What They Never Told You About the Battle of Manila in 1570!
00:45.4
In fact, exactly a year and a month before June 24, 1571,
00:49.5
before Manila's foundation as a Spanish colony,
00:54.7
the pre-colonial city,
00:55.5
the pre-colonial walled city of Manila,
00:57.0
was tragically destroyed and reduced to ashes.
01:00.7
So who burned Manila?
01:02.1
And why was this, once majestic city, reduced to ashes?
01:05.9
Let's dig deeper and find out.
01:16.4
Erwin Kipampangan, Luwid Kayu.
01:18.6
Welcome to my channel.
01:19.7
It's me, Kirby Araulio, your friendly Pinoy historian.
01:22.1
And in today's video, we'll dive deep into Manila's forgotten history.
01:25.5
Let's set sail to pre-colonial Manila,
01:28.7
a bustling regional powerhouse and a beacon for traders from all over Asia.
01:33.2
Imagine the vibrant exchanges at this major trade hub,
01:36.3
attracting keen merchants from across Asia and beyond.
01:39.5
Indeed, Manila's strategic location and abundant resources make it a coveted jewel in Southeast Asia.
01:45.4
Now let's start with the heart of Manila, its people, our ancestors.
01:50.0
Unknown to many by the late 1500s,
01:52.1
the population around Manila and Tondo was estimated,
01:55.5
estimated to be somewhere between 43,000 to 80,000 people.
02:00.4
It was also said that Manila had somewhere between 10,000 to 12,000 warriors in 1570,
02:06.3
reflecting a diverse and dynamic community spread across various barangays,
02:11.5
each vibrant with life and activity.
02:13.9
So if you think about it, by comparison, Tondo and Manila during this time were actually far bigger,
02:19.6
wealthier, and more prosperous than the Spanish capital city of Madrid in the 1500s.
02:25.2
And Manila was a melting pot of cultures, governed by a complex societal structure.
02:29.8
And at the helm were the rajas and the lakans,
02:32.2
the revered kings and queens who oversaw trade and governance with wisdom and authority.
02:37.0
Now picture walking through the bustling streets of pre-colonial Manila,
02:40.5
where diverse cultures and languages intertwined seamlessly.
02:44.1
This was a city deeply rooted in rich cultural traditions and religious practices,
02:49.2
blending indigenous beliefs with Hindu, Buddhist, and Islamic influences.
02:53.7
With each tread representing a different culture,
02:55.0
representing different faiths and traditions that co-existed and flourished together for centuries.
03:00.7
Unknown to many, the foundations of this dynamic city were laid by the Muslim rulers,
03:05.1
the Raja Salalila of Luzon and his wife, Dayang Esmeria of Sulu and Brunei,
03:09.7
who established a fortified Muslim city-state of Manila right across the river from Tondo,
03:14.7
the ancient seat of power in Luzon, from where Raja Salalila's ancestors, the lakans, once held court.
03:21.7
The formidable couple built Manila's initial foundations,
03:24.8
using native materials, such as adobe bricks and volcanic stones,
03:29.5
including ramparts mounted with a variety of artillery, like the native cannons called lantaka.
03:35.0
And Manila's early leaders were visionaries, setting up a stronghold that was not just a military defense,
03:41.6
but also a thriving center of trade and culture.
03:44.4
Now, during the 1500s, Tondo and Manila became the central hubs of power within the kingdom of Luzon,
03:50.4
one of the most prosperous yet little-known thalasocracies,
03:54.8
maritime empires of pre-colonial Southeast Asia.
03:57.6
The economic prowess of Luzon was unrivaled thanks to its monopoly of international trade with China
04:03.2
during a time when the Ming Dynasty had closed its doors and borders from the rest of the world.
04:09.0
This strategic monopoly positioned Manila not only as a key player in Southeast Asian commerce,
04:14.8
but also as a vibrant city enriched by a wealth of resources and cultural exchanges.
04:20.4
Now, for those who may not know, what is often referred to as the Kingdom of Luzon,
04:24.2
was a collection of the Luzon Kingdom, which was the capital of the Luzon Empire.
04:24.7
A collection or a patchwork of many semi-independent city-states, principalities, petty kingdoms, chiefdoms, and many more,
04:32.1
bound together through alliances and by their economic interdependence and social and political allegiances
04:38.6
to the paramount kings, to the ancient lakans of Tondo, and later, to the rajas of Manila.
04:44.5
And this political structure facilitated a robust network that was well-established long before the Spanish conquest,
04:50.5
illustrating a region not only rich in resources, but also,
04:54.7
in governance and diplomacy.
04:57.1
Now, trade was the lifeblood of Manila, connecting it with a global network.
05:01.5
And Luzon's prosperity was further strengthened by its sophisticated agricultural systems
05:05.8
and well-organized settlements along Manila Bay and across Central and Southern Luzon.
