Worksheet for the Pre-Colonial Philippines Antonio Pigafetta. First Voyage Around the World Juan de
Plasencia, Customs of the Tagalogs Author’s background Antonio Pigafetta was a Venetian scholar and
explorer who joined the expedition led by the explorer Ferdinand Magellan to the Spice Islands. During
the expedition, he worked as Magellan's assistant and maintained a detailed journal that was later used
for cartography and recording of the various flora and fauna that they encountered. It is a primary
source for information on Magellan’s journey. Juan de Plasencia was a Franciscan Missionary who came
to the Philippine Island in the year 1577. He was distinguished in his labors among the natives, for
establishing numerous primary schools, for his linguistic abilities, and for the ethnological researches. He
died at Lilio, in the province of La Laguna, in 1590. When was the account written? (Context) There were
five ships and 270 crew members on August 10, 1519. This was the first time the globe was
circumnavigated. They sailed across the Atlantic Ocean and landed in Brazil, where they searched for a
way to the eastern route. It caused dissent among his crew, as no one expected a Portuguese to lead a
Spanish Exploration. The context was written around 1577 wherein Juan de Plasencia was part of the
Franciscan order to come to the Philippine Island. Social status/Social Stratification Their homes were all
made of wood covered in planks thatched with two-fathom-long fig-tree leaves. The most beautiful
palm-leaf mats are used in all of the rooms and beds. Palm straw is very soft and fine, and they sleep on
it. The people are resourceful and thievish. They were classified into three: 1. Nobles (maharlica) 2.
Commoners (aliping namamahay) 3. Slaves (aliping sa guiguilir) Physical Appearance MEN - Some are
bearded and have tied black hair that reaches the waist and they go naked. - Tall and well-built who
wears small palm-leaf hats. It depends on their social status, but they usually appear simple and
traditional