RPH REVIEWER

The site of the FIRST PRESENT WERE, RAJAH KOLAMBU

AND RAJAH SIAGU, LOCAL RULERS OF
MASS IN THE THE AREA, ALONG WITH THEIR MEN
ANTONIO PIGAFETTA • THE
PHILIPPINES EXPEDITION'S CHRONICLER. HE
RECORDED THAT AFTER THE AFTER
The first mass is a significant event THE MASS, MAGELLAN AND THE
because it marked the beginning of LOCAL LEADERS SWORE FRIENDSHIP
Christianity in the Philippines. It was a AND ALLIANCE, SEALING IT BY
historical and religious milestone that SHARING FOOD TOGETHER
shaped our culture and faith.
THE HISTORICAL DEBATES ABOUT
The background of Magellan’s THE SITE
expedition & The Events
For many years, there was a
Leading to the First Mass disagreement about the site of the first
The story of the first mass begins with mass. Some claimed it happened in
Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese Butuan, while others insisted it was in
explorer leading a Spanish expedition Limasawa. The confusion came from
to find a westward route to the Spice early historical accounts where the
Islands. name "Mazaua" was mentioned, but
On March 16, 1521, Magellan and his the exact location was not clear.
fleet arrived in the Philippines, landing Butuan supporters argued that
first on the island of Homonhon in Magellan's fleet might have landed
Eastern Samar. They were warmly there, while other historians, based on
welcomed by the locals and given food Pigafetta's detailed route, concluded
and water. After staying there, they that the correct site was Limasawa.
continued their journey and eventually In 2021, after careful study, the
reached the island of Mazaua (now National Historical Commission of the
widely believed to be Limasawa Island Philippines officially reaffirmed that
in Southern Leyte). This is where the the first mass was celebrated in
first Catholic mass in the Philippines Limasawa Island, Southern Leyte. This
was celebrated. conclusion was based on navigational
MARCH 31, 1521- FIRST CATHOLIC records, geographical descriptions,
MASS (EASTER SUNDAY) FATHER and Pigafetta's diary.
PEDRO DE VALDERRAMA - ONLY
PRIEST IN MAGELLAN'S FLEET LA
BOCA DEL RIO AGUSAN RIVER - NEAR
THE MOUTH OF AGUSAN RIVER
WOODEN CROSS - PLANTED A
SYMBOL OF THE ARRIVAL OF
CHRISTIANITY IN OUR LAND.
 RPH REVIEWER

CUSTOMS OF THE With keen insight, Plasencia delves into

the complexities of Tagalog life,
TAGALOGS BY JUAN shedding light on the hierarchical
systems, caste divisions, and
DE PLASENCIA (1589) leadership structures that governed
barangays with efficiency and order.
FRAY JUAN DE
PLASCENCIA BARANGAY SYSTEM
• a Franciscan friar from Spain, arrived •Led by a datu (chief)
in the Philippines with the first •Managed politics, economy, and
Franciscan missionaries on 2 July 1578. justice
• born in Plasencia, Extremadura, •Barangays = 30-100 houses
Spain, and was baptized as Juan •Helped each other in war, farming, and
Portocarrero. trade.
• He spent most of his missionary
SOCIAL CLASSES
career in the Philippines, founded
Aliping Namamahay
towns in Luzon, and wrote religious and
• Commoners; had homes; gave part of
completed linguistic works, including
harvest to master
Doctrina Christiana, the first book
Aliping Sa Guiguilid
printed in the Philippines. This book
• Slaves; served in household or fields;
was published in Spanish, Tagalog,
could be sold
Latin script, Baybayin script, and
Chinese. ECONOMY & LAND
•He also founded several towns in •Land divided among barangay
Laguna de Bay and Tayabas, Quezon, members.
where he preached. •Mountain lands shared; irrigated lands
•During the Golden Age, arts and privately owned.
literature, flourished in his native •Fisheries and markets controlled by
Extremadura. the datu.
•Debt slavery common.
CUSTOMS OF THE TAGALOGS
MARRIAGE & INHERITANCE
BY JUAN DE PLASENCIA (1589)
•Dowry paid by groom's family to
bride's parents.
serves as a captivating window into the
•Status of children followed parents'
intricacies of ancient Filipino life,
social rank.
offering a comprehensive analysis of
•Legitimate children inherited equally.
the customs, traditions, and social
•Complex rules for natural or adopted
structures that defined Tagalog society
children.
prior to Spanish colonization.
 RPH REVIEWER

