1521- Ferdinand Magellan came to the islands and claimed it as colony for the Spanish empire
November 19 or 20 1564- King Philip II had dispatched three further expeditions that ended in disaster he sent out Miguel lopez de legazpi who established the first permanent Spanish settlement in cebu.
February 13, 1565- arriving off in Cebu
1568- the Spanish Crown permitted the establishment of the encomienda system that it was abolishing in the New World, effectively legalizing a more oppressive conquest. Although slavery had been abolished in the Spanish Empire, it was allowed to continue in some forms in the Philippines due to its already present use on the islands.
1569- Legazpi transferred to Panay and founded a second settlement on the bank of the Panay River.
1570- Legazpi sent his grandson, Juan de Salcedo, who had arrived from Mexico in 1567, to Mindoro to punish the Muslim Moro pirates who had been plundering Panay villages. Salcedo also destroyed forts on the islands of Ilin and Lubang, respectively south and northwest of Mindoro.
1570- Martín de Goiti, having been dispatched by Legazpi to Luzon, conquered the Kingdom of Maynila.
1571- The Spanish city of Manila was founded and by the end of the 16th century most of the coastal and lowland areas from Luzon to northern Mindanao were under Spanish control. Friars marched with soldiers and soon accomplished the nominal conversion to Roman Catholicism of all the local people under Spanish administration. But the Muslims of Mindanao and Sulu, whom the Spanish called Moros, were never completely subdued by Spain.
1573- Japan expanded its trade in northern Luzon.
1580- the Japanese lord Tay Fusa established the independent Wokou Tay Fusa state in non-colonial Cagayan.
1590- peaceful trading relations were established between the Philippines and Japan
February 8, 1597- King Philip II, near the end of his 42-year reign, issued a Royal Cedula instructing Francisco de Tello de Guzmán, then Governor-General of the Philippines to fulfill the laws of tributes and to provide for restitution of ill-gotten taxes taken from indigenous Filipinos. The decree was published in manila on August 5, 1598
September 13 1598- King Philip II died, just forty days after the publication of the decree
August 1759- Charles III ascended the Spanish throne. At the time, Great Britain and France were at war, in what was later called the Seven Years' War.
1762-1764- British forces occupied Manila however they were unable to extend their conquest outside of Manila as the Filipinos stayed loyal to the remaining Spanish community outside Manila.
October 30, 1762- Catholic Archbishop Manuel Rojo, who had been captured by the British, executed a document of surrender, giving the British confidence in eventual victory.
February 10, 1763- The Seven Years' War was ended by the Peace of Paris signed At the time of signing the treaty, the signatories were not aware that Manila was under British occupation and was being administered as a British colony. Consequently, no specific provision was made for the Philippines. Instead they fell under the general provision that all other lands not otherwise provided for be returned to the Spanish Crown.
1834- opening of Philippine ports to world trade
1869-1871 - After the Liberals won the Spanish Revolution of 1868, Carlos María de la Torre was sent to the Philippines to serve as governor-general He was one of the most loved governors-general in the Philippines because of the reforms he implemented.
1872- Revolutionary sentiments were stoked, after three activist Catholic priests were executed on weak pretences
December 30, 1896- Rizal then returned to the Philippines to organize La Liga Filipina and bring the reform movement to Philippine soil. He was arrested just a few days after founding the league Rizal was eventually executed, on charges of rebellion.
1892- Radical members of the La Liga Filipina, which included Andrés Bonifacio and Deodato Arellano, founded the Kataastaasan Kagalanggalang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK), called simply the Katipunan, which had the objective of the Philippines seceding from the Spanish Empire.
1896- the Katipunan had a membership by the thousands. That same year, the existence of the Katipunan was discovered by the colonial authorities. In late August, Katipuneros gathered in Caloocan and declared the start of the revolution. The event is now known as the Cry of Balintawak or the Cry of Pugad Lawin, due to conflicting historical traditions and official government positions.
