Reflection Paper:

Views on Philippine History

Submitted by: Vanessa Zabala

Course & Section: BSIT 1N

Professor: Mr. Rolando Baylon

Subject: Reading in Philippine History

School: Pateros Technological College

Submitted Date:

April 04, 2025

 Butuan or Limasawa the site of the First Mass

The question of whether Butuan or Limasawa hosted the First Mass in the

Philippines has been a big controversy in the world of national history. It is kind of

bothersome that I only knew about this kind of national issue just today considering that

I am already in my early 20s. Having this kind of topic in a reaction paper actually

makes me so excited to know more about national facts and controversies.

The First Mass in the Philippines was held on March 31, 1521. First Mass was

also called by historians as the “birth of the Roman Catholicism in the Philippines” since

it was the century where Catholic Influence started. Rajah Kolambu and Rajah Siagu

made a blood compact symbolizes their friendship and agreement regarding the mass

being first held that Magellan wanted in our country. After the mass, as a gift for the

Datus, natives or locals who attended, Magellan asked his personnel to create a big

Cruz made of wood as a thank you gift for the people.

Now, the big question here is, Where did the First mass was held? There are

actually two claiming place for it: Limasawa or Butuan.

Upon gathering information regarding the First Mass in the Philippines, I noticed

that most of the result in my research is that it happened in Limasawa Island located in
Leyte. Additionally, as per National Historical Commission of the Philippines, a

Philippine government agency, they recognized the same location as the site of the First

Mass, thus, various historians and scholars continue to argue in favor of Butuan,

possibly because of the artifacts they have discovered which we cannot blame them

for.

In Limasawa Claim, Antonio Pigafetta, an Italian scholar and explorer or also

known as the primary source or evidence as he is physically present during the mass.

Pigafetta is one of the members of Magellan’s expedition and one of the eighteen men

who returned to Spain in 1522. In his journal, it was stated that the first mass was held

on Easter Sunday, March 31, 1521 on the island called Mazaua or also known as

Limasawa as of today. The First Mass was conducted by Father Pedro De Valderrama,

also one of the members of Magellan’s expedition.

Two native chiefs or Datu were in attendance, Rajah of Mazaua and Rajah of

Butuan. This might be the reason that there are confusion whether where it was held

since two Rajahs were at present. Magellan’s personnel planted a large wooden cross

upon its summit which added as an evidence that the First Mass was indeed conducted

in Limasawa. The next evidence that makes this claim stronger is the testimony

regarding the route taken by the expedition from the Pacific Ocean to Cebu. These

evidence really points out that the Mass was held in Limasawa since there is a route,

Pacific Ocean going to Cebu, and Limasawa is along the way. There is also a map
which belongs to Pigafetta corroborating that it is indeed their route and they never

reach the Mindanao part that Butuan is at. Last evidence we have managed to collect

based on Antonio Pigafetta’s testimony is the events of the seven days at the Island of

Mazaua which Magellan and his crew stayed for seven days prior to their expedition in

Cebu.

Francisco Albo, Magellan’s pilot is also one of the eyewitness who claims same

information that Pigafetta uphold, First Mass took place at an Island called Mazuawa.

He claimed that they sailed southwest whereas Butuan can be seen in the North

direction.

I personally idolized the historians that stood up not just for this national issue but

also for different reasons. They have the courage to stand up for the things they believe

in but the greatest thing about it is they supported it with facts even though a national

agency already declared different information than what they are trying to prove. History

cannot be compelled with. We may think that we already have all the data and

information but we shouldn’t close our doors with the new information especially if it is

supported by authentic sources and evidence.

What I find intriguing is how historical interpretation can be influenced by new

evidence and perspectives. The controversy surrounding the First Mass shows that

historical facts can be reexamined and even contested, despite the fact that history is
sometimes presented as a set of unchangeable truths. With this, it opens up my mind to

never let our door close as new information can be found and we shouldn’t be close

minded regarding it as everything about it is for the betterment of our national history.

The Two Faces of the 1872 Cavite Mutiny

I love the fact that despite having a History subject ever since primary school, I

still get curious about our country’s origin and difficulties. I love the fact that the

government still gives importance to our heritage and did not exclude history courses

until tertiary education. That up until now, we still get to acquire knowledge in the matter

of the antiquity of our country.

