Riph - Midterm Module 3

Philippined History: Spaces for Conflict
and Controversies MIDTERM
3 Philippine History: Spaces for

Conflict and Controversies
CONTENTS
3.1. “One past but many histories”:
controversies and conflicting views in
Philippine history.
a. Site of the First Mass
b. Cavite Mutiny
c. Retraction of Rizal
d. Cry of Balintawak or Pugadlawin
OUTCOMES
LO4.
Demonstrate the ability to use primary
sources that will enable them to argue
in favor or against a particular issue.
Before we jump off towards
OBJECTIVES the key concepts of module 3, I
At the end of the module, with the use would like you to reflect on this
of various activities, the learning quotation which says, “Study the
objectives will be attained by the BCC past if you would define the
1st year students taking up Readings in future.” – Confucius. Now, for me
Philippine History with 75% success:
to be able to know if you have read
1. Students will be able to interpret
historical events using primary this part of the module, write this
sources. quotation at the very end of your
2. Students will be able to recognize learning activity sheets for
the multiplicity of interpretation Readings in Philippine History only,
that can be read from a historical and have a corresponding 4-5
text. sentence explanation of it below
3. Students will be able to identify the
advantages and disadvantages of (Note that this will be an
employing critical tools in additional 10 points).
interpreting historical events
through primary sources. If you have noticed or have
4. Students will be able to observed from history books,
demonstrate ability to argue for or news, or even from different mass
against a particular issue using media platforms nowadays,
primary sources. significant events in the past
always have different versions,
‖ Endiape, A.A 83
like choices in a multiple-choicelong run to re-assess conflicts and

test, in fact, there are sometimescontroversies in history.
two sides of the stories and this is
There are actually three (3)
when fakes news proliferation
data analyses in doing historical
becomes rampant, but of course,
research namely: content,
you are given the freewill on
contextual, and subtext
whose narration will you believe
analyses. However, we will have an
in. As eyewitnesses and even
in-depth discussion only on
people who actually took part in
contextual analysis which will
the significant have contradicting
mainly help you on historical
narrations, which complicates the
endeavor later on.
study of history. While many may
agree that what counts is the A contextual analysis is an
event and its contributions to analysis of a text (in whatever
what we are and what we have medium, including multi-media) that
today, history enthusiasts would helps us to assess that text within
continue to seek and demand the the context of its historical and
exact narration of events to finally cultural setting, and also in terms of
put to rest these controversies. its textuality – or the qualities that
The emergence of modern characterize the text as a text.
technology has little contribution
to shed light to these In addition, based on the book
controversies, it is a must for of Solmerano et. al (2018), a
historians to put to rest on these contextual analysis combines
while the primary and secondary features of a formal analysis with
sources are still available. features of “cultural archeology,” or
the systematic study of social,
Now, I assume that the political, economic, philosophical,
paragraph above poses a problem. religious, and aesthetic conditions
You may be wondering as to how can that were (or can be assumed to
we know which side of the story is have been) in place at the time and
based on truth and accuracy or to place when the text was created.
whom will we believe in? This is the While this may sound complicated,
very reason why you will be it is in reality deceptively simple: it
introduced to some key concepts in means “situating” the text within
historical research and methodology the milieu of its times and assessing
which will eventually help you in the the roles of author, readers
(intended and actual), and
‖ Endiape, A.A 84
“commentators” (critics, both

professional and otherwise) in the
reception of the text).
“History is a guide to navigation in perilous times. History is who

we are and why we are.”
-David McCullough
Course Discussion ✓ What sort of qualifications

does the text appear to
require of its intended
How to use contextual analysis reader(s)? How can we tell?
✓ What sort of readers appear to
A contextual analysis can
be excluded from the text’s
proceed along many lines, intended audiences? How can we
depending upon how complex one tell?
wishes to make the analysis. But it ✓ Is there, perhaps, more than one
generally includes several key intended audience?
questions:
3. What seems to have been
1. What does the text reveal the author’s intention?
about itself as a text?
✓ Why did the author write this
✓ Describe (or characterize) the text? And why did the author
language (the words, or write this text in this particular
vocabulary) and the rhetoric way, as opposed to other ways in
(how the words are arranged which this text might have been
in order to achieve some written?
purpose). These are the ✓ Remember that any text is the
primary components of style. result of deliberate decisions by
the author. The author has
2. What does the text tell us chosen to write (or paint, or
about its apparent intended whatever) with these particular
audience(s)? words and has therefore chosen
not to use other words that she
✓ What sort of reader does the
or he might have used. So, we
author seem to have
need to consider:
envisioned, as demonstrated
by the text language and -what the author said (the
rhetoric? words that have been
selected).
‖ Endiape, A.A 85
-what the author did not causality (what made something

say (the words that were happen), processes (revolutions,
not selected). economic depressions), conflicts
- how the author said it (as (social class, race, gender),
opposed to other ways it historical outcomes (effects of
might or could have been past events), or many more topics
said). (creative thinking) (“What is
historical interpretation?”n.d).
4. Can we identify any non-
textual circumstances that Historical Interpretation
affected the creation and requires synthesizing (combining) a
reception of the text?
variety of evidence, primary and
✓ Such circumstances include secondary (critical thinking).
historical or political events, Historical thinking involves the
economic factors, cultural ability to arrive at meaningful and
practices, and intellectual or persuasive understandings of the
aesthetic issues, as well as past by applying all the other
the particular circumstances
historical thinking skills, by drawing
of the author’s own life.
appropriately on ideas from
Generally, if we talk about different fields of inquiry or
interpretation it is defined as the disciplines and by creatively fusing
act of explaining, reframing, or disparate, relevant (and perhaps
otherwise showing your own contradictory) evidence from
understanding of something. To be primary sources and secondary
more specific, Historical works. Additionally, synthesis may
interpretation is the process by involve applying insights about the
which we describe, analyze, past to other historical contexts or
evaluate, and create an explanation circumstances, including the
of past events. We base our present. These insights (secondary
interpretation on primary sources) may come from social
[firsthand] and secondary science theories and perspectives
[scholarly] historical sources. We and/or the writings of other
analyze the evidence, contexts, historians (historiography) (“What
points of view, and frames of is historical interpretation?” n.d).
reference. Yes, it is a complicated
process, but historical thinking
improves with practice.
Interpretation might explore
‖ Endiape, A.A 84
Importance of Context in Put another way, context is

Analysis and Interpretation what gives meaning to the details.
By Grace Fleming, edited by Stacy It’s important, however, that you
Jagodowski don’t confuse context with cause.
January 28, 2019 “Cause” is the action that creates an
outcome, “context” is the
Historical context is an important environment in which action and
part of life and literature and outcome occurs (Fleming, 2010).
without it, memories, stories, and
On the other hand, Fleming
characters have less meaning.
(2010) had deliberately discussed
But what exactly is historical that “whether dealing with fact or
context? It’s essentially the details fiction, historical context is
that surround an occurrence. In important when interpreting
more technical terms, historical behavior and speech. No work of
context refers to the social, literature can be fully appreciated or
religious, economic, and political understood without historical
conditions that existed during a context. What may seem
certain time and place. nonsensical or even offensive to
contemporary sensibilities, might
Basically, it’s all the details of
actually be interpreted in a
the time and place in which a
completely different manner by
situation occurs, and those details
considering the era it is from.
are what enable us to interpret and
Moreover, scholars and educators
analyze works or events of the past,
rely on historical context to analyze
or even the future, rather than
and interpret works of art,
merely judge them by
literature, music, dance, and
contemporary standards.
poetry. Architects and builders rely
A strong understanding of on it when designing new structures
historical context behind a work’s and restoring existing buildings.
creation can give us a better Judges may use it to interpret the
understanding of and appreciation law, historians to understand the
for the narrative. In analyzing past. Any critical analysis is
historical events, context can help required, you may need to consider
us understand what motivates historical context as well.
people to behave as they did. Nonetheless, without historical
context, we are only seeing a piece
of the scene and not fully
‖ Endiape, A.A 85
understanding the influence of the constitute our primary sources or

time and place in which a situation historical evidence. Without the
occurred. process of reflection removed from
the event by time the creator of the
Another view of historical view is inevitably partially
interpretation influenced by the impact the
person/event had on them.
Interpretations are in essence
thoughtful efforts to represent and Another key point in this
explain past events. Interpretations module is the idea of perspective.
include 3 vital elements based on The word perspective has a Latin
(“What is historical interpretation?”
root, “perspectus,” meaning “look
adapted from Drew, R., n.d):
through” or “perceive.” This original
1. Purposeful, thoughtful efforts meaning suggests a perspective as
- Interpretations are conscious inherently relative to the vantage
reflections on the past, not simply point of a particular viewer (i.e.,
irrational spur-of-the-moment subject). However, according to
opinions. Take time to apply logic Torres (2018), Perspective refers
and organization to your to the point of view of the said
explanation of the past-not merely writer who was a witness to the
emote or react to the evidence. event. In a deeper sense, taking
2.Representations - historical perspective means
Interpretations are efforts to give understanding the social, cultural,
an audience an image or description intellectual, and emotional settings
of the event/issue being focused on. that shaped people’s lives and
We cannot recreate the past actions in the past.
perfectly, but we can try to
represent faithfully how events Multiperspectivity – refers to
transpired by ground our version in multiple subjects’ views on one
the historical evidence. particular object; in the case of
history in education,
3. Past events - Interpretations
multiperspectivity typically
are the reflections of those of us
concerns a historical event or
studying the past, not of the
participants in those events. We figure.
refer to the collection
Additionally, according to
representations of the past done by
Stradling (2003) as cited by
historians as historiography. The
Wansink et. al. (2018) defined the
views of participants from the past
characteristics of multiperspectivity
‖ Endiape, A.A 86
as “A way of viewing, and a Though historical sources are

