Did you know

The first accurate and detailed map of the Philippines was printed in Manila in 1734. Charted by Jesuit priest Fr. Pedro Murillo Velarde, it was drawn by Filipino artist Francisco Suarez and engraved by Nicolas de la Cruz Bagay. Known today as the Murillo Velarde map of the Philippines, the map included several sailing routes, an abridged history of the country and information on the country’s natural resources.—Schatzi Quodala, Inquirer Research