Yoyoy Villame's Famous Song About Magellan

493 years ago today, the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan sees what is now called Samar Island after leaving the Landrones on the Pacific Ocean. Magellan was sailing westward looking for the Moluccas.

In the 1970s , Roman "Yoyoy" Villame immortalized this historic event through the novelty song Magellan. Villame mentioned that Magellan landed in Limasawa. In reality, Magellan took 12 more days to reach the said island.

Creative licenses might have been observed in the songwriting at the expense of historical accuracy but it's nice to know that once upon a time Filipino artists had a sense of history. Following is the music video featuring Villame. The lyrics are also provided.

Video Credit: YouTube / Roy Ramos

On March 16, 1521
When Philippines was discovered by Magellan
They were sailing day and night across the big ocean
Until they saw a small Limasawa Island

Magellan landed in Limasawa at noon
The people met him very welcome on the shore
They did not understand the speaking they have done
Because Kastila gid at Waray-Waray man

When Magellan landed in Cebu City
Rajah Humabon met him, they were very happy
All people were baptized and built the church of Christ
And that's the beginning of our Catholic life

When Magellan visited in Mactan
To christianize them everyone
But Lapu-Lapu met him on the shore
And drive Magellan to go back home

Then Magellan got so mad
Ordered his men to camouflage
'Mactan island we could not grab
'Cause Lapu Lapu is very hard'

Then the battle began at dawn
Bolos and spears versus guns and cannons
When Magellan was hit on his neck
He stumble down and cried and cried

Oh, mother mother I am sick
Call the doctor very quick
Doctor, doctor shall I die?
Tell my mama do not cry
Tell my mama do not cry
Tell my mama do not cry

That's the end of Magellan
In the island of Mactan long time ago
Ladies and gentlemen