predisposition to view, historical important in the writing of history,
event, personalities, developments, the historian is careful in using
cultures, and societies from these sources as the writer may be
different perspectives through biased or prejudiced on the
drawing on procedures and subject, he/she is discussing.
processes which are fundamental to
The judgments of historians on
history as a discipline” (p.14)
how the past should be seen make
Based on Candelaria & Alporha the foundation of historical
(2018), Geoffrey Barraclough interpretation. Interpretations of
defines history as “the attempt to the past, therefore, vary according
discover, on the basis of
to who reads the primary
fragmentary evidence, the
source, when it was read, and how
significant things about the past.”
it was read. Moreover,
He also notes “the history we read,
interpretations of historical events
though based on facts, is strictly
change over time; thus, it is an
speaking, not factual at all, but a
important skill to track changes in
series of accepted judgements.”
an attempt to understand the past.
Further, as written by Torres
“Sa Aking Mga Kabata” is a
(2018), historical sources are
poem purportedly written by Jose
written by various authors with
Rizal when he was eight years old
different perspectives. More to the
and is probably one of Rizal’s most
point, on the account of Candelaria
prominent works. There is no
& Alporha (2018), this means that
evidence to support the claim that
there is multitude of ways by which
this poem, with the now
we can view the world, and each
immortalized lines “Ang hindi
could be equally valid, and at the
magmahal sa kanyang
same time, equally partial as well.
salita/mahigit sa hayop at
Historical writing is, by definition,
malansang isda” was written by
biased, partial, and contains
Rizal, and worse, the evidence
preconceptions. The historian
against Rizal’s authorship of the
decides on what sources to use,
poem seems all unquestionable.
what interpretation to make more
apparent, depending on what his There exists no manuscript of
end is. the poem handwritten by Rizal. The
poem was first published in 1906,
‖ Endiape, A.A 87
in a book by Hermenegildo Cruz. Many of the things we accept

Cruz said he received the poem as “true” about the past might not
from Gabriel Beato Francisco, who be the case anymore; just
claimed to have received it in 1881 because these were taught to us
from Rizal’s close friend, Saturnino “facts” when we were younger
Raselis. Rizal never mentioned of does not mean that it is set in
having a close friend by the person stone-history is, after all, a
of Raselis. construct. And as a construct, it is
open for interpretation. There
Further criticism of the poem
might be conflicting and
reveals more about the wrongful
competing accounts of the past
attribution of the poem Rizal. The
that need one’s attention
poem was written in Tagalog and
and can impact the way we view
referred to word “kalayaan”. But it
our country’s history, and identity.
was documented in Rizal’s letters
It is important, therefore, to
that he first encountered the word
subject evaluation not only in
through a Marcelo H. del Pilar’s
primary source, but also the
translation of Rizal’s essay “El
historical interpretation is reliable
Amor Patrio,” where it was spelled
to support our acceptance of
as “kalayahan.”
events of the past.
While Rizal’s native tongue was
The three (3) case studies to be
Tagalog, he was educated in
re-examined:
Spanish, starting from his mother,
Teodora Alonso. Later on, he Case Study 1: Where did the 1st
would express disappointment in Catholic Mass Take Place
his difficulty in expressing himself in the Philippines?
in his native tongue.
Case Study 2: Did Rizal
The poem’s spelling is also retract?
suspect-the use of letters “k” and
Case Study 3: Where did the
“w” to replace “c” and “u,”
Cry of Rebellion
respectively was suggested by
Happen?
Rizal as an adult. If the poem was
indeed written during his time, it Case Study 1: Where did the 1st
should use the original Spanish Catholic Mass take place in the
orthography that was prevalent in Philippines?
his time.
‖ Endiape, A.A 88
• Butuan or Limasawa? (The site identifying the site of the first Mass.
of the first mass in the Philippines: One is the log kept by Francisco
A Re-examination of Evidence) Albo, a pilot of one-off Magellan’s
ship, Trinidad. He was one of the 18
There is a controversy survivors who returned with
regarding the site of the first mass Sebastian Elcano on the ship
ever celebrated on Philippine soil. Victoria after they circumnavigated
Pigafetta tells us that it was held the world. The other, and the more
on Easter Sunday, the 31’ of March complete, was the account of
1521, on island called “Mazaua.” Antonio Pigafetta, Primo viaggio
Two native chieftains were in intorno al mondo (First Voyage
attendance, the rajah of Mazaua around the World). Pigafetta, like
and the rajah of Butuan. After the Albo, was a member of the Magellan
Mass the party went up a little hill expedition and an eyewitness of the
and planted a wooden cross upon events, particularly, of the first
its summit. The subject of Mass.
controversy is the identity of this
place which Pigafetta calls According to Pigafetta, the
“Mazaua.” There are two first Mass was celebrated on March
conflicting claims as to its identity: 31, 1521, an Easter Sunday.
one school of thought points to the Pigafetta referred to the venue as
little island south of Leyte which in “Mazaua.” Some say that the venue
the maps is called Limasawa; the is the island of Limasawa in Leyte.
other school rejects that claim and Others, however, claim that
points instead to the beach called Pigafetta was referring to Masao the
Masao at the mouth of Agusan
River in northern Mindanao, near
what was then the village (now the Source: Google. A portrait of the
First Easter Sunday Mass in the
city of Butuan).
Philippines
In this paper we shall try to

reexamine and reassess the
evidence for these two claims.
community at the mouth of Agusan
Based on Candelaria &
River adjacent to what is now the
Alporha (2018), it must be noted
city of Butuan. Nearing 500 years
that there are only two primary
since the first Mass, debates
sources that historians refer to an
continue whether it was held on
‖ Endiape, A.A 89
Limasawa Island, in Agusan or Bernard, M. (2002), Butuan claim

somewhere else. In this module we rests upon a tradition that was
shall try to re-examine and reassess almost unanimous and unbroken for
the evidence for these two claims. three centuries, namely 17th, the
And we shall begin with Butuan 18th, and the 19th. On the strength
tradition. of that tradition and embodying it, a
monument was erected in 1872
Further, based on the re-
near the mouth of the Agusan River
examination of evidence by Bernard
at a spot that was then within the
(2002), there is a controversy
municipal boundaries of Butuan, but
regarding the site of the first Mass
which today belongs to the separate
ever celebrated on Philippine soil.
municipality of Magallanes named
Pigafetta tells us that it was held on
after Ferdinand Magellan. The
Easter Sunday, the 31st of March
monument was a brick pillar on
1521, on an island called “Masaua.”
which a marble slab that contained
Two native chieftains were in
an inscription which might be
attendance: the rajah of Mazaua
translated as follows:
and the Rajah of Butuan. After the
Mass the party went up a little hill To the Immortal Magellan: The
and planted a wooden cross upon its People of Butuan with their Parish
summit. The subject of controversy Priest and the Spaniards resident
is the identity of this place which therein, to commemorate his arrival
Pigafetta calls “Mazaua.” There are and the celebration of the First Mass
two conflicting claims as to its on this site on the 8th of April 1521.
identity: one school of thought Erected in 1872, under the District
points to the little island south of Governor Jose Ma. Carvallo.
Leyte which in the maps is called
Supporting evidence based on
Limasawa; the other school rejects
Arevalo et al. (2019):
that claim and points instead to the
beach called Masao at the mouth of • It was mentioned that the
Agusan River in Northern Mindanao, king came to their ship in a
near what was then the village (now balanghai. Butuan is now the
the city) of Butuan. site of at least nine excavated
balanghai (boat) relics; by
I. The Butuan Tradition contrast, Limasawa has no
significant archeological relics
This account is also based on
or balanghai tradition.
the comprehensive examination of
evidence made by the Jesuit Priest
‖ Endiape, A.A 90
• The distance to Cebu from Here is Father Francisco Collin’s

