2B.S.

Criminology
MODULE 2:
READINGS IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY
TOPIC: Controversies and Conflicting Views in Philippine History

The Site of the First Mass in the Philippines

The popularity of knowing where the “first” happened in history has been an easy
way to trivialize history, but this study will not focus on the significance (or lack
thereof) of the site of the First Catholic Mass in the Philippines, but rather, use it as
a historiographical exercise in the utilization of evidence and interpretation in
reading historical events.

Toward the end of the 19th century and the start of the 20th century, together with
the increasing scholarship on the history of the Philippines, a more nuanced
reading of the available evidence was made, which brought to light more
considerations in going against the more accepted interpretation of the first mass in
the Philippines, made both by Spanish and Filipino scholars.

SITE OF THE FIRST MASS IN THE PHILIPPINES.

LIMASAWA, SOUTHERN LEYTE

OR MASAO, BUTUAN CITY

In this topic we are to discuss one of  the historical events  that happened in our
country which is the first catholic mass held in the Philippines. Some Filipino
historians have long contested the idea that Limasawa was the site of the first
Catholic mass in the country.
Local historians in Butuan believed that the first site of the Catholic Mass took
place in Mazawa, a place in Butuan now called Masao not in Limasawa Island in
Leyte as stated in history books.

TOPIC: Controversies and Conflicting Views in Philippine History

Butuan has long been believed as the site of the first mass. In fact, this has been the
case for three centuries, culminating in the erection of a monument in 1872 near
Agusan River which commemorates the expeditions arrival and celebration of
Mass on April 8, 1521. The Butuan claim has been based on a rather elementary
reading of primary sources from the event.
Butuan a major settlement in early Spanish time trading post. Trading for gold,
cinnamon and slaves. Gold was so abundant that even houses were decorated with
gold. Rich in treasures (gold treasures). The following are supporting evidence
(First Mass Held in Masao not Limasawa) Dr. Sonia M. Zaide presented  the
evidence for Masao as the site of the first recorded mass in the Philippines. 

First: In all primary sources including the diary of Antonio Pigafetta, the chronicles
of Magellan’s voyage, the name of the place was Mazawa. 

Second: According to primary records, the expedition travelled 20-25 leagues from
Homonhon, the first landing point.

Third: The distance to Cebu from Mazawa according to Pigafetta was 149 miles.
The distance from Limazawa to Cebu is only 80 miles.

Forth: It was mentioned that the king came to their ship in Balanghai, a wooden
boat used for cargo and trading. Butuan is now the site of at least 9 excavated
Balanghai relics by contrast, Limasawa has no significant archeological relics or
Balanghai tradition

Fifth: The Western Explorers got excited at the abundance of gold in Mazawa, for
that was the main currency at that  time. Both archeological relics and the gold
mines today attested to the abundance of gold in Agusan Valley.  Magellan never
landed at Limazawa at all.

Balanghai - the first wooden watercraft excavated in Southeast Asia. It is a mojor

settlement in early Spanish times. A trading port.

Two Primary Sources

It must be noted that there are only two primary sources that historians refer to in
identifying the site of the first Mass. One is the log kept by Francisco Albo, a pilot
of one Magellan’s ship Trinidad. The other and the more complete was the account
by Antonio Pigafetta.

Pigafetta, like Albo was a member of Magellan expedition and an eyewitness of

the events, particularly of the first Mass.
Two who have been part of the expedition 

1. Logbook kept by Francisco Albo (Pilot of Magellan’s flagship)

2. The account of Antonio Pigafetta who completed first circumnavigation in the

world.

Francisco Albo kept a logbook of the voyage, largely consisting of nautical

observations that provide data for the actual course sailed by the vessels of the
fleet. In the account of Albo he did not mention about the first Mass in the
Philippines but only the planting of the cross upon a mountain top.

Antonio Pigafetta – Italian navigator one of Magellan’s crew. He was the first man
who circumnavigate in the world. He assisted Magellan in translating the Cebuano
language. He gives the best and the fullest account of the expedition. An accurate
journal (correspondent) credible because of his sited documents.

