, my Quote of the Day: "The most terrible loneliness is not the kind that comes from being alone, but the kind that comes from being misunderstood. It is the loneliness of standing in a crowded room, surrounded by people who do not see you, who do not hear you, who do not know the true essence of who you are. And in that loneliness, you feel as though you are fading, disappearing into the background, until you are nothing more than a ghost, a shadow of your former self."

— George Orwell, 1984

Welcome, Autumn is Here at THD

The cool and lazy morning of Autumn is here at THD.  This week autumn weather has reached the East Bay.  I am delighted for the change from three digits to perfect temperatures ranging from the low 60's in the morning and later to the low 80's in the afternoon. Here are some photos, I took this morning. 

The photo with the bougainvillea blooms I took early in the morning when it was a little bit foggy, but later cleared when I took the photo of my cacti collection.  

The photos above are my bougainvillea and cacti blooming and happy of the cool temperatures in the morning. 

Even Batman and Robin are getting lazy and started napping after their breakfast as shown in the following photos. 

Yesterday Batman was watching me doing my daily blogs setting at the top of my printer.  However, was Robin was outside hiding by the side of my garbage pail. 

Lastly,  enjoy this Poem -The Raven, by Edgar Allan Poe. 

Meanwhile. enjoy this song the Autumn Leaves

https://fb.watch/vaEjYhcsL0/

Spanish Heritage to Philippines Architecture

This is the third article on my blog series about the Philippines in connection with the Filipino-American History Celebration for the Month of October.

Heritage buildings are special because they tell us about our history and culture. In both Spain and the Philippines, many beautiful structures showcase a blend of architectural styles influenced by their shared history.

From the 16th to the 19th century, Spain brought its unique architectural styles to the Philippines. A great example is the San Agustin Church in Manila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning Baroque architecture.

You can also find the Bahay Na Bato, a traditional Filipino house that combines Spanish and local designs, featuring stone and wooden elements. This fusion of styles is known as Arquitectura mestiza, reflecting the blending of cultures.

In Spain, iconic buildings like the Alhambra in Granada and the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona represent various architectural styles, showcasing Spain's rich cultural heritage.

Unfortunately, many heritage buildings have been lost due to war, natural disasters, and neglect. For instance, during World War II, numerous structures in the Philippines were destroyed, including important historical sites. In Spain, some buildings have suffered from urban development and the passage of time.

Both countries value their heritage buildings as symbols of identity. By preserving these sites, we ensure that future generations can appreciate and learn about our shared history.

Here are some photos from my second home,Boac, Marinduque, illustrating the Spanish architectural style influence in church building as well as in some heritage homes.

Note: I have received numerous positive comments from several non-Filipino readers of my blog. They informed me they learned a lot about the Philippines and encourage me to continue writings about Philippine history, culture and traditions and current news about the Philippines. I promised I will do it to the best of my ability. Thank you all for your encouraging comments.  

The Manila Men of St. Malo, Louisiana

This is the second series on my blog in connection with the Filipino American History Month Celebration for this month of October.

Saint Malo: The First Asian American Settlement Established by Filipino Fishermen

Saint Malo, located in Louisiana, is recognized as one of the first permanent Asian American settlements in the United States, founded by Filipino fishermen known as the Manilamen. This vibrant community emerged in the late 18th century along the shores of Lake Borgne, primarily formed by sailors who had escaped from Spanish galleons.

Established around 1763, Saint Malo's name is often linked to the French city of Saint-Malo, though the specific connection to Juan San Maló, a leader of runaway enslaved individuals, is less commonly emphasized in historical accounts. The Filipino settlers arrived during a period when both the Philippines and Louisiana were part of the Mexico-based Viceroyalty of New Spain. While oral traditions recount the existence of this settlement, the first written documentation appeared in 1883 through the writings of Lafcadio Hearn.

The Manilamen significantly influenced the local shrimping industry, introducing various fishing techniques and practices that shaped the region's economy. Their contributions extended beyond fishing; they intermarried with local communities, including Isleños and Cajuns, creating a rich cultural tapestry.

The settlement faced numerous challenges, particularly from natural disasters. In 1915, a devastating hurricane destroyed much of Saint Malo, with subsequent storms in 1965 and 2005 causing further damage. Despite these hardships, the community's legacy remains strong, and a historical marker was erected in 2019 to honor the contributions of the Manilamen. 

Lastly here are nineteen interesting facts about the Philippines that you probably did not know.

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2024/09/nineteen-interesting-facts-about.html

Meanwhile, thank you Carmen for a yummy breakfast yesterday with the special Spinach Turnover, Yogurt, cut orange and coffee. Thanks again to all the Kitchen Crew and Servers for your excellent job that enhance our well-being here at THD.

