The Aftermath

      The battle of Mactan, during which Magellan was defeated by Lapu-Lapu, remains embedded in the national consciousness. Filipinos regard Lapu-Lapu as their first national hero who defended their shores from foreign invaders. Generations passed down rich oral history and dance traditions that recount the story of the battle of Mactan and tales about the Santo Niño icon.

        His expedition brought Christianity to the Philippines, which remains the dominant religion to this day. Magellan lost his life at the hands of Filipino natives while engaged in a battle against the now legendary figure, Chief Lapu-Lapu. Decades after Magellan’s death, the Spanish would return to the Philippines to finish the process of colonizing the islands. Magellan’s quest to find a western route to the Spice Islands helped shape the history and culture of the Philippine Islands and remains embedded in the national consciousness.