August 30, 1896- the revolt had spread to eight provinces. On that date, Governor-General Ramón Blanco declared a state of war in these provinces and placed them under martial law. These were Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Pampanga, Tarlac, Laguna, Batangas, and Nueva Ecija. They would later be represented in the eight rays of the sun in the Filipino flag.
March 22, 1897- the convention established the Tejeros Revolutionary Government. Bonifacio refused to recognize this and, with others, concluded the Naic Military Agreement. This lead to his execution for treason.
November 1 1897- the Tejeros government was supplanted by the Republic of Biak-na-Bato.
December 1897- the revolution had resulted to a stalemate between the colonial government and rebels.
May 10, 1897- Andres Bonifacio Died
April 25, 1898- the Spanish–American War began
May 1. 1898- the Battle of Manila Bay, the Asiatic Squadron of the U.S. Navy, led by Commodore George Dewey aboard the USS Olympia, decisively defeated the Spanish naval forces in the Philippines.
May 19 1898- Emilio Aguinaldo returned to the Philippines aboard a U.S. Navy ship
May 24, 1898- Emilio Aguinaldo took command of Filipino forces.
June 12, 1898- Aguinaldo issued the Philippine Declaration of Independence declaring independence from Spain. Filipino forces then laid siege to Manila, as had American forces.
August 1898- the Spanish governor-general covertly agreed with American commanders to surrender Manila to the Americans following a mock battle.
August 13, 1898- during the Battle of Manila (1898), Americans took control of the city.
December 1898- the Treaty of Paris (1898) was signed, ending the Spanish–American War and selling the Philippines to the United States for $20 million. With this treaty, Spanish rule in the Philippines formally ended.
January 23, 1899- Aguinaldo established the First Philippine Republic in Malolos.
February 4, 1899- As it became increasingly clear that the United States would not recognize the First Philippine Republic, the Philippine–American War broke out.
June 2 1899- the First Philippine Republic officially declared war against the United States
June 5, 1899- Death of Antonio Narciso Luna de San Pedro y Novicio Ancheta (Heneral Luna)
March 23, 1901- The Philippine President Emilio Aguinaldo was captured,
July 2 1902- the war was officially declared ended by the American government
June 15 1913- The resistance in the Moro-dominated provinces in the south, called the Moro Rebellion by the Americans, ended with their final defeat at the Battle of Bud Bagsak
December 8 1941 to May 8 1942- Fall of the Philippines the invasion of the Philippines by the Empire of Japan and the defense of the islands by United States and the Philippine Armies during World War II.
January 1942- coupled with the defenders' decision to withdraw into a defensive holding position in the Bataan Peninsula and also the defeat of three Japanese battalions at the "Battle of the Points" and "Battle of the Pockets"
April 1942- During World War II, on April 9, 1942, 75,000 United States soldiers and Filipino soldiers were surrendered to Japanese forces after months of battling in extreme-climate conditions.
April 9 1942- Bataan death march
March 11 1942- during World War II, General Douglas MacArthur and members of his family and staff left the Philippine island of Corregidor and his forces, which were surrounded by the Japanese.
It is his famous word “I shall return”
October 20, 1944- General Douglas MacArthur delivered his famous “I Have Returned” speech upon landing on Leyte Island. It is one of the most iconic phrases of the war.
September 2 1945- The final liberation of the Philippines at the end of World War II released Filipinos from years of torment—but recognition of their courage and sacrifice was slow in coming. Seventy-five years ago, Japan officially surrendered aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay
July 4 1946- The United States of America granted independence to the Philippines. On the same day, representatives of the United States of America and of the Republic of the Philippines signed a Treaty of General Relations between the two governments. The treaty provided for the recognition of the independence of the Republic of the Philippines as of July 4, 1946, and the relinquishment of American sovereignty over the Philippine Islands.
April 15 1948- Death of Pres. Roxas; Vice president Elpidio Quirino assumes the office of president
July 1948- Newly formed Quezon City is declared capital of the Philippines by Pres. Quirino. (Republic Act No. 333)
June 1950- The Philippines joins the Korean War, sending over 7,000 troops under the United Nations command.
March 6 1951- Fort Santiago was declared a National Shrine.
