Maderazo, Dheine Louise L.

Readphi

BSA- A1C

A Reflection on The Site of the first Mass in the Philippines

Being knowledgeable about how history or historical facts that we’ve known for a long
time, I know that it may be really difficult to assess one story about history, since it may or may
not be true—especially if there are a lot of versions of the story. There are actually a lot of
historical events that people talk about until now, wherein there are different versions of the story
that are existing—what is to believe? One of the most famous controversies in Philippine history
is where the first mass in the Philippines was really celebrated. Some people or specifically,
writers claim that it was in Butuan where the first mass happened and some points out that it was
in Limasawa. There are a lot of good points made by those who believe in each side and there a
lot of good pieces of evidence as well, and it’s very interesting to read. Despite both evidence
being reliable and believable, what stood out for me and what I believe in is that the first mass
ever in the Philippines was held in Limasawa, south of Leyte.

Claims about the first mass being held in Butuan have been a strong belief and it went on
for three centuries, which people believed that it is in Butuan where this took place, however,
there was an abrupt change in opinion and thinking, which all started from Pigafetta’s account
and Albo’s log—which I can say are more reliable and believable. For me, Pigafetta’s account is
the most complete and reliable account of Magellan’s venture in the Philippines which is why it
is also the most credible primary source regarding the first mass held in the Philippines since it is
a part of Magellan’s expedition. Another finding that caught my attention the most was the
location of Pigafetta’s Mazaua as he plotted, match that of Limasawa, and for me, how else
would anyone tell that it wasn’t in Limasawa -- when a primary source’s statement about the
location matched the coordinates of the island of Limasawa? Also, the description of the route
that Magellan took was from Homonhon to Mazaua and Mazaua to Cebu, it didn’t even land on
Butuan. All these significant findings really make it easier to claim that it was in Limasawa
where the first mass happened.

After reading about the controversy about the first mass in the Philippines, I realized that
when it comes to historical facts and any other facts about certain things, it’s best to always dig
deeper for more information, and to research more about the topic before believing if it is true.
Another thing that I realized is based from the Butuan claim, imagine, it was believed for three
whole centuries, but found out to be false or untrue—with this, I realized that what if, the
information about the past that we are all aware of now, aren’t true as well and are soon to be
proved wrong? Thinking about it is scary, but it’s not impossible.