Morga, Antonio de. Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas. Mexico: En casa de Geronymo Balli, 1609.
Considered the most valuable text on Philippine history written by a Spaniard, Antonio de Morga’s Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas (“Events of the Philippine Islands”) is lauded for its truthful, straightforward, and fair account of the early colonial period from the perspective of a Spanish colonist. A lawyer, lieutenant of the Governor-General of the Philippines (second only to the Governor-General), and judge of the Audiencia (highest tribunal justice) in Manila, Morga the historian achieved a comprehensive and balanced report and was even critical of his fellow colonists at times, the missionaries in particular. The present book is one of only 25 copies of the 1609 original printed in Mexico.
Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas is composed of eight chapters: the first is on Magellan’s and Legazpi’s seminal expeditions, the second to seventh is a chronological report on the government administration under several Governor-Generals, and the final eighth provides a general “account of the Philippines Islands, the natives there, their antiquity, customs, and government, both in the time of their paganism and after their conquest by the Spaniards; and other particulars.” The book is based on Morga’s personal experience and documentary research in the many years that he lived in the Philippines. For instance, Morga interviewed survivors of Legazpi’s expedition in Manila.
In his words, Morga’s main purpose for writing the book is to commemorate the “achievements of our fellow Spaniards in these days, in their discovery, conquest and conversion of the Philippine Islands and the varied adventures they have had at the same time in the great heathen kingdoms surrounding these islands.” (JM)