Mazaua according to Pigafetta account of Magellan’s arrival and of
was 35 leagues [140 miles]. the first Mass:
The distance from Limasawa
to Cebu is only 80 miles. At the end of three months
• Abundance of gold in the and twelve days during which they
Agusan Valley. traversed 4, 000 leagues, having
• Butuan to pursue claim it was crossed the Equator a second times,
site of First Mass in RP 485 they climbed up to 15 degrees North
years ago. Local executives latitude where they came upon two
and church officials as well as islands which they named Las Velas
historians refilling of petition (the Sails). At 12 degrees North
to National Historical Institute they came upon the Ladrones
(NHI) asserting that Butuan
Islands. A few days later they saw
City, particularly Mazzaua
the island of Ibabao (Samar) in this
island (Barangay
Archipelago. But the first island they
Pinamangculan) was the
official site of the first mass touched at was Humunu, a small
on Easter Sunday in 1521. uninhabited Island near Guiuan
• Historian Gregorio Zaide, who Point…. To that and other islets they
originally supported the gave the name of Buenas Senas
Limasawa claim, also claimed [Good Omens] but to the entire
that “It is high time for Archipelago they gave the name
contemporary historians and San Lazaro, being the Saturday of
the Philippine government to Saint Lazarus’ Sunday in Lent of the
correct their mistake and year 1521.
accept that the first Christian
mass was celebrated in On Easter Day, in the
Masao, Butuan, Agusan del territory of Butuan, the first Mass
Norte and not in Limasawa, ever offered in these parts was
Leyte, on Easter Sunday, celebrated and a cross planted.
March 31, 1521.” Magellan then took formal
The 17th Century possession of the islands in the
name of the emperor and of the
The Butuan tradition was Crown of Castille.
already in possession by the middle
of the 17th century: so much so that The man who gave the most signal
it was accepted without question by service to our men was the chief of
two Jesuit historians who otherwise Dimasaua, relative of the chief of
were quite careful of their facts. Butuan and of that of Zebu, whither
‖ Endiape, A.A 91
he led the armada, which entered Father Pastells. In his account of

the harbour at noon on the 7th of Magellan’s Voyage, Combes gives a
April, the Octave of Easter. somewhat different version of the
route taken by the Discover. Here is
Collin had obviously read
the account:
some authentic accounts of
Magellan’s voyage, for his narration The first time that the royal
is accurate up to the landing in standards of the Faith were seen to
Homonhon. (He spells it Humunu, fly in this island (of Mindanao) was
as does Pigafetta.) After that, when the archipelago was first
Collin’s account becomes vague, he discovered by the Admiral Alonso
abruptly brings Magellan to Butuan (sic) de Magallanes. He followed a
without explaining how he got new and difficult route (across the
there. Then he brings him to Pacific), entering by the Strait of
Limasawa (which he misspells Siargao, formed by the island and
Dimasaua), and from there the that of Leyte, and landing at the
account becomes again accurate Island of Limasaua which is at the
and detailed. The important thing in entrance of that strait. Amazed by
Collin’s account as far as our the novelty and strangeness of the
present purpose is concerned, is the (Spanish) nation and the ships, the
fact that he represents the first barbarians of that island welcomed
Mass, as well as the solemn planting them and gave them good
of the cross and the formal taking refreshments.
possession of the Islands in the
While at Limasaua, enjoying
name of the Crown of Castile, as
rest and good treatment, they
having taken place at Butuan on
heard of the River of Butuan, whose
Easter Sunday of 1521.
chieftain was more powerful. His
The other Jesuit writer of the reputation attracted our men
mid-17th century was Father thither to see for themselves or be
Francisco Combes S.J. (1620-1665) disillusioned, their curiosity
who, like Colin, had lived and sharpened by the fact that the place
worked as a missionary in the was nearby. The barbarian (chief)
Philippines, and whose Historia de lived up to our men’s expectations,
Mindanao y Jolo was also reissued providing them with the food they
230 years afterwards in a needed…. Magellan contented
handsome edition edited by himself with having them do
Wenceslao Retana assisted by reverence to the cross which is
‖ Endiape, A.A 92
erected upon a hillock as a sign to mentions are the two other events
future generations of their which, from Pigafetta;s account,
alliance…the solemnity with which had occurred on the same day as
the cross was erected and the deep the first Mass, namely planting of
piety shown by the Spaniards, and the cross and the formal claiming of
by the natives following the the archipelago on behalf of the
example of the Spaniards, Castilian Crown. These events, says
engendered great respect for the Combes, took place at Butuan.
cross.
Comparison of Colin and
Not finding in Butuan the Combes accounts:
facilities required by the ships, they
It is to be noted that both
returned to Limasaua to seek
Colin and Combes picture Magellan
further advice in planning their
as visiting both Butuan and
future route. The Prince of Limasaua
Limasawa. In Colin’s account,
told them of the three most
Magellan went first to Butuan, then
powerful nations among the
to Limasawa and from thence to
Pintados (Visayans), namely those
Cebu. Combes, on the other had
of Caraga, Samar, and Zebu. The
mentions two visits to Limasawa: in
nearness of Zebu, the facilities of its
his version, Magellan visits
port and the more developed social
Limasawa first: from there he goes
structure (being more monarchical)
to Butuan; then he returns to
aroused everyone’s desire to go
Limasawa and thence to Cebu.
thither. Thus, guided by the chief of
Limasaua, passing between Bool Both Colin and Combes agree
and Leyte and close to the Camotes that it was from Limasawa and with
Islands, they entered the harbour of the help of Limasawa’s chieftain
Cebu by the Mandawe entrance on that the Magellan expedition went
the 7th of April 1521, having to Cebu. Both Colin and Combes
departed from Limasaua on the first also agree that Magellan arrived in
day of the month. Cebu on the 7th of April 1521: that
is to say, on the Octave of Easter,
For our present purpose, the
or one week after the first Mass
main point in that account is that
which – in this tradition – was
Magellan landed at Butuan and
supposed to have been celebrated
there planted the cross in a solemn
at Butuan.
ceremony. Combes does not
mention the first Mass. What he
‖ Endiape, A.A 93
Both Colin and Combes agree places at Butuan); the other event
were to exercise a strong influence was the baptism of the rajah of
over subsequent writers. An Cebu. Careri is also confused
example of the quick and wide regarding dates. Neither event took
diffusion of Colin’s influence is the place on “Whitsunday”; the first
following. In 1698 (thirty-five years Mass occurred on Easter Sunday,
after Colin’s work had appeared in the baptism in Cebu took place two
Madrid) there issued from the press weeks later. But the important
in Naples in a multi-volume work point at the moment is the fact
(subsequently reprinted several Careri may have read (or misread)
times in several places) entitled Colin: note his misspelling of the
Giro del Mondo (A Voyage Around word for Limasawa. Alternatively,
the World). It was written by the Careri and Colin were using the
Calabrian, Giovanni Francesco same source.
Gemelli Careri, who had visited
As for Combes, he too is constantly
many places, including the
being quoted by subsequent writers
Philippines. Of the first Mass on the
who either cite him by name or
Philippines soil, he says:
merely take over his material
On Whit Sunday the first Mass without attribution. One of those
was said on the land of Butuan, a who cite him by name is the 18th
cross erected and possession taken century Augustinian scholar, fray
in the name of the most invincible Joaquin Martinez de Zuniga (1760-
Charles 5th. The lord of Oimasaua 1818) who wrote a history of the
(sic) kinsman of the King of Butuan Philippines which was promptly
and to him of Cebu, was assisting translated into English, and whose
to Magellan, for he brought the other work, the Estadismo, we shall
ships into the port on the 7th of quote below. One of Combes
April. Before Mass was said on Whit statements which was repeated
Sunday, the lord and the king of oftenest by subsequent writers was
Cebu were baptized, and by their his remark that the Strait of Siargao
means, many men note and others lie “between” that island and Leyte,
to the number of 500, and after and the island of Limasawa is “at
dinner the queen with 300 more. the mouth “or entrance” of that
strait. A glance at the map will show
Careri has obviously
that the statement was not
confused two distinct events: one
altogether accurate.
event was the first Mass (which he
‖ Endiape, A.A 94
The 18th Century landed and was accorded good

