500 Years of Christianity? We’re not happy
March 16, 1521 — Ferdinand Magellan set foot in the island of Zamal (presently called Samar island) and the rest was history — or so that was what western world thought. For many this expedition, though Magellan was not able to return, marked not just the first circumnavigation of the globe but is considered as the hallmark in the development of history, sciences, and most notably among Catholics, religion. This was also the day we lost.
March 16, 2021 marks the 500th year of Magellan’s landing in the Philippines also dubbed as the “500 years of Christianity in the Philippines”. Having reach this far from the beginning of the bastardized version of the Philippine history, Spain recreated Magellan’s iconic voyage to commemorate the half a millennia milestone. But should we really be celebrating?
Spanish ship retracing Magellan’s voyage to arrive in the Philippines on March 16 (gmanetwork.com)
The Mestizos are coming — again!
Juan Sebastian Elcano, the Spanish ship retracing the route of Magellan’s journey, is expected to arrive on March 16 in Guiuan, Eastern Samar. Apparently, it’s not just the route they were “recreating” but the whole situation that happened, as the ship will be staying in Cebu from March 20–22. Talking about history repeating itself.
It’s a 3-day stay not a 333-year vacation, just making it clear so it won’t happened again
The gruesome “300-year convent”
Five hundred short years ago was the phenomenal commencement of the Age of Discovery, however much more than the development we all have attained is the the 333 hidden years of harsh imperialism and exploitation masked behind Christianity.
I cannot blame the Spanish friars if they have had high hopes for the Filipino people, but to manipulate our culture, identity, and freedom for the sake of making their little Philippe the “Arsenal of faith in Asia” is unlikely to be considered a Christian move.
Shit happens when religion rules a nation
As appalling as the Spanish colonial regime was but “souls have been the only benefit” of the three hundred colonial rule in the Philippines. Economic gains were not being met and it took 333 years for Spain to finally let go — when irreversible damage has been done. The catholic leaders ruling the islands were adamant with what they believed as their God-ordained mission that SOPs of establishing a nation has been neglected.
As a result, Filipinos turned so deeply Catholic that nuances of the religion’s traditions had been deeply embedded in the Filipino culture and society, barely noticed and almost completely accepted as their own. Very religious yet unprogressive even antiprogressive.
Commemoration not celebration
I am fully aware that this recreated expedition is by no means a celebration of colonization but a commemoration of the historic discovery of the New World. Whether it’s in the name of discovery, history, or religion showing off is not the best way to commemorate.
Nevertheless, do not forget that there are stories worth retelling and celebrating not just those that benefitted the West.
Do not brush what really happened under the carpet. A grand and effortful event Spain kicked-off does not spark a bit of enthusiasm to many Filipinos. This is a great show we would not be applauding.
Lessons have been learned, but a huge chunk of our history is yet to be restored.
Not worth celebrating
It is a grander folly for the Catholic church to celebrate this quincentennial anniversary and call it “500 years of Christianity” because 500 years ago was the beginning of the end for the Filipino pre-colonial civilization not (or because of) the commencement of Christianity in the Philippines. The Spanish influence may have abated but its bitter remnants remain evident in the Philippines, with Catholicism as its long-standing heritage (or should we say rival).
We do not owe our freedom nor our cultural identity to any national or religious entity.
History cannot be undone but we can make one — not recreate.
