The First Banquet

On the island of Limasawa in Cebu, in the year 1521, Ferdinand Magellan was met by a friendly Filipino chief and a feast laid out in his honor. It was probably the first recorded “banquet” in Philippine history.

“Meanwhile, the hour of supper being come, two large porcelain dishes were brought, one full of rice, the other of pork’s flesh with its broth and gravy We supped with the same signs and ceremonies. Then we went to the king’s palace, constructed and built as it were, of thatch, and it was covered with leaves of fig and palm. It was built up from the ground on thick high posts and we had to climb up to it by steps and ladders. The king made us sit on a reed mat with our legs folded like tailors. And after half an hour, a dish of fish, roasted in pieces, was brought and ginger freshly gathered, and wine. The eldest son of the king (who was the prince) came where we were. And the king told him to seat himself beside us, which he did. Then two dishes were brought, one of fish in its sauce and the other of rice. And this was in order that we might eat with the said prince. And my companion made so good cheer in drinking and eating that he became intoxicated. For candles or torches they use gum of a tree called anime wrapped in leaves of palm or fig. The king signed to us that he wished to go to bed, and he left the prince with us with whom we lay down on a mat of needs, and cushions, and pillows of leaves.”

From MAGELLAN’S VOYAGE by Antonio Pigafetta

… two large porcelain dishes were brought, one full of rice, the other of pork’s flesh with its broth and gravy… after half an hour, a dish of fish, roasted in pieces, was brought and ginger freshly gathered, and wine. The eldest son of the king (who was the prince) came where we were. And the king told him to seat himself beside us, which he did. Then two dishes were brought, one of fish in its sauce and the other of rice. And this was in order that we might eat with the said prince. And my companion made so good cheer in drinking and eating that he became intoxicated.

What do you think were the dishes and drinks that were served?