August 30, 1951-
The Mutual Defense Treaty between Philippines and United States was signed.
June 1953- Magna Carta for Labor is signed into law. (Republic Act No. 875)
November 10 1953-
Ramon Magsaysay is elected President of the Republic of the Philippines
March 17, 1957- Death of Pres. Magsaysay, one among the 25 killed in a plane crash in Cebu; Vice-Pres. Carlos P. Garcia assumes the presidency.
November 14, 1957-
Carlos P. Garcia elected President of the Republic of the Philippines
January 18, 1961- Baguio City experience cold at 6.3-degree Celsius, the country's lowest temperature ever recorded.
November 7 1961- Diosdado Macapagal elected President of the Republic of the Philippines.
August 8, 1963-
Agricultural Land Reform Code (Republic Act No. 3844) is signed into law by Pres. Macapagal.
August 14, 1964- Miss Philippines Gemma Cruz was crowned Miss International 1964, the first Filipino to win the title.
September 1965- Taal Volcano in Batangas erupts, killing around 2,000 and damaging villages.
November 9, 1965- Ferdinand Marcos elected President of the Republic of the Philippines.
June 18, 1966- Republic Act No. 4669 created the province of Camiguin, separating from Misamis Oriental. Republic Act No. 4849 created the province of South Cotabato, separating from Empire Province of Cotabato.
January 1967-
Two buses carrying pilgrims collide and fall off a ravine south of Manila, killing more than 115 in what would be the country's worst road accident.
May 11 1969-
Tuguegarao City, Cagayan experienced heat at 42.2 degrees Celsius, the country's highest temperature ever recorded.
November 11, 1969- Marcos re-elected President of the Republic of the Philippines (second term).
1970- Typhoon Patsy (Yoling) is the most devastating typhoon to hit the country at that time.
April 1970- Major rallies and riots held, protesting oil prices and fare costs.
November 27, 1970-
Pope Paul VI makes his first papal visit in the Philippines, but survived an assassination attempt by Benjamín Mendoza y Amor Flores at Manila International Airport.
June 1971- Manili massacre
September 13 1972- Sen. Ninoy Aquino exposes Oplan Sagittarius, a top-secret plan to place the capital under military control.
September 21, 1972-
Pres. Marcos signs the Martial Law edict (Proclamation No. 1081) to be imposed nationwide; at that time not publicly announced.
September 22, 1972- Sen. Aquino arrested.
September 23, 1972- The implementation of martial law is officially announced.
July 21 1974- Miss Universe 1974, its 23rd pageant, was held in Manila.
June 1975-
Primitivo Mijares testifies in the U.S. Congress on the alleged corruption and abuses of the government.
October 16 1976- Martial Law allowed to extend by virtue of a plebiscite
January 17, 1981- Martial law lifted (Proclamation 2045)
February 17-21, 1981- Pope John Paul II visited the Philippines for his first papal visit.
August 21, 1983- Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. is assassinated at then Manila International Airport.
October 18, 1985-
Typhoon Dot (Saling) landfalls on the country, leaves at least 101 people dead.
February 22-25, 1986- EDSA I Revolution ousts Pres. Marcos; Corazon Cojuangco–Aquino becomes President.
February 26, 1986- From Clark Air Base, Marcoses finally leave the country aboard U.S. planes to Guam and to Hawaii
July 2 1993-
A floating pagoda sinks in the annual Bocaue River Festival in Bocaue, Bulacan, 279 devotees drown.
November 15 1994- Mindoro earthquake
March 18, 1996- Fire razes Ozone Disco Bar in Quezon City, killing more than 158, including students.
March 15, 2000- Pres. Estrada's government declares an "all-out-war" against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
April 19 2000-
An Air Philippines plane crashes in the hills of Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte, killing all 131 on board; the worst aviation disaster in country's history.
November 13, 2000-
Pres. Estrada is the first incumbent president to be impeached by House of Representatives on accusations regarding jueteng money;
January 16-20, 2001- EDSA II Revolution ousts Pres. Estrada; Vice-Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo becomes the 14th president of the Philippines.
