Note 36 — Chapter XV

[The religious hold an important position in the colony. In 1571 two vessels bring an increase of six [202] fathers: Alonso de Alvarado,36 one of the Villalobos expedition; Gerónimo Marín,37 who afterward goes to China, and transacts affairs in Mexico and Spain; Francisco de Ortega,38 who dies as bishop of Camarines; Agustín de Alburquerque,39 who becomes provincial; Francisco Merino;40 and Juan de Orta.41 All of these die in the islands. The first fruit of these religious is the old Raja, who is baptized while sick. At his death he is interred with Christian rites. Father Alvarado, filled with zeal, fearlessly ascends the Pasig River and preaches in Laguna de Taguig and Taytay, [203] where he is peaceably received. The Tagáls are soon convinced of the good intentions and mildness of the Spaniards, and begin readily to receive the faith. Medina continues:]