CUSTOMS OF THE 2.) TENSIONS BETWEEN NATIVE •

CLERGY & FRIARS:
TAGALOGS BY JUAN Filipino priests sought greater control
over parishes, challenging the
DE PLASENCIA (1589) dominance of Spanish friars, which
caused deep political and religious
LAWS & JUSTICE friction.
•Cases judged by datu with witnesses.
•Respected arbiters settled disputes. 3.) RISE OF NATIONAL
•Major crimes = death penalty. CONSCIOUSNESS:
•Minor crimes = fines or slavery unțil By the late 19th century, young and
debt was paid educated Filipinos were beginning to
question Spanish colonial rule and
PLASENCIA'S OBSERVATIONS push for reform.
•Society was well-structured before
Spanish rule. The Uprising (January 20, 1872)
•Leadership weakened under Spanish •A misunderstanding occurred during
influence. the Feast of the Virgin of Loreto in
•Plasencia suggested reforms ts ko Sampaloc, Manila, where fireworks
stop exploitation. were mistaken as the agreed-
upon signal for revolt.

Cavite Mutiny •Around 200 soldiers and arsenal

• The Cavite Mutiny occurred
workers led by Sergeant La Madrid
on January 20, 1872, at tne
attacked Fort San Felipe in Cavite,
cavite Arsenal in Fort San Felipe
killing some Spanish officers and
• It involved Filipino soldiers, workers,
seizing weapons.
and residents.
•The causes of the mutiny included the
•Spanish reinforcements quickly
removal of privileges, such as
suppressed the revolt. La Madrid and
exemption from tribute and forced
many mutineers were killed in the
labor, and the imposition of new taxes
skirmish.
by the Spanish colonial government.

BACKGROUND CAUSES
1.) ABOLITION OF PRIVILEGES:
Workers at the Cavite Arsenal had long
enjoyed exemption from paying tribute
and from forced labor on public works.
These privileges were removed under
Governor General Izquierdo, causing
dissatisfaction.
 RPH REVIEWER
Cavite Mutiny
Aftermath & Mass Arrests
The Spanish authorities accused the
uprising's leaders of plotting a broad
conspiracy to overthrow colonial rule.
Many prominent Filipinos, including
lawyers, intellectuals, and priests, were
arrested.A court martial on February
15, 1872, sentenced Gomburza and
several others to death by garrote.
The executions took place on February
17, 1872, in Bagumbayan (now
Luneta Park) before a large crowd.

Differing Accounts
1.) SPANISH VERSION (MONTERO &
IZQUIERDO)
The mutiny was a premeditated
nationalist conspiracy involving the
native clergy. professionals, and
civilians in Manila and Cavite.

2.) FILIPINO VERSION (PARDO DE

TAVERA)
It was a small-scale labor mutiny
caused by the loss-of privileges,
exaggerated by friars and colonial
authorities to justify repression.

Significant
The execution of Gomburza marked a
turning point in Philippine nationalism.
Inspired reformists and revolutionaries
like José
Rizal, who dedicated his novel El
Filibusterismo to the martyred priests.
 RPH REVIEWER

The Retraction of THE RETRACTION ISSUE

•Jesuits pressured Rizal to retract his
Dr. Jose Rizal Masonic beliefs.
•Fr. Vicente Balaguer claimed Rizal
WHAT IS RETRACTION? signed a retraction.
A retraction is a formal statement that •Document declared Rizal a Catholic
withdraws, cancels, or denies the truth and rejected Masonry.
•Signed and witnessed by Spanish
of the original statement or
officials.
publication, usually because it was
incorrect or misleading.
CONFLICTING ACCOUNTS
•Balaguer: Claimed Rizal signed
Jose Rizal's Retraction: willingly.
"I declare myself a Catholic and in this •Inspector Federico Moreno: Reported
Religion in which I was born and inconsistencies.
educated, I wish to live and die. I •Some records omit Balaguer's
retract with all my heart whatever in presence.
my words, writings, publications, and •Doubts raised about authenticity of
conduct has been contrary to my the retraction.
character as son of the Catholic
Church. I believe and I confess RIZAL'S FINAL HOURS
•Prayed, confessed, and received
whatever she teaches, and I submit to
communion.
whatever she demands. I abominate
•Showed calmness and dignity until his
Masonry, as the enemy which is of the
death.
Church, and as a Society prohibited by •Executed on Dec. 30, 1896 at
the Church. The Diocesan Prelate may, Bagumbayan.
as the Superior Ecclesiastical
Authority, make public this THE CONTROVERSY
spontaneous manifestation of mine in •Some historians affirm Rizal retracted.
order to repair the scandal which my •Others believe the document was
acts may have caused and so that God fabricated.
and people may pardon me." •Retraction remains one of Philippine
history's biggest debates.
BACKGROUND •Reflects tension between faith,
nationalism, and colonial influence.
•Rizal returned to the Philippines on
Nov. 3, 1896.
CONCLUSION
•Tried for rebellion, sedition, and
•Rizal faced death with courage and
conspiracy. conviction.
•Sentenced to death and executed on •The retraction remains unresolved
Dec. 30, 1896. and controversial.
•His final hours became central to the •His martyrdom continues to inspire
retraction controversy. Filipino nationalism.
 RPH REVIEWER

