The encounter between the Armada de Maluco and the People of Cebu was brought about by the extensive trading networks that existed between the Central Visayas and the rest of island Southeast Asia. The connections between Cebu and the rich trading centers in the East Indies was evidenced by the presence of foreign merchants and the wide knowledge of Cebu as a trading port. Earlier records from Chinese archives indicate the existence of trading partners from within the Central Philippines. This session explores the deep trading and commercial relationships between the Central Visayas and the rest of East Asia.