Readings in Philippine History: Controversies and Conflicting Views

Understanding Philippine History

• The module aims to analyze Philippine history from multiple perspectives using primary sources.
• It focuses on developing historical and critical consciousness among students to make them versatile, broad-minded, morally upright, and responsible citizens.

Historical Interpretation

• History is the study of the past, but it also impacts the present through its consequences.
• Interpretation of historical events varies according to who reads the primary source, when it was read, and how it was read.
• Interpretations of historical events change over time, making it essential to track these changes to understand the past.

Multiperspectivity

• Multiperspectivity is the approach of looking at historical events from different perspectives.
• Exploring multiple perspectives in history requires incorporating source materials that reflect different views of an event.
• Different sources can provide different historical truths, and using various sources can create space for more investigation and research.

Case Study: Site of the First Catholic Mass in the Philippines

• The case study uses the site of the First Catholic Mass in the Philippines as a historical exercise in utilizing evidence and interpretation in reading historical events.
• Butuan has long been believed to be the site of the First Mass, but this interpretation is based on an elementary reading of primary sources.
• A more nuanced reading of available evidence brought into question the accepted interpretation of the First Mass in the Philippines.

Primary Sources: Albo's Log

• Francisco Albo's log is one of the primary sources used to identify the site of the First Mass.
• Albo's log describes the expedition's journey, including the discovery of land, anchoring at Suluan, and sailing to other islands, including Seilani (Leyte) and Mazava (Limasawa).
• Albo's account does not mention the First Mass but only the planting of a cross upon a mountain-top.### The Age of Exploration
• The Age of Exploration was a period of competition among European rulers to conquer and colonize lands outside their original domains.
• The goal was to find alternative routes to Asia, the main source of spices and other commodities, to access the spice trade directly and reduce costs for traders.

Magellan's Expedition

• Magellan's expedition sailed westward to find a shortcut to Asia.
• They reached the Americas, which was then cut off from the rest of the known world.
• Spain colonized parts of North America, Mexico, and South America in the 16th century.
• They also reached the Philippines and claimed it.

The Route of Magellan's Expedition

• Saturday, March 16, 1521: Magellan's expedition sighted a "high land" named "Zamal" which was some 300 leagues westward of the Marianas Islands.
• Sunday, March 17, 1521: They landed on "another island which was uninhabited" and which lay "to the right" of the above-mentioned island of "Zamal".
• The island was named "Humunu" (Homonhon) and was located at 10 degrees North latitude.
• Magellan named the entire archipelago the "Islands of Saint Lazarus" on Sunday, March 17, 1521.
• They stayed on Homonhon for eight days, from Sunday, March 17, to Monday, March 25.
• Monday, March 25, 1521: They left Homonhon and sailed westward towards Leyte.
• They followed the Leyte coast southward, passing between the island of Hibuson and Hiunangan Bay.
• Then, they continued southward, turning westward to "Mazaua".
• Thursday, March 28, 1521: They anchored off an island where they had seen a light the night before.
• They remained on Mazaua for seven days.
• Thursday, April 4, 1521: They left Mazaua, bound for Cebu.

Controversies between Limasawa and Butuan

• The site of the first Mass in the Philippines is a topic of controversy between Limasawa and Butuan.
• Jesuit priest Miguel A. Bernad argues that the river in Butuan is a crucial aspect of the settlement's geography that was omitted in Pigafetta's account.
• Later, after Magellan's death, the survivors of his expedition went to Mindanao and seemingly went to Butuan.

The First Catholic Mass in the Philippines

• Sunday, March 31, 1521 (Easter Day): The first Catholic Mass in the Philippines was celebrated on the island of Mazaua.
• Magellan sent the priest ashore with some men to prepare for the Mass.
• The Mass was celebrated, and a cross was venerated.
• In attendance were the king of Mazaua and the king of Butuan.

Other Key Facts

• Magellan's expedition took three days to negotiate the journey from Mazaua northwards to the Camotes Islands and then southwards to Cebu.
• The king of Mazaua sailed in his own boat to guide Magellan's expedition to Cebu.
• The expedition passed by five "islands" namely: Ceylon, Bohol, Canighan, Baibai, and Gatighan.
• They sailed westward to the three islands of the Camotes Group, namely, Poro, Pasihan, and Ponson.