Argumentative Essay 1

1.The First Mass in the Philippines.
The inaugural Catholic Mass in the Philippines took place on Easter Sunday, March 31, 1521. Father
Pedro de Valderrama, part of Ferdinand Magellan's expedition, officiated the Mass. This significant
event unfolded along the shores of what Antonio Pigafetta referred to as "Mazaua" in his journals.
For a long time, the location of this inaugural Mass was a matter of dispute among historians and the
government. Many believed it to be Limasawa, situated off the tip of Southern Leyte. However, an
opposing viewpoint persisted until at least the 19th century, suggesting that the first Mass transpired in
Butuan, particularly at Masao.
To put an end to this historical dispute, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP)
convened a panel of experts. This panel reached a unanimous decision, concluding that the evidence
and arguments presented by those favoring Butuan as the Mass's location were insufficient and
unconvincing to overturn the ruling established by the National Historical Institute (predecessor to the
NHCP). This conclusion was further solidified by the fact that it took 22 years, until 1543, for another
Spanish expedition led by Ruy López de Villalobos to land in Mindanao.
2. Cry of Balintawak or Pugad Lawin

The Cry of Balintawak, known in Filipino as "Sigaw ng Balíntawak" and in Spanish as "Grito de
Balíntawak," marked the commencement of the Philippine Revolution against the Spanish Empire. This
pivotal event is often associated with the Cry of Pugad Lawin.
In August 1896, the Katipunan secret society, led by Andrés Bonifacio, initiated a rebellion in an area
loosely identified as Caloocan. It's important to note that this area encompassed a wider territory than
present-day Caloocan City, possibly extending into what is now known as Quezon City.
Initially, the term "cry" alluded to the first encounter between the Katipuneros and the Civil Guards
(Guardia Civil). It also signified the symbolic act of tearing up community tax certificates (cédulas
personales) in defiance of their allegiance to Spain. Alongside these actions, the participants
enthusiastically shouted patriotic slogans such as "Viva la Independencia Filipina."
The precise date and location of the Cry have been subjects of debate due to conflicting accounts and
geographical ambiguities. Until 1963, the official stance was that the Cry occurred on August 26 in
Balintawak. However, in 1963, the Philippine government officially recognized August 23 as the date and
Pugad Lawin in Quezon City as the location for this historic event.
The Cry of Balintawak marked not only the beginning of the Philippine Revolution but also the
establishment of an insurgent government, signifying a significant step towards achieving independence
from Spanish colonial rule.
3. Retraction of Rizal
The Controversial Retraction
On December 29, 1896, Rizal was executed by firing squad in Bagumbayan (now Luneta Park). In the
hours leading up to his execution, it is claimed that he signed a retraction document and received the
sacraments from a Catholic priest. This act of retraction has divided scholars and historians ever since.
Arguments for Rizal's Retraction:
Pragmatism: Some argue that Rizal's retraction was a pragmatic decision made to spare his family and
loved ones from further persecution by the Spanish authorities. Under immense pressure and facing the
prospect of imminent death, he may have seen it as the only option to protect his family.
Ambiguity of Evidence: Critics of the retraction controversy point to the ambiguity and inconsistency in
the available evidence. The authenticity of the retraction document has been questioned, with claims of
tampering and forgery.
The controversy surrounding Jose Rizal's retraction continues to captivate scholars and patriots alike.
While some view it as a pragmatic choice made under extreme circumstances, others perceive it as a
compromise of his principles. Regardless of one's stance, it is undeniable that Rizal's life and works
remain a symbol of Philippine nationalism and a testament to the enduring struggle for independence.
The retraction, whether true or not, should not overshadow his legacy as a hero who ignited the flames
of revolution and inspired generations to fight for freedom.

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1.The First Mass in the Philippines.

2. Cry of Balintawak or Pugad Lawin

The Controversial Retraction

Arguments for Rizal's Retraction:

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