Content Paper 1M: FIRST CATHOLIC MASS IN THE PHILIPPINES (October 04, 2019;

INDIVIDUAL);
SCORING: 120 points
1. Retrieve some articles about the debate for the venue of the first mass in the Philippines
2. Provide the written discussion of the following:
- Topographical attributes of the debated places
- Description of the inhabitants (before, during, and after the Spanish colonialism
- Discuss the merit of each place (in terms of the celebration of the first mass; Why is
this place considered to be the location of the first mass?)
3. State your position regarding the issue
4. Indicate your sources.

Introduction

Controversies regarding the location of the first Holy mass in the Philippines is still being
debated upon by historians, critics, government officials, and church authorities. Several
accounts, historical and arduous researches, and thorough analysis were already done by some
scholars in order to settle the argument. However, their intention to solve the problem led their
researches to a more immense controversy. There are two prominent locations in the Philippines
that were mentioned prior to the celebration of the first mass: Limasawa of Southern Leyte and
Butuan City of Mindanao. Arguments are usually based on the cultural attributes of a place, the
distances from one place to another, and the timeline of the voyage.

In the account of Antonio Pigafetta, he stated that on Easter Sunday, the last day of March 1521,
on the island called “Mazaua” a Holy Catholic mass was celebrated. The ruler of Butuan, Friar
Pedro Valderrama together with Portuguese navigator and explorer Ferdinand Magellan and his
men celebrated the mass. On the other hand, people of Limasawa of Southern Leyte, strongly
claims that the first Roman Catholic mass in the Philippines was held in their place and not in
Butuan. They argued that because of the records and pieces of evidence presented by historians
and scholars, it made their claim stronger and more solid (Arnaiz, J., 1999).

So, the question is, is it Limasawa or Mazaua?

First Mass in Butuan City of Mindanao

Butuan City is considered as first class because of its highly unurbanized atmosphere, its tradition
that rests upon for almost three centuries that were common and constant, and it is the center of
Caraga region (de Jesus, V., n.d.). Way back 1001 until year of 1756, Butuan City was called the
capital of the Rajajnate of Butuan which is very famous because of its golds and boat
manufacturing in the whole and entire archipelago of the Philippines. Having been said, this only
means that Butuan City before was very rich in natural resources (Macariñas, E., 2012). Hence,
Butuan City was very famous in terms of trade and exchange of goods between the Philippines

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and other countries such as China and because of that, it is believed to have a port which was
called ‘Mazaua’ (de Jesus, V., n.d.).

Mazaua can be found near the mouth of Agusan river, a spot that is still within the boundaries of
the municipality of Butuan. As stated by Pigafetta, from Homonhon, Butuan City lies in a latitude
of nine and two-third degrees and in a longitude 162 degrees from the line of separation. Mazaua
as stated by the Official Gazetteer of the Philippines by the United States Coast and Geodetic
Survey in 1945, is an island that is surrounded by rivers in its south, north, east flanks and on the
west, a sea was viewed.

Butuan City was surrounded by swamplands near its coastal area and looking at the position,
these swamplands or swamp areas are connected to the Agusan river.

Butuan Port

ASEAN scientists dated 1986 found a “graben” in Butuan. Graben is defined as a valley-like
depression of the land caused by the subsidence of a series of blocks of the earth’s crust. Due to
this graben, it separated Pinamanculan Hills which is beside barangay Masao and where the
current Butuan airport is.

Admiral Alonso de Magallanes first discovered the Philippine archipelago during their
expedition. Across the Pacific Ocean, he trailed a new and difficult route or path, he entered the
Strait of Siargao, in which the island of Leyte was formed, and landing at the island of Limasawa
which is at the entering of the strait mentioned. (Bernad, M., 1981). Inhabitants of the island of
Limasawa welcomed and showed kindness by giving the Spaniards good snacks and drinks.
Natives were amazed by the exclusivity, novelty, and peculiarity of the Spaniards (Combes, F.,
n.d.).

