It is believed that Manila, the largest city in the Philippines was established during the Mongol invasion of China. A fleet belonging to Zhang Shijie, the last emperor of the Song dynasty, escaped the incoming invaders and established the Luzon Empire in what was known at the time as “the Land of Gold.” During the Ming Dynasty, extensive trade relations were established with China. The Sultanate of Brunei, Bolkiah, began his reign in 1485 and decided to make an effort to interrupt the Luzon Empire's trade monopoly with China. He attacked Tondo and established the city that would one day become known as Manila. During the mid-1500s, Muslim Rajahs took control of the region and unified the different city-states into the Kingdom of Maynila. It retained its diplomatic ties with Brunei as well as Sulu and Ternate. The Spanish colonial period began shortly after this event. Governor-General Miguel Lopez de Legazpi was forced from Cebu by Portuguese forces and began searching for a suitable capital for Spanish interests in the region. An expedition was sent under the leadership of Marshall Martin de Goiti and Captain Juan de Salcedo. They arrived in Maynila and offered a friendship with Rajah Sulayman. The Rajah accepted the friendship, however, wanted no part of becoming a colony of the powerful empire. War was launched against the Spanish. De Goiti raised an army and attacked the city in June of 1570. He captured the city after a protracted battle before returning victoriously to Panay. The remains of the Luzon Empire began to crumble in 1571. A series of civil conflicts between the traditional and Muslim states as well as fights over full leadership of the nation. Spain returned that year with a strong force led by Legazpi himself. The city of Maynilad was razed and natives set fire, destroying much of the standing infrastructure. The Spanish would not be deterred, however, and on June 3, they established the colony of Manila. This was certified by the monarchy in 1572. The Philippines themselves became a larger colony of Spain under the leadership of the Viceroy of New Spain. He appointed a Governor-General for the colony. A trade route was established from Mexico to the Philippines. Spanish authorities established commercial restrictions on Chinese traders, requiring the payment of tributes to Spain. A revolt from China occurred in 1574. Manila was attacked with 62 Chinese warships and 3,000 soldiers. This attack proved pointless, however, and was easily swept aside by Spanish forces. In response, the Spanish conquerors segregated the Chinese residents of the city to a specified district called Parian de Alcaceria. Further uprisings continued throughout the next few decades. The Rajah again raised a force, united with local chieftains in an effort to overthrow Spanish rule. Spain eventually succumbed to the force's demands and gave the Rajah a small piece of land to rule. They then began an effort to convert the local population to Christianity. Spanish architecture continued to be established on the remains of the original city. Houses, monasteries, churches, schools and nunneries were built with swift speed. Chinese revolt continued over the next century. Separate incidents in 1602 and 1686 which included a conspiracy to kill all the Spaniards in the country led to the complete eradication and expulsion of Chinese traders and immigrants from Manila and the rest of the Philippines. For more information on Manilla, Philippines visit http://manilamicroblog.com and http://philippinesmicroblog.com

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