On March 31, 1521, the Portuguese leader of a Spanish expedition, Fernando de Magallanes, led his men in celebration of the Easter Mass in the island of Limasawa (southernmost part of Leyte). That became the first Eucharistic celebration on Philippine soil, and having been attended by the people of the island, marked the beginning of Christianity in the Philippines.
The expedition's chronicler, Antonio Lombardo, also known as Pigafetta, recorded that – "Early one morning of Sunday, the last of March and Easter day, the captain-general sent the priest with some men to prepare the place where Mass was to be said.”
When Magellan landed, Limasawa's chieftain, Raia Kulambo, and his brother Raia Siaui, King of Butuan and Caraga, embraced him and marched with him to the altar prepared for the Mass. While only the Spaniards made offerings, the two kings went up the altar and kissed the crucifix. During the elevation of the Host, the two kings knelt with their hands clasped in worship.
Overshadowed by the First Mass is another historic event. Pigafetta also recorded that two days earlier, Raia Kulambo and Magellan had entered into a brotherhood pact called "kasi-kasi." It was executed by offering a drink to God, and thrusting a fist to the other party. Thus, Limasawa is the site of the first recorded treaty of brotherhood between the Philippines and the West.
Mindful of these historic legacies, Southern Leyte commemorates them in an annual fiesta held in Barangay Magallanes, at the island- Municipality of Limasawa, every 31st of March. It is called the Sinugdan Festival.
The Sinugdan festival is a historical festival commemorative of the 1st Mass in the country.
Technically, there are no basic steps or basic drumbeat to this festival. The movements are free and inclined to jazz and contemporary dancing. The concept must not veer away from the re-enactment of the 1st Mass of the island.
This year's winning contingent hailed from Limasawa. Despite being a hometown decision, the performers were at their best during the showdown donning green painted bodies that neither exposed a dance flaw nor a choreography flop.
Teaming with the said festival are the "Nokos" (squid) and "Kolo" (breadfruit) festivals. Squid and breadfruit were prepared in various variety, with free- tasting cuisine-to-die-for. And with an ambiance to rival any beach sunset of the world, Limasawa island is something to reckon with.
Thanks to Mr. Nedgar Garvez and the Southern Leyte tourism team for the invitation.