While the Spaniards are resting and replenishing their bodies, they heard of a chieftain who is
more powerful and can be found in the river of Butuan City. Their curiosity sparked and arouse
and wanted to check to see for themselves if it is true or not. (Pigafetta, A., 1524). The chieftain
was a good leader for he has provided them the food they needed. Having a cross erected on top
of hill, Ferdinand Magellan contented himself with having them do respect to it. The cross is a
symbol to upcoming generations to show the association made between the inhabitants of Butuan
and the Spaniards, a sign for seriousness and respect for the cross by the Spaniards that became
an example to the natives and also made them follow the belief of the Spaniards, and the deep
virtue and devotion that was shown by the them (Pigafetta, A., 1524).

Butuan did not satisfy their desire to have more supply and facilities needed by Magellan’s men
and by the ships. They found their route back to Limasawa and further analyzed their next path to
take. The prince of Limasawa told them about Zebu (Cebu) in which the facilities of its port and
the place itself is more developed (Guia, J., 2015). They were guided by the prince and was
advised to enter the harbor of Cebu by the Mandawe entrance dated seventh of April year 1521.

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Yes, a holy mass was celebrated, and a planting of a cross was done, however, upon reading
several accounts and articles, neither of the account of Pigafetta, Combes, nor Colin mentioned
‘first’ in their accounts (Backpack Philippines, n.d.). The first mass was said to be celebrated in
Butuan and a cross was planted under the name of the most unconquerable Charles V. The ruler
of Butuan and several men were assisting Ferdinand Magellan as he navigates the ships into the
port Mass was said to be a Whitsunday and before that, the lord and the king of Zebu were
converted and evangelized among with the five hundred natives (Germelli, 1963).

According to Germelli (1963), he was confused of the two events; the mass that would be held in
Butuan and the baptism of the rajah of Cebu. He stated that neither of the two said events took
place in a Whitsunday; the ‘first’ Mass took place on Easter Sunday and the baptism was two
weeks after the mass. Pigafetta emphasized the fact that Butuan is the first place in Mindanao
where a Christian mission was established.

Antonio Pigafetta as one of the eighteen survivors and who eye witnessed the events specifically
the Holy mass, his journal should be analyzed and taken into consideration. Obviously, Butuan is
one of the two most famous places or sites that still being debated upon regarding on which site
the first Holy mass was really celebrated. Inhabitants of Butuan are called Butuanons. They still
celebrate the event despite the controversy and the widely declaration of the Malacanan that the
first mass was celebrated at Limasawa (Serrano, 2006). Even before the interference of the
National Historical Institute (NHI) that stated that Limasawa is the site of the first mass, majority
of the people including church authorities, the government officials itself, scholars, and even
historians believed and assumed that Butuan is the site where the mass was conducted and
celebrated (Serrano, 2006).

According to Butuan City Cultural and Historical Foundation Inc. (BCHFI), twenty-eight pieces
of scientific evidence were found and mentioned in different accounts. The recovery of the ten
balanghai boats that are almost 1,600 years old, were accidentally dug up near the Masao River in
1976. These boats were assumed to have been used as a transportation of people and trade. The
Philippines recognized these boats as scientific evidence and was sent to the United Nations
Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Once it was recognized by the
UNESCO, BHCFI and its inhabitants will also be recognized. With that, it will give hope to the
Butuanons that it will be finally considered as the strongest scientific evidence that will leave
Limasawa not the official site that was declared in RA 2733 of 1960 (Serrano, 2006).

Having read the account of Pigafetta regarding their settlement and discovery of the island, he
mentioned boats called balanghais a couple of times that was being used by the people of Butuan
in transporting. Another author tried to meld Antonio Pigafetta’s account with the Colin-Combes
tale. He assumed that Magellan’s visit in Butuan using boats were anchored in today’s Masao
village. Right after the mass, inhabitants, together with the rajas of both Cebu and Butuan and the
visitors travelled up a hill and built a wooden cross (Bernad, 1981). This evidence was supported
by the Butuanons for they created a monument in honor of the Portuguese navigator, Ferdinand
Magellan (Bernad, 1981).

