Miguel López de Legazpi, tasked with expanding Spanish influence in the Pacific, arrived in the Philippines with a fleet of ships in 1565. He meticulously planned to establish a lasting Spanish presence in the archipelago, focusing on areas like Cebu before setting his sights on Manila. In the spring of 1571, after gathering necessary resources and reinforcing his forces, Legazpi recognized the strategic significance of Manila due to its prime location along trade routes connecting Asia and the Americas. The local ruler, Rajah Sulayman, posed resistance to Spanish incursions, leading to direct confrontations as Legazpi initiated a siege of the city in early June. On June 24, following a combination of military engagement and cunning diplomacy, Legazpi's forces breached the defenses of Manila, overpowering Rajah Sulayman. Once inside, they established a kapitan (town leader), marking the beginning of Spanish colonial governance. The capture of Manila was pivotal; Legazpi promptly began organizing the city according to Spanish colonial practices. He initiated the construction of fortifications, such as Fort Santiago, and laid down the groundwork for Manila to become the capital of the Spanish East Indies, which ultimately transformed it into a vibrant trade hub along the galleon trade route that connected Asia with the Americas for over two centuries.