05:10.7
Together, these factors made Manila a significant cultural and economic center,
05:15.9
long before the arrival of the conquistadors.
05:18.2
In fact, upon their arrival, the Spaniards marveled at Manila's splendor
05:23.3
and the organized complacency.
05:24.7
They were eager to tap into the lucrative trade that Manila controlled.
05:30.6
But as Manila thrives, a storm is brewing in the Visayas.
05:34.9
For many years, the Spaniards have been quietly preparing to conquer this prosperous city.
05:40.4
And with years of preparation behind them, they are now ready to strike.
05:45.8
So what happens when these worlds collide?
05:48.2
How will Manila respond to this looming danger?
05:51.2
In May of 1570, Spanish forces led by
05:54.7
Martin de Goiti reached the shores of Manila,
05:57.5
a pre-colonial walled city renowned for its wealth and power in Southeast Asia.
06:02.0
The arrival of the conquistadors marked the beginning of escalating tensions
06:06.7
as Manila's leaders quickly recognized the potential threat,
06:10.2
despite the Spaniards' initial marvel at the city and the promises of peace.
06:14.8
Now, by this time, Luzon was governed by its revered paramount kings,
06:19.2
Raja Matanda, the King of Luzon,
06:21.4
his brother Lacandula, the King of Tondo,
06:24.0
and their nephew Raja Sulaiman, the Raja Muda or Crown Prince and Ruler of Manila.
06:29.2
With a history of engaging with foreign traders, including the Japanese,
06:33.7
Chinese, Arabs, Indians, the Portuguese, and various Southeast Asians,
06:38.2
from the Malays, the Javanese, the Thai, and many others,
06:42.0
it was not surprising that the kings of Luzon were initially open to befriending the Spaniards.
06:47.6
In fact, unknown to many, Raja Matanda, who had encountered the Spaniards as early as 1521,
06:54.0
provided the Magellan-Elcano expedition with a crucial assistance.
06:57.9
He offered them a Spanish-speaking navigator from Makassar, his former slave named Paseculan,
07:03.8
who expertly guided the Europeans through Southeast Asia,
07:07.3
showcasing Raja Matanda's extensive experiences in international diplomacy.
07:12.5
Now unknown to many, the Spaniards presented themselves as peaceful settlers.
07:17.0
They claimed that they were only seeking merely to partake in the thriving trade of Manila Bay.
07:21.4
And despite this, despite his promises of peace,
07:24.0
the rulers of Manila remained wary.
07:26.2
Manila Bay had long established itself as a center for international traders,
07:30.3
and their rulers were no strangers to foreign diplomacy and the delicate balance of power it required.
07:35.6
Nevertheless, the leaders of Tondo and Manila quickly organized their defenses,
07:40.8
bolstering the city with more artillery and additional strategic barriers.
07:46.3
The fortifications of Manila were not merely physical defenses,
07:50.6
but symbols of the indomitable spirit of its people.
07:54.0
They were also ready to defend their motherland against any threat.
07:58.3
And again, despite the Spaniards' assurances that they were only there merely as traders,
08:03.5
the kings of Luzon remained vigilant.
08:05.9
In fact, they were aware of the Spanish track record of cruelty in their Visayan colonies.
08:11.3
And so, the initial friendly negotiations actually masked the true ambitions of the Spaniards,
08:17.3
leading to a tense atmosphere filled with mistrust.
08:21.1
And so, when it became clear that the Spanish intention,
08:24.0
were not as genuinely cordial as they claimed,
08:27.0
tensions quickly escalated into a bloody conflict.
08:30.8
Now, let me just clarify that contrary to popular belief,
08:34.0
and despite his earlier friendly encounters with the Spaniards,
08:37.6
Raja Matanda did not simply and quickly surrender Manila to the conquistadors.
08:42.8
Raja Matanda, along with his fellow kings, stood firm, ready to defend Manila Bay,
08:47.9
embodying the courage and the resolve of the Luzones people.
08:51.4
In fact, unknown to many,
08:55.0
gave the Spaniards a stern warning.
08:57.3
Any harm done to his people would lead to bloodshed.
09:00.6
This firm stance marked the beginning of a determined resistance
09:04.4
that would define Manila's spirited defense against Spanish conquest,
09:08.9
illustrating the bravery of our ancestors,
09:12.0
who were determined to protect our motherland at any cost.
09:16.1
Now, with the Spaniards at their doorsteps,
09:18.2
will Manila's rulers bend their knees or brace for impact?
09:24.0
fragile peace in Manila Bay was shattered on May 24,
09:28.7
when a fierce battle erupted between Manila and the Spanish forces led by Martin de Goiti.
09:34.3
This day marked a pivotal moment in the history of Manila.
