Title: The First Voyage Around the World (1519–1522)

Based on Antonio Pigafetta’s eye witness journal

Focus areas: the voyage, cultural encounters, first Mass, historiographical debate

Prepared by

Date:

Slide 2 – Antonio Pigafetta: Scholar & Eyewitness

Antonio Pigafetta, a nobleman from Vicenza and Knight of Rhodes, joined Magellan’s
expedition in 1519 as its chronicler. His extensive narrative documents geography, climate,
cultural encounters, and languages. Out of about 240 crew members, he was one of only 18
survivors, making his account an invaluable primary source.

 Antonio Pigafetta was a nobleman from Vicenza who joined Magellan's expedition in
1519 as a chronicler (Pigafetta, 2024).
 He recorded detailed observations on geography, climate, peoples, and languages
encountered during the voyage (Pigafetta, 2024).
 He was one of only 18 crew members to return to Spain in 1522 (Library of Congress,
n.d.).
 His journal was distributed to European monarchs before being published in Ramusio’s
volume (Library of Congress, n.d.).
 His account remains the foundation for understanding the circumnavigation and early
European contact with the Philippines.

Slide 3 – Initiation & Departure

In May 1519, Pigafetta traveled to Seville with letters of recommendation to join Magellan’s
expedition. By August, the fleet departed on a journey that would reshape global history.

 Pigafetta traveled to Seville in May 1519 after receiving letters of recommendation

(Pigafetta, 2024).
 He officially joined Magellan’s expedition in mid-1519 (Pigafetta, 2024).
 The fleet departed from Seville on August 10, 1519 (Pigafetta, 2024).
 The expedition included several ships and crew tasked with reaching the Spice Islands
via a westward route.
 This marked the beginning of the first recorded circumnavigation.
Slide 4 – Defining the Pacific
After navigating the strait later named for Magellan, the expedition entered a vast and calm
ocean. Pigafetta named it the "Pacific Ocean," a lasting contribution to geographic history.

 The expedition sailed through the Strait of Magellan into open waters (Library of
Congress, n.d.; Pigafetta, 2024).
 Pigafetta’s map contained the earliest known use of the term “Pacific Ocean” (Pigafetta,
2024).
 The calmness of the ocean contrasted sharply with the turbulent strait.
 This achievement expanded European knowledge of the world’s oceans.

Slide 5 – Ethnographic Observations Across the Pacific

During the Pacific crossing, Pigafetta meticulously documented island communities, describing
their cultures, environments, and resources.

 Pigafetta recorded numerous encounters with Pacific island communities (Scribd, n.d.).
 He documented native customs, flora, fauna, and the surrounding environment
(Pigafetta, 2024).
 His account combined geographic accuracy with cultural insight.
 His notes provided critical data for later linguistic and cultural studies.
 His observations demonstrated his broad scope as a chronicler.

Slide 6 – Landfall: Samar & Homonhon (March 1521)

On March 16–17, 1521, the expedition made its first landfall in the archipelago, first spotting
Samar (“Zamal”) and then landing on Homonhon (“Humunu”). Pigafetta described the island as
rich in resources and an ideal resupply point. The expedition sighted Samar on March 16, 1521,
and landed on Homonhon on March 17 (Pigafetta, 2024).

 Pigafetta described Homonhon as a “watering place of good signs” rich in resources

(Pigafetta, 2024).
 The crew stayed on the island from March 17 to 25, 1521 (Pigafetta, 2024).
 The stop provided a strategic foothold in the Philippine archipelago.
 The island’s resources helped sustain the crew and enabled alliance-building.

Slide 7 – Approach to Mazaua (Limasawa)

By March 28, 1521, the fleet approached an island Pigafetta called “Mazaua,” positioned at
approximately 9⅔ degrees north. Geographic characteristics align with modern-day Limasawa,
reinforcing its identification as the site of the first Mass.
  The fleet left Homonhon on March 25, 1521 (Pigafetta, 2024).
 They sighted Mazaua on March 28, 1521, at approximately 9⅔° N latitude (Pigafetta,
2024).
 The route included passage between smaller islands (Pigafetta, 2024).
 Geographic and navigational details align with Limasawa’s location.
 Mazaua served as the site of the first Catholic Mass in the Philippines.