treatment…
One passage in Colin which
seems to have been misunderstood, Colin does not say that
and which may have misled some Magellan first sighted the Cape of
later writers, occurs in an early San Agustin and then sailed
section of his book in which he northwards along the Pacific coast
describes the island of Mindanao: of Mindanao, rounded Surigao
point, and then sailed westward to
After that of Manila, the
Butuan. Indeed, in another place
island of Mindanao is the largest in
(as we have seen) he said explicitly
size and the best in qualities among
that Magellan entered Philippine
the isands of this Philippine
waters farther north, namely, near
Archipelago. Upon these two largest
Samar, landing first at Homonhon.
islands, the other islands depend for
But careless readers, seeing Collin’s
protection and security. Mindanao
description of eastern Mindanao,
takes its name from the Principal
coupled with Combes’s statement
Province or Kingdom in it, and this
that Magellan had “entered”
is so called from its many lakes: for
Philippine waters through Siargao
danao in the language most widely
Strait, jumped to the conclusion
used in these islands means “lake”;
that Magellan must have come by
whence, “Maguindanao”, the place
the southern route as later
and the dwellers of lakes…
explorers did. This mistake became
The first Province that faces quite widespread in the 18th and
the sea from across New Spain 19th centuries.
[Mexico] is that of Caraga, which
One of the major historians
begins at the Cape of San Agustin
who made this error (and who in
and stretches some fifty leagues to
turn influenced later writers) was
the point of Surigao in the
the Augustinian fray Juan de la
northeast; and from there the
Concepcion (1724-1787) whose 14-
coastline stretches westward some
volume History of the Philippines
fifteen leagues to the river of
was published in Manila shortly
Butuan, noteworthy in the history of
after his death. Here is what fray
these Islands, not so much for its
Juan says about Magellan’s coming
gold and other good qualities as for
and about the first Mass in the
the fact that it was one of the first
Islands:
places where the Discoverer, the
Illustrious Hernando de Magallanes,
‖ Endiape, A.A 95
The general left the islands beach. The natives were present at
which he called las Velas Latinas or these ceremonies, and they also
the Archipelago of San Lazaro – a witnessed the taking of possession
name which they still retain, of the land in the name of the Crown
although they have also added the of Castile. These rites over,
name of Marianas Islands. It is said Magellan proceeded to Cebu where
that this was the Celebes of they killed him.
antiquity, although I do not think
By the 19th Century, the
this opinion is solidly founded. They
Butuan tradition was taken for
sailed 300 leagues westward,
granted, and we find it mentioned in
discovered many islands with
writer after writer, each copying
abundant of
from the previous, and being in turn
The 19th Century copied by those who came after.
Among the many who could be cited
These explanations and
as mentioning the first Mass in
evidence of the excerpt are taken
Butuan is the English, John
from the article of Bernard, M.
Foreman:
(2002). Towards the end of the 18th
century and at the beginning of the On the 16th of March 1521 the
19th, one of the important writers Ladrones Islands were reached….
who accepted the Butuan tradition After a bloody combat …. the fleet
was the Augustinian, fray Joaquin continued its course westward.
Martinez de Zuňiga (1760-1818), Coasting along the North of the
whose Historia de Filipinas was Island of Mindanao they arrived at
published in Sampaloc in 1803. His the mouth of Butuan River, where
other work, a description of his they were supplied with provisions
travels around the Islands, by the chief. It was Easter Week on
remained in manuscript for nearly a this shore the first Mass was
century, until Retana brought it out celebrated in the Philippines.
in a two-volume edition in 1893. In
Unfortunately, in copying
this latter work, fray Joaquin has
what previous authors had written,
this to say:
some subsequent writers copied not
On Easter Sunday of the year only the essence of the Butuan
1521 Magellan was in Butuan. He tradition but also a good deal of the
ordered the sacrifice of the Mass to erroneous details that were
be celebrated ashore, and he peripheral to that tradition. The
planted a cross on a hillock near the accumulated errors of three
‖ Endiape, A.A 96
centuries may be found illustrated sailed from “Limasagua” (sic) to

in the work of a Dominican friar, Cebu by coasting between Samar
whose two-volume treatise on the and Leyte! The good friar had not
friars was published at Santo Tomas only checked on original sources: he
in Manila in 1901. Here is his had not even bothered to look at a
account of the coming of Magellan map!
and the first mass:
II. The Shift in Opinion
After many days of good
(Limasawa: The place of the 1st
sailing, he caught sight of the
mass in the Philippines)
Marianas Islands which he named
the Archipelago of San Lazaro, How then did the shift in
having discovered them on the opinion – from Butuan to Limasawa
Saturday of Passion Sunday (7 come about? How was the Butuan
March 1521). A little later he came tradition – so well entrenched for
to Philippine territory where the three centuries – finally dislodged?
Spaniards were well received by the Some recent defenders of Butuan
natives at Punta Guiguan to the east tradition have blamed the shift of
of Samar; and passing later through opinion on two Americans, namely
the Strait of Surigao, they dropped Emma Blair and James Alexander
anchor at Limasagua, whose Robertson, whose 55-volume
chieftain came aboard and was collection of documents on the
entertained by Magellan. The latter, Philippine Islands was published in
on Easter Sunday, disembarked at Cleveland from 1903 to 1909. But
Butuan, a town in the island of the “blame” (if blame it is) does not
Mindanao, where the first Mass in rest alone upon Blair and
the Philippines was celebrated. He Robertson. They indeed contributed
returned to Limasagua; and enormously to the shift in opinion
learning of the importance of Cebu, but the man initially responsible for
he proceeded thither; following the the shift seems to have been a
coast between Samar and Leyte and Spanish Jesuit scholar - Father
passing by the Camotes, he arrived Pablo Pastells S.J.A.
in Cebu on 7 April 1521.
The shift in opinion from
The misstatements in that Butuan to Limasawa was due to a
short passage are numerous, not rediscovery and a more attentive
the least of which is the almost study of two primary sources on the
incredible notion that Magellan had subject: namely, Pigafetta’s
‖ Endiape, A.A 97
account and Albo’s log. What the Butuan; and this would explain the
effect of the study was may be seen author’s [i.e., Colin’s] error. See the
in the change in Pastell’s thinking. “Voyage” of Pigafetta and the diary
of Albo, both of whom were
Pastells had collaborated with
eyewitness.
Retana in a new edition of Combes.
Retana (as we have seen) had We have spoken of the
accepted the Butuan tradition in his “rediscovery” of Pigafetta’s account
edition of Martinez de Zuňiga in and of Albo’s log. The word
1893. In their joint edition of “rediscovery” is not unwarranted.
Combes of 1897, neither Retana nor Although these works had been
Pastells showed any sign of change published earlier and were available
of opinion. They accepted the in the great libraries, they were not
Butuan tradition as if they were not well known to many people them
aware of any contrary opinion. with the attention that they
Meanwhile, however, Pastells was deserved. This may explain how
preparing his own edition of such a well-read scholar and
Francisco Colin’s Labor evangelica, bibliographer like Retana did not
which was eventually published in seem to take into consideration
three volumes in Madrid in 1903. when preparing his editions of
While preparing that edition, Martinez de Zuňiga and of Combes.
Pastells had occasion to restudy
How little known Pigafetta’s
both Pigafetta and Albo, and it was
work may be illustrated from the
then that he realized that the three-
experience of Rizal. Rizal apparently
century Butuan tradition had been
had not known of Pigafetta’s work
erroneous. Colin, of course (as we
until he came across the Italian text
have seen earlier) had contributed
in the British Museum. To “Plaridel”
materially to the strengthening of
(Marcelo H. del Pilar) who was in
that tradition by stating that the
Spain, Rizal wrote from London on
first Mass had been celebrated at
4 February 1889:
Butuan. To that statement Pastells
appended a footnote: See to it that someone there
should learn Italian, because have
Magellan did not go to
here some manuscripts in Italian in
Butuan. Rather, from the island of
Italian that deal with the first
Limasawa he proceeded directly to
coming of the Spaniards to the
Cebu. In that island he had dealings
Philippines. They were written by
with Rajah Siagu, chieftain of
one of Magellan’s companions. As I
‖ Endiape, A.A 98
have no time to translate them d) The seven days at

myself, being busy about many “Mazaua”.
things, it would be good if one of our
Primary Source: Albo’s Log
countrymen should translate the
work into Tagalog or Spanish, so Source: Diario o derotero del
that the situation of our people in viage de Magallanes desde el
1520 may become known. Italian is cabo se S. Agustin en el Brazil
easy to learn. By the Ahn method it hasta el regreso a Espana de
can be in one month. I am now la nao Victoria, escrito por
learning Dutch. Frandsco Albo,” Document
no. xxii in Collecion de viages
It seems dear from that
y descubrimientos que
passage that Rizal had not
hicieron por mar los
previously known of Pigafetta’s
Espanoles desde fines del
work and that he took it for granted
siglo XV, Ed. Martin
that the other Filipinos in Spain
Fernandez de Navarrete
knew nothing of it.
(reprinted Buenos Aires
You’ve gone reading this far, 1945, 5 Vols.) IV, 191-225.
isn’t it tiring? Now to get your As cited in Miguel A. Bernard
reward. Write “I can do this” “Butuan or Limasawa? The
(handwritten only), below your Site of the First Mass in the
answers on your personal reflection. Philippines: A Reexamination
This is equivalent to 5 points. of Evidence” 1981,
Kinaadaman: A Journal of
III. The Evidence for Limasawa
Southern Philippines, Vol. III,
We now come to the evidence 1-35 as cited by Candelaria &
in favour of Limasawa. The evidence Alporha (2018).
may be outlined as follows:
1. On the 16th of March
1. The evidence of Albo’s (1521) as they sailed in a
Logbook westerly course from
2. The evidence of Pigafetta Ladrones, they saw land
a)Pigafetta’s testimony towards the northwest;
regarding the route. but owing to many
b) The evidence of shallow places they did
Pigafetta’s map. not approach it. They
c) The two native found later that its name
kings. was Yunagan.
‖ Endiape, A.A 99
2. They went instead that 6. The people of that island of

same day southwards to Mazaua were very good.
another small island There the Spaniards planted
named Suluan, and there a cross upon a mountain-
they anchored. There top, and from there they
they saw some canoes, were shown three islands to
but these fled at the the west and southwest,
Spaniards’ approach. This where they were told there
island was at 9 and two- was much gold. “They
thirds degrees North showed us how the gold was
latitude. gathered, which name in
3. Departing from those two small pieces like peas and
islands, they sailed lentils.”
westward to an uninhabited 7. From Mazaua they sailed
island of “Gada” where they northwards again towards
took in a supply of wood and Seilani. They followed the
water. The sea around that coast of Seilani in a north-
island was free from westerly direction,
shallows. (Albo does not give ascending up to 10
the latitude of this island, but degrees of latitude where
from Pigafetta’s testimony, they saw three small
this seems to be “Acquada” islands.
or Homonhon, at 10 degrees 8. From there they sailed
North latitude.) westwards some ten
4. From that island they sailed leagues, and there they
westwards towards a large saw three islets, where
island names Seilani that they dropped anchor for
was inhabited and was the night. In the morning
known to have gold. (Seilani they sailed southwest
– or, as Pigafetta calls it, some 12 leagues, down to
“Ceylon” – was the island of a latitude of 10 and one-
Leyte.) third degree. There they
5. Sailing southwards along the entered a channel
coast of that large island of between two islands, one
Seilani, they turned of which was called
southwest to a small island “Matan” and other
called “Mazaua.” That island “Subu”.
is also at a latitude of 9 and 9. They sailed down that
two-thirds degrees north. channel and then turned
westward and anchored
‖ Endiape, A.A 100

at the town (la villa) of A Reexamination of Evidence”

