Arazo, Mariez Rowie Vi.
Capili, Shernest Yzhak S.
Garcia, Gianina Bernice T.
Principe, Xhyra Elgene C.
Talan, Faith Hope V.
Victoria, Chriszha A.
Section 30
The Manila Galleon Trade marks one of the world's most important nautical events, as well as
a significant step toward globalization (Borja, n.d.). The trade set the framework for more broad
global trade networks because it was part of a wide network of trading routes that connected the
continents of Europe, Asia, Africa, and America. The Philippines served as the main port, while the
Spanish galleons loaded valuable cargo like silk, porcelain, and spices. Aside from these material
goods, the trade encouraged cultural and linguistic interchange. Manila was a center of artistic
production and export (Porras, 2021). China was the main supplier of these in-demand products as
well as the fundamental necessities that fueled international trade. Mexico served as a gateway to the
United States. They delivered mined silver, which they swapped for Chinese goods in the Philippines.
The return of this silver to China subsequently encouraged trade between the East and the West. Aside
from these goods, the trade also encouraged cultural and linguistic interchange. Spanish, Filipino, and
Chinese traders had the opportunity to engage with one another, resulting in a significant cultural
fusion. In the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, the commercial success of American
merchant families in Canton and Manila brought exceptional wealth and affluent demands for Asian
luxury items to New England (Capistrano-Baker, 2017, [p. 238]). It had a long-term economic and
social impact that lasted more than two centuries. Together, these nations were able to establish an
economic and cultural commerce that opened up a crucial period in the history of globalization.
There were two different forms of art that were used in the video and article namely,
watercolor painting and sculpture but one thing that they have in common is after an artwork is
produced here in the Philippines, it would be exported and traded to other countries. According to
(Porras, 2021), sculptures during the 16th to 17th century were mostly made of ivory, with polychromy
and gilding. Chinese immigrants were the ones who created the sculptures, which are transported
annually via Manila Galleon Trade. On the other hand, (Capistrano-Baker, 2017, [p. 238]) claims that
the watercolor artworks were made in the Philippines and are exported once the artwork is done. Tipos
del Pais and Letras y Figuras were the two artwork painting types that were made in the Philippines,
utilizing watercolors, gouache, and pith paper. Trading of artworks occurs between the Philippines
and America, with the Philippines as the producer of the artworks, whereas America is the receiver.
In conclusion, the Manila Galleon trade promoted cooperation and cross-cultural exchange
across various parts of the world, and it was a significant contributor to globalization. Due to the trade
route that connected the Philippines, China, and Mexico, products and ideas could go over national
boundaries and oceans. History was profoundly affected by both the economic ties that resulted from
this collaboration and exchange as well as the artistic expressions captured in sculpture and watercolor
paintings. While the Manila Galleon trade was not the primary cause of globalization, it was a key
predecessor to the more vast and intricate global networks that formed in the following centuries. The
history of this commerce serves as a constant reminder of the long-lasting effects that globalization
has had on our interconnected globe.
References
Capistrano-Baker, F. (2018, March 8). Trophies of trade-collecting 19th-century Sino-Filipino
paintings. Academia.edu.
https://www.academia.edu/36064355/Trophies_of_Trade_Collecting_19th_century_Sino_Fili
pino_PaintingsLinks?fbclid=IwAR3bgc8hN1fW-7K367xySud0PZmNuuImdXJXyhQdVNEw
M5o1ojaQf3TdTAg
The manila galleon. Amura Yachts & Lifestyle. (n.d.).
https://amuraworld.com/en/topics/history-art-and-culture/articles/5489-the-manila-galleon
The origins of China’s copycat culture. Global. (n.d.).
https://www.global-briefing.org/2014/01/the-origins-of-chinas-copycat-culture/?fbclid=IwAR
0QklbZ8S1GszRLy0UTRbjQH7BcUGdYZy01lxgbF-bgYUw3xQccLOyELsU
YouTube. (2021b, January 20). Transform your classroom! from a live webinar: Dr. Stephanie Porras
on Hispano Philippine Ivories. YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIHjBKAvr0s