One of the most significant events in Philippine history is the Cavite Mutiny of

1872, which paved the way for the nationalist movements that eventually resulted in the

Philippine Revolution. But there are always two sides of the story; the Spanish colonial

perspective and the Filipino nationalist point of view.

The Cavite Mutiny was held on Cavite Arsenal, where weapons is being

manufactured. When we say mutiny, it is the revolt among other group of people who

wants to oppose a specific association or organization and it was usually lead by

soldiers.
 As stated, there are two point of view regarding this mutiny. First is from the point

of the Filipinos where they felt like they were extracted from the rights that they

deserved that can also be seen as mistreatment for them. The other point of view is

from the Spanish Government which they said that they already foreseen that revolution

will takes place to oust their governance. Therefore to avoid the expansion of this

mutiny, they decided to kill all Filipinos involve in the Cavite Mutiny that I find it so

shallow that they are willing to end hundreds of lives just because of something they

envision or dreamt of.

The famous GOMBURZA is also involved in this Cavite Mutiny. They were

implicated inadvertently, the Friars took advantage of the mutiny to execute the

GOMBURZA since government and church was correlated at that time.

The Filipino Priest was pursuing to have a position, obligation and responsibility

in the Catholic church as they were removed to have that power as Friars are scared

what might happen if Filipino Priest has a voice in their governance which I think was

unnecessary because Spanish Government and church just want to take control of the

Philippines and they did not want to have a hindrance in doing it. They knew that they

cannot control Filipino Priest to be blind and just accept all the Friars abusing their

power towards Filipinos and Priest will always choose their nation and people against

them.
 The 1872 Cavite Mutiny was viewed as a failed conspiracy by Spanish

authorities, leading to the execution of the Gomburza. Filipinos contend, however, that

it was a precursory act of defiance against Spanish colonial control, spurred by

escalating nationalist feelings. Future rebels, including Dr. Jose Rizal and the

Katipunan, used Gomburza's execution as a focal point. The mutiny should be viewed

as a component of the larger fight for freedom rather than as a singular incident.

In this kind of revolution, we can’t deny that Filipinos are indeed courageous and

have principles that they are willing to fight for despite their life being on the line. This

should be a lesson to each and everyone that every story has a different side. If we are

just willing to hear both, dilemmas and deaths might be prevented.

Reflecting with this mutiny, I realized that this can also be connected with our

present life. I believe almost everyone already encountered misunderstandings just

because we failed to hear the other side’s perspective. We do not need to make another

mistake just like our ancestors did, we need to learn from their mistakes and oversight.

Making a mistake once is okay, but twice is not.

 Dr. Jose Rizal Beyond the Grave

Dr. Jose P. Rizal is the first person that comes to my mind when someone

mentions the word “hero”. He had lots of contributions that made our country, the

Philippines, get the freedom that we sought to attain during their times. “Dr. Jose Rizal

Beyond the Grave” discussed the historical debates regarding his alleged retraction of

his views before his execution happened in 1896. Since this focuses on Rizal’s standing

as our national hero, it caused a big controversy and competition among historians.

There are several primary sources that support the claim of Rizal’s retraction,

these include documents and accounts from individuals that were present during his

final moments in life. These sources suggested that Rizal may have reunited with the

Catholic Church despite the judgement and criticism of his works and writings.
 One of the controversial works and study of Rizal is the historicity and veracity of

certain acts which was allegedly Rizal had performed a few moments before he was

lead out to his execution. His alleged reconciliation with the Catholic Church and his

observation of masonry known as the retraction resulting for his death. At least four

texts of Rizal’s retraction have surfaced. The fourth text appeared in El Imparcial on the

day after Rizal’s execution; it is the short formula of the retraction.

The first text was published in La Voz Española and Diaro de Manila on the very day of

Rizal’s execution, Dec. 30, 1896. The second text appeared in Barcelona, Spain, on

February 14, 1897, in the fortnightly magazine in La Juventud; it came from an

anonymous writer who revealed himself fourteen years later as Fr. Balaguer. The

"original" text was discovered in the archdiocesan archives on May 18, 1935, after it

disappeared for thirty-nine years from the afternoon of the day when Rizal was shot.

Gathering information regarding this matter helps me reflect that every story has

a different version and perspective. We need to make our minds broader as there are

things that are not easy to understand. These numerous sources make me think that if

Rizal did take back his criticism of the Church and colonial government, it might be a

sign of a complicated interaction between one's own convictions and outside influences.

