Rajah Humabon, a brave leader of Cebu

Rajah Humabon

Rajah Humabon, also known as Sri Hamabar, was a leader of Zubu (now Cebu) and was regarded as the wisest and bravest man on the island. While backpacking in the city, I found a monument near the Cathedral Museum stating that he was the first Filipino chieftain to embrace Christianity.  When Ferdinand Magellan landed in Cebu on Sunday, April 7, 1521, he made a blood compact with the Portuguese-born Spanish explorer as a symbol of their newfound friendship. Captivated by its noble teachings, on Sunday Morning, April 14, 1521, he and his wife, Humamai, and about 800 locals were baptized. This monument is just a few meters away from Cebu Cathedral.