Subu where they stayed 1981, Kinaadaman: A Journal
many days and obtained of Southern Philippines, Vol.
provisions and entered III, 1-35 as cited by
into a peace-pact with the Candelaria & Alporha (2018).
local king.
10. The town of Subu was 1. Saturday, 16 March 1521 –
on an east-west direction Magellan’s expedition sighted
with the islands of Suluan a “high land” named “Zamal”
and Mazaua. But between which was some 300 leagues
Mazaua and Subu, there westward of Ladrones (now
were so many shallows the Marianas) Islands.
that the boats could not
go westward directly but 2. Sunday, March 17 – “The
has to go (as they did) in following day” after sighting
a round-about way. Zamal Island, they landed on
“another island which was
It must be noted that in
uninhabited” and which lay
Albo’s account, the location of
“to the right” here would
Mazaua fits the location of the
mean on their starboard
island of Limasawa, at the going south or southwest.)
southern tip of Leyte, 9°54’N. There they set up two tents
Besides, Albo does not mention the for the sick members of the
first Mass, but only the planting of crew and had a sow killed for
the cross upon a mountain-top from them. The name of this island
which could be seen three islands to was “Humunu” (Homonhon).
the west and southwest, which also This island was located at 10
fits the southern end of Limasawa. degrees North latitude.
3. On that same day (Sunday,
Primary Source: Pigafetta’s March 17), Magellan named
Testimony on the Route of the entire archipelago the
Magellan’s Expedition “Islands of Saint Lazarus,”
the reason being that it was
Source: Emma Blair and Sunday in the Lenten season
James Alexander Robertson, when the Gospel assigned for
the Philippine Islands, Vols. the Mass and liturgical Office
33 and 34, as cited in Miguel was the eleventh chapter of
A. Bernad, “Butuan or St. John, which tells of the
Limasawa? The Site of the raising of Lazarus from the
First Mass in the Philippines: dead.

4. Monday, March 18 – In the Annunciation and therefore

afternoon of their second day “Our Lady’s Day.” On this
on that island, they saw a day, as they were about to
boat coming towards them weigh anchor, an accident
with nine men in it. An happened his narrow escape
exchange of gifts was from death as grace obtained
happened. Magellan asked for through the intercession of
food supplies, and the men the Blessed Virgin Mary on
went away, promising to her feast-day.
bring rice and other supplies 9. The route taken by the
in “four days”. expedition after leaving
5. There were two springs of Homonhon was “toward the
water on that island of west southwest, between
Homonhon, also they saw four islands: namely,
there some indications that “Cenalo” is a misspelling in
there was gold in these the Italian manuscript for
islands. Consequently, what Pigafetta in his map
Magellan renamed the island calls “Ceilon” and Albo calls
and called it the “Watering “Seilani”: namely the island
Place of Good Omen” of Leyte. “Hiunanghan” (a
(Acquada la di bouni misspelling of Hinunangan)
segnialli). seemed to Pigafetta to be a
6. Friday, March 22 – At noon separate island but is actually
the natives returned. This on the mainland of Leyte
time they were in two boats, (i.e., “Ceylon”). On the other
and they brought food hand, Hibuson (Pigafetta’s
supplies. Ibusson) is an island east of
7. Magellan’s expedition stayed Leyte’s southern tip.
eight days at Homonhon:
Thus, it is easy to see
from Sunday, March 17, to
what Pigafetta meant by
the Monday of the following
week, March 25. sailing “toward the west
8. Monday, March 25 – In the southwest “past those
afternoon, the expedition islands. They left Homonhon
weighed anchor and left the sailing westward towards
island of Homonhon. In the Leyte, then followed the
ecclesiastical calendar, this Leyte coast southward,
day (March 25) was the feast- passing between the island of
day of the Incarnation, also Hibuson on their portside and
called the feast of the Hinunangan Bay on their

starboard, and then the native balanghai- a thing

continued southward, then that excited the admiration of
turning westward to the king of Mazaua.
“Mazaua.” 14. From the Camotes
Islands they sailed
10. Thursday, March 28 – southwards towards “Zubu.”
In the morning of Holy 15. Sunday, April 7 – At
Thurday, March 28, they noon they entered the
anchored off an island where harbour of “Zubu” (Cebu). It
the previous night they had had taken them three days to
seen a light or a bonfire. That negotiate the journey from
island “lies in a latitude of Mazaua northwards to the
nine and two-thirds towards Camotes Islands and then
the Arctic Pole (i.e., North) southwards to Cebu.
and in a longitude of one
It must be pointed out that both
hundred and sixty-two
degrees from the line of Albo and Pigafetta’s testimonies
demarcation. It is twenty-five coincide and corroborate each
leagues from the Acquada other. Pigafetta gave more details
and is called Mazaua.” on what they did during their
11. They remained seven weeklong stay at Mazaua.
days on Mazaua Island.
12. Thursday, April 4 – Primary Source: Pigafetta
They left Mazaua, bound for and Seven Days in Mazaua
Cebu. They were guided
Source: Emma Blair and
thither by the king of Mazaua
James Alexander Robertson,
who sailed in his own boat.
the Philippine Islands, Vols.
Their route took them past
five “islands” namely: Ceylon, 33 and 34, as cited in Miguel
Bohol, Canighan, Baibai, and A. Bernad, “Butuan or
Gatighan.” Limasawa? The Site of the
13. At Gatighan, they First Mass in the Philippines:
sailed westward to the three A Reexamination of Evidence”
islands of the Camotes 1981, Kinaadaman: A Journal
Group, namely Poro, Pasihan, of Southern Philippines, Vol.
and Ponson. Here the Spanish III, 1-35 as cited by
ships stopped to allow the Candelaria & Alporha (2018).
king of Mazaua to catch up
with them, since the Spanish 1. Thursday, March 28 – In
ships were much faster than the morning they

anchored near an island men, and this time went

where they had seen a up Magellan’s ship and the
light the night before a two men embraced.
small boat (boloto) came Another exchange of gifts
with eight natives, to was made. The native king
whom Magellan threw and his companions
some trinkets as presents. returned ashore, bringing
The natives paddled away, with them two members of
but two hours later two Magellan’s expedition as
larger boats (balanghai) guests for the night. One
came, in one of which the of the two was Pigafetta.
native king at under an 3. Saturday, March 30 –
awning of mats. At Pigafetta and his
Magellan’s invitation some companion had spent the
of the natives went up the previous evening feasting
Spanish ship, but the and drinking with the
native King remained native king and his son.
seated in his boat. An Pigafetta deplored the fact
exchange of gifts that, although it was Good
happened. In the Friday, they had to eat
afternoon that day, the meat. The following
Spanish ships weighed morning (Saturday)
anchor and came closer to Pigafetta and his
shore, anchoring near the companion took leave of
native king’s village. This their hosts and returned to
Thursday, March 28, was the ships.
Thursday in Holy Week, 4. Sunday, March 31 – “Early
i.e., Holy Thursday. in the morning of Sunday,
2. Friday, March 29 – “Next the last of March and
day. Holy Friday,” Easter day,” Magellan sent
Magellan sent his slave the priest ashore with
interpreter ashore in a some men to prepare for
small boat to ask the king the Mass. Later in the
if he could provide the morning Magellan landed
expedition with food with some fifty men and
supplies, and to say that Mass was celebrated, after
they had come as friends which a cross was
and not enemies. In reply venerated. Magellan and
to the king himself came in the Spaniards returned to
a boat with six or eight the ship for the noon-day

