On March 16, 1521, Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan and his crew dropped anchor off the uninhabited island of Humunu, now Homonhon.
This year, 500 years later, the inhabitants of the island mark the arrival of the first Christians in what we now call as the Philippines.
The local Catholic parish church and the local government initiated several activities to highlight the celebration, including the planting of 500 trees, a book launching, Masses, and other programs.
Photojournalist Alren Beronio attended the celebrations and took photos for LiCAS.news.