Ferdinand Magellan led the first circumnavigation of the world as a Portuguese explorer sailing for Spain, discovering the Philippines for Spain in 1521. The Spanish were interested in colonizing the Philippines after Magellan's voyage made them aware of the geography and potential for colonization. Miguel Lopez de Legazpi led the most successful Spanish expedition to colonize the Philippines in 1565, establishing the first Spanish settlement in Cebu and later conquering Manila in 1571, effectively conquering much of the Philippines for Spain in the 16th century through superior weapons, military strategy, and introducing Christianity.