Limasawa Island – Site of First Philippine Mass

LIMASAWA ISLAND

Photo from: https://thebeyondbeauty.wordpress.com/limasawa-island/

Limasawa is a municipality on an island of the same name in Southern Leyte. Though it was not as touristy as the Chocolate Hills or the Magellan’s Cross, it’s fast becoming popular for its dive sites and historical value. If you could remember, it is on this island where Ferdinand Magellan held the first mass in the Philippines, a game-changer in the country.

Aside from snorkeling and diving, you can check out the shrine of the first mass in the Philippines where you can learn more about our history, how Christianity started in the country, and even about disputes between Limasawa and Butuan on where the first mass was originally held. There is a tour guide stationed on the shrine who can give you facts and figures about Magellan’s voyage to the Philippines.

After checking out the shrine, you might want to check out the spot where Magellan erected a cross in the Philippines for the first time. It will require endurance as you will have to go up through 450 steps. Prepare your legs!!! Read More: http://www.matetreyes.com/2016/02/southern-leyte-diaries-part-4.html

Photo from: https://www.behance.net/gallery/6696001/Limasawa-Island-Southern-Leyte

With only a total area of 6.98 square kilometers, this hotdog-shaped island is relatively small but large enough for a traveler to explore their hearts desire where tranquility and beauty resides. In a weekend I managed to run the whole island on foot via the main roads, but it felt like I only got to taste a portion of it. I got lost on a trail one time, but I love I did! I was on the feet of a cliff where there’s caves and rock formations below. Also the local people are very nice and friendly to outsiders and tourists alike. I even made quick work on making friends with the kids and swam with them by sunset at the port. Amazing, this is the same community that survived the test of time. When Magellan landed this community is already thriving in trading as evidenced by archaeological findings and the land alone is blessed with natural resources. I want to film a short film right there.

In the island there’s a long winding cement road from tip to tip filled with crazy uphills and downhills. For trekkers, don’t worry the other side offers incredible trail roads across the hills and its untouched wonders. One can even bring a bicycle for a fast Tour de Limasawa, man, they’ll have more time to enjoy the island. And the white sand beaches stretches for kilometers, perfect for open-water training or running barefoot by the sands! Read More: http://runroo.com/2014/06/26/5-reasons-to-visit-limasawa-island/

Photo from: http://philippinetouristattractions.com

With the many tourist destinations Philippines has to offer, there is not much written about a backpacker’s haven, Limasawa Island, located in Eastern Visayas. Considered to be the smallest municipality in the province, there is much to experience in this beautiful part of Southern Leyte.

Situated at the tip of the Leyte mainland, it is known to be the historic site where the first Christian Mass in Asia took place in 1521. It is said to be the place where Magellan and his fleet docked and made friends with then Rajah Siaiu and his brother, Rajah Kulambu of Butuan.

The instant camaraderie led them to make a blood compact, a ritual popular among indigenous tribes and performed to seal friendships. And although there have been an ongoing debate on the authenticity of the story, with some claiming the first Mass was held either in Masao, Butuan or Bolinao, Pangasinan, centuries before the Portuguese explorer discovered the Philippine archipelago, Limasawa remains to be must-see for travelers looking for a new and awesome laidback experience. Read More: https://triptheislands.com/destinations/discovering-a-beautiful-backpackers-destination-known-as-limasawa-island/