February 11, 2003-
Oakwood mutiny: Magdalo Group, led by Army Capt. Gerardo Gambala and LtSG. Antonio Trillanes IV, takes a mutiny at Oakwood Premier apartments in Makati.
February 27, 2004-
SuperFerry 14 is bombed by then Jemaah Islamiyah-linked Abu Sayyaf, then sinks near Manila Bay, killing 116; deadliest terrorist attack in Philippine history
March 11, 2008-Former First Lady Imelda Marcos is acquitted by a Manila trial court of 32 counts of illegal money transfers.
May 10, 2010-
The 2010 Philippine general elections, also the first national computerized election in the Philippine history, took place. (Benigno Aquino III is elected president)
August 23, 2010- A hostage-taking incident at the Quirino Grandstand ends in a gunfight that killed a perpetrator and eight hostages.
November 11, 2011-
Puerto Princesa Underground River is named as one of the world's New7Wonders of Nature.
January 15-19, 2015-Papal visit of Pope Francis in the Philippines, with a special Mass held at the Tacloban airport on the 17th.
January 25, 2015-
Mamasapano clash: An encounter between police commandos and the MILF occurs in a police operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, aiming to capture international terrorist Marwan; leading to, in total, 74 deaths including 44 PNP–SAF officers
October 18, 2015- Typhoon Koppu (Lando) hits northern and central Luzon, creating widespread damage and floods over Luzon.
December 21, 2015-
Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach is crowned Miss Universe 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada; the country's first title after 42 years.
May 9, 2016- 2016 Philippine general election (Rodrigo Duterte is elected as the first President from Mindanao)
October 19 2016- Typhoon Haima (Lawin). Typhoon signal number 5 raised for the first time.
May 23, 2017-
Pres. Duterte declares a 60-day martial law in Mindanao (via Proclamation No. 216) following clashes between government forces and the Maute group in Marawi City.
July 26 2018- The Bangsamoro Organic Law is signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte, effectively abolishing the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and providing for the basic structure of government for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Jan 12 2020- Taal Volcano Eruption
January 22, 2020- Pandemic Start
March 16, 2020- Island of Luzon placed under Enhanced Community Quarantine in response to the growing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the country.
June 23, 2021-
The Anti-Terrorism Council designates the National Democratic Front (NDF) as a terrorist organization, citing it as an "integral and inseparable part" of the CPP-NPA.
July 26, 2021- Hidilyn Diaz wins a gold medal at the Women's 55 kg event for weightlifting in Tokyo, Japan. It is the Philippines' first Olympic gold medal.
May 9, 2022- The 2022 Philippine general election are held, marking the first majority win since the establishment of the Fifth Republic in 1987, the first presidential ticket to win together since 2004, and the return of the Marcos family to power since the People Power Revolution. (Bongbong Marcos is elected as President alongside his running mate, Sara Duterte, as Vice President)[19
The Spanish colonial period of the Philippines began when explorer Ferdinand Magellan came to the islands in 1521 and claimed it as a colony for the Spanish Empire. The period lasted until the Philippine Revolution in 1898.
In 1521, the Spaniards, led by Ferdinand Magellan, discovered the islands. The Spanish conquistadores established a colonial government in Cebu in 1565. They transferred the seat of government to Manila in 1571 and proceeded to colonize the country.
The Philippines were claimed in the name of Spain in 1521 by Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer sailing for Spain, who named the islands after King Philip II of Spain. They were then called Las Felipinas.
The history of the Philippines from 1565 to 1898 is known as the Spanish colonial period, during which the Philippine Islands were ruled as the Captaincy General of the Philippines within the Spanish East Indies, initially under the Kingdom of the Viceroyalty of New Spain, based in Mexico City, until the independence ...
Much of the archipelago came under Spanish rule, creating the first unified political structure known as the Philippines. Spanish colonial rule saw the introduction of Christianity, the code of law, and the oldest modern university in Asia. The Philippines was ruled under the Mexico-based Viceroyalty of New Spain.
