Accounts of Philippine history begin abruptly in 1521, with Magellan's arrival. But centuries before, these islands were well known to Chinese and Arab traders, who, with their superior sailing technology, profitably trafficked among them and developed sophisticated trading networks with the native societies. Archaeological evidence suggests that trade between mainland Asia and the Philippines had become highly evolved ed as early as A.D. 1000. Chinese junks, distinguished by their three tall, featherlike sails stiffened with battens, became a familiar and welcome sight in the Philippines. The prevalence of commerce in the Philippine archipelago brought islanders out of their isolation and spread Asian cultural influences, especially writing, along with their goods. By the time Magellan arrived, Filipinos who dwelled near oceans and inland waterways had long been literate.

Chinese exploration of the Philippines reached its commercial peak during the years 1405 to 1433, when the Treasure Fleet ruled the South Pacific and the Indian Ocean. Its immense ships ranged as far as the east coast of Africa to collect precious items and tributes for the emperor. They were eight or nine times longer than Columbus's ships and five or six times longer than any in Magellan's armada. For sheer size, the Treasure fleet was unrivaled until the zenith of the British navy in the nineteenth century. Despite its importance and unique character, the Treasure Fleet is little known in the West, even today. It was the creation, in many respects, of one man whose accomplishments rivaled and in some ways surpassed the more celebrated exploits of Columbus and Magellan: Cheng Ho.