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The sources that were used by historians that were considered as reliable primary surces are the
accounts of Pigafetta titled Primo Viaggio Intorno Al Mondo and a log that was kept by one of
the pilots of Magellan’s ships. When in terms of accuracy, account of Pigafetta became the center
of attention because of its detailed description- dates, events, etc., however, Francisco Albo’s log
cannot be rejected because he was also credited as an eyewitness to the first mass. Pastrano
(2013) clearly stated that Pigafetta and other accounts did not mention Limasawa.

The thing is, aside from the balanghais that were found and Butuan having a port, the word
‘Mazaua’ is found in only one of eighty languages and dialects in the Philippine archipelago. In
Butuan, Tausug has the word ‘masawa’ means bright or well lighted. (Amalla, n.d.). it was
pertaining to the bright light (fire) that Magellan and his men saw in the land of Mazaua while
exploring.

Limasawa Settlement

During the exploration of Ferdinand Magellan and his men, they sailed toward and anchored in
the island of Limasawa. While they are still replenishing and resting in Homonhon Island, they
noticed a fire on the island and that made they curiosity arise. They are still in the boundaries of
southernmost tip of Panaon Island. Mazaua Island was described to be “near the Kingdom of
Butuan in Mindanao” (Fier, R., 1997). Limasawa was said to be too small as an island to have
rice fields.

When the Spaniards stepped foot in Limasawa and celebrated a mass with the inhabitants of
Limasawa, they planted a cross in barangay Magallanes, which is the Southeast side of Limasawa
Island. Limasawa is being surrounded by the sea and it is easily visible to any ship passing from
the east or west or from the north or south. Whereas, Mazaua in Butuan only has the sea available
only to its northwest side because the rest of Mazaua is connected to Mindanao Island - the 2nd
largest island in the entire Philippines (Guia, J., 2015). Limawasa as described by Pigafetta, the
island is shaped like a tadpole, running north to south. The northern portion is almost at hills,
with the slopes dropping steeply to the seam leaving only coastal strip. But the southern portion
of the island is almost all level land with a few hills. It has a good harbor, protected on the west
Panaon island and on the east of Limasawa, the fields are fertile. The cross was planted where it
could be seen by everyone from the plain and from the top of that hill could be seen the islands to
the south, to the west, and to the east (Pigafetta, A., 1524). However, some claims that Butuan is
not island but a barangay that is described as a flat delta by some accounts. Limawasa on the
other hand, is an island that is why its stand against the pro-Butuan became more solid.

According to Bernard (1981), there are several pieces of evidence in favor of Limasawa.

By analyzing the the logbook of Francisco Albo who also joined the expedition of Magellan. Just
like Antonio Pigafetta, he was one of the eighteen survivors who returned safely with Sebastian
Elcano on the other ship. As stated in his logbook, when they are in “Acquada” or Homonhon
island, at ten degrees North latitude, they sailed towards a large island named “Seilani” that was
believed to be the island of Leyte. Sailing outwards along the island of Seilani, there is a small

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island called “Mazava” which is at a latitude of nine two thirds degrees of North. Inhabitants
were described as good people (Bernard, M., 1981). They built a cross as stated by Albo on a
mountain top and saw three islands that were abundant on gold. It should be noted that Albo did
not ever mention that it was the first mass, however, the mentioning of the planting of the cross
upon a mountain top from which three islands could be seen to the west and southwest. This fits
to the southern end of Limasawa and not Butuan because there are no islands that could be seen
to the south or southwest but only towards the north (Pigafetta, A., 1524).

Second evidence is the account of Antonio Pigafetta. The findings that made Limasawa to be
recognized as the site of the first mass is because they based their findings in Antonio Pigafetta’s
account which deemed to be the only one and reliable foundation on the reports of the first mass.
On the twenty-eight of March 1521, it was a Holy Thursday and that was the day they saw a fire
and it was the Mazaua island. They stayed there for seven days. The celebration of the mass until
the planting of the cross, and as well as the building of relationship and alliance with the Filipinos
were done in just a short period of time. After that, they left Mazaua and bounded to Cebu. The
map that was created by Antonio it played an important role in resolving of the problem
(Cameron, I., 1663). As presented, Mazaua is a small island which lies off the southwestern tip
of the bigger island of Southern Leyte and is to the east of the island of Bohol. It lies near the
passage between Bohol and the western coast of Ceilon which is now known as Leyte. Therefore,
the map that was created by Pigafetta, the position of Mazaua roughly lies correspondent to the
actual position of the Limasawa. Therefore, Mazaua is impossible to be in Butuan because it is
situated in another and much larger land in Mindanao. It was also stated that the ruler of Butuan
came to visit in the island “where we are”. The “island where we are" was Mazaua, Therefore,
Mazaua could not have been Butuan (Sanchez, A., 1977). However, within their stay in Butuan
and Limasawa, the word ‘river’ was never mentioned in any of the accounts of Pigafetta,
therefore it was considered as an island bounded by sea and not a river.

