Lakandula facts for kids

Lakandula (also spelled Lácandólá) was the last Lakan (paramount ruler) of Tondo. Tondo was an important kingdom in the Philippines before the Spaniards arrived. Lakandula ruled the lands around the Pasig River delta in the 1570s.

When the Spanish first came, Lakandula introduced himself as "Sibunao Lacandola." This means his real name was "Bunao." The word "Lakan" was a title, like a prince or chief. So, he was "Prince Dula" or "Chief Dula."

Later, he became a Christian and was baptized as Carlos Lacandola. You might also see his name as Gat Dula. Sometimes, people mistakenly call him "Rajah Lakandula." But "Rajah" and "Lakan" mean the same thing. Using both is incorrect.

Lakandula was one of three important rulers during the Spanish arrival. The others were Rajah Matanda and Rajah Sulayman. They all played big roles in how the Spanish took control of the Pasig River delta.

After Lakandula died, some of his family members used "Lakandula of Tondo" as a special noble title.

What's in a Name?

Lakandula's name has been written in different ways over time. A Spanish official named Hernando Riquel wrote down what Lakandula said. He introduced himself as "Sibunao Lacandola, lord of the town of Tondo." This happened when he met Miguel López de Legazpi in May 1571.

Historians believe "Sibunao" comes from "[Ako] si Bunao," meaning "I am Bunao." So, his given name was likely Bunao. "Lakan" was his title, meaning "paramount ruler" or "chief."

The Meaning of "Lakandula"

"Bunao" was the given name of Tondo's ruler when the Spanish arrived. "Lakan" was his title, meaning the main leader of a large settlement. These settlements were called "bayan" or "large barangay" by the Tagalog people.

The word "dula" is not a family name. Family names were only introduced in the Philippines much later, in 1849. Some historians think "Dula" might have been a local word for "Palace." If so, "Lakandula" would mean "Lord of the Palace." This would be similar to how Rajah Ache was called Rajah Matanda (Old Rajah). Rajah Sulayman was sometimes called Rajah Muda (Young Rajah).

In the name "Gatdula," "Gat" is a shorter form of the Tagalog word "Pamagat." This word meant "nobleman" at the time. So, "Nobleman of the Palace" meant the same as "Lord of the Palace."

Most historians today still call him Lakandula. Even when they explain his given name was Bunao, they continue to use Lakandula.

"Lakan" vs. "Rajah"

The terms "Rajah" and "Lakan" both mean the same thing. However, the original Spanish records never used "Rajah Lakandula." Filipino historian Nick Joaquin pointed out that the rulers of Tondo used the title Lakan, not Rajah. This shows their unique local tradition.

Life Before the Spanish Arrived

We don't know much about Bunao Lakandula's early life. Historian Nick Joaquin believed he was born in the Philippines. He likely had both Tagalog and Kapampangan family roots. Some stories say he was a descendant of a king named Balagtas.

Lakandula's kingdom, Tondo, was a very important trading port. It was right on Manila Bay, which gave it an advantage over other towns. Ships from China preferred to unload their goods at Tondo. Lakandula was in charge of sending these goods upriver to other communities. There, they were traded for local products. Tondo was a central hub for trade.

When Chinese ships came, Lakandula would take their sails and rudders. He would keep them until the traders paid him fees. Then, he would buy all their goods himself. He paid half the value right away and the rest when they returned the next year. In between, he traded these goods with people living further inland. This meant other locals had to buy from Lakandula, who made a good profit.

Historians say the Tagalog people were "more traders than warriors." Ships from Maynila (Manila) got their goods from Tondo. They controlled trade throughout the rest of the islands. People in other areas often called Maynila's boats "Chinese" because they carried Chinese goods.

Meeting Legazpi in May 1571

When Miguel Lopez de Legazpi arrived in Manila Bay in May 1571, Lakandula was there to meet him. They first met on May 17. Lakandula and Rajah Matanda went aboard Legazpi's ship to talk. They agreed that the Spanish would not land in Tondo. Instead, they would land in Maynila, which had been burned down the year before.