Slide 8 – The First Catholic Mass (March 31, 1521)

On Easter Sunday, March 31, 1521, Father Pedro de Valderrama celebrated the first Catholic
Mass on the shores of Mazaua (Limasawa). Pigafetta’s account of this event marks a seminal
moment in Philippine religious and colonial history The Mass was celebrated on March 31,
1521, at Mazaua (Pigafetta, 2024).

 Father Pedro de Valderrama served as the officiating priest (Pigafetta, 2024).

 The ceremony was often followed by the planting of a cross.
 It marked the introduction of Christianity to the Philippines.
 Pigafetta’s account is the primary record of this event.

Slide 9 – Cultural & Political Significance of the Mass

Beyond its religious import, the first Mass functioned as a political gesture demonstrating
authority and forging alliances. Pigafetta notes the involvement of local chieftains, integrating
the event into the broader narrative of early colonial engagement. Local chieftains participated
in the ceremony (Pigafetta, 2024).

 The event facilitated alliance-building through religious ritual.

 It marked the beginning of Catholic influence in the region.
 It represented Spain’s early territorial claims.
 It became a cornerstone of Philippine colonial history.

Slide 9.1 – Conflicting Claims to the First Mass Site

The site of the first Catholic Mass in the Philippines—held on Easter Sunday, March 31, 1521,
by Father Pedro de Valderrama has been the subject of historical debate. Antonio Pigafetta
documented it on an island called "Mazaua." Two main candidate locations have emerged:
Limasawa Island in Southern Leyte, widely accepted today, and Butuan (Masao) in Northern
Mindanao, supported by centuries of tradition. Scholarly re-examination, geographic data, and
official resolutions have tilted the consensus in favor of Limasawa.
  Limasawa Claim: Supported by Pigafetta’s coordinates (~9⅔° N latitude), Albo’s
navigational log, and descriptions aligning with Limasawa’s geography; confirmed by
historians and the National Historical Commission panels
 Butuan Claim: Rooted in long-standing tradition, monuments (1872), and Jesuit
historiography (Colín, Combés), though largely based on secondary and non-eyewitness
sources
 Scholarly Consensus: Miguel A. Bernad’s re-examination of Pigafetta and Albo’s original
accounts strongly supports Limasawa over Butuan
 Official Recognition: The National Historical Institute (now NHCP) formally recognized
Limasawa as the site in 1998, reaffirmed by the 2020 panel and Republic Act No. 2733
declaring it a national shrine
 Geographic & Archival Consistency: Pigafetta’s descriptions match Limasawa’s
topography and setting (cross planted on a hill, visibility of nearby islands), whereas
Butuan does not meet these criteria.

Slide 9.2 – Important People in the First Voyage

The first circumnavigation was made possible by the leadership, documentation, and
resistance of key historical figures.

 Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese navigator serving Spain, commanded the expedition

until his death at the Battle of Mactan on April 27, 1521 (Library of Congress, n.d.).
 Antonio Pigafetta, a nobleman and Knight of Rhodes, served as the chronicler and one of
the 18 survivors (Pigafetta, 2024).
 Juan Sebastián Elcano assumed command after Magellan’s death and completed the
circumnavigation by returning to Spain in 1522 (Library of Congress, n.d.).
 Father Pedro de Valderrama, the only priest on board, officiated the first Catholic Mass
in the Philippines (Pigafetta, 2024).
 Rajah Humabon of Cebu allied with the Spaniards and participated in the first Christian
baptism in the archipelago (Pigafetta, 2024).
 Lapu-Lapu, the chieftain of Mactan, resisted Spanish forces and defeated Magellan,
symbolizing indigenous resistance (Battle of Mactan, n.d.).

Slide 10 – Battle of Mactan & Magellan’s Death (April 27, 1521)

On April 27, 1521, Magellan led an assault on Mactan Island but was met with fierce resistance
led by Lapu-Lapu. Pigafetta's account and later narratives detail the failed attack and
Magellan’s subsequent death, a pivotal moment in the expedition.