The Cry of Balintawak •August 25, 1896 - First encounter with

Spanish forces at Pasong Tamo.
or Pugad Lawin •August 29, 1896 - Fighting broke out at
San Juan del Monte and Pateros.
DR. PIO VALENZUELA: THE MEMORIES •Valenzuela's early claim (1917): The
Cry happened at Kangkong, Caloocan,
OF THE CRY OF THE REVOLUTION
in Apolonio Samson's house.
Who is Dr. Pio Valenzuela and what is - A memorial was erected in 1917 by
his role in the Katipunan? Katipunan veterans with the
•Trusted companion of Andres inscription:
- "Sa pook na ito pinasya ng Katipunan
Bonifacio.
ang paghihimagsik noong ika-23 ng
•Member of the Secret Chamber of the
Agosto 1896."
Katipunan (with Bonifacio & Emilio • Historian Teodoro Kalaw (1925)
Jacinto). supported this claim, saying the Cry
•Accomplishments: publication of Ang occurred in the last week of August
Kalayaan and other documents. 1896 in Kangkong, Balintawak
•Meetings usually held at his house, However, Valenzuela later revised his
Lavezares Street, Manila. claim:
• Last chamber meeting: Balara, August •In 1928-1929, he asserted that the Cry
26, 1896. happened in Pugad Lawin near Pasong
Tamo, not in Balintawak.
•He, along with Briccio Pantas and C.
•On Aug. 19-20, 1896 - Bonifacio,
Pacheco, signed a public declaration
Jacinto, Procopio Bonifacio, Teodoro correcting the earlier belief:
Plata, Aguedo del Rosario, and • "NA HINDI SA BALINTAWAK NGYARI
Valenzuela sought refuge in ANG UNANG SIGAW NG
Balintawak. PANHIHIMAGSIK, KUNG DI SA POOK
•Aug. 22, 1896 - Meeting of about soo NA KILALA SA TAWAG NA PUGAD-
Katipuneros at Apolonio Samson's LAWIN."
house in Kangkong, Caloocan.
- Only exchange of views; no ANDRES BONIFACIO:
THE ORDERS OF THE SUPREMO
resolutions.
Who was Andres Bonifacio?
• Aug. 23, 1896 - Meeting of over 1,000
•Official founder of the Katipunan
Katipuneros at Juan Ramos' house in (KKK) Kataastaasan, Kagalanggalangan
Pugad Lawin. na Katipunan
-Debate on starting revolution by Aug. •Fought for a Philippines free from
29, 1896. injustice, discrimination, and
- Teodoro Plata was the only one who maltreatment
disagreed. •Embodied the spirit of "Ang mamatay
- Katipuneros tore their cedulas and nang dahil sa'yo"
shouted: "Long live the Philippines! •Led the 1896 revolution to pave the
way for freedom and democracy
Long live the Katipunan!"
 RPH REVIEWER