Good Day to ALL and Happy Friday! May you have a Fantastic Weekend!

Philippine National Hero and Polymath

This is the first series on my blog about the Philippines in connection with October's Filipino-American History Month Celebration. It's about Jose Rizal, Philippines National Hero and first Polymath.

Jose Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda was born on Jose Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda in Calamba, Laguna, Captaincy General of the Philippines, Spanish Empire.

He was a polymath, writer, and nationalist of the Philippines who was active at the conclusion of the Spanish colonial period and was also considered the national hero of the Philippines.

He became a key member of the Filipino Propaganda Movement, which advocated political reforms for the colony under Spain.

Following the start of the Philippine Revolution, which was sparked by his writings, he was put to death by the Spanish colonial authorities for the crime of insurrection.

Although he did not actively participate in its organization or execution, he ultimately supported its objectives, which led to the independence of the Philippines.

Rizal is widely regarded as one of the greatest Filipino heroes, and an official appointed National Heroes Committee has recommended that he be given this title.

He wrote the novels Noli Me Tángere (1887) and El filibusterismo (1891), along with several poetry and articles. Here are the first 5 out of 15 interesting facts about Jose Rizal.

1. His full name was Jose Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda

The Rizals were of mestizo origin. His patrilineal lineage could be traced to Fujian in China through his father’s ancestor Lam-Co.

On the advice of his brother Paciano and the Mercado family, he eliminated the last three names that made up his complete name before enrolling at the Ateneo Municipal de Manila, changing his name to “José Protasio Rizal.”

The title made him look like an illegitimate child since his family never paid any attention to it but by 1891, his second surname had become so well known that his family carried the name Rizal instead of Mercado.

2. Rizal has a land surveyor and assessor’s degree

Before being brought to Manila, Rizal originally studied under Justiniano Aquino Cruz in Bian, Laguna. As his father had desired, he took the Colegio de San Juan de Letran admission exam.

Nonetheless, he enrolled at the Ateneo Municipal de Manila where he graduated as one of the nine students in his class declared sobresaliente or outstanding.

He continued his study at the Ateneo Municipal de Manila, where he earned a degree in land surveying and assessment, and together at the University of Santo Tomas, where he completed a pre-law course with an excellent grade.

3. He joined medicine when he discovered his mother was going blind

He changed his major to medicine at the Santo Tomas Medical School after learning that his mother was losing her vision and eventually chose to focus on ophthalmology.

He traveled with the support of his brother to Madrid in May 1882 and studied medicine at the Universidad Central de Madrid where he earned a degree.

He completed his eye specialization in 1887 at Heidelberg under the renowned professor, Otto Becker and later used his skills to operate his mother’s eyes.

4. He wrote a lot of poetry, essays, and novels

Rizals most famous works were his two novels, Noli Me Tángere (1887) and its sequel, El filibusterismo (1891).

These societal commentaries written during the country’s Spanish colonial era served as the foundation of literature that encouraged both pacifist reformers and armed revolutionaries.

5. Rizal had the ability to master various skills and subjects

He was an eye doctor as well as a writer, sculptor, painter, educator, farmer, historian, and journalist.

In addition to poetry and creative writing, he was also immersed in a variety of subjects with varying degrees of proficiency.

These include architecture, cartography, economics, ethnology, anthropology, sociology, theater, martial arts, fencing, and pistol shooting.

Skilled in social settings, he became a Freemason and in 1884, he attained Master Mason status.

So Rizal was a polymath which means he knows a lot of topics and can talk you out senseless with his knowledge until you accede defeat. In case you’re wondering what a polymath is, simply put - when a person's knowledge covers many different areas, he or she is a polymath.

But Rizal was more than just a nerd of the tallest order, he oftentimes would wear the armor of a hopeless romantic especially with women, fumbling his way through while his wit and wisdom drove women to shake or go weak in the knees. Using what implement, you may ask? Poetry. For women those days, poetry was an aphrodisiac.

And yet all that knowledge in his head and the things he saw in other lands through his travels, things he never learned in schools, would put him on a direct trajectory with the purveyors of corruption and greed, and ultimately martyrdom.

Here's his famous poem-Mi Ultimo Adios- My Last Farewell- English Translation. The poem was originally written in Spanish.

https://youtu.be/qt9S-LP0W2E?si=nq6xt-mreoRIKw39

Note: I have received numerous positive comments from several non-Filipino readers of my blog. They informed me they learned a lot about the Philippines and encourage me to continue writings about Philippine history, culture and traditions and current news about the Philippines. I promised I will do it to the best of my ability. Thank you all for your encouraging comments.