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.

This quiz covers the interpretation of historical events in Philippine history, specifically the Site of the First Mass in the Philippines. It explores controversies and conflicting views in Philippine history.