What made some historians believe that it was in Masao Butuan and not in Limasawa Leyte where the first recorded Christian Mass took place?

Answer 1

For the complete discussion, there is an explanation and a video at the link below, the primary reasons given are: (1) the name itself; (2) the travel time between the places visited before and after Masao; (3) the latitude position given by the voyagers; (4) the conditions of the voyage in arriving at the place; and (5) the geographical features of the place as described by those who were there.

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extract from the First Mass website:

One of the evidences to prove that it was really held in Masao, is the Magellan's cross founded at the seashore of Masao Beach, Butuan City. The four primary sources on the voyage, state that Masao was located at a latitude of 9 degrees or 9 and 2/3 degrees north, a position which eliminates Limasawa Island, which is located 9 degrees 55'8" north latitude, and strengthens the claim of Masao, Butuan which is at 9 degrees 00'8" north latitude.

According also to the pro-Masao group, there are several reasons why the first Easter mass in the Philippines was held in Masao, Butuan City, and not in Limasawa, Leyte, as follows: (1) the name itself; (2) the travel time between the places visited before and after Masao; (3) the latitude position given by the voyagers; (4) the conditions of the voyage in arriving at the place; and (5) the geographical features of the place as described by those who were there.