meal, but in the afternoon, him men to help with the

they returned ashore to harvest.
plant the cross on the 6. Monday, April 1- Magellan
summit of the highest hill. sent men ashore to help
In attendance both at the with the harvest, but no
Mass and at the planting of work was done that day
the cross were the King of because the two kings
Mazaua and the King of were sleeping off their
Butuan. drinking bout the night
5. Sunday, March 31 – On before.
that same afternoon, 7. Tuesday, April and
while on the summit of the Wednesday, April 3 –
highest hill, Magellan Work on the harvest
asked the two kings which during the “next two
ports he should go to in days,” i.e., Tuesday and
order to obtain more Wednesday, the 2nd and
abundant supplies of food 3rd of April.
than were available in that 8. Thursday, April 4 – they
island. They replied that leave, bound for Cebu.
there were three ports to
choose from: Ceylon, Using the primary sources
Zubu, and Calagan. Of the available, Jesuit priest Miguel A.
three, Zubu was the port Bernard in his work in Butuan or
with the most trade. Limasawa : The site of the first
Magellan then said that he mass in the Philippines: A
wished to go to Zubu and
Reexamination of Evidence (1981)
to depart the following
lays down the argument that in the
morning. He asked for
Pigafetta account , a crucial aspect
someone to guide him
of Butuan was not mentioned-the
thither. The kings replied
that the pilots would be river. Butuan is a riverine
available “any time.” But settlement, situated on the Agusan
later that evening the king River. The beach Masao is in the
of Mazaua changed his delta in the said river. It is a curious
mind and said that he omission in the account of the river,
would himself conduct which makes part of a distinct
Magellan to Zubu but that characteristic of the Butuan’s
he would first have to geography that seemed to be too
bring the harvest in. He important to be missed.
asked Magellan to send

It must also be pointed out indentation which is recognizably

that later on, after Magellan’s Panguil Bay. To the west of that is
death, the survivors of his “Cippit” To the extreme east,
expedition went to Mindanao, and bordering on the Pacific, are
seemingly went to Butuan. In this Butuan, Calagan, and Benasan
instance, Pigafetta vividly describes (spelt in the map Butuam, Calagam,
a trip in a river. But note that this Benasam). The other map shows
account already happened after the southern tip of Zamboanga, the
Magellan’s death. island of Basilan, and the Sulu
archipelago.
The evidence of Pigafetta’s 3. A third map is the one most
Maps taken from the article of pertinent to our present
Bernard, M. (2002). investigation, because it shows the
Pigafetta’s narrative are island of Mazaua (the map spells it
illustrated with maps, or more Mazzana) in relation to the “islands”
precisely, diagrams, or sketches. of “Ceilon” and “Baibai”and to those
Pigafetta ws no cartographer and of Bohol, Gatighan, and the three
his maps had probably no value as islands of the Camotes Group (in
navigational charts. But they are the map called Polon, Pozon, and
extremely useful in helping to Ticobon).
identify the islands which he
mentions in the narrative, and they The Two Kings taken from the
help to establish the relative article of Bernard, M. (2002).
positions (and even the relative There is confirmatory
sizes) of those islands. evidence in the presence of two
1. The first map shows the native “kings” or rajahs at Mazaua
Irge island of Samar (in the map it during the Magellan visit. One was
is spelt Zzamal), and the smaller the “king” of Mazaua – who later
islands of Suluan, Abarien, guided the Magellan expedition to
Hiunangan, and “Humunu” Cebu. The other was a relative
(Homonhon), which is also (“one of his brothers” as Pigafetta
described as “Aguada ly boni says), namely the king of rajah of
segnaly.” Butuan.
2. The second map is really a Of this latter individual, Pigafetta
double map. One map shows the says that he was “the finest looking
Island of Mindanao or Maguindanao man” that he had seen in those
(the Map spells it Mamgdanao). It parts. (We shall have more to say
shows on the northern shore a deep about him later.) At the moment,

the relevant fact is that he was a Butuan could be misunderstand by

visitor to Mazaua. His territory was later historians as meaning that he
Butuan, which was in another had known him at Butuan.
island: There is a third reason. It
That island of his was called must be remembered that the
Butuan and Calagan. When those Butuan tradition, while erroneous as
kings wished to see another, they to the site of the first Mass, is not
both went to hunt in that island entirely without validity. Magellan’s
where we are. expedition, after Magellan death,
The “island where we were” visited several places in Mindanao,
was Mazaua, where they stayed very probably including Butuan.
seven days. Therefore, Mazaua (The riverine community described
could not have been Butuan. by Pigafetta in a later section of his
account could have been Butuan.)
Why then the Butuan Tradition? Certainly, forty years later,
How then did the strong members of Legazpi’s expedition
three-century tradition in favour of visited Butuan. The people of the
Butuan arise? Here we are in the district would remember these visits
realm of conjecture, but a number by the bearded, white-skinned men
of reasons could be adduced to from Europe in their big ships, and
account for the tradition. a tradition could have grown among
First, it must be remembered the people that “the first Spaniards
that the tradition is based on came here.” The Spanish
second-hand information. One missionaries coming to Butuan
author repeats (and often distorts) would pick up this tradition and
what previous authors have written, conclude that Magellan’s expedition
and is in turn copied (and distorted) had visited Butuan.
by subsequent authors. In such a One thing is dear: whoever
chain, one author making a mistake started the tradition that the first
could easily start a tradition that Mass was celebrated at Butuan, it
could last three centuries. was certainly neither Pigafetta nor
A second reason is suggested Albo, nor Maximilian of
by Pastells. Magellan and his men Transylvania.
got to know the rajah of Butuan at
Masaua. According to Pigafetta, that The Importance of Butuan
rajah was at Masaua only on a visit. It must be remembered that
But is easy to see how the fact that we are dealing here solely with a
Magellan had known the rajah of question of fact: Was the first Mass

on Philippine soil – namely the one colonialism and liberating Filipino

celebrated at Butuan or Limasawa? minds to contribute to creating the
To reject the Butuan claim is in no Filipino nation. The great volume of
way to downgrade the cultural or Rizal’s lifework was committed to
historical importance of Butuan. this end, particularly the more
Indeed, it is about time that influential ones, Noli Me Tangere
Philippine historians and students of and El Filibusterismo. His essays
Philippine historians and students of vilify not the Catholic religion, but
Philippine culture should awaken to the friars, the main agents of
the importance of Butuan in injustice in the Philippine society.
prehistoric days. Pigafetta himself is
It is understandable,
a witness to that importance
therefore, that any piece of writing
(Bernard, 2002).
from Rizal that recants everything
he wrote against the friars and the
Catholic Church in the Philippines
could deal heavy damage to his
image as a prominent Filipino
revolutionary. Such document
purportedly exists, allegedly signed
by Rizal a few hours before his
execution. This document, referred
to as “The Retraction,” declares
Rizal’s belief in the Catholic faith,
and retracts everything he wrote
against the Church.
Primary Source: Rizal’s

Retraction
Source: Translated from the

Source: Google. A picture of Dr. document found by Fr. Manuel
Jose Rizal. (Image) Garcia, C.M. on 18 May 1935.
I declare myself a catholic and in

Case Study 2: Did Rizal Retract?
this Religion in which I was born and
Jose Rizal is identified as a educated I wish to live and die.
hero of the revolution for his
I retract with all my heart whatever
writings that center on ending
in my words, writings, publications,

and conduct has been contrary to The Balaguer Testimony

my character as son of the Catholic
Doubts on the retraction
Church. I believe and I confess
document abound, especially
whatever she teaches, and I submit
because only on eyewitness account
to whatever she demands. I
abominate Masonry, as the enemy, of the writing of the document
which is of the Church, and as a exists-that of the Jesuit friar Fr.
Society prohibited by the Church. Vicente Balaguer. According to his
The Diocesan Prelate may, as the testimony, Rizal woke up several
Superior Ecclesiastical Authority, times, confessed four times,
make public this spontaneous attended a Mass, received
manifestation of mine in order to communion, and prayed the rosary,
repair the scandal which my acts all of which seemed out of
may have caused and so that God character. But since it is the only
and people may pardon me. testimony of allegedly a “primary”
account that Rizal ever wrote a
Manila 29 of December of 1896
retraction document, it has been
Jose Rizal used to argue the authenticity of the
document.
There are four iterations of the texts
of this retraction: the first was The Testimony of Cuerpo de
published in La Voz Espanola and Vigilancia
Diario de Manila on the day of the
Another eyewitness account
execution, 30 December 1896. The
surfaced in 2016, through the
second text appeared in Barcelona,
research of Professor Rene R.
Spain, in the magazine La Juventud,
Escalante. In his research,
a few months after the execution,
documents of the Cuerpo de
14 February 1897, from an
Vigilancia to Moreno.
anonymous writer who was later on
revealed to be Fr. Vicente Balaguer. Primary Source: Eyewitness
However, the “original” text was Account of the Last Hours of
only found in the archdiocesan Rizal
archives on 18 May 1935, after
almost four decades of Source: Michael Charleston Chua,
disappearance. “Retraction ni Jose Rizal: Mga
Bagong Dokumento at Pananaw,”
GMA News Online, published 29

