Readings in Philippine History

• The revolution began with the Cry of Pugad Lawin on August 23, 1896, where Filipinos tore their cedulas (residence certificates) as a symbol of defiance against Spanish authority.
• On March 17, 1521, Magellan and his crew made initial contact with residents of Homonhon Island.
• During the mass, both Rajah Colambu of Limasawa and Rajah Siagu of Butuan participated, kissing the cross and praying with the crew.
• • The expedition to Cebu was led by Rajah Kulambo.
• "Descripcion de las Indias del Poniente" is the earliest map naming all Philippine islands, based on a manuscript world map from around 1575 by Spanish court cartographer Juan López de Velasco.
• • Magellan artifacts include: 

  1. Magellan’s Cross, symbolizing the spread of Roman Catholicism
  2. Santo Niño de Cebu, received by Reyna Juana as a sign of the rise of Christianity in Asia.
• On April 27, 1521, the Battle of Mactan took place, described by Pigafetta to last about an hour.
• 1872, a monument was erected in Butuan to commemorate the site of the first mass in the Philippines.
• 1953, residents of Butuan requested the Philippine Historical Committee to restore the monument or install a marker at the location
• Filipino historian Gregorio Zaide, from Pagsanjan, Laguna, asserted that Butuan was the site of the first mass based on Pigafetta's account.
• According to Pigafetta, the expedition traveled 20 to 25 leagues from Homonhon, their initial landing point, whereas Limasawa Island was only 14.6 leagues away, suggesting its potential as the location of the first mass.
• The name "Masao" in Pigafetta's account corresponds to "Mazaua," further linking it to Butuan.
• President Carlos P. Garcia did not approve R.A. No. 2733, an act to declare the site in Magallanes, Limasawa Island, Leyte, as the location of the first mass.
• However, Republic Act No. 2733, enacted on June 19, 1960, declared the Island of Limasawa as a national shrine, officially recognizing it as the site of the first mass in the Philippines.
• Pangasinan's St. James the Great Fortress, also known as the Bolinao Church, is a Spanish colonial architecture
• Constructed in 1609 by the Augustinians, it stands as one of the oldest churches in the country.
• • The church serves as a spiritual gathering center for both locals and tourists.
• It is believed to be the site of the first mass in the Philippines, celebrated in 1324 by Blessed Fr. Odorico.
• In front of the church, a marker commemorates the first Mass on Philippine soil, purportedly celebrated in Bolinao Bay in 1324 by a Franciscan missionary, Blessed Odorico.
• The first Catholic mass in the Philippines was held on March 31, 1521 (Easter Sunday) and was administered by Father Pedro de Valderrama.
• It took place on an island called Mazaua, known today as Limasawa Island, Leyte.
• Francisco Albo's log book and Antonio Pigafetta's account in "Primo viaggo intorno a mondo" are the primary sources identifying the site of the first mass.
• In Albo's log book, they sailed southwards along the coast of a large island called Seilani or Ceylon (Leyte) and then turned southwest to a small island called "Mazava or Mazaua."
• According to Pigafetta's journal, they sailed southbound, passing the Leyte Coast, and reached Limasawa on March 28, 1521.
• They stayed in Limasawa until April 4, 1521, before heading to Cebu.
• Historians, scholars, and experts agree that the distance between Homonhon and Limasawa, around 25 leagues (138.9 km), aligns with Pigafetta's account.
• Philippine Revolution begins on August 23, 1896, known as the "Cry of Pugad Lawin."
• Katipunan Founders:

  Andres Bonifacio (leader)

  Ladislao Diwa

  Teodoro Plata

  Jose Dizon

  Valentin Diaz

  Deodato Arellano
• Katipunan's Objective: Advocating for the separation of the Philippine colony from Spanish rule.
• Participants tore up their cedulas (residence certificates) as a symbol of their determination to take up arms against Spain.
• Katipunan was founded in July 1892 by Andres Bonifacio
• Katipunan was officially established during the gathering at Pugad Lawin
• Foundational Document of the Katipunan:

  1. Written in January 1892.
  2. It is comprised of 44 pages in a small booklet.
  3. It was created from 11 sheets of paper folded together.
• • Divided into three sections:

  1. Casaysayan (Narratives)
  2. Pinagcasundoan (Covenant)

  3. Manga daquilang cautosan (Principal Orders)
• Casaysayan section outlines reasons for separating from Spain.
• Views separation as a status achieved through proclamation.
• The letter written by Andres Bonifacio to Emilio Jacinto was dated on April 24, 1897
• Alleges manipulation of the election held on March 22, 1897.
• Manipulation purportedly carried out by allies of Emilio Aguinaldo.
• Tejeros Convention (also known as Tejeros Assembly or Tejeros Congress)

  1. Date: March 22, 1897
  2. Location: San Francisco de Malabon (now General Trias)