Commemorating the 492nd anniversary of Magellan Landing at Homonhon

With a two-storey galleon-like structure and the Magellan Cross as the backdrop, the town of Guiuan, Eastern Samar recently commemorated the 492nd celebration of the landing of Portuguese circumnavigator Ferdinand Magellan on Homonhon Island on March 16, 1521 which led to the discovery of the Philippines.

Mayor Annaliz Gonzales-Kwan said the celebration was highlighted by a commemorative mass at Sitio Cantilado in Barangay Pagbabangnan with Eastern Samar Gov. Conrado Nicart, Jr., Vice Gov. Christopher Sheen Gonzales, and local government officials of Guiuan in attendance.

Cultural presentations that followed shortly after the Mass, was participated in by Homonhon’s eight barangays, including Suluan and Manicani Islands, and the performing groups from DepEd-Guiuan south district, Mayor Kwan informed.

A re-enactment of the historic landing was also held at Sitio Cantilado.

It was on this Island where Magellan leading a Spanish fleet landed in March 16, 1521. Chronicles had it that Magellan was surprised to be welcomed by the Sultan of Guian, Samar. He was offered fruits, fish, and meat by ancestors who were civilized, wealthy, cultured, and with a society that grew independent of external influence. They lived off a productive land that had offered them an abundance of fruits and game. The westerners were welcomed with joy as an equal, as a friend, Mayor Kwan narrated.

Mayor Kwan said a weeklong trade fair which started on March 13 was also part of the activities. The Trade Fair, a presentation of local products, was intended to attract buyers and investors. It also aimed to focus Homonhon Island as a tourism destination in the country, Mayor Kwan who has been advocating development capitalizing on the tourism potentials of Guiuan, said.

“We have been promoting Guiuan and surrounding islands as prime tourist destination since 2004. Right now our efforts are paying off as more tourists are coming to our place,” Mayor Kwan said.

The provincial government of Eastern Samar under the leadership of Governor Nicart has constructed the two-storey building galleon-like structure which has a museum, four rooms where visitors could rest, a living room area, guest room and a bar-like facility.

With the facility complete with water supply and electricity, important guests were able to use the facility this year.

Aside from the historic Magellan landing, Guiuan town is endowed with many historical and natural attractions.

The town also hosted the US’ largest naval base in the Pacific during World War II and serves as jump-off point to Calicoan Island, a surfing destination.