Maria Nicole H.

Waga
BS ARCHITECTURE – 1B
Sorsogon State University

GE 16 – 2018E
READINGS in PHILIPPINE HISTORY
REACTION PAPER

The Site of the Philippines' First Holy Mass

The Spaniards set sail for the Spice Islands of the Moluccas to increase their
economic might and influence, uncovering some of the world's unknown features,
during the height of European domination, four hundred and ninety-eight (498) years
ago. The Spaniards, commanded by Fernando y Magallanes (Ferdinand Magellan),
landed accidentally on the island of Mazaua, which is now Limasawa Island in the
southern part of Leyte, while on their way to their primary goal. The unexpected
discovery of the small island turned out to be a happy accident since it left the Filipino
people with the greatest gift that their colonizers had given them—Christianity. Father
Pedro de Valderrama, a bishop who performed the Philippines' first historical mass on
Easter Sunday, March 31, 1521, led the procession. Filipinos' Christian beliefs have
developed and been influenced by the Mass. Since the event occurred roughly 500
years ago, many reports have appeared with data that has prompted controversy
among historians and researchers about whether the first mass was celebrated in
Limasawa or Bolinao.

The Philippines' National Historical Commission approved the pieces of evidence

that the first mass took place in Limasawa, Southern Leyte. However, for some, the fact
that the first mass gathering may not have occurred in a given place remains unclear. In
addition, a monument honoring Magellan's arrival sits near the Agusan River. However,
to compete with the one in Magallanes, a memorial was created in Limasawa, Southern
Leyte, in 1953 (Schreurs, 1981). But when and where did the first mass take place?
 Particularly in Asia, the Philippines is one of the countries that has been deeply
affected and influenced by the Catholic Faith throughout the world. Having been
colonized by the Spanish Crusaders for 333 years, the Spaniards' culture, traditions,
and beliefs have been unquestionably implanted and instilled in Filipino culture. As the
highest members of the Catholic Church's hierarchy, Pope John Paul II (now a saint)
and Pope Francis visited the country, the existence of Spanish influence was visible. It
may also be evident in the way Filipinos live their lives, how they celebrate fiestas and
other occasions, how they speak, and, most significantly, how they value their faith.
"The Philippines is proof of the Church's youth and strength" (Pope Francis, 2015).

First Mass in Limasawa

According to the Inquirer (2020), Ferdinand Magellan and his companions held
this event when they arrived in Limasawa, Southern Leyte. The NHCP's major
foundation for their verdict is Antonio Pigafetta's narrative. He was a scholar and an
adventurer who was an eyewitness to the occurrence (Mayol and Gabieta, 2020).
Antonio Pigafetta's report of the trip was thought to be the most thorough account. Thus,
he explained the occurrence of each precise date and location, which corresponded to
the current-day location in Southern Leyte (Bernard, 2001). "The Leyte, according to
studies, is identical to Magellan's Port, Mazaua," he said of the island (De Jesus, 2014).

Another piece of evidence was Francisco Albo's Log-Book, which was regarded
as the main source because he was an eyewitness to the incident while serving as a
pilot during Magellan's expedition (Taylor, 2010). Francisco Albo was one of the 18
persons that survived the voyage, according to Aramburu et al. (2019). He kept a record
or logbook from then on, which featured reports of their voyage across the Philippine
waters. When comparing Pigafetta's and Albo's accounts, the majority of them are
identical, indicating that their accounts are valid. According to Albo, they first saw
Yunagan but did not approach him. Sultan was the next island they visited. Then they
traveled to an uninhabited island named "Gada" to gather supplies near a sea free of
shoals that Pigafetta described as the Acquada or Homonhon.  They then proceeded to
Seilani, which was located across from Pigafetta and was known as Ceylan. The
Masava people were described as "extremely decent people." The important events in
the report demonstrated that all that appeared during their voyage had nothing to do
with Butuan. Butuan was not what either story described (Bernard, 2001). Torre villas
(2018) also cited Bernard's work, claiming that two kings did attend the mass. The first
is from Butuan, while the second is from Limasawa.

However, Pigafetta portrayed this king as "the loveliest looking man" who arrived
from another island, one off the coast of Butuan, according to Bernard's book. Another
point from Pigafetta, according to Tabios (2020), confirmed that the mass was actually
in Limasawa. A beach is known as "Masao" previously served as a river delta. Why was
there no mention of a river if the mass was in Butuan? Everything was reported as
being in the sea, according to Pigafetta and Albo's testimonies, with no mention of the
river. Some of the NHCP's justifications for declaring Limasawa the site of the first
mass.

First Mass in Butuan

Potenciano Malvar's statement in behalf of Butuan was featured in the Philippine
Daily Inquirer (2020), saying that Butuan, not Limasawa, was the site of the first mass.
Malvar was joined by Gabriel Atega, who claimed that Pigafetta's measurements
pointed to Mindanao, particularly the island of Magallanes, which also included Agusan
del Norte. He said he couldn't find a hard copy of Pigafetta's account (Chua, 2019).
Malvar, on the other hand, claims that the pro-Limasawa Mojares Panel disregarded
another Pigafetta narrative with hidden truths. Furthermore, Malvar stated that Pigafetta
would not openly publicize the location because it was rich in resources. The Mojares
Panel, he claims, even modified several terms in Pigafetta's account (Philippine Daily
Inquirer, 2020). There was also evidence of 101 600-year-old Balanghai boats that were
operated for trade and transportation. Geomorphologists and archaeologists also
confirmed that Mazaua Island was the site of the Philippines' first mass (Serrano, 2006).
According to the sources offered, among Bernard's (2001) works are Fr. S.J. Francisco
Colin and S.J. Francisco Combes, who initiated the first mass in Butuan.
 Colin gave a presentation about Magellan's arrival in Butuan in 1521 and the
planting of the cross on Easter Sunday. Combes' primary point, according to Colin, was
that Magellan arrived in Butuan and honestly put the cross there. Although he did not
describe the first mass, he did mention the cross's planting and the archipelago's claim,
both of which are mentioned in Pigafetta's story. Many writers duplicated it, interpreted
it, and passed it on as a result of these two accounts.

The first mass occurred in Limasawa, Southern Leyte, which has already been
confirmed and verified. Although there is still some debate, evidence suggests that the
first mass was held there. First, the NHCP's conclusion is based on the stories of
Pigafetta and Albo, which can be deemed a reliable source because the two men's
accounts are witness statements. When the incident occurred, Pigafetta and Albo were
present. Their stories covered their travels and activities before the mass, as well as
how they got to the first mass spot. In my opinion, the accounts were detailed and free
of misunderstandings. If the two accounts were compared, it would be clear that they
were very similar. As a result, they have shared similar experiences and can testify to
each other's claims.

Because no original copy of the accounts could be found, the mass could have
occurred in Butuan, as shown in the evidence above. The accounts may have shifted to
a new point of view. Therefore, Malvar's claim could be true. He and his colleagues may
not want people to know about the region that is rich in resources and gold. Spaniards,
by their nature, are drawn to gold and do not like to share it with others. The Balanghai
boats are also significant evidence because they were employed for transportation and
trading during that period. Finally, across from Butuan, there is a stand that may have
been built by Magellan and his company. Nonetheless, the controversy shows that
Limasawa was not the location of the first mass. If others assert it and evidence exists,
then there must be something else hidden.