Readings in Philippine History

1
Meaning and Relevance of history

Module 8 Week 8 Meaning and Relevance of

history

At the end of this module, you are expected to:

1. Interpret historical event using primary source: First Catholic Mass Take
Place in the Philippines
2. Discuss the significance of the First Cath
3. Analyze the chronological events: First Catholic Mass Take Place in the
Philippines

Where did the First Catholic Mass Take Place in the Philippines?
In this module, we will analyze the chronological events when Magellan came in the
Philippines in 1521 and the first Mass that took place. We determine the problems in the
Philippine history in an attempt to apply what we have learned thus far in the work of
historian and the process of historical inquiry. Some historians have a lot of interpretation
when it comes to the history of the Philippines. Our history is abundant in terms of
significance to our society and its advantages in the lives of every Filipino. Let us look at
details regarding the contention where the First mass was made.
Butuan has long been believed as the site of the first mass. In fact, this has been the
case for three centuries, culminating in the construction of a monument in 1872 near
Agusan River, which honors the expedition’s arrival and celebration of Mass on April 8
1521. The Butuan claim has been based on a rather elementary reading of primary sources
from the event.
At the end of the nineteenth century and the start of the twentieth century, together
with increasing the numbers of scholarship on the history of the Philippines, a more
nuanced reading of the available evidence was made, which brought to light more
considerations in going against the more accepted interpretation of the first Mass in the
Philippines, made both by Spanish and Filipino Scholars.
It must be noted that there are only two primary sources that historians refer to in
identifying the site of the first Mass. One is the record kept by Francisco Albo, a pilot of one
of Magellan’s ship, Trinidad. He was one of the survivors who returned with Sebastian
Elcano on the ship Victoria after they circumnavigated the world. The other, and the more
complete, was account by Antonio Pigafetta, Primo viaggio intorno al mondo (First Voyage
around the World). Pigafetta, like Albo, was a member of the Magellan expedition and an
eyewitness of the events, predominantly, of the first Mass.

Course Module
 Figure 1: First Mass in the Philippines
We recognize the primary Source: “Diaro o derotero del viage Magallanes desde el
cabo se S. Agustin en el Brazil hasta el regreso a Espana de la nao Victoria, escrito por
Frandsco Albo, Document No. xxii in Colleccion de viagge y descubrimientos que hicieron por
mar los Españoles desde fines del siglo XV. Ed Martin Fernandez de Navarette(Reprinted
Buenos Aires 1945,5 Vols.)IV, 191-225. As cited in Miguel A. Bernad ”Butuan or Limasawa?
The site of the First Mass in the Philippines: A reexamination of Evidence” 1981,
Kinaadman: A Journal of Southern Philippines, Vol. III, 1-36. As basis and proof of the
statement by Albo’s

Albo’s Log
 Readings in Philippine History
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Meaning and Relevance of history

It must be considered that in Albo’s Version, the location of Mazava fits the location
of the island of Limasawa, at the southern tip of Leyte, 9°54’N. Also, Albo does not mention
the first Mass, but only the planting of the cross upon a mountain-top from which could see
three islands to the west and southeast, which also fits the southern end of Limasawa.

Pigafetta’s Testimony on the Route of Magellan’s Expedition

The sources of this testimony from: Blair and James Alexander Robertson, The
Philippine Islands, Vols. 33 and 34, as cited in Miguel A. Bernad, “Butuan or Limasawa? The
site of the First Mass in the Philippines: A Reexamination of Evidence” 1981, Kinaadman: A
Journal of Southern Philippines, Vol. III 1-35.

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 Readings in Philippine History
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Meaning and Relevance of history

It indicates that both Albo and Pigafettas testimonies correspond and validate each
other. Pigafetta gave more details on what they did during their weeklong stay at Mazaua.

Pigafetta and Seven Days in Mazaua

Using the primary sources available, Blair and James Alexander Robertson, The
Philippine Islands, Vols. 33 and 34, as cited in Miguel A. Bernad, “Butuan or Limasawa? The
site of the First Mass in the Philippines: A Reexamination of Evidence” 1981, Kinaadman: A
Journal of Southern Philippines, Vol. III 1-35.

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 Readings in Philippine History
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Meaning and Relevance of history

Using the existing sources, Jesuit priest Miguel A. Bernad in his work Butuan or
Limasawa: The site of the first Mass in the Philippines: Reexamination of Evidence (1981)
lays down the argument that in the Pigafetta version, a crucial aspect of Butuan was not
mentioned-the river. Butuan is riverine settlement, located on the Agusan River. The beach
of Masao is in the delta of said river. It is an interested error in the account of the river,
which distinct characteristic of Butuan’s Geography which seemed to be too important to
be missed.
“The “Age of Exploration” is a period of competition among European rulers to
conquer and colonize land outside their original territory. Initially, the goal was to find
alternative routes by sea to get Asia, the main source of spices and other merchandises.
Existing routes to Asia were mainly by land and cost very expensive. A sea routes to Asia
means that Europeans could access the spice trade directly, greatly reducing costs for
traders. Spain’s major foray into the exploration was through Christopher Columbus, who
proposed to sail westward to find a shortcut to Asia. He was able to each the Americas,
which was then cut-off from the rest of the known world.”
“Spain settled parts of North America, Mexico, and South America in the sixteenth
century. They were also able to reach the Philippines and claim for the Spanish crown.
Later on, Other European rulers would compete with the activities of exploring and
conquering lands. ”
It must be also considered that later on, after Magellan’s death, the survivors of his
voyage went to Mindanao, and seemingly went to Butuan. In this instance, Pigafetta
intensely define a trip in a river. But remember that this account already happened after
Magellan’s death.

Course Module
References and Supplementary Materials
Books and Journals
1. Antonio, Eleonor D., Dallo, Evangeline M. at et al... ; 2010; Kayamanan (kasaysayan ng
Pilipinas); Sampaloc, Manila; Rex Book Store, Inc.
2. Agoncillo, Teodoro A.; 2010; Philippine History; South Triangle, Quezon City; C & E
Publishing, Inc.
3. Candelaria, John Lee P., Alporha, Veronica C.: Reading in Philippine History; Sampaloc
Manila: REX Book Store, Inc.