Conclusion:

As a conclusion, they formulated and gathered data proving that the first mass
dated and happened on easter sunday, March 31, 1521 at Masao Butuan is clearly
the site where the first mass was held. It is because historians, archeologists etc.
were able to find credible artifacts or visible evidence in Butuan which the
Limasawa Island did not contain

Limasawa, Southern Leyte Evidences

First Mass Controversy “It’s Limasawa”

The first ever Christian Mass dated March 31, 1521 was celebrated in the Island of
Limasawa, South of Leyte and not in Butuan , so declared by the National
Historical Institute. The Findings was reached by the Gangcayco Commission
composed of retired Supreme Court Justice (Gangcayco as Chairman) and two (2)
lawyers which was created in May 1996 by NHI to “resolve” a very sensitive
historical issue facing our country and our people. 
FINDINGS

The Commission concluded that the first mass was held in Limasawa after it
found that 

The most complete and reliable account of the Magellan’s expedition into
Philippine Shores in 1521 is that of Antonio Pigafetta which is deemed as the only
credible primary source of reports on the celebration of the first Christian mass on
Philippine soil. 

There is absolutely no doubt that the Mass was celebrated in Limasawa on March
31, 1521 Easter Sunday because Antonio Pigafetta did say so. Pigafetta eyewitness
account is the most detailed and only surviving account of the first Mass in the
Philippines.

Pigafettas Mazawa, the site of the first Christian mass held on Philippine soil, is an
Island lying off the southern tip of Leyte while Masao in

Butuan is not an Island but a barangay of Butuan City located in a delta of the
Agusan River along the cause of Northern Mindanao the position of Mazawa, as
plotted by Pigafetta, matched that of Limasawa.

Supported with a number of solid proofs which includes the Albo’s logbook,
evidence of Pigafetta’s and the evidence from Legaspi expedition.

On June 19, 1960 the Philippine Congress enacted a bill (RA 2733) declaring
Limazawa as the place where Magellan celebrated the first recorded mass in the
Philippines on Easter sunday March 31, 1521.

CONCLUSION:

The first Catholic Mass in the Philippines was held on March 31, 1521 Easter
Sunday it was officiated by the Priest named Father Pedro Valderama whom
people believed is the town specifically on the shore of Limazawa in Southern
Leyte. It is popularly known as the birthplace of the church of the Philippines.
Now Southern Leyte and the rest of the Filipino people could have a sign of relief
over the controversy surrounding the site of the first mass which ushered in the
christianization of the Philippine. THE ISSUE IS RESOLVED.
A. IDENTIFICATION
1. The greatest legacy of the Spaniards in the Philippines.

-The Catholic faith

2. Joined the expedition to the Spice Island.

- Ferdinand Magellan

3. Officiated the first Mass in the Philippines

- Father Pedro Valderama

4. Declared that the first ever Christian Mass was celebrated on the Island of
Limasawa.

- National Historical Institute

5. Wooden watercraft used for cargo and trading.

- Balanghai

B. True or False

Directions: Read each statement carefully. Put T if the statement is True and
F if the statement is False.

F 1. Mactan was the first Mass held in the Philippines

T 2. God, gold, glory are the main goals of Spain land discoveries.

F 3. Concepcion the name of the boat that only survived the expedition.

T 4. Magellan instructed his comrades to plant a large wooden cross on the top
of the hill over looking the sea.

T 5. Francisco Albo did not mentioned the first Mass in the Philippines but the
planting of the Cross.

Essay
1. What is yours stand about the site of the first Catholic Mass in the Philippines?

I want to stand with Masao Butuan since the evidence are there. Evidence
like artifacts which Limasawa does not contain. The possibility of the first mass
being held in Masao has a huge chance. As a criminologist student I depend on
evidences to prove what is true or connects to the story.

However, if the Limasawa people or primary sources of information

witnessed this event, Then the first mass was held there. Considering the I base on
evidence, eye witnesses are better proof of a certain event rather than relics and
artifacts since they can be transferred from one place to another.

In conclusion I stand by the Limasawa, it has stronger evidence, and primary

sources of information who witnessed the Historic event.

2. Why is it important to know where the first Mass in the Philippines was held?

It is important because this is how our Christianity started. This also explain
it in a way that misinformation in history can cause chaos and diversity in the
society. I think they put the bill up RA 2733 to confirm information to the people
and so the endless arguments will be over.

Big example of how misinformation of the past can cause chaos in the
society is the martial law. People viewed it as the darkest times of the Philippines,
while some think it what makes us what we are now, without it the CPP-NPA will
be ruling our country. The misinformation is a black propaganda of the Communist
terrorist group to overthrow the government. This is how important, and valuable
history can be, it can shape the present time because of misinformation of history.

That is how important to know where the first mass was held, it represents
what we are now. A Christian nation, religion brought by the Spaniards. Knowing
the true information can unite the people into agreement that can improve our
society into unity.