Module 2
Analysis of Historical Events
Primary and Secondary Sources
Learning Outcomes
a. compare the chosen primary and secondary sources in
terms of credibility of the account and reliability of the
author of the said account.
b. challenge arguments of historical inevitability by
formulating examples of historical contingency, of
how different choices could have led to different
consequences.
c. exhibit the value of truth and freedom
Module 2 Site of the First Mass in
Lesson 1 the Philippines
Introduction
One of the aims of Spanish colonization
to spread Christianity
planted the wooden cross
- proof of conquest of the territory
converted the natives to Christianity
Held the First Mass
March 31, 1521
Easter Sunday
Butuan or Limasawa?
Watch a Video
Mga Babasahin sa Kasaysayan ng Pilipinas:
Bakit Ako Naniniwala na sa Butuan nangyari
ang Unang Misa
Link:
[Link]
Read
The First Catholic Mass
in the Philippines
Candelaria, J. L., Alporha, V., & Kunting, A. (2021).
A Course Module for Readings in Philippine History.
Manila: Rex Book Store (pages 129-132)
Group Debate
Why the controversy?
rediscovery of two primary sources
Chronicles of Antonio Pigafetta and
Francisco Albo’s (Magellan’s
companion) logbook.
Site of the First Mass
Pigafetta Albo
“Mazaua” “Mazava”
Limasawa
Why Limasawa?
Philippine Committee on Geographic Names
Limasawa (Mazaua, Mazava)
Jayme C. de Veyra
Limasawa was derived from Massaua
Location of Limasawa tallies
with that of Mazzaua
Areas to look into
interpretation of the accounts of Pigafetta by
scholars/historians
geographical location or route of the
voyage
legislations and celebrations
Arguments for Limasawa based on
Pigafetta and Albo’s accounts
written in the book of Blair and Robertson “The
Philippine Islands” published 1906 (reproduced the
Italian text of Pigafetta’s chronicles with English
Translation)
Limasawa has been generally accepted since
then to mean Masaua (Bernad, 1983).
Arguments for Limasawa as to
Geographical Location/Route of the Voyage
Mazaua is separate island from Limasawa .
Magellan- eastern coast of Leyte with Hibuson
island on his left, down to Panaon island which
looks like a part of Leyte.
From Panaon, the wind was blowing westward
from the Pacific, considering that this was late
March to April, the east wind is strong. They went
west or southwest toward the island of Limasawa.
This was affirmed in the book of Arcilla in history
Reason for going to Limasawa
though the northern portion is hilly
but the southern portion is all level
land with few hills, It has fertile land,
natives were friendly, there was
enough food, water and wood. Here
the Mass could be said with solemnity
and the cross could be planted on the
top of the hill facing south, west or
east.
Butuan or any other point of Mindanao
coast was not in the itinerary of
Magellan’s expedition. (The survivors
went there only after Magellan’s death).
Arguments for Limasawa as to
Legislations and Celebrations
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 2733
AN ACT TO DECLARE THE SITE IN MAGALLANES,
LIMASAWA ISLAND IN THE PROVINCE OF LEYTE,
WHERE THE FIRST MASS IN THE PHILIPPINES
WAS HELD AS A NATIONAL SHRINE, TO PROVIDE
FOR THE PRESERVATION OF HISTORICAL
MONUMENTS AND LANDMARKS THEREAT, AND
FOR OTHER PURPOSES
dispute was officially settled in March 1998
by the National Historical Institute panel
composed of several historians, some were
from UP Diliman Department of History.
The National Historical Institute (NHI)
ruled in favor of Limasawa.
Decision reaffirmed in
1998
ARGUMENTS FOR BUTUAN
Primary evidences
gold, balanhai, porcelain dishes, nipa, wine,
sago, ricefields
Very strong tradition of the first mass (if the
documents are not specific)
The kings of Butuan and Masao are brothers. It is
against human experience if their kingdoms are far
from each other.
Mazaua is Masao, Butuan
End!