The Cry of Balintawak Some examples Words from the

Supremo Excerpt (Tagalog):
or Pugad Lawin "Ayon sa pinagkaisahan sa ginanap I?]
pulong ng Kataastaasang Kapisanan (21
DR. PIO VALENZUELA: THE MEMORIES ikadalawang puo't apat nitong umiiral
na buan tungkol sa paghihimagsik
OF THE CRY OF THE REVOLUTION
(revolucion) at sa pagkakailangang (?]
The Decision to Revolution maghalal ng magsisipamahala ng bayan
On August 24, 1896, Bonifacio and at mag aakay ng hukbo"
the Supreme Council decided to
(In english) Translateo, this means:
launch the revolution
"In accordance with the decision taken
He secretly sent a runner to
by the meeting of the Supreme
summon all Katipunan leaders to a Assembly held on the twenty- fourth of
general assembly the present month regarding the
The goal: begin the offensive revolu-tion, and given the need to elect
against Spanish rule leaders of the people and directors of
the Army,"
Document from August 26, 1896
Issued an official order of Supporting Lokal Katipuneros
appointment • Bonifacio appointed G. Mariano
Alvarez, leader if the Magdiwang
Confirmed the decision made on
faction.
August 24
• Recognized as President of the whole
Written during a time of chaos in Cavite region
Balintawak • Appointment was made after
Magdalo's disagreement
Unusual Record-Keeping •Bonifacio praised Alvarez for his
Written in the Borador ng Pulong loyalty and leadership
ng Kataastaasang Sangunian
Used a farm ledger (with printed Summary of Bonifacio's Orders
headings like "Maiz", August 24, 1896: Decision to revolt
August 26, 1896: Formal order and
', "Mani", "Camote")
appointments issued
Difficult to read, marked with
Despite chaos, Bonifacio led with
question marks (®) structure and vision
Only historian Isagani Medina has His leadership was key to starting
reproduced a page from it the Philippine Revolution
According to Richardson (2019),
the current location of the ledger is GREGORIA DE JESUS: THE LAKAMBINI
unknown OF THE KATIPUNAN
 RPH REVIEWER

The Cry of Balintawak The plan was to form a Supreme Council

government, but it did not happen
or Pugad Lawin because of the Pact of Biak-na-Bato.
Aguinaldo and the revolutionaries went
DR. PIO VALENZUELA: THE MEMORIES into exile in Hong Kong in exchange for
OF THE CRY OF THE REVOLUTION money and pardons. There, they created
the Hong Kong Junta to continue the fight
Gregoria De Jesus: The Lakambini of for freedom.
the Katipunan
• known as the Lakambini of the GUILLERMO MASANGKAY:
Katipunan, was the wife of Andres KATIPUNERO'S MEMORY OF THE CRY
On August 23, 1896, the famous
Bonifacio and one of the most
meeting was held in Kangkong,
important women in the Philippine
Caloocan
Revolution. recalled the summit of the Cry
• She was also the founder of the happened on August 26, 1896
women's chapter of the KKK at Balintawak
• In 1928, she wrote Ang mga Tala ng He understands the cry as an act
Aking Buhay, where she told the story before the labanan or first battle
of the revolution Masangkay stressed that this act was
• their house became a meeting place more than symbolic-it was a
for Katipuneros. Leaders like Enrique collective decision to fight and a
Pacheco, Cipriano, Alfonso, Tomas declaration of independence in spirit
even before 1898.
Remigio, and Francisco Carreon
• It was a dangerous time. The Spanish
SANTIAGO ALVAREZ: HIS VERSION OF
were hunting rebels, and Gregoria's THE CRY
family was at risk Santiago Alvarez was a Katipunan
• On August 25, 1896, Gregoria learned member from Cavite and a relative of
about the cry of balintawak. Gregoria de Jesus, wife of Supremo
• She faced danger while trying to Andres Bonifacio.
return to Manila He wrote his version of the Cry of the
• Her uncle was exiled and died, while Revolution, but unlike Dr. Pio
her father and brothers were arrested Valenzuela who was present, Alvarez
• Despite fear, Gregoria stayed strong was not an eyewitness.
August 23, 1896 - Around 500
and committed to the Katipunan
Katipuneros gathered at the barn of
Kabesang Melchora in Sampalukan,
THE BIAK-NA-BATO CONSTITUTION
Bahay Toro to join Bonifacio and his
It was made on November 1, 1897 by men.
Emilio Aguinaldo and his generals. August 24, 1896 - The number grew to
Drafted by Isabelo Artacho and Felix about 1,000 Katipuneros, where
Ferrer, it declared the Philippines' Bonifacio led a meeting starting at 10
separation from Spain and aimed to AM and ending at noon with loud cries
build an independent republic. of "Mabuhay ang mga Anak ng Bayan!"
 RPH REVIEWER
The Act of the The Philippine Flag:
Declaration of the White triangle → Katipunan.
3 stars → Luzon, Panay (Visayas),
Philippine Mindanao.
Sun with 8 rays → first 8 provinces to
Independence revolt.
The Event: June 12, 1898 Colors (Red, Blue, White) → gratitude
Location: Kawit, Cavite. to United States.
Lupang Hinirang (Marcha Nacional Filipina) Swore to defend flag and
played for the first time. independence "to the last drop of
Philippine Flag raised: sewn in Hong Kong by blood."
Marcela & Lorenza
Agoncillo, and Delfina Herbosa.
Document: Acta de la Proclamación de • Free in politics: We govern ourselves, we
Independencia del Pueblo have our own Constitution.
Filipino, written & read by Ambrosio Not fully free in other aspects:
Rianzares Bautista. Economy → reliant on foreign trade, loans,
Fun fact: Bautista, not Aguinaldo, waved the
investments.
flag.
Culture & media → shaped by Western
Signed by 98 people, including Col. L.M.
Johnson, an American witness. & Asian influence.
Military & diplomacy → still reliant on
The Author: allies (like the U.S.).
Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista True independence = not just
Born in Biñan, Laguna; relative of Dr. Jose
political, but economic, cultural, and
Rizal.
Studied Law at UST.
social freedom.
Member of reform groups: La Liga Filipina,
La Propaganda, Guerpo de Compromisarios. Relevance of the Document:
Imprisoned for revolutionary ties → Happened during the Spanish-
defended himself successfully. American War.
1899: President of the Revolutionary
After defeat at Manila Bay, Spain's
Congress in Tarlac.
Later: Judge in Pangasinan.
control collapsed.
English translation believed to be by By June 1898, most provinces were
Gregorio Zaide. liberated (except Manila).
June 12: Independence declared
Provisions of the Act: BUT → Spain and the U.S. did not
The Philippines is free and independent
recognize the declaration
from Spain.
Filipinos have rights to: United Filipinos under one flag and
Wage war, cause.
Make peace, Inspired troops to fight harder.
Enter alliances, Asserted that Filipinos had the right
Trade with other nations. to self-rule.
Aguinaldo recognized as Dictator
Marked the first official claim of
& Supreme Chief, instrument of God for
liberation." independence, even if short-lived.
• Heroes honored: Rizal, Bonifacio,
Gombürza, and many others.
 RPH REVIEWER