Lastly, the expedition of Legazpi. This is an evidence extracted from the account of Legazpi’s
expedition after 44 years. They got curious and anxious about Mazaua and that became their
target location with his companions with him, which are the native of the village of Cabalian at
the southeastern end of the island of Leyte. Basically, as understood in the account, Mazaua was
an island near Leyte and Panaon; Butuan was on the island of Mindanao (Bernad, M. 1981).
Therefore, the two places mentioned are entirely different places.

Inhabitants of the place

During

Butuan City was believed to have existed even before the arrival and settlement of Spanish
conquistadores in the Philippines. Several pieces of evidence were found that can strongly claim
that Butuan exists before Spanish colonialism. For example, ivory seals that were found with a
Kawi or Japanese inscription (de Jesus, V., n.d.).

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Unlike other lands whose development only began during the Spanish colonization, Butuan was
already a progressive and full fledge city centuries before the arrival of the Spaniards

Before the arrival of the Spaniards, Mazaua was known for its metallurgic industry and for its
sophisticated naval technology. Inhabitants established a contact with the dynasty of China in
terms of trade. Mazaua was described as a small Hindu country with a Buddhist monarchy which
they had a systematic and regular trade connection (Kinaadman, 1981). As described by the
Spaniards in the account of Pigafetta, Mazaua was remarked to have an abundant supply of gold
that even the houses of the inhabitants were decorated with gold. As stated by Antonio Pigafetta,
pieces of golds were at the size of a walnut or even a size of an egg! These are found by
scrutinizing and examining the earth in the island of Mazaua. The king of the inhabitants uses
dishes that was made of gold. Everything that the king uses has a gold inscribed or molded into it.
Even his jewelries are made of gold.

Before the arrival of the Spaniards, the quality and quantity of gold in Mazaua are impressive.
Mazaua serves as the flourishing port settlement that played an essential role in terms of trade and
established a civil culture. Inhabitants have their role to play, some are traders, craftsmen, fishers,
and someone who have had a strong devotion for religious beliefs and activities (Bernad, M.
1981).

In Philippine history, gold has always described the richness of a place. With that said, Butuan
owes its existence largely to gold mined at the headwaters of Agusan River in the Diwata
mountain range. As can be observed, majority of the gold collection of Bank of the Philippine
Islands was from Butuan and its neighboring areas. People of Butuan before the reign of
Spaniards had a great impact to the economy when it comes to trade industry (Brand, D., 1967).
Mazaua was the place where its inhabitants were very active in trade because it was the center
where local merchants or golds are bartered or traded in exchange of foreign goods. However,
gold is not the only thing that can be recovered in the place, things such as bronze, ceramic,
utensils, and many more highlighted the sophistication of the culture of Mazaua.

During

When the Spaniards stepped foot in Mazaua, they described the inhabitants as rich in culture,
values, and resources. It was civilized and very sophisticated location. According to Pigafetta, the
inhabitants welcomed them with warmth and cordiality, no blood was spilled except in a blood
compact agreement between the two groups to assure and confirm the good will and the eternal
brotherhood. According to Pigafetta (1524), the natives of Mazaua were more numerous and this
is the place where the Spaniards had settled. Spaniards who came to the Philippines observed that
there seems to have been a trading-place resorted to by vessels from all quarters. This region, like
many other parts of the Philippines, has produces from time immemorial small quantities of gold,
and all the early voyagers speak of the gold earrings and ornaments of the natives.

