The Blood Compact

November 27, 2012 By Bob Bales 5 Comments

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The Sandugo or Blood Compact was a ritual performed in the Philippines. This monument on the Island of Bohol commemorates the blood compact between Spanish Explorer Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and Datu Sikatuna the Chieftain of Bohol in 1565.

Check for accommodations in Bohol

Each made a small cut in their arms and let a little blood drip into some wine.

By drinking each other’s blood and performing the Sandugo or “One Blood” the ritual sealed their friendship and established an alliance between Sikatuna and the King of Spain.

Blood Compact-Marker-Bohol-Philippines — By pinay05 (Self-photographed) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Legazpi was not the first European to reach the Philippines. In 1521, 44 years earlier another explorer found his way to the Philippines and is credited with being the first European to step foot on the Philippine Islands. Unfortunately for him it didn’t end well.

Ferdinand Magellan, yep that one, landed in The Philippines and befriended the folks in Cebu. Apparently Magellan and the local leader in Cebu became fast friends. Then one day the local leader and some of his friends convinced Magellan to kill their enemy Lapu-Lapu that ruled a nearby island.

Being ever the confident and superior European, Magellan led a 49 man attack force loaded up with firearms against the poor native leader armed with spears and such. When Magellan arrived he was met by Lapu-Lapu and 1500 warriors who weren’t too impressed and soundly defeated Magellan killing him and several of his men.

I guess the moral of the story is when you are traveling abroad, enjoy the sites, embrace the culture but don’t get wrapped up in local disputes.

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About Bob Bales

Bob aka: The Traveling Fool is a History buff, cigar lover and enthusiast of different cultures and places. He has had the privilege of living, working and traveling all over the world. A proponent of getting off the "tourist path" and experiencing all that the culture and people have to offer. Happiest on a white sand beach in SE Asia or anywhere Tropical. Follow on Twitter @thetravelfool

Comments

D.J. - The World of Deej says

November 28, 2012 at 9:18 am

Ha…love your moral of the story. I had no idea the history of how Magellan died.

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- thetravellingfool says
  
  November 28, 2012 at 10:19 am
  
  Thanks, I remember Magellan every time I see something I want to get involved in and instead go back to my beer.
  
  Reply
Tim | Adventure Strong says

January 12, 2013 at 7:35 pm

Drinking someones blood certainly seals a deal more than just a handshake. haha I wonder if Magellan knew he’d be going up against 1,500 warriors. Even with assault rifles today, those are horrible odds.

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- thetravellingfool says
  
  January 13, 2013 at 4:19 am
  
  I don’t believe his intelligence network was very good.
  
  Reply
Ae Estrella says

October 23, 2018 at 6:37 am

Wow, that moral/reflection you shared 6 years back was such a good tip. One shouldn’t involved on disputes and other ill intentions but rather on good and positive matters. I’m from the Philippines, and I know the story pretty well When I was in high school, that story saddens me every time we speak we about it. Thank you Bob for sharing your insights more particularly on travelling

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