29 March, 1521
Today in Philippine History:
On Good Friday, a kasikasi (blood compact) between Magellan and Rajah Kolambu, emissary of the King of Limasawa, an island off the coast of southern Leyte, sealed an implicit political pact between Spain and the Philippines. The blood compact is where the Rajah and Magellan drank each other’s blood mixed with the native wine, Atuba.
Because of this alliance, the Rajah allowed Magellan and his men to come ashore to celebrate mass. Rajah Kolambu was also invited to the mass along with Rajah Siagu of Butuan, his brother.
(Ref: http://www.seasite.niu.edu; Photo by Muaddeeb)