December 2016 as cited by asked to leave to write and wrote

Candelaria & Alporha (2018). for a long time by himself.
Most Illustrious Sir, the agent At 3 in the afternoon, Father

of the Cuerpo de Vigilancia March entered the chapel and Rizal
stationed in Fort Santiago to report handed him what he had written.
Immediately the chief of the firing
on the events during the [illegible]
squad, Seňor del Fresno and the
day in prison of the accused Jose
Assistant of the Plaza, Senor Maure
Rizal, informs me on this date of the
following: were informed. They entered death
row and together with Rizal signed
At 7:50 yesterday morning,
the document that the accused had
Jose Rizal entered death row
written.
accompanied by his counsel. Senor
Taviel de Andrade, and the Jesuit At 5 this morning of the 30th,
priest Vilaclara. At the urgings of the lover of Rizal arrived at the
the former and moments after prison… dressed in mourning. Only
entering, he was served a light the former entered the chapel,
breakfast. At approximately 9, the followed by a military chaplain
Assistant of the Plaza, Senor Maure, whose name I cannot ascertain.
asked Rizal if he wanted anything. Donning his formal clothes and
He replied that at the moment he aided by a soldier of the artillery,
only wanted a prayer book, which the nuptials of Rizal and the woman
was brought to him shortly by had been his lover were performed
Father March. at the point of death (in articulo
mortis). After embracing him she
Senor Andrade left death row
left, flooded with tears.
at 10 and Rizal spoke for a long
while with the Jesuit fathers, March This account corroborates the
and Vilaclara, regarding religious existence of the retraction
matters, it seems. It appears that document, giving it credence.
these two presented him with a However, nowhere in the account
prepared retraction on his life and was Fr. Balaguer mentioned, which
deeds that he refused to sign. They makes the friar a mere secondary
argued about the matter until 12:30 source to the writing of the
when Rizal ate some poached egg document.
and a little chicken. Afterwards he
The retraction of Rizal
remains to this day, a controversy;

many scholars, however, agree that Spanish colonial government.

the document does not tarnish the These events are important
heroism of Rizal. His relevance markers in the history of colonies
remained solidified to Filipinos and that struggled for their
pushed them to continue the independence against their
revolution, which eventually colonizers.
resulted in independence in 1898.
The controversy regarding
Case Study 3: Where did the Cry this event stems from the
of Rebellion happen? identification of the date and place
where the Cry happened. Prominent
Momentous even swept the
Filipino historian Teodoro Agoncillo
Spanish colonies in the late
emphasizes the event when
nineteenth century, including the
Bonifacio tore the cedula or tax
Philippines. Journalists of the time
receipt before the Katipuneros who
referred to the phrase “El Grito de
also did the same. Some writers
Rebelion” or “Cry of Rebelion” to
identified the first military event
mark the start of these
with the Spaniards as the moment
revolutionary events, identifying
of the Cry, for which, Emilio
the places where it happened.
Aguinaldo commissioned an “Himno
de Balintawak” monument to the
Heroes of 1896 was erected in what
is now the intersection of Epifanio
de los Santos (EDSA) Avenue and
Andres Bonifacio Drive-North
Diversion Road, and from then on
until 1962, the Cry of Balintawak
was celebrated every 26th of
August. The site of the monument
was chosen for an unknown reason.
Source: Google. An image of
Bonifacio: Cry of Pugadlawin, Different Dates and Places of
1896. the Cry
Various accounts of the Cry

In the Philippines, this give different dates and places. A
happened in August 1896, guardia civil, Lt. Olegario Diaz,
northeast of Manila, where they identified the Cry to have happened
declared rebellion against the in Balintawak on 25 August

1896. Teodoro Kalaw, Filipino On August 26th, a big meeting

historian, marks the place to be in was held in Balintawak, at the house
Kangkong, Balintawak, on the last of Apolonio Samson, then cabeza of
week of August 1896. On the that barrio of Caloocan. Among
contrary, Santiago Alvarez, a those who attended, I remember,
Katipunero and son of Mariano were Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto,
Alvarez, leader of the Magdiwang Aguedo del Rosario, Tomas
faction in Cavite, put the Cry in Remigio, Briccio Pantas, Teodoro
Bahay Toro in Quezon City on 24 Plata, Pio Valenzuela, Enrique
August 1896. Pio Valenzuela, Pacheco, and Francisco Carreon.
known Katipunero and privy to They were all leaders of the
many events concerning the Katipunan and composed the board
Katipunan stated that the Cry of directors of the organization.
happened in Pugad Lawin on 23 Delegates from Bulacan,
August 1896. Historian Gregorio Cabanatuan, Cavite, and Morong
Zaide identified the Cry to have were also present.
happened in Balintawak on 26
At about nine o’clock in the
August 1896, according to
morning of August 26, the meeting
statements by Pio Valenzuela.
was opened with Andres Bonifacio
Research by historians Milagros
presiding and Emilio Jacinto acting
Guerrero, Emmanuel Encarnacion,
as secretary. The purpose was to
and Ramon Villegas claimed that
discuss when the uprising was to
the event took place in Tandang
take place. Teodora Plata, Briccio
Sora’s barn in Gulod, Barangay
Pantas, and Pio Valenzuela were all
Banlat, Quezon City, on 24 August
opposed to starting the revolution
1896.
too early…Andres Bonifacio, sensing
Primary Source: Accounts of the that he would lose in the discussion
Cry then, left the session hall and talked
to the people, who were waiting
Guillermo Masangkay
outside for the result of the meeting
Source: Guillermo Masangkay, “Cry of the leaders. He told the people
of Balintawak” in Gregorio Zaide that the leaders were arguing
and Sonia Zaide, Documentary against starting the revolution early
Sources of Philippine History, and appealed to them in a fiery
Volume 8 (Manila: National Book speech in which he said: “You
Store, 1990), 307-309. remember the fate of our
countrymen who were shot in

Bagumbayan. Should we return mentioned above, among those

now to the towns, the Spaniards will who were there were Briccio Pantas,
only shoot us. Our organization has Alejandro Santiago, Ramon
been discovered and we are all Bernardo, Apolonio Samson, and
marked men. If we don’t start the others. Here, views were only
uprising, the Spaniards will get us exchanged, and no resolution was
anyway. What then, do you say?” debated or adopted. It was at Pugad
Lawin, the house, storehouse, and
“Revolt!” the people shouted as
yard of Juan Ramos, son of
one.
Melchora Aquino, where over 1, 000
Bonifacio then asked the people to members of the Katipunan met and
give a pledge that they were to carried out considerable debate and
revolt. He told them that the sign of discussion on August 23, 1896. The
slavery of the Filipinos wer (sic) the discussion was on whether or not
cedula tax charged each citizen. “If the revolution against the Spanish
it is true that you are ready to government should be started on
revolt… I want to see your cedulas. August 29, 1896…After the
It will be a sign that all of us have tumultuous meeting, many of those
declared our severance from the present tore their cedula certificates
Spaniards.” and shouted “Long live the
Philippines! Long live the
Pio Valenzuela Philippines!”
Source: Pio Valenzuela, “Cry of From the eyewitness

Pugad Lawin,” in Gregorio Zaide and accounts presented, there is indeed
Sonia Zaide, Documentary Sources marked disagreement among
of Philippine History, Volume 8 historical witnesses as to the place
(Manila: National Book Store, and time of the occurrence of the
1990), 301-302. Cry. Using primary and secondary
sources, four places have been
The first place of refuge of Andres
identified: Balintawak, Kangkong,
Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto, Procopio
Pugad Lawin, and Bahay Toro, while
Bonifacio, Teodoro Plata, Aguedo
the dates vary: 23, 24, 25, or 26
del Rosario, and myself was
August 1896.
Balintawak, the first five arriving
there on August 19, and I, on Valenzuela’s account should
August 20, 1896, was the house be read with caution: He once told
and yard of Apolonio Samson at a Spanish investigator that the
Kangkong. Aside from the persons

“Cry” happened in Balintawak on we have at the library, do not solely

Wedneday, 26 August 1896. Much rely on the information you can get
later, he wrote in his Memoirs of the from the internet or google. If you
Revolution that it happened at are still reading this part here, let
Pugad Lawin on 23 August 1896. me know, by putting a star at
Such inconsistencies in accounts the top of your name on the front
should always be seen as a red flag page. This is equivalent to
when dealing with primary sources. additional 5 points.
According to Guerrero, Here are the books I would like to

Encarnacion, and Villegas, all these recommend; they are available at
places are in Balintawak, then part BCC library:
of Caloocan, now, in Quezon City.
• Candelaria J.L. and Alporha,
As for the dates, Bonifacio and his
V. C. (2018). Readings in
troops may have been moving from
Philippines History. Rex
one place to another to avoid being
Bookstore Inc.
located by the Spanish government,
• Corpuz R. M. and Tabotabo C.
which could explain why there are V. (2018). Readings in
several accounts of the Cry. Philippine history.
Mindshapers Co., Inc.
Module disclaimer:
• Martinez, R. M., Bumidang, J.
The written discussions are G., Tayaban, D. B., Fragata,
based on the books and reliable R. D. L., Viloria, M. I. T.,
sources; however, these are Dulay, M. J., Cristobal, J. M.
shortcuts and summaries which (2018). The Readings in
Philippine History.
were solely utilized as an academic
Mindshapers Co., Inc.
guide for the course. Maybe you are
• Solmerano, E.M., Palencia, M.
wondering why there are a lot of
M., and Galicia, R. M. (2018).
readings (that eventually made you Readings in Philippine
bored) which is set for this module history. Fastbooks
– please be reminded that the • Torres, J. V. (2018). BATIS:
course/subject you are enrolled in is Sources in Philippine History.
READINGS in Philippine History. C & E Publishing, Inc.
Another thing, for you to be

able to grasp the full and complete
primary source of every other case
re-examination, refer to the books

Summary
In this module, we have discussed the importance of familiarizing oneself

about the different kinds of historical sources. The historian’s primary tool
of understanding and interpreting the past is historian’s primary tool of
understanding and interpreting the past is the historical sources.
Historical sources ascertain historical facts. Such facts are then

analyzed and interpreted by the historian to weave historical narrative.
Specifically, historians who study certain historical subjects and events
need to make use of various primary sources in order to weave the
narrative. Primary sources, as discussed in the preceding chapter, consist
of documents, memoir, accounts, and other materials that were produced
at the period of the event or subject being studied.
Using primary sources in historical research entails two kinds of criticism.

