The arrival of Ferdinand Magellan in the Philippines in March 1521 marked a turning point in the archipelago's interactions with European powers. As a Portuguese explorer sailing under the Spanish flag, Magellan was on a quest to find a westward route to the Spice Islands. After a long voyage across the Pacific, his expedition reached the small island of Limasawa, where they were greeted by local leaders, most notably Rajah Siaui. This encounter led to the historic event of the first Catholic mass being held in the Philippines, celebrated by the priest Pedro Valderrama. During this mass, the crew and local population came together, exemplifying the cultural exchange that would be pivotal in shaping future relations between Spaniards and the indigenous peoples of the Philippines.

The mass was not only a religious event but also a ceremonial gesture of goodwill between the Spaniards and the locals, paving the way for future missionary endeavors. The church service established Catholicism's footprint in Philippine society, with Limasawa being recognized as a significant site for the introduction of Christianity in the region. Magellan's presence on the island was a precursor to the subsequent Spanish colonization, which would have lasting implications for the cultural and religious landscape of the Philippines.

Magellan's expedition would later continue on to other islands, further expanding the efforts to convert locals to Christianity and establish Spanish rule. The first mass is seen as a harbinger of the profound transformations that would affect the Philippines in the coming centuries, illustrating the complexities of cross-cultural interactions during the Age of Exploration.