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Official Publication of the Philippine Information Agency Bicol Regional Office, in cooperation with the RIAC-REDIRAS - RDC Bicol



Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Bicolanos await launching of Magellan Book

NAGA CITY, Nov. 11 (PIA) ---  The first comprehensive detailing the life and expedition of Ferdinand Magellan will soon be out in the market following the completion of the extensive research made by Bicol’s very own son, Historian and Professor Danilo Madrid Gerona Ph.D.

The project presentation on the book of Magellan was initiated by Councilor Nathan Sergio of this city, as a way to promote the project and solicit support in realizing the completion of the said endeavor. Sergio believes that this comprehensive book will create an impact not just in our country but also in the international community.

“I am proud to have initiated this project that drumbeats the launching of the first comprehensive book on Magellan in the world, authored no less by a Filipino historian who is Bicol's pride. The book would impact Philippine history,” Sergio shared.

During the project presentation, the attendees have unearthed significant facts that were not unraveled or discussed before.  One of these was the thought that Lapu-Lapu was not a young warrior during that time as depicted in most books but an old chieftain who was probably in his 60’s then. Most of Magellan’s men and crew, as what Gerona shared, were killed by Jumabon while survivors were sold as slaves to Chinese traders.

In his book that is expected to come out in March 2015, Gerona wants to debunk the myth that we already know Magellan based on the earlier readings that we have.  To materialize it, , he will be using primary documents in writing the book.

“I would like to address what actually happened to the Philippines in line with Magellan’s expedition since this is a primordial episode for us as Filipinos.  The fact remains that for 500 years some important facts were ignored in our books.”

Professor Gerona is a well-known Bicol Historian who holds an MA in Philosophy at the Ateneo De Manila University and PhD in Philippine Studies: History at the University of the Philippines. As a renowned Bikol historian, he has been invited in international conferences.  He made his extensive researches in Spain and in most part of the European countries.

He has also delivered various lectures and seminars regarding Bicol Culture and History. He authored several books like From Epic to History: A Brief Introduction to Bikol History and Naga” The Birth and Rebirth of a City.”

Sergio believes that Gerona’s expertise will give not just Bicolanos, but Filipinos as well with the factual glimpse of Magellan’s voyage in the Philippines. He has sought the help of his friends in the media, writers, representatives from the academe, business sector and local government units to solicit support for the making of the said book on Magellan, which he says will be the first comprehensive book about him in the whole world.

Magellan is a Portuguese explorer who organized the Spanish expedition to the East Indies that resulted in the first circumnavigation of the Earth.

The launching of the said book on March 2015 will coincide with the 450th anniversary of Christianity in the Philippines which will be held in Cebu City.  (MAL/LSM-PIA5/CamSur)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/861415767499/bicolanos-await-launching-of-magellan-book#sthash.Cn5NUEwE.dpuf

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