Juan de Salcedo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Juan de Salcedo
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Juan de Salcedo, a Spanish-Mexican explorer from the 1500s in the Philippines.
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| Born | c. 1549 Ciudad de México, Reino de México, Viceroyalty of New Spain
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| Died | March 11, 1576 (aged 26–27) Vigan, Ilocos, Captaincy General of the Philippines
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| Nationality | Novohispanic |
| Known for | Conquistador and Explorer |
Juan de Salcedo (born around 1549 – died March 11, 1576) was a Spanish explorer and soldier from New Spain (what is now Mexico). He was the grandson of Miguel López de Legazpi, a famous Spanish leader, and the brother of Felipe de Salcedo.
Juan de Salcedo joined the Spanish military in 1564 when he was just 15 years old. He was part of an important Spanish journey to the Philippines in 1565. In 1567, Salcedo led a group of about 300 Spanish and Mexican soldiers. They were joined by 600 local warriors from the Visayan islands. Together, they helped Martín de Goiti in the conquest of Manila. At that time, Manila was controlled by the Sultanate of Brunei. They fought battles against local leaders, including Tarik Sulayman. In 1570 and 1571, the Spanish, Mexican, and Filipino fighters worked together to take control of lands and settlements in Luzon.
William Scott, a historian, called Salcedo "the last of the Conquistadores." In May 1572, Salcedo led a group of 45 Spanish explorers north. He left 30 of his men in Vigan. Salcedo then sailed around the northern coast and down the eastern shore with 15 men in two small boats. He returned to Manila three months later with a large amount of gold.
In 1574, Salcedo quickly returned to Manila because the city was in danger. A Chinese pirate named Limahong was attacking. Salcedo fought with an army of 600 (300 Mexicans and Spaniards, plus 300 local warriors) against Limahong's 6,500 Chinese pirates and Japanese Ronins. After the Spanish won the Battle of Manila (1574), Salcedo chased Limahong to Pangasinan in 1575. The Spanish surrounded the pirates for four months, but Limahong managed to escape.
Salcedo passed away in March 1576, likely from a sickness called dysentery. He was only 27 years old. His body is buried at the San Agustin Church in Intramuros.
A Love Story with Princess Kandarapa
Local stories and a written account by Don Felipe Cepeda, who worked for Salcedo, tell a special tale. After the Spanish and Mexican forces took control of Luzon, Juan de Salcedo, who was about 22, met and fell in love with Princess Kandarapa. She was 18 and known for her beautiful singing voice, like a lark. She was the niece of Lakandula, the ruler of Tondo.
Juan saw Kandarapa bathing in the Pasig River with her friends and was captivated by her. Their love was difficult because their families had other plans. Lakandula wanted Kandarapa to marry the Rajah of Macabebe, but she did not want to, as he had many wives. Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, Salcedo's grandfather, wanted Juan to marry a Spanish woman.
The Rajah of Macabebe, Tariq Suleyman, heard about Juan and Kandarapa's growing affection from Rajah Soliman of Manila. He became very angry and declared:
"May the sun divide my body in two, the crocodiles eat it, and my wives become unfaithful, if I ever become the friend of the Spaniards!"
Tariq Suleyman then fought the Spanish in the Battle of Bangkusay. Miguel Lopez de Legazpi sent Martin de Goiti and Juan de Salcedo to the battle. Tariq Suleyman was defeated and fell into the water. The Spanish won and took many treasures and prisoners. Among the prisoners were Lakandula's son and nephew, whom Legazpi later freed.
Juan and Kandarapa secretly exchanged letters and rings, hoping to be together. Kandarapa was baptized and given the Christian name Dolores. She sent Salcedo a message with white lotus flowers. The lotus flower is a symbol of purity and beauty.
However, Salcedo's grandfather, Miguel de Legazpi, tried to keep Juan and Kandarapa apart. He sent Juan on long trips and even falsely told Kandarapa that Juan had married another woman. Believing this, Princess Kandarapa died of a broken heart. When Salcedo returned from his travels, he learned of her death. He kept the dried lotus flowers she gave him close to his heart until he died. This love story was written down by Don Felipe Cepeda and later published in Spain.
See also
In Spanish: Juan de Salcedo para niños
