He previously served as the first Bishop of Nueva Segovia and was the founder of the University of Santo Tomas in Manila.

[1] He joined the first group of Dominicans going to Manila in 1587, proceeding with them on to China where he hoped to expand the local Catholic church.

[3] Along with Juan Cobo, he authored the Doctrina Christiana in Chinese, one of the earliest books printed in the Philippines.

[citation needed] In the same year, he warned the government about the nascent revolt of the Chinese population although he was also criticized for inciting it with his sermons.

His library and personal property worth ₱1,500 were donated for the establishment of an institution of higher learning, now known as the University of Santo Tomas.