The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898, Volume 37, 1669-1676

In the mid‑1600s the Philippine archipelago was a crossroads of empire, faith, and rebellion. This volume opens a vivid portrait of the Dominican and Augustinian missions as they struggle to rebuild their ranks, establish schools, and reach remote mountain peoples, while the bustling streets of Manila pulse with the daily rhythms of colonial life. Through detailed chronicles and rare maps, listeners can hear the clamor of new reinforcements arriving, the fire that razed the Parián quarter, and the hopeful establishment of a university that demanded its teachers learn native tongues.

Amid these religious endeavors, the narrative turns to the volatile politics of Manila’s government. A gripping, first‑hand letter from a prisoner in Fort Santiago reveals the sudden arrest of Governor Diego Salcedo by the Inquisition and the daring usurpation by Auditor Bonifaz, exposing a world where loyalty and intrigue collide. The account balances secular power struggles with the missionaries’ perseverance, offering a richly textured glimpse into a pivotal era of Philippine history.