It can make a huge difference which can doubt the historical records and stories

developed around national heroes that we already believed in. Thus, some say that the

retraction documents might be fabricated since Rizal has a big influence with Filipinos

that can take place when it comes to the revolution against them and with the colonial
government. This controversy highlights the challenges and difficulties in historical

events especially when we lack evidence and interpretations differ with different

sources.

To sum everything up, I have concluded that history has a more complex identity

and not just the things that happened in the past. New evidence and discovery will help

us to enlighten what really takes place during those times. Nonetheless, the truth will be

banished together with our national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal.

The Cry of the Pugad Lawin

I will always be amazed how Filipinos got the courage to fight for the things they

believed in. The Cry of the Pugad Lawin is one of the revolutionary acts that I will

always be proud of as a Filipino as it showcases the love and devotion of every

individual to our country. This event is a significant piece of Filipino history as this marks

the official start of the Philippine Revolution against Spanish Colonization.

News about the discovery of the Katipunan spread to Manila and nearby

suburbs, and Andres Bonifacio immediately called for a general meeting. Various wings

of the Katipunan gathered at the house of Juan Ramos in Pugadlawin on August 23,

1896. Ramos was the son of Melchora Aquino, also known as “Tandang Sora” and was

later acknowledged as the Mother of the Katipunan."

Bonifacio asked his men whether they were willing to fight to the bitter end. Everyone

shouted their approval, except for Teodoro Plata, who though that it was too soon for a

revolution. Heartened by his men’s response, Bonifacio then asked them to tear their

cedulas (residence certificates) to pieces, as a sign of their defiance and determination

to rise against the Spaniards. The men immediately tore up their cedulas, shouting,

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas (long live the Philippines), known as the Cry of Pugadlawin.

It is truly fulfilling thinking that revolutionaries shared the same perspective, ideas

and goals, disregarding their personal interest to achieve greater objectives. This mutiny

highlights the importance of unity and how it will take place to attain freedom and victory

that we, Filipinos were deprived of during those times. Their coordinated effort illustrates

how unity strengthens a movement and enables it to confront even the most formidable

opponents. This unity serves as a lesson that is still applicable today, highlighting the

necessity of cooperation and solidarity amongst individuals while tackling social and

political concerns.

To come to think of it, this kind of revolution is still present up until today but we

have different forms on how to fight for the things we are devoted to. Being brave and

heroic are some of the good temperaments we inherited with our ancestors which

makes us a good person who truly cares for their own country. This generation is indeed
vigilant as we already learned from the past mistake that was done and we are not

going to be fooled around as we are aware in terms of political views, just like the

Katipuneros. We inherited such a wonderful gift of bravery which makes Filipinos as

one. I have realized that The Cry of Pugad Lawin opens up our minds beyond pages of

history. We always need to remember that change begins with determined spirit and

collective efforts. This act will always be our reminder that if we act now with unity, we

will always accomplish a greater purpose that will benefit not only ourselves, but also

with our beloved country, The Philippines.

Source and References:

Book backing claims Butuan as site of 1st mass launched. (n.d.). Philippine News
Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1136124

Jose Rizal [The Retraction]. (n.d.). http://www.joserizal.ph/rt03.html

Koh, E. (2016, January 20). The 1872 Cavite mutiny. Filipino Journal.
https://filipinojournal.com/the-1872-cavite-mutiny/

Montes, C. A. (2018, June 16). Rizal and the Catholic Church | Inquirer opinion.
INQUIRER.net. https://opinion.inquirer.net/113955/rizal-catholic-church

National Historical Commission of the Phillippines. (2012, September 5).

https://nhcp.gov.ph/the-two-faces-of-the-1872-cavite-mutiny/
Prof Next Door. (2022, October 8). The Jose Rizal Retraction: Primary Sources in favor
of the retraction [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3uMnB6wD8s

The Cry of the Pugad Lawin - Search videos. (n.d.).

https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?
q=The+Cry+of+the+Pugad+Lawin&mid=0A7D6BCAAD1EC43706850A7D6BCAAD1EC
4370685&FORM=VIRE

The cry of Pugadlawin. (n.d.-b). https://www.philippine-history.org/cry-of-pugadlawin.htm