09:39.1
not just of weapons,
09:40.8
but of willpower,
09:42.4
as the city's defenders fought bravely to protect their homeland from foreign domination.
09:50.2
alongside La Candula of Tondo,
09:52.2
and the many warriors of Manila,
09:54.0
mounted a fierce resistance.
09:56.2
Now, despite the formidable firepower of the Spanish forces,
09:59.9
the Rajas of Manila and the Luzones warriors were equally prepared,
10:04.2
their spirits bolstered by a steadfast determination to defend their city at all cost.
10:09.7
And as the battle raged,
10:11.8
the outcome led to the capture and the tragic burning of Manila.
10:16.2
But unknown to many,
10:17.9
within just three days after the battle and the burning of the city,
10:21.5
the Spaniards actually left in a hurry.
10:24.7
they were afraid of staying,
10:26.4
because they realized that they had no capacity to hold and effectively control Manila at this time.
10:33.0
Historical accounts and oral traditions differ on who was responsible for the fire.
10:38.1
Martin de Goiti himself claimed responsibility for ordering the burning of Manila,
10:43.0
suggesting that it was a strategic move to quash any further resistance by destroying the city's wealth and fortifications.
10:51.8
many actually believed that it was a
10:53.9
Rajas Sulaiman himself who ordered the city to be set on fire,
10:58.6
a desperate yet defiant act to prevent the Spaniards from benefiting from Manila's resources.
11:05.1
this act of setting their own city on fire was actually a traditional indigenous war tactic
11:11.0
across the archipelago,
11:12.6
used effectively throughout history to ensure that the enemies could not
11:16.6
use their resources and infrastructure against them.
11:20.6
the tragic burning of Manila resulted in the extent of the burning of Manila,
11:22.4
resulting in the extent of the burning of Manila,
11:22.8
resulting in the extent of the burning of Manila,
11:23.3
resulting in the extent of the burning of Manila,
11:23.7
resulting in the extent of the burning of Manila,
11:23.8
and the extensive destruction and displacement of the local population.
11:27.6
Many Kapampangans, for example, moved across the Pasig River,
11:31.3
fundamentally altering the cityscape of Manila.
11:34.6
The ashes of Manila symbolized the harsh impacts of colonization,
11:39.1
but also underscored the enduring strength of its people to rebuild and resist future conquest.
11:44.9
Following the devastating loss,
11:46.6
Rajas Sulaiman retreated to Tondo,
11:49.2
laying the groundwork for ongoing resistance against the Spaniards.
11:53.0
But let's be clear,
11:53.6
this strategic retreat was not a sign of defeat,
11:57.4
but a calculated move to regroup and continue the struggle for sovereignty.
12:03.2
this resilience inspired continued resistance,
12:06.4
leading to many significant uprisings,
12:08.9
including the Battle of Bangkusay on June 3, 1571,
12:13.1
the Lakandula and Sulaiman Revolt of 1574,
12:16.6
and the Revolt of the Lakans from 1587 to 1588,
12:20.8
which for those who may not know,
12:22.3
was a Pan-Asian conscription,
12:23.4
led by the royals of Tondo and Manila,
12:26.8
involving the Japanese and the Sultanate of Brunei,
12:29.4
a conspiracy to liberate the Philippines from Spanish rule.
12:33.0
Now, these are just some examples,
12:34.6
because this resilience left behind an enduring legacy of resistance
12:38.6
that persisted well beyond 1588.
12:42.0
But just think about it,
12:42.9
you know, why would the Spaniards burn Manila
12:45.1
when they were so obsessed with taking over its wealth and weapons?
12:48.6
Why destroy a city that they had long prepared to capture?
12:53.2
Why do they fire their weapons that are
13:07.6
so powerful for the name of the Ñ‚Ñ€ongalecta?
13:13.0
How in the world are these city hexagrams
13:21.9
supposed to do the trick that effort,
13:22.4
including indigenous Tlaxcalans from Mexico and at least 600 Visayan allies from Panay.
13:29.1
And if you think about it, this significant increase in warriors highlights the strategic importance placed on gaining control of Manila.
13:37.1
So a year later in 1571, you know, after regrouping from the earlier setback,
13:41.6
the Spaniards returned to Manila with more troops and a clear plan.
13:45.7
And they began by constructing Intramuros, the colonial walled city that we know today.
13:51.0
Right on top of the ruins of what was once the citadel of Manila.
13:55.4
In fact, they even used the remnants of Manila's old fortifications
13:59.6
and repurposed the cannons that once protected this vibrant pre-colonial city.
14:04.9
And this was not just about building new walls.
14:07.9
It was about marking their territory and setting up a new order right above the ruins of the old.
14:14.6
Now with the Spaniards came new laws, new ways of life, and Christianity.
