Abstract
Fernando de Magallanes’ fleet encounter of the Philippine Islands during its attempt of circumnavigation in 1521 marked the beginning of Spanish-Filipino relationship, which was soon to be followed by more than three centuries of colonial administration. The first governor-general Miguel López de Legazpi brought troops over from the Americas and made successful landings in Cebu and Luzon, subsequently built the city of Manila in 1571. From this new base the Spaniards who settled in the islands entered a prolonged period of competition with nearby Portuguese, Dutch, Chinese and Muslim powers while strove to deliver results on trade, evangelical missions, and colonial expansion. Antonio de Morga (1559-1636), who served as lieutenant governor-general in the Philippines for eight years, was also a skilled historian beside his administrative duties. His work Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas (Events in the Philippine Isles), published in 1609, was a comprehensive record noting important political, military, and social events that occurred in the Philippines around the end of 16 century, thanks to his keen observation and access to many first-hand documents due to his position in the colony. By reviewing Morga’s life, comparing the structure and content of his Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas with several contemporary works, and examining major Spanish diplomatic activities conducted from the Philippines based on the Sucesos, this paper aims to determine the Spanish effort dedicated to their Southeast Asia project, and Morga’s subjectivity as a historian of his time.