|
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
Sunset in Masao
By Raquel C. Bagnol
THE sun has just set and the cool sea breeze slapped our faces as we gazed at the cross by the shores of Masao, Butuan City a couple of months ago, the place, which nurtures the past and claims its place in history as the original site of the First Easter Mass in the country.
We felt as if we were transported back several centuries ago and imagined Ferdinand Magellan's party stepping on Philippine soil for the first time.
The two-day trip with companions Cecille Triño of the Office of the President in Mindanao, Marilyn Roque of dxRP, Ben Diansay of the Mindanao Gazette, CQ Francisco of Mindanao Times, John Paul Seniel and the late Jay Glodo of GMA-5 TV network took us to this place which has seen over 1,677 years of recorded history and has been the subject of controversy as it fought with Limasawa Island for recognition as the original site of the First Easter Mass in the Philippines on March 16, 1521.
The issue even came to a point when Limasawa and Masao both held a grand celebration of the 475th anniversary of the recorded First Mass in their respective places. The dispute has been going on until now as experts have been called to intervene and to settle it once and for all.
Only the base of the original wooden cross remained in the site. The present barangay settlers planted another cross a few feet back from where the original cross stood but its still there.
A short stop at the Butuan National Museum that afternoon told us that Butuan's history, culture, arts and people date back to the 4th Century as showcased in museums and festivals. The accommodating curator of the museum told us that as
early as the 11th century, Butuan has become the center of trade in Agusan.
A tour of the museum gave us an idea of how the early settlers existed as indicated by the things they used then like earthen wares, cooking utensils, coffins, boats, jewelry, farming tools and other things.
The lady curator however apologized for not allowing us to take photos or take a video footage as the exhibits were of sensitive nature and could produce a negative reaction to the flash of cameras.
It was completely dark when we left Magellan's cross. I came away feeling fortunate because it's not often that one gets to experience watching the sunset on a place bathed with a significant history of the country.
(September 22, 2004 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
SUPERBALITA
WEEKEND
|
