The Battle of Mactan – Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering principal people, places, events, and concepts from the lecture on the Battle of Mactan.

Battle of Mactan

A clash on April 27, 1521 in which Lapu-Lapu’s warriors defeated Ferdinand Magellan’s Spanish-led forces on Mactan Island.

Lapu-Lapu

Mactan chieftain who refused Spanish rule, led the successful defense against Magellan, and is honored as the first Filipino national hero.

Ferdinand Magellan

Portuguese explorer sailing for Spain whose 1521 Philippine landing led to the Battle of Mactan; killed during the fight.

Rajah Humabon

Ruler of Cebu (Sugbo) who allied with Magellan, accepted Christianity, and sought help against rival chieftains like Lapu-Lapu.

Sandugo (Blood Compact)

Traditional ritual sealing Magellan and Humabon’s alliance, symbolizing mutual trust and cooperation.

Homonhon Island

The first Philippine island reached by Magellan’s fleet in March 1521 during its circumnavigation voyage.

Limasawa

Site of the first recorded Catholic Mass in the Philippines on March 31, 1521, conducted by Magellan’s expedition.

First Catholic Mass in the Philippines

Religious ceremony held on Limasawa on March 31, 1521, marking the formal introduction of Christianity to the islands.

Santo Niño de Cebu

Religious image of the Holy Child given by Magellan to Humabon’s wife; now a revered Philippine Catholic icon.

Cebu (Sugbo)

Important pre-colonial trading center ruled by Humabon; became the entry point of Spanish influence in the Visayas.

Mactan Island

Island east of Cebu where Lapu-Lapu ruled and where the pivotal 1521 battle against Magellan occurred.

Antonio Pigafetta

Chronicler of Magellan’s voyage whose detailed account is the main primary source on the Battle of Mactan.

Miguel López de Legazpi

Spanish leader who established permanent colonial rule in the Philippines in 1564–1565, 44 years after Magellan.

Circumnavigation

The first successful voyage around the globe (1519–1522) initiated by Magellan and completed by his crew.

Coral Reefs of Mactan

Shallow, jagged coastal formations that hindered Spanish armor and ships, giving Lapu-Lapu’s warriors an advantage.

Hit-and-run tactics

Mobile fighting style used by Lapu-Lapu’s forces to tire and overwhelm the heavily armed Spaniards.

April 27, 1521

The exact date on which the Battle of Mactan was fought and Magellan was killed.

Lapu-Lapu Day

Philippine commemoration every April 27 honoring Filipino bravery and the legacy of resistance to colonization.

Barangay/Datu System

Decentralized political structure of pre-colonial Philippines wherein leaders like rajahs and datus governed small communities.

Symbol of Filipino Resistance

The enduring legacy of Lapu-Lapu’s victory, inspiring national pride and asserting the right to self-determination.