Discovering the Roots of Philippine Tourism

Transportation in Pre-Colonial Philippines

• The primary mode of transportation was through the use of boats, specifically balangays, which facilitated trade and migration across islands.
• Land transportation involved walking and the use of animals for trade, although water routes were more prominent due to the geography of the islands.

Manunggul Jar Significance

• The Manunggul Jar, a burial vessel from the late Neolithic period, signifies complex beliefs in life after death among ancient Filipinos and represents early craftsmanship and cultural practices.

Use of the Astrolabe

• The Astrolabe was first used by Spain during the Spanish colonization era in the Philippines, aiding navigators in determining latitude by measuring the position of celestial bodies.

Transport Method in Pre-Colonial Tourism

• Tourism during the pre-colonial era relied primarily on maritime travel, with communities engaging in maritime trade and cultural exchanges before colonial influences.

Trade Products between China and the Philippines

• Major trade products included silk, porcelain, and spices from China, while the Philippines exported gold, copper, and agricultural products such as rice and honey.

Unity of the Philippines Pre-Colonization

• There was no unified state known as the Philippines before Spanish arrival; instead, the region consisted of various independent barangays and sultanates with differing cultures and governance.

Reasons for Colonization

• Colonization was driven by the pursuit of resources, conversion to Christianity, and the establishment of trade routes to expand Spanish influence and power in Asia.

Major Colonizers

• The primary colonizers of the Philippines included Spain, which dominated the archipelago for over 300 years, along with other European powers that recognized the islands' strategic importance.

Oldest Indigenous People

• The Aeta tribe is often regarded as one of the oldest indigenous groups in the Philippines, with a rich cultural heritage and deep-rooted connections to the land.

Ferdinand Magellan's Voyage Goal

• Ferdinand Magellan’s expedition aimed to find a western route to the Spice Islands (Maluku Islands) and to spread Christianity.

First Island Reached by Magellan

• The first island encountered by Magellan's expedition was Homonhon, located in the eastern Philippines, marking the arrival of Europeans in the archipelago.

First Filipinos Baptized to Christianity

• The first Filipinos baptized by Magellan's expedition were Rajah Humabon and his wife, Hara Humamay, along with several other local inhabitants, marking the beginning of Christian conversion efforts in the islands.