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The natives became more pleasing to the Spaniards and followed everything the Spaniards are
doing. They were converted into Catholics wherein one of the goals of Magellan’s exploration
was to evangelize them.

After

After the colonialism of the Spaniards in Mazaua, the natives became more devoted in
Catholicism and does not practice animism. Not only that, it became more commercialized,
industrialized and became the administrative center of Caraga as stated earlier. It became a
trading centered place that has already major roads connected to different cities of the country
[ CITATION Hoh18 \l 1033 ]. Number of business tripled. After the colonialism of Spaniards, the
agricultural products of Butuan City such as rice, bananas, coconuts, poultry, shrimp, and
milkfish. Its key industries include rice milling, food processing, wood processing, furniture, fuel
distribution, shipbuilding, and construction became the major products (Bernad, M. 1981).
Butuan started to become a cosmopolitan city.

Many its inhabitants were converted to Christianity, and in fact one of the issues is whether the
first mass was held in the city.

Stand

Based on the articles I read while doing this paper, I will stand on the side of Limasawa as the
site of the first Catholic mass in the Philippines. first reason why I chose Limasawa as my stand
is because, when I opened google map and tried to analyze the places, there is no way that
Magellan can see a fire from the island of Homonhon until the Mazaua island that is located near
the Kingdom of Butuan which is apparently two to seven kilometers away from one another.
Second, there is account saying that Limasawa is too small for an island to have rice fields unlike
Butuan. However, it was already possible for them to have innovation such as rice-terraces
system that can give them abundant supply of vegetables and many agricultural products. Butuan
accounts are saying that Limasawa is small that it cannot accommodate vessels and ships dues to
its lack of space for anchorage, but I believe that it is possible for the Limasawa to attend to such
big ships of Magellan. With those being said, I strongly believe that the balanghais that were
found along Butuan is not enough to justify why it should be the site to be recognized. In the
accounts of Pigafetta, I think, he supports Limasawa as he carefully placed details such as
distances, longitudes, and latitudes. Limawasa is more fit to the descriptions being stated by
scholars in their accounts.

Bibliography

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Arnaiz, J. (1999, April 15). 1st Mass Controversy. Retrieved from Tripod:
http://firstcircumnavigator.tripod.com/limasawa.htm

Butuan or Limasawa? (n.d). The Site of the First Mass in the Philippines: A Reexamination of the
Evidence.

de Jesus, V. C. (n.d). Mazaua: Magellan’s Lost Harbor. Philippines.

Guia, J. (2015, May 7). Limasawa Island: A Place of the First Mass in the Philippines. Limasawa,
Southern Leyte, Philippines. Retrieved from
https://www.vigattintourism.com/tourism/articles/Limasawa-Island-A-Place-of-the-First-
Mass-in-the-Philippines

Kinaadman. (1981). A Journal; of Southern Philippines, III, 1-35.

Macariñas, E. (2012, April 4). Butuan historians ask CBCP to resolve first mass controversy in
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Mercado, V. S. (n.d.). Limasawa or Mazzaua? Limasawa Island, Southern Leyte, Philippines.

Philippines, B. (n.d.). First Mass Controversy: Magellan's Mazaua, Limasawa or Butuan?

BERNAD, Miguel. 1981. “The Site of the First Mass on Philippine Soil: A
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BRAND, Donald D. 1967. “Geographical explorations by the Spaniards.” In: The

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CAMERON, Ian. 1966. Lodestone and Evening Star. The epic voyages of discovery
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PIGAFETTA, Antonio. 1524. Various editions and translations: The Voyage of

Magellan: The Journal of Antonio Pigafetta. Paula Spurlin Paige (tr. of Colines edition).
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SANCHEZ, Adolfo Busa. 1977. 1521 (Li)Masawa? Butuan City.

SCHREURS, Peter. 1996. “The Search for Pigafetta’s ‘Mazaua’.” Kinaadman 18.

Cag. de Oro: Pp. 1-98.

SCHUMACHER, John. N. 1981. “The First Mass in the Philippines,” Kasaysayan

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First Mass in the Philippines,” Kasaysayan 6, Pp. 31-35.
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