Filipinos Challenge Spain to a Rematch As Their Ship Approaches
The Spanish navy ship Juan Sebastian Elcano is on a voyage around the world, retracing Ferdinand Magellan and its namesake, Juan Sebastian Elcano’s route in circumnavigating the world. The Elcano itself is a historic ship, having been built in 1928.
The ship is scheduled to arrive in the Philippines on March 16, just as Magellan and Elcano did 500 years ago. That event was the start of the 300-year colonization of the Philippines by Spain.
But Filipinos are challenging the Spaniards to “rematch.”
But of course, the comments were made in jest. The Elcano will be on a goodwill visit to the Philippines to commemorate the first circumnavigation of the world, of which the Philippines was a significant part of history. The Elcano will dock in Guiuan, Homonhon, Cebu, and Suluan.
Below are photos of the Elcano and some of its Spanish sailors.
