The First Mass Controversy in the Philippines

A Tridentine mass was held on March 31 to commemorate the 488th First Mass Celebration at
Bood Promontory in Pinamanculan, officiated by Father Joesello Amalia. The mass reenacted the first
Mass officiated by Fr. Pedro Valderrama during Ferdinand Magellan's 1521 expedition. Controversy
surrounds the location of the First Mass, with competing claims from Limasawa Island and Masao
(Butuan). Dr. Gregorio Zaide and his daughter, Sonia, argued that the First Mass took place in Masao,
dismissing the Limasawa claim. Historians continue to debate, with the National Historical Institute
ruling in favor of Limasawa. The Butuan Cultural and Historical Foundation protested, claiming that
Republic Act 2733 was a government mistake. Local historian Mr. Greg Hontiveros believes the First
Mass was in Masao, convincing many historians.

The viewpoint /argument in "The First Mass Controversy in the Philippines" is that the true
location of the First Mass in the Philippines is a subject of ongoing debate and disagreement. The
controversy centers around competing claims regarding whether the First Mass occurred in Limasawa
Island or Masao (Butuan). While some, such as Dr. Gregorio Zaide and his daughter, Sonia, support the
Masao claim, others, including the National Historical Institute, favor Limasawa. The Butuan Cultural and
Historical Foundation Incorporated disputes the ruling, alleging that Republic Act 2733, which designates
Limasawa as the site, was a government mistake. Local historian Mr. Greg Hontiveros asserts that the
First Mass took place in Masao, and he has gained the support of many historians for this perspective.
Therefore, the central argument is that the location of the First Mass in the Philippines remains a
contentious and unsettled issue in Philippine history.

St. James the Great Fortress (Bolinao Church)

St. James the Great Fortress, or Bolinao Church, is a Spanish colonial masterpiece made of black
coral stones. Located in Brgy. Germinal, Bolinao, Pangasinan, it serves as a spiritual gathering center for
locals and tourists. Canonically erected in 1609 by the Augustinians, it has a rich history of various
religious orders administering it. The church is associated with the first mass in the Philippines,
celebrated in 1324 by Blessed Fr. Odorico, a Franciscan missionary. The church, constructed using black
coral stones, woods, rocks, and eggs as a binding agent, has survived various calamities and serves as a
historic site. It features a High Renaissance architectural style characterized by symmetry and
proportion, with a trefoil arch main door and a simple facade design. The church's tower, once the
tallest in Pangasinan, stands at seventy-five feet, though part of it is in ruins. Visitors can reach Bolinao
via bus from Manila to Pangasinan, then take a jeepney or tricycle to the parish. Alternatively, they can
take a direct bus from Dau Terminal in Pampanga or join guided tours. St. James the Great Fortress is
open to the public daily.

The viewpoint or argument presented in "St. James the Great Fortress (Bolinao Church)" is that this
historical church, also known as Bolinao Church, is a significant Spanish colonial masterpiece with a rich
history. The text emphasizes the importance of St. James the Great Fortress as a cultural and spiritual
center for the local community and a place of historical and architectural significance.
 The text highlights these following key points:

Historical and Architectural Significance: St. James the Great Fortress is described as a Spanish
colonial masterpiece constructed from black coral stones. It emphasizes the church's historical
importance, its architectural features, and its connection to the past.

Religious and Cultural Role: The text underscores that the church has served as a spiritual
gathering center for both locals and tourists, highlighting its role as a place of worship and cultural
significance.

Historical Associations: St. James the Great Fortress is associated with the first mass celebrated
in the Philippines in 1324 by Blessed Fr. Odorico, a Franciscan missionary. This historical connection adds
to the church's importance.

Resilience and Survival: The text mentions the church's resilience in the face of various natural
and man-made calamities, such as earthquakes, fires, and typhoons, emphasizing its enduring presence.

Architectural Style: St. James the Great Fortress is described as featuring a High Renaissance
architectural style characterized by symmetry, proportion, and specific design elements like the trefoil
arch main door and a plain facade.

Tourism and Cultural Heritage: The church is highlighted as a site of interest for tourists and a
symbol of Bolinao's cultural heritage.