Philippine history is rich with figures whose actions shaped the course of the nation. Among them is Datu Sikatuna, a chieftain of Bohol, whose name is forever linked to one of the most iconic symbols of early Philippine-Spanish relations: the Blood Compact, or Sandugo. While Miguel López de Legazpi, the Spanish explorer, is often the central…
Tag: Bohol history
The Sandugo: Rajah Katuna, Legazpi, and the Historic Blood Compact in Bohol
The history of the Philippines is a rich tapestry woven from interactions between indigenous peoples and foreign visitors, explorers, and colonizers. Among the most iconic of these encounters is the Sandugo, or blood compact, performed in Bohol in 1565. This ceremony involved Miguel López de Legazpi, the Spanish explorer and conqueror tasked with establishing a permanent…
Beyond Sandugo: How Slave Raiding Shaped Bohol’s Alliance with Legazpi and the Spanish
The history of Bohol’s alliance with Miguel López de Legazpi and the Spanish Empire is a fascinating chapter in Philippine development. This partnership was not just a diplomatic agreement but a strategic move influenced by complex maritime and political dynamics. During this period, alliances were often forged through shared goals and mutual interests. The Spanish…