The Filipino View of Japan — a Survey from the Spanish Period to World War II Augusto V. de Viana, Ph.D. The Spanish Period D uring the Spanish period, many Filipinos saw Japan as a benevolent nation concerned with the liberation of the Philippines from foreign domination. This view started from the aborted Magat Salamat rebellion in 1587-1588. Te former Maharlikas or nobles of Manila and other parts of the Philippines solicited Japanese aid to overthrow the Spaniards. Griping at the loss of their freedom, they gathered to plot against the colonizers. Te main leaders of the plot were Magat Salamat, the son of Lakan Dula, the old King of Tondo, Agustin de Legaspi, a nephew of Lakan Dula and son-in-law of the Sultan of Brunei. Te other leaders where the chiefs of Tondo, Navotas, Polo and Pampanga. 1 Tey had the support of the Borneans and the people of Cuyo in their projected rebellion. A Japanese Christian resident of Manila named Dionisio Fernandez negotiated for the involvement of his country. A ship captain named Joan (Juan) Gayo was to help the rebels by bringing to the Philippines soldiers and weapons from Japan. Once the Spaniards are overthrown, 1 Te other chiefs were Martin Panga and Calao who were both chiefs of Tondo, Dionisio Capolo, the chief of Candaba, Pampanga, Omaghican, the chief of Navotas and Felipe Salonga, the chief of Polo. Ad Veritatem Vol. 8, No. 2 (March 2009)