14:19.0
All shaking up Manila.
14:21.0
Like never before.
14:22.0
The city found itself at the center of a new world network.
14:26.4
Changing everything from the ground up.
14:28.8
And these changes were not gentle or asked for.
14:31.8
They often came with a heavy hand.
14:33.8
Pushing aside centuries of local traditions to make room for new rules.
14:38.7
But the story of Spanish Manila is not just about what was lost.
14:43.3
It is also about how the city's people bent but didn't break.
14:47.5
You know, despite all the changes, the soul of Manila lived on.
14:51.2
Indeed, the people adapted.
14:53.4
Mixing old traditions with new realities.
14:56.2
Finding ways to hold on to their identity despite the pressure to conform.
15:01.5
And if you think about it, this back and forth between old and new,
15:04.5
between resistance and resilience,
15:06.6
is what truly makes Manila's past so rich and intricate.
15:09.7
It's a reminder that history is not just about big events and big names.
15:14.4
It's about the everyday struggles and successes of real people.
15:18.7
Today, the legacy of pre-colonialism.
15:20.9
While Manila is still all around us.
15:23.6
Woven into the very fabric of the city and the modern-day metropolis.
15:28.4
It tells a tale of survival and resilience.
15:31.4
A tale of community that stood its ground and kept its spirit alive.
15:36.5
Through times of challenges and massive change.
15:39.1
So you know, while we remember the conquest that reshaped Manila,
15:42.7
let us also remember the spirit of its people.
15:44.9
Their resilience is a powerful part of our heritage.
15:48.4
Reminding us of our own capacity.
15:51.2
To face challenges and emerge more resilient.
15:54.8
And as we stand on the foundations laid by our ancestors,
15:58.5
let's reflect on the many lessons we can draw from their experiences and wisdom.
16:02.7
You know, how can their stories resonate with us today?
16:06.1
On May 24, 1570, the city of Manila was set ablaze and reduced to ashes.
16:12.4
This tragic event, regardless of who lit the flame,
16:15.7
marked a significant turning point, symbolizing both profound loss
16:20.2
and the birth of a new era.
16:21.1
A year later, Manila rose from its ashes, under new rule,
16:26.8
encapsulated within the iconic walls of Intramuros.
16:30.2
And if you think about it, these pivotal moments are more than just mere dates in history books.
16:35.3
They have reshaped the destiny of an ancient metropolis.
16:38.9
Now reflecting on this history invites us to appreciate the resilience
16:43.3
and the spirit of Manila through the eyes of our ancestors.
16:47.0
It challenges us to recognize Manila's enduring legacy.
16:50.9
As a vibrant metropolis.
16:53.3
Indeed, Manila's dynamic spirit echoing through time.
16:56.9
Weaving together the past and the present in a tapestry rich with cultural depth
17:02.2
and enduring human connections.
17:04.5
As we commemorate Manila Day, we celebrate not just the city's colonial foundations,
17:10.0
but also Manila's enduring spirit.
17:12.3
Our exploration of Manila's past is not just a remembrance of what was lost to colonization,
17:17.8
but a reminder of our collective ability,
17:20.9
to adapt and flourish.
17:22.4
Drawing strength from the wisdom and the valor of those who came before us.
17:27.4
Especially for those, you know, for many Filipinos who may feel disconnected from our pre-colonial roots,
17:32.5
this journey through time reaffirms that our people's history is profound
17:36.9
and our ancestors were resilient.
17:39.5
So let us embrace this spirit of resilience.
17:41.9
You know, as we navigate present-day challenges,
17:44.1
we are reminded that our people's history is not merely a tale of conquest,
17:48.9
but a testament to our peoples' identity.
17:50.9
And our people's ability to emerge stronger.
17:52.9
Because to be honest, it is this strength and unity,
17:56.9
that will continue to guide us through our collective struggle for a brighter future for our people.
18:01.9
A future that truly reflects our collective aspiration for a prosperous society
18:06.9
where there is genuine peace and justice in our communities.
18:10.9
If you found this video insightful and learned a thing or two,
18:12.9
don't forget to like this video and subscribe to my channel and hit the bell icon
18:16.9
so you don't miss out on any of my upcoming videos about our people's history, culture, and culture.
18:18.9
And I'll see you in the next one.
18:50.9
See you in the comments below.
18:51.9
So make sure to check it out after this video.
18:53.9
And that is it for me today.
18:54.9
So let me know what you think about today's topic in the comments below.
18:57.9
Maraming maraming salamat po or in kamampangan,
18:59.9
dakal pong salamat kay akong ngan
19:01.9
and in bahasa sug, magsukul tuod kay mo.
19:03.9
See you next time or in Tagalog kita-kits
19:05.9
and in kamampangan,
19:07.9
and in bahasa Malayo,