On May 18, 1571, Rajah Sulayman, Rajah Matanda, and Lakandula agreed to Spanish rule. They said they would be loyal to Spain. The next day, May 19, Legazpi landed in Manila. He officially claimed the land with the three rulers present.

Lakandula helped the Spanish build a house for Legazpi and a fort. He gave them fourteen pieces of artillery and twelve jars of gunpowder. This gift was very helpful to the Spanish, who were running low on ammunition.

Soon after, Lakandula and his sons became Catholic. The Spanish fired their cannons and guns to celebrate the ceremony. Bunao Lakandula took the Christian name Don Carlos Lacandola, named after Charles I of Spain.

The Battle of Bangkusay in June 1571

At first, the Spanish were welcomed in Manila. But soon, the local people realized that Spanish rule meant they would lose their freedom. A battle happened on May 24, 1570, where the locals were defeated.

A month later, Tarik Sulayman from Macabebe attacked Manila. He convinced Rajah Sulayman to join him against Legazpi. But Macabebe and Sulayman's forces were defeated. The Datu of Macabebe was killed in what is now called the Battle of Bangkusay Channel. (It's important to know that Tarik Sulayman and Rajah Sulayman were different people.)

Lakandula had refused to join this fight. But two of his nephews and some of his officers were captured by the Spanish. They said they were only watching, not fighting. Legazpi let them go to show he trusted Lakandula.

This was a smart move by Legazpi. Lakandula then strongly supported the Spanish. He may have even convinced Rajah Sulayman to surrender and make peace with Legazpi.

Spreading Spanish Rule

Later in 1571, Legazpi sent his officer Martin de Goiti to expand Spanish control. They went to areas that are now the provinces of Bulacan and Pampanga. They conquered towns like Lubao, Macabebe, and Guagua in September. A month later, they took Calumpit and Malolos.

Legazpi sent Lakandula and Sulayman with Goiti. He believed that if such important chiefs showed loyalty to Spain, others would follow.

Lakandula agreed to go. He provided two large ships, called joangas or karakoa, at his own cost. These ships could carry 300 men each. He helped the Spanish greatly, and the people of Pampanga did indeed accept Spanish rule.

Limahong's Attack in 1574

Lakandula continued to work closely with the Spanish even after Legazpi died in 1572. Legazpi was replaced by Guido de Lavezares.

In 1574, a Chinese pirate named Limahong tried to attack Manila. Lakandula helped the Spanish fight off this invasion. He played a key role in defending the city.

Death

Lakandula died in 1575. This was three years after Legazpi and Rajah Matanda passed away.

After Lakandula's death, his grandnephew, Agustin de Legazpi, became the ruler of Tondo. Agustin de Legazpi was married to the cousin of Sultan Bolkiah. He led Tondo under Spanish rule for a while. However, he later rebelled against the Spanish in 1587–1588. This event is known as the Revolt of the Lakans. As a result, he was removed from power and killed.

According to old records, Lakandula ruled Tondo from a high place near Manila Bay. This spot faced the shore and had many fishermen's homes nearby. Local stories say this site later became the location of the Sto Niño of Tondo Parish church.

Legacy

The insignia of the Order of Lakandula

• The Order of Lakandula is one of the highest honors given by the Republic of the Philippines. It is awarded to people who show great leadership, wisdom, courage, and dedication to their country. It honors Lakandula's commitment to his people.
• The BRP Rajah Lakandula (PF-4) was a destroyer escort ship. It was the only former US Navy Edsall-class ship to serve in the Philippine Navy. It was the flagship of the Philippine Navy from 1981 to 1988.
• Many schools are named after Lakan Dula. You can find Lakan Dula elementary and secondary schools in the City of Manila and the Province of Pampanga. Both areas are closely linked to Banaw Lakan Dula's history.