 The battle took place on April 27, 1521 (Battle of Mactan, n.d.).
 Lapu-Lapu’s warriors decisively defeated Magellan’s forces (Battle of Mactan, n.d.).
 Magellan was killed in the battle, and Pigafetta was wounded but survived (Library of
Congress, n.d.; Battle of Mactan, n.d.).
 The loss demonstrated the limits of Spanish military power.
  The event led to a leadership transition within the expedition.

Slide 11 – Return Journey & Completion of Circumnavigation

After Magellan’s death, leadership fell to Juan Sebastián Elcano. Only the ship Victoria made it
back to Spain in September 1522, completing the first recorded circumnavigation. Pigafetta
and just 17 others survived to document this accomplishment.

 Juan Sebastián Elcano assumed command after Magellan’s death (Library of Congress,
n.d.).
 The ship Victoria returned to Spain in September 1522 as the only surviving vessel
(Library of Congress, n.d.).
 Pigafetta was among the 18 survivors (Library of Congress, n.d.).
 The journey confirmed the Earth’s spherical shape.
 The voyage became a milestone in world history.

Slide 12 – Pigafetta’s Manuscripts & Legacy

Pigafetta’s original manuscript is lost, but four copies persist,one in Italian and three in French,
with 23 maps. This surviving documentation has profoundly shaped cartography,
historiography, and understanding of 16th-century global exploration.

 Four copies of Pigafetta’s journal survive: one in Italian and three in French (Library of
Congress, n.d.).
 The manuscripts contain 23 maps with rich geographic detail (Library of Congress, n.d.).
 His work influenced historians and mapmakers across Europe.
 The preservation of his account ensured its historical value.
 His work continues to inform modern historical research.

Slide 13 – First Mass Location Debate & Resolution

A long-standing debate over the location of the first Mass, between Limasawa and Butuan,
centers on interpretation of Pigafetta’s coordinates and descriptions. Scholarly and legal
consensus now affirms Limasawa, supported by geographic evidence and national declaration.

 The Butuan claim is based on tradition and historian interpretations (Zaide, 20th
century).
 Coordinates of ~9⅔° N match Limasawa (Pigafetta, 2024).
 The National Historical Commission affirmed Limasawa as the site, and RA 2733 declared
it a national shrine.
 The decision aligns with archival and cartographic evidence.
 The resolution closed a long-standing historical debate.
Slide 14 – Broader Historical Legacy
Magellan’s voyage, as meticulously recorded by Pigafetta, remains a transformative milestone.
It reshaped global geography, initiated European engagement in Asia, laid early ethnographic
foundations, and marked the introduction of Christianity to the Philippines.

 The voyage proved the feasibility of global circumnavigation (Pigafetta, 2024).

 Pigafetta’s ethnographic and linguistic data enriched historical knowledge (Library of
Congress, n.d.; Pigafetta, 2024).
 The first Mass became a foundational religious milestone in Philippine history.
 The expedition initiated European colonial engagement in Southeast Asia.
 Its legacy continues in academic, cultural, and religious contexts.

Slide 15 – References

Bernad, M. A. (2001). Butuan or Limasawa? The site of the first Mass in the Philippines: A
reexamination of the evidence. Budhi: A Journal of Ideas and Culture, 5(3), Article 10.
Ateneo de Manila University. [Link]

Borrinaga, R. O. (2008). Barangay Triana: The right site of the first Mass in Limasawa in
1521. The Journal of History, 54(1). Philippine Historical Association.
[Link]

Controversies and conflicting views in the site of the first Mass. (n.d.). Readings in the
Philippine History. Polytechnic University of the Philippines.
[Link]
readings-in-the-philippine-history/controversies-and-conflicting-views-in-the-site-of-the-
first-mass/39749209

Library of Congress. (n.d.). Journal of Magellan’s voyage.

[Link]

Library of Congress. (2021, October). Negotiating empire, Part I: From Magellan to the
founding of Manila. [Link]
empire-part-i-from-magellan-to-the-founding-of-manila-16th-18th-centuries/

Pigafetta, A. (2024). The first voyage around the world (1519–1522). American University
EdSpace. [Link]
986/2024/01/[Link]

Regidor, A. (2021, April 16). Limasawa vs. Butuan: The first Easter Mass. UPDate Online –
Academe. University of the Philippines Diliman. [Link]
the-first-easter-mass/