The Philippine islands are located in the southern hemisphere of the Pacific Ocean, right above Australia. They have had a long period of foreign influence, dating back to the early 16th century.
In 1521, Ferdinand Magellan reached the islands of the Philippines with the motives of expanding the spice trade. He named the archipelago Saint Lazarus. In 1556, Ruy Lopez Villabolos, in a failed expedition from Mexico, renamed the archipelago after King Phillip II of Spain. This was the first contact the native Philippine people had with the Spanish. (9) The first permanent settlement, however, was not until 1565. Miguel Lopez de Legaspi arrived in Cebu to make the first permanent settlement. (10)
He converted many people to Christianity and rewarded people who participated in Spanish contracts to gain land and estates. Churches were a significant power during the time of Spanish rule; their power was often superior to that of the civil government. Church and state were closely intertwined for 3 centuries during Spanish rule in the Philippines. (11)
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