RPH Midterm Group Activity: Controversies and Conflicting Views in Philippine History

Members: Year/Section: 2 AIS -

2

ALCARAZ, LUCIENNE A.

NUNO, ALTHEA D.

UMALI, ABIGAIL L.

1. Do you agree that the site of the first catholic mass in the Philippines is in Limasawa, Leyte? Read reading
no. 11 by Sonia M. Zaide before answering. Justify your answer. (15pts.)

Yes, we agree that the site of the first Catholic Mass in the Philippines was in Limasawa, Leyte.
Historical records, including Antonio Pigafetta’s account of Ferdinand Magellan’s expedition, indicate that the
mass took place on March 31, 1521, on an island he referred to as "Mazaua," which historians identify as
Limasawa. Sonia M. Zaide, in Reading No. 11, supports this claim by citing Pigafetta’s detailed descriptions of
the island's location and its connection to Rajah Kolambu, the ruler who welcomed Magellan.

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) also recognizes Limasawa as the official site,
reinforcing its historical validity. Although some historians argue that the mass may have been held in Butuan,
their claim lacks sufficient evidence from primary sources. Archaeological studies and navigational analysis
further confirm that Limasawa fits Pigafetta’s description better than Butuan. The recognition of Limasawa as
the site of the first mass holds significance in Philippine history as it marks the introduction of Christianity in
the country. Therefore, based on historical records and scholarly research, Limasawa is the most credible
location for this event.

2. Give your reaction to the following statement of Izquierdo mentioned in our reading on the Cavite Mutiny:
^The indios were possessed with the natural tendency of stealing." (10pts.)

It is very biased and unfair as Governor Izquierdo to claim that Filipinos are naturally thieves. He
ignored all of the real causes of people's anger, such as poverty, high taxes, and a lack of power over their own
lives. Also, he acted like the Spanish authorities were perfect, despite the fact that they frequently were harsh
and corrupt.

His words weren't just harsh/mean,they were harmful. By saying Filipinos were born criminals, he made it
seem like the Spanish government didn't do anything wrong. This kind of thinking makes it easier to treat
people badly and makes it impossible to fix the real problems.Instead of being racist, Izquierdo should have
listened to the Filipino's complaints and should try to fix the real problems.But because he didn't,things got
more worse that let to the Cavite Mutiny.

3. Analyze the 3 documents on the retraction of Dr. Jose Rizal in our readings. Do you believe that he
retracted? Defend your answer. (15pts)

We don't really know for sure if Jose Rizal changed his mind about his beliefs before he was killed or
executed. There's a paper that says he did, saying he went back to being Catholic and stopped wanting
independence from Spain. But that document is just questionable. Some people think the Spanish priests
made it up to make Rizal look bad and discourage the people fighting for freedom. Rizal was known for being a
strong nationalist and wanting reforms, so it doesn't make a lot of sense that he'd suddenly give up on
everything he believed in.(Schumacher, 1997)
On the other hand, some people say he might have signed the paper because of pressure from the church and
his family.(De la Costa, 1996)In short, We believe Rizal did not change his mind and kept his own principles
because the information presented is inconsistent and doesn't make a sense of help to prove Dr. Jose Rizal’s
rectraction. (Ocampo, 2012)

4. There are too many versions on the date and site of Bonifacio's 'Cry". Which of these are you strongly
convinced as the actual date and site? Why? Defend your answer by presenting primary reliable sources.
(20 pts)
 Most historians now agree that the "Cry of Pugad Lawin" actually happened in *Balintawak (now part of
Quezon City) on August 23, 1896*. This is based on the account of Dr. Pio Valenzuela, a close associate of
Andres Bonifacio. He wrote about it later in his life, and while there are some differences in his accounts over
time, the general consensus is that the event took place in Balintawak. Another important source is the work
of historian Teodoro Agoncillo, who, after careful examination of primary sources, supported the Balintawak
date. While other dates and locations were claimed, they lack the same level of support from those who were
actually there.

5. Create a timeline of the four controversies that we diacussed in class by indicating the ezact date and place
of the event. (10pts)
 First Catholic Mass in the Philippines (March 31, 1521 - Limasawa, Leyte)
Ferdinand Magellan and his crew, along with chronicler Antonio Pigafetta, held the first Catholic
Mass in the Philippines. The mass was led by Father Pedro de Valderrama on the island of Limasawa,
where they were welcomed by Rajah Kolambu. This event marked the start of Christianity in the
country.

 Cavite Mutiny (January 20, 1872 - Fort San Felipe, Cavite)

Filipino soldiers and workers started a revolt against Spanish authorities because of unfair
policies like high taxes and forced labor. However, the rebellion was quickly stopped. Because of this,
three Filipino priests—Gomez, Burgos, and Zamora (Gomburza)—were executed, which led to stronger
nationalist movements. The Spanish Governor-General, Rafael Izquierdo, blamed the mutiny on a
conspiracy to justify Spanish repression.

 Rizal’s Retraction Controversy (December 29, 1896 - Manila, Philippines)

The night before Dr. Jose Rizal was executed, he was said to have signed a document taking back
his nationalist views and rejecting anti-Catholic beliefs. However, many doubt the authenticity of this
document, with some believing that the Spanish forged it to weaken Rizal’s influence. No original copy
has been found, and people present during his final moments gave different accounts of what really
happened.

 Cry of Pugad Lawin (August 23, 1896 - Pugad Lawin, Quezon City)
Andres Bonifacio and the Katipunan gathered and tore their cedulas (residence tax certificates)
as a sign of defiance against Spanish rule. This event is seen as the start of the Philippine Revolution.
The exact date and place are debated, with some saying it happened in Balintawak on August 26, 1896,
but historians, including Guillermo Masangkay and the NHCP, recognize Pugad Lawin as the official site.

References:

Zaide, Sonia M. "Reading No. 11." Philippine History and Government, 2018.

De la Costa, H. (1996). Rizal and the Church. Ateneo de Manila University Press.

Ocampo, A. R. (2012). Rizal Without the Overcoat. Anvil Publishing, Inc.

Schumacher, J. N. (1997). Rizal's Retraction: A Note on the Debate. Philippine Studies, 45(4),

457-480.

Agoncillo, T. A. (1990). History of the Filipino people. R.P. Garcia Publishing Co.

Valenzuela, P. (1978). Memoirs of the revolution. R.P. Garcia Publishing Co.

Schumacher, J. N. (1991). Readings in Philippine church history. Loyola School of Theology.

Ileto, R. C. (1979). Pasyon and revolution: Popular movements in the Philippines, 1840-1910. Ateneo de Manila
University Press.