READINGS IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY: Introduction to History, Types of Sources, and Early Philippine Encounters

A vocabulary-style set of terms and definitions drawn from the lecture notes, covering foundations of history, types of sources, revisionism, historical research, and key events/figures in early Philippine history.

History

The study of the past, focusing on figures and events and explained through critical examination of source materials.

Primary Source

Original materials created by participants or eyewitnesses of an event, providing firsthand evidence without interpretation.

Secondary Source

A source created by someone who did not witness the event, summarizing or analyzing primary sources.

Written Sources

Written works from the period studied, such as letters, eyewitness accounts, official records, decrees, histories, and biographies.

Epigraphy

The study of inscriptions on materials like stone, metal, wood, clay, or wax.

Artifacts

Human-made objects reflective of a culture’s politics, society, daily life, and values.

Bones (biofacts in history)

Human remains used to infer size, diet, gender, age, health, and ancient DNA; context aids historical insights.

External Criticism

Assessing a source’s authenticity: genuineness, date, author, circumstances, and signs of forgery.

Internal Criticism

Assessing a source’s content: accuracy, authorial bias, intent, and how context affects interpretation.

Historical Revisionism

Re-examining and reinterpret-ing established historical accounts in light of new evidence or perspectives.

Intentional Revisionism

Deliberate alteration of history to support personal beliefs or political goals.

Accidental Revisionism

Revisions arising from new information discovered, not from deliberate intent.

Theoretical Revisionism

Changing the methods or frameworks historians use to study and interpret the past.

Thematic Historical Research

A type of historical research focused on specific themes or topics (e.g., gender, revolutions, education).

Biographical Research

Research centered on the life and contributions of a single individual.

Autobiography

A written account of a person’s life by that person, emphasizing personal memories and perspectives.

Quantitative Historical Research

Historical analysis that uses statistical methods and numerical data (e.g., census trends) to study the past.

Comparative Historical Research

Comparing events, policies, or phenomena across different periods or regions.

Oral Historical Research

Collecting and analyzing firsthand accounts from people who experienced historical events.

Political History

A branch examining political leaders, movements, events, and governance shaping societies.

Economic History

A branch exploring how historical events shaped economies, including labor, markets, and production.

Diplomatic History

A branch concerned with diplomats, diplomatic relations, acts, and interstate relationships.

Art History

A branch studying visual arts within their historical context, including creation, evolution, and significance.

Food History

A branch examining culinary practices, cooking methods, and their social, economic, and environmental impacts.

Cultural History

A branch exploring ideas, customs, beliefs, languages, and traditions and how they shape identities.

Women’s History

A field focusing on the roles and contributions of women and feminist movements in history.

Intellectual History

A branch studying how ideas originate, develop, and influence historical change.

Environmental History

A branch addressing the relationship between humans and the environment and how it shapes history.

Laguna Copperplate Inscription

The oldest known written document in the Philippines (circa 900 CE), inscribed on a thin copper plate; reveals early political, legal, and social systems.

Baybayin

An ancient Philippine writing system used before Spanish colonization.

Kawi Script

An old writing script used in parts of Southeast Asia, including inscriptions related to pre-colonial Philippines.

Old Malay

An early Malay form used in inscriptions and trade, influencing Philippine writing and culture.

Sanskrit

Ancient language found in historical inscriptions and trade records related to pre-colonial Philippines.

Ma-i

A trading hub island described by Chau Ju-Kua, located in or near Mindoro, involved in Chinese-Philippine trade.

Chau Ju-Kua

Author of Chu Fan Chi, a 13th–14th century Chinese travel text describing Southeast Asia including Ma-i.

Strait of Magellan

A narrow sea passage discovered by Magellan’s crew that enabled access to the Pacific Ocean.

Antonio Pigafetta

Venetian scholar and chronicler of Magellan’s voyage, documenting the circumnavigation.

Ferdinand Magellan

Portuguese explorer who led the first expedition to circumnavigate the globe under the Spanish flag; killed in the Philippines.

Balangay

A long boat used by ancient Filipino communities, illustrating pre-colonial seafaring and trade.

Homonhon

An island (Homonn) near Samar where Magellan’s voyage first landed in the Philippines.

Mazaua

Site near Masbate or Luzon where Magellan’s crew observed a large gathering and conducted early interactions.

Limasawa

An island where the first Mass in the Philippines was conducted during Magellan’s voyage (Easter Sunday, 1521).

Raia Calambu

King of Zuluan and Calagan (Likely Butuan and nearby areas) encountered by Magellan’s crew.

Raja Soliman

Leader under whom Cebu’s inhabitants participated in early Christianization and exchange with Magellan.

Sto. Niño

The Holy Child Jesus; a sacred image given as a gift and central to early Christianization in Cebu.

Mass at Limasawa

First documented Catholic Mass in the Philippines, conducted by Fr. Pedro de Valderrama.

Battle of Mactan

April 27, 1521; clash where Magellan was killed and Magellan’s expedition faced a major setback.

Intramuros

The walled city in Manila established by the Spaniards as their colonial administrative center.

Fort San Pedro

Spanish fortress in Cebu established as a base during early colonization.

Las Islas Filipinas

Spanish name given to the Philippine archipelago by explorers; later used in colonial administration.

Peninsulares

Spaniards born in Spain assigned to govern the colony.

Insulares

Spaniards born in the Philippines; full-blooded Spaniards who resided there.

Mestizos

People of mixed ancestry, often with Spanish and Indigenous heritage.

Indios

Native-born inhabitants; term used by Spaniards to describe Filipino populations.