Kartilya ng Katipunan 6. Words are sacred; keep promises.

7. Do not waste time; wealth can be
recovered but time lost cannot.
Kartilya ng Katipunan: A guidebook for
8. Defend the oppressed and fight the
the Katipunan, teaching kawani
oppressor.
(members) the moral values and 9. Be prudent in speech and faithful in
principles to follow. keeping secrets.
Published: Originally titled 10. Man is the guide of woman and
“Lessons of the Organization of the children; lead responsibly.
Sons of Country”, published in 11.Treat women as partners and
1896. companions, not as playthings.
Author: Emilio Jacinto, called the 12. Do not do to others what you do not
“Utak ng Katipunan” or “Brains of want done to your family.
the Revolution.” 13. True worth comes from good
character, dignity, and love for the
Purpose: Served as a moral and
fatherland.
ethical guide for kawani, shaping
14. Following these teachings will bring
their conduct in the fight for the sun of liberty, joy, and unity among
Philippine independence. the people.
Assimilated Values / Core
Teachings: Kawani: The kawani are the members
Love for the Philippines of the Katipunan who are expected to
Compassion for others follow all these principles and values
Honesty and carry out revolutionary efforts.
Discipline Malolos Constitution: Principles of the
Unity Kartilya ng Katipunan influenced the
first constitution of the First
Philippine Republic.
Mga Aral ng Katipunan ng mga
Relevance Today: Remains
A.N.B. / The Katipunan Code of
a historical symbol, teaching
Conduct: disciplined and principled citizenship,
1.Life not devoted to a lofty and love for the Philippines, and unity.
reasonable purpose is a tree without
shade or a poisonous weed.
2. To do good for personal gain is not
virtue.
3. Charity, love for fellow creature, and
rational conduct are important.
4. All people are equal; no one is
superior by nature.
5. The honorable man prefers honor to
personal gain.