The Kingdom of Banawa
Cebu had been the landing site of world navigators. The world's two famous navigators also seen as invaders were both met by the island's rulers. First it was Fernando Magallanes more known by its other name, Ferdinand Magellan. His adversary was the Chieftain of Mactan, the country's first hero and chief of police, Lapulapu.
Magellan was slain in the battle of Mactan in 1521 failing Spain's conquest. Second to follow, 44 years after was the world renown navigator, Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, this time his adversary was King Tupas. In the book "Ang Kagubot sa Sugbo 1898" in its first entry of story was Cebu's history before and shortly after the arrival of Miguel Lopez de Legaspi.
Manuel Enriquez de la Calzada the book's author said that Cebu's center of government was the Kingdom of Banawa ruled by King Tupas, the last King of Cebu. Banawa is called so because of the body of water, like that of a pool were water converged short of a flood during the dry season and disappears during the wet season.
Banawa is now known as San Nicolas. It was the seat of government of Cebu. It was where the port and the capital were situated. Thus it was where Ferdinand Magellan ordered as the site of the mass and the baptism. General Legaspi forced himself to land and King Tupas fought him. The Spanish soldiers attacked and burned the houses of the natives. King Tupas challenged Legaspi to a fight in a place called "Kamparang." It was in the preparation for the assault that the aide of Legaspi found the image of Sto. Niño. Miguel Lopez de Legaspi came to shore in a place called "Himampangan." It was the place that covers Pari-an river up to Carbon containing of what is now the city hall and the San Agustin Church (Sto. Niño) and the Cathedral. Such area was later called as "Villa de San Miguel" in honor of the patron of Miguel Lopez de Legaspi.
The Kingdom of Banawa and its inhabitants did not remain as perpetual enemies. Its inhabitants eventually embraced the religion of Spain which is Roman Catholicism.
In the revolt of the people of New Guinea, the people of San Nicolas under the leadership of Capitan Celestino Abellana were sent there to put a stop of the unrest. The soldiers of San Nicolas were victorious of their mission earning royal respect. The names of the soldiers were itched in "Pliego de Bronce," the royal decree commanded the soldiers and their heirs were to be exempt from taxes. The soldiers from San Nicolas descendants of King Tupas were given a royal coat that even the Spanish Governor has to salute the one who wears it.
These are the family names of the famous and brave soldiers: Abellana, Abadilla, Abella, Baclay, Bacus, Bolinao, Bontilao, Cabigas, Caballero, Calinawan, Catigbak, Diano, Digno, Hinugas, Hinog, Jangus, Jangad, Laroa, Lauron, Quijada, Quijano, Pit-os, Palad, Manol, Maningkamut, Nindut, Sabaan, Saklut, Sikwati, Sinuhol, Taghoy, Tukoy, Tugas, Ybabaw and Yburan.
- Latest