The first one is the external criticism, and the second one is the internal
criticism. External criticism examines the authenticity of the document
or the evidence being used. This is important in ensuring that the primary
source is not fabricated. On the other hand, internal criticism examines
the truthfulness of the content of the evidence. However, this criticism
requires not just the act of establishing truthfulness and/or accuracy but
also the examination of the primary sources in terms of the context of its
production. For example, a historian would have to situate the document
in the period of its production, or in the background of its authors.
In other words, it should be recognized that facts are neither existing in a

vacuum nor produced from a blank slate. These are products of the time
and of the people.

I. LEARNING ACTIVITIES
this module, or you may opt to
gather information from the
A. Case Study Analysis. Write
internet or even from our library
two (2) case study analyses
but properly cite authors or
among the three (3) case
references, using the APA 7th
studies discussed in this
edition. Example:
module. Please be reminded
that you have to choose only • How to use in-text
2 among 3 case studies citation?
discussed in the module. The
APA in-text citation style
teacher will upload a learning
uses the author's last name
activity guide on how to make a
and the year of publication,
case study analysis via google
for example: (Field,
classroom or any online media
2005). For direct
platform. Also, the rubric for
quotations, include the
grading this analysis can be
page number as well, for
found there. You are asked to
example: (Field, 2005, p.
encode it with the following
14). For sources such as
format: Arial, 12, 1.0 margin,
websites and e-books that
short bond paper. However, I’ll
have no page numbers, use
be asking you a printed
a paragraph number, for
plagiarism check result for this
example: (Field, 2005,
analysis, to avoid significant
para. 1). More information
copying and paste from the
on direct quotation of
internet. Use the
sources without pagination
searchenginereports.net
is given on the APA Style
plagiarism checker online.
and Grammar Guidelines
Tolerable percentage for
web page.
plagiarism result is only 25%,
more than the given percentage • Example paragraph with
will automatically receive low in-text citation
point grade.
A few researchers in the
Moreover, in creating the linguistics field have
case study analysis, please developed training
consider the primary sources or programs designed to
secondary sources we have in improve native speakers'
‖ Endiape, A.A 83
ability to understand University of Colorado,

accented speech (Derwing Boulder.
et al., 2002; Thomas,
2004). Their training Referencing sample when
techniques are based on using web page with
the research described organizational author:
above indicating that
comprehension improves In-text citation
with exposure to non- More than 300 million people
native speech. Derwing et worldwide are affected by
al. (2002) conducted their depression (World Health
training with students Organization, 2018).
preparing to be social
workers but note that other Referencing sample
professionals who work • World Health
with non-native speakers Organization. (2018,
could benefit from a similar March 22). Depression.
program. https://www.who.int/e
n/news-room/fact-
Referencing sample when sheets/detail/depressio
using a reference from a book or n
printed materials:
• Derwing, T. M., Rossiter,

M. J., & Munro, M. J. Guide question per case:
(2002). Teaching native
1. Where did the first mass
speakers to listen to
happened? Is it in Butuan or in
foreign-accented speech. Limasawa?
Journal of Multilingual 2. Did Rizal retract?
and Multicultural 3. Where did the cry of
Development, 23(4), rebellion happened? Is it “Cry in
245-259. Balintawak” or “Cry in Pugadlawin”?
• Thomas, H. K. (2004).
Training strategies for
improving listeners'
comprehension of
foreign-accented speech
(Doctoral dissertation).
‖ Endiape, A.A 84
REFERENCES
Arevalo, P. (2019). The first mass was in masao, butuan. Retrieved August
27, 2020, from https://prezi.com/p/ngwo4nyosbsj/the-first-mass-
was-in-masao-butuan/
Bernad, M. (2002.). Butuan or Limasawa: The site of the first mass in the
Philippines: A reexamination of the evidence. Retrieved August 27,
2020, from
https://journals.ateneo.edu/ojs/index.php/budhi/article/view/582/57
9
Candelaria J.L. and Alporha, V. C. (2018). Readings in Philippines History.

Rex Bookstore Inc.
De Vianna, A. V. and Picadizo, M. V. M. (2018). Pahiwatig: A Guide for

understanding readings in Philippine history. Books Atbp
Publishing Corp.
Garcia, C. D. (2015). Philippine history and government for college

students. Revised Edition. Philippines: Books Atbp. Publishing
Corp.
Martinez, R. M., Bumidang, J. G., Tayaban, D. B., Fragata, R. D. L., Viloria,

M. I. T., Dulay, M. J., Cristobal, J. M. (2018). The Readings in
Philippine History. Mindshapers Co., Inc.
Solmerano, E.M., Palencia, M. M., and Galicia, R. M. (2018). Readings in

Philippine history. Fastbooks
Torres, J. V. (2018). BATIS: Sources in Philippine History. C & E Publishing,

Inc.
Wansink B., Akkerman S., Zuiker I., and Wubbels T. (2018). Where does
teaching multiperspectivity in History education begin and end? An
analysis of the uses of temporality. Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
Retrieved from https://www.tandfonline.com/loi/utrs20. Date
retrieved: July 10, 20
‖ Endiape, A.A 83
‖ Pacaol & Patente 83

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Philippined History: Spaces for Conflict

and Controversies MIDTERM

3 Philippine History: Spaces for

like choices in a multiple-choicelong run to re-assess conflicts and

“commentators” (critics, both

“History is a guide to navigation in perilous times. History is who

Course Discussion ✓ What sort of qualifications

-what the author did not causality (what made something

Importance of Context in Put another way, context is

understanding the influence of the constitute our primary sources or

as “A way of viewing, and a Though historical sources are

in a book by Hermenegildo Cruz. Many of the things we accept

In this paper we shall try to

Limasawa Island, in Agusan or Bernard, M. (2002), Butuan claim

• The distance to Cebu from Here is Father Francisco Collin’s

he led the armada, which entered Father Pastells. In his account of

The 18th Century landed and was accorded good

centuries may be found illustrated sailed from “Limasagua” (sic) to

have no time to translate them d) The seven days at

2. They went instead that 6. The people of that island of

‖ Endiape, A.A 100

at the town (la villa) of A Reexamination of Evidence”

‖ Endiape, A.A 101

4. Monday, March 18 – In the Annunciation and therefore

‖ Endiape, A.A 102

starboard, and then the native balanghai- a thing

‖ Endiape, A.A 103

anchored near an island men, and this time went

‖ Endiape, A.A 104

meal, but in the afternoon, him men to help with the

‖ Endiape, A.A 105

It must also be pointed out indentation which is recognizably

‖ Endiape, A.A 106

the relevant fact is that he was a Butuan could be misunderstand by

‖ Endiape, A.A 107

on Philippine soil – namely the one colonialism and liberating Filipino

Primary Source: Rizal’s

Source: Translated from the

I declare myself a catholic and in

‖ Endiape, A.A 108

and conduct has been contrary to The Balaguer Testimony

‖ Endiape, A.A 109

December 2016 as cited by asked to leave to write and wrote

Most Illustrious Sir, the agent At 3 in the afternoon, Father

‖ Endiape, A.A 110

many scholars, however, agree that Spanish colonial government.

Various accounts of the Cry

‖ Endiape, A.A 111

1896. Teodoro Kalaw, Filipino On August 26th, a big meeting

‖ Endiape, A.A 112

Bagumbayan. Should we return mentioned above, among those

Source: Pio Valenzuela, “Cry of From the eyewitness

‖ Endiape, A.A 113

“Cry” happened in Balintawak on we have at the library, do not solely

According to Guerrero, Here are the books I would like to

Another thing, for you to be

‖ Endiape, A.A 114

In this module, we have discussed the importance of familiarizing oneself

Historical sources ascertain historical facts. Such facts are then

Using primary sources in historical research entails two kinds of criticism.

In other words, it should be recognized that facts are neither existing in a

‖ Endiape, A.A 115

ability to understand University of Colorado,