Diego Aduarte

Born in Zaragoza in the late 16th century, he joined the Dominican Order after studying at the University of Alcalá. In 1595 he sailed to the Philippines, where he worked as a missionary and later held important positions in the order.

He is best remembered for his history of the Dominican Province of the Holy Rosary, a work that drew on personal experience and helped preserve an early account of missionary life in the Philippines, China, and nearby regions. He also served as bishop of Nueva Segovia, linking his writing life with a senior role in the colonial church.

Some reference works give slightly different dates for his birth and death, but they agree on his importance as both a church leader and a chronicler of the Dominican presence in Asia.